I'll try not to destroy you, baby, even though we both know I can

[austenianhorror.livejournal.com]

*Overhead a wire mesh encloses a distinctly forest-like garden. Quaint mossy cobblestones guide visitors around the enclosure - an exhibit of magical flora the world over, flocks of Cucuio hovering overhead like overgrown fireflies. A pleasant autumn chill has begun to bite into the air, only dimly apparent beyond the conjured humidity. Indeed, the heat is enough for Victoria to remove her cloak - as she begins to sling it off, she shoots Regulus an expectant stare. His assistance entirely unneeded and yet the only gentlemanly thing to do.*

Comments

[spindleform.livejournal.com]

That's impressive.

[austenianhorror.livejournal.com]

How unfortunate, we've reached an imbalance. You'll simply have to impress me in turn as I fear the situation will be unmendable otherwise.

[spindleform.livejournal.com]

I did quite well in Charms.

[austenianhorror.livejournal.com]

...You're blessed to have your inheritance, I must say.

[spindleform.livejournal.com]

*Regulus turns his head to shoots a look at the fanged geraniums, somehow accusing them of this.*

[austenianhorror.livejournal.com]

*Their brilliant petals - enclosing several rings of fangs within - seem to reshuffle in that slow way of plants universal. It seems impossible but it nearly resembles a smirk.*

[spindleform.livejournal.com]

*Regulus looks over his shoulder as they pass this smug plant, and tries to lead them far from it's patch.*


I assure you, I took my studies very seriously, Miss Higgs.

[austenianhorror.livejournal.com]

Your academics are far from the only things that can impress me, Mr. Black.

[spindleform.livejournal.com]

Oh. Well.
I believe it's important to have an academic foundation for whatever one chooses to devote oneself to.

[austenianhorror.livejournal.com]

I wasn't aware Charms was a foundation for much of anything, really.

[spindleform.livejournal.com]

Oh on the contrary.

[austenianhorror.livejournal.com]

*Victoria looks momentarily surprised at the contradiction.*

[spindleform.livejournal.com]

*Regulus does as well.*



What I mean to say is, I've found it to be very useful indeed. The basis for quite a lot of magic is Charms, abstract and practical.

[austenianhorror.livejournal.com]

I see.

[spindleform.livejournal.com]

-I won't bore you.

[austenianhorror.livejournal.com]

Tch. One can not become a master of the social sphere if they're prone to something as crass and provincial as boredom.

[spindleform.livejournal.com]

*He makes a small and slightly pained expression that ultimately is as close to a smile as Victoria has yet received from him.*

Certainly it's warranted on occasion...

[austenianhorror.livejournal.com]

Oh. So you would have me prattle on simply to save yourself the effort?

[spindleform.livejournal.com]

No. Not effort, no.

I simply meant boredom is sometimes acceptable. I wouldn't think less of you.

[austenianhorror.livejournal.com]

The opinion of the carefully discerning means more to me then that of the exceptionally tolerant.

[spindleform.livejournal.com]

Do you find... me unreasonably tolerant of things?

[austenianhorror.livejournal.com]

I find you lacking in passion. Indolence is nearly as damnable as tolerance. More so when your only actions toward our cause merely serve to demonize it.

[spindleform.livejournal.com]

*Regulus takes this polite-sounding criticism with a straight face but grows rather solemn. He has never been good with blunt descriptions of himself, and Victoria is hardly someone he feels comfortable enough around to not mind her opinions.*

[austenianhorror.livejournal.com]

What I read in the papers is what everyone reads, I'm afraid. And when tales of your escapades show up next to overly-sentimental letters written by mudblooded whores toting about their unfortunate, hybridized children where do you think public opinion will fall? Mr. Black if you were truly passionate you would work during the day, not the night.

[spindleform.livejournal.com]

*He nods, hardly noticeably and meant more to diffuse any disagreements than to actually agree.*

That is a shame. I remember her, from Hogwarts, the woman who wrote that.