helena vanderbuilt

[helena-vanderbilt]

“Please tell me you’ve got some good news, for once.”

@fulminations​

[helena-vanderbilt]

john-rxsier​:

Seeing as he was well enough aware of his own good qualities, John didn’t need the compliment returned. And he knew Helena well enough to not expect her to reciprocate. The smile she gave him was enough to let him know he’d done well (not that he had any doubt in himself, anyway).

“Again,” John offered gently, “that’s what I’m here for. When you need an out, you whisper to me, and I’ll get you an out. I’m a pro at sneaking off during these things.” Host or not, nobody there would deny John Rosier a polite request to steal her away - as casually as he presented himself, he was more than capable of that notorious Pureblood impatience.

He grinned, nodding even as he rolled his eyes. “Make fun of everyone, get everybody’s names wrong, I know, I know.” John was very nearly laughing when he caught the last of what she’d said, and his eyes opened a little wider. “A surprise? Lena, how - oh, you’re brilliant. Guarantee you I’ll be on my best behavior now.” It was probably insurance for her, really, but the promise of a surprise was as good as it got to keep him on task. Unnecessary though - the moment she grabbed his arm, John’s posture straightened as years of practice at good breeding guided his movements like a latent instinct. Though even that couldn’t stop him from regarding her with undisguised respect and a little bit of awe. “I can’t imagine how you’d think this wouldn’t go off without a hitch when you’ve clearly thought of everything. You could afford to be a little less perfect, you know? My parents are going to adore you.”

More than once, her mother told Helena that she wouldn’t be able to sustain a happy marriage if she didn’t learn to return the affection of her partner. When she was younger, she took the words to heart. But now that she was an adult who had been in relationships that didn’t work out, Helena came to the conclusion that it was far more complex than that. Plus, Helena didn’t care if she had a happy marriage. She cared about having one that worked to her advantage. John seemed to be perfectly happy without Helena having to change too much about herself -- and for now, that was enough.  “I’m going to hold you to that, you know. But you’ll have to be more clever than usual. My parents are keeping a closer eye on tonight than they usually might.” She almost hated how desperately she craved their approval -- how much she wanted to make sure that she did everything right in their eyes. But it was necessary, and it wasn’t going to change any time soon, either. When he made his joke, she playfully hit his arm. “If I knew a little scavenger hunt would’ve gotten you this excited, I would’ve planned one for you ages ago,” she teased, noting how perfectly he seemed to change at a moment’s notice. “Oh, you see, that’s the thing. When you think of everything, you think of everything. And that includes every single way that each part of the plan could go horribly, terribly wrong. I need to have backup plans for my backup plans. -- How are your parents, by the way? I haven’t heard you talk about them in some time. Are they well?”

[helena-vanderbilt]

ofxsnapes​:

“Now I never said that it would stop him from being quiet, merely that people may not wish to listen to him these days.” He shrugged. It wasn’t as if they needed another wizard declaring what he thought was best for them all, that would only lead to more problems in the end. Severus watched the crowd for several moments, satisfied that they were indeed beginning to break up. An eyebrow raised at Helena’s offer. Any money he could save certainly wouldn’t go amiss - his vault in the bank could be described as paltry at best, and his muggle account wasn’t much better. “It would be rude of me to refuse, Helena. I was headed that way myself. Shall we?”

“Fair enough. Though I’ll have to disagree with you on that for now,” she conceded, deciding it wasn’t the time or the place to fully dissect Merlin and his ideology. Maybe she’d bring it back up over drinks later. Or maybe not at all. She didn’t quite have the best read on Severus, and as much as he’d proven himself so far, she still didn’t know if they were fully aligned. Her gaze returned to the people in front of them, now making space to allow for people to move through. “We shall.” She started moving through, assuming that Severus would follow her. Once they were on the other side of things, she paused to turn and speak to him yet again. “So. How are... things? You’re at the apocathery, aren’t you? Or did someone give me the wrong information? Terribly sorry if they did...” 

[helena-vanderbilt]

john-rxsier​:

   He thought she knew - he hoped she knew he was as good as his word. Even if it was a little overly serious, even if he didn’t much see the point in caring about these things, John had agreed to be by her side. All the nagging in the world wouldn’t get him to go back on his word. Plus, he did like Helena, she just needed to relax a tad.

   The kiss was a start, but John merely rolled his eyes. “Of course not.” But instead of pushing for more, he sought out her eyes and mercifully graced her with a moment of seriousness that he sensed she needed (if only to convince her that she hadn’t made a mistake in inviting him). “Helena - you’re beautiful and you’re smart. You don’t need me to make you look good, I’m here because I’m happy to do whatever you’d like me to…” And because he needed to be there anyway, but her particular company was a bonus. Unable to resist a bit of levity, he let his gaze drift downward, unhurried lust seeping in at the edges. “Including you later tonight…” 

   When he finally met her eyes again, the corners of his crinkled into playfulness. “After whatever you decide is an appropriate amount of schmoozing. And on that note, if you’re ready, I think it’s probably time we made our entrance, yeah? You’ve got my arm, lead the way.” 

As much as Helena wished that John could sometimes be someone else -- someone who met all of her needs instead of only some of them... she was grateful for everything that he did do for her. He was kind, and he was patient. Helena knew all too well that there weren’t a lot of other people who would put up with her perfectionism and taunts the way that he did. “How do you always know exactly what to say?” she asked, her coy smile returning to her face. She wanted to kiss him again, perhaps to forget about the rest of the evening, and enjoy herself (and enjoy John) right there, right then. But instead, she found herself strangely quiet, unable to follow up John’s compliments that partially felt undeserved. She’d never been good at returning compliments to others. Even the people she appreciated didn’t receive praise. Helena could blame the Vanderbilts for that wonderful quality of hers. “I’m not sure that appropriate amount is up to me -- I’m the one hosting, after all.” She took a deep breath, smoothed out the front of her dress one more time, before looking back at John and taking his arm in hers. “Just... remember. If you’re going to make jokes... don’t make them at anyone’s expense? -- and if you forget anyone’s name, tell me first, so I can remind you. And maybe, if everything goes well, I’ll let you wander off and find the surprise I’ve hidden for you somewhere.”

[helena-vanderbilt]

gbletchley​:

—

     Gretchen hesitated, uncertain of the commitment the Vanderbilt girl had to actually “getting rid of” the man. As much of an irritation as he was, she didn’t wish him physical pain - not that much, at least. Instead of a sarcastic preferably with as little bloodshed as possible, she opted for, “I’d say leave it to your imagination, and I’m fascinated to know how you’d let your imagination go wild, really,” an arch of her brow, “But I don’t need any blood shed tonight.”

     It hadn’t truly been too terrible a night thus far; the only draw back of her shift had been the man (who was now preoccupied by some poor blonde at a far booth). “Only him, but he’s easily sorted out.” She eyed him up, watching for any one wrong move - her wand was itching to be used.

Helena frowned, playing along with the idea that she’d actually felt hurt by Gretchen’s assumptions. The girl couldn’t have known that much about her. They hadn’t gone to school together, and Helena had only recently started hosting family events on her own... now that Thomas was no longer a member of the family. Anything the girl thought had to come from her knowledge of her parents -- or at least the parents that raised her. “I truly don’t understand where you get these ideas,” she sighed. “Really, you should get to know a girl before assuming that I’d do anything of the sort.” Getting up from her seat, Helena gestured at Gretchen to reserve her spot for her. Helena walked over to the man, now sitting by himself, clearly alone and in desperate need of attention. Sitting down with him for a few minutes, she got up after whispering something in his ear. The man looked at her, confusion and intrigue clear on his face, before getting up and walking out of the pub. Finally returning to her original seat, she took a sip from her drink before speaking up again. “He was lonely. All you needed to do was find something better than your company to offer him.”

[helena-vanderbilt]

advancedguard​:

location : three broomstick

⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ it  wasn’t  a  secret  that  emmeline  drank  too  much;  in  fact,  it  was  something  most  of  her  colleagues  knew  about,  and  she  was  sure  she’d  been  shamed  for  it  behind  her  back.  but  the  life  she’s  lived  —  one  could  expect  nothing  less.  however,  it  didn’t  stop  her  from  from  being  seated  openly,  with  too  many  empty  mugs  of  butterbeer  littered  around  her.  always  along,  she  rarely  paid  attention  to  her  surroundings.  which  is  why  when  the  seat  next  to  her  shifted  with  weight,  there  was  no  registering. 

There was a woman sitting at the bar, surrounded by empty glasses, seemingly alone. It was a sight that Helena wasn’t used to seeing. And for that reason alone, she was drawn to the woman. Approaching her, Helena noted that the woman looked familiar; it wasn’t until she got closer that she realized that she’d never met the woman at all. Still, she took a seat next to her, deciding that poking this bear didn’t seem all that threatening. “Did someone stand you up? For a date?”

[helena-vanderbilt]

john-rxsier​:

   Just to be sure, John turned back towards the mirror he’d been using to find his bow tie blessedly level at his neck. This satisfied the last of his worry about the party, leaving him unfazed by Helena’s obvious distraction - not that it was his fault anyway, she had a lot on her mind being from the hosting family. His most important task was stress relief, and it started when he reached out to take her hand in a gentle but firm grasp. “I’m focused, I promise.”

   “Lena, I know you well enough to know that ‘for just a bit’ means as long as you damn well please.” It sounded like an accusation, but he was poking his tongue out between his teeth as he grinned, only teasing. He bent his right arm, moving her hand to rest by the crook of his elbow. Taking a step forward, putting himself solidly in her space, John leaned down - perhaps to steal a kiss? - only he stopped inches short to meet her eyes with a smirk and a whisper. “You’ve got yourself a deal, Vanderbilt.” And a promise, though he didn’t say it, that he’d be making it as hard as possible for her to resist giving him what he wanted. “Don’t worry. I would at least like to offer everyone the opportunity to be jealous that you’re with me.”

For a Pureblooded wizard, John certainly came off as dim more often than Helena would’ve assumed. There were so many things that could be fixed by magic -- the straightening of bowties, the hanging of decorations -- and yet, he still insisted on doing things by hand. Perhaps dim wasn’t the right word. John wasn’t stupid. Helena wasn’t quite sure what word was best for his kind of dopey charm. Then again, she supposed it didn’t matter, since there didn’t seem to be any promise of engagement on the horizon. For now, John was charming and John was fun. And that was all Helena needed him to be. “I don’t mean to nag -- this is just -- it’s important.” But John knew that already. Helena was certain she’d made herself more than clear.  “And it’ll mean even longer every time you don’t call me by my name,” she teased in return. Though she preferred most people call her Helena, she’d allow John a nickname or two -- as long as he used them strictly in private. “I’ll do my best to sneak off with you when I can.” But she wouldn’t promise it. She wasn’t going to let herself become beholden to a promise she made to a man that wouldn’t even talk about marriage. As he leaned down, her stern expression softened into a smile. After he made his promise, she stretched upward to give him a brief kiss. “Is that enough to hold you over?” she asked, knowing fully well that it wouldn’t be. 

[helena-vanderbilt]

gbletchley​:

—

     Gretchen scowled in response, nose crinkling. She’d a temper every night, but she was often more capable of not letting it get the best of her. However, men were very well versed in ways to irritate her while she was working; sometimes she obliged them out of personal interest or out of interest to the Order, but when neither interests were sparked, she wanted nothing to do with them. They were naught but a nuisance and a frustration, and this man especially was the epitome of both.

     There was a slight pause in her wiping, her features letting go of just a hair of their tension as the gears in her head slowly shifted. “Get rid of him how?” she questioned after a moment, lifting her face to view the other’s. This was the Vanderbilt girl - the one John was seeing, as well as the one with the family her parents spoke so highly of when their name came up in the Prophet or through news from the Ministry. The slim information she’d had about the other Pureblood family did not shine a bright light on them to someone on Gretchen’s side of the war - but then, the information most knew about her own family (as riddled in hushed scandals as they were) didn’t shine a bright light on them, either. 

Helena took another sip from her drink, trying not to let her expression betray just how amusing she’d found the woman’s outburst. “I didn’t say I’d get rid of him,” she replied, unable to fight her urge to be pedantic. “I said I’d take care of things. But if that’s what you want, I’m sure I can find a way. -- Is there a method you’d prefer? Or are you leaving it all up to my imagination?” She returned the drink to the bar, looking over at the man, now alone, with temptation in her eyes. Returning her gaze to Gretchen, Helena brushed some hair over her shoulder. “Rough night, then? Are people giving you a hard time?”

[helena-vanderbilt]

ofxsnapes​:

“Interesting it very well may be, but I don’t think it would necessarily be something many would want to hear.” They were unprecedented times that they were living in, with a war looming over their heads. As much as it disgusted him to admit it, his association would serve him better than many others. “A few, perhaps, yes, but some would be more effective than others.” Unsheathing his wand from his sleeve, Severus aimed it at the posters, casting a nonverbal incendio. Clearing his throat as he returned the wand to his sleeve, he raised his voice. “Show’s over. If you’re so intent on spending money on a clown, perhaps a circus would be a better waste of your time and your savings.”

“And why should that stop him? He’s Merlin - one of the greatest Wizards of all time. I doubt he would stay quiet simply because he wasn’t being appreciated. He was revolutionary for his time.” Helena quieted herself as Severus took his wand from his cloak, setting the posters for the puppet show aflame. It hadn’t been what she’d expected, but nonetheless, she was impressed. She thought Snape would, at the very most, make a threat... but this... this was something else entirely. Her smirk still on her face, Helena took a few steps forward as the crowd began to separate, then looking back to see if he’d join. “Well? Drinks and dinner are on me, if you’re interested. Leaky Cauldron alright with you?”

[helena-vanderbilt]

gbletchley​:

Where: The Three Broomsticks Who: Open

     She’d such a distaste for the patrons who couldn’t catch a hint and realize she was simply not interested in holding a conversation with them - sober or not - and tonight was no exception. Gretchen had found herself unable to avoid one particular customer. Anytime she turned around, she was apt to find them nearby with another topic on the ready. Whether they were just too friendly or they were genuinely attempting to make a friend of her, they were reaching her final nerve. 

     “I don’t give a flying fuck about your bezoars or aprons or whatever it is you have been chatting my ear off about. Either go sit down, or I will have you kicked out.” A swift turn on the heel and a pointed and determined walk to the end of the bar left her with grit teeth as she wiped down the counter.

Normally, the Three Broomsticks was relatively quiet. There were the occasional fights that broke out, of course, as they tended to do in just about any place where alcohol was served. But compared to other places Helena’d been... the pub seemed to do a good job keeping out the rabble rousers and keeping things civilized. That was all well and good, if not a bit boring. Tonight, as she sipped her drink, eavesdropping on the people around her, someone’s loud voice piqued her interest. Looking up, she saw it was none other than the woman behind the bar, herself. As Gretchen approached Helena’s side of the bar, Helena couldn’t help but smirk. “Got a bit of a temper tonight,” she noted. She’d be lying if she said she didn’t find it attractive. “If that man’s bothering you, I’d be more than happy to find a way to take care of things. Discreetly, of course.”

[helena-vanderbilt]

ofxsnapes​:

Severus thought for a moment and then shrugged. “I suppose it doesn’t particularly matter whose name is on the cover. They’re all the same.” All peddling lofty stories in an attempt to dupe the public and fill their bank vaults. “I daresay Merlin wouldn’t be worth waiting for. No one can ever live up to the legend, no doubt he would prove to be a disappointment.” The same as everyone, in Severus’ opinion. “Ah, but there is a difference.” He countered, glancing at Helena. “We aren’t part of the crowd. We haven’t stopped to join, or at least, that had not been my intention. And with a street as narrow, it doesn’t take much to make it impossible to get through.” Besides, it wasn’t as if he was going to waste energy apparating a few hundred yards to the pub.

He had a point. Whether it was Lockhart or some other amateur writer who thought he was Merlin’s gift to the world wasn’t what mattered. What did matter was just how desperately people clamored to get at the latest nonsense publication without any regard as to whose day they were interrupting. “I don’t know. I think Merlin might have an interesting take on today’s Wizarding society,” she noted. “Regardless of if our intention was to join, we have stopped. I don’t want to be the one to make a scene, of course, but I’m sure you can think of a few ways to get them to... disperse.”

[helena-vanderbilt]

john-rxsier​:

Where: The Vanderbilt Estate    With: @helena-vanderbilt​​

   He shifted his weight from foot to foot in the hallway just beyond the top of the stairs. Surrounded by so much glamour - such finery and good taste - and John couldn’t seem to get his bow tie straight. It didn’t much bother him, but it would irritate - Turning towards the sound of approaching heeled footsteps, John found Helena.

   His stomach dropped through itself even as he grinned. She was stunningly beautiful - he cleared his throat. “You look amazing. I mean…wow, Lena.” The bow tie, still lop-sided at his neck, was forgotten as his hands fell to his sides. His fingers itched to reach out and touch, pull her in, maybe not even make it down the stairs of her own house. He doesn’t care much for politics or entertaining, but he’s very interested in Helena Vanderbilt right now. “Are you certain we’ve got to be at this event, or can we skip to the after-party?”

   A charming smile settled onto his features like it belonged there - somehow coaxingly mischievous and openly innocent simultaneously. “As much as I love listening to you talk, I’d love having you to myself more.” They’re cheap lines, absolutely pandering, but dripping with sincerity. Brilliantly blue eyes crinkle at their corners. “I have a feeling you’re about to tell me to suck it up.”

There was so much to do and so much to plan for . Events like this were stressful, and the last thing that she wanted was for things to go horribly wrong. That being said, she also knew that she had to at least try to enjoy herself... and that was why Helena invited John to be her date. He’d proven himself to be reliable, at the very least, and she knew she could count on him to look good and stay by her side. Or, at least, she hoped as much. After finishing up with the house elfs, she found him standing, attempting to fix his bow tie. “You’re a hopeless cause without me, aren’t you?”  It would’ve been a joke, if she hadn’t believed it. Taking out her wand, she flicked it, setting his bow tie straight. “Thank you, though. Tonight’s already been so stressful, and it’s only just begun. -- How can you be thinking about an after party? John, I swear to Merlin, you need to stay focused.” She looked around for a moment before her gaze returned to him. She’d promised herself she wouldn’t fall for his charming nature, his sweet words and his dazzling smile. She’d have to see how long that promise would last. “Maybe, if you suck it up for just a bit, we can find some time for ourselves later. Does that sound like a deal?”

[helena-vanderbilt]

ofxsnapes​:

Severus’ lip curled in distaste, his nose wrinkling. Whilst he certainly understood and appreciated the anticipation of a new book release, there were few authors in the magical world he could think of who would generate this level of excitement. “It’s not that Lockhart fellow, is it?” He barely suppressed an eye roll. “I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone quite so self-absorbed. He made Narcissus appear humble.” Which would have been quite the feat if the myth were to be believed. “Do people really have nothing better to do with their time? It’s rather desperate.”

At least there was someone with common sense out on the street this evening. Severus’s reaction was comforting to Helena. Simply knowing that there were others who had little interest in people like Lockhart, in silly tell-alls and adventure stories and whatever was popular in a given moment. Of course, Helena would read the book once it came out, regardless of how she felt. It was important to keep on top of these things. “I didn’t have the chance to see a name. But does it matter? Lockhart or otherwise, there are few people I’d clamor for so desperately the night before a book signing. I’m not certain I’d wait for Merlin, himself.” She scoffed. “Apparently not. Then again, the crowd’s stopped us, hasn’t it?”

[helena-vanderbilt]

ffinnigan​:

Fiona let out a small hum, musing over a few options in her mind before settling on what she would personally choose. “ If you want something long lasting, and not overpowering, I would go for a babies breath bouquet with possibly a few roses to add flare. They will still die, but their dried forms retain their living beauty. “ She moved from behind the counter, heading over to the woman. “ Unfortunately no flower will last forever unless you charm it, which is always an option, just not one I personally choose. “

Of course no flower would last forever. That was against their very nature, almost against the entire point of using them for decoration to begin with. But Helena knew better than to give a snappy response, especially when it was one that she’d practically welcomed upon herself. “Yes, I suppose that may work,” she noted, taking a moment to look around the shop. “The room they’ll be in -- it’s rather dark. I don’t want them to get lost, necessarily. Then there’d be no point in buying any to begin with.” She paused. “You look familiar -- I know you, don’t I?”

[helena-vanderbilt]

ffinnigan​:

Location: Floriblunders Who: Anyone

“ — i could help you make a decision if you need help, that is what i am here for after all. “ fiona’s brows raised as she spoke, watching the customer that had been mulling over making a decision for quite some time now.

The flowers weren’t really for anything special. The ones in the study at home were starting to wilt, and Helena simply wanted to replace them before they actually died and started falling apart. “That would be nice, yes,” she replied, offering the woman a small smile. “I need something that doesn’t overpower a room, but something that isn’t bland, either. The longer they last, the better. They’re not for any sort of event -- just to have in the home. Does that sound like something you can do?”

[helena-vanderbilt]

ofxsnapes​:

location; diagon alley

Exiting Slug & Jiggers, Severus tapped the familiar pattern around the lock, setting the wards on the shop for the night. Could he have left earlier? Sure, but getting ahead on the next day’s brewing was preferable to spending an evening in the dingy worker’s cottage that he called home. As he made his way down towards the Leaky cauldron (the last thing he wanted to do tonight was cook - the pub fare would more than suffice) he spotted a crowd gathered around one of the empty shops. Now that was unusual. Curiosity piqued, he carefully made his way down the cobbled street, slowing as he reached the edges of the cluster. “Don’t tell me it’s another one of those awful puppet shows.” He sneered, craning his neck to gaze over the crowd.

The people in front of Helena stopped abruptly, huddling close to the crowd to try and get a closer look at whatever was happening in the window. She crossed her arms over her chest impatiently, wanting nothing more than to hex them for standing there so still, directly in her way. But hexing a crowd was hardly polite, and given everything that happened just a short time ago, it wouldn’t have been a good look. Hearing somebody else complain, Helena scoffed. “Hardly. At least then, it might be entertaining. It’s some book release they’re worked up over. The author will be signing copies in the morning. I don’t think they realize he’s not inside now.”

[helena-vanderbilt]

tvanderbilt​:

All Tommy wanted was to be able to scrub away the Vanderbilt name because he didn’t belong to this family. It was nothing but a name to him but the name OWNED a part of him, even when he tried his hardest to run away. “Just because their DNA is in me and their name is scorched on me does not mean I am one of them,” he spat out in disgust. “Just because I spent eighteen years pretending I am one of them also does not make it true. All I have left is their name and that is still too much of them.” 

God, he HATED that Helena could just come in here and ruffle his feathers a little bit until suddenly he was standing here irritated, angry and on edge. She barely even had to try and Tommy was angry at himself for reacting the way she wanted him to. “It feels fucking beautiful and I would not change it for the world. My freedom hasn’t cost me anything and just because I here doesn’t change a thing. I’d rather be homeless than be there.” And for a while he had been but he was settled and happy now and his sister coming back in his life wasn’t going to change that.

The words had a double meaning that she wasn’t sure even Thomas picked up on, himself. The subject of biological nature had been on her mind all too much, lately. Despite knowing for quite some time now that her mother was not her mother, Helena still felt as if she were a Vanderbilt, just as much as (if not more than) Thomas was. But with the news that’d broke, with all areas of her life converging at one time, in one place... she was second guessing if that would ever truly be the case now more than ever. “You want to erase the fact that you’re one of us. But you can’t -- like you said, it’s in your bones. Don’t you ever think how you might develop father’s temper? Mother’s coldness? There’s time left for you, yet. And you never know who you’ll become in your hardest moments.”  It wasn’t difficult to keep a calm facade when Tommy fought back. She thrived on his anger and frustration. It fueled her. And seemingly, Thomas had forgotten how to fight back and hit her where it may truly hurt. Helena wouldn’t complain about that, even if it was surprising. “You poor thing,” she hummed. “It must be so overwhelming, being set off by even the smallest of things. You really should work on that resentment you’re holding inside of yourself. If you’d really moved on... none of this would bother you.”