shake well before opening ((bellona))

As soon as the first opportunity presented itself, Thius sent Bellona a crystal message to change into something more comfortable and meet him in one of the duelling chambers after classes were done; he wasn't explicitly planning to partake in some duelling practice now that they were back in school and able to use their magic again, but Thius wanted a chance to spend time with Bellona. Just the two of them. Just the two of them in a fond environment.

He had his hair slicked back as usual, and he wore the comfiest black t-shirt and jeans he could find. It was so early in term; he wasn't going to risk damage to his uniform outside of class. Thius knew he could practice some spells as he waited for Bellona, but instead he spent the waiting period imagining what outfit she might show up wearing. She had quite the wardrobe, so he always looked forward to seeing how she paired certain clothes together. They always suited her so well...

@Bellona Lestrange

Bellona would have been in a good mood if it wasn't for the last few yards of her travel, where her path was intercepted by Hector Burke. Now she was red-faced, heavy-footed and stomped towards the duelling chambers as though she was preparing for battle. Melanthius was in there. He looked fresh-faced and strikingly casual, and for a brief moment Bellona forgot her rage and wondered what he thought of her dress.

But then she got a flashback of what happened moments ago, shook herself back to reality, and scowled as she took her wand out from her satchel and tossed it aside. "I had the misfortune of talking to Hector just now," she announced bitterly, so the reason for her sour mood was made obvious.

@Melanthius Burke

When Bellona entered the chambers, Thius looked at her gobsmacked. Merlin, that dress looked stunningly marvelous on her. His brief moment of adoration came to a halt when he picked up on her not-so-good mood. And when Hector's name was brought in the fold...

"Bloody hell... What did he do this time, 'Ona?"

What was it with Hector and his need to make everyone's day worse? Wasn't it miserable enough being so pompous? It was bad enough when he received the brunt of his attitude, but since they were brothers, it was different. However, the thought of Hector inconveniencing Bellona and putting her down whenever he had the chance absolutely enraged and sickened him. How could he be so...

Oh, he wanted to knock him off his pedestal so badly.

@Bellona Lestrange

"Well, first off," she said, swishing her wand to emit several sparks. It wasn't necessary, but she usually involved that in her warm up. "He made it abundantly clear that I was dressed inappropriately, and asked if my destination was with the intent of 'bothering' you. Then he made some remark about my make-up, suggesting that I find time in my morning routine to 'locate a wash basin'."

She was frowning, as the ice started to crackle up her wand from the firm grip she had on it.

@Melanthius Burke

Thius sighed, rubbing his temples. Merlin... How was he ever going to ensure that Hector would cease his belittling nonsense towards Bellona? It was more than apparent that telling him to knock ot off wasn't enough. He'd have to send Hector a stronger lesson.

"That bloody git! I wish he'd leave you alone! I simply do not understand why he won't accept the fact that I adore you as you are..."

Pointing his wand towards the back end of the chamber, he summoned over some of the training dummies that they could take out their mutual frustration on.

@Bellona Lestrange

A faint blush crossed her cheeks when Melanthius mentioned 'adoring' her. Although they exchanged intimate words like this frequently, she couldn't help feeling delighted every time he paid her a compliment.

"Is that so...?" she asked quietly, momentarily forgetting about her anger towards Hector.

@Melanthius Burke

"Yes, it is so..."

Merlin, how could he put it into words? There were so many things he adored about her that it would make most of their peers feel sick. Thius wasn't sure if there was enough parchment in the world to express it!

Was he very lovesick? Why, yes.

"You're such a passionate, caring lady. You always strive to perform the best you can, and you're always willing to learn new tricks. I love that about you. Not only that - back really is your color. Your dresses. They all flatter and accentuate your silhouette so wonderfully..."

It was so saccharine that if there was anybody else around, it'd look like his eyes were replaced with hearts. Smiling, he ran a couple of his fingers through her hair.

@Bellona Lestrange