porcelain, ivory, steel.

Emma Vanity. Slytherin. Seventh year. she learned how to smile with blood in her mouth. she was brave, she was beautiful, but it was ugly.

[closedrod-blog1]

Genesis || ROD & EMMA (flashback, 6th year)

[emsvcnity]

rodolphusle-strange:

Whatever answer Rodolphus was anticipating flew from his mind as Emma replied. “That’s fucking morbid.” He told her, followed by a twisted laugh. The waters appeared black this time of night, making it near impossible to see anything. “That’s impressive though. I’m assuming you didn’t report this, did you?” Or he was hoping she didn’t. There was something about a girl willing to overlook possible crime that appealed to the darker side of him. Emma had always been a loose canon, something unpredictable but entertaining to watch either way. Being Alecto’s best friend, Rodolphus always kept a weary distance. 

Yet tonight, the alcohol only reminded him that Alecto wasn’t here to see the gleam in his eyes and pull her friend away. He watched her for a moment, small and burdened with books and schoolwork. “You’ve definitely got me topped by that, I mean honestly. I don’t even want to tell you the worst of what I’ve seen now. I’m lacking in comparison.” Even though he was admitting defeat, arrogance dripped from his words. Confidence had always radiated from the boy, it was something that appealed to the professors and intimidated his peers simultaneously.  That, and his weight he threw around in his younger years to terrorize other students. He only had to do it long enough for them to learn his name, the ones born outside of the wizarding world. The ones that didn’t know Rodolphus Lestrange did not make new friends, and not to try. “I would offer to finish your school work for you as your prize, but quite frankly I’m not sure that’s what you want.” 

Allowing himself a quick moment to glance around the common room, he focused in on a group of remaining fourth years before meeting Emma’s eyes. He wasn’t sure what she thought of him, but he was sure she already had preconceived notions of him. They all did. Pushing himself from the place he’d been sitting, he stretched his body long and sighed. “It isn’t my watch that you want, is it? Because it would take weeks to get another one made and delivered. I am a man of my word though, so I’d endure that for you. Although I can say a better prize would be the rest of this brandy and better company than our current cohabitants.”

Emma scoffed. “I’m not a rat; I keep my mouth shut. Besides, who would believe that a Slytherin saw floating heads in the Black Lake? If anything, they’d think I was lying just to freak people out.” She was a storm of a girl, not many people knew how to contain her, how to handle someone like Emma Vanity. She was the heart of the storm, she was a cautionary tale. But she was not loved. And that was okay. 

“Oh come on, I told you what I’ve seen, it’s only fair to come out with what you’ve seen.” Batting her eyelids at him, Emma’s bottom lip jutted out into a small pout, which was perhaps spurred on by the alcohol running through her veins. Her eyes flitted towards the remaining students for a moment, reminding her to tone it down, but Emma had never been one to listen to her conscience. Rodolphus’ confidence was infectious, he held himself together so well, and for a few moments, Emma thought she should take a few pointers from him, because being limited to only a few friends had her feeling suffocated. It wasn’t her fault that she was a handful; Emma was loud to be noticed, to be feared. She was a GOD on the Quidditch Pitch - - - well, she had been, but Gods fell from their Kingdoms all the time and the same was said for her. It was a punch in the gut, being forced to hand in her captains badge and then to walk away like it didn’t affect her one bit. She was livid. “No,” Emma agreed with a smirk, “that’s not what I want at all. I could pay someone to do my homework for me, I don’t need you to do it for free.” 

Standing up and striding towards Rodolphus, she took his wrist in one hand and pretended to study it carefully. “Well, it is shiny, and I do like shiny things. But I like alcohol more,” Emma locked eyes with him for a moment. “So you can keep your watch, honey. But I will take the rest of the brandy and better company. Two things I cannot resist.”

[emsvcnity]

rodolphusle-strange:

For the first time in days and days, a sly smile tried to cross his face. “Fingers crossed.” He reaffirmed, crossing to sit on the sofa in their common room. Rodolphus hadn’t really spoken to Emma since New Years, when she witnessed for the first time that perhaps he was more human than he let on. Since she experienced one of his panic attacks induced by the gory promise of his future. For a moment he considered lying to her, like he had to 98% of all other people. “I’ll be okay.” He settled for after a moment, inhaling a breath of damp air. “I’m sorry I’m not around the way I should be, you know. As your friend. I’ve been busy but you’re still on my mind– you can still come to me.”

New Years had shaken Emma to her core, for all the wrong reasons. Seeing Rodolphus as human as ever, because maybe, just maybe he was like her. Human. With emotions. She remembered how her fingers were numb from the cold, she wondered if he had felt the same. As he crossed the room to sit on the sofa, Emma scooted over and made room for him, propping her legs up close to her chest, winding her arms around them. “It’s not your fault. We’ve all been busy,” I’ve been avoiding you, “And let’s face it, I’ve been a pretty shitty friend,” Emma murmured quietly, clearing her throat after a few minutes. You can still come to me. She couldn’t though, not really. She couldn’t tell him about how kissing Fabian made her feel more... More what? More something. Like she was worth it. But nevertheless, Emma gave him a bright smile. “I know I can. So can you, you know. Come to me whenever, I don’t mind.” 

[thcmases-blog]

“ – if i see one more singing valentine.” 

[emsvcnity]

“If Celestina Warbeck bellows out another damn song, I’m going to lose my shit.”

[emsvcnity]

chcrrybcmb:

“Only if it’s your toe, you harlot, here’s a dry sock so you know the DIFFERENCE for future reference,” Carter went to take off her own sock and threw it over at Emma. “Fucking dicks they are, any way they’ll let you play even a game?? It wasn’t even that bad.”

Wordlessly, Emma raised her leg and wiggled her toes at Carter, grinning, before lowering her leg. “Honestly, who knows at this point? They said I’m suspended for an indefinite amount of time, but knowing them, they’ll try to keep me away until I graduate. it’s a damn CRIME.”

[ludobagmcn]

“Hang on, shit, what’s the date again?” Ludo counted in his head, thinking about it, before straightening. “Valentine’s next week, right?”

[emsvcnity]

“It is, isn’t it? Where are you taking me, honey?” Emma batted her eyelashes at him, feigning a completely in-love look. “I hear Madam Puddifoot’s the way to go.” 

[emsvcnity]

rodolphusle-strange:

Never once had Rodolphus thought that perhaps this was how Emma felt. He couldn’t fathom it, because they didn’t have the weight of a dead boy or a childhood lost. Maybe love was just love and it cut like a knife no matter what, he wasn’t sure. He wasn’t sure why she even looked in his direction anymore, because lord knows he didn’t deserve it. He was worse than the worst. “My father may back out of the betrothal.” He told her, knowing that it may not be fair. She was her best friend but he was sure she wouldn’t tell anyone. He tried to give her a ghost of a smile and sighed. “So yeah, I’m feeling a little better.”

Emma knew she should turn and walk away, because Rodolphus was her past and nothing good came out of dredging it back up. It was suffocating, but perhaps this is what she deserved. No, stop doing that. “That’s        wow. Fingers crossed, right?” She was going to tell Bella. At least, that’s what Emma told herself, knowing full well she’d keep her mouth shut, because when it came to Rod; he was her best secret. He was the secret Emma loved until it hurt too much to hold on, until he told, until Bella found out. “Good. Great, that’s... good. So you’ve been okay since        New Years?” 

[closedrod-blog1]

“I’m feeling much better, thank you for asking.” Rodolphus grumbled dryly. “I caught something from one of the younger years.” Four and a half days of sleep could heal anything, right? He still felt paranoia infiltrating his thought process what if I run into her what if I don’t. “I’m sorry– was there something you needed, or?”

[emsvcnity]

“I was just wondering if you were alright, that’s all.” Emma wasn’t one to care, but with Rod, it was different. Perhaps it was their history or how charming Rodolphus could be sometimes, that Emma found herself caring a great deal about him. “But I’m - - - glad, you know, that you’re better. Or whatever.” 

[cadmustravers-blog]

“What’s the point of a student being sorted into Ravenclaw if they’re not even bloody smart enough to get into the common room? I could solve those riddles in my sleep, yet some people stand out there for hours waiting for someone to come along and let them in with the correct answer. The sorting hat should’ve done them a favor and just sorted them into a house that requires a simple password for entrance.”

[emsvcnity]

“You’re getting awfully heated about passwords and riddles. Is this - - - is this what you all talk about in the ravenclaw gang? I feel like I’m getting a glimpse at a brand new world, and unfortunately, it sounds a little boring.”

[joneshestia-blog1]

“Okay, that was definitely a shooting star, did you see it?! You have to make a wish!”

[emsvcnity]

“Wishes have never been kind to the likes of me. So maybe, you take my wish.”

[closedrod-blog1]

Genesis || ROD & EMMA (flashback, 6th year)

School was nearing to an end. Exams were crawling closer and students were growing weary. This wasn’t uncommon for the students of Slytherin to do, meet in the common room and study together. It wasn’t long before someone cracked open a bottle of stolen brandy straight of Slughorn’s office. Nights like tonight felt defining. They were the kind of nights that looking back, Rodolphus knew they were different. They were the beginning of something.

Students had began to filter out, stumbling back to their dormitories and abandoning their studying altogether. Rodolphus had been completely comfortable with the knowledge he’d pass his classes with ease. He’d mostly been there for the other students. The ones that needed the extra help. Lucius was gone, as was Amycus by this point. The only students remaining were a few fourth years (who never lasted long into the night) and Emma Vanity. Emma, who had brandy stained lips and a wild grin etched upon her face.

Rodolphus had been sitting in the floor, facing the windows looking out into the bottom of the lake. Night time was so much worse, the murky waters played tricks on your mind at night. Drifting plants would look like strange creatures, and strange creatures would look far more threatening then they were. “Emma–” Rodolphus called out, the alcohol flirting with his blood stream and causing everything to feel more vibrant than it was. His legs were splayed in front of him, ankles crossed with an easy elegance. “– tell me the craziest shit you’ve seen in the lake at this time of night. If you can top what I’ve seen you’ll win a prize.”

@emsvcnity

[emsvcnity]

They were going to be KINGS. At least, that’s how it felt. Royalty may not have flown through their veins, but being pureblood was enough; at least for Emma it was. She wasn’t sure about anybody else, but hey, it wasn’t like Emma cared about them. No, she was looking out for herself, Alecto and Bella. They were all she needed. As the school year was coming to an end, their childish antics seemed too immature, and it was easy to pretend that there wasn’t a looming darkness ahead of them. No, in this time, studying, they were just that - - - kids. 

This was where she was; in the common room, leaning against the back of the couch, legs crossed under her with her books left abandoned and was instead focusing on a particular tasty bottle of alcohol. It wasn’t where Emma wanted to be; the stars were calling her, to whisper deadly secrets and hopeful wishes, and with a content sigh, a grin slipped across her lips; fire dancing across her eyes. 

Humming Christmas tunes to herself, despite it not being Christmas at all, it took a few moments for Emma to reply to Rodolphus; his honey voice running over her skin like water. His question threw her off and she raised an eyebrow, pursing her lips in thought. “Well,” she murmured quietly from her side of the room, not taking notice of the remaining lingering students, instead resting her dark gaze on him. “There was a time a few months ago, where I thought I saw a few floating heads. I’m not sure if they were actual heads, but man, it was so trippy. What about you, Rodolphus Lestrange?” His full name rolled off her tongue with ease, and she grinned with the simplicity of it all. They were friends, at least friendly with each other. Nothing more, nothing less. “What’s the most crazy thing you’ve seen?”

[padfootheblack-blog]

     » “We can either go drink Butterbeer OR go snatch my secret stash of firewhiskey and chug that one down. What do you say?“

[emsvcnity]

“I’m more of a fan of firewhiskey, to be completely honest. There’s nothing more welcoming than the burning taste down your throat, right?”

[emsvcnity]

fabicn:

   “Yeah, reason is not of importance, but trust me he deserved it.” Fabian said, shrugging a little bit. “I don’t just go and hit people randomly, though I would randomly hit Malfoy any day, to be quite honest.“ he grinned, trying to ignore the little touches Emma trailed on his skin.

   “Merlin I hope so. It looked like it, at least.“ Fabian said with a scoff, looking down at his feet. “I would assume he removed the scars and everything, but I yet have to see Molly to do that for me. Until then, they are battle scars.“

   With a soft smile, Fabian finally took a note in one of many signs. “You’re blushing. I’d figure I am blushing too, but it looks kind of cute on you..“

Emma looked at him and her stomach flopped. Huh. Weird. This was a feeling she’d hardly experienced before; with Evan it was just physical, with Rod it was a game that she didn’t know she was playing, so everything she was experiencing was making her thoughts go into overdrive. “I think anyone would want to hit Malfoy randomly. His hair isn’t even that good. Like, honestly, he could use better shampoo and conditioner.” She stated in a matter-of-fact tone, running a trembling hand through her own hair. Merlin, Emma was a mess. But she smiled anyway. 

“You should keep them. At least, for now, they look...” hot. “Adventurous.” she swallowed, averting her gaze as Fabian mentioned her blush. “I’m       you think it looks cute when I’m blushing?” Emma couldn’t help but let out a small laugh, covering her face with her hands. 

Merlin. What the hell was this guy doing to her? They barely knew each other, and yet, she felt completely comfortable around him. 

[emsvcnity]

alectovcarrow:

“Well aren’t you just the sweetest. ”

“Sweet is my middle name, didn’t you know that?”

[emsvcnity]

ailvn:

“I never took you for a boring person,” remarked Ailyn, broom leaning on her shoulder and an eyebrow raised. “I won’t tell, if you were.”

Emma snorted, rolling her eyes. “I’m not a boring person,” she replied; a hint of laughter in her tone. “Much appreciated, Wilkes. This stays between us.”

[emsvcnity]

elenawoodrxw:

Elena, a joint between her lips, watched a Slytherin girl sneak past her from under her heating charm. She laughed, a loud exhale more accurately, and accidentally caught her attention. “None of my fucking business where you’re going. I’m not going to snitch on you, anyway.”

It took Emma a few moments to recognise the girl, and part of her should’ve felt bad; her boyfriend died, it was all over the papers; yet she didn’t really feel anything. “Well, I guess that’s a little reassuring. At least some people aren’t snitches; that’s hard to come by some days.”

[emsvcnity]

bvlltrix:

“ it’s quite obvious you weren’t sneaking, darling. i could hear you from miles away. ”

“Sometimes I like to make an entrance, you know, to keep people on their toes.”

[emsvcnity]

iinfcrno:

“Shame, because that’s exactly what I’m doing.” She walked past the girl to the closet holding brooms and wrenched it open. Inside was the broom she had brought from home, but she hadn’t decided yet if she’d ride or just maintain it.

Emma blinked at the girl, watching her move with little interest. “Would you like a medal?” she asked, fake enthusiasm latched onto her voice. But she watched anyway, as Anka opened what might as well have been the Holy Grail; there was a yearning inside of her. “I have gold, bronze or silver.”