Closed A Pure Union PV Aurelius Leeds

While Liana hadn't actually spent much time in the company of children her own age, she had certainly encountered enough of them to notice just how much Aurelius stood out. Most rich pureblood children displayed quite high intelligence - it likely had to do with private tutors their parents hired, the high expectations that pushed them to study harder, and - as Father occasionally pointed out - the inherently higher intellect than that of Muggles. But this boy was was much more observant and calculating than an eleven-year-old of any background had the right to be. Meaning, he was probably more observant and calculating than Liana herself. The two of them meeting today was a stroke of luck - had they only met at Hogwarts, under different circumstances, neither of them would have opened up quite so eagerly. Now both of them had a head start in alliance-forming, compared to their peers. If they continued to get along, that is.

"Yes, and I think the first few days at Hogwarts will determine most friend circles. Kids will cling to those who made them feel comfortable. Meeting as many new people as possible in that time, and leaving a good first impression, is crucial." Intelligent as that may sound, it was not entirely her own wisdom. She had grasped the gist of it on her own, true, but Marcus Kerr had also sat her down for a talk about how best to behave at school, and how important the initial interactions would be. For the time being, she was still the heir of house Kerr, and she should strive to represent the family well. Certain conversation topics must be avoided, first and foremost blood purity - at least until she knew for sure who supported purism, who was indifferent, and who resented it. Purebloods were still preferred for friendships and alliances, of course, but one must not openly speak of it nowadays. "And speaking of first impressions, I suppose Slytherins must work even harder to make friends outside of their house, given the general opinion of them and their inclinations," she added. Indeed, sporting the emblem of the snake would likely make most people expect trickery, lies, deception. To come off as amicable and trustworthy, Salazar's students needed to be extra amicable and trustworthy.

However, Aurelius seemed to already have it figured out. She was, after all, revealing her family's intrigues and her own plans to him, even though the two were perfect strangers. A part of Liana was worried about granting so much knowledge to someone who was not yet an ally. Another part, a much louder one, was insisting that at the moment this was the most optimal way to ensure their alliance - taking a leap of faith, showing she was willing to share secrets. Even offering a sort of collateral for the information he had revealed about himself, as a guarantee that it would be safe with her. It paid off soon enough.

"We only have one house elf," she responded slowly, impressed with the boy's idea. It had never occurred to her to enlist Tolby, the ancient, withered house elf who used to creep the girl out when she was smaller. How could Aurelius come up with something like that so quickly? Was he doing the same in the Leeds household, making his servants spy on his parents? "I don't bother him much, though Father is excessively strict with him. And Lady Ophelia has already overworked him with this wedding, while constantly letting him know she is displeased." She frowned slightly, wondering, for the first time ever, whether the family servant considered her to be nice. True, she had never spoken rudely to him, and even used to thank him for his services... before Father heard it one time and gave her a lecture on who she should be polite to, and who was not worth it. Other than that, though, she had not shown him much affection. Was he bullied so much that he could consider lack of cruelty a kindness? "I might not have enough time to talk to him before I leave for Hogwarts, will need to wait until Christmas holidays." Less than two full days were left, and she felt dismayed, for a change, that it was so little. Tolby would definitely be busy clearing up the aftermath of this massive gathering, and Lady Ophelia would want her quarters refurbished to her own liking... it was improbable that Liana could corner the elf for a private conversation.

The idea of willingly staying away from home during the holidays was a new one as well. She fully expected her stepmother to try and keep her at Hogwarts, in which case Liana would just need to push back harder. Would Ophelia really relent, if she feigned disinterest instead? From the intense hatred the girl perceived in most of the woman's words and actions directed at her, it seemed unlikely. The antagonism was so strong mostly because of the perceived thread coming from Liana's very existence. What would it take to convince her stepmother she wasn't interested in her birthright, and would such pretense not damage Father's opinion about her?

"It might take years for her to stop seeing me as a threat... and if I act credibly enough for so long, I risk convincing my father as well," the girl pointed out. Still, it was a path worth considering. "I guess if I present it right... I could say I'm staying at school for the holidays because I want to use the free time to study ahead. Father would likely approve of it but he rarely ever praises me, so he would not voice that approval to Lady Ophelia. And she herself might only focus on what she wants to see, which is myself choosing to stay away from the Kerr Manor."

The elaborate analogies in the Irish boy's speech worked well in persuading and motivating Liana. The high society was much like a theatre, and her situation with Lady Ophelia was a lot like war. And the suggestion to have the house elf hide the proof of her future siblings' accidental magic was simply brilliant. The redhead was feeling extremely fortunate to have encountered Aurelius with his novel ideas. And a bit chagrined that she hadn't come up with those ideas herself.

"I'm not even sure if our house elf needs a bribe... the way he's treated, he might be willing to help me just for not insulting him on a daily basis," she mused. "Of course, if such treatment has turned him into a spiteful creature, he will just tell Father or even Lady Ophelia about my request." Yes, she definitely needed more than two days to evaluate Tolby and decide whether he would not betray her. There wasn't any arcane force dictating that house elves should voluntarily inform their masters about anything, unless there was a specific inquiry. So if no orders contradicted those given my Liana, the creature could keep her requests a secret. If he liked her enough, or if she gave him something valuable enough. However, she didn't know what material things such a slave could desire - other than clothes, which she could not give him, at least not in the foreseeable future. Did they have any use for money? It's not like they went shopping on their days off. "And what could I give him? Implied promises of freedom at some distant point in the future, at most." House elves were an expensive commodity, though. The Kerr family would lose a huge portion of their prestige if no such servant was present in their manor, and getting a new one could be difficult. Especially given the new rights the Ministry was granting to the creatures. "Do you use your house elves to gather information for you? What do they ask for in return, if anything?"

• ꜱᴍɪʟᴇ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴡᴇ ᴛʀᴀɪɴᴇᴅ ʏᴏᴜ •
───────────────────── ⬤ ─────────────────────
Kerr Manor, Scotland - 29th August 2021

"Ay, those first days at Hogwarts will be a whirlwind, I'm sure," Aurelius nodded in full agreement. He understood the importance of the first months at the school, and was relieved to know that Liana did, also. The more he spoke with the redhead, the more he could see her as a Slytherin. Perhaps a Ravenclaw. "Slytherins do seem to have a stigma, ay. I guess it comes with being cunning. But a lot of folks seem to overlook the other traits for the House, which are substantial to have as a person, I think... we'll see."

When Liana began to expand on the home situation, and explained the family had one house elf, he nodded and listened. It was pleasant to see another crafty mind at work, as Aurelius could almost literally see the gears turning in Liana's head, as plans and potential plans were considered, quantified and then moved beyond for further ideas. Her willingness to be more open was noticed, too, and the Irish boy wondered if his own forthrightness had brought about a more mutual sense of underlying trust; it was possible, or perhaps the pair simply knew that the likelihood of their collaborations seemed poised to continue for a long while.

"Lady Ophelia sounds like a rash individual, who's consumed by the need to act quick to secure something of vital importance to her," Aurelius said simply, in regard to the possibility of plots against the new bride. "Your advantage is changing your pace, to counter her own. So long as you have contingencies in place to offset that loss of time. Such as..."

Aurelius held out his hands as he presented himself, his smile sly.

"Me. And others, of course. You could tell them you're working on connections with other pure-blood families? Forging friendships and alliances, strengthening the Kerr ties to the social elite class, and doing what any heir would be expected to do?" Aurelius raised his eyebrows as he looked down to the juice in hand and swirled the glass. "Who could deny those kinds of opportunities, in favor of forcing you to attend pointless immediate family gatherings? One does not become more prominent in a community, by secluded oneself, ay?"

Then the topic shifted to the house elf. That seemed like a situation that could be used, certainly.

"Well, our family has a number of house elves," Aurelius began, as he considered. He had to admit, having numbers of the smaller creatures did help, when in an attempt to lure some to one's side. "I found the best method has been to nonchalantly share personal things with them. Nothing important, certainly not clothing, but... treats, candy mainly, things that I request and leave about my chambers in the manor.

"Then, if a house elf happens to enter while I'm present, I'll allude to the treats and imply they can help themselves. But never offer directly, that can be seen as an insult, similarly to the general perception on wages the creatures' have."

Aurelius smirked as he glanced to Liana.

"But, based on your situation, it sounds to me that you might already know how to get your house elf more inclined to helping you," Aurelius said as he took a final gulp of the juice and finished the glass. He held the empty container absently as he glanced to Liana. "After all, when everyone treats you badly, kindness can seem like care... ay?"

The Irish boy's bright eyes looked over the guests, casually, as he began to watch others and get a sense of the room. It didn't seem the pair of youngsters were too big a concern or worry for anyone specifically, not that Aurelius could see, which meant that they probably had freedom to wander and flow through the area.

"Come on," Aurelius said suddenly, as he motioned with his head. "Let's discuss some specifics, away from prying ears, maybe on the grounds. We'll sort this mess out, with some planning and patience, don't worry about that."

Aurelius then turned and very casually made for the wedding tent exit, as he passed the drink table and left the empty glass, before venturing out into the cooler air and prepared to plot further...

@Liana Kerr

Aurelius has left the thread.