Evening In (( Mary ))

[danika]

It was a calm and rather ordinary Wednesday evening. Ten minutes before the clock struck curfew people began to slowly flood from the common rooms and towards their dorms. She had been sitting comfortable near the fire, a set of headphones in her ears, which suited her outfit for the evening. She hat changed the tips of her red hair, which part of it she had left loose around her shoulders, in a deep, dark green, which matched the graffiti like writing that was scrawled across her un-hemmed pink shirt. This evening had been the unkempt-rocker look for the every changing appearance of this fourth year, right now to the torn, faded jeans.

After watching people slowly move towards the stairs that lead to the separate quarters, she decided that it was time to start her daily routine. She first headed to the 4th year's room where she picked up a small bag that contained her supplies before heading to the girls bathroom, moving with the small crowd of girls who were doing the same. She was just about to move through the narrow door when her shoulder bumped into a fellow Slytherin and she glanced over to see who it had been.

[Mary Evans]

Mary slowly descended the steps into the Slytherin dungeon. “Salazar” she said to the suit of armour and stepped in as he moved out of her way. Glancing around she saw it was obvious how late she was this evening, only coming in five minutes before curfew. Almost all her housemates were in there, sitting by the fire, talking, doing homework, reading, or just half asleep in a seat. Knowing she would never find a place to sit on her own and not feeling like small talk with her friends Mary made a beeline to the third year girls dorm.

Finally having a moment for the first time that afternoon Mary changed into some normal clothes; a pair of dark blue jeans and red dress shirt. She threw a plain black cloak that had been custom made to fit her overtop and added a black pair of boots with a two inch stiletto heel. Looking at her vanity she grabbed a number of vials of potions, face washes excreta, and packed them a hand bag to take to the bathroom with her.

Walking with purpose in her stride Mary made her way toward the bathroom ignoring everyone around. She was about to slip into the bathroom; being small she could usually just glide right in past the crowd, when she knocked into the shoulder of someone else with her head. “Oh sorry” Mary said while still passing in front of the girl and placing herself in front of the long mirror. She put down her bag beside one of the sinks and looked over to see who she hit; it was one of the girls she had meet in the common room the other day. Mary then went about removing all her potions and getting ready for her nightly routine not feeling like starting a conversation despite her interest in this girl she barely knew.

[danika]

Her deep honey eyes focused on the younger student for a moment, watcher her as she stepped in front and moved into the bathroom. She followed in behind, though part of her attention remained on the girl. She did not know her well. They had only truly encountered once, and she was aware of the third years name, but beyond that she knew nothing, and was not quite sure she cared to become aware of anything more than that.

Stepping into the bathroom she took the sink beside Mary’s and turned on the water, sticking a finger under the flow to test the temperature before she began her other preparations. She turned forward, her attentions placed on the array of bottles and tubes she had brought with her. She poured a liquid from one into her hand then mixed a little water from the tap with it before using a finger tip to start applying it the area around her eyes. She let the action take up all of her attention for an extended moment before she glanced back over at the third year. This time letting her gaze linger for a long moment, turning to face her more directly.

“You know, a darker hair color would look great with that outfit.”

[Mary Evans]

Keeping a small percent of her attention on Danika Mary began to wash her hands with some of her own soap always having detested the school soap feeling it dried her skin out. She then picked up a crystal vial and put some of the blue potion onto her fingers. As she massaged the potion onto her face in small circles the makeup beneath it completely disappeared. As she was going about her daily routine to cleanse her face the girl spoke mentioning that a darker hair colour would suit her outfit. Unsure of what was meant but being in a good mood Mary took it as a good thing rather than an insult and smiled at Danika in the mirror. “You think? Well maybe…” Mary said examining her outfit in the full-length mirror at the side of the bathroom with further scrutiny while still removing her makeup with half her attention. “Only problem is I find charming my hair every time I change my outfit a real bother… How did you do that green though? I haven’t found any enchantments to do that yet but I always loved the look.” Mary said referring to the green at the base of Danika’s red hair.

“I was actually thinking of changing into a red corset top with black skirt and red boots tonight, along with a black cloak for the cold of course, and I think making the base of hair blood red would go with that don't you?” Mary asked picking up a strand of strawberry blond hair with one hand while finishing up removing her makeup with the other.

[danika]

She looked back at the mirror, continuing her careful makeup removal as the younger girl started to speak. A hit of a smile formed at the corner of her mouth when she mentioned the efforts of changing one’s hair color. She had found it nothing of a bother, but then she did not need to rely on charms for her every whim when it came to her appearance. She finally let her gaze shift back towards Mary for a moment, shrugging slightly before she finally spoke in her heavily Slavic voice.
“Charms are always a bother. Lets just say…I take a different route when it comes to my color preference.”<br>
She casually listened as the other choice of outfit was described as she washed the mixture she had recently applied off her face. She then stood straight again, tilting her head ever so slightly as she tried to picture the look in her head.
“I would do a deep red instead, so dark its almost black, but looks red when the lighting is just right.”<br>
She paused for only a moment before looking back towards her own mirror. It had been some time since she had discussed fashion and appearance with anyone. Perhaps her last time was when she went to Milan over the summer.

[Mary Evans]

Mary smirked at Danika as she ever so calmly stated she had a different way to change her appearance; it wasn’t like a Slytherin to give out their tricks to virtual strangers and so Mary was unsurprised at Danika’s lack of explanation. As she spoke she made up her mind about the outfit and decided that she would change as soon as she finished up her evening routine.

Mary adored changing so although she didn’t do it daily it was not unlike her to get changed into one thing for the afternoon and evening then something completely different for at night and then again get changed when it was time for bed. Despite the fact you are in the same place with the same people Mary preferred being less casual and more dressed up at night for some reason; she blamed it on the night owl in her. You could almost see the shift in her personality between night and day sometimes, though it was always distinctly Mary.

As Mary mentally categorized her black skirts to pick one she listened to Danika’s suggestion of a darker red and pictured it; she was right with her strawberry blond an incredibly dark red would likely be best. “I think you’re right. When I get back to the room I will flip through that book to find the spell; thanks. So do you have any plans for this evening?” Mary asked the older feeling rather chatty despite her abhorrence of small talk.

[danika]

She carefully finished her nightly beauty routine, washing off the potion she had applied before putting another cream onto her face and letting it sit before whipping it off and then applying a smooth clear liquid that disappeared quickly into her pale skin. She knew that she was right about her hair suggestion, and she was pleased that Mary admitted it.

“I don’t have plans for the evening…yet.”<br>
She turned to look at the third year, her deep honey colored eyes focusing. There were things to be decided about this girl. She seemed to be well bread enough. A bit weak perhaps…she could tell just by looking at her that she socialized with the less than qualified. Thought she wasn’t a lost cost. Not yet at least. Perhaps with the right guidance she could be molded into a proper Slytherin…<br>
“What about you?”

[Mary Evans]

Mary was more or less surprised when Danika said she had no plans for the evening but didn’t show it. She simply continued on with her routine as the question was forwarded back to her. “Well as I mentioned before I was planning on getting changed; and then I was just going to let my evening come to me. I find the best laid plans are the ones that go to hell and the spontaneous nights are the most fun; especially when you’re dressed up.” She told Danika happily; but without chirp, Mary despised girls who chirped.

As she finished her nighttime prep Danika seemed to be looking at her. Mary ignored it though; she wasn’t unused to people staring, it was a Slytherin trait. Whether it was others watching you warily in the hall or someone just curios about you Slytherins got a lot of attention on the whole. As she closed all her vials and placed them back into her bag Mary looked at Danika with a smile. “Well I think I am going to go change right now but would you care to join me in the common room this evening? I do believe we could come up with something to discuss…” Mary said waiting for a response before she would go back to her dorm.

[danika]

“Plans are for people too afraid to see where life takes them.” The words had barely left her mouth before she was looking back at the mirror, making sure all of the details had been met before she glanced back at the other girl, who had offered a meeting in the common room after they had changed and finished their nightly routine.

“I think I could handle that.” She nodded, a silent signal that an arrangement had been made, before she gathered up her things and let her long, purposeful strides carry her out of the bathroom and towards her dorm. Once inside she proceeded to change out of her punk look that ha been her feel of the evening. She found that her mood was now much more mellow. Perhaps it was the fact that she was now with Slytherin’s and that perhaps the younger girl had promise to be a more reasonable pureblood than many of the other weaklings who thought themselves worthy. With the intention of going down to see Mary for a girl to girl conversation she pulled on a knee length a-frame skirt that was black and had a Slytherin green tie around the waist. She matched it with a long green sweater jacket that she left open in front over a wore it over a black tank top with a grey celtic design that was shaded in green. Her look was completed with her hair returned to normal and put in a loose French Braid before she made her way back down to the common room to meet Mary.

[Mary Evans]

When Danika agreed to meet her in the common room Mary turned on her heel and walked gracefully down to her dorm room; not bumping into anybody thankfully. She flicked her wand at the closet by her bad as she walked into the room and watched as the doors flew open. She searched for her favourite corset top and one of several black skirts. Deciding to go with something knee length and flowy Mary got changed including a pair of red boots. Spinning in front of the mirror Mary smiled at her reflection. She hummed a bit to herself while pulling a brush through her hair, not bothering to tint the ends, and grabbed a black clutch.

She walked into the common room once more and spotted Danika apparently not sitting yet. She had changed as well and her hair was now its natural colour throughout. “Hey there.” Mary said coming up beside the fourth year. “Planning on standing around all evening, or shall we take a seat?” she asked “Personally I am partial to sitting but it is completely up to you; I could go either way.”<br>

[danika]

She paused for a moment before moving towards a seat. Standing was fine, but she was trying to have a relaxed evening, with someone who could hopefully be molded into a respectful member of the serpent house. After sitting she let her gaze drift over the girl, taking in the outfit that she had chosen.

“Impressive choice. The elements compliment each other well. I think the hair would have pulled it together well, but it’s a lot of effort for an evening in, so its understandable.”<br>
She paused for a moment, her gaze still on Mary before she pulled her want out and used it to bring a decaf mocha latte she had brought down to her hands. She returned her wand to its rightful place before taking a slow sip, contemplating her choice of company for the evening.

[Mary Evans]

Mary inclined her head gracefully as Danika complemented her choice in outfit and agreed with her sentiments about the hair. “And yourself; black and green fit the surrounding so nicely as well do they not?” Mary responded taking a seat across from where Danika had chosen to sit herself. She adjusted herself in her seat until she was comfortable then looked up to see Danika had conjured herself a drink. Deciding a cappuccino was in order Mary made herself an English Toffee and sat back in her chair careful not to slump.

Mary was uncertain as to what to say next so she just took a sip of her drink. Deciding to just go with the cliché line Mary smiled at Danika and lowered her mug, resting it on the arm of her chair. “So Danika; tell me something about yourself.”

[danika]

She took a careful sip of the drink, her gaze still on Mary. Once her lips parted from her cup she let it ease back down towards her lap, both of her hands wrapping around it so she could feel the warmth spread through her palms. She raised an eyebrow at the girls question before leaning back comfortably into her chair.

“That is a vague question, do you care to narrow it down or will an equally vague answer like I’m not originally from London do?”<br>
Yes, she could work with this girl, but it would not be easy. She had reasonalb efashion sense, whcih was a state, but her stregnth of opinion would need to be worked on.

[Mary Evans]

Mary took another sip of her cappuccino as Danika answered her question. “Certainly, that answer will suffice.” Mary said apathetically rolling her head back on the chair and closing her eyes.

As if the noise level in the common room wasn’t high enough a rowdy crowd suddenly passed though the porthole. Mary sat up and scowled at them before tuning to Danika. “Why do they think just because they don't mind their yelling we all can stand it? Honestly whatever happened to curtsey and common decency? You would think to be let into Slytherin their families have to be of some import… And if the families matter at all they should raise their children to know how to behave… Then they get here and run around screaming like a bunch of excitable Gryffs; honestly.” Mary complained with a roll of her eyes.

[danika]

Her left brow lifted slightly at Mary’s outburst about the group of young, rather unworthy Slytherins that had just filed into the common room. She knew the slightly younger girl had an opinion in there somewhere and was relieved to find that it was possible for her to express it with out persuasion. Yes, there was hope for Mary yet.

“They are ignorant little brats, and think that simply because they have been sorted into this house they get to act like kings and queens, for to be considered a serpent they must be great. They yet to understand that titles are not given, they are earned. We will have to find someone to crush them later, as it is far to much effort on our part to actually do, not to mention they are hardly work our energy. Besides, it is much more fun to watch when you are not drained.”

[Mary Evans]

Mary smirked as Danika brought up finding someone to “crush them” later. She had never been one to elicit others to do her dirty work for her but it was far from a bad idea. “But then is it even worth the effort to make note of who it is that is behaving in such an uncivilized way?” Mary asked with humour in her voice and an eyebrow raised.

((Very sorry… it was all I could think to do and Mary hasn’t posted in much too long))

[danika]

She was still sitting comfortable in her chair as Mary asked if taking note of the culprits was truly worth the efforts. She did not reply right away, instead she sipped at her drink, a slight smile crossing her face as she let her gaze drift across the room towards the annoying students who were in desperate need of manners.

“Who needs to take note. Every student below their third year needs to be disciplined, at times the third years as well. There is hardly a single student in a the whole grade who are worthy of this house.” She paused again to sip at her drink, her gaze finally returning to Mary. “How we have lowered our standards…”

She let out a deep breath, pushing the annoying young students out of her mind as she let her attention remain on the third year she had agreed to spend her evening with.

“Now, where are you from? Your fashions say that you have spent time in a city, so I am guessing you are not a farm brat.”

[Mary Evans]

“Deserving punishment and actually getting it are two very different things. As you said so many need it and who is going to bother training so many? Surely you don't plan on single handily schooling all younger students on the art of being a Slytherin… I do agree standards have been lowered though. If people fit the minimum requirements the Sorting Hat seems to place them in here; possibly as joke to spite us. Then some’s attempt at being a “mean Slytherin” is just pitiful. I mean at least I don't try which is why some in other houses call me nice. But there is nothing more pitiful in my mind than someone trying to prove they are a Slytherin and just failing so miserably…” Mary spoke relaxing in her seat taking a sip every now and again.

She gave Danika a smile at her comment that Mary seemed to not be a “farm brat”. “No our manor is in the countryside but it is far from being a farm. Why even just the word farm I appalling is it not? And it has such horrid connotations… dirt and grime, filthy beasts running amok. And yourself? It would seem you don't go running around in the mud with pig either.” Mary said with a smirk. She was a city girl for sure. She didn’t even like where their manor was situated; she called it “the middle of nowhere”. It mattered not that she could floo any place she wished in a matter of seconds.

[danika]

Her expression changed to casual surprise at Mary’s comment about her educating all the young students on the art of being a Slytherin. She had little tolerance for those below her own year. They were always incompetent and rude, and she planned on having as little as possible to do with them.
“I wish never to come in contact with the students I speak of. I say we hire a troll to rid ourselves of them, and those who somehow manage to survive can perhaps go into a more formal Slytherin training, though the few who manage survival of the first stage and just think playing mean is enough to be a Slytherin shall be exiled. To the outside world, Slytherins are malicious, though that is simply because they can not see what is right before their eyes. We are not cruel or hateful, we just have an opinion, and we do not tolerate all those who seek to go against it. Its not about being mean, its about being strong.”

Normally she did not voice such inside on the inner workings of a Slytherin to anyone, either they understood it, or they were not worthy of being a Slytherin, but Mary was allowed guidance. She could be a great Slytherin, that is if she knew what it was she needed to become. Students cared too much what others though, and they lose all their strength because of it.

“And no, I grew of far from pigs and mud as you put it. There is the mansion in London, as well as the villa in Romania. Most of my time has been spent between those two, though we have a chateau outside of Paris and then the estate still in L’Viv, where my family lives in the Ukraine.”

[Mary Evans]

Giggling about Danika’s suggestion of having trolls “educate” the young Slytherins Mary took a final sip of her cappuccino and it was gone. She tapped the mug with her wand and it disappeared seemingly into oblivion. “Of course sadism isn’t a necessary trait to get into this house. But you must admit it is a bonus – one many members have. I have a feeling its something we pick up from one another while here. Then the fools such as them don't realise its true place in things and think that is what qualifies one to be a Slytherin.” Mary said motioning to the rowdy group when referring to the fools.

Mary tucked her legs under her so her legs couldn’t be seen under her skirt while Danika mentioned all her homes. “May I ask why you guys move around so much? We spend practically all our time at the manor so I don't even mention the other properties we own when recounting where I live. I find dealing with my parents in one location chore enough – moving with them would make me certifiably insane.” Mary questioned dryly.