What Is Love?

Baby don’t hurt me

[irinadraganova]

lady-daisyhookum‌:

Daisy sighed, mostly out of annoyance. She wondered if Irina had always been this stubborn. Maybe she had, but it just hadn’t been directed towards her in the past and so she didn’t care. That had been her main issue, not caring about how people really were as long as their negative traits didn’t effect her. “That’s not what I meant, I don’t expect that.” She shook her head at the blonde. “I just wish you’d give me a chance here considering I really am trying.” It was a plea, almost as if she were begging the girl to be nice to her. Even just for a moment. And really she was. Begging for things to go back to how they used to be, even though neither of them were those girls anymore.  

Irina fought away the twitch of her lips, nearly smiling at the way her words could illicit such emotion from her old friend. The rumors of Daisy’s new-found heart were true it seemed. A regression if Irina had ever seen one. Daisy had such potential in their youth, cutting their friendship as cleanly as Irina was taught to do when it so suited her. Though it irritated her that Daisy found no more use for her, Irina would be lying if she didn’t admit to herself that the real reason she was filled with resent was that Daisy had done exactly what she would have done if she had found herself in the same situation. “A chance..” She drawled tipping her head thoughtfully, her tone lightening as if to reel Daisy back in with the smallest glimmer of hope. “A chance for you to- what exactly?” 

[irinadraganova]

lady-daisyhookum‌:

Irina’s words hurt, and it most likely shown on her face as well. It wasn’t something she tried to hide either. Why hide something that she wanted the other girl to know? Maybe if Irina knew how much Daisy regretted it, she would forgive her eventually. Or at least stop being so distant with her. “I’ve always cared.” That much she wanted to make clear. “I just wasn’t allowed to show it before. Surely you understand that?” She asked the blonde, knowing that both of them had fairly strict parents. Though the Draganov family was fairly secretive, so she didn’t know much more than that. Plus, most pureblood families were strict, so it wasn’t something that should be surprising within the community. 

Irina’s eyebrows rose mockingly, as if she suddenly remembered something that made her sympathize with Daisy. “Oh that’s right.” She said, her words sickeningly sweet. “I forgot. Of course you couldn’t show you cared. Not for someone of my status.” Her eyes narrowed at the insinuation that Daisy was somehow better than she was. Perhaps that was what had bothered her all of those years ago. How could Daisy of all people believe she was better than Irina Draganova? Daisy of all people, a girl who she not only outranked in skill, but ambition, wit, and so many other attributes as well. “Perhaps I should feel sorry for you?” 

[irinadraganova]

belleza-immortale‌:

andrei-draganov‌:

He turned at the tap on his shoulder, smiling at the sight of Amara. “Oh of course,” He told her, though it was certainly a lie. The boy knew it too, but Andrei wasn’t even focused on him anymore. Truthfully it wasn’t as if he really needed the boy at the moment, but he was thinking of in the long run. In a few months he would be graduating, and he would still possibly need to know the going ons at the school. It was something that could set him up with information for even after Irina graduated, it wasn’t as if she willing told him anything in the first place. 

Almost as soon as he thought about his sister, she showed up. Rolling his eyes already at just the sound of her voice. He wondered why she even bothered approaching him, knowing she preferred to pretend like he didn’t exist a majority of the time. Then again she never passed on the opportunity to start a fight with him. “And who do you suggest Irina? You?” He raised an eyebrow at her, turning away from Amara for the moment.  

@belleza-immortale​ 

Perhaps the strangest thing to happen lately was the contradictory nature of her exchanges with the students who had been exposed as Grindelwald Supporters. She’d fled Ravenclaw tower after a physical assault made on Zelda Kar and practically ran straight into the arms of Andrei Draganov. Amara was furious with herself for what was certainly the ultimate betrayal to Thorfinn’s memory. She had literally bedded the enemy. “You’re past curfew Arnold” she said to the frightened Ravenclaw boy, waving him towards the common room as Andrei turned from her and towards his sister. 

After assuring that the boy had made it down the hall she turned her attention back to Andrei. Silently she removed her wand from the inside of his robes and crept up behind him. “Perhaps someone smart enough to not turn their back on a vengeful witch” she whispered into his ear, pressing the tip of her wand into his back as she did so. It wouldn’t have been difficult to just take him down there but that wasn’t really Amara’s style. Had she wanted to she could have merely cast the spell rather than alerting him to her presence. “It is rather pathetic trying to bully a younger student….” she said, stepping around so that she was standing alongside Irina.  

@irinadraganova​

Irina laughed cruelly at her brother’s question. “I said pick on someone your own size, Andrei. You overestimate your abilities if you think it’d be a fair match between us.” Her tone was taunting, though her gaze lingered on Amara as she drew her wand, poking it into her brother’s back. Normally, Irina might have rolled her eyes at her brother’s stupidity, but she couldn’t help the flash of admiration nor the amusement she felt at Amara’s tactics, not very dissimilar from Irina’s own. Really, Andrei should know better than to fall for a beautiful face and seductive words. Their father would be so disappointed.

Working with others had never been Irina’s idea of a fun time. She preferred to work alone or manipulate others into doing her bidding if it suited her better. For maybe the very first time, however, Irina could see the appeal. How humiliating for her brother to be bested by not just one witch, but two. Drawing her own wand, Irina leveled her brother with a cruel smile, her amusement evident in her eyes. “What do you say, Amara? Should we teach Andrei a lesson?” 

@andrei-draganov​

[irinadraganova]

lady-daisyhookum‌:

Daisy couldn’t hold back a flinch when the girl used the word pathetic, feeling as if it was certainly meant for her. It wasn’t as if Irina would be wrong though, seeing how it’d taken her so long to finally realize that the way she’d been acting had been wrong. Not only had she’d been a terrible person and a terrible friend, she’d also put her health at risk. It had taken her hitting rock bottom to realize all that and by then it was too late. At one point Irina had been one of her only true friends, now the other girl hated her. “Even if you don’t need help, I’d still like to go with you.” She mustered every ounce of confidence into the sentence. “Make sure you’re alright.” 

Irina laughed humorlessly, relishing in the opportunity to tear someone else down, belittling the girl who had scorned her in their childhood. Perhaps that was petty, a waste of her time, but even Irina could waste a few precious breaths on self-indulgence from time to time. “Since when have you been interested in whether or not I’m alright?” She asked, humor coloring her tone. It had been years since Daisy had written Irina off, a memory that was more irritating than anything, and Irina took every moment that she could to guilt her old friend now that she’d seemingly grown a conscience.  

[irinadraganova]

notapurebloodprince‌:

Severus nodded. He had Gellert Grindelwald on the brain, and the Dark Lord, too. If he were going to be picking a side, he ought to ensure that he was picking the correct one. He had spent his entire life losing; to his father, to James bloody Potter, and everyone else who had gotten ahead of him. He was done with that. He was going out on a limb to assume that Irina could provide him with assistance, but he trusted in his gut. “Information, yes.” He shrugged his shoulders. “What can I say, I’m just curious.” He lifted his eyes to look at her, eyebrows raising. “I don’t mean that we have to talk about anything right now, of course.” His lips twitched into the slightest of smirks and he gestured towards the books in front of them. “After all, we still have work to do.”

He looked away, eyes settling on the contents of his notes and the words in their textbook. “You dabble, eh?” He asked, smirk widening. In his opinion, dabbling in Occlumency was starkly different from mastering Occlumency. He’d make the comparison to that of using a flimsy, muggle shield for protection rather than a Shield Charm. “I guess you could say I do too.” He’d been dabbling in it for years upon years. “I like to think that I’m pretty good at it.” Good enough that the Dark Lord had yet to realize that the teenage boy within his ranks was a master at keeping his thoughts hidden. 

“Instructors in Occulmensy are incredibly rare.” He stated factually. Severus had taught himself with curiosity and sheer willpower, but it had taken him nearly six years of obsession. If there was anything he loved more than anything, it was secrecy. What was more valuable than a person’s thoughts? He wanted to ensure that his would always remain safe. “Were you ever formally taught? I mean, the theory of it all, and how that relates to actually performing?” He was beating about the bush, he knew that, but if Irina wasn’t smart enough to figure out where this was going, then maybe he had been wrong after all. 

It seemed Severus Snape was familiar with the nuances of sharing information. The timeline was so much more flexible, the amount hardly defined in measurable terms. It was the most dangerous currency to trade in, indenturing one person to another indefinitely. Irina Draganova was no amateur in the art, but even she did not willingly resort to such trades unless absolutely necessary. “And just what is it that you’re curious about?” She asked, her eyes narrowing as she studied the boy across from her.  “By all means, let’s talk about it now. Take a little study break.” Normally, Irina might have been satisfied with pushing the topic aside for another time, enjoying her free lessons while they lasted. There was something about Severus Snape’s smug confidence, however, that she wanted to dissect, knowing she would never concentrate on potions now while he smirked like that.

Irina’s fingers plucked a quill from where it rested atop her notes, running the soft feathers through her fingers as she studied Severus further. So, it seemed he felt superior in yet another field, as was evident by his not-so-subtle hints. Occlumency was indeed a rare and valuable skill to have, and certainly not one to brag about lightly as it was easily tested. Severus was far from a fool, but Irina doubted he was immune to the hubris that plagued mankind since the beginning of time. Of course he believed himself to be half-way decent at it, or he never would have mentioned Occlumency at all. The trick of it would be determining if that were true. Irina considered his words with skepticism, never one to place much valuable in a self-recommendation.

“Were you?” Irina asked, obviously deflecting his question back at him., skepticism dripping from each word. Perhaps he would assume that she hadn’t been formally trained, but assumptions were dangerous things. In truth, she hadn’t been formally trained at all, instead teaching herself when she could find the time to practice guarding her most precious secrets as best as she could. It wasn’t enough- it was far from enough but she could hardly entrust a tutor to her mind, giving them access to the very thoughts she wanted to hide in the first place. 

[irinadraganova]

lady-daisyhookum‌:

Daisy couldn’t help but flinch, regretting it as she knew Irina would have picked up on it. The other girl was always so perceptive, something she had once admired about the girl. It also didn’t help to have everyone looking at them, or at least what felt like everyone looking at them. Pulling at the hem of her sleeve, she looked up nervously at the blonde. “I’m sorry.” Unsure of what to say in that moment, it was all that came out. She felt silly. If it was someone else, the redhead might have been the one snapping at the other person and acting so rudely. But she was so desperate to make up with Irina, she feared that standing up to her would only push her further away. 

“Are you alright?” She asked when she saw the other girl wince. Sarcastically she thought to herself how great it was that the fall had injured Irina. Now there would be no chance in this being the magical conversation that brought the two of them together again. “Do you need to go the the hospital wing? I’ll go with you!”  

Irina rolled her eyes at Daisy’s offer to accompany her to the hospital wing. “Oh please.” She bit back, irritation coloring her words. “Unlike some, I’m not pathetic, and even if my arm was broken I’d hardly need help walking to the hospital wing considering my legs are just fine.” Normally, Irina wouldn’t go out of her way to antagonize a fellow student like this, at least, not without a purpose. She left such things to the Carrows. Daisy, however, had been something like a friend to Irina in their younger years, at least, as close to a friend as Irina was capable of having. Daisy had been the one to end things between them, much to Irina’s irritation, and she found that she liked to get back at the red head whenever given the opportunity. 

[irinadraganova]

lady-daisyhookum‌:

Who: Daisy Hookum & Irina Draganova @irinadraganova

Where: Outside the Great Hall 

When: March 2nd after dinner 

Daisy couldn’t help but think the universe must have it out for her. For just moments after dropping an entire plate of food on herself in the dining hall, she quite literally runs into Irina Draganova. Now, she was a little thankful that by use of magic she was quickly able to clean herself off. But that didn’t stop her from feeling extremely embarrassed when a good portion of the people surrounding her erupted into laughter, hence her the quick escape she’d been attempting to make. She was now face to face with Irina though, both of them on the floor. 

“Oh Merlin!” She cursed quietly. “I’m so sorry Irina. I honestly didn’t see you, and I was in such a rush. It’s completely my fault!” Daisy could feel her ears heat up, her face undoubtedly red. She wanted to befriend the girl once again, and this was certainly not the way to do it.  

Irina rarely made mistakes. Mistakes could be fatal, and worse, they showed a lack of control. But if she were honest, and it was rare that she ever was, Irina would admit that her timing had been slightly off. She had planned to rise from her place at the Slytherin table and turn just in time to trip poor Daisy Hookum as she bolted in such a hurry for the exit. Unfortunately, her timing had not only caused Daisy to trip, but had knocked herself off balance as well, sending her sprawling to the floor.

Still, the turn of events was not a total disaster, and could be salvaged into some sort of revenge. Pushing herself up off the floor, Irina fixed her old acquaintance with an icy glare. “You’re right, it was your fault.” She said icily, though loud enough for everyone around to hear. Irina knew Daisy wouldn’t appreciate the curious stares. “Watch where you’re going Hookum, or else you’ll put someone in the hospital wing.” Irina rubbed at her elbow delicately, wincing in false pain. 

[irinadraganova]

omnia-vcnitas‌:

“Well then — if it’s easier,”  Her suggestive toned words matched that of Irina’s, lips curled up into a similarly toned smile. “I guess we’ll just have to find a place to get me out of this dress, hm?” It was always a nice thing to flirt with Irina, the way the blonde paid attention to her, it occasionally made her toes curl in anticipation. Not to mention that it was fun, not one of the mindless games she liked to play, or one of the more… intense romances in her life. That fun-feeling made her wonder if she knew Ludo, and more importantly if she should introduce the two of them. In the Room of Requirement, preferably. She turned her eyes to the rose she just handed Irina, head slightly tilted to the side. “Yes, that’s how the game works —” She lilted slightly. “But only if you want to play.”  

Irina stepped closer, her fingers reaching to trail along the stains on Emma’s dress. “I’m sure we could find somewhere suitable.” Irina whispered breathily, glancing up at Emma through dark lashes, an eyebrow quirking playfully. It had been too long since they’d played this game. She enjoyed the light banter between them, how easy it was to get exactly what she wanted from Emma when she wanted it. How good it felt to be in control, especially when promised with such fun. “Oh I want to play.” She assured Emma, leaning in closer with nothing more than a breath between them. “But I think we should get you out of that dress first.” Irina did so love to tease her prey.  

[irinadraganova]

notapurebloodprince‌:

WHO: Severus Snape and Irina Draganova WHEN: Sunday, March 5th, 1978. 2:12PM. WHERE: A Corridor

Severus had not approached Irina regarding their conversation from a few months ago. Their potions sessions were filled with only content from the textbook and Severus’ notes, and for a many weeks, it was almost if they had never discussed it at all. Severus knew better, however. He was biding his time, waiting for the right moment to bring it up, and he was sure that Irina knew that. Today, Severus decided, was the right moments. With the chaos of the Valentines Day Attacks settling somewhat, Severus decided he was ready to learn more about Gellert Grindelwald. He was surprised to hear about some of the students, Zelda Kar for one. He was intrigued, and he wanted to know more. Irina had not confirmed anything last they spoke, but he still was certain that she held the answers to his questions. Thus, he must approach her once more. 

Occlumency was a valued skill, and one Irina would be better off knowing. But there was a downside to learning the trade. He would be privy to her most private thoughts, as would she with his. He wasn’t quite sure what to do with this, but learning from Irina was too good of an opportunity to pass up. Surely Irina would understand that knowing each other’s deepest secrets implied mutually ensured destruction? Even so… it was unsettling to leave such power in her hands. This would have to be discussed, and today preferably.

Severus found her in a corridor, doing what, he didn’t know. Nor did he care. He approached her, robe swooping out behind him like always. “Mind if we discuss something private for a moment?” He said smoothly, stepping up next to her. 

@irinadraganova

Irina leaned against a pillar in a well-traveled corridor filing her nails. To any observer, she looked lost in her own thoughts, concerned only with the state of her cuticles, but that was far from true. The spot she had picked was a strategic one. The tall ceiling of the corridor provided excellent acoustics, and sound travelled well to that particular point. She enjoyed eavesdropping on conversations as students walked by. Though she hadn’t learned anything useful, it was an interesting way to pass time. A break from her constant communications between Grindelwald’s Army and the Death Eaters, as well as an exercise in collecting and sorting through information on her fellow students.

She’d finished one hand already and was just about done with the other when Severus found her. Irina had been considering his proposal for some time now, though she had neglected to broach the subject with him first. It was she who benefited most from their original arrangement and therefore had been in no rush to alter the status quo. She would be the first to admit, however, that Severus’s arrangement intrigued her and offered her lessons in something else that she did, in fact, want. Occlumency was a powerful skill, and one that she could desperately use in her precarious position between two factions in this war. But it was a delicate matter to allow someone to see your innermost thoughts.

“Of course.” She replied easily, not bothering to look up at him as she finished shaping her final nail. “Not here, though.” Irina warned, her voice low. “Somewhere private.” 

[irinadraganova]

notapurebloodprince‌:

Irina seemed keen to learn more regarding the delicate art of poison, but that could wait until a later date. There were more important matters at hand, and if he was going to continue giving out his precious knowledge, then he expected due payment. His eyes rested on her lazily. For all intents and purposes, she almost looked pleasant, what with that smile on her face. Severus knew better, however. His eyes followed the movement of her arm as if lowered itself to lie against the top of the table. She was smirking now, a look to match his own. He raised one single eyebrow. “I most certainly wish.” There was an exchange of silence between them as Severus attempted to gather his thoughts into a coherent string of words. 

“Well,” He began, absently pulled his notes back towards him. “I suppose that for now,” He included such a qualifier so that he might be able to change the terms of their agreement later, should it suit him. “I’m interested in an exchange of information,” He didn’t want to tip his hand too soon, so he chose to purposefully remain vague. “and I have a hunch that you might be privy to information that I might find useful.” As to whether or not that was true remained to be seen, but he was quite used to his inferences coming to fruition and this ought to be no different. 

“As to what type of information I’m inquiring after, that’s where this gets interesting.” He certainly wasn’t about to let her fill his head with her own version of facts or stories. No… he needed something more concrete, something he knew that she could not full him with. “Tell me, Irina.” His lips twitched into an even wider smirk. “How handy are you at Occlumency?” 

Irina loved to play with silence. It was an art form after all. Just the right amount could make someone squirm, show their hand, or babble on for hours just to avoid the awkwardness of empty air. Severus, as she could clearly see, was different. In the few moments of silence that stretched between then, Irina could swear she could actually see his contemplations. He was careful, calculating, and Irina loved it. How nice it was to spar with a worthy opponent, and as he began speaking she leaned forward, hanging on every word as she knew each was spoken deliberately.

“Information” Irina repeated, drawing the word out as if contemplating his use of the word. She couldn’t say she was very surprised. Though Severus certainly could use it, as Irina could tell by the state of his robes, he didn’t ask for money. In a way, she should have been disappointed. Monetary repayment would have settled her debt quickly and absolutely. Information, on the other hand, was a much more dangerous form of currency.

She wondered as to what it was Severus wanted to know, but she remained silent, an eyebrow quirked in interest and her chin tipped at just the right angle in illustration that she was listening. Irina considered his request, intrigued at the notion but quite ready to say no. Occlumency. He wanted access to her mine? Her innermost thoughts and secrets? Severus Snape was mad if he ever thought that she would concede. Irina Draganova had too many secrets, none of which she was willing to share with Severus of all people. “I dabble.” She answered smoothly, though she neglected to return his smirk. “Just what sort of arrangement are you proposing?” She asked, her voice cool as her brows narrowed. 

[irinadraganova]

belleza-immortale‌:

andrei-draganov:

Who: Andrei Draganov, Irina Draganova, Amara Zabini & Albert @irinadraganova @belleza-immortale 

Where: outside corridor 

Andrei was never one to go and search for a kid to bully. But when one walked up to him, expecting him to be some sort of human shield for it, he couldn’t stop himself from making fun of the kid. It wasn’t like he didn’t do the right thing and send the bully away, the older boy just wanted to make sure the kid understood that he didn’t do it for free. The older boy never did anything for free, everything came with a price. It was how the entire world worked, so it was better the child learned now rather than later that nothing came for free. The lesson was something the blonde had learned before coming to Hogwarts, so in his mind the small Hufflepuff child was long overdue. 

“Now, what are you going to do for me?” He asked, a smirk on his face. The boy squirmed a bit, obviously uncomfortable as he stood there. Andrei waited patiently though, knowing that the boy would respond with the correct answer. It was just barely audible but he heard the boy mutter that he would help him. The task was simple, information gathering in the other house. It was quite smart of him to use the boy, someone so small and quiet that most probably would just overlook him. “That’s a good boy. Just remember, if you get caught or tell anyone, you’ll be stuck in the hospital wing for so long that your classmates won’t even remember who you are anymore.”  

An undying flame constantly flickered in her chest, licking at her insides and filling her with smoke. The ghost girl of the days immediately following his death had returned in force. Amara had pushed all things away, surveying the tumult which her life had become completely on her own. With less than a month to go from her wedding day her thoughts should have rested on beautification of herself and happy thoughts of the privileged life that waited for her when it came time to leave Hogwarts, but instead she had plummeted into a sort of depression. The flame roared each night when she ascended the steps to Ravenclaw Tower absolutely breathless and drained of energy. Dark circles had formed beneath her eyes from both restlessness and a newfound disdain of staircases.

Walking the halls quelled the flame into subtlety so she had come to use prefect rounds as an escape, preferring to venture around utterly alone in the areas that didn’t boast her newfound enemy. Usually the halls were empty, and when they weren’t it wasn’t very difficult to make them so. Ravenclaw students especially looked at her in an entirely different light from the one they had prior to the fight in their common room. That was what had initially struck her when she turned the corner to find little Arnold and Andrei. If anything the boy looked more afraid. As if he expected at any moment she might strike him rather than help. “You’d better hope that’s an empty threat, Draganov” she said, sidling up behind the Gryffindor and tapping him on the shoulder to alert him to her presence. 

@irinadraganova​

Irina had watched the whole exchange from her place in the shadowed alcove down the corridor. How pathetic her brother was, wasting his time on the little Ravenclaw. The boy was a sniveling coward, afraid of his own shadow by the looks of him. What value Andrei saw in him eluded Irina entirely. If her brother had even a hint of intelligence or shred of competency, he would look for much more valuable tools at his disposal. So he wanted an informant in Ravenclaw House? Irina couldn’t help but roll her eyes. Grindelwald’s Army had members in Ravenclaw already. Members that had access to information that particular little Ravenclaw likely couldn’t even dream up to keep Andrei satisfied. A complete waste of time.

Irina had nearly spun on her heel and disappeared around the corridor when Amara waltzed in, playing the part of hero for the younger student. It seemed she was looking to pick a fight with Irina’s brother, and what sort of sister would Irina be if she didn’t side against him? With a grin, Irina emerged from her place and strode down the corridor, eager to join in. “Oh, I don’t think it’s an empty threat.” She hummed. “Just a ridiculous one.” Turning to address her brother directly, Irina tisked in disapproval. “Really Andrei, why don’t you pick on someone your own size?”  

@andrei-draganov​

[irinadraganova]

andrei-draganov:

It was too no surprise that she would smile over the thought of stabbing him in the back, hell he was fairly positive that she only smiles towards him when it comes to hurting him in some way. “You and I both know that you won’t do anything.” He spat out, volume low as Madame Pomfrey made her way over to check on him for a moment. Andrei sat there glaring at her for a moment before the woman walked away, though he was a little thankful since he was feeling a it better. “At least not here where there are so many witnesses.” Though he knew she wouldn’t actually do it, as their father would most likely figure it out and then she would never have a chance to be the favorite child. 

It wasn’t as if he would try to kill her, not unless he had good reason too. The thought had crossed his mind a few times, and he was sure that if he tried that he would be able too. Though it would be much more effort than he was willing to exert unless he had too. “You know, you didn’t have to come here. I was perfectly fine until you showed up.” He said rather bitter, not enjoying any sort of conversation with his sister. “I’d actually prefer it if you left.” 

Irina waited patiently as Madame Pomfrey took a closer look at Andrei and his wounds with a small smirk. Her eyebrow raised in a silent question, as if her brother was so sure she wouldn’t try something even with witnesses around. She wouldn’t, of course, but she liked to keep him on his toes. With a slow, sarcastic clap Irina’s grin only widened. “Very good, Andrei. It seems as if you’ve managed to learn something.” She congratulated him, though her words were meant more as an insult than a praise.

It was clear from the moment of her arrival that Andrei hadn’t been happy to see her, his confirmation of this hardly mattering to Irina. She wasn’t here for his benefit at all. “Oh I know I didn’t.” She said with a roll of her eyes. “But the professors and Aurors were certain I’d want to make sure you were alright, even going through the trouble to get me special permission to leave the Great Hall. I couldn’t waste such an opportunity.” Irina was skilled at playing into others’ assumptions, if the professors and Aurors were expecting a concerned sister, well, she could play the part. “Of course, I’ll leave you to rest.” Irina complied easily, which was rather out of character for her. She rarely did anything Andrei asked her to simply because he wanted it. Irina, however, was done talking to her brother and was all too eager to leave. Spinning on her heel and drawing back the privacy partition she only paused to toss a few parting words over her shoulder. “Oh and Andrei? Perhaps you should sleep with one eye open.” 

[irinadraganova]

notapurebloodprince:

“By studying, and by learning.” He said, his tone indicating that he thought this was fairly obvious. “If I were the one trying to find the antidote, I would have to examine the poison. Does this poison cause pain? Is there a visible physical reaction? Does the poison leave the victim unconscious before it kills them, or do they live through it? It’s important to examine every possible property of a poison.” He shifted one of his legs over the other, glancing briefly towards the textbook and then back. “Then, I’d have to quickly identify what sorts of ingredients cause the effects of the potions, taking into account how these ingredients might interact with others. It’s an art, and it takes a lot of practice.” It was not easy, but Severus always said that there was no room for the lazy in the ancient art of potionmaking. “If you’re interested in this line of study, perhaps we can have a lesson on it sometime soon.”

There was a slight pause then, as Severus organized his thoughts into a proper order. “Speaking of future lessons, there’s something I’ve been meaning to discuss with you.” His guess, his suspicion, his well thought inference floated through his thoughts again. Severus had not yet asked for any payment or favor in return for his tutoring, and if he was even partially right in his thoughts about Irina, then she had surely noticed that. He himself had not been entirely sure what his price would be at the beginning, but the attack on Hogsmeade ten days ago had left Severus filled with many, many questions. He wasn’t entirely sure that Irina held the answers to the questions he was looking for, but he had a strong hunch. 

“I’ve been giving you these potion lessons for awhile now,” He began, a slight smirk pulling at the edge of his lips. “and I think it’s time we talked payment. What do you think?” 

“I would very much like to schedule another lesson on this art.” Irina purred, fascinated with the concept that one could create an antidote simply from observing the effects of a potion on a victim. Of course, she had no desire to actually create antidotes to poisons, unless it was for her own purpose. No, she was much more interested in learning how to trick a victim or those who might help them by making it harder for them to identify the antidote. Strategic thinking meant understanding how one might go about constructing an antidote in order to best confuse a potential victim and make their task so much more difficult. It was a game like any other, and Irina so did like these sorts of games. More importantly, she liked to win.

Irina rested her chin on top of a few loosely curled fingers. The visual was surely elegant, a poised picture of pureblood perfection that Valda Draganova had meticulously molded over the years. Irina’s face remained pleasant, but her eyes were calculating as they stared at the forming smirk on Severus’ face. He was quite confident in asking for payment, which might have caused a lesser individual anxiety but meant nothing to Irina. Their initial agreement had not addressed the topic of payment for these lessons, and Irina did not feel compelled to repay Severus for what he had already given her thus far. However, she truly did want more lessons and if his price was reasonable, she would consider repayment in order to continue learning.

Irina’s arm fell to rest on the table and she tilted her head with a small smirk of her own. “I think that we haven’t finished this intriguing discussion just yet, but I suppose we could discuss payment, if you wish.” 

[irinadraganova]

PLATONIC

acquaintance

toxic friends

friends of friends

best friends

close friends

old friends

childhood friends

unlikely friends

family friends

ride or die

secret friendship

bad influence (on)

good influence (on)

drinking/partying buddies

enemies turned friends

friends with lingering feelings

flirtatious friends

partners-in-crime

confidant/cornerstone

protective friendship

unlikely friends

mentored by/mentor to

“gym” buddies

study buddies

pen pals

wingman

ROMANTIC

childhood crush/romance

slow burn

relationship on the rocks

mutual crush

secret relationship

will they, won’t they

on again, off again

friends with benefits

exes that ended on good terms

exes that ended on bad terms

exes that still hook up

first kiss

first loves

first sexual encounter

secret relationship

one night stand

fling

drunk booty call

secret admirer

unrequited love

polyamorous ship

open relationship

cheating

rebound

ANTAGONISTIC

rivals

arch-enemies

frenemies

friends turned enemies

hateship

friends that ended on bad terms

fake friends

bullied by/bully to

enjoys annoying

annoyed by

VARIOUS

(second) cousins

estranged family

adopted family

neighbor

share a big secret together

dormmate

step-sibling/cousin/anything

drug dealer/customer

potions/any class partners

tutor/tutee

quidditch teammates

arranged marriage ~maybe

“fake” lovers/cover-up

[irinadraganova]

notapurebloodprince:

Severus did not really consider himself all that cut out for teaching, and yet… he found himself instructing the less intelligent more often than he would like to. Of course, typically, there was some sort of incentive involved in that. Being owed a favor from a person was as good as anything, and though he might not go out advertising his services, should some come to him… well, then he would consider it. With Irina, though, things were different. Severus did not consider Irina a part of ‘the less intelligent’. She was smart, he would have to be a fool to not see that. Severus was a lot of things, but he was most certainly not a fool. He’d noticed it before, but there was a certain similarity between the two, one he didn’t quite know how to explain. Even now, he could see it. 

“You’re quick to understand.” He commented, nodding his head in the slightest bit of approval. Golpolott’s Third Law wasn’t the easiest to wrap one’s head around, not for someone with an average interest in potions. Severus didn’t have an average interest in anything, especially the art of potionmaking, so he didn’t consider it all that difficult. It seemed that Irina didn’t either. Her question drew pause from him, and then a second later, a smirk. He himself had wondered that same thing, the first time he had read about the law. He chuckled. “Tweaking a standardized poison would make it exceptionally more difficult to recreate the antidote. It’s possible, of course, but typically not in time for the victim to survive.” 

He drummed his fingers along the table, “However, if you ask me, anyone who poisons their victim with a standardized poison has no business killing people in the first place.” It was idiotic, really. Any wizard worth their salt had basic antidotes lying around. Anyone with a brain would tweak their poisons, but alas, many a wizard had very little skill in potions. 

Irina found Severus an interesting acquaintance. It was as if he saw her more fully than anyone else she’d known. He was observant, and while he seemed a little too quick to judge, he did so more accurately than most. Perhaps he enjoyed feeling superior to her intellectually, but Irina doubted he saw her as the dumb blonde others assumed her to be. She wasn’t quite sure she liked the recognition or not. On one hand, it rendered her careful facade useless against Severus Snape, but then again, it had been too long since anyone recognized her capabilities. Even Grindelwald and Voldemort did not know the true extent of what she could do. Irina’s own family, those that had conditioned her to be the weapon she was could never fully understand just what it was she was up to. This small instance of recognition, that she quick to understand a complex law of potion-making, well, it felt rather good.

She grinned at all of the possibilities to tweak poisons and just how she might be able to utilize such a skill someday. It wasn’t really her style, but perhaps that would be the point. Besides, the killing curse grew tiresome over the years and she found that trying new tactics was refreshing now and again. “That’s the point of poison, isn’t it? A race against the clock?” What an enjoyable game it was. “So I suppose that would make the poisoning all the more effective. But say you were the one trying to find the antidote. How easily could you identify the ingredients used in order to combat them?”

Irina laughed at Severus’ sentiment. “No. They don’t.” She agreed thinking back on the small collection of poisons and antidotes the Draganovs had stored in their home. Her favorites were the old family recipes passed down over generations and quite effective considering it was a trade secret amongst their kin. Now Golpolott’s Third Law was making much more sense. Even if one could identify all but one ingredient or the amount of something used in the poison, a victim would not be able to combat the effects. 

[irinadraganova]

andrei-draganov:

Nobody got on his nerves more than his sister did. She was an expert at pushing his buttons, but he also knew how to push hers. “Keep this up and I may tell those friends of yours that your allegiance isn’t what it appears to be.” Andrei snarled, reaching up to push her away from him a bit. It wasn’t much, but he knew that the contact would get on her nerves more than his current words were. Plus, there wasn’t much she could do in retaliation without someone noticing. In his current condition, he was much more likely to be defended if a squabble broke out between the two of them. 

Being at school was odd with how little he spoke Russian. Mostly because his first words had been in the language, although he’s spoken a mix of the languages since he could remember. At home is wasn’t unusual to use Russian and English words in the same sentence, but he had to change his habits at school since most wouldn’t be able to understand him. “К счастью для меня, I know you of all people would stab me once you get the chance.”  

Irina swatted her brother’s hand away at his feeble attempt to push her away. His efforts were pathetic. Just like they always had been. His threat was a reminder that he posed a greater threat to her than she would have liked, but he was also a bigger idiot than she’d originally thought if he truly believed a simple claim from her brother would foil her cover with the Death Eaters so easily. “Betray my allegiance and I’ll finish what Charlotte Fawley couldn’t.” She threatened lowly, meaning every word. Konstanin Draganov had not raised his children to defend one another. He had taught them to claw their way, tooth and nail, to the top and to eliminate any threat in their way. Should that be their own sibling? “Don’t make me do something you’ll never have the chance to regret, Andrei.”

With a small smile, Irina shrugged at her brother. “Only if I have to.” Irina wasn’t in the habit of going out of her way. Eliminating her brother? That was likely more effort than she cared to exert on his behalf and would take careful planning to execute. She had bigger problems to worry about, knowing that her brother likely would not follow through with his threats anytime soon, if he would at all.  

[irinadraganova]

ncdezhdas:

Nadezhda didn’t think highly of many people. Most students at Hogwarts were simply underneath her. It wasn’t a matter of her having a high level of arrogance, which she might possess to some extent but would never admit. No, it was a simple fact. The majority didn’t possess that amount of power, didn’t hunger for it or desperately claw their way to the top of the food chain with bloodied fingernails and a cracked, icicle heart. Manipulation, that was the only way to win. However, there were the people that she respected, the ones she held in high regard. Irina Draganova was certainly one of them. Of course, she respected students such as Bellatrix Black, who to her dismay, held more power than she could ever dream of achieving. But Irina and her family, they were on Grindelwald’s side. 

She relaxed, but kept her posture straight and rigid, the demeanor of a girl who’d learned how to earn the respect of others over the years. How she envied the ones who already recieved it without any effort. “Others know better than to think I’m scared. They’d rightfully assume that if I were to encounter her, I’d send every single dark curse I know hurtling right at her. I’m always careful.” Her voice was quiet, as to not alarm anyone who may have prying ears. Admittedly, it was difficult to control her actions at times, but after years of constructing how she presented herself, she knew what she was doing. “How are you faring, Irina?” 

Irina raised a carefully shaped brow at the not-so-subtle slight. Others know better. Many students assumed that Irina Draganova was nothing more than an empty-headed pureblood doll, more worried about the arrangement of her shiny blonde curls or the state of her painted fingernails. Those students were ignorant and beneath Irina’s notice. Students like Nadezhda, however, should know better. The Draganov name was respected amongst Grindelwald’s supporters, and their capabilities were well-known. “Lashing out isn’t careful, Nadezhda.” She corrected, inspecting her nails. “You’d betray your position to rush revenge?” In truth, Irina couldn’t care less about Nadezhda’s silly decisions or how they would likely lead to trouble. Nadezhda’s troubles were her own. The opportunity to prove that she was superior, however, was not something Irina wanted to pass up. 

In response to Nadezhda’s question as to her welfare, Irina simply shrugged noncommittally. “Oh I’m fine.” She drawled, the only emotion in her voice a hint of boredom. “Better than some.” Irina added, glancing up from her nails pointedly at Nadezhda. Too many of their comrades had been attacked, and yet none of them had perished. Irina wondered what the point of it all was, at least in the grander scheme of the brewing war. Hogwarts had become a sort of ideological battle ground, and clashes between Grindelwald and Voldemort were turning violent. In Irina’s opinion, Grindelwald still held the lead after his attack on Hogsmeade during the holidays but it was clear that Voldemort would not be content until he outdid Grindelwald.