Casino Royale (Azalea & Jacques)

Subject: Casino Royale (Azalea & Jacques) Sun Jan 20, 2019 11:04 am

University had come back much too quickly, as it always did, leaving Jacques hurrying from dropping Mimosa off at the Hogwarts Express before departing for his apartments in London. Leaving his Maman this year had been a trifle more difficult than any year previously had been, but he knew that the Lady Clement would be okay, with time. Almost as soon as he'd arrived at his apartment, though, Jacques had pulled out his parchment and quill and written to his Maman about how dropping Mimosa off had gone, and how he'd already settled in to his apartment once more. He wrote to ask of his Maman and Papa's health, and this plans for this quarter, before signing off, as he usually did, with how much he missed his Maman and how much he loved her.

It was a letter that wouldn't give the Lady Clement much more knowledge than she already had, but Jacques had felt it a necessity to write to his Maman much more frequently this year, to make up for his sister's shortcomings.

The second letter written had been much more difficult. Trying to keep the tone upbeat and encouraging despite wanting to head to his sister's residence in New York and bring her back to Europe was a skill set Jacques had never had to use before, but after an hour of filling in his sister of everything that had happened since her departure, and questioning how New York was, he'd sent that one off too.

The respite had come in sending a long text to Mimosa, telling her how much he missed her already, and asking of what was new at Hogwarts this year. The Frenchman was more than thankful for the near immediate reply that came, denoting how much his chouchou was enjoying her first day back at Hogwarts, and their conversation took the stress of home life away, if only temporarily.

First week back at University was, as always, an easy ride, full of orientations, class sign ups, and of course, catching up with all of the friends he'd made over the last three years, and making new ones, at the socials that came with Freshers Week.

Jacques time had become bombarded with classes by the following week, assignments were flying around campus as if they were going out of fashion, and more than one beautiful young lady tried with all their might to infringe upon Jacques' time with not so subtle suggestions about what he could be doing instead of all the research he was doing to aid his masters degree.

September had faded from being once more, though, and with it the cooler temperatures had emerged. The Clement heir's schedule had settled, and Saturday came with the first interesting sounding party of the year. Halloween was fast approaching, but the Student Body were keeping hush hush about the party at the end of the month, so the Auror division had decided to make their own party to tide them over. The auditorium had been taken over for the evening, and transformed in to casino. The theme was 'Bond' -- a notion that would have confused Jacques a few years ago, before he'd learned of the Spy that was a big hit in this country. Basically, though, Jacques had mused as he spoke to some of the newer members of their group as they explained the evening, if you were male you wore a tuxedo, if you were female, you wore a dress that made you look gorgeous. And, as one of Jacques' friends added with a grin, if you weren't sure what you were, just make yourself look like you were heaven reincarnated.

The party has 'sold out' almost the moment Jacques' name had been confirmed as being in attendance. Not that you had to pay to enter, but tickets were given out -- as if they couldn't be duplicated by those capable of such magic? It had always amused Jacques that the English tried to have some control on these activities, not that it ever entirely worked, but he had always enjoyed it.

As the night of the party came around, Jacques had found himself around with the other men in his group, getting changed in one of the small university buildings in to the red tuxedo he'd decided on. Just because it said tuxedo didn't mean you had to go with a traditional one, right? Of course, the others had tried to jibe him for it, but Jacques had thrown it back in their face with a simple 'you just have no imagination!' and a coy smile that got him a number of different responses, none of which were polite.

The pre-drinks had been paid for by the Clement heir, bringing out the finer bourbon than any of the others could truly appreciate, and a couple of bottles of fine Champagne that were ready for the girls to arrive shortly. A light buzz was currently flooding through Jacques' veins as the small group passed around cigarettes to help the buzz of the evening, but he was by no means as drunk or tipsy as some of his friends. A chorus of excitement went up when the knock came at Samuel's door, bringing with it the girls who were glitzed and glammed for the evening as was appropriate. After a round of Champagne for them all, the group that was now nearing the twenty mark had been ready to leave as Jacques stood from his seat and buttoned his jacket.

"Shall we?" Jacques asked Sophia and Alizeh, offering each of them his arm in turn so that they wouldn't have to stumble around in the heels they'd chosen to wear that were undoubtedly not comfortable for them. The group had crossed the campus in a time much longer than necessary as the girls struggled to keep pace with the men, but they had arrived right as they were supposed to. Jacques' appearance at the front of the crowd had brought no questions as the two men on the door simply waved them through without queuing for a second. The group moved straight to bar, Jacques ordering the drinks for each of his friends in turn before they turned their attention to the casino set up around them.

An illegal one, of course, but who broke the law better than Aurors?

In one corner the DJ was set up, the crowd already forming on the dancefloor and dancing in the manner that Jacques had come to expect of his English fellows, slowly getting larger as more people consumed more alcohol and lost their own inhibitions. The rest of the room showed roulette tables, and blackjack tables, slot machines had been brought in, and it was clear to see that those gambling were throwing their money away with the hope of having more money than they started with to get them through to their next Student Loan cheque.

"Where do you want to bet first?" Samuel asked over the noise of the evening, his arm snaking around Sophia's waist as he tried to very subtly regain his own claim on the brunette.

Jacques looked around for a moment, before his eyes landed on Alizeh. "Which game would you like to play?" He asked, not wanting to bore their female counterparts.

"Can you teach me how to play Blackjack?" Alizeh replied, weighing too heavily on the 'jack' that it was hard to go unnoticed. The roll of Sophia's eyes attested to the point her friend had tried too hard, but Jacques didn't pay it any mind.

"Of course, Blackjack, Samuel." Jacques replied, once again offering Alizeh his arm as he navigated the both of them carefully to the table. Once they arrived, Jacques allowed the witch his seat at the table, standing behind her as he laid £500 on the table to be changed without a second thought. Beside him, his friends laid down their own piles of money, but the eyes were upon the chips before Alizeh as they were dished out.

Jacques was unaware, though, as he leaned down to explain in Alizeh's ear how to play the game watching the dealer pass out the cards for each hand. It was something to pass the time for now, give it an hour or two and the girls would want to join the hordes on the dance floor, and, as always, Jacques would not be able to say no to any witch who asked him to dance.

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~ Clement Heir ~ 24 ~ Athletic ~ 5'11" ~ French Accent ~

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Subject: Re: Casino Royale (Azalea & Jacques) Mon Jan 21, 2019 10:02 pm

Her first month at work had almost flown by. Hogwarts kept Azalea's attention during the weekdays while weekends were pent in Wales, away from the rest of the world with Josh and Ethan. Though the witch had only begun working a mere five or so weeks ago, Ethan already seemed to understand the pattern - as Josh explained to her last night. The one year old knew which days to expect ehr and would get grumpy if she wasn't around. Like his father, Ethan seemed to be growing up into a man who observed routine and decorum. And as much as it hurt her to leave the two Murray males every week, she also had another child who needed her.

Of course it was her studies that suffered in the division of time. Azalea had not forgotten the conditions under which she had been hired. By the end of the school year, she had to show Headmaster Kessler that she was sufficiently bridging the gap in ehr research as well as working on something that would contribute to her field. Azalea had meant to pick her direct senior's brain over the matter but Annika Blackwood barely seemed present half the time. Devoid of her potions, the childlike Professor seem to barely register anyone or anything around her. So far, Azalea had subbed in eleven of the younger witch's classes and it was barely October.

Azalea had discuses the matter with Josh at the dinner table, as always a cozy but grand affair in its own way. Josh believed in all the finery being involved at dinner and as a result they had eaten by the light of several sparkling crystal candelabras on fine china plates with silverware that boasted of actual specious metals in their origin. Josh had listened as always, offering help where he could and a patient ear where he couldn't. Neither of them were exactly happy that the brunette has to attend extra classes the next day but in order to keep up with her personal education, it was a sacrifice they were all willing to commit.

Saturday morning dawned entirely too quickly, though Azalea had to admit waking up encased almost too tightly in Joshua Murray's arms had its benefits. Thanks to the blonde's zeal and enthusiasm, Azalea barely felt the need to punctuate her morning ritual with a jog even if something inside her told the witch she was either eating too much or not eating right. A private breakfast sans Ethan followed a shower and change before she and Josh were ready to leave. A nursemaid brought the baby out, careful not to wake him, and handed him to Azalea to kiss goodbye. Nursemaids - and other servants - were still things the American was getting used to.

The drive to her university was light and pleasant, with mostly Azalea's worries and woes in the forefront as Josh simply preferred to listen. The fear that she might grow into quite the chatterbox if he indulged her so made itself known again but before she could address it, they were at the university gates. As usual, there was a small crowd waiting to get a glimpse of their car. Over the last few months, Azalea had kind of understood what Josh implied to these people, though she also found herself rather annoyed by this unwanted attention. Josh was remarkable in ways that were not limited to his wealth or status, but these idiots didn't seem to realize that.

After saying goodbye to the blonde, she walked off to her first class where she was presently joined by Cieran. The man's presence surprised her far more than his powder blue shirt and tight dark indigo jeans. A fedora with a bright periwinkle bow completed his look for the day. Azalea didn't have to wonder long why her friend had put so much effort into getting dressed for a class he didn't even have to attend. Apparently some of the folks in the Aurar division were throwing a shindig - and Cieran wanted in. Single tickets were all sold out but tickets sold to couples were available and he needed an in.

"I can't tonight," Azalea whispered, trying to divide her focus equally on the wizard beside her and the distillation of poisons playing on an old projector reel at the front of the class. "I have to be back in Wales tonight."

"Come on Az, you get your hunk whenever you like, help a sister out getting his yeah?"

Of course it would be by about the infamous Jacques Clement. the witch should have understood sooner why her fiend was so eager to attend this party. Never having met the Frenchman herself, Azalea had only heard tales of his looks and charms - and had become somewhat curious. "But I really can't, I have-"

"Come on, pleeeeeeese, I'll owe you one. And I'll cut you into the underground assignment circle too. It's just one night, and you don't look nearly as deprived of a good fuck as I've been for ages."

"That's non of your business, Cieran," Azalea treed to sound strict but the small smile creeping up on her face ruined the impression completely. "Just this once, and we're going to pretend you offered to cut me into the underground circle when you first met me, because that's what good friends do." Cieran had the good sense to look ashamed, though the sparkle in his eye at being close to a possibly inebriated Jacques Clement was obvious.

The rest of the morning and afternoon was spent in more lectures, Azalea catching up to the things she had missed in the last week and noting down several ideas to pursue for her original research. Nothing seemed promising though. Either her subjects were potion or herbology centric with no class seeking to combine both disciplines. That part was up to her and the witch had yet to find even footing on either subject to be able to draft a plan that incorporated both. It was only when she saw the crowds of students returning to the main campus that Azalea realized she had worked through lunch.

A glance at her phone also revealed that she didn't have too much time to get ready for this party. Shooting Cieran a quick text, the witch asked if there was a theme and the male very conveniently announced it was a bond casino royale, making her task even more difficult.

Still, she was there for her friend, she didn't have to shine. Heck maybe if Cieran got lucky and attainder the attention he so sought from the Clement heir, she could leave early. With any luck, she would be back in Wales before midnight. The next hour was devoted to reading more journals in hopes of prompting an idea until finally, at nearly five thirty, Azalea gave up and headed to the theater department. it was her best chance of finding a dress on such short notice. Thankfully, the costume area was packed with suitable choices and her friend held sway in this particular discipline. Soon enough Azalea had gone through a number of dresses that could be immediately adjusted to her size by a tiny witch majoring in fashion design.

In the end, the witch settled for a short black number that boasted equal parts solid color and sheer. The illusion neckline left something to the imagination while the slit allowed for ease of movement. Her naturally wavy hair were parted to one side and retrained with a transfigured barrett but otherwise left unchanged and no jewelry adorned her person ave for a small dark green locket that stood out against ehr net and black ensemble. The design major was also able to find ehr some heels that would do, even if they barely cleared the three inch mark.

Fortunately, the witch didn't have to worry about make up, resorting to suing only the bare minimum available in the contents of her purse. A little lip gloss and perfume and she was nearly ready. At her advisers insistence, the witch allowed a small layer of black, glittering eyeliner and mascara upon her eyes. A little bit more glitter - a soft chocolate that would blend perfectly with her hair - was dusted atop her locks, giving her the appearance of sparkling from far away. When Cieran finally arrived to get her at seven, the man ran an appreciative eye over what she had put together.

"Well done, Az, if I was into this, I would be... well, all into this."

Threatening to it him slightly, the American smiled. "Well lets just hope your fictional boyfriend is all into this," she joked, pointing to Cieran's own get up. The man had clearly overdone the sparkles, wearing a loud, glittering black suit that would turn him into a disco ball anytime he stood under direct lights. One way or the other, ehr flamboyant friend was going to blind people with his looks tonight.

"Come, lets get going before Alizeh Yasir has a chance to sink her teeth into my man," Cieran insisted, the fear real in his voice as he guided her towards the auditorium she had yet to see. "I mean, what does she have that I don't?" Azalea could have answered that question but felt it was kinder to not reply. Not right now anyway. If Cieran ended up with his heart broken tonight, well that would be a different story then.

So together, the two friends entered the auditorium, Ciaran positively quivering with nervous energy and excitement and Azalea merely curious to finally meet the man she'd heard so much about these past few months.

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Casino Royale (Azalea & Jacques) Rsz_gr10

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Subject: Re: Casino Royale (Azalea & Jacques) Mon Jan 28, 2019 7:11 pm

Alizeh was not a good gambler, Jacques soon learned. Even with his explanations on how to win the game, and when to stick and when to take another card, Alizeh decided to play how she liked to. Where most of their friends were only playing with small stakes, Alizeh was playing with five times higher stakes, and losing their pile quite quickly. Not that Jacques had any qualms with losing the money on the table, of course, money was of no object to the man, but that didn't mean that he couldn't notice an ill-formed gambler when he saw one.

Though, you could always rely on luck with these things, as Alizeh played a fifty pound game, and came up with a BlackJack, returning her almost all of the money she'd previously lost, and sending the table in to a cacophony of excitement that turned a number of heads. Jacques simply smiled to himself as Samuel took up the chips that had been won, cashing them in and insisting the next round of drinks were on the Clements.

Shaking his head, Jacques exchanged the rest of his chips back for cash, before following his friends back to the bar, Alizeh snaking her arm in to his the moment he'd returned.

"Didn't I do amazing?" She asked of him, and Jacques nodded.

"Very well," he admitted, though there was no honesty in that statement, just flattery to make the witch feel better as a round of tequila shots announced themselves on the bar in front of them. "Seriously, Samuel? You had all that money and you got us tequila?"

"Not just one, my friend!" Samuel shouted back over the noise, motioning to the bar that now had three tequila shots lined up for each person. Shaking his head at this announcement, Jacques simply picked up his first glass, tipped it towards his friends in a silent cheers, before downing the liquid that tasted far worse than any other alcohol in the world. Never one to bow out of the drinking games, the Clement heir quickly downed the other two shots before grimacing slightly at the taste. Thankfully, though, Samuel had been kinda enough to order them all a much more satisfying drink, and Jacques' 'England favourite drink' was pushed before him in the form of JD and coke.

It was by no means enjoyable, drinking like this, but it was the done thing, and Jacques couldn't help but want to complete the experience of university. His Maman could never know, of course, but that was another matter entirely.

"Oh Merlin's beard! Mr Disco Ball has arrived!" Faren exclaimed, motioning to the door where a couple had just walked in. It didn't take much to work out who his friend was talking about because the moment the man entered, the light bounced off of him in every direction. But, it wasn't the overly flamboyant man that caught Jacques' attention in that moment, but the witch beside her. The witch was new this year, Jacques hadn't seen her around before, and he did try to make the effort of knowing as many people as he could on campus.

Where many people had gone for longer dresses with severe cuts in them, though, the witch who had just entered had gone for a very short dress instead. It worked well with her figure, and the simplicity of her outfit left a lot of questions unanswered.

"I swear he gets more flamboyant every month, that guy. Like, we get it, he's gay, doesn't need to shove it in our faces!" Faren was continuing on, and Jacques returned his attention to his group.

"There's nothing in your face about him. He's just dressed to impress." Jacques replied, and the group who had been about to start shaming the other guy looked to Jacques for a moment and dropped their opinions entirely.

"Can we dance?" Sophia asked, looking past Samuel to Jacques with a very hopeful look on her face. "Come on, Alizeh, let's go. Jacques?"

"Coming, coming." Jacques replied, downing the rest of his drink before placing the empty glass on the bar, offering one hand to each of the girls to escort them to the dance floor as per the request. His eyes, though, did seek out the boy with the sparkling suit and his companion, though, curious to know who they were...

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~ Clement Heir ~ 24 ~ Athletic ~ 5'11" ~ French Accent ~

Thanks to .V0ldiemort @ TDA for my signature!

Subject: Re: Casino Royale (Azalea & Jacques) Sat Feb 02, 2019 8:24 pm

Cieran had not been wrong when he had said the Aurar department could throw a party. Azalea's eyes grew wide for a second upon entering the completely redone auditorium. Not only had the decoration team nailed the aesthetics of a nineties casino vibe but they had even somehow managed to capture the spirit of the theme. The faint smell of cash, chips, cigar smoke and alcohol blended perfectly to complete the illusion that they had somehow stepped through a movie screen and were in one of the famous English spy stories so popular in her youth.

The brunette wished Josh was here. Surely he too would be impressed by the amount of work that went into putting this thing together. Besides, this was just the kind of party where she needed a dashing gentleman on ehr arm to complete her ensemble. Smiling covertly at the though, Azalea shielded her eyes from the sheer force of sparkles that her friend now was.

"Oh my Morgana, do you see him? Doesn't he just glow?" Cieran gushed at the object of his affection. Azalea couldn't truthfully say she saw the boy because there was too much light coming off of Cieran's own jacket to provide clear vision to anyone within a five meter circumference. So the witch nodded politely instead, accepting the glasses of champagne from waiters circling through the room with their pristine uniforms and silver trays. There was an additional bar area but the message was clear, access to alcohol was available no matter where you stood in the auditorium turned casino.

"Well, what's the plan now?" Azalea asked after a moment, her eyes gradually adjusting to the different shades of light and darkness in the space they currently occupied. "Big grand proposal and you two sneaking of to the bleachers or...?" For a moment, the male looked awed at the idea of taking Jacques Clement to the bleachers before he literally shook himself out of the fantasy.

"That depends Harrington, how good are you at dancing?"

"Ummm," the American witch began but was not given the opportunity to continue as Cieran grabbed her hand. They were halfway to the dance floor before she realized her friend was muttering a hurried, numbered list in her ear.

"First, we enter the dance floor, fast number, multiple twirls, switch partners. Second, we get that bitch Alizeh away from my future boyfriend, That's where you come in. I swap you for Alizeh and keep her occupied until a slow song hits. Thirs, you "mistakenly" twirl away and I swirl into his arms. Four, I get to be the next Lady Clement and you can be my Best Man, got it Harrington?"

"I'm pretty sure you're skipping a few of the more important steps in betwe-" The witch was cut off as they hit the floor, Cieran's body naturally flowing into place mid song while Azalea was left to start her own momentum without any help. Luckily, the number was a fast one and didn't require too much coordination. Too many people on the dance floor also made it easier to blend in.

The witch was just beginning to enjoy the fast beat when it happened. Cieran winked at her before taking her hand, spinning her once before dealing her out into the throng of ready to exchange partners. Sadly, the boy had either miscalculated or something had gone wrong because her next partner was not the infamous Jacques Clement but someone called Samuel. At least the name was all she managed to catch over the music, uttering her own back though she doubted he could hear her.

It took a moment for her to realize what had gone wrong. The Clement kid had been dancing with Sophie, who was now safely in Cieran's grasp. Alizeh who had been dancing with Sauiel was now with Cieran's crush while Azalea had switched partners from Cieran to Samuel. They didn't have much time to right the order and pave the way for the flamboyant male to get his dream dance now.

So Azalea calculated her next twirl carefully, making sure she was in the right position to spin into the dream boy at the next turn, which thankfully went off flawlessly.

The witch internally sighed in relief as the next arms that landed around her were that of the man of Cieran's dreams. Still not having actually looked up at his face, Azalea was all but ready to spin out again and let her friend replace her when disaster struck.

The music slowed, and the dance changed.

Soft notes from the hidden sound system crooned over the dance floor and the momentum changed, all partners moving closer to hold each other. From the corner of her eyes, Azalea saw Cieran hugging Alizeh close, a nasty grimace on his face as he looked on towards her.

And his Jacques Clement.

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Subject: Re: Casino Royale (Azalea & Jacques) Sat Feb 02, 2019 8:50 pm

The problem with university events like this, was the awful, awful dancing that came with it. Now, Jacques Clement could mingle with his classmates with ease, he could blend in even easier with the crowds, but that did not mean that he liked the style of dancing that was so pushed on these events. It had taken a few hashed attempts of an eighteen year old Jacques Clement to work through the 'steps' of the more modern dances, but after showing the ladies how to bring in a few actual dance moves, Jacques had conquered the art of dancing in such situations where many of his friends could not.

This, of course, meant he was always, always roped in to dancing with the girls first, and after a few songs, and the ladies not coming back, Samuel and the rest of the boys would join them on the dance floor so that they didn't feel so left out. This evening had been no different, with Jacques having to aid both Sophia and Alizeh with their dancing at the same time to a song Jacques didn't know the name of, nor did he care to know.

The music was almost much too loud for talking on the dance floor, not that the girls seemed to mind, leaving Jacques to concentrate on keeping both girls upright. Both of them had had much too much to drink by now, and coupled with their high heels, they often looked like Bambi on ice if he let them go for too long. Neither seemed to care, though, as their bodies moved together, only giving in when the others had joined their group, and Samuel paired off, somehow with Alizeh as Jacques supported Sophia who had just almost fallen over.

Still, the Spanish witch had not give in, and had insisted on Jacques spinning her around, despite the music not calling for that. Obliging the witch -- though with only a slow spin -- Jacques had steadied her once more before someone had called out for the switch to come round. Expecting Alizeh to head his way, and Sophia to head off with Samuel, the Clement heir was more than surprised when instead the witch who had entered beside the man dressed as a disco ball arrived in his arms.

The witch's features were... much more beautiful up close, than Jacques could have realised when he'd first set eyes upon her. A strange feeling lodging somewhere, but being replaced when he realised he'd been looking at the woman for much too long, without uttering a word.

"Bonjour," the Frenchman spoke, the softest of smiles touched his lips as he gave the woman a moment. Some girls liked it, some girls didn't, it didn't much matter either way, because it was a way of opening without being normal. But before Jacques could offer his name to the witch, the music changed to a very soft, very slow song that you didn't always want to catch yourself with a stranger dancing to.

"May I..?" Jacques asked softly, using his hands to gently show that he would place one hand on her waist, whilst the other offered itself to her other hand. Only when the permission had been granted did the Frenchman take up the usual hold of a slow dance that was not suggesting romantic companionship. Allowing them both a couple of steps to find the right rhythm, Jacques didn't speak again, just swaying easily to the music with the witch before him.

"My name is Jacques, I don't think I've seen you around the campus before, and I feel mightily rude in not knowing your name." He confided, allowing the witch to introduce herself to him. There was no need for his last name, he didn't often use it whilst at university. Most people just seemed to know and if they didn't, Jacques did not mind.

"If I may, and I mean this sincerely, you look very beautiful this evening. I like, very much, how you've not followed everyone else's view on the theme. The individuality is much more enticing than I care to admit aloud." He confided, though there was an underlying of flirtations, Jacques was not by any means trying anything with the witch. They had, after all, only just met. It was a compliment to the witch, one he hoped she would take well, and not be offended by.

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~ Clement Heir ~ 24 ~ Athletic ~ 5'11" ~ French Accent ~

Thanks to .V0ldiemort @ TDA for my signature!

Subject: Re: Casino Royale (Azalea & Jacques) Sat Feb 02, 2019 9:25 pm

The first thing Azalea noticed about the man she had just landed in the arms of... was that his skin tone matched hers. The witch may not remember much of her early years but she knew she had spent those years in the outdoors enough to carry a perceptual tan, often giving her a more radiant glow as compared to her friends and acquaintances. When she stood hand in hand with Josh, it was painfully easy to tell where her hand ended and his began. With Jacques Clement... the texture flowed smooth, his face almost as sun kissed and naturally caramel smooth as hers.

"Bonjour,"

Azalea didn't understand much beyond the single word he spoke in French, but it was enough for her to smile shyly back at the male.

"Hello." For the first time she studied his face, noticing the sharp angle of his jaw, the straight, high profile of his nose, the dark eyes and the sharply cut hair that made up the man Cieran had been so affectionate towards for such a long time. She had to give her friends props though. Not only was Jacques Clement good looking but he was also polite, as displayed when he carefully sought her permission instead of just dragging her narrow frame to himself like most other men on the dance floor had done. Apparently the Clement heir knew music change was no excuse for misbehavior.

"Of course," she allowed, easily reacting to hold his other hand as his first politely circled her waist. They were just close enough to observe the parameters of the dance they were engaged in, with her partner making no move to encroach on her personal space. This time, she was not flung into the crescendo but given a minute to find her footing as Jacques attempted to match his steps to her, making her realize she really hasn't a good dancer anymore.

"I apologize if I'm cramping your style, As you can see, I'm no Ginger Rogers,' she attempted, finally falling into the right step thanks to his gentle guidance.

"My name is Jacques, I don't think I've seen you around the campus before, and I feel mightily rude in not knowing your name."

"Azalea," the witch introduced herself, only having to lean slightly forwards to be heard. "I only started this semester. I've been doing catch up courses over the summer for the dual masters in Potions and Herbology." Though as she spoke so, the witch realized how long ago summer actually seemed.

Azalea knew from Cieran that his future boyfriend was studying to become an Aurar but a confirmation was always a good thing. "Are you with the Aurar division that organised this event?" she asked with a soft smile of her own. "If so, congratulations are in order, everything looks beautiful."

"If I may, and I mean this sincerely, you look very beautiful this evening. I like, very much, how you've not followed everyone else's view on the theme. The individuality is much more enticing than I care to admit aloud."

His compliment resulted in a slight dusting of pink on the witch's cheeks. "Actually, the theater department is to thank for that,' she admitted somewhat bashfully as the music continued. The gentle sway of the dance was starting to relax her, as was the current company. How someone as vibrant and loud and blatant as Cieran had decided to fall for someone to calm and centered, Azalea would never understand. "I wasn't aware I was coming to this party until this afternoon so I had no time to go home and change. The good people at the theater department kindly stepped up."

Beside them, more couple swayed in and out of sight, most notably Cieran and Alizeh with the former eyeing her like a hawk.

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Subject: Re: Casino Royale (Azalea & Jacques) Sat Feb 02, 2019 9:50 pm

The witch's apology for not being Ginger Rogers brought a smile to Jacques' lips before he shook his head gently. "You're not cramping anyone's style, you've got it, see." Jacques pointed out only a moment later, as the witch fell easily in to step with him and the music. It had only taken a gently piece of correction from Jacques, and they were in step with the music.

The offered name, however, was one that Jacques committed to memory easily. The name was unusual, unique even, and reminded him of Mimosa, in a manner. Of course, there was no one like his Mimosa, but the shared choice of name stemming from that of an unusual flower was enough to make it one to remember for the Frenchman in that moment.

With the witch's name came her course, though, and Jacques looked pleasantly surprised at the notion of a dual masters being completed by the witch. "That sounds very exciting indeed! I was never one for Herbology personally, but it would work well with the Potions masters. Especially those that require the more complex plants of our world in order to brew them correctly." He offered, not offhandedly, but with the underlying tones of true admiration of the choice the witch in his arms had made without being too surprised by the combination.

A masters, however, suggested that Azalea had either studied at the university before, or else she had ample experience in the field to forgo the usual route. That, in itself, made the beautiful witch in his arms more than a few years older than him, though he would not have placed her as being that much older than him from the way she looked that evening.

"Guilty, yes." Jacques offered with a knowing smile in that moment, before continuing. "Though, I had no hand in the set up of tonight's event. I leave that for the much more creative eye of my peers, truthfully. If anyone else asks, though, I helped with all of it, of course." A soft laugh left his lips in that moment to show he was joking and didn't really care for what others thought, or whether they believed he helped, it was a great job, by all means, but had his hand been put on anything, it would have grown exponentially with grandeur.

"Ah," Jacques commented with an appreciative nod. "Then I will extend my well wishes to the theatre department when I next see them for their amazing job."

For a moment or two, Jacques allowed them both to sway gently to the music, taking in how the soft pink glow had touched the witch's cheeks before saving her the awkwardness of being flushed and gently spinning her out and round in a soft pirouette to give her a moment. The effect was much like a Mexican wave, for no sooner had Jacques completed the move, than all the couples around them did the same as his hand moved gently back to Azalea's waist. A subtle show of amusement graced the Clement heir's lips before he focused back on the witch before him.

"You came with..." Jacques turned his head to find the man who's suit had blinded him a few times as they danced, before landing on the man in question. "Forgive me, I don't recall your friend's name, either. I hope I'm not stealing you from him in this dance?" The question was etched with genuine worry in that moment, angering boyfriends was not something Jacques ever wished to do, but often times, it happened without him meaning to.

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Subject: Re: Casino Royale (Azalea & Jacques) Mon Feb 04, 2019 2:07 pm

Genuine surprised touched the witch's sparkling brown eyes at his interest in her field of study. Azalea had always been convinced her line of interest was too boring to spark any real interest in anyone aside from herself so whenever someone appreciated her chosen disciplines, the witch couldn't help but feel oddly validated. She had come to expect such validation from Josh, perhaps some attitudinal interest from Headmaster Kessler by sheer virtue of being steeped so deeply into academia but here, a virtual stranger, seemed to agree with Azalea's questionable decision of mixing two disciplines she once had so much passion for.

"It's a bit of a struggle coming up with research ideas," she admitted as they moved to the music, the American witch slowly easing into his touch. "But only because I refuse to go down the lazy route and talk about plants being essential as potion ingredients. I wish..." Well, what she truly wished was to do something revolutionary like she had once been on the cusp of doing. But that research had long been concluded by someone who didn't have to spend over a decade doing Granny Weatherwax only knew what else. "I suppose I'd like to put my name to something a little more unique, if that makes sense."

Shaking her head softly to dispel the thought, and making ehr soft brown locks tumble against her shoulder, the witch steered the conversation the other way around. "What about you, have you always wanted to pursue Aurarship? i have a... well, I had an acquaintance, he's an active Aurar though I honestly have no clue what he does." As if Jake would even tell ehr if she asked. But Jacques didn't need to know that. Azalea was merely given to understand it was a job that involved some danger. Was that why this young man wanted it to? Somehow, Jacques Clement didn't strike her as the guy who thought like all other guys his age.

"Forgive me, I don't recall your friend's name, either. I hope I'm not stealing you from him in this dance?"

"Cieran," the brunette offered politely as he swung her out than in again, always making sure to not hold her too closely or grip her waist with entitlement. Azalea hoped all the other girls on the dance floor were being treated at least half as respectfully as she was."And no. While yes, he is a boy, and a very good friend, he is not a boyfriend." The witch let out a soft tinkling laugh before she caught sight of the unhappily glittering Cieran again and forced herself to look more serious. No point rubbing salt on the wound.

"Actually, I was wondering... Is it too early in the evening to wonder if I can ask a favor of you?" Maybe there was still a way to salvage her friend's evening, depending on how generous the Clement heir was feeling. "Unless you think my chances will improve with a few more drinks in you. In which case, I'm willing to wait."

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Subject: Re: Casino Royale (Azalea & Jacques) Tue Feb 05, 2019 7:39 pm

The surprise in Azalea's features when he complimented her choice was not something he'd expected. They seemed to be quite the natural allies to study together, but perhaps he'd miscalculated on that much? No, he corrected that thought a moment later, perhaps others around her had just not been very supportive, the two were linked, it made sense. Which left him with something of a troubling question of why she seemed so surprised? Were her parents not supporting her wishes? He knew his own parents didn't like Elenore's choice of going to America, but they supported her academic field of choice.

"Well, if you would ever like me to lend an ear, or help you trouble shoot through some ideas on your research, feel free to hunt me down. I might be doing an Auror degree, but my Potions skills are not bad." Jacques offered, and... well, he wouldn't wish to speak too soon, but perhaps someone who worked on such things would be a useful ally to have in the future. The Palace was always keen to keep up with the advances in all fields, waiting to find one that they were happy to support.

Plus, it was about time he made more contacts in the world, Azalea could be the first of many.

"You make complete sense. The ambition is a good one, too. Don't ever let it go." He insisted, giving her an encouraging smile that he hoped would show he meant her well in this field, wherever it was Azalea would end up.

The returned question brought a soft laugh from Jacques lips as he shook his head in an initial reply to the question. "My Maman would never forgive me if I took up a career as dangerous as that of an Auror." He confided with the confidence that kept him from being deemed a 'mummy's boy' by his peers. "I had to explain to her when I signed up for the course that I would not be joining the British or French Ministries as Auror so that she wouldn't fret so much. No, I chose the course because it has a high focus on the Dark Arts -- and before you decide to flee from me, it's not quite as you think, either. I'm not interested in the Dark Arts to use them, but I won't pretend to be like your acquaintance who works to keep peace in our world.

"I find the type of magic deeply interesting because everyone believes it to be bad magic. But, if you were to use 'Dark Magic' to save someone you love, could it be such a bad thing? I don't have children yet, of course, but I have a younger sister and-" Jacques paused, a small, fond smile touching his lips at the thought of Mimosa. "Mon chouchou, and I would never think twice of using Dark Magic to save either of them from harm. And... well, if I am using Dark Magic to do what I believe is right, how could you ever class it as Dark Magic?"

It was a rhetorical question, of course, one that he did not expect Azalea to answer as he caught himself getting too caught up in his subject of choice. "Sorry, my inner nerd is trying to get out." Jacques admitted bashfully, not wishing to bore the witch he'd just met. But it was just... easy to talk to Azalea, because she actually gave him something to talk about.

Taking on board the name of Azalea's companion for the evening, Jacques smiled politely at the notion he was just a friend, not a boyfriend. He hadn't asked, but the news was welcome no less. Cieran, at least, was not going to be angry with him for stealing Azalea to dance through this song. Though, perhaps the same could not be said of Alizeh who did not look best pleased in that moment.

A pity, really, Jacques had just been warming up to her in the last week or so, but the girls who became possessive never lasted very long.

"I believe it would be a crime to keep a lady waiting, so I will hear out your request. Though I can't promise that I will be able to fulfil the request, I will do my best to." Jacques replied easily, waiting on Azalea's reply to know what she could possibly want of him so soon after meeting.

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Subject: Re: Casino Royale (Azalea & Jacques) Fri Feb 08, 2019 6:19 am

"Well, if you would ever like me to lend an ear, or help you trouble shoot through some ideas on your research, feel free to hunt me down. I might be doing an Auror degree, but my Potions skills are not bad."

"I'll definitely keep that in mind," the witch nodded with an identical easy smile to his. Jacques Clement was easy to talk to, she would give him that much. As for his potion skills, the witch made no comment, mostly because she was certain his would far exceed hers at the moment. Better to end the topic gracefully and leave him with the impression that she knew far more than she actually did.

Instead Azalea chose to shift her focus on his retelling of why he sought Aurarship. Her feet moved smoothly, her hips swaying gently to the music as she forgot about the fact that she was dancing, instead listening to Jacques speak of the Dark Arts and his family in a way that was... entirely understandable. His mother, his sister and... his girlfriend perhaps, Azalea was not familiar with the French moniker, of course he would do anything to protect them. Her own thought process ran along the same lines. Morals were well and good until something you cared about more than principals was at stake.

"I think people complicated and complex magic a disservice by labeling it as "dark". The term only has superficial appeal, otherwise all magic has the potential to harm and help." That being said, Azalea had been quick to notice an ethics course offered alongside her masters, which could only mean that the system thought different to her and her present companion.

"Sorry, my inner nerd is trying to get out."

"Don't worry," the brunette mock shivered as he drew her in closer for the next step. "It's in good company. But I won't tell if you won't." The resulting chuckle of laughter was only cut short when Azalea remembered her mission for the evening. At his invitation to proceed with the request, Azalea gathered her thoughts carefully.

"I have to confess, I came here today with ulterior motives,' she began, the same sparkle in her eye denoting she was still enjoying herself greatly. "I didn't even know there was a party but Cieran convinced me. And he did so because he wanted to meet you. I'm afraid I'm merely... the bait." Though now that she had actually met the famous Frenchman, Azalea couldn't understand why Cieran hadn't simply gone and talked to Jacques himself. The Clement heir didn't seem the type to turn anyone down let alone a hapless admirer like her friend.

"So if it wouldn't be too much trouble," she continued, leaning closer so their conversation wouldn't be overheard. And she knew for a fact that at least two people on the dance floor were trying their very best to do just that. "Maybe you can steer us over to him and Alizeh when the song ends, and switch me out for him." The witch waited for Jacques to nod, showing he understood before she offered her own promise in return.

"And I'll take the young lady off your hands for a bit, she looks like she needs to sit down and maybe drink some water. We can reconvene at the bar after you've give poor Cieran a turn on the dance floor if you feel like taking a break." With her piece spoken, the witch settled into his arms for the last crooning notes of the song, a small grin decorating her lips as her co conspirator prepared his next move.

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