Clarke Manor

by **Xander Clarke** Wed Feb 08, 2012 2:35 pm

Xander sighed...for the thousandth time. You'd think his mother would pick up on his boredom. Not a chance. He was forced to attend one of this father's social parties. His role: to chat up the other young witches and wizards of high class families that his father worked with.

He hated it. But he couldn't show that. His father had been very clear on the ramifications if he didn't act accordingly. Might as well make the most of it.

He pulled at his tie, letting it hang loose. His mother hated the look, but he didn't really care what she thought. He saw a few young teens hanging out near the food table, all girls. He smirked and walked over to them, getting their attention.

"Hello ladies. Are you enjoying your evening? I know you've made mine so much better." He winked at the nearest one, a short little blonde who giggled.

by **Tess McCartney** Wed Feb 08, 2012 2:42 pm

Tess admitted that this home was very beautiful. It had lovely decorations and it was huge, something that made her curious as to what it held inside. Her parents had disappeared to schmooze with other witches and wizards that were the same blood as her.

It never mattered to her, but she did notice the difference. They held themselves in a higher standing, as if they were all aristocratic. She had never worn anything this fancy for a simply gathering. So as she noticed other people her age, and saw their giggling and fawning over boys.

Wrinkling her nose at the scene, she simply walked towards the table and grabbed herself a drink.

by **Xander Clarke** Wed Feb 08, 2012 3:00 pm

After a while of talking up the bimbos by the finger foods, Xander saw another girl approach the drink table. She didn't look like the others, bred to be pompous little brats. Instead of trying to get as much attention as possible, she was more focused on the decorations and architecture of his home.

Interesting...

He walked over to her, realizing now that he had never seen her at any of his parents' previous parties. "I see you're admiring my home. May I ask your name, beautiful? I don't believe we've met."

by **Tess McCartney** Wed Feb 08, 2012 3:05 pm

She had just picked up the cup taking a small sip before hearing a person's voice.

"I see you're admiring my home. May I ask your name, beautiful? I don't believe we've met." she heard.

She turned to face him and rose her brow, taking a longer sip of her drink. She'd never met him before but his pompous nature made her intrigued.

His house? Is he joking, he's just a kid she thought.

She placed her drink on the table and laughed softly.

"Well it's not beautiful, it's Tess" she replied. "I see your parents own this place. It's beautiful..."

by **Xander Clarke** Wed Feb 08, 2012 3:22 pm

Xander crossed his arms and leaned on the column next to the table. He found this...Tess, quite interesting. Most girls just smiled and giggled at him.

"Sure, they foot the bill, but they're rarely ever here. So it's all mine!" He raised his arms and motioned to the large open space of the ball room alone. "I could give you a tour if you'd like. Merlin knows those bimbos only have the attention span of a gold fish. You, on the other hand..." He tilted his head, contemplating what was different about her, "seem to be able to hold a decent conversation."

He normally didn't go out on a limb to spend more than the required time with someone, preferring solitary to the false facades that people put on. He would be attending Hogwarts in the fall, however, and figured this was as good a time as any to brush up on his "getting-to-know-you" skills.

Besides, she wasn't half bad looking if he had to admit...which he wouldn't

by **Tess McCartney** Wed Feb 08, 2012 3:28 pm

Her smirks soon disappeared and a frown immediately fell on her face.

Bimbos?! Honestly how dare he insult girls that way in front of other girls. He stared at her and she felt uncomfortable, and wrinkled her nose to show it.

"Those girls might be attracted to you because fish find same kind of other fish to hang with" she muttered not really thinking if he heard her or not.

She took another sip and looked back seeing girls glaring at her and she felt all the more uncomfortable.

"Sure I wouldn't mind a tour" she said.

by **Xander Clarke** Wed Feb 08, 2012 3:37 pm

Xander couldn't believe she had been offended by him calling the other girls bimbos. Curious. He didn't show that he had heard her though, now wondering what would make her take such offense.

He motioned towards a doorway behind Tess, "Well we may as well get this tour started then. What would you like to see? We have a wonderful garden off the back, or my mother's strange obsession with muggle paintings. Or we have a large array of books in the main library."

He was hoping something would spark her interest. He could tell she was ready to leave him standing there if he didn't find some common ground and quick.

by **Tess McCartney** Wed Feb 08, 2012 3:41 pm

Her annoyance disappeared a soon as he mentioned all of what the mansion had to offer. She bit her bottom lip and let out a small smile looking at him eyes bright.

"All those sound fantastic" she said it breathlessly "but the garden sounds lovely"

She didn't want to sound like a bookworm if she had chosen the library.

by **Xander Clarke** Wed Feb 08, 2012 3:56 pm

Well that did the trick! There was an obvious change in her attitude now. He released a breath he hadn't known he'd been holding. Sure, he thought well of himself, but he did care what this girl thought. Though he didn't quite know why.

"Right this way." He took her to the back of the ballroom and out the back doors. They had a gardener, Rosalin, who came by everyday to tend the garden. She was a squib who's family had always been close with his. The lights from the party flowed out to illuminate the rose bushes and irises. He really liked the tranquility of this place, but told no one besides Rosalin, who taught him all the names of the flowers and their origins.

by **Tess McCartney** Wed Feb 08, 2012 4:08 pm

She followed him immediately and rather than pay attention to him, she looked around all of the architecture. She wished she lived in a place like this. Her house wasn't small at all, but compared to this it looked like a shabby cottage.

The moment that they reached the garden, she covered her mouth preventing her from letting out a gasp. It was beautiful, breathtaking even and the smell from the roses was to refreshing. She looked around all gobsmacked at the beautiful garden.

by **Xander Clarke** Wed Feb 08, 2012 4:16 pm

If Xander was anything, it was observant. He had to be in his family life. One would think his parents hated his existence if they didn't look closely. And he DID look closely. They cared enough to expect great things of him, whether for themselves or for him was yet to be seen.

Xander caught the reaction from Tess and he had to quickly change his smile to a lazy grin before she could notice. "You like it, I take it?" He lead her through the section designated for flowers and into the fruit tree section. He grabbed a perfectly grown apple and tossed it to Tess, then grabbed one for himself and took a bite.

"So, where are you from? Please tell me that's not American I hear."

by **Tess McCartney** Wed Feb 08, 2012 4:29 pm

Her eyes were bright as she looked at the beautiful gardens. She tentatively touched the petals of some roses and smiled softly as she touched the live roses. Lifting her head she noticed his grin, so lazy and confident and she let out one of her own, a more appreciative grin.

"It's beautiful" she murmured looking at him.

She followed him towards the fruit trees and caught the apple and took a small bite. Hearing his comment, she soon lost her brightness as soon as a question was heard.

"What if I am?" she asked.

by **Xander Clarke** Wed Feb 08, 2012 4:35 pm

Xander chuckled at her taking offense...again. He figured he'd have to get used to pissing her off.

"Well then, I guess you have your work cut out for you. All the American's I've ever met are dumb as a box of rocks." He walked up to her, getting relatively close. He was a few inches taller than her and wanted to see if she would back down.

"Guess you'll have to prove me wrong then." He held her gaze, waiting for her to look away.

Xander didn't have many friends because he always saw the people his age as being too beneath him, intellectually. Maybe this girl could be a worthy candidate for his first real friend. His father had taught him to rely only on himself, but he'd secretly always wanted a friend.

by **Tess McCartney** Wed Feb 08, 2012 4:44 pm

Tess' small frown soon changed to an expression she hadn't ever found herself expressing: anger. She glared up at him eyes flaring in anger, her cheeks reddening in frustration and offense.

"I don't have to do anything" she said voice steadily.

As he got close to her, she forced herself not to step back and looked up at him gaze strong. How dare he think that she was stupid, she wasn't like those girls in there, she wasn't stupid. In her personal opinion, stupid was the worst word you could call someone.

"But you know what? You've proven my hypothesis right, I guess wealthy English pureblood boys are nothing but idiots."

Who did this kid think he was?

"I bet you can't even function without someone helping you...typical idiot"

by **Xander Clarke** Wed Feb 08, 2012 4:54 pm

He noticed the blood rushing to her cheeks as her temper flared. Must be a Gryffindor. He had to admit, the color made her look more radiant.

Xander almost let her see how much her comment hurt him. Almost. He had known kids like that. Thinking their name would get them through everything in life. He hated those people. They were incredibly shallow and predictable. He had known from a young age that he wanted to be different. He had read every book he could get his hands on. His dictionary was loosing it's binding from the many uses in search of information on words he didn't know.

Now seeing that she really was as tough as he thought, he relaxed and turned away from her, taking another bite.

"I'm guessing that's a no to the rest of the tour. A shame, really. I was hoping to show you the library next. Father has quite a collection, and I've even got one of my own."

When he didn't get a response, he looked over his shoulder and smirked at her. "But you wouldn't be interested in that, would you?"

by **Tess McCartney** Wed Feb 08, 2012 5:19 pm

She glared at him, still wary of him. She felt her heartbeat faster and ringing against her ears, she had never let out so much steam. He had backed off, as it her comment stung him, and part of her felt bad, but another part of her, her prideful side decided not to care.

"A real shame" she repeated.

She loved libraries, a bookworm herself, she wanted to touch the spines of books that were old, she figured the library would, but she was prideful dammit. Though, it had surprised her that he still offered the tour towards the library and she copied his smirk.

"What...do you think a little spat would deter me? Please, what do you think I am a Hufflepuff. I have my manner love," she taunted "and what kind of lady would I be if I didn't accept it."

She still had manners, a pureblood would not simply walk away all huffed and annoyed, but stay.

by **Xander Clarke** Fri Feb 10, 2012 3:10 pm

Xander lead Tess through many hallways, towards the library. Along the way he pointed out the many rooms and art along the way.

"Well, now that we've established you aren't a Hufflepuff, may I ask what house you are in?" He stopped in front of a set of large mahogany doors.

His family were usually sorted into Slytherin, so Xander was hoping she was as well. While he tried not to be biased, if she was in Gryffindor, he was afraid she might be. Her ability to banter with him made him hope that they could eventually be friends. It may be as friends that constantly argue...but still. Friends.

by **Tess McCartney** Fri Feb 10, 2012 3:26 pm

She looked around, looking at the various paintings. It ranged from cubism, to abstract, to Renaissance and she forced herself not to gape at them and act stoic.

Hearing his question, she stepped beside him and paid him attention.

"Slytherin of course" she said lifting her head.

She had pride, after all she was proud of her family, and her blood purity and she had no shame to show it.

by **Xander Clarke** Fri Feb 10, 2012 3:35 pm

Xander sighed inwardly. "Good."

He pushed open the doors and motioned for her to enter. Inside were bookcases lining every wall in sight except for the floor to ceiling windows across from them. There was a large desk near the windows where his father would work. To the left was a room that his parents had added when Xander was five and asked for his own library. He had wanted his own space to read and think.

"This one is the family library. Father prides himself on his collection of potion theory texts and lore. Mine is the one on the left is mine."

by **Tess McCartney** Fri Feb 10, 2012 3:47 pm

She looked around, shocked at the number of books. Everything ranged from different subjects and she found herself looking at Xander's collection. She picked up a random book, and caressed the spine really delicately amazed by the age of the book.

"Beautiful" she whispered.

by **Jaycie Simple** Sat Feb 11, 2012 3:22 pm

Jaycie skittered towards the door the Host had pointed out to her. She as supposed to find a boy named Xander because his father wanted to talk to him, and something else. Probably entertain guests or something. As she hurried down the corridor she stared at her feet. This place was so huge and she wasn't used to all the pompusly dressed pure-bloods, even though she was one herself. Except, not pompously dressed. Jaycie was only here because her Mother had been hired to sing live.

She reached the door and pushed it open quietly. Inside were two teenagers, a pretty girl and a nicely dressed boy. Jay could already feel herself choking up, diffidence taking over. She didn't want to go into the room or disturb them, but she had to.

She walked up to the pair and lightly tugged on the boys' jacket sleeve. "Excuse me, but are you Xander Clarke?" she asked, her voice barely audible, eyes inspecting the rugged floor.

by **Xander Clarke** Mon Feb 13, 2012 1:56 pm

Xander was happy to see Tess so enthralled with the books. He didn't have anyone to share his love of books with, so this was a first for him.

Just as he was about to inquire about her favorite type of books, he felt a gentle pull on his sleeve. He jumped, a little startled. He hadn't expect another person to be there. Xander saw a blonde girl that looked like she was waiting for the axe to fall or something. I'm not that scary, jeez!

"Excuse me, but are you Xander Clarke?" She said, almost inaudibly.

She looked about to bolt, so Xander tried to put her at ease in the only way he knew how. "The one and only, love," at that last word he shot a smirk at Tess, reusing her teasing word, hopefully, to get under her skin, "what can I do for you?" He gave the new girl his best lazy grin.

He really liked Tess, As a friend...I think..., but he couldn't resist the beautiful flush she got when he pissed her off. It was quickly becoming like a drug.

by **Tess McCartney** Mon Feb 13, 2012 4:12 pm

Hearing the door open, she immediately found herself seeing a blond girl. Blond, beautiful, and yet shy, something she'd never really seen before. Weren't they usually confident.

She was going to try to calm her down, but as soon as Xander replied, with his whole flirting thing, she got annoyed. He was such a jerk. Not just to her, but to women in general and that infuriated her sometimes, how he thought good looks affected every girl in his path. Well she wasn't the case and she glared as soon as she saw him smirking at her.

"I see that you're probably needed....perhaps I should head back" she murmured. "I'll show my way out"

She placed the book back, very gently and lowered her head slightly and walked out. She figured that she wouldn't see him for a while, and she took pleasure in that knowledge, she admitted that he did rile her up.

by **Jaycie Simple** Mon Feb 13, 2012 7:46 pm

Jaycie's head snapped up and her eyes widened when Xander called her 'love'. "U-um... I think your father wants t-to speak with you," she stammered. She blinked a few times, trying to settle herself, because she hadn't been really sure they'd talk to her - not many people actually acknowledged her presence most of the time.

She saw Tess's eyes start to flame up, and she wondered... "I'm so sorry! Was I disturbing anything? I really didn't mean to!" she gasped, pure horror tinting her meek little voice. Her heart was pounding in it's cage, fluttering like it had wings and wanted out. She really hadn't meant to disrupt anything. Gosh, she was so rude...!

"Please don't go," she whispered to Tess, casting her brown eyes downward once more. But Tess had already left, so the request was useless. Jaycie felt like hitting herself with something. But not one of the books... the books were far too precious to hit herself with. She'd just have to wait till she got home. She always ruined these things, burst in, scared people. Jaycie still didn't know what was wrong with her.

Somewhere in the back of her mind was the realisation that she was surround by shelf upon shelf of thick, properly-bound books. That probably made her heart skip a beat, but she wouldn't have recognised it, being so swept up in her rude intrusion of the pair.