Lavender nodded, sad that he'd had to be so worried before lunch today. But she had never really introduced a boyfriend to her parents properly in the past, let alone taken one home for Christmas, so she had been sure in her own mind that things would be fine. "I know what you mean," she said softly. "For what it's worth, I think that while what my mum said back then was true - obviously - I don't think it is anymore." Lavender bit her lip. "I think the veritaserum made her face things that she'd kept bottled up."
Sighing, Lavender tucked her hair behind her ear, then adjusted it again. "I never really spent much time thinking about how everything that happened to me affected her. Greyback, St Mungo's, my depression..." And Hyacinth Brown had been there for all of it, years of it, not so quietly looking after her daughter and trying to set her on a good path. Letting out a puff of breath, Lavender straightened her posture. "But this is getting a little gloomy for today. Trust me, Ant, if could stop Pansy from saying those awful things, I would." She offered a smile. "I see us having a future together. And Pansy just likes being a bitch. I doubt that will ever change."
Lavender kissed him quickly on the cheek, as though that might ward away unpleasant thoughts of her cousin. "I'm just going to freshen up and then grab that bottle of wine I picked up." It was a gift for the hosts, so she'd even put a festive bow on it. While Anthony collected the presents, Lavender nipped into the bathroom to check that her hair and make-up looked presentable. She didn't want to a create a bad first impression.
Satisfied with her appearance, Lavender rejoined Anthony, feeling a slight flutter of nerves. "Do you need help carrying anything?"