Mad World Mods (madworldmods) wrote in madworldrp, @ 2007-10-28 01:11:00 |
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Entry tags: | bellatrix lestrange, elaine campbell |
Bellatrix & Elaine
LJ-SEC: (ORIGINALLY POSTED BY fieldofstars)
Who: Elaine Campbell and Bellatrix Lestrange
Where: Book shop in Hogsmeade!
When: Saturday after the Bella and Amelia thread
What: Oh, a bit of chit-chat, gearing up for tomorrows fight
Status: Started AIM, finished thread, Complete!
Rating: G
It certainly wasn't ideal circumstances for going to Hogsmeade, and Elaine wasn't thrilled that she was going alone. However, with suitable bravado and bluster, she'd hopefully make even herself believe that she didn't care and that she wasn't the slightest bit jealous that she was going alone. And naturally, she found herself in the bookshop, browsing and discarding books just as quickly as she picked them up. Cat ears attached to a headband poked out of her hair, testament to her plans for later that afternoon, but for now she was content to play the part of scholar, hunting through stacks of books until the perfect one reared itself.
Amelia Bones certainly had nerve! After the disaster at the shoe shoppe Bellatrix spent a fair amount of time standing outside, composing herself as she perceived the blood draining from her face. It was good, the frosty kiss of the air, for clearing her mind as she took breaths to center herself. One stray hand dashed across her stomach before she turned again to her left -- surely there would be no confrontation in a book store?
With a quickened felinic step she ascended the few stairs and opened the door to feel the warm air envelop her. There was something she could do -- something not entirely self-serving -- and so she turned down the correct aisle to scan the tall, dusty shelves with sharp eyes. A book upon the highest shelf (for she could see its gilt lettering spelled out The Philology of Stars) beckoned and without much thought, she flourished her wand and it fell slowly toward her outstretched palm, soft as a feather.
The problem, Elaine mused as she thumbed through yet another book that had seemed promising but was, upon inspection, actually not; the problem with visiting a book shop eight times out of a year for five years was that eventually, the amount of books that were applicable to one's interests versus the books that simply were taking shelf-space steadily diminished. It was a sad state, to be honest. And then quick, quiet steps were taken behind her, and a book summoned from a shelf directly above her head. Curious despite herself, Elaine glanced up, tilting her head back as the book descended. And then, spying the top of someone's head, she turned slightly, a polite smile on her face. "Excuse me," she said, stepping to the side so that the woman could have uninterrupted access to the shelves.
The book landed neatly in Bellatrix's hand, flipping automatically to the first page. She scanned the typeset for the publishing date and gave a faint nod before acknowledging the student next to her. Smiling ever so slightly, she inclined her head, appreciative of the girl's polished manner. "You are not in my way."
Elaine returned the smile, eyes sliding over the title of the book. Her smile widened a bit; it was one of her favourites. "My father found a copy of that for me a year ago, for my birthday. It's one of my favourites, now." Idly, her eyes flicked over the selection before her, and she reached out, palming the book whilst storing the other between elbow and body. A quick scan of the first chapter revealed it had worth, and so would be added to the pile to be culled later.
"I thought it to be quite rare," she said softly, narrowing her eyes at the cat ears that peeked out from Elaine's shining blonde head. Dare she admit she found it cute? A quick check of herself brought her back to full, steady and centered composure. "You like the stars ... " she trailed, waiting for the girl's name.
Elaine raised an eyebrow. Yes, the book was rather rare, but the relationship between father and youngest child wasn't one to be trifled with, she'd found. "It is amazing what fathers find for their children," she replied, turning and facing Bellatrix squarely. "Elaine Campbell, and I do, yes. I feel like I always have." Not one for full theatrics unless in front of her grandfather, she merely inclined her head respectfully.
" ... it is indeed," she said, raising the corner of her mouth as she too remembered what her own father had attempted to do for her on more than one occassion. "It is a pleasure, Elaine Campbell, to find a student who is both respectful and mindful of the heavens." And she meant it, too. The Campbell name was one not entirely familiar to her ears so she merely placed her free hand upon her hip and motioned toward the girl's books with her chin. "What have you got?"
Elaine smiled, pleased with the compliment, and looked down at the books she held. "Hm, one is Bodd's treatise on early Arithmantical equations and how they may relate to the modern forms we use," she answered, glancing down at the stark cover of the smaller book. "And this one is a children's book, actually. A newer edition of Beedle's tales. Sometimes I find them comforting to read late at night." Elaine's eyes caught the glint of gold on Bellatrix's left hand. "May I ask your name?"
"Fairy tales are not really good fairy tales unless they are enjoyed by child and adult, alike." Bellatrix's smile was almost cat-like. One fine brow arched. "You may. I am Bellatrix Lestrange."
Lestrange. Well, that was definitely a name known, and one highly respected by Duncan Campbell. Normally, this would automatically make Elaine less than agreeable, but Mrs Lestrange hadn't been anything but pleasant. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs Lestrange. I believe that my grandfather would disagree with you, but then I think my grandfather sometimes has an overabundance of what he calls sensibleness."
"Likewise, of course. Who is your family, Elaine? I don't believe we run in the same circles ..." She wondered if Narcissa knew this young woman. Elaine was exactly the kind of girl that she would want her younger sister to associate with. Knowledgable, a little imaginative, dreadfully polite. "He is a man -- " she said with a snort, shaking her head once. "What do you expect?"
"My grandfather is Duncan Campbell, a retired curse-breaker, and my father owns a small farm and shop that supplies apothecaries in London, Edinburgh, and a few other places." She paused, considering. "My grandfather has always spoken highly of your family. He'll be happy to know that I spoke with you today."
Elaine couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. "Well, he tries, I suppose."
Campbell. Bellatrix finally connected the name with the family -- old, certainly, and magical, though the family's blood was not pristine. She could overlook it for the girl's wit and her impeccable manners.
"I suppose." She grinned - something all too rare. Then, taking a step in, she pointed to to the book in her arms. "As one with a fine knowledge of the heavens and an appreciation of books ... what is your opinion on this?"
Lightly Elaine touched the book Bellatrix held. "It holds a wealth of information. It can be a bit dry, but it actually is very concise about presenting everything." It was, in all actuality, one of the few books that Elaine kept permanently in her school bag.
The description was quite apt for the person she was considering it for. One light laugh preluded a nod. "It sounds perfect."
"Good! I'm glad it will work, then. Is it for a gift, then?" Elaine was pleased to find that Bellatrix was, upon first meeting, a pleasant person and not at all like the hotheads that Duncan Campbell frequently quoted. It was a nice change and gave Elaine a bit of hope in the midst of the ridiculousness that was school.
"It is, indeed -- " though it should be a book on parenting, perhaps. One eye narrowed as she considered divulging the recipient of the gift.
A sigh. "For my husband, actually. Involving no other vocation than a whim. He is a collector of rare and informative books."
"Oh, that's very," romantic, "sweet," Elaine smiled. "Buying a gift for a loved one... it seems to me that it would mean more if it is unexpected." She allowed herself a moment to ponder that -- and merely ponder because she had no one to really prove such a point with. "I hope he enjoys it."
She took a small step away, the curtain closing on her time within the shop. "I'm afraid that I am expected to meet friends shortly, but it really was nice meeting you, Mrs Lestrange. Please give your husband my regards."
"And I too," she she said, thinking of the errands she wanted to accomplish before she would return home at the end of the day. With a smile, she laid her hand lightly on Elaine's shoulder.
"You are welcome at my home, anytime. Perhaps soon you might visit and there can be tea involved. Horse riding too, if you are amenable. I live in Norfolk -- it's quite picturesque."
"I -- thank you. I will inform my parents of your invitation." Not that they would truly have anything to say about any sort of permission. This was edging close to the boundary of what was expected of Elaine as the heiress, and thus Duncan would have final say. "I've never been to Norfolk, and I believe I should like to visit. Thank you."
She smiled, truly pleased with the invitation, and turned from Bellatrix. "Good afternoon, Mrs Lestrange."
And with that, she was to the front of the shop, paying for her books, and then out into the chill of the October afternoon.
Bellatrix remained in the aisle, idling as Elaine left. She perceived the young woman's exit (a stray beam of sunlight upon a golden head) and looked again at the book in her hands.
"Yes," she said contemplatively. "Yes, I think this shall be very good."