Appearances (Pandora)

[aubree]

Aubree made her way into the Slytherin common room. The first classes had just ended and she was very tired. It was bad enough she had a class with so many muggle borns, but now Flitwick was teaching. Aubree didn't know what exactly his heritage was, but it wasn't just a wizard family she was sure. Aubree was tired, but she didn't want to go to sleep. So, she went to her dorm for a minute to fix her appearance. It had been a long day and she was sure she looked horrible. Aubree always looked nice and clean. She didn't want anyone to think she was a muggle! If that happened she wouldn't know what to do.

Aubree quickly brushed her straight, blond hair and fixed her robes. It didn't matter to her that she was just going to the common room. She just wanted to look presentable. Aubree made her way down from her dorm and into the common room. A few people were in there, but most were elsewhere. She found a seat by the fire. It was in the middle so she could see the people around her. Some of them looked nice, but most looked messy from the day. Aubree simply looked into the fire as there was nothing else to do. She sat there waiting for something, anything to happen.

[pandora]

The day had been a long one for Pandora and she rubbed her sore wrist as she headed back down the hallway towards the Slytherin common room. Charms had been her first class and her wrist had been aching since then. If she had to do one more circle-flick for that stupid shrinking charm, she was sure she’d have to kill someone, yet she knew that tonight she’d be sitting in her dorm room practicing. One must keep up appearances and Pandora would simply not allow herself to fall behind in class. She had to prove to those filthy Gryffindors that Slytherin was better at everything, even if that meant breaking her wrist in the process. She hefted the weight of her bag on her shoulder a little higher so it didn’t cut into the same spot again and sighed a small breath of relief when she finally got to the suit of armor standing in front of the entrance to their room. Pandora felt a little indignant at having to share her room with several other first years and was not looking forward to doing homework trapped down there with them. A few weren’t bad to be around but it was downright shameful that they were not given separate rooms.

Pandora spoke the password to the armor, allowing the irritation in her voice to be directed at the metal person before her. The suit hadn’t done anything wrong but it was there and snarling at it made Pandora feel a little better. The armor leapt aside for her and a note of satisfaction found it’s way into Pandora’s smile. At least something in this bloody place knew when to obey it’s betters. Pandora swept into the room as if she were royalty itself and paused only for a moment in the doorway. A moment was all she needed to quickly scan the room and determine who was sitting where. Her usual spot in the window sill had been taken by a rather large unhappy looking 6th year and Pandora knew better than to even attempt requesting it back. There were several spots in the room that were non-verbally reserved for older students and Pandora, ever aware of social etiquette, was smart enough not to try her luck by sitting there. She thought briefly about going down to her room but didn’t think she could bear being around one particular first year right now so instead, she turned her attention to a few very comfortable looking leather couches in front of the fireplace.

An older student was already sitting there, her golden hair shining in the flickering light and Pandora took in all of her features as she made her way slowly and gracefully towards the couches. She was doing the proper thing by offering the older girl a chance to express any discontent at the idea of having a first year sit near her. A simple look would have been enough and Pandora would easily veer off in another direction; in this way, no hateful words would need to be said which might destroy Pandora’s chances of getting along with the older student later. By the time Pandora got close enough for the girl to acknowledge her presence, Pandora had already made her initial judgments about this girl. The older student’s clothes were well kept and neat even at the end of the day, her hair was as thoroughly brushed and styled as Ariane’s was (Ariane being the only girl Pandora had ever seen spend over an hour brushing her hair), and a quick glance told her that the girl’s nails were perfectly manicured. Truly this girl believed in the importance of appearances and Pandora could respect that.

[aubree]

Aubree continued to look around the room. She didn't see anyone that was worth her company. Lately, she had thought Slytherins didn't behave in the matter to which they were taught, messy appearances, not respectable to older students, not studying. Aubree had been carefully taught all these things by her mother and obeyed every one. She knew she must if she ever wanted to please her parents. Most people thought Aubree was the perfect Slytherin girl, but her parents didn't. Appearances mattered to them, but they just didn't trust her for something that happened when she was very young. For that one action they thought she wasn't as worthy as they thought she was. Aubree was so determined to prove them wrong.

She was quite bored now so she decided to practice a few spells. Aubree practiced her spells often so when she grew up she could use them. She epically wanted to impress her lord more then her parents ever did. Then, she thought. They will respect me like I respect them. "Accio." She called quietly beckoning a few items to her. She started out small with quills and then proceeded to books and things. Just then, a first year came over to Aubree's area. Aubree could tell the girl had true manners because she was waiting for Aubree to allow her to sit near her. Aubree typically didn't like first years because they were too much like her sister, but this one had class.

Aubree gave a faint nod to the girl. It was the exact respectful nod that her mother had taught her years ago. She told her to give the nod to anyone older than you even if only by a day. The nod was no way rude or servant like, it was graceful and calm. The girl had gorgeous hair that she seemed to keep in okay condition. The girl looked like someone Aubree could get along with even though she was younger.She waited for the girl to sit down and looked at her with the "May I speak." look. Some Slytherins didn't liked to be talked to without permission and she didn't know if this girl was one of them. Aubree just wished to be polite and introduce herself. She continued to give the girl the specific look that Aubree's mom also taught her. Her mother had taught her to give this look to anyone you wish to speak to.

[pandora]

Pandora waited patiently for the correct body language from this older student before she would come any closer. Finally, after performing a summoning spell on a quill nearby, the older student turned to Pandora and gave her the appropriate nod, suggesting Pandora could approach. With practiced grace and ease, Pandora moved to the couch across from the older student and sat down as regally as she could. Her posture was impeccable and she arranged her robes about her just so, almost mimicking the way Aubree had arranged herself. It was obvious she was deferring to the older student as her mother taught her to do, and she waited until her hands were folded neatly in her lap before looking up to make eye contact and returning the curt nod of greeting. Pandora was basically presenting herself before this student to allow the older girl a chance to look her over. First impressions were vastly important and Pandora wanted to make sure the other girl was given plenty of time to decide Pandora was worth her effort.

Pandora saw this as an excellent chance to increase her own power base. One could never have enough friends in high places and having a fourth year student on good terms with her would go a long way towards increasing Pandora’s own standing. She was determined to prove to this older student that she was someone worth having around. The girl seemed pleased enough with her at this point and cast Pandora a look that seemed to ask for permission to speak. Though she didn’t let it show on her face, Pandora was a bit shocked that an older student would even bother to ask for permission to speak to a first year. She figured she must have made an impression of some sort to be shown this sort of courtesy but wasn’t about to complain. Her doll-like face stayed serene and calm as her thoughts whirled madly in her head. Every little social trick and subtle play of words her mother had ever taught her was brought to mind and she sorted through them quickly to determine how best to act around this girl. You have to think on your feet around a Slytherin and she hoped she would do her mother proud with her display of social grace.

Pandora accepted the offer of speaking and decided that introductions were always the proper way to begin. “My name is Pandora Elia Munio of the Italian Munios.” She stated easily. The title was one she had gotten used to simply rattling off and once it had been placed between them for Aubree’s benefit, Pandora waited to hear what family this obviously pure-blood girl was from.

[aubree]

The girl placed herself on the couch rather gracefully. It seemed she defiantly wanted to make a good impression. Aubree could understand why. Slytherins needed strong friends to get to where they wanted to be in life. Without them they would be weak just like the other houses. Aubree was one of the strong friends. She came from a powerful and respected family. People could trust Aubree, but her darkest secret was her parents couldn't. They trusted her sister Darmelle more who was a year younger than the girl in front of her. Well, Darmelle would defiantly approve of her. Aubree thought. The girl nodded to Aubree's greeting as accustomed. Aubree could tell the girl was from a respected family also and that she liked.

The girl responded to Aubree's nod and introduced herself as Pandora Munio. The name was vaguely familiar as were all pure-blood names in her mind. Pandora seemed surprised that Aubree would even ask to speak. But, Aubree was very courteous and some younger people didn't mind the tradition. However, others did. Aubree just had to make sure Pandora wasn't one of the others. "Aubree Laurietta Montogue of the English Montogues." She said in reply. Aubree had now put aside her wand and gave Pandora her full attention. "Are you enjoying Hogwarts so far? I know some of the staff and students aren't perfect, but you will find most of the Slytherins to be acceptable." Aubree said. She hoped the girl didn't already hate the school. It took Aubree some time to get over all the mudbloods.

[pandora]

Montogue. The name was fairly well known and Pandora was certain her mother had mentioned it before. Certainly she had chosen well in approaching this particular older student; her mother would be thrilled to find out Pandora was talking to a Montogue and would whole-heartedly encourage any positive relations Pandora could manage with this girl. Pandora was so far relieved and pleased with the manner in which she was being treated. Aubree was being fairly pleasant to her (as far as Slytherins are ever pleasant to anyone) and as she turned to offer Pandora her full attention, Pandora silently thanked the training she’d received from her mother. Her first impression was enough, apparently, to gain Aubree’s interest. The important thing now was to hold it. Aubree asked about Pandora’s feelings on the school and Pandora noted each word carefully. She would have to measure her response so that she didn’t step on any toes and Aubree had just clearly said what she thought of the school.

Pandora gave the matter a few moments thought and then turned her large blue eyes back up to Aubree as she answered. “Thus far, most of the classes seem to uphold the school’s high reputation, though there are one or two which fall sadly short. History of Magic, for example, is an utter waste of a good nap.” Pandora allowed just a little distaste to enter her otherwise smooth voice. “As for the staff, well, our head of house has been everything I should have expected and the head of Gryffindor held up to everything I expected her to be as well.” Pandora allowed the play on words to express her fondness for Snape and dislike of McGonagall without actually having to say it aloud. “The other Slytherins seem fairly respectable, of course,” she continued, “and I’m not too terribly bothered by the other houses. Their hypocrisy and idiotic pursuit to be friends with anything that will hold still long enough is downright shameful, though it does seem to provide an endless supply of entertainment to those suave enough to grasp such opportunities when they arise.” The smallest hint of a malicious little smile curled one corner of her mouth and the effect was almost creepy.

[aubree]

Pandora seemed to be choosing her words carefully. Aubree could see why. The Montogues were a highly well-known family and very worthy to their lord. If you did one thing they didn't approve of they could finish you off like that. But, maybe Pandora didn't know these things. She probably just wanted a friend in high places. Which Aubree could understand. She had many herself when she was a first year. Aubree was usually polite to anyone in Slytherin. Year didn't matter to her too much, but she did disapprove of some of the new Slytherin boys. The first year girls seemed to have good breading and she approved of all of them.

Aubree took a moment to look at Pandora's appearance again. Aubree was picky on appearances. She always thought that if you looked messy no one would want to waste their time on you. Pandora seemed in prime condition for someone who had just finished classes. "Professor Snape is highly respectable." Aubree replied to Pandora's answer. She continued to listen to her response. She said the other houses don't bother her too much. "Let me give you a small piece of advice. If the other houses ever get on your nerves be sure to take care of it then. If you don't they will continue to treat you unrespectable. Take charge and show them whose boss." Aubree said with an evil smile on her face. She then sat their waiting for Pandora's response.

[pandora]

Pandora listened respectfully as Aubree talked and noted each word as it was chosen. As Aubree responded back about not letting the other houses push their luck around her, Pandora allowed her evil little smile to broaden just a bit. It never quite reached her eyes, which in the flickering light of the fire, suddenly had a menacing quality to them. Anyone who saw the look on Pandora’s face at that point would have had no doubt that mercy and kindness were not high on her list. Neither was tolerance. As Aubree ended her advice, Pandora spoke quietly and smoothly, her voice carrying a dangerous weight to it that you would expect from the sorts of things that hide under children’s beds. “Oh, I am quite sure anyone who has spoken to me thus far has left the conversation with a complete awareness of the way I want to be treated. I will tolerate no disrespect from anything below my standing, regardless of what excuses they may make for their upbringing. I feel it’s my duty to educate those poor souls who are unaware of the finer points of etiquette.”

Pandora leaned one pale slender elbow on the arm of the overstuffed couch and eased into a more comfortable position while still managing to look like she was at a formal function. “As I said, they entertain me but I have never given them leeway for it. It’s more like watching animals in a zoo. They scuttle about trying to befriend anything with a pulse and it makes for great sport when some silly little Hufflepuff foolishly decides to try her luck with me. Can you believe one actually came bounding up to me and tried to suggest I hug a kitten or some such non-sense? It amazes me that they even let some of these mental cases in here.” Pandora frowned lightly in disgust and then allowed the usual mask of calm to slip back in place, leaving her face a perfectly smooth wall of alabaster; the only sign of emotion locked in the piercing gaze that stared out at Aubree.

[aubree]

"Good." Replied Aubree. "I'm not saying treat them with disrespect for no reason, but don't let them push any boundaries. I still have Hufflepuffs following me around." Aubree said with a grimace on her face. People followed Aubree around all the time. Most admiring her pretty looks others seeing how determined and powerful she was. She despised those people. Did they not realize that they looked so desperate following her like that? Aubree didn't know but she was tired of their annoying nature. Aubree glanced around. The Slytherin first year boys were running around stupidly. Aubree soon became tired of the noise and stood up staring threateningly at the boys. "You are disrupting the peace. I suggest you stop." Aubree said. Her voice was at one solid, calm voice level but it was stern. They could tell she meant business.

Instantly they left. Aubree gave an evil smile and sat back down near Pandora. "Sorry about that. I couldn't stand the noise." Aubree told Pandora. Aubree yawned. She was a bit tired. She looked down at her watch and back at Pandora. "I'm sorry we can't talk more. I must get my beauty sleep. If you excuse me. I look forward to speaking to you in the future." She told Pandora tiredly. She stood up and waited for Pandora's response.

[pandora]

Pandora watched Aubree silently as the older student spoke and then stood to put some other first years in line. She said nothing of her own feelings on the matter as at the moment they didn’t seem too important. Aubree yawned lightly and Pandora had to struggle to stifle a yawn of her own, the contagious nature of yawning had proven itself once again. Aubree stood to say her goodbyes and Pandora, knowing the proper manners of a lady of society, mimicked her motion and stood as well. Her robes swung down around her and fluttered just a bit as she stood, a testament to her ability to arrange them just so on the couch. She inclined her head in a curt nod and bid Aubree goodnight. “Sleep is very important, we simply can’t have dark rings under our eyes all day. I shall also look forward to speaking with you again in the future.” She said simply. With that, Pandora took a step to the side to allow Aubree plenty of room to pass. She folded her petite hands behind her back and stood like some porcelain sentry awaiting Aubree’s departure. The elder girl would make her exit first, it was only proper.

After Aubree left, Pandora made her way down to the First Year’s dorm and moved to her bed in the corner. A large ball of gray and white fluff was curled up on her comforter and Pandora flopped down next to him. She ran her fingers through Orpheus’s thick fur and the tabby immediately released a low soft rumble. Pandora climbed up onto the bed, wrapped her fingers around the ball of fluff and hauled it up onto her chest. Orpheus finally unfurled himself and settled down more comfortably on Pandora’s stomach where he could demand her full attention. Large green eyes, half covered by an inner eyelid, watched Pandora as she began petting her friend and companion for the last four years. “I made a new acquaintance today. A fourth year,” She told him importantly, “Now I just need to work on gaining a few more…a sixth year would be nice.” Orpheus, like any cat, simply continued to purr loudly and radiate the heat of a thousand suns onto Pandora’s belly. It was all the consent she needed from him.