Who: Ophelia and Mikael When: September 5, around 4pm Where: Slytherin common What: Talking Rating/Warnings: Awkward interactions. Status: Closed/Complete
Mikael had spent the past few days thinking about the time that he had spent with Ophelia during the feast. It had been pleasant and had not annoyed him like most social interactions. And now that classes were over for the week, they had made arrangements for him to view some of her art. Mikael could appreciate art and talent, which Ophelia seemed to have in spades.
He looked at the time and closed his book. He had been brushing up on some charms for class, but now it was time to meet Ophelia. He tucked a small strawberry flavored candy in his pocket that he had picked up for her and headed toward the common room.
Once there, he sat down and gazed around, looking for Lia.
Ophelia gathered her paintings together- the ones she had left- and shrunk each carefully. There was no way she could carry them both when they were normal sized, they were way too big for her tiny body to lift. She had dressed nicely and combed her long red hair until it was shining. She didn't think much of it, it was just important to look good. That was all there was to it.
After she was dressed and ready she pulled out the small bird she had recently been gifted, allowing it to sit on her shoulder as she headed downstairs. It was sweet and tame, from what she had seen, and so would likely stay where she was unless she found something she wanted to eat.
A smile curved her lips as she saw Mik sitting there and she walked over, seating herself by his side. "Hello."
Mik looked up when Ophelia made his way over to her, only to do a double take. She had a bird. On her shoulder. That was curious. He did not know that she had a pet bird. "Hello," he said slowly. "Who is your friend?"
The second thing he noticed after the bird perched on her shoulder was the Ophelia looked very pleasant. The black dress complemented her and gave her a respectable air. He could appreciate the fact that she seemed to care about her appearance. It never bodes well for anyone to think that they were messy. In his home a sloppy appearance was a sign of disorganization.
"You look nice," he said, smiling at her politely. "Ready to show me these wonderful paintings of yours?"
"Aria. Nico sent." Ophelia shrugged a tiny bit. It was a sweet little thing and she liked it. She had not expected to be given a pet but as she had never had one it was sort of pleasant. The creature had a nice song and knew when to keep quiet too, allowing for sleep.
The compliment made her smile and a faint hint of pink rose in her cheeks. She had not really expected it. She knew her dress was pretty- she had no choice but to own and modify nice things to wear- but she had never thought of herself as looking nice. She was too frail and bony for that.
"Right here." She set the two tiny paintings on the table and waved her wand, wordlessly re-enlarging them.
"Ah, a suitable present from your suitor then." It was not unheard of for betrothed couples to give each other small gifts. Or so he had heard. He gave Serafina gives frequently, so if he were to get her something it would hold no other meaning than he cared for her. Not about their engagement.
Mikael knew how to be a gentleman. He had been bred to have that mask to place on, after all. Social niceties were a part of the pure blood life style. It helped, however, that he was being honest when he complimented Ophelia. She did look nice, even he could notice that.
He looked over at the table and she placed her artwork on them, and his eyes widened when she enlarged the works. Or really, he should so masterpieces. It was very clear that Ophelia was talented, but these works were nothing short of amazing.
"Ophelia," he said in a hushed tone, "these are exquisite."
"Never had pet." Ophelia knew that Lae had always had his snake, but she had never even requested it. She knew her parents would deny the request because they didn't like things that would make her feel like she belonged, like she was normal.
She could typically manage social niceties. At least the ones she could do silently she managed. She smiled again and brushed back her hair slightly, looking at him. She wanted to draw him. It actually made her fingers tingle to that point that she wanted to go grab a pencil now.
She didn't notice it, but her movement rubbed a smudge of paint on her cheek. His words made her smile grow and she met his eyes. "Thank you, Mik. Means a lot."
"I've an owl, but I guess it isn't really a pet. I have to keep in contact constantly with my father and uncle, so it was practical I had a way to do so." He didn't think he would like a pet that required upkeep on his part. He was far too busy and did not care enough to have to deal with the responsibility that came along with having a pet.
"I am only speaking the truth," he said, gazing back down at the work before him. He could never create something like this. It was a rare find to have talent like Ophelia's and Mikael was happy she was no squandering it. His passion for blades aside, he did not really understand hobbies, but this went beyond hobbies. This was extraordinary.
Looking up, he noticed the smudge of ink of Ophelia's check. Pulling a handkerchief out of his breast pocket he stood up and went to Ophelia, gently using the cloth to wipe away the smudge. "There. You got some ink on you, but it's gone now."
Ophelia nodded. "Lae has snake." Though Mik would likely know that honestly. They had shared a common room for five years and so she figured he would have noticed the large snake that lingered with her brother.
"You are kind." Because it was nice of him to say. He seemed to never have anything unkind to say to her and she appreciated it. It wasn't like the treatment she got at home, that was for sure. "Could draw you. If you wanted." The blush returned to her cheeks and she glanced down, not sure what had prompted that boldness.
Her head shot back up though when he wiped her cheek and her eyes fixed on his. It was strange, the heat that rose even higher in her cheeks now, but she couldn't look away.
Yes, he remembered that snake quite well. It was quite magnificent. He had spent five years with the snake and if he were being quite honest, it was a little strange that it was no longer around. Funny how little changes like that could make a world of difference in the way one viewed life.
When she suggested that she could draw him, he was slightly taken aback. He had not expected it, but he wasn't against the idea. "Yes. That would be okay," he said, nodding slowly. "I have never had a portrait done of just myself. You would have to direct me. I would be lost in posing and framing."
He made sure to use his handkerchief because he did not want to be the cause of her gift activating. She struggled enough with it, so he used the cloth to wipe her cheek. When she looked up at him, he bowed slightly. "Can't have the lady looking not presentable, can we?"
She knew that Lae was still around and so the snake might come to her sometimes when he was busy, or not well. It always seemed to know and while she could not speak parseltongue like he could, she understood the methods the animal used to get her to check on Lae.
"Simple. Just sit or stand. I draw." A small shrug. She could let him pose naturally and maybe picture him with one of his swords to add that in as an extra touch. It would be nice and she was honestly looking forward to it now.
She was grateful for the courtesy, as many would not be so polite, and she averted her eyes for a moment before moving to sit down, her legs crossing at the ankles and her hands folding in a demure fashion. "No. Can't have that."
"I will gladly be your subject," he said. If her rendition of him was anything like that on the table before him, he was looking forward to it very much. She was quite the talent. He wondered vaguely if she had ever drawn Nico, her betrothed. It would make sense if she had.
"Are these the only two painting you have left after the summer?" he asked, waiting for her to sit before retaking his own seat. As he sat, he felt the candy move around in his pocket and pulled it out. "Before I forget, I remember that you enjoy strawberries, so I picked this up for you. It isn't a bird, but hopefully you will enjoy it."
Ophelia smiled happily at his acceptance and nodded. "I'm glad." Because honestly it would give her another chance to spend time with him, and that was always nice in her mind. She wasn't even vaguely thinking of Nico right now with him there, and the betrothal seemed for the moment to be some far off memory.
"Sold the rest." She wouldn't add why, since even though they'd had a deep conversation on why she didn't like the engagement, she couldn't tell him her plan. What if he tried to stop her? The candy though brought another brilliant smile to her face as she took it, her cheeks again colouring. "Didn't have to." She bit her lower lip, obviously excited by the small treat. "Father says I shouldn't have. But sweets are very good."
"Ahh," he said in regards to her selling her other works. He was almost sad that he didn't get to see any other paintings right now, considering he had become fond of her work. "Hopefully you can show me more as you create them then. Perhaps if I like one I can purchase it myself."
When she mentioned that her father didn't like her to have sweets he looked back down at the painting of the girl. She was rather sad looking and bore a striking resemblance to Ophelia herself. He vaguely wondered if it was a self representation. After all, she was very excited over candy because she wasn't allowed to have it....what else was imposed on her?
"Well, your father isn't here right now. I want you to enjoy it."
Ophelia looked at him thoughtfully before picking up one of the pair and holding it out to him. It was a landscape scene, not the one of herself - she wasn't so proud that she would think he would want an image of her for any reason. "For you." A faint blush again and she ducked her head, allowing her hair to cover her face now.
His comment about her father not being here made her smile a bit. It was true. He wasn't there and so he wouldn't be able to hurt her. Even better, Lae was still with her and so she could be around her brother as much as she wanted outside of classes. "Yes. It's just one." Because she had occasionally snuck out for treats over the summer but this one was special. It was a gift from Mik and he didn't have any of the harsh words her mother and father would have thrown if she had gotten it around them.
He took the painting from her gently. It was an extraordinary gift, he realized. She could sell the painting and make quite a bit off of it, yet she chose to give it to him. "Are you absolutely sure?" He looked down at the painting in his hands and then back up at her. "I will treasure it always." He had not relieved many gifts. He never really cared enough for people to want them, but it was nice to receive things from those he could actually tolerate. It made him feel....nice.
"Well, if you enjoy it, there are plenty more where that came from," he said. She was already too thin in his opinion. Not that his opinion mattered, but he would like to see her put on some weight. She was fine as is, but he had a feeling that she would be better with a little more weight.
Ophelia smiled and nodded. “I am.” Because she wanted to give him something nice to reflect that he made her smile pretty regularly. She noted that her bird had flown off to perch above the fireplace and so she assumed that it would explore for a while since it was no longer in a cage. “I am glad you like it. I want to please you.”
She nodded at his assertion that there would be more candy if she wanted it. She would most certainly not complain at that. “I would not mind. I like sweets sometimes.” She really just enjoyed having enough to eat while at school, but that would not be something she would ever say.
"I will hang it in my dormitory so that I can look at it often," he said with a nod. He was already going through his lists of contacts in his mind, thinking of the best woodworker so that he could get a frame that was befitting of such a work of art. He thought he knew who would be excellent. He would have to contact her shortly and see if she could rush an order for him.
"Sweets are a good thing occasionally," he agreed. He did not have much of a sweet tooth, but they were fine in moderation. "I am glad you enjoy it." He pointed at the other painting and said, "That one is spectacular as well. The resemblance to you is remarkable." And sad. Even he, who didn't do well with emotions, could see that.
Ophelia nodded again and bit her lip, pleased that he liked it so much. “I am honored.” Because really in pure circles having someone like him, or from his family, endorse what she had painted? It meant that a lot more sales would come in through the wealthier set.
“Strawberry is the best. But sometimes chocolate is okay.” Dark chocolate obviously. Milk was too sweet for her taste and so she rarely ate it. “Lae teased me about meeting you.” Because it amused her to think back on it. “Had to remind him that I’m betrothed and we are friends.”
"I am not much of a sweets eater, either, but info like certain things. I am a fan of chocolate, as well. Especially hot chocolate in the colder months," he stated. "I do not indulge in it very often that way when I do, it is better due to anticipation." Not to mention he could never have too much for fear of it sticking with him and hurting his body. He was tone for a reason, after all.
"All in good fun," he said. Or at least he hoped. Ophelia was promised, and as others would soon find out he was sure, so was he. And to someone he wasn't sure he could be engaged to. But this was not the time to think about it. "I am glad we are friends," he said in rely to her comment.
“Hot chocolate is very good.” Ophelia smiled at the thought. “I often drink tea or coffee, but that is a special treat.” She very rarely allowed herself treats since she often got yelled at for them, but on occasion when she made something for Laertes she would allow herself a taste as well.
“He teases a lot.” But then she teased him in return in her own way, so it was rarely anything she thought much of. Her eyes sparkled a bit as she mentioned her brother- he really was one of her favorite people and she loved him much more than she did her parents because he tended to focus on gentle guidance and not harsh words and slaps. “I am glad of it as well. You are a good friend.”
"I don't care for coffee very much, but I do appreciate the boost it can give you if you need it." His father wasn't a fan of coffee, and what Mikael Senior was not a fan of, his son tended to follow in his footsteps. It had always been that way. "I do like tea with just a hint of honey, though," he said. "How do you take yours? Perhaps when we work on potions I can have the elves bring us a pot."
He noticed the way she lit up when she mentioned Laertes. He was glad she was close to her brother. He was also glad that he was at Hogwarts so that she could go to him if need be. Females were meant to be fragile, but Ophelia seemed even more so. At many of the functions they had attended together she would often have markings and bruises marring her pale skin. Supposedly from falls, but in certain circles such as theirs, one never knew for sure.
"It's been far too long since I have relaxed with someone for pleasure." He didn't tend to socialize, but Ophelia would always be one of the few select he did enjoy.
“It helps me stay up for brewing.” The potions she worked on were sometimes time sensitive and so she had to be sure that she was monitoring them properly. Others required careful watching, especially those in the development phase, and she was always worried that if she slept too long, she would mess them up. “I take tea with a bit of lemon, and coffee with a lot of milk.” Because the bitterness could be unpleasant sometimes.
She was glad too that Laertes was there with her, since she could keep checking in on him as well. Most didn’t really know that she did that, but she had to make sure the potions she made him were working as they should. She always worried that somehow one of them would fail, and she didn’t know what she would do should that come to pass. At least his snake knew to find her if he was behaving in a manner that indicated there was an issue.
“I believe you are one of the few I indulge myself in such with.” Because most people she didn’t talk to, and it was very odd to see her taking interest in prolonged conversation.
"Noted," he said. It would be nice to have some refreshments to help them along as they worked on the potions. "I will have the elves bring some with all of the fixings. We can see if there are any other combinations we like."
"Especially here. I feel like our options for stimulating conversation and comfortable company are severely limited." It was no secret that he was not a fan of most of the school's population and he refused to hide the fact.
He knew she was not the type to engage in conversation and was a woman of few words. He was pleased she was able to open up with him.
Ophelia flicked back her hair from her face and nodded. "I would like that very much." More because it would mean that she got some more time to spend with him. That wasn't something she would ever complain about.
A faint smile twitched her lips and she shrugged one shoulder. "I suppose no matter where you go that happens." Because even when one was in the best company there were always people that would be less interesting than others. It meant a lot that he enjoyed talking to her.
"Unfortunately it does," he said in response to her statement about mundane people being everywhere. It was a sad testament to the state of their world. Filth running around like they owned the place, saying that they were equals. It was disgusting to him. He would rather not speak than to claim to enjoy that kind of company.
"At least we don't have to worry about that when we spend time together. Not bragging, but I find is both very interesting." Thankfully so. If he had to endure people like Grantaire often without reprieve with people like Ophelia he would crucio himself.
Ophelia smiled. "Things will change in the future." Her voice was soft but firm, secure in the fact that the statement was right. Mik, Lae, and the rest would bring about a different world. Hopefully she would find a proper place in it, even if she was married to someone not pure.
"No. You are interesting." She would not be immodest and say she was too. She was a female and so she had to be modest. "I am pleased you enjoy speaking to me. I very much enjoy your company."
"Oh, things will definitely be better in the future. The world we've been raised in will be a distant memory and things will be set right. Finally." Mikael's faith had never wavered. He stood firm in the knowledge that things were going to be different and the trivial would pass. He and Ophelia and others like them needed only be patient a little while longer and then they would be rewarded.
"And I yours," he said, once again looking down at the painting that she had given him. It was a testament to her character that she knew a female's role in their society. Far too many pure blood females had notions of surpassing their roles. That kind of behavior would have to be corrected.
"Yes. Things will be as they should." Because while she was not as into the purity ideals there were a number of things that she felt should be reverted to older ways, traditional rather than modern.
"I hope in the future we can spend more time together." Her eyes moved to meet his again and she blushed faintly. "As I said, your company is pleasing and I feel very honoured that you feel the same of me."
"We will spend more time together," he said with a slight nod. It was a welcome change to have someone to have conversation with that wasn't an idiot. He was pleased with their social interaction up to this point and always had been. They had been friendly (he wasn't sure he even had friends) for so long that it was nice.
"This has been most pleasant, dear Ophelia. I do await when we can do it again," he said rising to kiss her lightly in the cheek as was expected. "Until we speak again."