The War Within (Open)

[arianna]

Arianna wasn’t sure how to even begin to think. How could she? She stopped, fingers still clutching the edge of the box of assorted jinxes, head dropping as she shut her eyes. Business was booming, and few moments to herself were allowed. She would have to hire help, everyone said. Several young Slytherins had asked, looking for the first feeling of true independence. But she didn’t want to.

WIth a deep breath she pushed the box into it’s place, tossing her head up high as she swiped at the stray tear. No. She couldn’t allow herself these quiet times to herself, reliving the war that had raged inside of her. No, the battle at Hogwarts might have been a failed battle, but a movement in the right direction for the war. Threats were eliminated, allies gained, and their presence was known. And yes, she had faltered. That lived as a black smudge of shame in her past, debating on whether to side with her lifelong friend.

In the end she had been right. She had eliminated the threat. It was one of the greatest challenges of her life, ripping her apart from the inside, and the moment she had finished it, she thought she would be free from the internal agony. No. Everytime she was left alone, the war wrenched her apart inside, thinking about her decisions, although she had known she was right. She knew she was right. It was consuming every minute of her thoughts when she wasn’t busy with the stor or with Jezebel.

Moving quickly to the counter, she quickly uncorked a bottle of whiskey, throwing a large swig back, ignoring the droplets on her worn out red boots. She had barely put any thought in her appearance, no longer a fan of staying alone in her home, key word being alone. Her head snapped up at the sound of the bell chiming, tugging her out of her inner war and back to reality as she shoved the bottle back beneath the counter, leaning across the counter, that predatory smile placed perfectly on her face.

Outfit