They're not always bad.

Dani Kopitar-Higgs
outfit

Ending his day with Oralie at the Hog's Head wasn't ideal, but he had his reasons. Karel loathed rumours being spread, it was pointless chatter from people who had nothing better to do with their time and he was above that; he also knew Oralie was the same. They were mature, not stupid teenagers who liked to gossip. That was why he'd suggested coming here. Karel had to admit though, after coming under new management it had somewhat improved, it still had the slightly dank atmosphere but it was most definitely cleaner, he didn't grimace at the sight of food or drink being handed to him and honestly, that was what mattered. The Hogs Head was quiet enough that Karel and Oralie could have enjoyed a slightly more intimate lunch and the pair had taken a seat on one of the benches. He'd had his arm resting on the back of the bench behind Oralie, playing with her hair as they chatted. Karel had enjoyed spending the day with her again, just chatting and opening up but after while Oralie had announced she had a few more things to do before going back to school and the pair had agreed to walk back up to the school together after he'd had dinner with his mother. He'd got to his feet and kissed Oralie on the cheek, his smile growing as she returned the action before his cheeks started burning when she'd whispered her plans for tonight with him in his ear. Blushing was still so unfamiliar and Karel wasn't sure how he felt about the fact that Oralie could get him flustered so easily but he had come to associate it with a feeling of genuine happiness. No matter how much he denied it, there was no denying the chemistry between them. "Tonight," Karel smirked, grabbing her hand and pulling him into his arms so he could brush his lips across hers again before he grudgingly let go and watched her leave.

He was wrapped up in his thoughts as he waited. Today had been a different level of intimate and one that Karel didn't find himself shying away from, he took it as a potentially good sign that the pair could just be themselves around each other in a number of different scenarios and that they could continue to keep a conversation flowing; even small things. Oralie had spent some of the afternoon telling Karel about her dress for the Valentine's dance and he'd found himself eager to see it. If he was honest, Karel believed she would look beautiful and if it hadn't been for the new twist on the dance, he would have likely asked her. Instead, though, he'd bought her some accessories for the dress and had made the slightly cruel decision that no matter who he was paired with for the dance, he was determined to end the night with Oralie.

Karel didn't have much time to get lost in his thoughts when he heard the door open and he looked up curiously, his cheeks were still burning and the taste of Oralie's lipgloss was still on his lip so he had no doubt that there was still colour in his face and the wizard cleared his throat, trying to regain some poise and a sense of indifference. He didn't want his mum asking questions, whilst he was close to her; talking about feelings with anybody was quite the task. The look on her face though didn't fill him with confidence. It was an expression he was all too familiar with and a single thought went through his mind. Busted. Karel rolled his shoulder and approached his mother, praying that his blush had faded enough. "Mother, it's good to see you. I've missed you. How are you?" He stammered, speaking a little too quickly to convince even himself that he wasn't a victim of romantic feelings. "Can I get you a drink?" 

Secrets

they're not always bad

Don't feel bad for keeping them

Doctor Danijela Kopitar had much to occupy her time. Her psychiatric practices at St. Mungo's and Dubhe Merak were quite successful. The best and richest of the United Kingdom magical community were all members of her social club in London. Then, of course, there were communications kept with the coach and other staff for the Monzirje Manticores. She could not visit Slovenia, which was something of a disappointment considering the excellent skiing there this time of the year, but she was not worried about the team. She had never been one to smother her coach with micromanaging. And that worked well enough. The Manticores were not winning the European Cup, but their fans turned out for games regularly. Merchandise sold. The franchise earned Dani a good bit of coin--those earnings had bankrolled her acquisition of the Dueling Club. 

But those were all business ventures. They mattered--of course, they mattered... But her son mattered more, which was why she was coming to the pitiful little village of Hogsmeade to take her dinner. Danijela would have much preferred dining on the fine china at her social club, but company did truly make the meal worthwhile in this case... and she would admit the Hog's Head had improved considerably since she had attended the school for witchcraft and wizardry all those years ago.

Dani had caught sight of a pretty little thing pressing her lips against her son's through the pub window. Letting the pair say their goodbyes, the witch bore the most bemused expression. She could see the stars in her son's eyes from here. Well, wasn't this an interesting little development! Her son--Karel Terence Higgs besotted by lovely blonde. Perhaps he did have a bit of his father in him after all. The elder witch waited outside the Hogs Head to have a brief exchange with the girl who had caught her son's attention--nothing serious, just an exchange of greetings, to assess the demeanor and aesthetics of the young lady.

Danijela did not find the young witch wanting. In fact, she was quite pleased with her son's choice. The Slughorns were filthy rich. They'd donated billions to St. Mungo's for the new wing. It was sinful the money they had. It was obviously early to be thinking of how well her son would be set with such a fortune to build his own business empire upon, but she enjoyed the notion all the same.

All grace in her walk and knowing bemusement in her expression, the doctor let herself into the Hogs Head. Her son's greeting only served to increase the look in her eye and the smirk on her lips.  

"I've missed you, as well, Karel," she promised, her voice soft and sweet for him. He rarely experienced any venom in her tone--even her reprimands of him were often made either insincerely or with kindness. The boy had born witness to her cruelty, though. He was smart enough to know when her wordplay cut down his father, even as the older man stayed completely ignorant. Terence believed they were much in love and wholly devoted to one another. Poor sap never really saw beyond the end of his own nose. He was a pretty thing, though, with a good name and so many talents in the bedroom. All that made him satisfactory for marriage.

She gave a nod in response to get her a drink, admiring her son's impeccable manners. She truly had done exceptionally well with him. "Certainly. My understanding is that the brothers who run this fine establishment now are quite the bartenders. I believe a Moscow Mule would suit my mood this evening." Danijela seated herself at the table where her son and his date had been not too long before, waiting for the wizard to return with her beverage. She crossed her left leg over her right and reclined ever so slightly--the witch always sat this way. It highlighted the best of her features, and while she was here with her son, there were other eyes on her. She was always mindful of them.  When Karel sat the iced copper mug in front of her, she flashed one of her dazzling, dangerous smiles at him. "Shall we meander around the topic or jump right into it?" The witch asked, curious about her son's companion and his intentions with the girl. 

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Got a secret?


Can you keep it?

Not many people could confidently say they had a good relationship with their parents, all parents and children argued every now and again but when it came to Karel and his mother, it was a rarity and Merlin help anyone who would be in their line of fire if they were arguing about something. If his father had a backbone, he’d almost feel sorry for him having to witness the two explosive confrontations but he slunk away and left them to it. He could only recall ever having one extreme argument with his mother when he was about thirteen but even then, he couldn’t remember what they’d argued about and it had quickly been fixed. Now, they never had confrontations, not negative ones anyway. It could be argued that today his mother might confront him about Oralie but it wasn’t going to be an unwelcome conversation just… uncomfortable.

Karel hadn’t missed the fact that his mother had briefly spoken to Oralie and a slight worry went through him, his mother expected only the best from him and he always provided to the best of his ability, but Oralie was different, she was a decision he’d made alone, a woman he had considered pursuing and trying to win her favour, he couldn’t see why his mother may not approve of Oralie, the blonde was a well-bred lady (well in public), a pureblood, incredibly intelligent and able to stand on her own two feet. She wasn’t like any of the other girls at Hogwarts, he found her presence enjoyable as opposed to just keeping her at arm's length and using her only when he wanted something. It was odd, he couldn’t picture himself ever doing that to Oralie, he had far too much respect for his fellow Slytherin, he knew he could trust her and that was why he was so forthcoming in talking about himself. What was discussed between them and happened between them stayed firmly between them, he wouldn’t betray her trust and she wouldn’t betray him, it was that simple. Unlike the other students at Hogwarts who told their best friend every little thing about their relationships. Admittedly, Oralie was the closest thing to a best friend he had, but even if he did have others, why would he want to share anything about Oralie.

One thing Karel had learnt rather quickly when it came to Oralie was how not to be. Courting someone past just lust wasn’t his forte, Miranda had all but thrown herself at him and he hadn’t had to make that much of an effort but Oralie was a lady and a lady who knew exactly what she wanted no less. His smooth talking and charms would only be the base of winning her over, actions were much more crucial with her. He knew not to shower in gifts, admittedly he did buy her a few gifts here and there, today alone he’d bought her some jewellery to go with Oralie’s dress that she’d been eyeing up but money wasn’t going to be all he needed. That was something he’d learnt alone, but other things he’d learnt from watching his mother and father. The way his father acted didn’t ever impress his mother, in fact, it seemed to almost repulse her. He was a useless lump who was blind, he thought that being married meant he was safe, but Karel saw the way people leered at his mother and how his mother was a darling when it came to accepting the attention, his father saw this and thought it was just a show. He was a fool and didn’t seem to fight for the woman he allegedly loved, he knew that if he wanted to call Oralie his girlfriend and have a long-lasting relationship, he couldn’t get sloppy. He couldn’t just make statements and do giant actions until he potentially won her heart, he’d have to continue on, to show every day that she mattered. Something that his father didn’t do, it was laughable. Karel wasn’t even dating the Slughorn and he was making more effort than his father had ever done.

The wizard gave his mother a slight smile when she joined him and stepped forward to give her a hug in greeting before stepping back, trying to steal a few extra moments to cool down. His gaze flickered towards the street to make sure Oralie was out of sight, she probably wouldn’t tease him, but he wasn’t sure if he was comfortable with seeing him showing affection to his mother, it wasn’t that he was ashamed too, he just knew that Oralie didn’t have the greatest relationship with her own mother and he didn’t want it to seem like he was rubbing his own relationship in her face. "It has improved, it’s nothing to write home about, but it could be worse," Karel replied with a shrug, he liked it only because he was dead. If the Three Broomsticks, for example, was as quiet as the Hog’s Head, he’d much rather grace his presence there, but unfortunately, it was the most popular haunt and so he and Oralie and now he and his mother had to make do.

He listened to his mother's request and nodded, approaching the bar and ordering their drinks. He gave his thanks and crossed the table, placing the mug down in front of her mother. The smile that followed was returned with a surprisingly coy one of his own as he hesitantly took his seat across from his mother. "Oralie Slughorn." He began slowly, "She’s a… friend." He continued in the same slow drawl, not quite sure what to say. "She’s not my girlfriend before you ask though." He added quickly, a brief glimpse of disappointment crossing his face but he quickly put a mask in place. He was trying not to fidget, his mother could read his actions, sure she was his mother so knew him all too well, but she was also a psychiatrist and that was a dangerous combination so he knew he had to be acutely aware of how he held himself, or else he would give away far more than he cared to even admit to himself.

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Secrets

they're not always bad

Don't feel bad for keeping them

There were few in the world who would ever call Dani a traditional mother. She never set out to be one. Doting mothers and overly critical mothers fueled a great deal of her medical practice. Daddy and mummy issues abounded in those who sought her professional help. So, she had never worried too much about being the sort of parent society encouraged. She had her own goals for the relationship with her son. She wanted to cultivate him in her own image with ambition and the ability to care for himself, in all ways. She had treated him much like an adult his entire life, providing him with knowledge of the world as it became relevant and to keep him a step ahead of those around him. 

He was her boy. He was better than everyone else. Blood status be damned. Pure or not, they were their own flavor of royalty. They crafted and secured their position in society. The social club was part of that. The Quidditch team in Slovenia was another. They might live in England now, but their heritage was in Slovenia. She had visited often as a child--and taken Karel there regularly before the borders prevented travel. It was imperative to pass on the old traditions and knowledge of their homeland.

She'd taught Karel much...including the value of privacy and mystery. Letting the world know you to well could only lead to destruction, be it due to the world growing bored with you or the information disclosed being used against you. She approved of the locale they were meeting in for that reason. She had no desire to be surrounded by hordes of children. The only child she could even tolerate was her son...and he was more adult than child.

A brief smile flashed over her lips as Karel gave his assessment of the Hog's Head. "I'm sure it doesn't measure up to the club, but there is artistry that can be appreciated in a well crafted cocktail." The mixologists in her employ were brilliant. They infused liquors, they blended potion and alcohol flawlessly to craft the most exquisite of intoxicants. And she paid them very well. Proper compensation was key in keeping the talent in house.

Copper mug in front of her she took a sip of the ginger drink through the small cocktail straw as she watched her son. The sharp blended with sweet beautifully. The vodka was lost in the mingling of flavors, but she was not disappointed by that. A well made mule was not meant to be spirit forward. Karel's coy little smile grew her smirk. She read ever little detail of his expression. There were few faces, if any, that she knew as well as her son's. The signs were there when he spoke the girl's name of his attachment to her. Most would miss them, but nothing got past the woman who made her living by expertly reading people, particularly what they didn't say. The little swell of his irises was an involuntary expression of attraction. The hint of color that came to his face was light, but even in the dim light, she noted the shift. This could be a very dangerous situation for her son. Men had a way of being very stupid when their cocks got the better of their brains. A ring of laughter passed her lips when her son jumped to answer a question she had not even asked.

One of the beauty's perfect manicured brows crept up in a sharp arch. "But you want her to be." She asserted, confidently without any inclination in her voice that would have implied the words as a question. She was stating it as fact. "She is pretty-and Slughorns do have quite the reputation for sharp minds and shrewd business acumen. Does she live up to the family reputation?" Dani did not believe for a second that it was just a pretty face that had caught her son's attention. There had to be much more to the young Miss Slughorn.

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Secrets

Sometimes they're for the best.

Karel often observed how his fellow students always expected things in life to be easy, to be spoon fed everything. But in wanting that, it meant they had no clue about how to manage alone in the real world. Those who wanted things easy would probably be the first to fall once they graduated Hogwarts but not Karel. His mother had never babied him, she treated him the way she expected him to treat others and she raised him so that he wasn’t a sheep and like the majority of Hogwarts and he appreciated that. He had no doubt that those who had been babied would probably think he had a terrible relationship with his mother, that he would have grown to loathe her overtime because of how she treated him. But it was in fact, quite the opposite. He had a very solid and strong relationship with his mother and he made it known how grateful he was for it in everything he did. Becoming a Prefect, was down to how she raised him, his grades, his business savvy. All of it, was because of her and how was everyone else his age? Crying into pint tubs of ice cream because their boyfriend broke up with them. Things which were not important to have a good life and in most cases were a hindrance.

He knew that in finding his feelings for Oralie growing, he was playing a very risky game, but he wasn’t a fool. He still had his own life, his entire world didn’t revolve around Oralie, she just was a big part of it, even if she didn’t realise it. "The club would never see half the people that fill Hogsmeade cross the threshold.” Karel pointed out as he sipped his mug of butterbeer. At least in the club, he’d also be able to drink at least one cocktail and hope that his mother would turn a blind eye. His father would because he did nothing but pander to what Karel wanted and even though his mother let him be his own person, he did still have a few boundaries.

The smirk that graced his mother's features when he mentioned Karel caused the young wizard to squirm under her piercing gaze, he was a fool for thinking he could hide things from her. Pursing his lips and clearing his throat, Karel began to stare intently at his mug. It was definitely a case of open mouth, insert foot. He shouldn’t have become so defensive so quickly and the trilling laugh that passed the matriarchs laugh, made his stomach flip and he could feel himself squirming. It also put things in a different light for Karel, why had he been so defensive and quick to clarify the witch wasn’t his girlfriend? He was still trying to convince himself it seemed that he wasn’t drowning in all these new and, admittedly, terrifying emotions. "I didn’t say that.” Karel replied sharply and instant regret filled him. "I’m sorry.” He mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck. At least his reaction was hopefully all the answer his mother needed to know his stance on Oralie. He sighed a little, "I try not to think too much about it.” He admitted quietly, rubbing the back of his neck.

When his mother began delving into her comments and questions about Oralie, the brunette kept his head down and ran his finger around the rim of the mug, becoming highly aware of the situation and on top of that, incredibly uncomfortable of the fact his mother’s gaze was so intently locked on him. "She is stunning, mother.” He corrected her under his breath, feeling the telltale burning of his cheeks starting. "She does live up to the reputation and then some, but that isn’t why I’m interested in her.” Chewing on his bottom lip her brought the mug to his lips again, thinking about what he could say about her, that was appropriate to discuss with one's mother. "She’s not like anyone else in the school, not like Miranda. She is more mature than most and I can have many conversations with her. Oralie is… something special, she’s determined, headstrong and confident and she knows what she wants. But even though she is so independent, she also is like a proper lady. She’s graceful and kind when you get to know her. Once you start to get past those walls, she’s just, amazing and fiercely loyal.” Karel began quietly. "She can keep me in check too.” Karel added on with a laugh, glancing up at his mother, "You would get on with her I think.” He told her honestly.

The wizard placed his mug down on the table with a heavy thud and shook his head, ”But she isn’t interested in dating, mother. We have… relations. But I don’t think she’d ever want it to be serious.” He admitted, awkwardness seeping into his tone of voice. He hoped his mother wouldn’t linger on his comment for too long, after all he was underage, but it was very rare that people actually waited until they were sixteen. He’d caught many students in his year getting a little heated, it just seemed… normal almost. "I don't have to pretend when I'm around her, how I feel an act... it's all genuine, not just me trying to get things."

OUTFIT // 8 9 3 // @mother