Parminder’s cheeks coloured at all the attention, an embarrassed smile tugging at her lips. It was high praise, the idea of an Order of Merlin. Even in the ten years of reformation after the war, things weren’t easy for muggleborns. Lingering prejudices made advancement in the ministry extremely difficult, even with progressives like Potter and Granger and Minister Shacklebolt at the helm. And to have Eric Pucey, the scion of one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight pureblood families, speak so highly of her was an honor. Eric himself was unconcerned with blood status, but she knew his family and how they looked down on her kind. And to have a stranger, especially one as handsome and charming as Trenton, compliment her work so sincerely… it was all rather new to her. It was encouraging. Maybe, after these ten long years, things were finally getting better. The thought warmed her, a cautious hope bubbling in her chest.

“I don’t mean to sound ungrateful--I-- thank you,” she managed with only the hint of a stammer. Sitting a little straighter, Parminder tried for graceful instead of awkward. She couldn’t help the smile crossing her face. “You do me a kindness.”

The conversation shifted to Trenton and his association with Mister Gigliotti. Parminder studied him as he spoke, her face a mask of pleasant curiosity. She kept her disappointment at bay with the ease of practice. The Gigliotti were renowned for their rather archaic views on blood. She was being silly, she reminded herself sharply. Trenton was certainly charming, but she knew better than to think of anything further. Parminder stifled her thoughts to better focus on his story.

She hadn’t expected such a history; her brow creased into a frown, a rush of sympathy running through her. Parminder didn’t detect a lie in his features. And when he spoke of life on the streets, she understood more than she liked. She had only spent a year on the run during the war, but it had marked her to the core. 

From what Parminder knew, the Gigliotti were not typically charitable. Not unless it could benefit them. And with the flickers of silver dancing in her vision whenever she looked at Trenton, she knew there was something about the blue eyed wizard that benefited the family. Whether it was something legitimate or something seedier, she didn’t know, but she was deeply curious. She’d never been good at turning her work brain off, much to Eric’s displeasure. 

“I’m sorry for your loss,” she intoned quietly, gently resting a mehndi covered hand to his arm [s]privately startling herself at her action[/s]. Parminder reclaimed her hand, taking care to keep her thoughts from going maudlin. Mister Bernard asked the question on her mind. She had never entertained anything [i]but[/i] serving as an Auror after the war. Her ambition had consumed her after the war had ended and she had returned to Hogwarts.

His answer was interesting. As much as the bureaucracy of the Ministry tired her, working to improve the law was the only method she had ever considered. He spoke of working to create change within social and civilian spheres… or, perhaps, [i]outside[/i] of the law. She did not want to entertain the possibility; he was pleasant company, charming, [s]ridiculously handsome[/s] and polite. She opted to reserve judgment for the time being.

“Every little bit counts,” Eric remarked calmly, an indescribable look in his eyes. “The law will move forward as society does. Things will get better, slowly but surely.” Eric squeezed her shoulder affectionately there, and she flicked her chocolate eyes towards him. Her gaze softened, gratitude flooding her. Truly, Eric was the best mate a girl could ask for. Even small shows of solidarity were deeply appreciated.
“It’s our pleasure,” Eric answered the praise, and Parminder nodded in agreement.
“Truly, I’m blessed to have been given the opportunity to serve,” she admitted, “It means everything to me.”

A ringing echoed throughout the dining hall, calling attention to the dais at the front of the ball room. Parminder turned to see Emmanuel Gigliotti taking the stage, neatly dressed and smiling wide as he began his welcoming speech to their fundraiser.

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