Fuchsias and Furies.

[sassy]

Hogsmeade; could there be any place more tedious? Saski very much doubted it, but it was better than nothing she supposed. Usually this Stark child found herself gallivanting across Europe without a care in the world and without a parent to supervise. Saski had long ago shrugged the need for a chaperone, and her parents; well they honestly couldn’t care less unless she did something to publicly disgrace them, which would never happen. Saski was to put it blatantly, a rich girl used to getting her own way and very much the snob, and unabashedly so. She wasn’t ashamed to tell you that she was one of the prestigious Queens of Slytherin or that she loathed a muggleborn just as she would a toad or slug, or some other slimy creature, for they were all on the same social ring as far as she was concerned.

Sadly, this summer was going to be somewhat different. Her parents had taken off to Japan for the summer, conveniently forgetting that her grandparents were coming to stay and therefore forcing Saski to remain in England. It was ridiculous, and she was thoroughly annoyed by events and had every intention of making her father’s vault pay for her inconvenience, thus her tip to Hogsmeade, which would be followed by a very extensive trip to London, where she was going to ensure to by herself an entirely new wardrobe packed to the brim with expensive…grossly expensive designer clothes, enough to make her father yell at her for an hour. She would of course ignore him and then go out and buy something else, like a horse. Saski was a professional when it came to ticking off parents…anyone actually.

She strolled up the main street, silver thong sandals with the tiniest of heels on her feet, and wearing a pair of white linen pants and a blue blouse that tied around her neat waist. She was wearing large framed black sunglasses that matched well with the black bag she hand casually slung over her shoulder. She was casual elegance to the max, typical Saski style. She hated her school uniform, finding it limiting and confining when it came to colour scheme and material, but it was what it was and she guessed having it made out of imported silks or cottons would be asking too much…pity. Now…where to spend daddy’s money first?

She had pondered where would be her first stop on her journey for the day and she had decided that Madame Rosings would be it. The woman had some of the most expensive items in Hogsmeade, second after another little shop just down the way. However, Saski already knew Madame Rosings and was sure she wouldn’t have to school her on how to treat a Stark. She was already in a foul mood and it wasn’t a good idea to push her buttons, not unless you could deal with the blowback, and Madame Rosings knew precisely how to butter her up. Nothing helps a bad mood than a little shopping therapy on your daddy’s account.

Saski walked into the store, the chime silently alerting those inside to her presence as she stood in the light that streaked through the glass. She slowly removed her sunglasses, her eyes adjusting to the sudden attack of light. She flicked a strand of raven hair behind her shoulder as she placed the sunglasses in her bag, just as Madame Rosings and a client appeared from the curtained dressing room. “Miss Stark., how good it is to see you,” the woman immediately began chirping. “Madame Rosings,” Saski said coolly, completely ignoring the other person.

[Jason Blade]

Jason absolutely hated weddings. He didn't see the point of making them a public affair, but nonetheless, it was required by his parents that he must attend his aunt's wedding. Having just hit another growth spurt, most of his clothes now seemed like he stole them from a dwarf. For this reason, he had to make a stop at Madame Rosings to pick up a new dress outfit.

He had chose a deep blue jacket and matching pants. Underneath was a gray shirt, to match his steely eyes. The necktie was striped white and blue to match the rest of the suit. As he stood in a posture that much resembled a scarecrow, he watched as Madame Rosings measured and pinned in various places. After the third time of sticking him in the leg with the needle, Jason was a little agitated. "I'm not a pin-cushion," he said hastily, signifying his annoyance.

Just then, a chime alerted Madam Rosings of another customer. "That should do it then Mr. Munroe," said Madame Rosings in an equally annoyed voice as she left the room and went to greet the guest. Jason followed her out and saw an elegant girl that was a few years older than he. When Madame Rosings said her name, he instantly put it together and realized she was one of the group that called themselves the Queens of Slytherin.

Going back into the changing room, Jason returned to his original attire. He left the suit thrown on the chair and went back out to finalize his order. He walked around the counter and stood by the front desk. "Ahem," he muttered, trying to get Madam Rosing attention. He had been there first and thus deserved to be attended to before Saski. Just because she was rich and spoiled didn't mean that she could run the place, he thought to himself. "So when can I come pick up my order then?" he asked loudly, making sure Madame Rosings could hear. He tapped his foot on the ground and just watched, waiting to see who she would take care of first.

[sassy]

Saski looked at Madame Rosings with the cool even stare of a person speaking to someone she knew was less than she was, not that Madame Rosings cared, for when Saski Stark stepped into the store she was assured a very hefty sale. She cracked a small smile, a little known fact that would shock most who knew her, but Saski Stark had actually learned to smile, and to even greater shock, it wasn’t half a bad smile either, not that she showed it that often despite that fact.

Her eyes fell on the younger boy who had followed Madame Rosings out of the fitting room; however they quickly found more interesting entertainment than looking at someone she didn’t care to know. “Miss Stark, it has been some time since I have seen you. I hope all is well,” the woman said, attempting to butter Saski up. “I’ve been travelling,” Saski said casually, as if it was the most obvious answer in the world. Why need she come to Madame Rosings when there was Milan at her fingertips?

The boy disappeared into the back once more and Saski casually strolled closer to the counter, continuing the meaning banter with Madame Rosings, that including the usually flattery on the older woman’s part and the customary cool answers and reaction from Saski. “I have some fine new items that you have not seen Miss Stark. This is a shopping visit is it not, or just a person call?” Saski looked at the woman and chuckled, “Of course it’s a shopping visit,” she said, finding the fact the woman thought she would ever come to pay her a social call ridiculous.

Just then, the boy, whomever he was, returned to the storefront and interrupted their conversation with a crude clearing of his throat and a question. Pick up his order? Did people still do that? Saski’s orders were always delivered, she chose what she wanted, wore out the store anything she chose after buying and the rest were shipped off to the Stark manor. Picking up purchase…it was hilarious! Madame Rosings turned to the boy momentarily and then at Saski with a perplexed look. Saski tilted her head to one side, “Excuse me, but can’t you see we’re in the middle of something, or did you miss that entirely?” Saski asked coldly and without batting an eye resumed her conversation with Madame Rosings. “So you said you had some new items. Show me.”

Madame Rosings quickly ushered Saski into the back room, and placed two attendants to wait on her while she returned to her other customer, with flattery and apologies. Saski took a seat, as was the norm and waited for the show to begin. This was how it worked, Saski came in, she took a seat and there was a little show of the items Madame Rosings thought she might like and the ones she did, Saski would then try and fit. Why waste time trying on things to find one you like when someone else could do that for you? She sat there patiently waiting for thing to commence and for the clerk to return with the bottle of water she ordered.

[Jason Blade]

((Sorry for the delay. I have been quite busy, and truthfully, I had a hard time coming up with a reply for this one. So I apologize if it isn't quite what you expected. ))

Saski's reaction was typical, and Jason just stood there as she made her snide remark and then demanded more attention from Madame Rosings. He expected nothing less though, and couldn't help but smirk as he watched the attendants fawn over her like she was some princess. Of course, being pureblood was, in a sense, a form of royalty. At least most purebloods gravitated toward this view of bloodline. Jason, on the other hand, who was also a pureblood didn't quite see it that way. Sure, he enjoyed the extra respect that it gave him, but at the same time he wasn't fooled to think all purebloods were the best. This was something that he knew not all purebloods had come to realize yet.

When Madame Rosings came back from the dressing room to finish his order, she offered a few apologies. "No, don't worry," he replied politely. Deep down, he knew that the only reason Madame Rosings made it her priority to attend to Saski was because she would be getting a hefty sum of money if she did. He on the other hand was only there out of force. He avoided shopping at all cost.

As Jason watched the attendants bring garment after garment to Saski for her to either accept or send away, he had to laugh to himself. He was going to leave, but he was enjoying the scene so much that he stayed to watch a little longer. He only stood by the counter of course, far enough away so that Saski didn't think he was spying or anything. Some of the outfits that were brought before her were bordering hideous. Jason couldn't imagine seeing some of the clothes that they were brining looking nice on even a girl as good looking as Saski. Similarly, there were some outfits that he thought would look rather nice.

After standing for a few minutes more and just watching, Jason couldn't stop himself from saying something. Making sure that she was out of the dressing room and fully clothed, he walked over toward her. "You know Saski," he said, picking up a dark satin dress, "this would look stunning on you. It would especially bring out your eyes." He spoke the words, not even sounding sarcastic. He was actually being truthful, although he mainly wanted to see how Saski responded. Could she actually take the compliment, or would she still have some snide remark to shoot his way. Basically, Jason just wanted to have a little fun with her and see if she truly was what he had heard from everyone- cruel to the core.

[sassy]

((It's okay, no problem )

Saski sat waiting, her back erect, her legs crossed and her nose firmly set in the air when the attendants returned with her water and for the show to commence. The women, including Madame Rosings, stood on either side of her nervously describing the garments she was seeing, giving detail to their make and material. Saski sat expressionless at first; the dresses were simply…hideous! Did she really think Saski Stark would dare put those rags on her body? If she did, then she really didn’t know her likes. Saski liked things expensive yes, but she also had taste, something the person who made those dresses did not have. Madame Rosings smiled at her hopefully but Saski did not return it, she was not impressed in the slightest.

She shifted in her seat, bored with what she was seeing, that is until the most lovely red dressed crossed her path just as she was about to grab her bag and leave. It was gorgeous. “That one,” she said calmly not letting on precisely how much she liked it. Madame Rosings beamed at her assistants; the dress had hefty price tag attached to it. One by one, the outfits improved and soon Saski had quite a selection to choose from. She rose from her seat as she was led to a changing room to fit. She usually didn’t do this, Madame Rosings knew her size as well as she did, but today she felt like trying on her brand new outfits. Half of the items she had selected were formal, very formal and there was no immediate event for her to wear them to, but that didn’t matter now did it?

She tried on the first dress, a deep blue with diamonds stuck to it on an elegant pattern. She would need to buy some shoes to match, but it looked smashing on her. She spun around slowly in the mirror looking at her figure in the reflection. It was really very flattering. “Miss Stark, there is just one more dress that I think you will adore. It just arrived. I’ll set it out here for you,” Madame Rosings said over the changing room door. She slipped back on her top, making sure her hair was still neat before stepping out from the changing room to inspect the new suggestion. She was only just out the room when she noticed the same guy from before was there. She looked at him quizzically as he spoke to her, calling her by name. Who in the world was he? He was certainly bold to call her by her first name and to speak of her eyes, that was for sure. Saski knew no one outside of Slytherin, and even amongst them she only associated with a select few. This boy was none of the above and not anyone from her family’s social circle either.

She looked at him as he told her the dress Madame Rosings and brought out would look stunning on her. The dress was a dark satin, green, and that just so happened to be one of Saski’s favourite colours, and she had to agree by the look of it, it would look fantastic on her. She walked over to her dress and the young man, she gave a small smile before clasping her fingers around the garment and removing it from his presence gently, “Thank you, but do I know you?” she asked with a raised eyebrow and a cool voice. He seemed to know her, and until she knew precisely from where she’d be nice, at least as nice as Saski Stark ever behaved to a stranger.

[Jason Blade]

Jason could sense the chill in her voice, but at the same time, Saski almost seemed wary to cover him in complete rudeness. Surprised by her almost civil attitude toward him, he went on to explain exactly how he did know her. "No, you don't know me, and I wouldn't expect you to either. The only way I know you, aside from your reputation at school," he added with a slight grin, "is from an album that my grandparents have in their house. The album has listings and pictures of many of the pureblood wizarding families that go way back. I've scanned through the book many of times, and how could I ever forget a face like yours," he finished. He knew he was laying it on rather thick, but at the same time, he almost thought he might be able to get past Saski's hard exterior personality. Then again, maybe he was just attempting the impossible.

"I on the other hand would not be found in that book," he added with a shrug. "However, not because I don't come from a pureblood line because believe me, I come from a well-known line on my mother's side especially. But rather, I would not be in the book because of my parents. You see, they didn't exactly follow in the footsteps of those before them. They were what you might call loners." Jason figured he was just wasting his breath with Saski, but he felt like he must at least give her a reason to actually listen- even if it was a stretch.

"But that's enough about me, now isn't it? Tell me a little more about yourself. I mean, obviously, everyone knows that you come from a well-known, rich pureblood family, but isn't that all just surface description? What makes Saski Stark tick?" he asked mischievously. Jason knew he might be getting in over his head, but he was enjoying himself. Something about Saski seemed to interest him, and, frankly, he had nothing better to do. Maybe he would just get lucky, and she would actually consider talking to him.

[sassy]

Saski’s gaze was nothing short of unaffected and cool. This boy, whomever he might be, seemed to know her yet he claimed he didn’t, at least not personally which was obvious to her. Then it clicked, the moment he said school it all made sense. She smirked as her mentioned her reputation at school; it was something she was very proud of. Not many would be have pleased to be known as a snobby, disagreeable and sarcastic, but she wasn’t one of the masses now was she. He seemed equally amused by her reputation, a fact she found a little surprising, but she had to admit that this boy was not the norm. Most would never have dared to speak to her, choosing rather to cower away and get out of her line of vision as soon as possible, this boy seemed to be a little bit braver than the rest, or a little more foolish. When he mentioned being a pureblood, Saski immediately took note, it was always good to promote pureblood relations, but that didn’t mean he was instantly in her good books, in fact there were many pureblood families who couldn’t test the Stark check list in order to be a social connection. She scoffed when he spoke of not being able to forget a face like hers, “I’m sure you couldn’t,” she added with a smirk. Saski wasn’t one for pretending she didn’t think highly of herself, she did.

Saski listened with keen…disinterest. She could careless about whether his parents were loners or not, it didn’t answer the question of who he was. She continued to listen in silent until the boy finished speaking then, without hesitation at his questions she asked one of her own. “So you told me you come from a pureblood family, loners, and that you saw my picture in an album, but I think you forgot something…” she said with the same cool manner as before, “…your name.”

Saski stepped up to the brazen boy who dared to ask the question no one else ever had…what made her tick. She smirked, “Well nameless boy…I don’t think you know what you’re asking, but if you think you can handle what goes on in my head, and you’re here after I try on this dress…then I might consider giving you five minutes,” she said with another smirk and turned back to the changing room to try on her dress.

While she changed, Saski couldn’t help but laugh to herself, someone actually wanted to know what went on inside her head. This was unusual for her, having someone who was not in her inner circle attempt conversation with her, and she had to admit it was somewhat flattering and very curious, but mostly surprising. What did this guy want? She could hear Madame Rosings return to the room and ask something along the lines of what he was doing there still and how she’d thought he’d left, but Saski really wasn’t paying that much attention. She stepped out of the room, the dress, as he had said and as she had thought, looked superb on her. She walked to the middle of the room and looked at herself in the mirrors, she then glanced over to Madame Rosings, “You do save the best for last don’t you,” she said with a half smile of approval. She looked back at the guy, “Looks like you have some taste in clothing,” she said with a smirk and went to change back into her own clothes.

[Jason Blade]

A mischievous grin made its way onto Jason's face as he listened to Saski speak. Apparently his mention of her reputation and his being pureblood were enough to lure her into conversation for at least the moment. She even was concerned enough to go as far to make it known that he still had not disclosed his name. But Jason knew he couldn't push his luck too far. He would soon have to quit with all the small chat if he were to hold her interest any longer.

"My name's..." he began, but then stopped after Saski disappeared behind the changing curtain. He laughed a bit as Madam Rosings approached. "You mean you are still here Mr. Munroe?" she asked quizzically. "Well I thought you'd left by now." She simply scrunched her nose in confusion as to why he would still be there. He was sure she was equally confused as to why he would be bothering one of her most valued customers. "I'm simply getting to know Miss. Stark here a little better. No harm in that, is there?" He watched with anticipation, waiting for Saski to return.

When she came back out into the room, Jason was stunned for a moment as he stared wide-eyed at her. She truly did look amazing in the dress, which she was quick to speak on. When she mentioned that he had good taste in clothes, he simply smiled. "Well, there isn't much that wouldn't look good on you," he said casually. "By the way, I'm Jason Munroe. And yes, I think that I can handle whatever it is going on in your head." He gazed at Saski for a bit longer. He was playing with fire, literally, but the more he pushed, the more he thought he might get out of Saski. It was turning into a game almost, but he was rather enjoying it. Saski was not your ordinary girl, that was for sure, and this interested Jason.

[sassy]

Saski stood with her hand placed on her hip and looked at the strange boy who had decided that making conversation with her was actually something he wanted to attempt. She had to admit, his unexpected approach to conversation with her had dimmed the annoyance she had with her parents a little. She looked at Madame Rosings, “I’m definitely taking this one,” she said with a smirk. She thoughts of accessories and shoes and what hairstyle she would wear with the dress began to float through her hair. Saski loved to dress herself up and she was looking forward to the next opportunity she would have to do so.

However, the time to think of her next party could wait, but for the moment she wanted to know one thing…what did this guy want and who he was. She retuned the boy’s stare as he looked at her. “What?” she asked shortly. She smirked at his next comment, “Wow…you do know pay attention don’t you.” Finally a name! Jason Munroe. Munroe? Munroe? Saski turned the name over in her head, she could vaguely recall something, but what it was specifically she couldn’t remember, but she’d figure that out later. A glint of surprise flashed through her eyes as Jason said he thought he could handle what was going on in her head. Madame Rosings, looked from one to the other completely at a lost. “You may leave. I’ll call you when I need you,” she told her and then turned her attention back to Jason as Madame Rosings disappeared.

This boy really didn’t know what he was asking, and Saski wasn’t going to tell him, he’d find out for himself and more than likely he’d be sorry for every asking. She disappeared into the changing room and within a few minutes she was back in her old clothes, her dress hanging up in the room waiting to be boxed and shipped to her home. Her hand smoothed her hair as she stepped back into the room. “So…what do you think you want to know Mr. Munroe? she asked, her hand on her hip and her voice cool. “You have…” she looked at her elegant white gold watch and then back at him, “…five minutes stating now.” She grinned. This was a dangerous game he was playing she hoped he knew that. Saski was volatile, and if he made the mistake of getting on her bad side he would live to regret it. She didn’t become a Queen of Slytherin by accident, she was born to be one and he was better off to keep that in mind, especially as a non-Slytherin. Being a pureblood allowed him five minutes of her time, but he’d better have more than that if he thought he would keep her interest any longer than that.

[Jason Blade]

Jason listened as Saski's voice indicated that she was not to be messed around with. Maybe he was getting himself in too deep. Just then, she gave him a time limit. He found it odd, but interesting. Even such a small time limit must have meant that she found his time worth something. Most likely though, he was losing her if she came to the point of limiting their conversation. A bit nervous, he reached over to a nearby table and picked up a shoe that was on display. He twirled it around in his hand, wondering if his simple game of fun would come back to bite him.

Just then, he froze, staring at the shoe. It all started to fall in place. "Well, uh, Saski," he began, making sure to keep her attention. He only had five minutes, and he had to use them perfectly. The shoe he was holding reminded him of a very important even that was upcoming. Pureblood friends of his grandparents were hosting a formal banquet. Jason remembered that he needed to get a new pair of dress shoes for the banquet, but there was something more important- he needed a date. It was true. His grandparents stressed the fact that it would be inappropriate and disgraceful to attend without a date. What if Saski would be his date? Impossible. He would need some leverage. But what leverage could he offer to Saski. She was the perfect candidate for his date: pureblood, gorgeous, rich, and overall fitting for the purpose. But she would come at a great cost, one that Jason might not be able to provide.

He fumbled the shoe around a little more and began to pick up his conversation again. All the while, he searched for some sort of reason that he could use to convince Saski to attend the banquet with him. His time was running out. "What kind of things do you like," he blurted out the first thing that came to his mind. Inside he hit himself, knowing how trivial he sounded, but he was so busy thinking that he could barely manage what he was saying. This was not good. "You obviously like clothes and jewelery," he added instinctively.

That was it! Jewelery! He had the perfect plan. Now he just had to save himself from sounding like a babbling idiot before he ruined any chance he may have had in convincing Saski. "Because, if you like jewelery," he added quickly, trying not only to prevent Saski from realizing how pathetic he was sounding but also to hook her in, "I have something that might interest you." He took a few deep breaths and then began again, a little more calm now that he had a plan. "I'm sure that you have heard of a little something referred to as, the 'Emerald Dragon'," he commented, adding a hint of curiousness to his voice. The Emerald Dragon was a rather well-known and expensive piece of jewelery- a valuable addition to any woman's collection. It just so happened too that it belonged to his mother just before she passed away. Currently, it was stored in a secret place in Jason's grandparents' home, but Jason knew the location after finding it one day he was exploring the attic.

For a second, he watched to see Saski's response, but then continued, afraid she might stop him. "Well, you see, it just so happens that I am the current owner of the Emerald Dragon." He let the words sink in a little. "It's a pity though, since I will never have a use for it. However, that won't stop me from giving it away to some lucky lady that I deem worthy." He stopped briefly again, and smiled a bit. He knew that his every word mattered, and if he were to convince Saski, he needed to be flawless! "You know, it would go wonderfully with that dress that you just purchased, and if only you had an occasion to wear it for, I might just let you have it. But wait, come to think of it, I might just be able to help you there as well." He maintained a sense of casualty, not wanting to sound like he had this whole idea planned. "My grandparents have been invited to a well-known pureblood banquet, and they have requested that I accompany them- with a date of course. And lucky for you, I still need that date. Sounds like a perfect opportunity to me, wouldn't you say?"

He had laid it all out there. His cards were played the best that they could be. But would it be enough? Was he too sloppy, or did he do enough to convince Saski? Would she be interested enough in the Emerald Dragon, or was it all in vain? The questions darted through Jason's mind as he stood motionless, finally giving Saski a chance to respond.

[sassy]

((Sorry for the delay been a very busy time))

Saski waited to see Jason’s reaction, would he run realizing that he had made a mistake in choosing to speak to her our would he surprise her and stick around? She watched Jason as he picked up a shoe and began to fiddle with it. What was he doing? Saski glanced at her watch again as the seconds began to tick away. If he thought she was going to stick around to watch him play with a shoe he was sadly mistaken. She’d given him five minutes out of curiosity but really was so going to be wasting her time giving him that much? She had given him an A for bravery but if all he could do was play with a shoe he was about to get an F and lose the rest of his five minutes.

Luckily for Jason as Saski was thinking he finally began to speak. Saved just in time! Jason seemed to falter for a moment, which was more what she was used to having happen when people spoke to her. I guess he’s finally realizing he made a mistake in talking to me…too bad. A smile curled at the corner of her lips slightly at the thought of how he suddenly seemed to lose his confidence. She was somewhat intimidating wasn’t she, and just when she thought she’d come across someone who might not be so intimidated he seems to flounder. “Do you plan to play with that shoe forever? I thought boys played with toys, trucks and all that, not shoes,” she said smugly. She liked to rattle people’s feathers and she was going to do just that with Jason.

“What do I like?” she asked, again, slightly surprised. “You’re right about that,” she said with an air of you bet your vault in Gringotts I do. “But not so shallow as you might think. I like other things too,” she said curtly. There was a wide spectrum of things that interested Saski, some of which she shared with her friends and some she shared with absolutely no one. He was beginning to lose her, she tapped her foot a little and glanced at her watch yet again before picking up her bottle of water, unscrewing the cap and putting it to her lips. The bottle paused at her lips when Jason said something about jewellery and something that might interest her. She put the cap back on the bottle. “What might you have that would interest me?”

Her eyes practically glowed when she heard Jason mention The Emerald Dragon. “Of course I do! Anyone one worth their stuff knows about that! What about it?” she asked her curiosity definitely peaked. One of her sisters had told her about it years ago when she was trying to purchase it from some woman, a woman who refused to sell it. That was it!! That was where she’d heard the name Munroe, from her sister in reference to the Dragon! Could it be that he was a relation to that woman, whose name was failing Saski at the moment, and whom her sister had tried to get the dragon from? She paused; he was the owner of the dragon? How did he get it? Why was he telling her this? Did he think he was going to impress her with this information? Well if he did, then it was working but not how he might have thought. She was happy to know who had the dragon now, because now she would know whom she had to pay to get it. This day was turning out a lot better than planned indeed.

Saski smirked a little as Jason mentioned the Dragon would go lovely with her dress, that was precisely what she thought as well. “You want to give it to some worthy lady? Have you met one yet?” she asked carefully, turning her eyes from where her dress was hanging and back to Jason. He had started off badly but the conversation was improving dramatically. She could have fallen over in shock when Jason told her he would let her have the Dragon if she had an occasion to wear it, but of course she couldn’t let him know that. “You…would give it to me? Why?” she asked. What was his game? What was he after? Offering her such a treasure as the Emerald Dragon, he wasn’t going to do that for nothing. Then it came, his pitch. Saski listened without saying a word. Oh really? Now it was coming, his reason for speaking to her and bringing up the Dragon. A date! He wanted her to be his date? “So let me understand you correctly. You want me to be your date to this thing with your grandparents, and in exchange you’ll give me the Emerald Dragon, is that it?” she asked coolly. “What do you take me for?” she said with her voice slightly raised as she walked towards him, an annoyed look on her face. She stopped right in front of him her eyes glaring at him.

Had she scared him a little? She hoped so. Being paid to go out with someone was rather a cheap act in her opinion, but she didn’t take it as being paid but more of being allowed to go out and enjoy herself and getting a gift in the process. She smirked at him suddenly, “Are you for real? You need a date that badly you’d give me the Emerald Dragon?” he was desperate or he wouldn’t be offering such compensation. “I think you just bought yourself a little more of my time,” she added. “However, I want to know what this deal entails?”

[Jason Blade]

The shoe was bad. Jason quickly put it back on the display shelf after Saski's cold remark. He should have known better, but he was now getting nervous since he actually had a reason to be talking to Saski. At first, it was all just for fun, until he realized the value of their conversation. Not being able to afford another mistake, Jason made sure to act more his age, if not even a bit more mature since he was already younger than Saski by a year.

When he mentioned the Emerald Dragon, he could see the anticipation in his eyes. It was a relief to see that his bargaining token actually had some worth. Lucky for him, Saski was probably one of the best people he could have found for this particular case. Now he only had to convince her that it would be worth her time.

Then, for a second he thought he might have failed as Saski began talking loudly and coming toward him. After he thought about it, it was pretty pathetic of him, but it made sense didn't it? After all, he really had no use for the Emerald Dragon, aside from the fact that it belonged to his deceased mother. But it wasn't like she actually cherished it. From what he recalled, she only prided in its hefty value, something Jason could care less about. If it got him a date with Saski, it served enough value to him.

"Well," he said, knowing that it was all or nothing at this point, "I want a date, and you want the necklace. Sounds practical to me." Surely he wasn't asking too much. The value of the stone alone was priceless. Even if Saski viewed going on a date with Jason as the most terrible thing she could do, gaining the Emerald Dragon in return was well worth the sacrifice. Jason knew that no matter how sad his tactics were, Saski would be a fool to turn away his offer. "Look, all I'm asking is for your company to a well-known pureblood banquet in return for the Emerald Dragon. No strings attached. Take it or leave it. I'm sure I can find another pureblood who would die to get their hands on the gem."

Jason stopped and watched Saski with anticipation. Deep down, he really did hope she would accept. She would be a perfect date. Gorgeous, pureblood, and wealthy. Who wouldn't mind a date with her. Of course there was her attitude, but Jason had already learned that it wasn't too bad if you didn't take it seriously. Smiling, he waited for Saski to either accept his offer or attempt to make him feel utterly worthless if she turned him down. Either way, Jason was pleased with his encounter regardless. How many people could say that they engaged in such a conversation with Saski Stark and survived.

[sassy]

She raised an eyebrow at Jason. This guy was desperate and she could work with desperate, manipulating them that is. Desperate people were willing to do just about everything, including groveling and begging and Saski did so love to hear a good grovel. A pitiful pleading beg was always good in the morning, but initially Jason hadn’t struck her as the desperate type, but she might have been wrong on her initial impression of him. She would find out what this deal was going to mean and then maybe she would push him around enough to change it to be the least excruciating to her and still get her Emerald Dragon. She could image the look on her sister’s face when she saw her wearing it. A grin began to play at her lips at the thought. That was a sight worth seeing, though it was almost going to be a disappointment after Jason’s valiant show earlier.

A date, her mind was still trying to wrap around his proposal. A date for a Dragon, seemed fair enough, but Saski was not fool enough to believe that was all there was too it. She certainly wasn’t about to trade such a gem for a mere date. There had to be something he wanted out of this and she was going to find out what before she agreed to anything. She was going to agree of course, come on, the Emerald Dragon she’d be a fool not to. She could already imagine the feel of the gem and the sparkle it would have against her skin. She waited to hear what terms there were to the deal, because she definitely going to have that gem.

Out of nowhere, the bravery that he’d had when he first spoke to her emerged again in his response to her question. His take it or leave it attitude reminded her of herself and she had to give him some credit for have the gusto to speak to her like that, and if he weren’t the boy offering her the Emerald Dragon he would have been very sorry for issuing her in ultimatum. She stared at him expressionless, playing with him a little. He wanted to know if she’d go and she already knew he was desperate. “Then if there are so many who want it, why the hell are you asking me?” she said coolly. She stared at him defiantly. She was no little girl, she knew how to play this game.

He smiled at her, the first she could remember ever coming from someone other than one of her friends. This certainly was a day of firsts; first meeting, first offers of exchanging jewels for dates and of smiles from non-friends. Someone had to be playing with her. she looked at her bag as if she’d completely lost interest in the whole idea, and then flashed him a brief smile before heading for the door without saying a word. Just as she was about to cross the threshold she turned and looked at Jason over her shoulder, “I want it in writing. I want the Emerald Dragon appraised by my appraiser and I want this little deal binding,” she said calmly. He didn’t think she was going to enter into a deal like this where her reputation was on the line just on his word did he? She was first going to make sure he was telling the truth and that he had the real Emerald Dragon, and if he did she wasn’t about to let him parade her around as his date and get nothing out of it, she had to be sure once it was over she was getting the Dragon. “Is that understood?” she asked. “If you feel insulted by my request, well…that’s your problem, but you have to understand I don’t enter into deals without protecting myself,” she said with wry smile.

“Here are my terms. I will be your date. I will meet you there. You do not tell me what to wear and you don’t go telling people anything about us being anything to each other or about this deal. We’ll just be schoolmates, understood? After it’s over you give me the Emerald Dragon without a fuss and we both go home happy. Take it or leave it.” her left eyebrow arched slight when she was done as her arms folded gently across her chest. “Do we have a deal?”

[Jason Blade]

Jason watched in horror as Saski seemed uninterested and she made her way to the exit. Just then, she stopped and talked again. In writing! Jason almost laughed out loud when Saski made the remark. Instead though, he just stared for a moment, his mouth slightly agape. He was literally playing with fire, this girl. For a second, Jason's listened to Saski's words. She sure was taking this seriously. To bring her appraiser into it, Jason knew that she was very interested in this offer, even if she tried to play it off. After thinking that, Jason wondered if he was almost making it too easy for Saski. Maybe he could push a little more.

Then, Saski laid down her terms for the deal- much more complex and demanding than Jason's. For a second, he was about to chime in, but thought better and didn't say anything until she finished. He almost smiled again when she finished with his same line, 'take it or leave it,' but kept a straight face to avoid angering Saski. Pondering the circumstances for a second, he bit his lip and then finally gave her a small shrug. "Deal," he said as his mind raced. Slowly but surely, he was formulating another plan that Saski would soon find out about. This was all going to be too good, he thought as he flashed Saski another suspicious smile. "I guess we'll be getting in touch with one another soon then," he said with a nod as he walked out the door and back into the streets of Hogsmeade.

[sassy]

Saski waited with an expression of finality on her face. She was not going to be swayed on her demands and if he thought so he was sadly mistaken. She wanted the Emerald Dragon of course, but there was a certain process and delicacy that was need in this situation. Firstly Jason wasn’t a Slytherin, and if it got back to the others that she’d gone out with him and it seemed as though it were a real date then she would never live it down, however if it were a business transaction she was sure she’d be more than forgiven when they took a glance at the Dragon.

Was he going to accept her deal? She was pretty sure he would, after all he was right that to have her on his arm would be impressive in his social circle. Really if you thought of it, it was more than fair trade. Jason would get a boost in esteem, not that she cared, and in status and respectability, and she would get a priceless gem for the simple cost of dressing up and going to a ball. It was probably the most lucrative and simple deal they’d both be a part of for some time, if ever.

Her terms were just the tip of the iceberg, she would go into more specific detail with the contract, but for now he knew what he needed to. His response was typical for a male, a shrug of the shoulders and a “Deal.” Really he was making perfectly good sentences before and had now dropped to a one-word response. Guys, she would never understand them. “Good,” she replied in an equally short response. He gave her a smile that she returned, but her smile was more of a smirk of satisfaction as she thought how simply she’d just gotten something her sister had almost turned blue in the face trying to possess. Saski said nothing to Jason’s statement about getting in touch, she watched him leave out of the corner of her eye without turning her head. once he was gone she smiled broadly, “Madame Rosings!” she called. The woman hurried in, “Yes, you called?” Saski adjusted her purse, “Have all the items I selected delivered to my home and the bill charged to my father’s account,” she said as she put her shades on her face. “Good day,” she said as she left.

When she emerged in the street, she looked in both directions, just seeing the sight of Jason disappearing in one direction. She went in the opposite to continue her shopping, back to spending daddy’s money.