28 Jul 2023, 13:26
Strangers in Smoke
• FAGS AT THE FAIRFAXES •Friday 4th, Aug - Late Afternoon | The Fairfax Estate, Bath, England
wc: 940
Avery's Hex #136b5cOutfits:Reducio
Avery:
Cadence:
· || ──────────────────────────────────── || ·
┏ ----- The Fairfax family were dutiful servants.
A number of their flock had held important roles in the ministry and similarly to the Leveret family, they had spawned a Wizengamot legislator or two in their history. Everett Fairfax had been a notable figure in the department for Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, until his promotion to the department of Magical Law Enforcement which saw him climb to the esteemed second level of the centre of wizarding society.
He was well liked, and in his wake he left behind a number of colleagues that helped him obtain the gravitas and position he now enjoyed. Cadence Leveret was one such figure, she had a hand in what went on behind the curtain. She wasn't unique like that, there were many in the ministry, naturally. She was invited as a friend, and there were others; as well as countless other figures and faces who have been invited to attend a late afternoon soiree at the Fairfax home in Bath. Friend or foe, none in these circles turned their noses in derision when they received their invitations.
As always, Cadence had insisted on bringing Avery to the event. It was commonplace enough, for notable parties to bring plus ones, and in those instances those plus ones were usually their close confidants or successors; professionally or literally. Others had brought their younglings, which Avery was thankful for. His elder brother Arthur had been invited, as the close assistant to some semi-influential chap in the department for Magical Games and Sports. It came with it's perks, that was for sure. Avery supposed that tickets to large events were a decent bargaining chip, superficial as they were. With Arthur's attendance already guaranteed, Cadence swiped at the opportunity to bring Avery, to put him on the spot and give him the valuable experience that helped small young boys develop the connections that were the foundations to an esteemed future.
Extravagant and lavish, if a bit garish. As was the way with all functions this high in renown. People attending in their formals; suits and evening dresses befitting the summery weather. He’d attended in a suit of his own, his mother in a worthy and yet non-show-stealing dress with a small clutch that held her short wand. Both had arrived via floo as any respectable guest did; regardless of the short distance that was between their homes. Introductions were made, to people he already knew, or had heard of, as well as some new faces even his mother didn’t know. The dance had begun and he was already beginning to feel his attention slipping.
Finally, there has been a lull in the ebbs and flows of the consistent dancing that politicians and officials used as a second language. He supposed he was used to this, having been a pure blood all of his life. But this dance was entirely different too that which he had stepped before, that he had seen stepped. For the most part everyone was somehow less careful and yet more; grovelly. It was obscene and grotesque, and not at all the masterful display that he had hoped for. There were a few stand out individuals, but the mass of it was worms coming out to feed, on the fruits of somebody else's political machinations and on some rather delightful canapes. At least the party had that going for it.
Avery had swooped up some cream cheese fingers and a garlic cracker or two onto a small saucer. He took one back to his mother and used that as a bargaining chip to ask if he could enjoy them on the flagstones that overlooked the grounds to the rear of the country home. Of course he knew his mother well, and she obliged. He had a way with people, with figuring them out and determining how they ticked. He rather enjoyed it, even. But at the moment all he could think about were the words that a supposed dead man said to him not long before summer.
His escape was easy and unhindered. Most of the party goers were around the other side of the house in the floral gardens, where the garden party had been intended to be held. That was boring and he'd seen it before, Right now he didn't mind simple, didn't mind the idea of looking out over the rolling greens of their land. When he sat down on a cast iron framed bench, he felt the pocket of his suit pants tighten; where he had stowed the contraband that had given him much to think about.
The rough and tumble packet of Marlboro Gold cigarettes had seen better days, mainly because Avery forgot that it was in his front pocket when Opeila had found him; where it had stayed when he put the coat back in the bottom of his Hogwarts trunk. He had brought them upon reflection, because he could. He found that he enjoyed having one between his lips, it made him feel older, more rebellious and self-assured. Normalcy and societal rules didn't apply to him. Even now he deliberated, standing from the bench and moving to a stone garden wall to lean onto with his arms and elbows, casually.
His ebony eyes scanned the horizon rather than whomever could approach from behind. Others didn't have a reason to be here, so why would they? It was this dismissiveness that would likely lead to him being caught, as he removed a slender and pristine looking cigarette from the packet to his mouth, unlit for now. It was a picture to be sure, a young teen with a cigarette? He didn't care.
┗ ┛
Interacting with @Madison Bennett
Last edited by Avery Leveret on 12 Dec 2023, 11:26, edited 1 time in total.
28 Jul 2023, 14:28
Strangers in Smoke
OutfitsFriday 4th, Aug - Late Afternoon | The Fairfax Estate, Bath, England
Reducio
Madi's Dress, Shoes and hairstyle
Reducio
Victoria Bennett's outfit
Ugh why do I have to go to this thing, why can't mum just take dad like always?Madi thinks to herself as she gets dressed for this soirée event thing her mother was attending. Her mother Victoria was a high ranking member of the accidental reversal squad and had been invited to it by Everett Fairfax, a man who worked in the ministry from what Madison gathered amongst the information her mother had told her. "Madison, put your heels on and then we can go" her mother says as Madison comes down the stairs, ready to go. Her mother had decided to bring Madison as her dad and older brother James were busy, and so Madison and her mother soon arrived at the Fairfax Estate via floo and Madison put on her best show yet. Once all polite introductions were over and Madison finally had a moment to breathe away from her mothers grasp, narrowly escaping being introduced to what seemed like the 130th ministry worker, Madison slipped away to the flagstones, getting away from all the music and noise.
Her mother was talking with Cadence Levert and as Madison walked onto the flagstones, she spotted a boy who looked vaguely familiar. As she walked closer, she recognised him and smiled "Hello Avery, long time no see" Madi says with a giggle.
Interacting with @Avery Leveret
Last edited by Madison Bennett on 10 Aug 2023, 07:57, edited 2 times in total.
'Don't be afraid to shine, even if the rest of the world have turned their lights off' Sta - 7 | Eva - 6| Str - 6| Wis - 9| Arc - 5| Acc - 7 |
29 Jul 2023, 16:05
Strangers in Smoke
• FAGS AT THE FAIRFAXES •
Friday 4th, Aug - Late Afternoon | The Fairfax Estate, Bath, England
wc: 298
Avery's Hex #136b5cOutfit/Appearance:Reducio· || ──────────────────
┏ ----- The breaking of the silence was swift, what with the clip clopping of high-heels on the flagstone platform that overlooked the grounds.
Avery’s initial reaction was to spirit the cigarette from his mouth back into his palm, ready to conceal up his sleeve if it turned out to be his mother, or some other adult guest, but when he turned his dark eyes to address his would-be assailant, he eased. He recognised the girl in an instant; when one was that pretty it was best practice to commit their names, or at least their faces, to memory. Madison Bennett approached, donning a stunning green gown that made him double take; ‘She would have made a good Slytherin’, he thought to himself, what with the colour seeming to fit her so well but also her tenacity he’d seen in their shared History of Magic class.
He couldn’t help but smirk, thinking back.
”Miss Bennett, here I thought I had escaped the party; but here we are, with the party having found me…” He gave in a tone that was hard to read; appreciative of both solitude and the opportunity to learn more about those he was forced to call: peer. ”Perhaps too long. - Know the Fairfaxes, do you?” He gave as he nonchalantly returned the cigarette to his mouth, in what was an overt message. In the next moment he was withdrawing his wand from his sleeve-sheathe, partial to having one fit into each of his suits as he found that a wand holster was far too crass. It was clear that he was to perform underage magic outside of Hogwarts, a clear violation of a well-known Wizarding law, and yet he moved to do so all the same.
┗ ┛
Interacting with @Madison Bennett
30 Jul 2023, 06:08
Strangers in Smoke
Friday 4th, Aug - Late Afternoon | The Fairfax Estate, Bath, England
Madison politely ignored the tone in which Avery addressed her with and replied, "Indeed and yes actually, my mother works high up in the Ministry as part of the Accidental Reversal Squad and since Everett Fairfax used to work in her department, she knew him quite well" Madi says with a smile, the type her mother taught her to use when addressing other Pureblood families. She noticed Avery return a round object to his mouth which omitted smoke, and, as she thought back to their History of Magic Class, Madison sighed. "Well Mister Leveret, it seems that aside from that fateful History of Magic class, our paths went in different directions, conjoined only by the fact that it seems you're willing to risk damaging your suit for whatever is in your mouth, a suit which I'm guessing, due to the stitching and craftsmanship of the design, cost a sizable amount of money. Perhaps I should leave you to break the rules which, in your role as prefect, I thought you were supposed to uphold. I'm disappointed Avery, I thought we were friends..." Madison said. "Madison the slow dancing has started sweetheart and once Cadence finds her son Avery we were hoping you two would dance together!" Madison heard her mother say. She looked at Avery with the look you are taught as a young pureblood witch or wizard which means that you need to put on a show for those around you. "Well Avery, you're not going to make me look a fool by doing this on my own are you? Because isn't it a young pureblood wizards duty to never say no to a dance?" Madison said with a smirk to challenge Avery, taking what she'd learnt from both her mother and older brother, holding her hand out as she looked at him with her blue eyes, not taking no for an answer.
Interacting with @Avery Leveret
Last edited by Madison Bennett on 10 Aug 2023, 08:02, edited 12 times in total.
'Don't be afraid to shine, even if the rest of the world have turned their lights off' Sta - 7 | Eva - 6| Str - 6| Wis - 9| Arc - 5| Acc - 7 |
30 Jul 2023, 12:18
Strangers in Smoke
• FAGS AT THE FAIRFAXES •
Friday 4th, Aug - Late Afternoon | The Fairfax Estate, Bath, England
wc: 472
Avery's Hex #136b5cOutfit/Appearance:Reducio· || ──────────────────
┏ ----- She knew the dance, and she performed it well.
He had nodded along, offering acknowledgement to her mother’s success at the ministry by way of a distorted smile that accommodated the unlit cigarette that sat between his lips. It was enough of a remarkable fact for him to pause in his casting of a spell that would have lit the toxic stick whose qualities weren’t truly known to him, all he knew is that he rather enjoyed smoking them. Of course, his constant vigilance and desire to learn about those he engaged with distracted from what could soon be labelled a dirty habit. Madison had continued on, in a manner that spoke of an assumed familiarity. She didn’t know him, not at all, and that amused him.
"We are not in Hogwarts, Miss Bennett." He replied carefully, sharp-tongued as always. "Besides, what’s life without a little risk?" He added, a smirk growing across his lips. The air of mystery wasn’t foreign to him, and he wasn’t afraid to utilise it when someone presumed something of him, a form of obscuring smoke in itself.
Avery was soon to get the thrill of the risk he was taking. The idea that he’d be caught with a cigarette by an adult was an entirely different prospect than being caught by a peer, after all. Madison’s mother had called out into the garden, and a jolt of excitement kicked his heart into motion. The fear didn’t freeze him, and he rather enjoyed walking that line. Quickly, he’d have stowed the unlit cigarette, removing it from his mouth and closing his fist around it until he could safely deposit it into his trouser pocket. Though in his focus of that, he had missed what her mother had said; taking a few moments for him to register it. Cadence Leveret had committed him to a dance? - Here he thought they had an agreement when he attended these things, though perhaps the Bennetts were more important that he had realised and perhaps this was more than just a garden party as his mother had led him to believe. Regardless, her promising of his hand forced him into a sticky situation; one where he couldn’t say no to Madison and her pretty, challenging, smile.
"I could never make you look foolish, Miss Bennett. - Though you’re about to see me dance so be warned…" He gave in jest, he would have to labour through this anyway, so he thought he might as well take it less seriously for his own sake. He pushed himself from the stone half-wall, straightening himself and turning to her to offer her his arm in the proper manner that was expected of him, waiting to lead her back to the party.┗ ┛
Interacting with @Madison Bennett
30 Jul 2023, 13:06
Strangers in Smoke
Friday 4th, Aug - Late Afternoon | The Fairfax Estate, Bath, England
Madison looked at Avery, listening to his comment before smiling back politely, though not backing down from his slightly obvious and sharp tongued challenge "I'm fully aware that we're not at Hogwarts Mister Levert and life without risk, is a life without consequence I believe" Madison said in an equally quick witted reply.
Avery challenged her but she quite enjoyed it, especially since this was the most interesting conversation she had been a part of all night. Madison returned his polite manner with her own and took his offered arm, "I'm glad to hear that Mister Leveret and no matter, as long as we put on a good show for our mothers that's all that matters is it not?" Madison says in reply as they walked back to the garden party in the pureblood way in which they were both raised.
Madison had remembered that her mother wanted her to dance at least once with Cadence Leveret's son and, all though her mother didn't specify the purpose, she knew in her head what that purpose was. As she and Avery took their positions to dance, she noticed her mother sitting next to his, talking to each other and smiling, something that made Madison roll her eyes in her head, though since she was at an event she didn't do it for public display, not here anyway.
As the music started, she took her position with Avery and they soon started dancing. She kept up appearances so that she'd make her mother happy and quietly talked to Avery during the dance "Do you know why our mothers are doing this or are you oblivious to their intentions Mister Leveret? Regardless, we just need to get through this song, get through the conversations after and then I'll leave you to go back behind the wall if you'd rather be alone than have me bother you, as it seemed to do so when I seemed to have interrupted you earlier" Madison said in a somewhat shyer manner. Truth be told there were not many children hers or Avery's age at this event other than them and Madison would prefer to spend time with Avery rather than in dull conversation with adults her mother knew, I guess we'll just see what happens after this dance Madison thinks to herself. As she and Avery continue to dance, she notices that her mother is very impressed, as are multiple other people who were not dancing. If my mother thinks I don't know what she's up to, she's in for the shock of her life Madison thinks to herself as Avery moves her across the floor.
Interacting with@Avery Leveret
Last edited by Madison Bennett on 4 Oct 2023, 01:42, edited 1 time in total.
'Don't be afraid to shine, even if the rest of the world have turned their lights off' Sta - 7 | Eva - 6| Str - 6| Wis - 9| Arc - 5| Acc - 7 |
3 Oct 2023, 20:29
Strangers in Smoke
• FAGS AT THE FAIRFAXES •
Friday 4th, Aug - Late Afternoon | The Fairfax Estate, Bath, England
wc: 418
Avery's Hex #136b5cOutfit/Appearance:Reducio· || ──────────────────
┏ ----- A minute smile curled onto his lips as she gave a sharp retort, though he disagreed; she wasn’t the sort to roll over, instead rising to the challenge.
”That is all that matters, indeed.” He smiled at her then, opting to play the part that was assigned to him. He had been to enough of these things to know that progeny were a clear topic of conversation and even entertainment at times; though he didn’t know that this was a ploy instigated by Madison’s mother. It must have been a pleasant surprise to see the pair returning to the party, with Madison on his arm. The party watched as they took up positions opposite from one another, he bowed and went through all the expected traditions and pleasantries; a pleasant young man sure enough.
Avery carried himself well throughout the dance, leading her with a timeless class; expected of a twelve year old at least. It was charming, and it felt much more refined than it was; his ‘bad; dancing, was adequate for an audience. There were a few mistimings, that were a breath out of beat but the pair quickly recovered with fanciful twirls to accentuate Madi’s role, as they continued to quietly talk.
“If I were to hazard a guess, it would be that someone is deigning to play Cupid with us, judging by the frankly wolfish grins that sit on our Mothers’ faces. - Have a look.” He gave, as he led them into a turn so that Madison’s gaze might naturally fall in their direction. His pause allowed him a few moments to consider what else she had said, perhaps indicating his thoughts on the matter, but he was full of surprises this evening…
“It’s- to be expected, I guess. And no, I didn’t mind being disturbed. - Better you than one of them, what with the cigarettes.” He quipped mischievously. In truth, he simply was going to take the step and finally smoke another one; a milestone of his. Madison was adequate company, and at least she seemed to have an awareness that some of their peer-group lacked entirely. It wasn’t quite, refreshing, but it was enough. He smiled at her then, to let her know.
“If the chatter is as boring as it was when we arrived, I’ll be heading back outside to do something more interesting, that’s for sure. - You’re more than welcome.”
┗ ┛
Interacting with @Madison Bennett
4 Oct 2023, 07:42
Strangers in Smoke
Bold Italics= ThoughtsFriday 4th, Aug - Late Afternoon | The Fairfax Estate, Bath, England
Outfit
Reducio
Madi's Dress, Shoes and hairstyle
Madison saw her mothers eyes gaze at her and smile with delight as she entered onto the floor with Avery. A bit of decorum mother, yikes Madi thought, but as she and Avery danced. From seeing the smiles of other guests, to the nodding and smiles of her mother, as well as whispers to Avery's mother, Madi focused back on Avery, who twirled her a few times and held her in position well.
As they quietly talked more, Avery guided her into a turn so that she could see the grins on their mothers faces. They were both sitting next to each other, quite proud of themselves for what they were thinking they'd accomplished in getting Madi and Avery to dance together. Madi smiled, giggling softly with a closed mouth and, when she was looking back at Avery, plus they'd moved slightly away from the earshot of their mothers, Madison commented on the grins their mothers had shown, "They're not even trying to hide their smiles, do you supposed they've been planning to play cupid with us since the party started?" Madison asked Avery.
Madison smiled back as the song ended, curtsying in reply to Avery's bow. Before they got bombarded with comments from the other guests, Madison spoke quietly to Avery. "Well, we can always excuse ourselves from the compliments early. I don't want to intrude on your space for the entire party. I think the chatter will be just as boring as it was when we arrived, so I may take you up on the offer to join you after my mother finally excuses me, if it's still extended" Madison says, taking Avery's arm again as her mother and his come over and congratulate them on a dance well done.
Madison's mother smiled at her and Avery and said, "You two danced brilliantly and you seem to work so well together. Cadence and I were just saying that we'll sit you two next to each other for the early dinner being served later" she said before more guests came over and started complimenting Madi and Avery. Madi looked at Avery and smiled gently before smiling again at her mother in acknowledgment of what she said.
Not long after, Madi was still stuck talking to people at her mothers request, though she wished that Avery was still with her. She'd seen him sneak away earlier, but her mother wouldn't let her do the same until she'd finished listening to what Everett Fairfax was saying. Afterwards, her mother took her outside, near where Avery was though Madison didn't know where he'd gone, and started talking to her rather sharply about her posture, dress, behaviour etc. "Madison Olivia Bennett, this party is important for me and I thought I'd said not to screw it up. Now, I will find you later but behave or there will be consequences Madison" she says, before lightening her manners and facial expressions and walking back into the party.
Madison felt deflated and sad, but didn't want to spoil this night for her mother, so she took a deep breath in and out before walking to the steps and standing there, looking out at the view, still slightly unaware that Avery had probably heard the conversation with her mother. Madi wiped a few tears from her cheeks and let the gentle breeze start to calm her down.
Interacting with@Avery Leveret
'Don't be afraid to shine, even if the rest of the world have turned their lights off' Sta - 7 | Eva - 6| Str - 6| Wis - 9| Arc - 5| Acc - 7 |
11 Oct 2023, 22:14
Strangers in Smoke
• FAGS AT THE FAIRFAXES •
Friday 4th, Aug - Late Afternoon | The Fairfax Estate, Bath, England
wc: 673
Avery's Hex #136b5cOutfit/Appearance:Reducio· || ──────────────────
┏ ----- A smile.
Avery enjoyed that she too was subject to the expectation of status and family, and he was oblivious to the signs that she was not coping with such. He was in one of those floaty moods, comfortable with the pressure of the many eyes on them.
“It wouldn’t be surprising if this plan was conceived long ago. I imagine my mother tried similar with my brothers. - Do you have siblings?” He asked as they danced, though the music brought it to a close and the pair ended their spectacle with a dash or two of charm befitting of the setting.
”Don’t be silly. I’m always one for excusing myself early. - W-hen you do join me, I’ve got some wisdom for you.” He smirked at her, hoping that it was plain enough that he invited her company, cutting himself short as their sophisticated and elegant mothers came to see if their schemes had succeeded, but they came prepared. Avery couldn’t help but grin when Madison’s mother told them they were being sat next to each other; which she of course took as a sign of his agreement. All this effort, and yet girls were not what he was thinking about at all. He hadn’t had time to consider girls, not after the events of first year; not after the hunger that had set in.
“Thank you, Mrs Bennett. - The moon is only dazzling because of the sun…” He innocently offered, a line crafted to compliment and attribute the dance to Madison; serving the dual purpose of charming the mothers in equal fashion. It was a mercy, preparing them for the disappointment that would come if their scheme failed; which they could hardly blame on him if he was the image of something he truly wasn’t. Another mask. - He liked Madison, and he didn’t have anything against her, but he was controlled for most of his life and that trend wasn’t likely to continue; not after Vladimir.
As he had said, he had slipped away to the garden. Nothing bothered him more than wasted time, and impressing these people more than he already had didn’t serve him or his family in any capacity, and he was feeling particularly rebellious.
He returned to the side of this house, and down the steps into the garden; hidden from view from people on the terrace because of the drop and half-wall that concealed him. There, he finally pulled out the cigarette once more and his wand, and he ignited it with a Lumos spell, that he purposefully destabilised so as to heat the end of the contraband in the same manner he had done on the night he obtained them. He would get away with it here, at a huge gathering of mostly adult witches and wizards; the Ministry was none the wiser. Avery sucked in a breath of the smoke, which stung the back of his throat, which wasn’t quite used to the taste. After a few tokes, which he used to get a hang of the dirty habit once again, he reflected on what Vladimir had said to him on the pitch.
”Because you can, Avery. He said quietly, to himself. Saying it aloud was part of the exercise; truly reflecting and internalising some of its meat and weight.
The ensuing silence was broken when he heard voices above, and then approaching footsteps. A small peak saved him any concern, seeing Madison approach before she saw him. When she was on the stairs, illuminated by the natural light of the evening, she’d see him sat on the same stone bench, though now with a cigarette in hand. He pulled a flat smile to offer his sympathies:
“Familial expectations. Can’t shake them, can’t meet them. What a predicament. - Are you okay?” He offered in a softer tone, gesturing for her to join him on the bench if she wanted.┗ ┛
Interacting with @Madison Bennett
12 Oct 2023, 07:02
Strangers in Smoke
Bold Italics= ThoughtsFriday 4th, Aug - Late Afternoon | The Fairfax Estate, Bath, England
Outfit
Reducio
Madi's Dress, Shoes and hairstyle
Madison smiled as Avery asked her if she had any siblings. "One, an older brother in Ravenclaw called James, he's in his 5th year at Hogwarts" Madison said in reply to Avery's question. Avery, had wisdom for her? Madison thought that was a rather funny way of saying that she could join him after they endured the torturing and seemingly endless chitchat from their mothers.
As Madison stood on the steps near where Avery was sitting on the bench, hearing his voice made her jump slightly, however she composed herself and smiling softly, taking a seat on the bench next to Avery before thinking about how to reply. She didn't want to say it in a clever way in case she sounded rude, however she didn't want to divulge everything to Avery, her mother had taught her better than to bore people with family matters. "Yes thank you, I'm ok, just getting the brunt of my mother and her worries, it's as if, no matter how hard I try, I'm never going to be the daughter she wanted" Madison said, leaning until her back was resting against the back of the bench.
Madison looked up at the moon and stars in the sky as she stayed sitting in the bench with Avery. The dance they had done together was by no means unimpressive, in fact it would be considered by most, to be of the highest standard, at least for 12 year olds. She couldn't quite decide on whether to tell Avery about her problems or not. He might understand, afterall he might face the same pressures too Madison thought, fixing up her dress as she saw that Avery had a cigarette in his hand again, though this time she didn't say anything about it.
Madison heard her mothers voice from the garden and hoped she wasn't trying to find her. Luckily she wasn't, but instead she was talking to Mr Fairfax. Madison could hear what they were saying but honestly, she didn't care, her mother wasn't berating her so she didn't want to give any cause to her potentially doing so.
As her hair gently blew in the breeze, Madison felt a few more tears trickle down her face, oh for goodness sake Madi stop tearing up she thought to herself, looking away from Avery and drying her face before looking back. "Thanks for letting me join you, it's so much nicer being out here than being inside" she said with a sweet smile.
Interacting with @Avery Leveret
'Don't be afraid to shine, even if the rest of the world have turned their lights off' Sta - 7 | Eva - 6| Str - 6| Wis - 9| Arc - 5| Acc - 7 |