Hazel Fawley

[thedamsel-ts]

Casserole Condolences | S & H

[thedamsel-ts]

siriustheblackstar‌:

Sirius, to be frank, had been a bit of a mess. Since his brother’s untimely death, the house of Black had been swathed in black. Black crepe, black wool, black carpet, he thought the elf would have brought out black candles if they’d allow it. His mother had refused to come out of her dressing room for days and his father had disappeared into his study and though Sirius could break the enchantments, he’d not wished to. Instead, he had taken control, pushing his own grief aside as he took care of the necessary arrangements.

There would be time to mourn Regulus later, time to consider just who had done this when he was laid to rest.

His beard, however, had grown rather unruly and when Sirius was told Hazel was there, he looked in a mirror and winced. Between the beard and his hair, he needed some time to clean himself up. Clearly, however, that would not be happening just now. A quick flick of his wand had his rumpled clothes looking newer and he tied his hair back to give off the appearance of cleanliness. He walked into the room and his brow rose as he saw Hazel.

“Hello,” he said, the words sounding foreign to himself, for it had been days since he’d spoken more than a couple of words. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to Hazel’s cheek before straightening and looking at the dish in her hand. “Did you cook?” he asked, his brow arched.

Sirius did not look good.

Hazel had become accustomed to seeing him only at his most polished. At each event in recent memory he had worn tailored robes or neatly fitting clothes and his beard and hair had been trimmed and styled. Today he looked less than put together, though it was a comfort to see that he had made some effort.

His beard tickled as he kissed her cheek.

Hazel’s eyes slid sideways to Kreacher who was still looking at her in a way that she couldn’t quite call contemptuous. She absolutely did not wish to hand over the casserole dish to him.

“Yes,” she said in a way that was clearly a lie. She had never been much food at bending the truth, so she amended, “sort of. I am told casseroles are the done thing. But I very much wished to give this one to you personally.”

She gave him what she hoped was a soft, but pointed, look so that he might understand that Kreacher should not be given the opportunity to look at what was actually in the casserole dish.

[thedamsel-ts]

Casserole Condolences | S & H

January 31 Grimmauld Place @siriustheblackstar

The news of Regulus’s death had swept through the Wizarding World like fiendfyre. Not only had they lost another young pureblood male but it almost felt like they had lost an heir. Sirius might have been back, but Regulus had stood in as heir for long enough that it had left an impression. Regulus was also a Black. Society often thought that those in the upper echelons of society were above reproach and without the trifling concerns of others. It was startling to realise they were not infallible.

Hazel still wasn’t sure where she and Sirius stood romantically but she knew that he was her friend and that she wanted to be there for him. She couldn’t begin to imagine how he might be feeling after the loss.

She was welcomed into Grimmauld by the resident house elf. His eyes were shinier than normal, bloodshot around the edges. His demeanour was only just on the correct side of polite and was not helped by the way she refused to hand over the casserole dish she was carrying. As he reached for it she pulled it back towards her and hoped he didn’t notice the slight tinkle of glass inside.

“No!” she said, before she composed herself, “I mean. I would prefer to give it to Sirius myself, if that’s alright.”

[thedamsel-ts]

The Spy Who Kissed Me | S&H

[thedamsel-ts]

siriustheblackstar‌:

Sirius had given up a lot of things to come back into the family fold: his friends, his career, his penchant for wearing whatever he felt like on any given day, even his muggleborn girlfriend. It was all for the greater good and he recognized that, though he could admit to himself that he’d not realized just how hard it would be to distance himself from that which he’d grown accustomed to on his own. He lifted his glass to his lips and took a sip as he looked at Hazel, trying to understand why she seemed to dislike him now more than ever.

Her words sounded honest and yet Sirius was confused, for he’d never thought she’d liked him before, at least not like that. He’d been fond of her, had a crush as a child, but he’d always thought Hazel rather resigned to him simply because she’d been told he was her lot in life. Still, her words struck him and he tilted his head to the side as he moved closer.

“And how, exactly, is that?” he asked her with a wry smile toying on his lips. “Is it the fact that I wear a tie instead of a shirt that’s not always buttoned? Because I don’t ride the motorbike with the leather jacket? Is it because I’m not nearly as dangerous as I was before?” His lips quirked at the corners and he leaned down to whisper in her ear, not caring who saw them.

“If it’s danger you want, love, all you have to do is say the word.”

The farce of it all was that despite what she might have told him, Hazel didn’t dislike Sirius. If he hadn’t wanted his attention there were better dresses than her deep red number with the thigh high split. If she didn’t like him then she wouldn’t have cared that he seemed willing to dance with anyone who wasn’t her, and she certainly wouldn’t be pleased that he had chosen to speak to her that night.

But none of that meant she was going to give him the satisfaction of telling him that yes, in fact, that was precisely what she meant. She did miss his unkempt appearance, motorbike, and jacket but not for the reason he thought. She missed those things because that had been part of what made him him. They were symbols, more than anything, but their absence was just a reminder of how much he had changed. 

Hazel was not self aware enough to do anything other than inwardly scoff at his suggestion that she wanted danger. If she were, she might have realised that she had a distinct pattern in the sort of men she was attracted to and all of them posed some risk to her and her reputation. However while Sirius might have played at being dangerous, she had never consciously thought of him so, even if she was peripherally aware now that while she had largely escaped the scandal of his leaving last time, if it happened again she might not be so lucky. 

When he leaned in his breath tickled her ear and she felt a pleasant shiver down her spine.

She turned her head so that she was looking at him.

“What I want is for you to do whatever pleases you.”

[thedamsel-ts]

marlskinnxn‌:

Marlene couldn’t help but return Hazel Fawley’s smile. There was something about the witch that always put her at ease, but then again, Hazel was one of the genuinely kindest people she had met in their Pureblood bubble. “It’s always nice to see a good reaction,” Marlene agreed, mimicking her mother opening up a good gift; eyes wide, hands flying to her face. She laughed. “Although, sometimes I think my mother does it for the sake of show.” 

A roll of her eyes, Marlene’s fingertips found another small ornament, tucked back in the corner. “Father’s are always the hardest to shop for,” she said. “My father always tells me never to buy him anything at all, but I know he’d be heartbroken if I didn’t.” She gently picked up the ornament, turning it over in her hand. However, her attention instantly returned to the woman beside her when asked about the special someone. A grin spread across her cheeks. “Sirius Black,” she said, clucking her tongue. “Who would have thought. Well, I suppose you could get him a leather jacket, even if his parents might disapprove.”

Mrs Fawley did most things for show, but Hazel did not feel like pointing that out to Marlene.

“If only they liked simple things. Jewellery, handbags, you know, that sort of thing? It would make shopping for fathers much easier,” Hazel said as she stepped further along the display. She couldn’t imagine buying anything too fanciful her her father. “There are only so many quills and handkerchiefs that anyone needs.”

“Aside from the fact that I would not even know where to begin with finding one of those, I’m quite sure that if Sirius wanted a leather jacket, he would have one. And he doesn’t seem to have much need of one these days,” she said, not sure why she felt so irritated by that thought. She shook her head to try and clear it away. “Do you think I have to get him something?”

[thedamsel-ts]

The Spy Who Kissed Me | S&H

[thedamsel-ts]

siriustheblackstar‌:

Sirius was used to tongue-tied woman, had been since he’d had his growth spurt and girls suddenly wanted to talk to him. But what he was not used to was a tongue-tied woman at an event like this. Especially not when said woman was Hazel Fawley, a woman he’d once thought he would spend the rest of his days with. He stood there, unsure of what he could say that would make things better.

The waving of the hand should have made him more aware that she was serious, that this was not something he could brush under the carpet with honeyed words and charming smiles. Sirius raised his eyebrow at her, glass still in his hand, as he looked at her. When she spoke, he simply stared at her. Was this not what all women wanted?

“I did not used to understand the weight of responsibility,” he finally told her. The words were not lies, for he had many more responsibilities now he had not before. “I was a child then. I did not realize…” it was his turn to break off, to keep from getting too deep. He inhaled. Did she not understand that if he were not perfect, he would not be allowed to see her?

“I cannot be the boy I was before.”

Hazel knew that everything Sirius was saying made sense. In their world there was no way to escape responsibility. Those who embraced the Pureblood way of life and who sought to further their family name were to be commended. Those who attempted to go their own way were shunted to the side and discussed in hushed tones. She couldn’t blame Sirius for wanting to fit in with his family, even if she couldn’t begin to understood why he had changed his mind so suddenly.

He was now apparently everything she had ever wanted and all she felt was tired.

They were at a party, a Yule party, no place for conversations such as these. She should be smiling prettily at him and figuring out when the best time to give him his gift might be, but now that she had started down this destructive path of honesty she couldn’t figure out how to find her way back.

“Then perhaps you should not be surprised that I do not feel for you as I did before.”

[thedamsel-ts]

The Spy Who Kissed Me | S&H

[thedamsel-ts]

siriustheblackstar‌:

Sirius was not certain why he had continued to seek Hazel out. She was supposed to provide legitimacy to his cover and yet talking to her was not enough. He wanted her to like him. The realization was a strange one and Sirius took a sip of his drink as he considered why that was. Perhaps he’d always wanted to be liked. Perhaps he had a problem with such open dislike. Or perhaps Hazel was simply different than others who had come before [or was it after?] her.

Her tone was defensive and Sirius’ brow rose as he looked at her, trying to keep a placid expression on his face even as he knew they were likely being watched. He wanted to argue with her, wanted to tell her that if she wasn’t avoiding him, she was doing a great job at pretending she was. But instead he merely stood there and listened.

He did not understand her, if he was being honest, and his brow furrowed as he considered Hazel’s words. “I would have thought with how much you wanted to keep your mother happy,” he drawled. “You’d have been happier to spend time with me now that I am…somewhat approved of.” His lips twitched, though he let out a breath remembering the dances he’d hoped to have with her weeks before.

The problem with Sirius was that she both wanted his attention and wanted him to go away. She wanted to be his friend but he also frustrated her more than anyone she knew. And, she thought, to bring her mother into it was more than a little rude.

“I might have been were you not so insistent on being so...” her words failed her. They had been friends once and so she felt she owed it to Sirius to be honest, and yet she did not wish to offend him. Already she felt that she was speaking too plainly about her feelings, treading too close to the line of being offensive. At the same time she didn’t want him to think that she disliked him or was avoiding him. She only disliked this peculiar, different version of him.

She didn’t fully understand it either.

In the end she settled for waving her hand at him, his coiffed hair and his Mother Approved attire.

“You didn’t used to be such a perfect gentleman.”

[thedamsel-ts]

henrysayre‌:

“I had pumpkin juice,” Henry muttered and shook his head. “Merlin must be laughing at me because I’ve hit the point where I’ll be bringing a fucking flask of water with me to the next party.” He winced and looked away from Hazel. “My apologies for my language choice. I wouldn’t usually curse in front of a lady but the situation requires it. Who would have thought pumpkin juice would have caused the worst injury related scare I’ve had in my career. My feet were on the ground.”

He was complaining too much. That was something easily worth noting but he would spare Hazel that much. The whole thing was frustrating. Speaking about it at least kept him from internalizing the chaos around him and panicking about it.

“You didn’t drop then?” He quirked an eyebrow at Hazel and tilted his head. “This chaos just got more bizarre than I would have preferred.”

“You think it was the juice?” she asked, surprised. “I drank the juice.”

She’d had the juice, the champagne, and sampled much of the food. She could not recall anything tasting peculiar or feeling any unusual side effects after any of it.

Hazel shook her head at Henry’s apology. She had barely registered his language though it was not a word she would have chosen for herself. “No, no. It is quite alright. Understandable, even. I am sure it has been quite a scare for you.” She bit her lip. Henry could not move his legs. The scare was not over for him yet.

“I did not fall asleep, no. I have been awake this entire time. I cannot think of anything I did or didn’t do that might have saved me or why I was not affected.”

[thedamsel-ts]

marlskinnxn‌:

Marlene let out a soft laugh wishing, suddenly, that she hadn’t talked about creating a charm for her friends and family. It made her seem too different; too much like the women who were paving the way for equality. In this society, equality was dangerous. At least it was Hazel, who would never think wrong of her for saying such a thing.

“Buying them is equally as fun,” she said, eyes glinting as she gently touched one of the fairies on the ornament. It giggled, making Marlene’s smile grow.

Her fingers fell back by her side at Hazel’s next question. “I still need to pick up a little something for my mum,” she said, eyes scanning the shelves. “And our tree is slightly bare this year, so maybe a bit of ornaments for us all.”

A genuine smile now filled her face as she met Hazel’s own eyes. “How about you?” She asked. “Anyone special catch your eye?”

“Yes, I agree. My favourite part of Yule is giving gifts,” she said with a smile. Hazel had always preferred making others happy and finding the perfect present and seeing the recipients eyes light up with joy when they opened it was all the present she needed. Of course she enjoyed receiving presents, too, though she never expected to receive one. “I found a gorgeous fur stole for my mother, though I cannot think of anything for my father.”

Hazel shrugged in an attempt at nonchalance. But the tense line of her shoulders, betrayed her. Marlene was her friend and Hazel didn’t feel right hiding anything from her. But she didn’t know how she felt about announcing any sort of interest in Sirius either. It irked her enough that her mind had gone directly to him when Marlene mentioned someone special. “It has been suggested that I should purchase something for Sirius. But I don’t even know where to begin looking for that one.”

[thedamsel-ts]

The Spy Who Kissed Me | S&H

[thedamsel-ts]

siriustheblackstar‌:

Sirius had to admit that he was relieved when Hazel finally met his eye, for he’d been getting rather worried that she’d been ignoring him. Their last public event had not gone nearly as well as he’d hoped and Sirius did not want things to grow worse, especially not when he’d started to enjoy spending time with her simply because he liked her company.

And when the bloody hell had that happened?

Her tone seemed sharp, at least to Sirius, and he merely shook his head. “I’ve no idea if it is or is not,” he stated smoothly, having not been privy to any of the party arrangements [not that he would have participated if he had]. “I just enjoyed watching the Head Waiter complaining to my aunt.” His lips twitched at the corners as he looked down at Hazel, still slightly transfixed with how beautiful she looked this evening.

He cleared his throat before speaking again, feeling uncharacteristically awkward at what he was about to say [and Sirius Black did not do awkward well in the slightest]. “How have you been?” he asked her, his head tilted to the side. “I am certain it’s imagined, but I feel as if you’ve been avoiding me of late.”

Hazel did not notice the path of Sirius’s eyes because she looked back down at her drink. She worried that if he looked at her too closely he might sense the butterflies in her stomach or might notice the blush creeping up her cheeks. If he did, she hoped he would assume that it was because of the champagne and not because she felt embarrassed because of her behavior.

Then she remembered that it was not she who had been doing the avoiding. She might have been the one to walk away from their dance, but it must have been Sirius who decided he did not wish to dance with her again.

“I have not been avoiding you,” she said, knowing that she sounded defensive. She was not good at hiding how she felt from her friends, and Sirius had always fallen into that category no matter how cross with him she was. She was also not particularly good at being dishonest, even if a direct question had not been asked.“But I am not the one who decided we should not be on each other’s dance cards, either.”

[thedamsel-ts]

The Spy Who Kissed Me | S&H

[thedamsel-ts]

siriustheblackstar‌:

Though his branch of the family had not been hosting, it was still expected of Sirius to attend. Your cousin will be a Malfoy soon, his mother had all but screeched into his ear. And so, Sirius had dressed in his fanciest robes, trimmed his beard down to where it graced his skin just so, and had pulled his hair back with a tie. He was on his first drink when he saw Hazel Fawley, though the second she moved and he saw the slit in her dress, he quickly finished it and started another. Merlin.

Sirius knew he was not supposed to like Hazel, at least not in the romantic sense. She had been his plan for cover, his alibi for the purebloods who still were unsure about his return to their society. And yet he found himself drawn to her, even when no one else was around. It was strange, therefore, that lately she had not seemed to want to spend as much time with him as he’d originally thought she would.

He was unable to refrain from going over to her as she made her way to the bar and though he was on his second drink of the evening, he wasted no time in finishing it and sliding the glass along the bar as he ordered a third.

“You know,” he drawled as he looked over at Hazel. “I heard a bloke earlier complaining that the champagne was not from Champagne. I do not believe my cousin was well pleased.”

Hazel did not need to look up to know that it was Sirius who was talking. She also didn’t need to look at him to know how handsome he looked in his suit that evening. She had clocked that far too quickly after she arrived at the gala.

the frustrating thing was that she had to look up at him to know whether he was talking to her or not. She didn’t want to ignore him if he was, but she also didn’t want to deal with the embarrassment of incorrectly presuming that he was talking to her if he wasn’t.

Of course, her entire look had been designed around catching his attention but she still wasn’t acknowledging that.

She glanced over and met his eye. He had been talking to her after all. Her stomach fluttered and she ignored it.

“Is it not from champagne?” she asked, surprised that the Blacks would skimp on such a thing, but even with her surprise her tone was still sharper than usual. “It seems like a simple fix if it is.”

[thedamsel-ts]

The Spy Who Kissed Me | S&H

@siriustheblackstar December 24, 1978 Welsh Green Dragon Preserve

It might not have technically been Sirius’s party, but Hazel knew there was no way he would miss the Christmas party. And it was something that she was very aware of.

Red velvet and a risque thigh high split were not natural choices for Hazel. She tended to stick to metallics or neutrals; anything with a little sparkle but that was ultimately demure. Given it was the festive season (and that she was wanting to gain the attention of a certain someone, something that she would never admit) she had thought that it was time to try something different.

If her mother disapproved, she had done nothing but arch a brow to show her displeasure.

Sirius and Hazel had not danced together since she had left during the middle of their last one. At the time she hadn’t thought it would be sending any sort of message to him other than that she needed air. If anything, she had expected that she would insist on spending more time with her, because that was how things had always worked in the past. They pushed and needled each other until they both went crazy. They never gave each other space.

Yet, that was exactly what Sirius had done. And she was furious.

And there was no way that she would ever acknowledge it. Though that did not mean that she was going to stand on the side lines and be bitter about him dancing with other girls, either. Or at least, not without a drink in her hand.

“Champagne, please,” she said after she made her way to the bar.

[thedamsel-ts]

henrysayre‌:

“I’m aware they are here if that is what you are getting at,” He winced at the tone of voice he used. Snapping at Hazel would do him no good given how uneasy he felt. “But there is nothing. No feeling in the muscles that are usually tight before training.” Henry glanced away from her. “That was the first thing I looked into.”

“Well after trying to stand,” His face paled and he bit his lip. He should have been going off about his career being at risk or rumors spreading that the incident would have to force him into early retirement but Quidditch was the last thing on his mind. He was more worried about his mother than anything else since she was adamant about the whole family attending.

“You didn’t happen to see my parents?” He quirked a brow and brought his gaze back up. “I— I’m not a fan of not knowing if they met a similar fate.”

“Well that has to be a good thing....right?” She asked sounding anything but certain, though she felt it had to be better than him not being sure whether he had legs at all. Though she thought she should point out her lack of expertise in the area, even if it should have been obvious. “I am not a healer. They are here but I do not know how long it will take them to see to everyone.”

She bit down on her lip and glanced about. The room remained chaotic with people rushing to and fro as others remained unconscious or slowly came to.

“I haven’t seen them but - “ she looked back down at Henry, “I do not think anything happened while you were all asleep. Or at least I did not see anything untoward happen. And many seem to be back to normal already. I am sure they are fine. And your legs are perhaps still waking up?”

[thedamsel-ts]

Shall We Dance | S & H

[thedamsel-ts]

siriustheblackstar‌:

Sirius could feel eyes on them, but he relished in them, in the knowledge that he finally looked as if he was the pureblood heir he’d been groomed to be. It had been difficult for Sirius, since his return, and with Hazel in his arms, he felt as if he was crushing the naysayers. His mission was working.

At her question, his eyebrows arched and he considered how best to answer. In truth, he was fully aware that this could end up being a very long mission, that he could end up living in this world for years, if not longer. But that was not something he could share and so he tilted his head as they danced, a twinkle in his eyes just for her. “Would you like me to?” he queried, curious as to her answer and yet aware that he had not truly given her an answer to her own question.

He threw his head back at Hazel’s somewhat snippy answer, laughter on his lips in a way that felt more genuine than he thought it should. “She usually does. I do not believe anyone has accused Walburga Black of idiocy,” he drawled, amused.

Sirius twirled Hazel in time with the music and when he pulled her back in, it was perhaps a fraction too close than was necessarily proper. “Is that not the point of these things? To enjoy oneself?” Aware that he was likely pushing her more than he should, his tone turned a bit more contrite.

“I’m enjoying myself with you more than anyone else.”

Hazel hadn’t realised how important Sirius’s answer to her impromptu question was until he refused to answer. When he turned it back on her, and she felt her cheeks flush pink, she felt cross. And when he looked at her like that and his hair fell just so when he laughed, how was she supposed to remain rational?

Everything had been fine when she wasn’t supposed to be talking to him and wasn’t allowed to enjoy his company. But now she was and their parents were scheming, and Sirius was looking at her like that without a seeming care at all for what everyone was thinking and - to make it worse - he was actually enjoying himself.

Suddenly she was furious at herself for thinking that she was enjoying this. How could she when she knew where this was going? When Sirius, apparently, was not going to try and stop it.

She stopped dancing and dropped her hands. She wanted to make a bad decision. She wanted to find Rodolphus.

“I need some fresh air.” In the moment she didn’t much care that they were still in the first of two dances, or that her mother’s eyes were boring into her as her stationary form, along with Sirius’s, became an obstacle for the other dancers. She didn’t care that this would definitely have consequences and that she would likely regret losing her composure later.

She was cranky and tired and confused and she didn’t want to be there any more. She turned on her heel and made to walk away.

[thedamsel-ts]

marlskinnxn‌:

closed for @thedamsel-ts. december 10. diagon alley yuletide shopping.

Christmastime always made the air feel lighter; bouncier. If Marlene were to bounce, she felt as though she might float in the air. The trees were greener; the sky less grey. No matter what happened around her, Yuletide was always the way for her to feel as though the world was safe. The war didn’t matter. Nothing mattered. Only good cheer and butterbeer.

Marlene’s fingertips ran gently along the petals of poinsettias as she walked, hot chocolate in one hand. She ended up alongside a small cart on the corner, right by Diagon Alley. Small Christmas ornaments glinted in the light, fairies dancing around them as if they were real. Marlene’s smile only grew at the sight.

Without much thought she turned to the person next to her, “Isn’t this just gorgeous?” In her palm was a candy cane that glistened with dancing sparkles; charmed to dance under the light around them. “I wish I had the kind-of charm experience to make something like this. Don’t you?”

Hazel enjoyed the snow but if she wasn’t actively using it for ice skating or skiing, then she tended to prefer to view it from inside - and preferably with a cup of hot chocolate and a fireplace. Although she’d never had a problem with the social scene, during winter she would not have minded hibernating instead.

It was very lucky that she had friends like Marlene to coax her outside and especially because she was barely half way through her Christmas shopping.

Hazel lifted a hand as if to touch one of the fairies, but it glimmered around her touch, eluding her. She smiled at the glittering decorations. Maybe winter wasn’t so bad after all.

“It is beautiful,” she said as she looked down at Marlene’s proffered candy cane. “It would look beautiful hanging from a tree. But I believe I should prefer to buy them then spend time enchanting them.”

“Tell me again who you are looking for?”

[thedamsel-ts]

Shall We Dance | S & H

[thedamsel-ts]

siriustheblackstar‌:

It was strange, Sirius thought, how easily dancing came to him, how easily he was able to anticipate each turn with Hazel like they had done this dance multitudes of times before. And perhaps they had, though he had often stepped on her foot before. Becoming a man, it seemed, even one who was not raised to adulthood by Walburga Black, had smoothed out some of Sirius’ more jagged edges. He was not certain what he thought of that realization and he chuckled lowly at Hazel’s tease.

“It may be just that,” he responded with a wink, happy to allow Hazel to believe it was hexes of well-meaning older brothers or men he argued with in a bar instead of some of the very same men that danced in their periphery.

At her question about his mother, he had to stop from shrugging his shoulders. Sirius had long ago stopped trying to discern the motivations of his mother, though he did not wish to admit that to the beautiful woman in his arms. “I could speculate, but it could be any number of things. At the moment, I believe she’s simply a mother and wants me to stay.” It was the most honest he’d been about his mother in weeks, though he barely noticed as the words slipped from his mouth.

“I believe it makes her like you more,” he responded, his voice honest. “She’s always thought I thought too highly of myself.” Sirius’ lips twitched at the knowledge that in that regard his mother was correct, though he did not say it. “And I only found out after it was over, if it makes you feel better.” He’d not want Hazel to think that he was keeping something from her, especially when it came to their mothers plotting, but he did not want her to believe that he knew every little thing his mother did either. Sirius Black was not so paranoid.

His lips quirked at Hazel’s refreshing honesty and though he did not allow himself a laugh, amusement was quite clear in his eyes.

The music ebbed and flowed and Hazel followed Sirius’s lead, their feet sweeping across the floor. It would almost have felt like fun if only she could shake the feeling that every eye in the room was upon them.

“And will you? Stay?” The words slipped out without her meaning to ask. It felt incredibly like prying into his life - something she had told herself she would not do - and invasive given the assumed precarious nature of his return. She’d already heard many snide comments over the past weeks to know that the gossips enjoyed speculating about just how long he would stick around for this time.

Then there was also the matter of not wanting to seem as though she cared at all about his answer, no matter how curious she might have been. But she had already asked and there was nothing to do about it now.

“She might have a point,” she said, feeling a little snippy. It did make her feel better to know that she had not been the only one in the dark, even if she thought Sirius might have found a better way to warn her before he turned up wishing to dance.

She didn’t miss the quirk of his lips or the amusement in his eyes (when had she become so lost in them?) though she found it frustrating rather than charming. “Stop it. You are enjoying yourself far too much. You will only encourage them.”

[thedamsel-ts]

High Tea | Isla & Hazel

[thedamsel-ts]

islarcsier‌:

                      THERE WERE SEASONAL FAVORITES AMONGST THE PUREBLOOD WOMEN ––––––– and of those occasions, Isla most preferred the ones that allowed her to remain indoors with a warm beverage on hand. So it should have been to no one’s surprise that Isla had decided for tea during that day as December drew closer and closer. It also should have been to no one’s surprise that Isla found herself sitting next to Hazel Fawley ––––––– her placement had been neither accident nor coincidence. In fact, Isla chose to sit next to Hazel ––––––– something about the things she’d heard about the other’s kindness intriguing her and at the very least, if the two hadn’t been able to entertain each other sufficiently, Isla wouldn’t have felt as if she should leave. 

But of course, they had hit it off ––––––– and before long Isla finds herself suggesting that the two should meet up again. After having arrived at the Occamy, Isla scanned the room for signs of a familiar face ( and find it she did ) before approaching the other. 

❝ I do, actually. ❞ She smiled, removing her trench coat and placing it behind her chair.  ❝ I think a pot would be best, and if you’d like, we can order some pastries as well. ❞ She continues, this time settling herself into her chair as she looked into the other’s eyes. 

❝ Thoughts ? ❞

"Then a pot it is," she said with a smile, delighted not to have made the decision herself. "Unless we decide upon different teas, of course. Though I must say, I am incredibly indecisive, so I may just let you surprise me."

"I thought I might have a scone, actually. With lots of cream," she confessed. She knew it was generally the done thing to pretend in public as though she was concerned with her diet and her figure, but she simply couldn't. Besides, between her horses, dancing, and running around to meet all of her mother's requests, she needed to keep her energy up.

She felt that Isla would not judge her for being herself. Though that might have also been her projecting her own feelings onto Isla, as she was wont to do from time to time.

"Though I am certain I could easily be persuaded to have a pastry also. I feel as though it is almost time to hibernate for the winter - though I am a little afraid of looking like a sausage next spring," she thought for a moment. "No, I am certain the pastry will be worth it. Only do not tell my mother."

[thedamsel-ts]

High Tea | Isla & Hazel

The Occamy Near Edinburgh @islarcsier

As the weather turned colder and the days shorter, Hazel’s favourite meetings all included tea and - if she was feeling particularly daring - scones. Winter was a time for comfort food and crackling fires and so tea shops were her native habitat.

When it had been suggested that she and Isla should have tea again some time after the first time they found themselves seated by each other, Hazel had been pleasantly surprised when it had manifested in an actual plan. So often when one said ‘we should get tea’ it was only an attempt at being friendly and there were no expectations of actual plans coming about. While she knew of the other girl more than she actually knew her, what interactions they had shared had been pleasant and Hazel was interested in exploring the connection further.

It had been decided that they would have tea at the Occamy near Edinburgh. The tea room might not have been the closest but it was picturesque and unparalleled for the quality of its offerings. And, if they ran out of things to talk about, Hazel could always suggest a visit to the Thumbed Page: her favourite book shop.

“Do you have a tea preference? I am trying to decide whether a pot would be best, or if a cup should suffice.”