Antonin - Blog Posts

"I do quite enjoy getting gifts. I get them quite frequently but that does not make me like it any less." Whether it be her parents or Malcolm, she often got gifts without special occasion attached to it. Of course she considered her birthday the most special occasion, so it only made sense that she got more gifts on this day. "They always think they know what is best for you." Her parents had often said that she had made a mistake by ending things with Malcolm, that she had been too much of a kid to understand that his transgression was perfectly normal. Still, she did not see it this way to this day. It had been a talking point a few times already.

"I have had a glass or two, but I do not see why I can't have more." She snapped her fingers together for her house elf to appear ordering two glasses of champagne.

“Glad you enjoy your gift. Yes I often find it’s best to save that for special or at least particular occasions.  Merlin forbid you are wrong it is not a thing they will easily let you forget at least if they are anything like mine.  Whether they bring it up in a boisterous way or a passive way almost not mentioned, but just aside enough to play it off it can be something that digs.”  Antonin’s face darkened, but only slightly and only for a moment, though it was enough to cause him to wish he had started drinking a bit earlier. “Nothing so serious it can’t be solved with a drink though.  Have you had anything yet?  It is your birthday after all it would be criminal not to share a drink with the birthday girl would it not?”

Serra nodded her approval when he explained. "That is good. She is a woman of good taste, you are well off listening to her." There had been a moment in time she'd been jealous and disliked the blonde, but she had gotten over it. She actually quite liked her now.

"I will wear it. It's quite lovely. If it was ugly I would have no problem telling you so. I think you could handle my honest opinion." Perhaps it went against propriety, but as long as people did not listen in she was fine stretching the boundaries. "They think they know what's best. It is hard to tell them that they do not. "

“Leta made comments and observations.  I think that I have spent enough time with her to understand the basics of picking out something that won’t end up as an expensive paperweight at least.” Antonin never wore much jewelry himself.  A chain was just something that could be grabbed or used against you if a fight went on long enough or got too heated.  Fighting against Leta had told him that much too, but he didn’t need to bore Serra with that, especially not on her birthday. “Don’t worry I’m not the type to tell you to put it on, it’s yours now and you can do with it what you will.  At most if I see you wearing it some time I might be quietly delighted.”  He thought to his own parents.  “Yes parents are hard to defy at times no matter your age, at least on the important things.  They always find the way to make you want to defy them, and still regret it if you get your way, don’t they?”

"That is good, I am glad to hear it." Serra said, without lying for the sake of politeness. She did not wish ill upon him, the ending of their liasion much more amicable than the one she had with Malcolm. "I have enjoyed Paris very much I must admit, I did not expect to have to be back in London so soon, but my parents insisted." She sighed, shrugging her shoulders. Defying them was not an option. Her eyes shined with excitement when she took in the diamond bracelet. It was gorgeous, more understated than expected but she understood his reasoning once he explained it. It made sense, that way she could wear it every day without it becoming stale.

"I like it. Thank you. You chose well. Did Leta help you with it or did you choose it yourself?" She trusted the other witch's taste.

Antonin’s brow furrowed as if recounting recent events.  He laughed.  “I have been busy, but well enough, I appreciate you asking, but know you’d much rather talk about your adventures.  Paris seems to have agreed with you.  I’m sure you didn’t come back just to celebrate your birthday, you must have something juicy to gossip about.”   He gave Serra a soft smile still toying with the small box almost tucking it away.  “I bet you were born with a sparkle in your eyes weren’t you?  A token.“  He relented, opening the box to show her a diamond bracelet.  The stones were a good size and cut enough to add to an outfit without drawing focus from it. “Something for every occasion. I’m sure you could pull off anything sparkly enough, but why give a gift whose only use is to fill a box.”

Serra tilted her head sideways pursing her lips, thinking, treating it as an actual question instead of a rhetorical as she immediately spotted the present in his hands. "I could think of a few things. Ideally something sparkly.." Her eyes were drifting to the present, curious and impatient. "Well, as you know, I like being the center of attention every day, but I do suppose being celebrated like this is the best way." She was wearing a purposefully bold and excessive dress, further ensuring all eyes on her. "How have you been?" She heard rumors about him and Leta, but she was curious.

Who:@serraborgin Where: Serra's birthday bash When: Serra's birthday "What do you get for the woman who has everything and just returned from an extended shopping trip to Paris." Antonin knew what he had gotten her of course, but it was more fun if she recognized that he had labored over the gift so that she could ascribe the proper level of reservation to it. He had found long ago that gifts in small packages despite their actual size held a bit of underrated mystery. People assumed elegance and class something small must be doubly expensive than something large. He held the neatly wrapped present just far enough out of reach as to subtly demand Serra's attention. "It's been a while, good to know you haven't lost a step, birthdays are the perfect reason to be the center of attention aren't they?"

She didn't hide her disappointment at his answer, letting it rest on her face for a moment before she pasted a friendly smile onto her lips once more, ever the picture of amicability. "I hope that you do understand." Serra wasn't used to the concept of compromising, thinking that if she said what she wanted everything around her would shift to accomodate her wishes. This was the first time that didn't happen and honestly? She didn't think this was actually happening.

"I was always thinking I would one day like to move to Paris. It is my favorite city in the world." Serra mused, pausing as she looked over at him. Discussing this felt surreal, but it was good that they discussed it now, agreed on a story so there wouldn't be discrepancies. Damage control. "Perhaps we can say that I want to move and you don't. That way neither of us is painted in a bad light."

"No one would dare to break up with me." Serra confirmed his assumption with a small nod. It was always easier being the one leaving rather than the one who was left.

Serra looked over at him with a sigh, biting her lip. So this was the end. He wasn't begging for a second chance and somehow that made her respect him more. "I enjoyed our time together. I would say that I hope you find someone better, but as there's no such thing, I will say that I hope you find someone better suited for you."

“I won’t debate what’s owed at this level of courtship, perhaps it is best our journey ends while we can still part amicably.  I’m sure you’ll find someone to your standards and willing to devote themselves to you so wholly, desperately, and chastely.”  He let go of her shoulders, he could have lied to her told her they would be engaged, but though Serra was many things she was not one to suffer such a slight quietly.  It made him curious where she would go, who she might end up with on the way  there. “What is it you would like to tell people?  I’ll stick with how you would like to spin things as long as it’s reasonable and doesn’t paint either of us in too bad of a light.  A mutual disagreement or you have outgrown me, but I won’t drag myself through the mud.  A professional distance at events.  Don’t let this make you doubt yourself, it's not that you’re not enough, I just want more of you than you’re willing to give right now, knowing that is a kind of growth.” He tried to keep his smile warm, but there was a bit of bite in it.  His words were as always chosen carefully to garner a specific reaction. He waited smiling at her as if daring her to be something less than happy.  If he thought about it he was unsure what he was feeling exactly. “Have you had a relationship end on anyone’s terms but your own I wonder? Is that why you feel more comfortable saying the words I wonder?” He got closer to her than he meant to, perhaps it was affecting him more than he would admit,  “It’s a shame but I think our differences are irreconcilable.  Perhaps they were from the start, but it was fun to figure out I think, it was a delight to be seen with you, there is no one who can fill a moment the way you can or at least an event.”

Serra swallowed, not wanting him to notice that she was more nervous than she was letting on. She had a carefully crafted reputation and appearance, she didn't want him to think she was some foolish girl with no experience. "I live with my parents. I do not want to live alone just yet, it seems like too much work and I do not like to work." Her words albeit honest, were meant to stall. "I do not think my parents would approve of that." They were traditionalists through and through. They would not allow her to stay out all night at a man's house either. If he had been her husband they would not interfere, but if he was her fiancé they might take less offense with it, but she doubted that even then they would approve.

Serra kissed him back, letting herself get distracted, relaxing into his touch if only for a moment before she pulled away. She did not want to give this up. She liked spending time with him but he was asking a lot of her. Perhaps more than she was capable of giving him. At least at this point.

Hearing the confirmation that there were indeed others bothered her and the glint of annoyance and jealousy was obvious when he spoke about it. While he had been seeing her he had been with others. It wasn't something she had ever had to deal with, the guys she'd been with had been interested in her and only her, basically worshipping the ground she walked on, begging for her attention. "The entire time you've been seeing me there were others?" Serra shook her head. It was incomprehensible to her. It bothered her more than his focus on the physical part of a relationship. "I do think this is where our journey ends."

He looked at her trying to get a read on her so undaunted.  She must have a goal even if it was him. This wasn’t a thing she could bluff though not really, at least for long did she realize that? He would make sure.  He grasped her tightly there was no space between them.  He held her squeezed her.  She was supple he held her close speaking slowly.  “Facts can still be asserted boldly.  To promise this so freely I would have you know what you’re getting yourself into.  Do you live at home?  I would have access to you, stay with you most nights if not all, there or here I don’t care, but your parents certainly might.” He moved grabbing her bottom a simple if signifying gesture.  If she shrunk from that he would know she was all talk. “I don’t care if I am your first or just your last until one or both of us are done, but if we are to be each other’s everything we must be at each other’s call.  I promised you romance, pampering, training, none of that will stop but there will be more.”  He kissed her again biting her lip, a small thing but something signifying the new eyes he saw her with. Was she truly his equal or just playing at it. “If you are making me choose and choose now. I want us both to be happy with the choice.  No regrets.  I’ll need time to break it to the others, some will be simpler than others.  You can always leave, but hot and heavy or not at all.  This is what I’m asking of you.  I will devour you and you will enjoy every moment of it.  See to it that you enjoy your prime and are enjoyed in turn.  If I’m to be satisfied with just you, you will see how insatiable I truly am.  Are you sure this is something you agree to Serra Borgin?” He teased at the small of her back and the slit of her dress as if he was just realizing how well she filled out her dress. “You are a delightful morsel Serra Borgin, and I would sample you, deeply, carnally.”  He traced his hand on her bare leg. “I would like a physical relationship. To consummate ours regularly, so there is no confusion in what I am asking you.”

"I know what I want and what I am worth. I do not see it as boldness if it is factually accurate, which I believe it to be." Serra informed him with a matter of fact tone, keeping eye contact with him and not shying away from it. "It is something I would promise because I know I am capable of being everything." Growing up with a silver spoon and being told that she was perfect day in and day out left its mark on her. "You do not scare me, if I make demands I suppose you making some would be fair as well. As long as there is no one else." Serra did not know what she was talking about, acting like she had more experience than she actually did. She'd been with all but two guys before.

Kissing him back she was infatuated, it made her feel important and powerful knowing that he wanted her. "I have not asked you to apologise. Your experience is something that is far preferable to someone my age that is inexperienced. I do know that I am beautiful."

"You should know that I will not be waiting around forever. If you choose to go for someone else and satisfy your curiosity elsewhere I will make my choice as well. I am in my prime and you are not my only option." She was not willing to wait around like a fool waiting for him to choose her. "You either choose me or you don't. But you don't get to come back if you don't choose me in the first place. I am no second choice nor am I a consolation prize."

He brushed his hand against her cheek. “You are even more bold than I thought.  Are you saying you will be all they are and more is that something you would promise?  It’s a lot for one so young and inexperienced.”  He held her face so she couldn’t look away. “You have been bold so I will too. I am a crass thing with certain appetites, I didn’t want to subject you to anything you might not be ready for make demands of you that were too physical.  A kiss, an embrace are pleasant but I’m talking about more than that, not eventually now.  It isn’t much time and it is an unfair demand, but I feel an equal one to severing ties that I have developed, turning all focus to you. It’s only fair I tell you what I would that focus would entail unless you discover yourself repulsed by my desires. We are both people of certain tastes, and I feel once I have tasted you I will want more..” He kissed her, the reason might be colored by her response, but for now he used the gesture to speak to his point. It was a thing of lust rather than love, something to entice as well as sample.  “One may only be around pretty things for so long without sampling or spoiling them, and though I pride myself on many things, chastity is not one of them, but I don’t apologize for that.  From the beginning I have told you that I am dark and cruel, but you are smart enough to know that you are physically desirable.  Attractive as well as beautiful.”  Her rubbed his thumb across her lips, more a gesture of desire than intimacy. “” “I won’t make you promises I have no intent to keep, but if I can’t have you now, fully and without reservation, or a way to expel desires that would make me present an indecorous image. I will come to you when I’m more available, ready to endure the triteness of a chaste courtship assuming we are both still interested and available of course.  Maybe by then you will know the duality required to maintain a perfect appearance.”

"I am very beautiful, that's true, but you should not sell yourself short. Of course I am the better looking one out of the two of us as I am a woman and naturally more beautiful but you are handsome as well. I would not show interest in you if I found you undeserving of my attention." Serra was very particular with who she paid attention to and who she didn't. She liked to pick and choose who she believed was worthy of her time. "Why not?" What reason would he be giving her, she wondered.

"I would never settle. If I choose the person I want to be with it is because I decide that is who I want. I deserve to have the best of the best, one that will shower me in gifts and in compliments. Just me. Not anyone else." Her voice turned sugary sweet as she focused her attention back on him. "If you want to continue seeing me, you will not be seeing other women. The choice is yours. If you are unsure and are interested in others, then your answer is made and this is where we say goodbye. I deserve undivided attention and focus. I am the best, but I will not compete with other women for your affection. While I do not want to get betrothed or married yet, I know my worth."

“Hmm.”  He moved a hand to stroke her cheek. “You are beautiful, effortless, beyond reproach, but I am, not.  I feel undeserving when I’m around you, you say you’re inexperienced, and I enjoy experiencing you, but I feel that as I am I can’t give you what you deserve even if I would like to.”  He stopped as if struggling with the words or how they might land.  “I worry that you will be done with me as you grow, become the perfect thing that I know you are, and regret settling. You shouldn’t be forced to settle, and I’m not in a position to be as serious with you as I would like to.”  He looked at her, deciding he should be as straightforward as she had been.  “I’m seeing other women.  I’m worried you might have heard something or gossip, or will and this is something you should hear from me.  I feel like it’s something I need to do before I get serious about anyone.  At least to the level everyone is rushing into betrothals and bringing other people into them.” He moved closer looking into her eyes and squeezing her shoulders.  “Breaking a betrothal or getting into a marriage that was a failure is not something I will do.  I couldn’t leave someone I cared about that much or betray them after making that kind of promise.”

Serra had been off conversing and pretending to care what other witches were saying when Antonin grabbed her hand and they disapparated before she could come up with an excuse to say goodbye. Not that she cared about what they thought, but people talked. Especially because they were jealous of someone as gorgeous as her. It was only natural for them to be so. She looked around the unfamiliar area, confused to where he had swept her off to. Serra wanted to ask, but he had kissed her before she could utter a single syllable.

His kiss had consumed her, distracted her. There was something going on and she didn't know what it was. Perhaps he would tell her, perhaps he wouldn't. If it had nothing to do with her, she could do without knowing, but if it did thought she had a right to know. His words alarmed her, never liking to hear the word serious, but the compliments soothed her enough to listen to him. "What do you wish to tell me?"

Who: @serraborgin Where: Zafar x Evelyn Wedding/ Antonin's Flat There was no time, no explanation. He needed to get away and take her with him somewhere they could speak in private. He apparated the last place she had been and took Serra's hand before apparating again before she could protest. It had been enough time he thought, and he couldn't risk something worse happening. They appeared inside the safety of one of his flats. A nice quarter of London, tucked away. No one would notice their sudden appearance with the curtains drawn. Before any words could be exchanged he kissed her. The same fire in his eyes was there. He needed to be close to someone and he wasn't sure what light she would see him in once he was done talking. He stared at her hands clasped on her shoulders, breathing in slowly trying to get ahold of himself. "You don't know how long I wanted to do that, give you a proper snog, something too scandalous for that uptight wedding." He stroked her chin. "You are gorgeous. I don't deserve you. Can I speak with you, be serious for a moment. I need to tell you something that I didn't want anyone over hearing. I needed to be alone with just you, Serra."

Serra liked feeling his eyes on her, the attention was all consuming and she enjoyed it, feeling like she deserved to have it fully. A smirk played at her lips when he spoke, enjoying being showered with compliment after compliment. It was the way to her heart, someone telling her how great she was was something she would never tire of. "I think we should dance first. Make an impression on everyone here." She was a great dancer and she wanted to show off, it was in her nature.

Antonin turned his great powers of observation and attention towards Serra and only her.  It was what she wanted and he didn’t mind blinding himself to observe her brilliance.  It was the duty of an accessory to add to the one who adorned it after all. "I bet you can. There isn't much you can't handle, is there? You are uncompromising, all encompassing, and it's something I admire about you greatly. It leaves me unsure whether I should help you or stack up obstacles in your way just to see you run through them.  Don’t doubt you will own this wedding and I’ll enjoy seeing what you leave in your wake. You must tell me about your experiences afterwards.  I enjoy pampering you while you tell me about yourself, but what should we do first?  Drink, dance, dine?  You deserve to be seen by others the way I see you, and I’ll make sure of it."

"I am never second best." Her ego wouldn't allow it, what she lacked in ego she made up for in delusion. "I do not mind spending a few hours in your company. You shower me with attention, but alas I do need to make my rounds to please my parents. Wouldn't want anyone telling them I am antisocial. I am here to represent them and our name after all." She was an only child, her parents had struggled getting pregnant and had always wanted a son to take over the business. Now it fell onto her cousin on her dad's side as she had no plans to work. "I shall let you know, but I do believe no one would dare. Except my cousin Alara, but she is another story. I can handle her."

"Of course, the second best would not do. How would you like to spend the evening? I would not mind spending it with you, but that can wait until after the wedding, it would be a crime to monopolize your attention for too long, social butterfly that you are. Well perhaps just a few hours?" Antonin squeezed Serra's arm and took her hand. He looked at some of the gossipers noting faces in case he heard anything too damning come to surface later. "Just tell me if you need your honor defended it's been a while since I had a good duel, but blasting the proper respect into someone is often considered taboo at weddings, don't ask how I know."

"Resplendent is a great choice of compliments. I like it. I would also take stunning or breath taking." Serra smirked, feeling comfortable in the public eye. She saw people whispering when she came in with Antonin, their matching outfits adding fuel to the fire. Not that she minded. Appearances were important and what would it look like if her date's outfit clashed with hers?

Where:Fulsom Palace Who: @serraborgin Antonin arrived linked arm in arm with Serra. She was as resplendent as she said she would be, he liked to think he added a little something pairing his own outfit and playing the small part in picking out her own. Tonight would be interesting. He gave her a peck on the cheek. She was on top of the world was it right to ruin that with a bit of truth? "You look resplendent. Even able to pull off a dated accessory like me."

For all her effort in acting blasé and cool, she was more nervous than she let on. Especially when he was so close to her. He was a handsome man after all, someone she was interested in rather than a boy not worthy of her time. "I think I could definitely think of something." A masquerade would be fun and she knew her parents wouldn't deny her if she wanted to throw a party. She was focused on him fully. He was in her space now, standing centimeters away.

"Perhaps I do, but only if you care for me." Women of her standing had certain standards and he was a prime example of an eligible bachelor, but she wanted him to admit that he liked he first, simply for her ego's sake she wanted to hear him say it. While she hadn't planned on settling down anytime soon before she met him, he had definitely captured her interested. His intensity was intriguing to her. "It interests me very much." Truthfully she was only half listening, his closeness distracting her.

He smiled. It was both cute and impressive the way she held his gaze.  He got closer to her arm’s length then a bit closer. “Too bad, but as long as it’s hosted and I got an invitation I don’t think I would care too much, you could always find a way to make it up to me.”  He moved close, demanding what was left of her attention.  Despite being surrounded by outfits, that made him smile too.  He dared to move a hand to her cheek, touch light, but firm. He wondered idly if her challenge of his gaze would falter at the open intimacy. She had earned a bit of his attention in return especially if she was serious about the masquerade. “Do you care for me Serra, the way you’re blushing I think you might, or might wish to. Does it excite you to be the one to make such a choice? A young woman’s heart is a precious, yet fickle gift, are you sure you wish to entangle it with a cruel old thing like me? I can promise you a whirlwind romance, it will not be easy, but you won’t be bored.  Pressed to the edges of comfort and strength.  You can only truly be pampered after you feel too tired to take care of yourself. Does this interest you?”

"I would not host a ball for you, I would host a ball for the pleasure of hosting one. I am an excellent hostess. My mother has trained me well." Her parents cared about a good education and making sure she would one day make a good pureblood wife, that she knew the importance of proper etiquette. Of course she preferred not do any work and simply sit back and relax, but she did enjoy party planning, dressing nice and telling people what to do. "I would look wonderful in a gown, you are correct with that assumption." She smiled, pleased at the compliment, blushing at the intensity of his stare as he went on. Guys her age were nothing like this, she didn't have much experience with older men. "It is a much more interesting topic. Truthfully, I do not care much for boys my age." She held his gaze, challenging him.

He dismissed the thought of mudbloods with a wave. “Interesting anomalies, but ultimately nothing more than something to be foisted off on squibs or the reason for them, but I don’t want to bore you with magical theories, and speculation. Are you offering to host a ball for me, Miss Borgin? If I didn’t know better I might think you are trying to snare me, not that I mind. I am sure you would look wonderful in a gown. I can see it, a splendid thing, for you paired with a simple domino mask, not that you would choose something simple, but your face hardly needs any hiding or accent, and it would be a crime to cover those lips.” He looked at her lips smiling a bit hungirly. “Yes, nothing that would impede you talking, drinking or kissing. When was the last time you had a good kiss? A much more interesting subject than dirty mudbloods don’t you think?”

"I do love dressing up for Halloween as well." Although their reasonings were different they did share a love for the same holiday. Serra didn't see the reason for hiding behind a mask as her face was so beautiful it would be a shame to hide it away. "I do enjoy masquerade balls as well. They have such a sense of grandeur that I've always liked. You know... I do still live on the family estate and we have an excellent ballroom. One of the best ballrooms in all of society." Serra boasted. "The war is going on long enough already. It is incredibly inconvenient. There are too many mudbloods running around, thinking that they are our equals." She shook her head.

He thought about it though he knew the answer if he was honest. “Halloween. A day when monsters and darkness abound, mischief and fun people can let loose without agonizing over it. Also the costumes. People don’t mind if you put on a mask. Masquerade balls are rarer these days, but Halloween parties are annual. I think if I hosted a ball it would be a masquerade around halloween, but I don’t have much reason besides whim. Beyond that, I no longer live on the family estate. It’s expected to have a proper place if you are hosting elaborated balls most times. People are too busy with their weddings and wars for whimsy, a sad thing, but true.

He chuckled at it. “Such a problem to have, that your taste for parties exceeds your grasp. I’ll have to push someone into throwing it for me.”

"I think it's a requirement for every Slytherin to like green, but I do prefer certain shades more than others. I like a sage or an emerald green best." She explained while looking through the various racks of clothes, only needing a few seconds to decide if she liked something or not. "There's a few robes here that would look nice for the upcoming fall season." She took out four she liked, different cuts but all elegant, one shorter length and one ankle length for colder days and two more every day robes. "I do. Well my favorite holiday is my birthday, of course. I enjoy being celebrated. After that Christmas because I like getting presents and as an only child I didn't have to share with anyone. What about you?"

"Green, I will remember that, but yes you could pull anything off I'm sure, perhaps I'll know better by the end of it." He looked around at the various robes and outfits. "Does anything catch your eye?" Small accents made sense, understated but eye catching. He filed it away for future use. Even when skulking about something eye catching could make it hard for people to think of details later besides what had been put in front of them. He doubted it was how Sera might use the information, but something learned from her none the less. "Do you enjoy the holidays? Which is your favorite?"

"With the colors you just said about any color I wear should match. Adding little accents of whatever I plan on wearing should do the trick. A tie, cufflinks, a pocket square. Little details that aren't garish but attract the eye and make sure the look is cohesive." Him not having the most colorful wardrobe didn't surprise her much, he didn't seem like the flamboyant type. Short answer? My favorite color is green. I like all shades of green, but I also like soft pinks. I look good in basically every color so I do occasionally like a deeper red, for the holiday season."

"Something complementary, if we're going to wear outfits that match. I usually wear black, grey, dark greens. Things that go beneath notice, unless I have a specific purpose, but I don't know if I would say that any of those are my favorite." He looked her over as he contemplated something as simple as a favorite color. Something easy but with little purpose besides blending. He hadn't thought about it in some time delegating his outfits to others, rather than picking things that attracted his attention on a whim. "Something about you is so bright, what about you, which color is your favorite?"

location: madame malkins status: for @xantoninxdolohovx

Meeting up with Antonin was something she'd been excited about all week. The prospect of shopping and buying something new always thrilled her and having someone there complimenting her was a bonus. They had also discussed her finding new things for him, so this day would surely be fun for her. "We'll start looking for me and then we'll look for outfits for you as well. Perhaps we can find something that matches the ones I will be choosing for myself. Is there any color you particularly like?"

"I suppose that's right. I think it is important to be a perfectionist about yourself first and foremost. Appearances matter. How is someone supposed to take you seriously if your hair isn't styled or your outfit is all wrinkled? If you cannot even be trusted to take care of yourself, how are you supposed to handle anything else?" If there was one thing she could do, it was talk about herself. She liked the way he complimented her, it felt thought out. She could hear how gorgeous she was a thousand times over, but this was nice too.

"I am already polished, but I suppose I could make myself available if you make it worth my while." She had a busy life of doing nothing after all. His gaze mesmerised her, biting her lip at the intensity she found in it.

"You are very good with your words, you know?"

“Any subject can be interesting if executed well or in an interesting way, it’s one reason you are so attention grabbing.  People can say what they will, but they could never accuse you of being anything less than a perfectionist especially when it comes to yourself.”  He kept his eyes glued to her as they turned about, sparing no more than an odd glance to keep them centered, it wouldn’t do to trip or drop her. “You may watch me, consider it an open invitation, but I would love to teach you, see that perfect attention put to something. Magic is like dancing, talking, just gestures and phrases polished to perfection.  You are a woman worth knowing and I would like to polish you, give you a skill to set you further apart from this rabble. How much more beautiful a flower is for its thorns.”  He came to a stop suddenly, releasing her for a moment to wave off the rest of the dancers dismissively before bringing his hands up to caress her cheeks, hold her, look  almost through her, ardent gaze slightly betrayed by a quick peek at her lips before tracing down her arms, finding her hand and hip, bowing and starting the dance again. “Truly, you are finer, and most welcome, everything I have said was earned, or will be. I do not take to idle flattery. If I was not serious, I would not care how you were trained no matter how interesting.”

"I suppose it is?" Serra's eyebrows furrowed together for a second, confused as to why he was asking but dismissed it quickly. "Oh I heard what happened to hear. It is quite a shame that her betrothal fell through. It was so many years in the making after all. Oh you mean you want me to watch you duel? I can do that." Serra wasn't a good dueller herself, but she figured she didn't need to be. It's not like she was fighting in the war.

Her smile widened from his compliments. She enjoyed talking to him and dancing with him. "Thank you for the compliment. I am careful with the things I care about." Which mainly involved her appearance, but to her that was extremely important. Appearances mattered. "You should know I am better than all of them." Serra's tone matter of fact, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Not at all. I like talking to you. I don't think you are boring." They had liking to talk in common, especially when it came to her favorite subject: herself.

"Transfiguration is good as is potions. I swear by Valeria Flint, unfortunate circumstances surrounding the woman but wonderful for poisons and potions. I dabble in a bit of everything, anything that might give me an edge in dueling or seems fun, perhaps I could show you sometime? As far as transfiguration I think my greatest feat is summoning ropes, a nice trick especially if you can do so wordlessly, though it is important to get the gestures perfect and have a good bond with your wand." Antonin looked into Serra's eyes losing himself in them. "You surprise me though, those are both very precise magics. I pride myself at being able to read people, but you surprise me, I find that refreshing, you are not a boring woman or shallow, something to be treasured especially among most eligible ladies on offer." He looked pointedly at a few other guests around the dancefloor. "I hope you don't find me too much of a boor, I've been told I enjoy the sound of my own voice perhaps a bit too much, but I find you are easy to talk to."

"I do not like dancing with someone who does not how to do so. A man is expected to lead during the dance, but I will not be dancing with someone that has no rhythm or two left feet. It makes me look bad." Serra explained, figuring he would understand as he was a capable dancer himself. "Perhaps another time when I am wearing a shorter dress where I can move my legs more freely." The prospect of dancing with him again was exciting, she always enjoyed dancing with someone skilled. It was the only way it was fun.

"I love talking about myself. I'm amazing." Serra grinned. "I do not trust people who act demure and shy. If you do not recognise your qualities how do you expect someone else to do so? I think insecurity is quite embarrassing." She didn't realise how harsh her words sounded, her tone matter of fact. She'd never been insecure. "I am sure Leta will have no problem creating matching outfits for us."

At his question she paused, thinking for a moment. "I like transfiguration. And potions, depending on the ingredients. What about you?"

"Thank you. dancing with you proves my taste beyond a doubt already, but I’m glad you approve. I like to surround myself with capable people, yourself included. Knowing your background I almost want to try for a lift, but I’m not sure if your dress was made with that in mind and I don’t want to scandalize you when everything seems to be going so well.” He squeezed her hand trying to make up for it by keeping her as the center of attention, it wasn’t a hard thing she was bubbly, but in a fun way.  “I’m glad that you can keep a secret, and don’t mind talking about yourself.  False modesty and insecurity are unbecoming.  Yes it’s a date, we’ll have to arrange the shopping.  I’m curious what kind of dress you will help me pick out, perhaps I’ll let you pick out a matching outfit for me, could be fun.” It was easy to just float there discussing wardrobe and possible encounters listening, it felt easy, the nicer side of these kinds of things when everything fell into place. “What about magic, do you have any specialties, I’m sure a woman of your many talents must have a favorite?”

Her smile widened when he said that Leta Rosier designed his clothes, clearly excited and not bothering to hide her approval. "Oh! Now I know for sure that you have great taste. Leta has done all my dresses for this wedding season. Her work is exceptional. Don't worry your secret's safe with me." She giggled. A handsome man that understood fashion and went to the same designer she did? And he could dance? Was this fate? Serra might just have to rethink her stance on staying single.

"I do not tend to wear such dresses more than once. I get bored easily and I want to stun in something new at every event. I think going shopping is a great idea. I might even take your opinion into account when I let the next one get commissioned."

He twirled her around the dance floor effortlessly which only highlighted his charm more. "It is because I am so graceful and light on my feet. I have taken ballet lessons for several years." Modesty was not one of her talents, clearly. "You're a good dancer."

"You will have to model them for me some time. I trust most of my outfits to Leta Rosier personally. Capable and I find up and coming designers or anyone really have more to prove and thus provide better work, but you didn't hear it from me if Madame Malkins ever asks." He tapped his nose signifying the gossip that now bonded them. As they approached the dance floor he released her arm standing in front of her and taking a more regular posture. "Let's see how well we can show off this dress of yours. I'm not afraid to wear it out now that I know you have six others, besides dress shopping with you doesn't seem like too harsh a punishment for a lively dance, does it?" He barely let the question sit before pulling her into a quick spin. The dress and Serra both twirled nicely. It was a good test of woman and garment he thought. He smiled as he caught her. "You spin delightfully."

"I got about seven new wedding appropriate formal dresses, I figured I wanted to be as well prepared for wedding season as I can. Then I got a couple more evening dresses for various occasions that lean less formal than weddings, five sundresses and three day dresses. Which should be enough, but I have a standby monthly appointment at Madame Malkins in case I need an emergency dress made."

He smiled squeezing her hand and linking arms nudging her shoulder like an old friend. "Of course I do, now tell me more about these dresses, are they all formal or are there some sundresses mixed in, do they all look as good as this one, and who is your designer and tailor, if you don't have anyone specific I can recommend a good one, not that you need it you would look good in a burlap sack, though I imagine it would be harder to dance in."

"I am enjoying my free time right now. Summer is always my favorite time of the year. And I got a lot of new dresses recently so I am excited to wear them." In her mind the it was definitely worth mentioning. "You make a good point." She nods with a polite smile, lightly resting her hand in his, letting him take her to the dance floor.

"I know I could, Rita lives and dies by her adoring public, can't have a paper without readers after all, but enough about her, I'm sure you'll get to ask her anything you like, what's happening with you, anything worth mentioning?" He waved his hand at the mention of her escort's whereabouts. "I'm sure he'll find you when he's finished with your cousin, why not enjoy yourself in the meantime?" He smirked and held a hand out as if offering to take her from the drudgery of her lonely table.

"Oh I would love to meet her! You think you could introduce us?" Her eyes widened in excitement, a gasp leaving her lips. Serra had seen the witch around before but she had never been formally introduced. It'd be amazing to hear gossip straight from the source. "Oh I know a ton." It would be a perfect moment to dish on Alara too. "I think I've got a few minutes. He said something about going to speak to my cousin Emir."

"Would you like an introduction? I'm sure she wouldn't mind getting to ask some questions to someone so interesting. You must have heard some things. Yes it's better to show up with a date to these kinds of things isn't it, gives you someone to get back to suddenly when approached by less than desirable company." He looked around for her escort. "I hope you don't have to wander off too soon?"

Hearing Antonin's voice directed at her she couldn't help but smile, clearly pleased. He was a very handsome wizard so she always enjoyed looking at him and especially hearing his words when he complimented her so. "I do have to admit that desperation does not attract me. I do find that bringing a date tonight has helped to ward off the desperate ones. I saw you've arrived with Miss Skeeter? I'm a big fan of hers." She considered gossip articles to be the height of journalism.

Who: @serraborgin Where: Malfoy x Black Wedding

Mingling at this wedding was as much for connections as fun and gossip and the young woman he had found seemed like she would be all three. "Miss Borgin, I'm surprised to find you alone with so many elidable and desperate bachelors about I thought you would be besieged by offers of drinks and dancing, or perhaps I've just been lucky enough to find you during a lull?"