em-amelievanity-blog

[em-amelievanity-blog]

@madebybigshadows

“For all my sins, yes. I am. I like to call it community service. It’s my way of giving back,” she said, tone teasing and kind in a way hardly many people got to experience. “And if you think I care one whit about anyone’s ego, male or female, and how fragile they are, you’ve had more knocks to the head than I previously thought. And neither should you. Be a bitch. Be the biggest bitch.” Shaking her head, she pointed her mug at her, clearly gearing up to stand on her soapbox and fuck it, why not? When was the last time she actually got the chance to actually talk to someone, god. “I’ve never understood how that’s an insult. Bitch.” She rolled her eyes. “All that’s saying is that they’re pissed off you’re not being a doormat. I got bored of letting people walk all over me at Hogwarts, so that’s actually a compliment.

Draining the last of her tea, she tapped at the menu. “Another pot?” before half smiling, head shaking. “It’s on the house. You’ll have to give me a week or so to brew this altered version for you. I have the standard on hand,” she could trust Emma with this much, “but not this. How much do you need?”

  “It’s not an insult, Kat.” Her eyebrows raised slightly at her words, lips pursing before transforming into an easy smirk. Her hands moved to snake around the cup of tea, taking a hearty sip of it before meeting her eyes once more. “It’s a proclamation of fear. I know that when they say those things that they’re simply afraid of my talent. I mean, I still take full offense to it, of course, but it only fuels my anger, makes me better than they are.” A soft laugh escaped her lips, shaking her head gently as she’d adjusted herself, making her body more comfortable against the plushness of the seat. “Of course. I would never want you living the rest of your life that way. I’m happy for you, Kat. I can see what you’ve become- see how hard you’ve worked. Merlin, you’ve even taken over a charity case such as I along the way. A stellar all-rounded, Miss Pyrites, if I may say so myself.”

  “Let’s say enough for three.” Her lips pursed- she hadn’t calculated so much on the fear that Katherine would say no. The very thought of asking favours had been a weakness that she’d tried not to have- it would only place those she cared about in danger. A small part of her knew that Katherine could take care of herself. “Honey and ginger tea, please.”  

give me poison | k & e

[em-amelievanity-blog]

@narcissax

She smiled as Emma acknowledged her place in the world. Narcissa knew how powerful the Black name was, and the blonde was aware of how many things it afforded her. They were practically royalty, and she basked in the fact. She was one of the lucky ones, and she didn’t allow herself or anyone else to forget that. “-Come now, Emma. There are still well-bred men out there for you too.” She said, pressing her lips together in a smile.

“Poor kid will be replaying that lip bite over and over again, for the rest of his life, Em.” She snickered softly as Emma laughed.

Narcissa allowed a laugh to escape her lips as the other mentioned her teasing Lucius in his time away. She hid every qualm and pain ridden thought that raced through her mind with a soft smile. “-How could I resist torturing the poor soul?” She teased. In truth, there had been no playful teasing; there’d been little communication at all. Yet, the rest of the world had no need to know that they were having problems.

“He’ll be home soon though to collect, I’m sure.” Narcissa mused. Her mind drifted as she sipped at her drink. Her paramour’s homecoming would lack any sexual element. She was angry with Lucius, and her transgressions with Rabastan weren’t going to be received well. To say the least, any screaming would not be pleasurable.

  “Oh yes, there’s no doubt about that at all. Plenty of men that you didn’t pick.” Her smirk was playful, rosy cheeks filled as she smiled. She’d reclined back against the seat once more, a soft sigh leaving her lips as she continued to speak. “It will sort itself out, eventually. Right now, I think it’s a useful time to explore the possibilities and allow myself to have a little youth. My body’s not going to get any better from this point, after all.”

It wasn’t that people were shallow in that regard- but Emma had never considered herself a viable contender when it came to having any tenacity. She’d always said that she’d lost her humour, allowed it to diminish so that she could extract her revenge. The times she could’ve developed a personality was lost to either planning for justice or playing quidditch, both things not being useful to her at all. Not that it mattered- if there was any skill in taking what she wanted she could do it with a simple bat of the eyelash- there needn’t be much words required when her methods were involved.

  “I’m sure he’ll add that to his collection for tonight- it’ll give him a great night’s rest- I’m sure he’d need it after working here.”

Her smirk grew at her words, eyebrow perched up as she leaned closer towards the blonde.

   “He’d be a full not to… we must go shopping for what you’ll surprise him with. I’m sure he’ll lose his mind.”

Diamond in a Haystack || Open

[em-amelievanity-blog]

@madebybigshadows

“You’re many things, but a fool isn’t one of them.” She wasn’t one for handing out false compliments and she wasn’t about to start now and nor was she someone who stroked people’s egos; she said how things were and that was that. And it was true. Emma wasn’t a moron. Her actions would often suggest otherwise, but the fact remained. “And I don’t know why you try to act like you are one. It’s boring. Do you think I’d waste my time with an idiot?”

She fought down a smile, amused despite herself. “Fine. So long as you know it’d be a waste. I know you think I say it to be cruel, but I don’t.” There was some genuine concern hidden underneath her scorn.

Lifting both brows, she hummed. “There’s more. I know there’s more.” She drummed her fingers on the rim of her cup, leaning back in her seat and getting comfortable. This was, after all, her kind of conversation. “But maybe I’m not being fair; yes, such a potion exists, and I’m going to assume you remember the downfalls of Veritaserum and that you decided to ask anyway. You’re not gunna tell me why you’re asking and okay, that’s fair. We all have our secrets and you’re entitled to yours.”

She tilted her head to one side. She might be showing too much of her hand here but… “Do you want some?”

   “You’re spending time with me right now, aren’t you?” Her brows waggled upwards, an amused smirk clear as day on her features as she reclined further into the booth, long legs stretching before her. It was safe to say that Emma Vanity was always cramped up, one way or another, a restless being stuck in a world that was moving too slowly for her to enjoy. Laughter quickly left her lips at Katherine’s words, a nod of agreement showing her appreciation for what the girl was saying. “I guess we’re just in different worlds, Kat. You live in a world where intelligence is valued and makes you strong. In my world if you’re intelligent then you’re a bitch that thinks they know better. Men’s egos are fragile, my dear. I’d rather not cause trouble for myself.”

Self-preserving as ever, a true Slytherin at heart. Her smile grew at the expression of Katherine’s face. She’d seen it before, when she’d stumbled in for tutoring after getting one too many bludgers. It was a redeeming quality, the scorn clear when the girl handed her some murtlap essence and scolded her on being so reckless.

  “Don’t worry about me, Kat. I’m a big girl now. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

Her eyes softened at Katherine’s words. Of course she had some. She knew such an offer wouldn’t have come without an asking price, and she was ready for it.

  “Whatever it’ll cost me, I’ll take what I can get.”

give me poison | k & e

[em-amelievanity-blog]

@acrookwood

“Ms. Vanity, seduction does not work on me.” Augustus said in response to Emma’s compliment, words dry as sandpaper but smile revealing the humour that lay underneath. The flattery had been… unexpected to say the least. Not because he was unaware of the effect he could have on people, but to see them roll off such a sharp tongue. It was reassuring. It meant that not only did the girl have a sense of humour, she had a way of using her cold, beautiful charms too.

And yet, as the girl grew comfortable, limbs loosening, so too did her manners. Gus let his eyebrow quirk upwards as the mangy barman dropped down another pint of ale before the petite woman. She was all softness but for her gaze- as keen as a bird of prey.

Nonetheless, he felt slightly dispirited as she fed into the lies he was spinning around her like she was utterly famished. Perhaps she was. Emma had never been pinned down as a potential sympathiser for the Rebellion, her mother’s death and general disinterest being a good reason to steer well clear of the young Quidditch star. Perhaps they had misjudged.

“As I have already mentioned, Ms. Vanity,” Augustus said, getting comfortable in his bench as the thing groaned dangerously beneath him. The only thing holding it together was a whole lot of magic and a prayer. “I work for the Department of Mysteries. I have been specially assigned to gather information on Ludo Bagman’s…” Augustus hesitated, eyes watching Emma for any signs of surprise. “Political leanings. Someone in the Ministry thinks he’s a Death Eater.”

The words hung between them like a deadweight. In truth, Ludovic Bagman was about as dangerous as a wet paper bag and Augustus was hoping desperately that the Vanity heiress knew about as much as the rest of the world on what it was Unspeakables did in the Department of Mysteries. It was a gamble. “Because of my status within the Ministry getting too close to Bagman becomes… problematic. I can’t have him getting suspicious that we are gathering information.”

Augustus could try and sugarcoat it, but he suspected Emma probably reacted better to the bluntness that he had come to expect of the young woman over the course of their conversation. “So, you see, it’s more than the sport’s reputation at stake. All you would have to do is get close to Ludo, in whatever way you prefer and report to me if notice anything unusual.”

The implication was clear. He couldn’t care less how she did it- Augustus would have Ludo Bagman’s complete and absolute trust by the end of the year and Emma Vanity would make sure of it.

 “With all due respect,” Emma begun, taking a sip of the ale once more, amber eyes swirling with the same mischief that she implemented on the field. “If I was trying to seduce you, Mr. Rookwood, I wouldn’t have let you take me here.” She’d cut the silence with a soft laugh, trying to stop the intensity that was taking place. “Simply a compliment, I know I won’t get anything out of it.”

That was lie if she’d ever said one. Emma knew that it wouldn’t have been easy, not with this man. He was trained, ready for such situations. She’d have to take a different play, get onto his good graces in a way that would allow a slip of the tongue here and there, tiny crumbs of information that would be enough to feed her until she was satisfied. He seemed slightly surprised at her comfort, the lack of withdrawal in her interest, the way her eyes glimmered with interest and a hope she knew she’d gotten rid of eons ago.

A Death Eater. Emma Vanity wouldn’t have taken him for the type.

Then again, many wouldn’t have guessed what Emma’s plans were, wouldn’t have understood the darkness which stirred beneath amber eyes, sinister plans which were slowly coming into play.

    “…maybe this is a far bigger issue at hand than I assumed.” Her eyes flickered up towards him, taking a sip of her drink once more, wiping the froth away languidly as she pretended to consider. She’d lived for it, the danger of the situation feeling enthralling. If Ludo Bagman was a Death Eater then perhaps he’d be useful in her investigation, perhaps the name had fallen onto her lap by the grace of her mother above. She hoped that was the case. “I’m sure he wouldn’t be surprised if I were to… show interest. From what I’ve heard, he’s not too bad on the eyes.”

He was giving her the freedom she needed, and unbeknownst to him he was helping her with her own mission. Amber eyes considered for a moment, shying away from the interest which made glow more prominently than usual. This seemed an ideal situation- she bit back the niggling thought in the back of her mind that it was too easy, that it was all falling into place too easy. She’d deal with it later; Ludo Bagman would have to come first… at least for now.

  “Any way I want?” Her eyebrow raised slightly, lips pursed as she’d watched the man in front of her. “If it’s much bigger than the sport then I guess it’s in my best interest to do so.” She’d nursed her drink once more. “Just, one question. Why me?”

details | e & a

[em-amelievanity-blog]

@primaballerinazabini

Valerian hummed in understanding, if not wholly in agreement. She’d experienced the dissatisfaction before, of course. Many times before. Men were such selfish beasts, after all. But she’d learned early on to always place her needs above theirs. Especially when first discovering the unending climb of her all too active libido.

The most important lesson she’d learn was to use them. Mercilessly, shamelessly, until she’d had her fill and lost interest. Men did it all the time, use women in flagrant disregard to their wants and needs. And why should they have all the fun. Valerian also wanted to enjoy a little reprobate, hedonistic, dissolution. Unapologetic, she took what she wanted. Always.

With all of that in mind, the solution to using overly confident men who exaggerated their skills and under-performed when put to task, was a simple one. Don’t let them come. With the use of only their fingers, their mouths, and bodies she could bring herself to satisfaction, forgoing that hypersensitive disappointment dangling between their legs altogether. If she was in a very generous mood, a little over the pants rub down would serve as payment for a job well done. Typically they’d worked themselves up so much by then that it wouldn’t take long at all before they’d ruined their pants and she left them to clean up their mess on their own.

But those days were behind her now, as she’d found a particularly skilled playmate who managed to keep not only her interest but undivided attention. It was unprecedented. Valerian’s skepticism wasn’t in the expiration dates of her own interest and attention span, but in his. Amycus was too good to be true. There were sayings about the longevity of that kind of thing.

Even if she had her doubts, she was willing to see how long it’d take before things disintegrated between her and the Carrow heir without any assistance on her part. She hadn’t come out tonight for her own licentious entertainment anyway. Emma Vanity, protégé and understudy, was clearly in desperate need of a good dicking. And what were friends for if not to facilitate a night of quality, anonymous sex?

By the complete lack of hesitation on Emma’s part when she agreed to Valerian’s help, she knew the girl would need something a bit more intense than a quickie in a bathroom stall. “Don’t you worry, Miss Vanity. I know what you need.” She placed her hand back down on Emma’s muscular thigh and squeezed as she came in to press a kiss to her neck, marking the place with the stain of her maroon lipstick.

Hooded eyes surveyed the luxurious bar, skipping over faces in search of the perfect one. None at the bar. The men there were willing, eager and hungry, but they were vanilla and Val was in search of more flavourful desserts. Swivelling in her bar stool, she searched the rest of the room for someone who’d leave a longer lasting impression.

In the lounge area was a wider selection of men. She skimmed over them like one might peruse a selection of meat slabs at a butcher shop. And really, it was such a fitting analogy. When umber eyes fell on a somewhat familiar face, Valerian immediately perked up. A Death Eater, one of the newer recruits, if she remembered correctly, and someone looking to make a name for himself within the rebellion. Val grinned, how perfect.

There was nothing better than a new soldier, blood thirsty, sadistic, and desperate to be acknowledged by his superiors. He’d learned by now the importance of pleasing people more important than himself, and Val easily qualified as that and more. Her connections alone would have him hard in his pants, Emma Vanity would do the rest.

“Oh, I think I’ve found the perfect someone to fuck your troubles away,” she purred, slipping from her seat and taking her freshly poured glass with her. “Don’t be shy, Em. I promised to take care of you tonight, didn’t I?” Emma’s hand was scooped up in her other hand and she pulled the taller woman in the direction of the lounging Death Eater across the room.

He was tall, glowing russet skinned, and utterly glorious. Beneath expensive, designer cotton was an athlete’s physique. And those dark eyes had a precision to them that would’ve made a nicer girl weak in the knees. For the life of her, she couldn’t remember his name. Not that it mattered. Naming things personified them, and tools didn’t get names at any rate.

Dropping Emma’s hand only when they were in proximity of the Death Eater, Valerian greeted him with a viper’s grin and a dusky, “What’s a handsome man like you doing drinking alone?”

His dark gaze bounced between the both of them, the shadow within those rich hues swirled with intent. The glass of amber liquid swirled in his had as he regarded them both. His voice was a deep baritone when he answered, “Just waiting for the right company to show itself.” Those piercing eyes landed on Emma and the corner of his mouth twitched. “I think my luck’s finally turned.”

Val’s smile darkened. Oh, he was good. With a hand on the small of Emma’s back, she urged her forward a bit, saying, “Emma and I were just discussing how her night was sorely lacking in tall, dark, and handsome. You wouldn’t mind keeping us company while we search for someone that fits that description, would you?”

The smirk at the edge of his mouth slithered across the rest of the way. “I don’t mind at all.” He motioned toward the empty seats around him. “It’d be my pleasure.”

“I’m sure it would,” muttered Valerian into Emma’s ear before she took the seat across from the man, leaving the empty chair beside him to be filled by Emma.

There wasn’t anybody else that understood this power other than Valerian. Sure, women knew that they could make men weak in the knees with a simple wink or a helpless smile, but it was rare that they used their bodies effectively- understood how useful all of it could be when getting what they wanted. Valerian understood it, she knew what means she needed to use to get what she wanted done. Women were often chided for their desires, willed to keep them hidden or behind closed doors. None of that ever mattered when it came to Val- it was almost inspirational, considering what… talents Emma Vanity liked to use when trying to reach her end goal.

Her head tilted slightly at the feeling of Val’s lips against her neck, pearly teeth biting down onto her bottom lip as she stifled a groan. Valerian had sensed her troubles correctly, understood the longing that she felt. Perhaps a night of anonymous pleasure was all she needed to get herself through it, the lingering desires doing nothing but distract her from what she needed to get done. With her investigations going nowhere, it seemed useful enough- Valerian’s prowess was strong, her connections even stronger. Who knew what sort of trouble she’d lead her into on this evening?

Her eyes scanned the room all the same as Val spoke, scouring through the soft fog which filled the room with a swirling mystery that frankly, excited the girl. Her eyes glanced towards the intended victim, eyes widening in surprise. She’d felt Val’s arms hooked around hers, leading her way to the lounge. There were many conversations currently at hand, quite whispers swirling about the many seats yet he was alone. She had no doubt in her mind that he was searching just the same, handsome eyes ready for a victim who was willing.

Emma wouldn’t assume that he was like the others. Valerian wouldn’t dare pick such an easy conquest, not when Emma was so restless and finnicky. None of it would’ve made much difference, an easy person to throw away at the end of the night was all she was looking for, and yet it seemed that Valerian had led her straight to the honeypot, an adversary or someone she knew no doubt held knowledge, the sort of knowledge that Emma Vanity had been seeking.

Amber eyes swirled with a sense of hunger that she didn’t dare hide. There was something alluring about the speak-easy, an essence of safety that drew these people to it.

   “Yes, so many faces… sometimes it’s difficult to find the right fit.”

Her eyes sparked with mischief as she descended into the seat next to the man, watching him relax just a little, her eyes flickering towards Valerian, a smirk beginning to present itself onto her red lips. She’d held onto her drink, taking another sip of it as her amber eyes glanced up towards her friend, then back at the man. Emma Vanity had always been shrouded in mystery- she wasn’t exactly a girl who said a whole bunch- her sense of mystery had always made her more alluring.

One long leg crossed over the other, body adjusting to the changed setting as her head tilted, smooth locks fanning over her shoulder as she’d watched the man. He seemed well groomed, a pureblood no doubt. Young and striving for greatness in a world that was already full of gods and men. It would be a difficult climb, she knew well enough. Valerian was an ally in such things, if not for her name but her standing.

  “Have you found it?” Her words were soft, commanding but still withdrawn, lips parted slightly at her eyes scoured his body. “What you were looking for? I’m sure it wouldn’t be too difficult.”

He seemed relaxed, didn’t quiver the same way that the others did, a common factor when she’d met new faces, especially in the company of Valerian. She noted his eyes, dark as the ocean, reading and calculating. There was something behind them, a curiosity which sparked her interest, ideas which made her aware of how useful this would be, if not for her body but for her investigation.

   “I’d like to think so. I’m sure we’ll have the rest of the night to find out.”

Her eyebrow arched slightly, watched as a waitress came over and poured the expensive bottle of champagne into two new glasses, she extended one to Val, holding the other in her hand as she raised it, eyes not daring to leave the man’s.

   “To finding what we’re looking for.”

Wild Things | E&V

[em-amelievanity-blog]

@ravenfawley

“Is it not important to know who the power players are?” Raven asked with a small, almost knowing smile. “I work in the security business, and pure bloods are my highest playing clients. Forgive me, if it’s a bit forward, but I know a lot about you all. Makes my job easier.” It wasn’t a lie, and therefore would raise no flags with the other. Raven did know a lot about pure bloods. Attaching herself to the group was relatively unnecessary. Most of them would be appalled by her regardless if they got the wind that she was a beast. She had no reason to metaphorically bite herself in the ass by trying to continue in their world.

Raven smirked, shaking her head as she waved the bartender over. Fenrir didn’t keep her a secret, but she preferred to keep herself a secret. He liked others to know what he could and would do to improve their species, even if that meant snatching away the world’s pure blooded children. Raven liked to stay behind the scenes because it made her job easier, and it protected her from whatever opinions they’d form of her. It was a defense mechanism she prided herself on. You couldn’t be hurt by people you didn’t allow to know you or close in. She had Fenrir, and as strained as that tether was, it was the only one she dared keep intact.

She ordered before turning her head enough to look over the woman. Something about her sparked something, but she wasn’t able to put together what it was that was supposed to be clicked.

“Raven.”

She said, choosing to ignore the feeling for the time being. Slender fingers wiped miscellaneous shapes in the condensation of her glass before she brought it up to her lips and sipped the amber liquid. “You seem to be the kind of woman who would know something about being chased.” Raven hummed, lifting a brow at the woman for confirmation.

  “You’re not wrong there. We must always know. Those who don’t will find themselves placed in unfortunate circumstances at the end of all this… especially considering the world we currently live in.” Her eyebrow quirked at Raven’s words, interest slowly raising to her lips. People in that line of business were definitely conveners and flies on the wall. They understood and saw things that people didn’t have access to, were privy to the business conversations that Emma so desperately wanted to seek her teeth into. Part of her was glad for the circumstance, maybe Merlin was trying to play his cards right and give her something for once… it wasn’t like any of it would hurt. “You don’t need to apologize. We all must be good at what we do, otherwise, what use would we be to this sad world?”

The familiarity in the flicker of the girl’s eyes was strange, as was the feeling that Emma could say what she wanted without holding her tongue. There was only a fair few which had that effect- the girl didn’t seem to care much, didn’t seem to have the filter that many in her circle had. It was what Emma would need to stay sane, something that tore her away from the life she’d always known, the life that, until recently, had been a complete and utter falsity.

She’d ordered a drink, watching the bartender swiftly make his way. Part of her was glad that they didn’t stumble upon the Three Broomsticks. She knew that Edgar spotting her there would lead to more questioning than necessary- he had reason to worry for her, that was for sure, but Emma always knew that this journey required a one-way ticket and trying to cut off connections seemed the least painful way for her to get what she wanted.

  “Well, I’m a Keeper, but I do love a game of cat and mouse.” A smirk dipped onto her lips, her eyes regarding the girl’s features in front of her. She seemed small and strong, unbecoming to those who were fools. “Makes a bland day more tolerable.”

Around the Bend || r & e

[em-amelievanity-blog]

@narcissax

Narcissa shrugged. “Picky is only bad if you don’t have the qualities he’s searching for. It means he understands exactly what he wants, and he’s not afraid to wait for it.” Many of the pure blood heirs were picky. It was a product of the environment they were raised in. “My parents seem to have chosen well for myself and my sisters.” Narcissa murmured. Bella and Rod had flourished with each other, and in the past, herself and Lucius had fallen deeply for each other. Andy was another story currently, but that was from aside the point. “But, you can choose who you want. Perhaps, there is some allure to that.” The blonde picked up her tea, taking another slow sip. It wasn’t as if she thought she’d be unable to find someone worthy of her own her own. Her parents had only given her a goal to reach, and she’d found love in the man on her own accord.

Lucius and her had been through the ringer over the last decade. Being told to marry someone didn’t mean there would be love, but luckily enough, it’d grown between herself and the Malfoy heir. They’d drifted as opposite poles for a time before the magnetism kicked in and tugged them together. Now, the effects were fading with the distance, but it didn’t mean they were gone forever.

She hoped.

“Could be fun to watch him squirm.” Cissa hummed softly, tugging her pink lip between her teeth as she hummed. “Too easy, yes, but entertaining, also, yes.” The blonde hummed, looking back to her friend with a temped smirk.

“Wouldn’t it be fun to see what you could do to the poor kid without even touching him?”

  “Well, my dear. There isn’t really much for you to struggle with. The best always get the best… the rest are just leftovers for the rest of us to pick through.” Her smirk was warm, though her words rung true. The Black Family were part of the higher rung of pureblood society, tied in with families whose names didn’t dare slip your mind when you thought of ‘pure’ and ‘rich’ and ‘powerful.’ It made sense that the choices made for them were the very best… their parents wouldn’t have it any way. Emma was sure that had her father been alive she’d be going through a similar predicament- had he not gotten rid of her already. “I guess it works wonders for me, I get to play quidditch and mingle with athletes. Win-win.”

At Narcissa’s mention, Emma was quick to glance over her shoulder, long lashes sweeping and causing shadows to form down her cheek. Her eyes glanced over towards the boy, who, if he hadn’t been a sweaty mess before was dripping from head to toe in this moment. A smirk befell her lips, pearly teeth biting down onto the creamy red of her bottom lip, a sigh leaving her lips as he paled.

She’d glanced back towards Narcissa, leaning back into the seat as a bark of laughter left her lips.

  “I have fun like this all the time… sometimes, I think a little challenge is in toe. I’m sure you enjoyed teasing Lucius whilst he was so far away… liked having him lose his mind cause he couldn’t get his hands on you.” Allure had always been the name of the game, to lock somebody down meant getting them interested, no matter what. “Or am I wrong in saying that?”

Diamond in a Haystack || Open

[em-amelievanity-blog]

[em-amelievanity-blog]

@madebybigshadows

“Forgive me for not approving of a sport,” her nose crinkled on the last word, “that has the potential to knock you stupid. You’re too bright to be playing something that could land you in Mungos for the rest of your life, drooling on a pillowcase.” She loathed Quidditch and she particularly loathed how the players were held up in some high regard as though clutching a broomstick between their thighs and throwing some balls in the air meant that they were special. Stupid sport played by stupid people.

Her lips twitched in an aborted smile. “I think one grand entrance is enough. This place isn’t big enough for even more ego,” she teased, lifting her cup up and swallowing a mouthful, looking as though butter wouldn’t melt.

But oh… the question. That had her lifting a single brow up, her attention now fully on Emma as the background sounds of the cafe faded to nothing more than a dull hum. “And why would you want to know about that?” She’d asked some strange and wonderful questions before, some of them toeing the line, but never outright crossing it like this. “You know Veritaserum and any derivatives of it,” not outright confirming that it exists, but not denying it either, “are strictly monitored by the Ministry.” And it was far from reliable; it merely confirmed what the drinker thought the truth was, not what the actual truth was.

“Though I guess that explains why you didn’t send it in owl.”

 “I don’t suppose you’d consider that I was already a stupid fool before I started playing the sport.” Her head tilted slightly, too interested in the words to take any real offense. She’d heard it all before, heard the chiding that Kat had given her about the sport which she loved so dearly. Back then it didn’t seem to hold the same resounding sting, didn’t seem to hurt so much, but Katherine was a different woman now, and women of strength always struggled to hold the poison from her words. “Please trust that if that were to happen to me that I’d live in joyous bliss for the rest of my life- better to end it that way than end it doing something that made me hate each waking second of my life.”

It was true, Quidditch had always been Emma’s first love. The freedom of flying through the air, the crowds, the ability to lose oneself and simply focus was glorious. She wouldn’t trade it for anything else in the world- such words wouldn’t have any effect on her, not one bit.

Emma shrugged, head tilted as she’d smirked up towards the woman, eyes distant with the same self-preserving vacancy that she often relied on.

   “Oh, you know. Just widening my horizons, Kat. If I didn’t wonder about such things, then I’d just be another stupid Quidditch player.” Her eyes sparkled with another thought, but her lips dared not to part and let the thoughts run rampage. “I know how talented you are, I assumed I’d need somebody that I could trust to simply ask some questions about it.”

give me poison | k & e

[em-amelievanity-blog]

@acrookwood

Augustus watched Emma defrost before him and decided that this had been a good idea. Of course, the Death Eater had several people he could have approached with a similar propositions- contingency plans- but there was something about Emma that seemed to exude allure. And there was no harm in gathering another notch on his rapidly-filling belt of ‘trusted associates.’ In fact, she might prove more useful than he suspected.

Augustus let slip a surprised laugh as the Quidditch upstart suggested that she could arrange a liaison between the two men. “He doesn’t want to date me,” Augustus dismissed, teeth clicking together as his grin grew wide on his dark face. At least at this moment in time. Augustus would have him eventually, one way or another. “Try as I might.”

“And you are missing the point, Ms. Vanity.” Augustus shot back before she could back-track on her little joke. His eyebrow crooked upwards in response to the way the woman used his given name so freely. It didn’t much bother him but it was… brazen. Like she was more than capable of holding her own. Good. “I don’t want a third party involved.” Not with Ms. Zabini already in the mix. “I want you involved.”

The man let the silence between them drag out for a second too long.

Had Ludovic done something bad? Not particularly, not yet. Rather than a sharp wit or insightful conversation, his initial allure had been his pillow mouth and a pair of glittering eyes. Ludovic had an innate ability of promising you the world in a single glance and Augustus would be damned if he let such talent go to waste.

“No. Well, maybe” Gus replied to question posed. The former Quiddtich player’s only crime thus far was being a touch dim, and he wasn’t totally to blame for that. One to many bludgers to the head, Augustus suspected.

Eyes casting a wary glance around the room, Augustus shifted in his seat, leaning forward just enough to tell Emma that what he was about to say to her was important. “Ms Vanity, would you like to find out if he had?”

Emma’s brows quirked upwards, a sense of surprise painting her features at Augustus’ openness. It seemedto entertain her, the very idea of the various figures which seemed to ready to chase this Ludovic figure. She assumed that her next exchange with the man would hold some sort of interest, if not simply from the curiosity on her side of the story. Still, she allowed for the smirk to foster, nursing her drink as she’d finished it off, the back of her hand wiping the froth away from her lips. It was somewhat unladylike- a strange gesture, but something that proved her relationship with those around her, something which made it more evident that she’d spent plenty of her time with quidditch players.

  “Frankly, he’s missing out.” Her smile turned friendly, only for a moment, amber eyes reflecting the fraction of the liquid which was left in her glass. It was easy to have such conversations, to create somesense of comfort. The words would work, a cushion for whatever he was willing to speak. Emma knew he was an intelligent man and knew that such words wouldn’t come easily- still, dropping the breadcrumbs would cause some sort of response, it didn’t matter how relevant they’d be. “Perhaps it’ll only take a few words or so to change his mind.”

Her lips pursed at his words, eyes softening in surprise. It seemed he did have reason, and the very thought of provoked a sense of excitement which seemed to linger for a moment and continued still as she motioned to the bartender for another drink. This was the match that would start the fire, the perfect essence which called for her curiosities. Favours like these were often returned, the man seemed a valuable asset to her cause, seemed to know things that she might find useful in future.

  “Me?” Amber eyes stirred in interest. “And what would you ask from me?”

She’d watched him lean towards her, the words damning enough for the brunette. Such words held weight, such words meant conspiracies that she was often seeking out, information which may help her.

   “For the good of the sport? Yes. Quidditch isn’t garnering the same interest as it has before- I’d like to know if he’s partly reason as to why.”

The lie would shield her true goals.

details | e & a

[em-amelievanity-blog]

@ravenfawley

“I don’t.” It wasn’t a lie. The sport held little sparkle for her.  It was a boring waste of time, but she didn’t allow her distaste of the sport to leak into her expression. Instead, she offered a variation of the truth. “I know the crest.” Raven hummed, motioning to the earring in the other’s hand. “You’ll have to forgive me. I was never that into sports.” She followed, offering up a tiny shrug.

Raven gave the other girl a bit of credit for trying to scope her out. It showed a disposition to self-preservation, and she respected that. Would it save her from anything Fenrir had planned? No. The dark haired girl was only here to suss her out and then turn over what she found with a neatly tied ribbon to her alpha.

“I don’t have friends, and I prefer to drink within the comfort of my own home.” Raven shrugged minutely. Her features pulled together, unimpressed by the statement the other made about the world missing out on her. In a way, Raven agreed, but in another, the statement seemed silly. “The world is welcome to come to me if it wants. Why should I have to do all the work?” The wolf teased, licking over her lips slowly as she looked up to younger woman. “Things worth having have to be chased and earned. They don’t fall freely into the laps of others.” She said, moving easily up onto one of the bar stools while simultaneously setting her pie down on the counter.

She’d watched carefully, amusement sparking behind her eyes at the very words which left the woman’s lips. The fact that she’d recognised the crest simply meant that she was familiar, meant that she’d either been watching or been a person within the action of pureblood lives. Still, Emma allowed her stare to be vacant, allowed her eyes to mirror the easy ditziness that somebody would expect from her. It worked that way- a pretty face and vacant stare could get people to become cocky, could help allow secrets which they kept locked away to come spilling down in front of everyone.

She’d ran her hands through her dark tresses, pushing the hair back and gauging the reaction of the woman.

  “You know my family’s crest.” She’d paused for a moment, waiting for a flicker of a clue. “Not the only one, or so it seems.”

She’d shrugged, leaning back against the bar at the woman’s proposition. They stemmed from different viewpoints- the noise of the outside seemed to fair better for Emma, as opposed to the quiet of the loneliness of being alone in one’s own home. It was dangerous for her, the quiet birthed ideas which she couldn’t escape from.

   “No one would know you existed otherwise.” Her eyes glanced down, meeting hers once more, an expression of nonchalance clear on her face. “It’s simply a suggestion…” She’d paused for a moment before continuing. “I never got your name.”

It seemed a nice exchange of words, Emma seemed to thrive in such conversations, seemed to enjoy not being agreed with.

   “Yes, well, chasing does have its benefits.”

Around the Bend || r & e

[em-amelievanity-blog]

@narcissax

Narcissa smirked lightly, shaking her head. The Sacred 28 was well known, but even so, some faired better than other’s. There were families within the group that were more sought after. Narcissa could still remember trying to sort through all the offers she’d received for the three sisters. There had been many to choose from, and somehow, her mother had settled on three.

“There are many pure blood daughters, love. Even so, there’s a rather intrinsic hierarchy in place. So, as you said, not easily pleased, but also not easily captured. He could be a fun challenge to take on.” The blonde mused, lifting the china cup in front of her delicately to sip at the warm liquid. Her tart was long forgotten, moved to her side, barely eaten. The dark waves that splashed and scattered around the woman’s shoulders didn’t distract Narcissa from the smirk that was perched on the other’s lips.  “Played Quidditch, works for the Ministry now.” She said succinctly, wondering if the other was interested or just entertaining her proposition.

“So, you already have a reason to speak to the man.” The blonde mused, setting her cup down with a hum. Blue flicked around the room, landing on the unlucky man who’d served them earlier. Her gaze softened, even though the muscles in her jaw twitched with tightness as she watched the gaze he’d once again pressed upon them shift off. “-If not, Mr. Hungry Eyes over there would probably throw himself down at your feet if you offered him so much as a smile.” Narcissa muttered, scoffing a bit under her breath.

  “We’ll see one day. He seems picky, but I’m definitely the same in that regard. I don’t know how you do it-“ Pinky raised as she took another sip of her tea, Emma’s amber eyes settled on Narcissa, a smile perched ever-so softly on her rouge lips. She’d tilted her head in innocence, the faint look of interest coming forward by the way she’d leant forward towards the young woman. “I guess it’s part of our life- perhaps the pressures aren’t so bad with me, one benefit of not having the parents around anymore. Merlin forbidthey got to choose somebody for me… I’d end up with some Durmstrang man who can’t speak a lick of English.”

Her eyes flashed with a moment of disdain, the very thought of her father having had the power to choose who she’d be with for the rest of her life seemed a walking nightmare. She was glad in these moments that the ruse of her life was only prominent in the moments that she chose- all on her lonesome, she didn’t have to pretend. She hid the loneliness, kept it tucked away, a horrible consequence that she’d have to live with for the life that she’d chosen for herself.

Swirls of golden waves seemed to lull inside of her irises as she glanced over to the bumbling man, a content smirk slowly enveloping her lips.

   “Mr. Hungry Eyes would make a mess in his trousers if I dared speak a word to him.” Teeth bit the bottom of her lip. “Too easy, don’t you think?”

Diamond in a Haystack || Open

[em-amelievanity-blog]

@ravenfawley

Raven had never been a girl who loved shiny things. In fact, she didn’t find a need to keep a great wealth of things either. Though, most of the women in this city were clinging to jewels and fabric as if they could possibly cover whatever insecurities lay in the body and mind. It appeared, Emma had been not much different from the other’s.

“Vanity, right?” She questioned, appearing as a mildly clueless thing even though she’d known who the woman was for the last few years. Fenrir, for some reason, had an interest in the raven haired girl and the things she did. An interest of Fenrir was an interest of her own by extension. So, rather than leaving as she wished, she quickly decided to agree to a sitting when the offer presented itself.

“I was heading home, actually.” Raven replied, lifting the to go bag on her forearm for a moment before flashing the other a smile that seemed believable, but it was little more than a place holder. Fenrir would appreciate her looking in on his…interest? The woman didn’t seem all that interesting, but who knew what went through the older wolf’s head. Maybe this little tidbit served up with a nice garnish might motivate him to properly fix the door he’d injected into her home. “I think a drink could persuade me to stick around, though.” The wolf said with a small nod “Lead the way, darling.” Words were polite enough, but Raven’s thoughts were preoccupied with the sly questions she’d sneak into their future conversation; she had to decide how far into the waters she’d venture before retreating without sounding any alarms.

Emma Vanity had assumed that she was doing a kind deed to a kind soul… that was why the surprise was so strong, kept her to unstable when she realized that what seemed to be a stranger knew her name. Sure, to most they’d have related it to the world being a small place, to word coming around, to her own fame in Quidditch, but the girl didn’t seem fanatical enough to count as a fan, and she hadn’t much familiarity with the dark-haired girl in front of her to connect the dots. Call it paranoia, but there was a niggling meaning in the back of her mind that there was something more to it. Fortunately for the girl, Emma was drawn like a magnet to being in danger, and as it always did, the curiosity would kill her otherwise.

   “That’s the one. You watch quidditch?” Her gaze was gauging the reaction of the woman, amber eyes watching with such a careful curiosity that she forgot all of her other graces. She held the door open- only for a moment- body allowing herself to step into the bar, eyes glancing back towards her companion. “Or do we have mutual friends? My friends don’t usually write home about me, however- unless the news is bad news.”

Her head tilted slightly, and for a moment she knew she sounded just like Valerian. Perhaps the time they’d spent together had caused for such skills to arise, things that seemed unimportant and useless until occasions such as these came to light.

   “Headed home? Seriously? You do know that it’s barely night time. You shouldn’t waste yourself at home, not when you’re so charming. The world would be missing out.”

Around the Bend || r & e

[em-amelievanity-blog]

@madebybigshadows

“Having a terrible Quidditch team is not justification to leaving me waiting for over an h–” catching herself from falling into an age old argument that didn’t need repeating, she sucked on her teeth for a hot second, and forced herself not to smile; she felt her lips twitch. “Nice to see you’re still as ridiculous as ever.”

She let the smile bloom, if only for a moment. “I s’pose it’s nice to see you.”

It wasn’t by nature that she was rather isolated, she actually liked people – when she wasn’t busy holding a grudge against all most everyone she knew – but the current company she kept wasn’t really a group that you just casually… hung around with. So this? This was a break from the norm, and before she was here, she hadn’t realised how much she’d missed it.

By no means were they BFFs (the sort who had sleepovers in their youth and braided each others hair) but Emma had been attentive and actively listened when she spoke, she took away the information she bestowed onto her, and studied and began to understand. She’d listened. That was more than she could say for anyone else. And when when Emma wanted her attention, she’d give it. Life was all about balance.

“The same. Still a bitch, still brewing and funnily enough, I apparently still get a sixth sense when you’re after something.” She raised both brows, not bothering to beat around the bush. That just wasn’t her style. “So what is it?” she asked, tone curious, fingertip tapping against the rim of her teacup. “What couldn’t you put into an owl?”

  “We are not having this discussion again-“ She was glad that Katherine had halted the words, although the small smirk which simmered at the corner of her lips seemed to contrast the words which had left her lips. Leaning back against the booth her eyebrows waggled. “I’m not any better off now, but if you actually watcheda game, I think you’d be fairly proud of me. Or at least lie to shield my feelings- something like that.”

  “You suppose? Would you like me to make my grand entrance again?” Her tongue moved to wet her lower lip, another hearty sip of the tea allowing her to slide off the rest of her coat. “At least I’ve said my true feelings.”

They’d gone a fair bit back, back to the days at Hogwarts which seemed so long ago. Emma had been a different person there, still held back and focusing on the moment when she’d be out in the world, showing them exactly who she could be. It almost made her feel like the foolish young girl again, the one who always seemed to get the answers wrong. The field had been her savant, Quidditch the only thing that made sense when her world was spinning around.

Katherine’s words had urged another smirk to draw from her lips, eyes ever-so-knowing that Emma had to avert her gaze. She did know her well- almost too well sometimes. She’d sat up slightly, knowing that the witch would want a straight answer in return.

   “A truth serum… and not a normal one. Is there a variation that will work whilst the person’s… incapacitated?” Her gaze met hers. “Not like that. Just, you know, sleeping. It’d be like sleep talking the truth.”  

give me poison | k & e

[em-amelievanity-blog]

@acrookwood

Augustus’ barely disguised mirth was unshaken by Emma’s immediate aversion to her surroundings. “Is there another kind of cosy that matters, Ms. Vanity?” Augustus queried as his hand ghosted over her back, reluctant to touch but instinctive in guiding the younger woman through the unpleasant surroundings.

Augustus had been an Unspeakable for a long time, his fieldwork taking him to the shabbiest and most desolate parts of the world. While he was entirely at ease in the most lavish of surroundings, Gus was travelled enough to blend, almost seamlessly, into whatever environment the work necessitated. The man had grown to become an excellent mimic.

Sliding into the booth opposite the young Quidditch star, Augustus let himself be sized up by the critical gaze, entire body still in anticipation. Let her come to whatever conclusion she pleased, it hardly mattered at the end of the day- Augustus was willing to be who the girl needed him to be.

“Oh, I am not particularly thirsty,” Augustus dismissed with a vague wave of his hand. “But I can only imagine that your training must have taken it’s toll.” Dark eyes narrowed, looking over Emma’s shoulder to wave down the bartender, an old and shrivelled man who started around the bar with a pronounced limp.

“What I would advise if you do order a drink is to keep away from the wine selection.” He felt his lips quirk upwards, just as the entire room gave a loud groan under a particularly heavy gust of wind. “You see, it doesn’t exist. But they do do an excellent Cornish ale.”

Setting his elbows on the table before him with little regard for the well-being of his robes, Augustus set his steady gaze on the witch before him. There was no point in beating around the bush, not with Emma’s intelligent eyes unwavering before him. Fearless- she was fearless. “Ms. Vanity, how well do you know a Mr. Ludovic Bagman?”

  “Not with this type of business.”

She’d glanced over at her surroundings once more, coat sliding away from her shoulders as she made herself comfortable in the booth- as much as the ripped leather that was prickling her skin was allowing her to. Amber eyes glanced over towards the bartender, a nod showing her understanding.

  “A Cornish ale.” The drink of champions, a simple choice in such a setting. She’d glanced back over to her companion, golden eyes simmering as she glanced him up and down. There weren’t really many men which Emma couldn’t read- most were fairly simple, had bare ways with their words. This man however, seemed knowledgeable in what buttons to push, understood things that Emma couldn’t grasp but could still feel. She’d leant back against the seat more, one hand resting over the other as he asked about a name- one that she wasn’t entirely unfamiliar with.  

Mr. Ludovic Bagman. There was a strong part of her that wished for the name to be unfamiliar, a stronger part of her that wanted to play and wanted to be the one that knew all of the information, but the connection wasn’t exactly a useful one, she knew him through words, through the occasional gaze- nothing that she’d deem entirely too worthy or useful. This man seemed to hold some interest however, and the fact that such a man would feel such a way did nothing but emphasize the peaking interest of the young witch.

  “I know he’s a bachelor. Purebloods talk, if you’d like I could set you two up on a date- through a third party, of course.” There was a dry sort of jest to her words, eyes flickering with the sort of mischief that Valerian would take pride in. “All in jest, Augustus.”

Emma’s hands tapped against the old wood of the table, fingers rubbing the residue away.

  “He likes to attend games- I’m not sure we’re his favourite team, however. The odds are always against us, so I’m not surprised.” The corners of her lips upturned. “Did he do somethingbad?”

details | e & a

[em-amelievanity-blog]

@narcissax

Narcissa giggled, teeth gripping onto her bottom lip as the light sound left her. The things the pair of them could say about men would be astonishing. Both were sought after ravenously in the community, and that made them quite experienced with thwarting away unworthy candidates. Sometimes it was fun, but other times, it was simply irritating. Men were so guarding of their egos that when they faced rejection, they reverted back to their childhood and exploded out with tantrums. Now, her presence on the arm of a Malfoy did avert most men. Now a days, the approaching had ceased, but the eyes still followed her tiny frame. She enjoyed being captivating, and something few could have. Lucius and Rabastan were the only two that had ever had the pleasure of possessing all of her.

Blues watched the darkness circulate through her friend’s eyes. It was the kind of thing that one struggled to keep hidden; Narcissa teetered with the task herself. Her decision to steer off the topic gave Emma the chance to reel back the scorching anger that had bubbled up.

“He is popular with the ladies, but he hasn’t settled down for one. I suppose that means he hasn’t found something that ticks all the boxes.” She murmured. Narcissa hadn’t heard of any prior commitments either. It seemed the man was rather elusive in his cohorts, or at least, those he delved into relationships with. Emma could be a well suited match for him. She’d set a meeting eventually and see if the pair could strike up any sparks. “You could be the thing he’s looking for.” A smirk coated her lips as she shrugged.

Her smile didn’t falter, hints of beguilement easing onto her features, amber eyes stirring as she glanced at the scene around them. It seemed that Narcissa had valid points, and though a pureblood woman such as herself should have been aiming for a beautiful, traditional, marriage such things seemed out of grasp for Emma. The path just didn’t seem to glisten with something that she called for, just didn’t hold her in the way that she would’ve enjoyed. None of it was a necessity- it seemed to be more of a distraction to what she wanted, a quick moment of satisfaction that would bore and only cause trouble later on. That was why most of Emma’s relationships always ended up short-lived- call it an issue, but things were better this way.

This man, however, seemed to have a secret, seemed to be a point of interest to many different parties. Such a person was always useful, one way or another. Baiting Narcissa for an opportunity at gaining some vital information didn’t seem to be too far of a reach.

  “Not easily pleased then. I’m sure there’s a beautiful woman that meets all of his tastes out there.” Her lips parted as she took a sip of the tea, indulging in another bite of the biscuit which was plater in front of her, a small smirk moving onto her lips. “I don’t think it’d be much fun for anybody, otherwise.” Her head tilted slightly, dark tresses fanning over her shoulder. “What sort of business was he in again?”

Diamond in a Haystack || Open