InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "I can take my shirt off..."

Ivan 'Maks' Volkov Maksimov (victory_v) wrote in loremrpg,
@ 2011-03-28 21:46:00

Current location:	The Great Hall
Entry tags:	benjy fenwick, septima vector

Characters: Septima Vector and Benjy Fenwick.
Setting: The Great Hall, Breakfast, Monday morning
Content: TBD
Summary: Septima is pondering the future, for a change...

Having read another missive from Hester about the young Frenchman she had met the previous summer, a letter that went on for several pages about how at last she had met a handsome boy that their parents approved of, and how good looking he was, and how wonderful it would be to spend the summers in France - and did she mention how handsome he was? It was incredibly tiresome, no matter how much Septima adored her sisters, particularly the younger two.

It wasn't even the jealousy that bothered her - it was the reminder that now, as a 7th year, she would soon be required to make decisions that she didn't feel ready to make. She would never be allowed to play Quidditch again. What the hell was she going to do with her life? How long would her parents give her before they thought it was time she was wed?

In a fit of pique that was most unlike her, Septima balled up the letter and threw it into the milk jug further down the table, causing it to splash over.

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bwick
2011-03-29 07:01 pm UTC (link)

Septima's facial expressions were lost on Benjy. He was still in between thoughts for the most part.

"I know my mum has made a few comments about me finding someone. But after Kira had to deal with her big breakup, I think that she got more of the focus there. I think that it's just expected that guys are supposed to be gentlemen, so it won't be as difficult to find someone or be treated wrong. But girls have to always be on the lookout for the 'bad guy' that is not going to treat them right. At least, that's how it seems my mum thinks. Personally, I know that girls and guys can be equally nice or mean, so it seems like a lot of harbored stereotypes. I mean, my great aunt has been married at least four times. She said that she was in love with each of them, but it seems more like she was in love with the idea of them and after she got bored, that was it."

Benjy stopped to take a drink of pumpkin juice. "I think it's more about finding the right person, not who you think is the right person. Maybe our parents just don't want to see us have to work through the not right people, because they were there before. It's like teaching us not to touch a hot cauldron. Usually, it only happens after we already get burned. If that makes any sense at all."

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victory_v
2011-03-29 07:05 pm UTC (link)

The more Benjy talked, the further towards the table fell Septima's glance. He definitely now seemed to be talking about a person's individual qualities, and not of their birth - and she felt as though making him understand would be rather difficult.

"My mother focuses on the girls because she wants us to have families sooner rather than later. That doesn't matter so much for the boys" she said, flushing ever so slightly at the mention of *that* sort of thing at the breakfast table. "It's what's expected of us."

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	bwick 2011-03-29 07:19 pm UTC (link)
	"Oh," was all Benjy could respond with for a moment. He flushed a touch. He hadn't considered the offspring angle. "So they would not approve of you focusing on a career instead of being, or while you were a parent? But, if that's how they see it, why did they have you come to Hogwarts at all?" (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

victory_v
2011-03-29 07:24 pm UTC (link)

"Because it's the proper thing to do. As is taking a career they find suitable, which means I'll never be allowed to play Quidditch again after I leave. As is attending all the society functions to associate with other people who are 'like us'. As is, when the time comes, marrying where I am bid."

She couldn't help having snapped slightly, but she was now becoming more than a little stressed out. Rubbing her temple, she mumbled a quiet apology before looking back down at the table.

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bwick
2011-03-29 07:34 pm UTC (link)

The "like us" comment confused Benjy. Coming from a half-blood background, he didn't have the same sorts of pressures that Septima's family pushed on her.

But he could tell that she was not happy talking about the situation, so he, for once, bit his tongue and tried to switch to a different topic. But she had just voiced concerns over Quidditch, too, which was his standard safe topic.

Failing at coming up with another topic on the spot, Benjy decided to settle for acknowledging her comments and letting Septima change topics if she wanted. "You shouldn't be the one apologizing. I just get caught up in questions sometimes, and I know that not everyone likes to keep answering them. But that doesn't sound very fair for you to deal with."

Benjy poked a fork at the bits of fruit he had scooped on to his plate. He felt bad for making his friend upset. Which seemed to be happening more and more lately.

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victory_v
2011-03-29 07:40 pm UTC (link)

"They might want me to marry someone I don't even like much, never mind love." Her voice was stable then, it being a mere statement of fact. But then, her mind strayed onwards slightly, as it occurred to her what her parents might say and so if she actually professed distaste for this situation, never mind gave an outright refusal. Her eyes widened slightly at this realisation, though Septima covered her eyes with her hands as the emotions caught up with her thoughts.

"And I don't know what on earth I would do if that happened" she added quietly, mumbling through her fingers.

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bwick
2011-03-29 07:52 pm UTC (link)

Benjy stayed focused on his plate, tracing the pattern on the outer edge with his eyes, until Septima covered her face. Now his friend was on the verge of tears.

He berated himself for not knowing how to help her. His big brother instincts were kicking in overdrive. And he was her Quidditch captain, and more importantly, her friend, so he should be able to do something to make her feel better.

"I'm sorry I don't know how to help. But, I would always respect you for doing what you thought was right, and I'll help you out however I can."

If this was Kira, he would have hugged her tight for added measure, but he thought that it could push Septima over the edge of tears. So he placed his fork on the table and turned to completely face her and offered a smile.

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	victory_v 2011-03-29 07:58 pm UTC (link)
	Septima rubbed her cheek slightly, feeling completely mortified now. She gently patted Benjy's hand, not wanting to seem like a complete cow, but not really in the mood to talk much now. Ironically, she could probably have used the hug - just not in such a public place. "I think I'm going to go for a walk" she whispered, getting up from the bench. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	bwick 2011-03-29 08:01 pm UTC (link)
	Benjy knew that Septima probably wanted some time alone. He didn't feel right letting her go off on her own, but was still too afraid of pushing her further. "Would you like me to find you before classes begin?" he asked before she stepped away. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	victory_v 2011-03-29 08:05 pm UTC (link)
	She shook her head as she picked up the last of her things, tucking her wand into the inside pocket of her robes. "No, thank you" she replied, feeling awkward and trying not to meet Benjy's eyes. "I'll see you later..." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

bwick
2011-03-30 02:39 am UTC (link)

"Sure. Take care." Benjy watched as Septima walked away.

Somehow, somewhere, Benjy made a mistake. The point that kept coming back to him was how his friend had mentioned was about her family only wanting her to associate with people "like them".

Something wasn't right. And, no matter how much he tried analyzing the conversation they just had, nothing seemed to make sense.

After waiting a few moments, Benjy followed Septima's lead, but headed back to the Ravenclaw common room to get his materials gathered for class.

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