Sweet purity [ISO: Braedon and Sydney]

[Bellatrix Black]

Ooc: Here my lovelies, a posty all for you!

Bellatrix Black felt angry -- she could not pinpoint the origin of her anger. It was vague and just a feeling, something she could not locate nor identify. Perhaps she was just moody, that happened often enough, but perhaps it was the fact that she had no one to talk to. She didn't want to seem like an utter prat, but... She was used to having people willing to talk with her, willing to talk about blood lines and etc. But everyone was still eating dinner, and not even Roddy had volunteered to walk her back to the dorm rooms. Well, she wasn't completely alone. There were a few first years by the fire, giving her sly glances when they thought she wasn't looking. Men...

She was tempted to kick and scream, just to get attention (once again, her more bratty side expressing herself) but she knew from experience that it didn't work. After all, she didn't want attention per se, she just wanted someone to talk to. Was that so much to ask? Apparently it was, so she merely settled back into her chair and watched the fire, ignoring the first years who were still ogling her.

She was used to being surrounded by her closest friends, never alone. And the occasional moments when they chose shepards pie over her would be remembered for months to come, when at the opportune moment she could try and use it to gain the upper advantage. Of course this was grasping a bit, but sometimes, if their faux pas was egregious enough she could get exactly what she wanted. Some probably accused her of using her friends, as she well knew, but within Slytherin no one hesitated to utilise their resources: nothing is sacred, not even friendship.

She hoped that someone she knew would come into the commons room and save her from boredom.

[Sydney and Braedon Archer]

((Yay, I feel special! Lol.))

Sydney had to convince her brother that he was saving himself from a terrible fate by missing out on dessert. Brae wanted some trifle, but Syd reminded him that he wanted to stay in shape so he could continue playing Quidditch as always and even enter that profession.

Of course Braedon argued that he would burn it off, but Syd won the debate as usual. It was odd, as though one minute he was poised to eat the sugary sweet dessert and the next he found himself trotting up the stairs behind his sister. Sometimes he wondered whether Sydney had some kind of mind control tool over him, but every time she dismissed the idea with a glare and a roll of the eyes. He told his cousins Adrian and Scarlett, then annoying old Tatiana overheard and told him he was just being stupid. Brae still thought it was plausible. Well not plausible, but it would certainly explain a bit for him.

Sydney surveyed the common room before taking a step inside. She was searching to make sure that there were no bullies to make fun of her, although the brunette Slytherin doubted that they would try anything while her brother was there. As she looked around, she saw only a few first years and a girl in her year she didn't know. Well, she didn't really know anyone, as she was new to the school, but perhaps this was a good opportunity. Plus, she couldn't help but get the feeling this girl was angry or frustrated with something... as usual, she found herself curious. Her brother seemed to be waiting for her to do something, so she approached the girl who was staring into the fire. "Hi, I'm Sydney," she said, taking a seat up next to her and offering her hand. "I just noticed that you were alone and well, do you mind me sitting here?"

After following his sister over, Braedon found himself absolutely flabbergasted. Sydney never introduced herself to anyone. Never; she was alays too cowardly. He closed his mouth which had been wide open for a couple of seconds, and looked on wondering why she felt so bold all of a sudden. Perhaps it was because the girl she was talking to was unaccompanied and there was little chance of her saying something unkind while he was around. Figuring that this was probably it, he shrugged and took a seat next to his sister. He would introduce himself later, when Syd was finished.

((Sorry it isn't that good, in a bit of a rush!))

[Bellatrix Black]

((oh no dahling, it's fine -- you're one of the few consistently good RPers on this board))

"Hi, I'm Sydney, I just noticed that you were alone and well, do you mind me sitting here?"

Bella looked up in surprise, and quickly adjusted her posture. They must have been new, clearly they didn't know who she was. That they had approached her without looking vaguely terrified was a clear indicator. But Bella wasn't an inherently mean person, and she liked meeting people. So she smiled, relieved to have some company.

"Of course," she said, motioning for them to sit. She held out her hand to Sydney, trying not to seem imperious or haughty. Then she realised that there were two of them -- and she held out her other hand to the boy. "I'm Bellatrix Black, sixth year. Are you two new?"

They were obviously twins, and very different ones at that. Although the resembled each other physically, they seemed to have different tempermeants. Sydney was obviously the shyer of the two, but she had introduced herself, so that indicated a great deal of backbone. The boy, whom had yet to introduce himself, was obviously the brawn of the pair. But yet his eyes held a flicker of deep intelligence that Bella liked -- here was a boy who could think for himself, even if he was held in sway by his sister's counsel. The girl was also quite bright, and Bella couldn't help but like them both.

[Sydney and Braedon Archer]

((Aww, thanks! You too, as I've noticed. But now I'll probably make a really bad post, haha...))

Sydney took a seat next to Bellatrix and took her hand in a friendly handshake. Unlike her cousins she wasn't entirely used to proper greetings; Scarlett, Adrian, ven her own brother seemed to know more about pureblood customs than her. But still, she preferred a more informal, casual demeanour, her attitude changed very little between the people she spoke with. Of course she was more relaxed around family than others, but aside from that she rarely changed her personality. "Pleased to meet you, Bellatrix. Brae and I are sixth years, too. We came here from a school in Ireland... It was nice, but a great deal smaller than here at Hogwarts." she commented.

Braedon recognised her family name instantly. Of course unlike his sister he took an interest in the pureblood way of life; in fact he mourned the fact that they were not purebloods themselves, due to their dratted half-blood mother. At least part of his mother's heritage was somewhat respectable, and their father was pureblooded. Now that Syd was finished introducing herself, he stepped up to do the same. Braedon rarely spoke if he could help it, but when he did his voice was deep ad somewhat soothing. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm Braedon Archer," he planted a small kiss on her hand, as was in his nature. Even if it was improper, Brae had always been a compulsive flirt. After he had done so, he sat back down in his armchair, a rather neutral expression seemingly etched into his features, however there was evidence of a slight smirk tugging at his lips.

Sydney rolled her eyes at her brother's antics. It was so typical of him to act like the perfect gentleman sometimes, while to her he usually acted somewhat differently. But of course since he looked after her welfare so often, Sydney had to be grateful. Of course it somewhat confused her, but she wasn't one to question Braedon's thought process.

[Bellatrix Black]

Bellatrix was pleasantly surprised when Braedon took her hand and kissed it. Although she knew they were in Slytherin it was best not to assume that they knew her heritage. Clearly, Braedon did. She hoped that he wasn't too intimidated, they both seemed so nice. Bella was the first to admit that not many of her friends could be described as nice, and sometimes she wished there were a few. Perhaps this was a chance to make friends with some normal people.

She turned back to Sydney, keeping an eye on Braedon. "Ireland? How lovely. My grandfather has a castle near Kilkenny. Such a beautiful area." She smiled, remembering briefly the frigid castle that had been the family eyesore. She had been one of the few members of the family to enjoy its drafty passages and haunted towers.

"Although Hogwarts is large, you'll feel at home immediately. I promise," she said, nodding her head sagely. "Slytherin takes care of their own." This was true, although sometimes there were exceptions. Bella had recognised the Archer name, she knew their cousin, and she knew they were a good mostly pureblood family with plenty of pride and Slytherin qualities. She knew that Slytherin would welcome them into the fold easily.

[Sydney and Braedon Archer]

Sydney nodded, a slight smile on her face. She had loved the warm, cosy house that they had lived in... the largest part was the library, which had a fireplace for her to read by. Due to her weak lungs and tendency to get sick easily, she rarely ventured outside as a child. That was the main reason why, while the Archer twins were in each other's company constantly, their relationship couldn't exactly be deemed 'friendly'. While Brae was always outside playing sports with his friends, Syd was left to read books [even this was difficult, due to her dyslexia] inside, which was why they were so removed from each other. For twins, they weren't that similar in personality at all. Of course there was a slight physical resemblance between them, but that was a given.

Still, Sydney preferred their old life in Ireland, their old house. There she had friends, she could be comfortable for once. Not like in the expansive Archer manor, which always seemed like such a cold and dreary place to return to... it was saved, simply for the fact that so many people lived there. That was what made the place so interesting; if not for that, the house would truly be dead. She hardly ever stepped out of her comfort zone and thus, was still trying to adjust to the new situation.

Braedon was somewhat undecided on this matter. He loved the grounds of his old house [he scarcely ever lived inside them, if not for dinner and sleeping] and he missed his old friends, but the people at Hogwarts were okay and the Quidditch Pitch was fairly decent. On the downside he felt even more of an obligation to look after his sister, but his protectiveness had begun in their third year and this was something he had become accustomed to. "I can't say I enjoyed our house or manor, or whatever you would call it, when we lived in Ireland. I rarely ever went in there, unless-"

"That's because you were always too busy playing sports," she said to her brother, before tuning back to Bellatrix. "It really was lovely inside, Brae just isn't an inside type person." Sydney was somewhat envious that while he made friends, played games and had fun, she was stuck inside for fear of becoming onwell. But on the bright side, she had probably developed quite an immunity to some illnesses by now, and could sometimes feel the onset of a cold coming on with just enough time to prevent it.

Brae rolled his eyes at his sister's interruption. Grudgingly, he would have to admit that he couldn't exactly deny that fact. "Well I feel at home, Syd is just having trouble adjusting. Yes, our cousin did mention that Slytherin looked after its members, instead of their tiresome arguments between each other... I feel sorry for those unforunate to be placed in Gryffindor." Adrian had told him all about the Slytherin-Gryffindor rivalry long before he had arrived here and as such, he knew that those from the house of the lion were not to be associated with by those of Slytherin... well, not openly at least.

[Bellatrix Black]

Bella had to admit that she was not an outside person. Although she did reasonably well at most sports she tried, she was not fond of being sweaty or digusting. She did try to cultivate an aura of serenity, and that wasn't quite possible when one was perched upon a broom scowling.

She nodded politely at Bradeon's comments, he seemed like the popular normal fellow type, no doubt settling into Slytherin's inner lad's club with ease. But Bella was a bit more concerned for his sister, she seemed to be a bit of a wall-flower, and perhaps not with the greatest of health.

"... I feel sorry for those unforunate to be placed in Gryffindor," Braedon said, and Bella jerked her head, trying to pay attention. Yes, well, of course.

"Uh-huh," she said, nodding her head once. "A bit of a shame. But there are those like your cousin, Scarlett, whom still hold true to pureblood ideals. They are to be commended for their sacrifice -- after all, we must have a few infiltrators within their traitorous ranks."

[Sydney and Braedon Archer]

An observer as always, Sydney couldn't help but notice that Bellatrix did not wholeheartedly agree on Brae's Gryffindor comment. She was curious as to why, but decided it best not to ask; perhaps it was a sensitive subject. Evidently, her brother had not noticed, as was evidenced by the way he ploughed on as normal. Syd bit her lip inwardly, afraid her brother would put his foot in it as normal. One thing that she noticed about her brother, was that sometimes he failed to shut his mouth when it would be of benefit to him.

As his sister had guessed, Braedon didn't get it. "I suppose there are a decent few, but from what Adrian told me, most of them are rotten... Is it really a sacrifice, though? I don't think it can be classed as such; they weren't sorted there willingly, they were placed there... so basically they're forced to stay. But yes, of course I applaud those that choose to work for us without the knowledge of their peers."

Sydney shrugged slightly at all the talk of the other houses. "I can't say I've really had a problem with any of the other houses so far... A couple of Ravenclaws gave me dirty looks in the library, but I had most of the defence books at the time, so it was probably that..."

[Bellatrix Black]

Bella smiled a little, glad that she and Braedon saw eye to eye on this matter; after all, it wouldn't do to pick a fight with him when she'd just met him. The way she saw it people didn't really have a choice on their House. They were suited for it, or they weren't. End of story. But as she had seen with her own two eyes, stereotypes didn't always extend to the real thing. It was okay to keep stereotypes in your mind, but in real life things were quite different. "Of course," she answered calmly. "Most of them are rotten, but there are always a few who are from quite noble families."

She smiled at Sydney, glad that she hadn't faced much trouble. After all, she had such a sweet, placid manner that Bella doubted anyone would give her grief. There were always a few Slytherins who were such, and they were always the most pleasant to hang out with.

"So, have you guys made friends quickly?"

[Sydney and Braedon Archer]

Braedon simply nodded in agreement, aknowledging that that topic had come to an end. He shrugged nonchalantly at her question, a rather casual attitude now in place. "I've made friends with a few of the guys in Slytherin - Adrian introduced me to a few people and I get along well with the guys in my dorm. A few of the 7th year girls have been giving Syd some grief, though, since she's so quiet." he replied for both himself and his sister.

Sydney's cheeks flushed pink in embarrassment for a second. "They keep on saying that I study too much to be in Slytherin, that I'm too quiet and a pushover..." she said somewhat gloomily. She had always felt left out in some way, especially throughout her childhood; Syd was no stranger to bullying and lonliness. In some respects, she had to admit that the girls were correct... she was rather quiet and a bit of a pushover. And the studying was necessary if she needed to keep up, what with her dyslexia sometimes inhibiting her learning. It seemed to many that Sydney was not cunning at all, but this was simply because she had never gotten an opportunity to prove her worth. She was capable of being sneaky, and it was unlikely for people to suspect her of any foulplay; she seemed too innocent, always an advantage.

But in a school situation, she had no use for displaying her cunning; it simply wasn't necessary. "They'll get bored of me at some time and move on to someone else... plus, with Brae with me they tend to stay away..." Sydney knew that Braedon would never dare jinx a girl unless they were attacking him, but when he told them commandingly to clear off, she found that they actually listened, which was lucky enough.

[Bellatrix Black]

Bella nodded, a tad concerned for the poor girl. As Bella knew quite well (her sister Narcissa was a living, breathing example of this) a angelic exterior often belied a thorny and cunning interior. After all, Narcissa was as nasty and manipulative as anyone in Slytherin, but very few knew that or put any stock in it: her halo of white blonde hair and light blue eyes were misleading.

"Well," Bella said dismissively. "You are welcome to join my posse anytime you please, you'll be welcome. We're not exactly quiet, but we're not loud either. You'll fit right in. You too, Braedon." Not that he would want to hang out with a bunch of girls, but there were quite a few pretty ones among the bunch. "Roddy can show you around sometime."

"As for the whole studious air," Bella continued, "it's not a bad thing to cultivate. Although Slytherins aren't exactly known for being geniuses, it'll be nice to change that common misperception. It's my opinion that Ravenclaws aren't any smarter than us, they're just more pretentious."

Her eyes sparkled. "Oh, which reminds me! You'll both have to come to my party I'm holding next week. It'll be a blast, I promise you. Oh, don't plead reticence, Syd, you'll have fun. I'll introduce you to some nice Slytherin boys."

[Sydney and Braedon Archer]

Sydney smiled shyly. "Thankyou, that's very kind of you... and there's a boy in their group, too, Braedon." she replied with a nudge of the elbow to her brother.

Braedon simply shrugged as though he was uninterested. Of course he had no objections to this arrangement anyway; what teenage boy wouldn't want to be constantly surrounded by girls? Of course he was used to their gossip, too; he had easvesdropped on the few sleepovers that Sydney had had while in Ireland.

Sydney shot a small smirk toward her brother. With a grin toward Bellatrix, she shot her brother another glance. "He'll love it, you can just tell by his face. Sure you look all innocent but I know what you're thinking, Braedon Theodore Archer..." Ignoring the glare her brother shot her at the use of his full name, Syd returned her attention to Bellatrix. "Oh yes, I've always found it quite useful. I've never gotten in serious trouble because I'm so quiet in class. Brae on the other hand is in trouble a lot, only he learned how to charm himself out of it with his stupid excuses... it's surprising the teachers really buy it."

Sydney bit her lip at the mention of a party. "Party? I've never been very experienced at the whole social scene... but I suppose now is the ideal time to start practicing, eh?" She nudged her brother. "What do you think, Brae?"

Brae shrugged. He knew better than to think that his sister would mind his opinion anyway. "Whatever. I'll go, of course. I mean we didn't have these things at my old school, so for all I know it could be the highlight of the social year. And I couldn't miss that." he replied, a slightly mischevious air to his voice.

[Bellatrix Black]

Bella noted the mischevious tone and hoped that he didn't have anything nasty up his sleeve. But then again, what Slytherin wouldn't? She only hoped it didn't involve overly illegal drugs or crashing the party. Causing a few minutes of ruckus would be fun, but anything more would be irritating. She smiled and dipped her head slightly. She couldn't wait to see if Syd had a mischevious side like her brother, perhaps with a little alcohol her inhibitions would let loose and then they could get to know each other.

"Awesome," she said, rubbing her hands together. "It'll be cool to have you guys here."

She stood after a few moments. "I'm going to go find Roddy now, but it was really nice to meet you two. I'll see you around?"