Scarlet glanced around her with what she hoped was a disinterested look, although she couldn't disguise the slight furrow of concentration at her brow. Her keen eyes were scanning the room with for any signs of suspicious activity, having positioned herself as though leaning leisurely against the banister, so that she had a good view of those dancing and conversing below. She took a long draught of champagne. It was going to be a long night, alright. Thus far she hadn't seen anything of great significance, much to her concern. She was sure that something was going to happen tonight, she could feel it in her bones.

Ever since the disarray of last November, things had gone from bad to worse. Every day more and more fatalities were reported. This, coupled with the sudden loss of Albus Dumbledore only a few weeks previous, had left the wizarding world reeling.
Although she had never known him personally, she remembered him from her school days, and his death greatly saddened her. It also heightened the feeling of impending doom that she felt, that they all did now, so imminent was the danger of Lord Voldemort and his loyal Death Eaters coming a-knocking at your door. Or rather, blasting it open.
Scarlet took another sip of champagne. To think, in a time of crisis, the Ministry of Magic was holding a Ball, of all things.

A familiar feeling of uselessness washed over her once again, and her grip on the glass tightened. Scarlet could hardly blame Kingsley, as her boss, for the slightly brusque way in which he had spoken to her earlier that day, reminding her of her responsibilities as an Auror. Recently, she had been very distracted at work, and he wasn't the only one who had noticed. Nymphadora Tonks, who had long been a close friend of hers, seemed to be constantly worried about her, despite Scarlet's persistent reassurances that she was fine.
It was just, things were always difficult at this time of year, though this was no real excuse, and Scarlet knew it.

In a life or death situation, she would be a liability and if things went pear-shaped for the Ministry tonight, she needed to be at her best. Remembering this Scarlet gave herself a mental kick, trying her best to dismiss her meandering thoughts, and focus once again completely on the job at hand. Which was to spy on the masses of people invited the to the Ball that night, and make sure no one got up to anything suspect.
Even though the tone of the room was relaxed she could sense the tension, clearly the guests also had their suspicions, after all they weren't stupid.
The room was filled with a number of the most respected wizards and witches of their time, but Scarlet thought most of those present were probably only there due to their influence, or standing. Of course it was supposedly only Ministry employees and their families who were invited, but there were many among the throng that Scarlet didn't recognise and she always remembered a face.

The place at which the ball was held, was just as impressive as the crowds of people that visited that night. The Ministry had made an obvious effort to make an impact, perhaps in the hope that it would lead people to believe they had everything under control. Although this fooled no one, it was undeniable that the country Manor in which the Ball was held, was certainly grand. It's majestic corridors and grounds were simply captivating. House elves ran under foot carrying
trays of food and drink to and fro, almost unnoticed by the swaggering wizards and simpering witches above. Whilst a rag-tag band of musicians in the corner played a variation of light-hearted tunes, clearly their aim was to subconsciously lull you to a sense of ease.
The main hall itself was a large, exquisitely fashioned room. An imposing set of double doors led out onto the lush gardens situated at the rear of the house, though no breeze crossed the threshold, probably owing to some enchantment that had been placed upon the doorway.
A set of stairs led to an upper tier above, which served as a second floor, here Scarlet stood, her concentrated gaze unwavering. Until…

"Miss Bellamy, is that you?", a haughty female voice enquired from behind her.
Scarlet froze and let out a rather theatrical sigh, then turned slowly, hoping the owner of the voice wasn't who she thought it was.
"Narcissa" she answered curtly, with the briefest of polite smiles. Worse luck.
A slim witch stood before her, elegantly poised and dressed to perfection. She fiddled carelessly with a diamond necklace which glittered at her throat, and she wore a sumptuous jade gown, obviously extremely expensive and most probably made of the finest silk. Scarlet gave an unwilling shudder; who knew how many hours of toil the house elves who made it must have undergone to create such a garment? She took a deep swig of champagne, although Scarlet felt she was going to need something stronger, this particular woman always made her nervous and rightly so.

"Ah, I barely recognised you, it's been such a long time. Tell me, how is your father? I don't believe he's here today…" Narcissa Malfoy asked pretentiously, as a sanctimonious smirk coursed crossed her pale face, and she swept away a strand of white blonde hair.
Scarlet almost choked on her drink, she really should have been ready for that sort of remark. Whenever she had the misfortune to encounter Narcissa, she always tried to initiate this sort of verbal contest, but Scarlet never joined in with her mind games. Quite frankly, she didn't have the patience, or the pure strength of will to put up with Narcissa's jibes for longer than was necessary.

After Scarlet's spluttering had ceased, she attempted an answer, "He's… Well, he's quite well." She felt her cheeks flush, not only with embarrassment, Narcissa clearly knew this snide remark would upset her.
Narcissa's expression remained smug, "Your mother's death must have been a terrible shock to him. You must offer my condolences." She paused, clearly taking pleasure at the young woman's uneasiness, "Although, it has been some time, when was it exactly?"
"November, it was last November" Scarlet answered shortly. She could almost shaking with anger at the nerve of the woman, as her free hand balled into a tight fist.
"I thought so", she answered, "Such a pity…"
She regarded Scarlet coldly, clear disapproval of her and her family etched in every line of her face. Scarlet took a calming breath.

The disappearance of her son had obviously hurt Narcissa profoundly, though nothing of her appearance showed this, Scarlet noticed something in the subtleties of her manner. She seemed to be lacking in much of the usually, all too obvious Malfoy arrogance, and the easy confidence of her superiority over others. Although, Scarlet supposed, her worry would have been eased by the escape of her husband Lucius Malfoy from the Wizarding Prison Azkaban, along with other previously captured Death Eaters.
Although Scarlet had her doubts as to whether Narcissa herself had joined her husband at Lord Voldemort's side, her jibe, in all it's irony, had struck home. It was people like her, those with similar beliefs and prejudices, that had killed her mother. Pure blood, or not.

"If you'll excuse me…", Scarlet murmured softly, almost to herself, as she brushed past Narcissa. To her relief, a familiar crop of shocking pink hair bobbed past at that very moment. She followed at a brisk pace, laying the glass aside on a low table as she did so. Alcohol never really appealed to Scarlet as she didn't really have mush of a taste for it, although she was obliged to a glass of wine every now and then. Scarlet caught hold of her friend's hand, "Tonks! Slow down!"
Nymphadora Tonks turned, and positively beamed at her, "Wotcher Scarlet! Sorry about that, I've been looking everywhere for you, I even got Remus to help me!"
Scarlet grinned back, and pulled her into a swift hug, it was nice to see a friendly face for once. All night she had been overlooked, or rather in Narcissa's case, scorned

"Honestly! Tonks, I can look after myself you know!", Scarlet frowned, feigning annoyance, which she failed at miserably. Raising her voice over the loud buzz of the crowds around them, and the lively tones of the band, she continued with a smile "You look fabulous by the way…"
They were wearing attire very unusual for them both, and Scarlet knew that Tonks would rather be wearing a pair of scruffy jeans and a faded old t-shirt than an extravagant dress. Scarlet didn't mind so much, having had to get used to much of the same in her upbringing, her family being a very influential one before it's fall from grace. Although she had to admit she did feel uncomfortable, but their current setting demanded formality, so they would just have suffer in silence.

"-And so do you. In fact, you look even lovelier than usual, and if you aren't asked to dance, then I'll eat my hat." Tonks answered stubbornly
"I have more important things to think about than dancing… As have you.", she poked her friend in the ribs.
"Hmph, there's nothing wrong with having a good time! You don't seriously think You Know Who would do anything tonight do you?"
Scarlet hesitated, choosing to ignore Tonks' first comment, "I don't know… I have this feeling. We need to keep our eyes open, and I told you I'm on my last warning. Besides…" she ended sulkily, "I hate dancing."
Tonks raised a eyebrow, and suddenly looked distractedly over Scarlet's shoulder,
"Oh, look there's Remus! And, he's talking with Kingsley! You're in luck!" she added winking.
"Don't start with that. Anyway, since when did you become the all-might controller of my love life?"

"Since it became rather bland" Tonks grinned.

"Well, thanks a lot…" Scarlet replied, as she let herself be manoeuvred through towards them through the densely packed crowd.

-

Kingsley Shacklebolt took a leisurely draught of champagne, his eyes strayed across the room, before flickering back to the woman in front of him.
Scarlet noticed his attention, but did her best to ignore it, pretending to be very involved in the conversation she was having with Tonks and Remus something to do with producing a Patronus, or so she thought.
"What form does yours take Scarlet, if you don't mind me asking?" Remus Lupin smiled at her kindly, noticing her discomfort.
Scarlet opened her mouth to answer, smiling back. She liked Remus a great deal, although not entirely sure how Tonks had met him (she always changed the subject whenever it was broached). Scarlet found him to be considerate person, and an undoubtedly loyal friend despite his ailment, which was of course, the fact he just so happened to be a werewolf. Unlike many other witches and wizards, this didn't bother Scarlet at all, and she was all too happy with her friend's choice in a boyfriend.

Kingsley's deep voice cut across hers, "A fox… Right?"
Scarlet nodded in reply, trying not to be angered by the fact her cut across her. It had only lately become essential that Aurors could produce a patronus, since the Dementors had swapped sides.

"Although, saying that I almost didn't achieve in producing a corporeal patronus at all, in fact-", Scarlet stopped abruptly, when she noticed a white blonde head approaching.
She cursed under her breath, "Narcissa Malfoy… Coming this way… I'll be right back!", Scarlet stuttered, and scurried off in the opposite direction.
The others were left staring after her, dumbstruck.
"What-?" Kingsley blinked, looking at Tonks nonplussed.
"Narcissa Malfoy" Tonks answered, stifling a giggle as the very woman pushed past them. She glanced in their direction with an expression of deepest contempt, then was lost amidst the crowds.
"-You know how it is, family connections and all that rot are important to their sort of family. I should know", Tonks continued, raising an eyebrow.
"I don't blame her for wanting to get away." Remus chuckled.

Scarlet squeezed her way past a group of portly wizards, pulling off her cumbersome high heels, and descended the stairs. She reached the bottom, almost tripping over a small House Elf as she did so. The elf turned her big eyes to Scarlet's, apologising profusely, and trembling with fear.
Scarlet paused. There was something familiar about that elf, alright…
Before she could work out what, the little thing dashed off precariously balancing a tray of hors-d'oeuvres on her head. She watched the elf go with a bemused look, but didn't pursue her it was probably very likely she has seen the elf before if it was under the employ of the Ministry.
Scarlet shrugged, before slipping through the double doors, and out into the grounds.

Despite the time of year, the air was surprisingly cold, and an ethereal mist swirled across the lawns, although this sort of weather had long since become the norm. Lights were dotted at intervals along the path, lighting the way, although there was not a soul to be seen. Scarlet supposed this was due to the eerie silence, and the night's chill, which cast a rather sinister shadow across the gardens.
Scarlet breathed a sigh of relief, it was good to be away from the hustle and bustle indoors. She looked out across the stunning scenery, lit by a crescent moon which sent silvery shafts of light across the ground. Her shoes she held loosely in her hand, as she pondered the abruptness Narcissa's words. Merlin! That woman had some nerve…

A pattering of feet distracted Scarlet from her thoughts, and she turned to see a number of house elves lugging what looked to be a very heavy crate. She watched them as they made their way painstakingly slowly through the open doorway, and stood back out of their way, with half a mind to help them. She observed the "Handle With Care" notice stamped across it's side, and surmised the crate must be filled with the fireworks everyone was so anxious to see for the rather spectacular display to be scheduled for later, courtesy of Messrs Fred and George Weasley. Obviously, the crate contained quite an explosive contents. Scarlet was just mulling over just how safe it was for four tiny elves to be carrying such a heavy load, when she acknowledged the elf she had seen before as one of the small party. As she clapped eyes on Scarlet, the elf gasped, and let go of her corner of the crate. The other elves squealed, unable to support it by themselves as it crashed to the ground.
The next thing Scarlet knew, the crate split open with an almighty bang and with a huge explosion of brilliant colours, she was knocked flying off her feet. She felt a sharp pain in her head as it connected with something solid as she fell to the ground.

-

A dark shadow crept through the brightly coloured fog, ignoring the bright blue sparks dancing around his feet, and bent low over the fallen witch. Totally immersed in the fog he was masked from sight as he would be so for another three minutes. If his calculations were correct.
He brushed the light hair from the young woman's face, studying it intently. The moonlight caressed her pale face, giving her skin a haunting glow. Her eyes opened a fraction, as she gazed up at him hazily.
"Barty…" she murmured, as recognition dawned on her.
The witch stared at him, a number of emotions flashing clearly across her face, only to be met by the young man's intense gaze.

"Hello, Scarlet", Barty answered at length.

Scarlet's eyes closed as she lost consciousness. Barty blinked, evidently the blow to the head she had sustained was worse than he thought.
He let out a soft sigh, hoisting her limp frame from the ground gently, bundling her over one shoulder. He surprised himself with his own strength although she wasn't heavy. At that Bartemius Crouch slipped away into the darkness, taking his unwilling acquaintance in tow.