Winter Chill (Open)

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This was her first year away from Beauxbatons and she missed it terribly. While there was no real difference in weather, she would swear up and down that the weather there was less forgiving that in Britain. As she hugged her bright red coat closer to her body, she walked deeper into the trail that lead to a so-called lake. She had been reading up on the school and she was most interested in the lake that she could see from the common rooms.

When she finally reached the lake she sighed at the sight. It was beautiful and she found herself smiling at the sight. The trees had lost most of their foliage and what did remain had been crystalized in a beautiful manner showing that the coldest season had hit and was coming at a stronger force. She liked the cold, the quietness that came with it, and the natural isolation.

Moments like these, these small quiet moments made it a bit calmer and safer to be here. The castle was so large and filled with people yet she felt do alone. She closed her eyes as the winter breeze hit her cheeks and she smile slightly. The cold never bothered her, but the loneliness in the castle did.

Who knew it was so hard to be new?

Subject: Re: Winter Chill (Open) Sun Oct 01, 2017 2:32 pm

December brought with it the impending arrival of her sixteenth name day. Elenore was not ready for the change in attitude that would likely come from the Palace as she met this milestone. She would not be approached by families seeking to win favour with the Clement family. Her parents would -- in Elenore's mind -- be readying themselves to sell her off as a prized asset to the highest bidder.

The idea, in truth, terrified Elenore much more than she could ever explain to anyone. But the fear was there, creeping through her almost as roughly at the coldness had swept through Britain, enveloping the school grounds with snow as it always did at this time of year.

Elenore had bundled herself up in a layer of jumpers and then a coat, before taking to the grounds, quite happy that she could not move around the school without the worry of bumping in to her older brother. Her feet had taken to the outdoors, simply to be away from the eyes of the world, and led her towards the lake. The lake often froze over, and some of the more daring students -- usually the Gryffindors -- would take to skating on it. Elenore liked to watch them on such occasions, but today was not one of those days in which Elenore would be so lucky.

Instead, the witch fond herself moving towards another figure stood out by the lake, standing out in the bright red coat against her background. Elenore, for a moment, considered the person to perhaps be a Gryffindor, but as she moved closer she found a familiar face coming in to view.

Tess Holmes...

Elenore had heard that the witch was here, but she hadn't believed the rumours. Beauxbatons was a beautiful school, something that Jacques had taken away from her, but she couldn't fathom why Tess would be here...

"Tess," Elenore spoke softly, allowing her French accent to not be hindered around the witch from her home country. "It is a surprise to see you here." The youngest Clement admitted, a small smile playing on her lips. The two of them had spent some time together, what with their parents both being rather influential in France, but, truthfully, Elenore was still not sure as to where she stood with the older witch.

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If she was honest, she was not sure what she was out here for. She had not found her dormitory stifling, as she had no one to share it with. Nor did she find the common room filled with people. Being a Saturday people became unusually even more social and went out without thought. And while she never wanted to be with those people, the idea of being comfortable like that was something she did yearn for.

But if she was perfectly honest, had she still been in Beauxbatons, and did her last two years of schooling there, it would make little difference in her social life. She was always seen as icy there no matter how perfect she tried to be. During the dances she would waltz with the necessary people, join the dancing team to look more feminine and even avoided all duelling clubs so she would look more fragile to society. And it had worked, people listened to her, thought of her as beautiful, but unapproachable. She did enjoy this solely for the solitude and the protection from impending proposals.

Her sixteenth birthday meant that she would probably have to go to the dreaded ball. Where all purebloods would be forced to show boat their children like a contest and show their achievements. This would never happen if she was with her grand-mere. Only the stronger, worthier people would be allowed to even speak with her. Her lip twitched at the thought.

'It's so very like you to take in this beauty and squander it with depressing reminders' her mind sarcastically provided.

"Tess,"

At someone even calling out to her she found herself to be incredibly surprised. That is, until she saw Elenore Clement. Tess found herself letting out a small smile, a bit insincere but more relief than anything to find a friendly face.

"I am as surprised as you to be here" Tess replied with a small smile. "Seems a change was needed, you know how fathers can be" turning to face her once more, she couldn't help but ask. "What can you tell me about this castle?"

Subject: Re: Winter Chill (Open) Tue Oct 03, 2017 7:23 pm

Elenore couldn't help the small smile that graced her lips in response to Tess' response. So, this was not a transfer of choice -- not that women like herself and Tess ever had very much choice in their actions, truthfully. Elenore pushed the thought away when Tess mentioned about father's and their wants. The thought brought a soft laugh from Elenore's lips, ever so melodic as she shook her head.

"Frères." She corrected softly, letting it be known that Jacques had been the one to instigate her own move to the British school. Why, Elenore still could not be sure, but the idea of moving back to Beauxbatons now... well, it felt strangely like it would be cheating on the school.

Not to mention being at Hogwarts stuck a thorn in her Maman's side, what with her obvious dislike for her home country -- even if Elenore would never dare to point out such things.

"About the castle?" Elenore asked, glancing up at the imposing building behind them with something of a thoughtful look on her features. "It is not nearly as beautiful as Beauxbatons, that is for sure. But, it has a beauty of it's own in it's history. I'm sure you have read about some of the stories of the late nineteen nineties, all the way back to the founder, in some degree or another...

"There are plenty of secrets to be found, if you take the time to explore." Elenore explained, before looking back to the witch beside her. "How are you finding the Slytherin Common Rooms? I hear they're quite the spectacle, but I've never had the luck of exploring them, truthfully. They can't be as bordering on barbaric as the ones set out by the Hufflepuff woman. I'm quite sure the Sorting Hat placed me in Hufflepuff out of spite -- we have to go through an earthy passageway to get in to the Common Room!" Elenore told her fellow countrywoman of the inhumanity she faced when going in to and leaving her house's spaces.

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It never occurred to her that there was someone in a similar situation. Perhaps it was her narcism that she blatantly tended to ignore that made her feel this way, but as the young girl mentioned their brothers, she gave her first genuine smile since moving. A hum was the response that she initially gave at the mention of brothers. Ah yes, she remembered Jacques; she always found him to be very handsome even at a young age. She remembered how horrified she'd been when she realized that she found him to be attractive enough for briefly fawn over. Oh how things have changed, she thought with a brief amusement.

"Oh yes...how is Jacques?" she only asked to be polite.

Both teetered on social niceties, it was bred within them and fostered since youth. But she knew that Elenore would know the reasoning and in turn, she'd have to also follow the rules of asking of her brother. Both thorns on their side, both ignoring the elephant in the room. Afterball what's to happen to a young girl when there's an male heir already set? Ah yes, a trophy wife. Tess shuddered at the thought and stared at her acquaintance.

As the girl went on to talk about the castle, Tess turned to look at it herself. It was beautiful...in a rustic sort of way. It was just so different, so much life yet...yet it was such a different world to her own. The houses, the separation, the spirit rallies of undying loyalty to their houses. So, so different. But as Elenore continued on about the houses and her distinguished house she chuckled softly.

"Well...Slytherin is...it's fascinating" she admitted. "While the common room is not luxury tower, I do enjoy facing the lake more than I care to admit. It is sort of beautiful" she breathed out. "Not to mention I do enjoy the slight fear when people realize that I'm a serpent...though I must say I am surprise you are not one too."

She had briefly heard the song in the background during their first meal. Her sorting had been done in private and Slythering was the set house almost immediately. She assumed most purebloods would go to the most common house, yet the world kept surprising her.

Subject: Re: Winter Chill (Open) Sun Oct 08, 2017 9:40 am

"Jacques is... fine." Elenore responded with a moments thought in between. In truth, she hadn't spoken to her brother in a while, though she liked it this way, she knew that she was now verging in the realms of rudeness for not having written to ask of his well being in some time. "He's gone on to the University of Excelled Witchcraft and Wizardry to study the Auror course on offer. Not that he has an interest in becoming an Auror, but they study the Dark Arts, I'm told, in more detail.

"And Mycroft, how is he doing? The last I heard he'd taken a job with the British Ministry?" Elenore asked, using the information she'd come across from one source or another to make it look like the Holmes' coming and goings were of importance. Truthfully, though, Elenore didn't understand Tess' brother's interest in working for the Ministry. The Ministry was... well, beneath their kind of families.

Of course, though, these thoughts were not shown, it would be impolite for Elenore to question how the Holmes' ran their affairs.

"I suppose the view of the lake from below would be quite something. Especially on a summer's day..." Elenore mused, looking over the lake and imagining how it might look from beneath the water. Perhaps not so nice now that the sun was not as strong as it usually was. The musing didn't last long, though, because Tess' words about not being placed in Slytherin brought her back to the moment.

"I think everybody expected it." Elenore replied to the other witch with a small smile. "Maman and Papa were sorted in to Ombrelune in Beauxbatons, the house known to be almost the exact replica of Slytherin here. The Sorting Hat had barely touched Jacques head before it shouted Slytherin when he was here, the pride on Maman's face..." Elenore shook her head slightly.

"It is not the house that defines us." She finished quite simply. It was, perhaps, a weak attempt at waving away the problem, but it was better than dwelling on the fact she'd likely caused her parents to dislike her more because she was not... Clement enough.

"Will you be going home for the Winter holidays?" Elenore asked, though she knew the answer already. Neither one of them had a choice in the matter, really.

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Hearing about Jacques, she nodded without much input. It was not surprising to hear that someone like him continued on to university. He was intelligent, handsome, why not continue to avoid responsibilities? It was rare in pureblood society due to the lack of interest, but she knew it would soon become a norm. Tess briefly looked at Elenore; would she be interesting in ever going? She knew that it was in her own mind. What if she actually did something for herself, earn a living away from her parents? She grand-mere would be a bit annoyed at all her pruning going to waste; what husband would want a working wife? Not in in their society. Humming softly she slid her hands into her pockets and gripped the fabric from the inside.

"Well congratulations to Jacques" she murmured softly.

The mention of he brother came at no surprise. She knew that when her brother had gone to the university, many had raised an eye, but their father had shushed all the rumors with a simple comment: "Boys will be boys and they have their games. When the times he will stop playing these games." But the games had ended and he actually got a job within the government.

"Oh yes he's fine...he does enjoy playing government. No yearning of marriage yet."

She knew that it was more than just what it seemed; there was some influences in elections and people of power. This is the only reason that which made her father a bit less annoyed. If Tess was honest, she was somewhat proud of her brother. He was doing his own thing and cheated the system. Would she ever tell Myce? No never.

Still as Elenore commented on her sorting, Tess looked at her curiously. She might have hit a sore spot without meaning to. Nonetheless she nodded, unsure on how to respond. There was a slight pause before she responded.

"Your house won't matter when you leave...and if I'm honest I've been counting the days" she smirked. "in all hopes you end up with the same amount of baggage than when you came in."

She hinted at a husband. Since both girls were of age the uncomfortable talks of husbands would arise, especially during the holiday season. It was also that awkward time when a classmate could potentially end up being your husband. Tess shuddered.

"I will be looking forward to possibly seeing you during the winter holiday" Tess pleasantly added. And she was being honest. It was always good to see a friendly face.

Subject: Re: Winter Chill (Open) Wed Oct 11, 2017 10:04 pm

"That," Elenore mused, a smile playing on her lips. "Is the luxury of being male in our world." She finished in response to Mycroft Holmes not having any budding need for marriage. An unmarried man was simply someone who had time, wasn't necessary, so long as he was building something for the family. An unmarried woman, without children brooding around her...

Elenore didn't even bring herself to think of what kind of names such a witch would be given.

"But, at least he is enjoying the Ministry work." Elenore concluded with a small, sincere smile. Following what you liked to do... That was only something Elenore could dream of, but she would not dwell on that either.

"I don't believe our houses make much difference now, truthfully. I've been sorted in to Hufflepuff, but I don't feel like I belong. Those in my house all seem rather... dull." Elenore commented. Of course, she had not spoken to all of the Hufflepuffs, but from the few she'd endured for a time, she knew they were not nearly on her level and therefore weren't the kind of people she would associate herself with. The other houses -- except Gryffindor -- were of much more interest to her.

"You have your Ball soon, I presume?" Elenore asked when the topic of a husband kind of came in to conversation. They were both born in the same month, perhaps one of the reasons their mothers -- or Elenore's grandmere -- had seen it fitting to put them together at social events.

Elenore smiled at the comment of the holidays. "Naturally, I expect you'll be attending our annual ball?" Elenore prompted. Everyone who was anyone came to the Clement Christmas Ball, and Tess was definitely on the list each year with her family, so this year would be no different.

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Tess felt that in this world, you could only glance into the world of a pureblooded woman if you lived in it, and from Elenore's comment, she got it. A genuine laugh rose from her as her friend made a quip about the imperfections of society. It was very true, because while she would be dragged from ball to ball in hopes of finding her a good husband, her brother could meander through it all with polite smiles and avoidance. Only because he had a penis. When her laughter subsided, she covered her mouth a bit embarrassed at the spontaneous reaction.

Still when she heard the small comment about houses, Tess hummed in agreement. It was funny enough, but she had no real interaction with another Slytherin since she started. She rose early every morning before everyone else to take a stroll through the castle, and in class, she found herself not paying attention to anyone else.

"Well, if it's of any consolation," she began, "I have not found a single Slytherin that has caught my interest, even if it is a simple conversation." she flipped her hair back dramatically and joked, "How will I ever find a husband this way?"

And it was partially true; her father had made quips and commentary about how a proper husband could be found within her classmates so long as they were pureblood, from good families, and had a door to opportunities. Still, she wasn't sure there was anyone that ever caught her attention.

"You have your Ball soon, I presume?"

Alas, that was when reality soon set in. For her comment was initially in jest, the truth was a bitter pill at Elenore's comment. Yes, she would have her ball, and yes she would be forced to behave. She had learned very well how her brother had reacted to her last bad decisions. A small smile almost rose.

"Hm? Oh yes, it is a big number isn't it? I haven't thought much about it, but grand-mere will eventually send me an invite to my own soiree" she smirked. "But I am excited for your ball! After all, I've been missing the last one due to the usual excuses"

And the excuse was puberty. Her grand-mere had told her to hide any awkwardness and in turn, Tess took full advantage by avoiding going to anything that remotely brought attention to herself. Her grand-mere in turn would make a visit, talk about her granddaughter, build her up and keep people from wondering what the young daughter of the Holmes family looked like. Still, she wondered how everyone would now look and if anyone had changed significantly.

"Will your grand-mere be there?" she asked with a small smile knowing the history of their families.

Subject: Re: Winter Chill (Open) Sun Oct 15, 2017 11:48 am

Elenore couldn't help the soft melodic sound of laughter than left her lips at Tess' joke of not being able to find a husband when the options in the Slytherin domain were so very lacking. Elenore did not doubt that, for in the five years she'd been at the school, she had not made friends with any Purebloods of note, simply because they didn't seem like the kind of Purebloods her Papa would approve of.

It was a sad fact that, whilst Jacques had chosen to bring the to Hogwarts, Hogwarts had provided nothing in return.

The idea that Tess had not given her own Ball much thought was something Elenore simply could not believe. She'd been dreading her own. Wondering whom she'd have to dance with. Alexande Charlot would likely be there, but the Charlots were... not to Elenore's taste. The Holmes would be there, and whilst Elenore held nothing against Mycroft, he was almost nine years her senior. That, whilst not unheard of, nor uncommon, in the Pureblood world, was something Elenore did not wish to step in to. There was the Murray heir, but Elenore could think of nothing worse than marrying an Englishman, even if he was powerful and handsome.

"Well, I do hope that I can be at yours, seeing you in the splendour of the event will be something to marvel upon, I'm sure." Elenore replied, meaning those words. Tess was beautiful, and the money that would be thrown forth for a dress, jewels and everything else of the Ball would be wondrous to behold.

"Of course Grandmere will be there!" Elenore said, her love for the woman shining through without any control from the young Hufflepuff. "And Grandpere, of course! But, yes, having you there will be wonderful, I can show you the Palace if we can find a way to get away from the Ball for a while. Though, of course, I could never admit to such plans."

After all, Elenore simply could not be seen to be escaping from a Ball she would be something of the forefront of for too long. People would talk.

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» A Winter Day Outside (Open!)
» Winter Blues (Open)
» Feeling under the weather (Winter D'elia but also open for others)
» Global Citizenship - Winter Term (Open to five)
» Maybe Winter time can be fun again (Mercy)