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Isabella Morgana Zabini ([info]black_widow) wrote in [info]rent_asunder,
@ 2008-03-27 22:53:00

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WHO: Isabella Zabini, Eleanor Branstone
WHAT: Isabella wants a whole new wardrobe, and the selection at Twiflitt and Tattlings just isn’t good enough anymore.
WHEN: 27 March, midafternoon
WHERE: Madam Malkin’s
RATING: PG - very tame
Complete

~ ~ ~

Isabella strolled down Diagon Alley, knowing herself to be the quintessential portrait of elegance. She didn’t often go out and about these days, what with the climate change, political and otherwise. The Alley had changed, and she wasn’t entirely certain that she liked it. Certainly it was good and proper that the Mudbloods were being ousted from the business world. The shops were the realm of the halfblooded. This was the way of things. Still, it was worrisome that so many shops were closing down so quickly. It was nigh impossible to just simply change the economy like this, and she knew that they would pay the price for it. For the first time ever there were beggars in the street; Mudbloods disenfranchised by the new laws, hoping for a scrap of charity from the higher ups. Isabella passed each of these by, of course, disdaining to even look upon them. She was a daughter of one of the most powerful families in all of Europe; she would not be touched by the filthy hands of Mudbloods. The Ministry ought to be finding something useful for them to do, not just casting them out to die on the curb.

As she passed by the storefronts, she felt the hairs rise on the back of her neck. Someone was watching her. Someone not a Mudblood. She very carefully stopped and looked about her. No one in immediate view was looking her way, so it must be someone hiding. How dare they spy upon her? Did they think she wouldn’t know, that she wouldn’t find out who they were and hunt them down? She would not tolerate this kind of subterfuge.

“Where are you?” she muttered under her breath, narrowing her eyes and looking for every possible hiding place. The problem with places like Diagon Alley is that there are little nooks and crannies all over the place, and whoever it was that was following her could be anywhere. “Very well, then.” They wanted something from her, they all did. What could it be? She smoothed her hands over her elegant black robes, looking down at the embroidery on the skirts. They felt wrong to her, felt as though they were what was drawing the attention her way. She stood out. Perhaps there was a curse laid upon her dress, allowing them to track her? Stranger things had happened. That, at least, she could combat. Likely someone at Twiflitt and Tattlings had been bought. A change of tactics was in order.

Resuming a brick pace, she stalked down the Alley and came to Madam Malkin’s store. She’d never shopped here, so it would be an unexpected move on her part. The store was somewhat common, but she’d heard some good things about them and perhaps with the right application of money they could create a wardrobe worth wearing. Gently she pushed the door open and strode into the shop.


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[info]black_widow
2008-03-28 03:33 am UTC (link)
The perky, squeaky tones of the shopgirl greeting Isabella as she glanced around the shop. Though the vast majority of the clothing she saw at first glance was dreadfully common, there were some very nice pieces here and there, hidden like gems among the pebbles on a beach. She turned her appraising eye to the girl herself. Though she looked very nervous, Isabella felt that she could forgive that. After all, she was being visited by Isabella Morgana Zabini nee Locklore Josiah MacDuff Sawwan St. Clair van Ewingthorne de Leoncoeur of the Most Noble House of Zabini, an event that could not be said to happen to many shopgirls. She looked to be of good halfblood stock, which was proper for a girl of her station. Her hands seemed very capable, long and slim but with the evident calluses and nicks that denote a seamstress of some skill. She would do.

"Good day," she said, turning on a warm smile. "I require a new wardrobe. Do you think you can provide me with anything I might desire?" She raised a single eyebrow, watching to see how the girl reacted.

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[info]stitchingwitch
2008-03-28 03:43 am UTC (link)
Well that wasn't what Norrie had expected. An entire new wardrobe? Norrie didn't doubt that this woman could afford it, and from the looks of her, she wouldn't want any hideous little animals. This might not be so bad. In fact, it might be fun. This woman looked like she had some taste. That was no simple robe on her frame.

After a second or two while Norrie considered this, she answered, still squeaky, but with a bit more confidence, "Yes, of course, Madame."

As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Norrie second-guessed herself. Would she take offense at being called Madame? What if Norrie wasn't up to it? No, she could do this. It wasn't like she would have to actually design the clothing. This woman probably already knew exactly what she wanted. And Norrie knew she could transfigure what she couldn't stitch until it matched specifications. So, very carefully, Norrie put the embroidery away and stepped out from behind the counter.

"What would you like first?"

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[info]black_widow
2008-03-28 04:13 am UTC (link)
Reaching up to her throat Isabella unclasped the brooch that held her cloak and tossed it to the side to land in a puddle of black and purple velvet. "Firstly, I want to be rid of what I'm wearing right now," she said, beginning to unlace the back of her corset and walking to a side room where there would be more privacy. "You may do with it as you wish, but I must warn you that I believe it is cursed. So to begin with I shall need something to wear today, and then we can discuss the creation of a collection to replace my current ensemble."

She turned and looked at one of the pieces she had seen that had caught her eye, an elegant day gown in shades of green. The cut was just daring enough to not be boring, but not so daring as to be too scandalous, which was always a quality better suited for evening wear. "That, I think," she said, nodding her head at it. "And while you fit it to me you can tell me about your new designs. Do you have anything that reflects what is being worn on the continent right now, or perhaps even something unique? I don't particularly fancy looking like all the boring old hags in Britain who think they understand fashion, and I shall simply die if I am ever touched by a dress that has embroidered little cats on it."

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[info]stitchingwitch
2008-03-28 04:49 am UTC (link)
Norrie could not have imagined better words than those. NO LITTLE ANIMALS. Thank Merlin. And Norrie was fully planning on taking the clothing rapidly piling on the floor. She had been given permission, after all. And Norrie doubted that whatever curse was on them would survive a good thorough alteration. Most enchantments didn't, for whatever reason. That was the main reason why witches and wizards paid to have their clothes altered rather than transfiguring the clothing themselves. It was quite a trick to alter the clothing and keep the spells on it. That was also the reason Norrie did so many of her alterations the muggle way. But that was beside the point. The point was to find this woman some decent clothing. Her selection of Norrie's favorite piece in the shop proved her hypothesis of her customer's taste.

After sending the discarded clothing into the back room, Norrie carefully brought the green silk gown to her customer. She did trip on the way, but she didn't think the woman saw. It was quickly apparent that the dress needed very little alteration. Norrie carefully and efficiently went about making the tiny adjustments.

"We have a few pieces with the new pointed lapels. Or, if you're looking for couture, there are some really beautiful pieces inspired by the Chanel spring line - the clean, early 40s look. Or I could adjust any of the pieces you like to match the season's colors or cuts. "

Norrie remembered one piece in particular from the Chanel show that she had sparked her ideas.
"The mermaid skirt is just starting to come back. Perhaps one enchanted to look like the ocean?"

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[info]black_widow
2008-03-28 05:21 am UTC (link)
Isabella gazed at her reflection in the mirror, approving of the efficent manner in which the girl went about the alterations. She clearly knew her business, and wasn't like some of the shopgirls that worked at Twifflits. They were all such insipid brats, trying to push ridiculous fashions on her without understanding what they actually were suggesting, trying to play as though they were her equals. This girl seemed respectful without being timid, and Isabella approved of that. She also seemed to have no idea who Isabella was, which was rather nice for a change. It also meant that she hadn't been bought by her enemies, and that she could, at least for now, be trusted.

"Hmm," she mused aloud. "I rather think I'd like to see everything you suggest." She looked down at the girl and smiled again. "After all, when I say I require a new wardrobe, I mean an entirely new wardrobe. I'll be needed quite a lot. I trust you'll be able to provide, Ms...?" She waved a hand, gesturing for the girl to introduce herself.

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[info]stitchingwitch
2008-03-28 02:38 pm UTC (link)
It took Norrie a second to grasp that she was to introduce herself. She almost blurted out, "Branstone." She almost followed it with 'Norrie', but thought better of it and said, "Eleanor." She didn't at all feel like an Eleanor, and she never had. She'd always been Norrie. But somehow she didn't think that this woman would approve. And Norrie, always friendly and easy to please, was especially eager to please this customer. If Norrie were quite lucky, she would get to make some truly brilliant garments for her. Not just some, a lot. An entire. New. Wardrobe. Norrie's head almost swam with the thought of it. Now all she had to do was keep from stabbing her customer with a pin or falling on her face.

To keep from worrying about messing up, Norrie quickly gathered up all of the pieces in the shop that met the current fashions - not the little animals fashions, the real fashions of Paris, Milan, and New York. She also started transfiguring garments to match the trends. She made the blouses and dresses fuller and more flowing, and widened belts to pair with them - which was the newest trend from the spring preview shows. She reduced the flare of pants from the previous season. She brightened colors and shortened hems. The entire time, Norrie was careful to keep a careful eye on her client to judge reactions. She was careful not to do anything too drastic to any one piece, just making little changes. Norrie wasn't going to start enchanting dresses to flutter at the bottom without wind or adding luminescent mini-gems to jackets and risk scaring this customer away.

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[info]black_widow
2008-03-28 05:22 pm UTC (link)
Branstone... the name did ring a bell. No one of influence, of course, but also a name that was not mud. Excellent. Once again it seemed that Isabella's instincts about people were correct. She also was impressed with the girl's tastes. The items she was picking out were, almost entirely, perfectly suited to her styles. She rejected a few choices, mostly of more Muggle-looking fashions, but even they were not hideous, just not to her particular taste. She was a highborn lady, and she would not gad about looking like a Muggle.

"My dear, you seem to me to have an exquisite sense for fashion," she said after a short time, admiring the collection of dresses and accessories that were building up around her. "And these will most certainly do for a start. However -" She froze suddenly, her gaze snapping towards the front of the store. Someone was coming. She knelt down and quickly pulled the girl close. "You have another customer coming. Get rid of them quickly and do not let on that I am here." The chime at the door rang, and Isabella straightened and pulled out her wand to cast a concealment charm upon herself. It might be nothing, but she wasn't about to take that chance.

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[info]stitchingwitch
2008-03-28 11:37 pm UTC (link)
Uhhh....What? Norrie felt like she'd been slapped, the change had been so abrupt. Everything was going well, the rack of clothing to purchase was growing, and then BANG. Was this woman in danger? What was happening? Norrie knew that there was something of a war on, but somehow it had never entered her work before.

Whatever was going on, Norrie didn't want to do anything that might cause her customer (who was she, anyway?) danger. Norrie went to the front of the shop and met the incredibly innocuous old woman that had just come to pick up an alteration. Norrie summoned the parcel and sent the lady on her way as quickly as she could. After she had left, Norrie considered. This woman obviously didn't want anyone else around during her shopping. Well, she could fix that. Norrie locked the door and put up a sign to the effect that the shop was, regrettably, closed for the next hour.

She cautiously walked back towards the fitting area and spoke uncertainly. "She's gone, and I've closed the shop for the next hour."

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[info]black_widow
2008-03-29 12:09 am UTC (link)
The old woman had seemed fairly innocent, but then, the best spies always did. Isabella had found, in her many years of experience, that even children could be recruited to perform the most dastardly of tasks, sometimes even without their knowledge. So the fact that the old woman appeared to be nothing more than a jovial old biddy did not necessitate that she was a neutral party. Still, the girl had handled it well. She'd been prompt and courteous without being suspicious, and then she'd had the presence of mind to forestall any further interruptions. Yes, Isabella liked this girl. It was so nice to find competent help in this uncertain era. Perhaps it would behoove her to keep someone like this around. It was conceivable that she could prove useful even beyond her capacity in fashion.

"Thank you," Isabella said finally, dispelling the concealment charm around her with a quiet grace. "I apologize for having thrust you into that situation without warning, but you performed most admirably under pressure." She stepped off the measuring stood that she'd been standing on and flicked through the rack of her purchases with an appraising eye. "You have very fine taste, my dear. Tell me, have you ever designed anything yourself?"

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[info]stitchingwitch
2008-03-29 12:36 am UTC (link)
Oh God. Oh God Oh God Oh God Oh God! Was this customer going to ask her to design something? Norrie was both elated and terrified. She knew she wanted to be a designer one day, but...today? Merlin, she was only 18. There was no way she could create something to this woman's standards. On the other hand, she would never get any better without experience. And the worst she could do was say no. Just tell the truth, she thought to herself.

Norrie's voice had gone high and squeaky again when she answered. "A few things for friends and family, never a real job." And then, remembering her manners, tacked on, "Madam."

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[info]black_widow
2008-03-29 04:25 am UTC (link)
Isabella liked this girl's honesty. She clearly had a passion for her work, and she was obedient without being sycophantic. Or at least, she seemed that way so far. It would behoove Isabella to investigate further, but the girl... Eleanor, was it?... seemed worth the investigation. She was untouched by her enemies, fresh and new. It would be a new variable that they would never see coming. Sometimes that's all it took to change the course of the future, and Isabella wanted to keep the future as vague as possible. They wouldn't expect it. In addition she might be able to get a very nice, unique wardrobe out of this. To hell with Twifflit's.

"Well then," she said, still admiring her new clothes. "What I propose is this. I want you to be the one to deliver these purchases to my estate. On Monday, shall we say? When you come bring me a portfolio of some of your designs, and I shall look them over. If you wish you can also help me dispose of my current wardrobe. I shan't be wearing any of them ever again, cursed as they must be." She reached into the handbag that was the only piece she'd kept from what she'd come in with, and pulled out a small purse full of Galleons, pressing it into the girl's hand. "I believe this should cover everything that I've found today. We can discuss further remuneration should I like what I see of your designs."

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[info]stitchingwitch
2008-03-30 11:41 pm UTC (link)
This was not happening. Norrie was dreaming. Or something. This was the chance of a lifetime! Or too good to be true. She gripped the bag of galleons tightly, but barely realized what she was holding. Norrie was too caught up in the prospect of showing her designs. All she could stammer out was, "Yes, thank you. Of course. Madam. Um, where? I mean, where should I deliver the clothes?"

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[info]black_widow
2008-03-31 11:31 pm UTC (link)
Isabella smiled, enjoying how easy it was to astonish people sometimes. The girl seemed sweet, no ulterior motives to her smiles. Though Isabella considered that to be something of a sign of simplicity, it was also rather refreshing. The First Families, with whom she generally socialized, were always wrapped up in their petty intrigues, always seeing what they could hide under pretty words and pretty clothes. Isabella enjoyed pretty words and clothes, enjoyed intrigue for that matter, but most of the British really weren't very good at it. It would be nice to take a different tack for once.

She pulled her handbag close and took out one of her cards.

Isabella Morgana Zabini
nee
Locklore Josiah MacDuff Sawwan St. Clair van Ewingthorne de Leoncouer
of the Most Noble House of Zabini

The card was a beautiful ivory piece, carefully engraved and embossed with the Zabini coat of arms, a raven clutching a wand and a crystal in its talons. On the back it had the Floo address of the Manse, in Somerset.

"You may come to my home, my dear," she said to Eleanor. "And you may call me Madam Zabini. I expect you to be prompt, as I don't enjoy being kept waiting. When you arrive, my house elf Moopsy will take you my chambers where you may deposit the wardrobe, and then we shall see what you've brought me."

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[info]stitchingwitch
2008-03-31 11:54 pm UTC (link)
Zabini....that name was familiar....Oh! Wasn't there a Slytherin boy a couple years above her with that name? Blasé? Braze? Balaise? Blaise. That was it. Blaise. Norrie had never really interacted with him, which was something. Most of the Slytherins had been more than willing to make fun of her once Morgan had started things. He at least hadn't gotten involved. Norrie could live with working for Madam Zabini. Well, honestly, even if it had been Morgan's mother, Norrie probably wouldn't have passed up this chance.

"Yes, Madam. Zabini. Absolutely. Er, what time will you expect me?"

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[info]black_widow
2008-04-01 12:00 am UTC (link)
"Come by around three in the afternoon," answered Isabella, gathering up her handbag and the wrap that came with the dress she was now wearing. "I shall be off, now. You've been most helpful. Please pass along my regards to Madam Malkin, and tell her that I'm incredibly pleased with your service. I shall see you on Monday, young Eleanor."

She smiled warmly at the girl and then strode to the front of the store, unlocking the door and stepping out into the street. She glanced around briefly; no one, it seemed, was watching. Perhaps her plan had worked, and they couldn't recognize her. It was entirely possible. She felt very pleased with herself, and felt more at ease than she had in days. Perhaps she would celebrate this with some more shopping.

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[info]stitchingwitch
2008-04-01 12:06 am UTC (link)
It took Norrie a moment to process everything after Madam Zabini had left. She eventually snapped out of her reverie and began to very, very carefully pack the garments and write up the purchase, whistling the entire time. She replayed the entire encounter in her head over and over. Norrie was gong to show her portfolio. To a real client! Oh dear Merlin, but she had so much work to do before Monday. She needed to do at least ten more sketches in order to reflect the newest styles. And she would need to go through her entire portfolio and take out the weaker pieces. And she should probably construct a garment or two and enchant them to show her skills in that arena. But it was going to be so worth it. Wait until Justin heard about this.

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