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张辛苑.
keum
28 April 2017 @ 02:29 pm
profile / misc。  

(张辛苑).




NAME  zhang xinyuan
BIRTHDAY december 5th (26)
BLOOD STATUS half-blood 
SUBJECT TAUGHT potions

                                  history.


the huangpu district of shanghai is a crowning jewel in the heart of the nation's socially elite wizarding community, one of the many veins of the clawed beast that is the purist blood regime. the zhang family practices sympathy towards the syndicate, if only to avoid its sharp teeth. in truth, their political views align more closely with survivalism. the traces of bad blood in their family tree are found in only recent branches and starkly contrasts the untouched dynasty the zhangs left in past generations; while neither of xinyuan's parents are strictly opposed to muggles, adherence to traditionalism and dark magic can be found in the inner circle of their peers, a razor-tongued assembly in which corruption seethes and conformity is a necessary evil. the flower of their lineage, their only daughter grows in a household full of hidden secrets with a propensity for unlocking them. at dinner parties, adorned in garments of the finest silk, xinyuan overhears the whispers of esteemed guests who often reveal skeletons in ancient closets, long-buried in the minds of those that can afford to pay for silence.

secrets, rooted deeply in the foundation, underlay her own household. her father's work with the department of mysteries is shrouded in confidentiality of which she is never informed. xinyuan has often studied his leather work briefcase when left to her own devices, the tag on the side only warning of danger — though of what sort, she isn't sure. her mother's constant disappearance to her own national ministry career is as little known. although they are frequently missing, they leave semblances of themselves behind, intertwined with the family's reputation of possessing a kind of mysticism (likely heightened by the mysterious lifestyle they keep): the family library is overstocked with ancient runes and magical artifacts which xinyuan absorbs herself in when frequently left alone, and their knowledge of aged remedies and old magic does not avert her. the bloodline is not pure, but powerful witching traditions have been passed down through the generations, as aged as the earth itself. their manor is enshrouded with gem stones and echinacea for strengthening spells and wolfsbane for protection, and an inconspicuous handful of atropa belladonna berries which her mother holds out to her open-palmed and tells her to remember: ❝looks can be deceiving.❞ she crushes the berries for potion-making, the dark pulp of deadly nightshade glistening poisonously upon her fingernails.

xinyuan has a certain respect for potions and a proficiency for crafting concoctions, despite the fact that she is too young to add any magical properties herself. her touch is subtle yet formidable, capable of coaxing unseen effects out of enchanted brews. it appeals to her in a manner she can't quite describe: the concept of something lurking in the murky depths, much more than what it appears on the surface. a sheltered lifestyle spent alone with books and inanimate things is augmented by the family's frequent travels, where rather than becoming accustomed to different magical societies she is often left in elaborate hotel suites, learning to be her own company among the fine china and crystal chandeliers. much of the asian continent is traveled, and xinyuan takes preparatory lessons to instill poise and grace. her spine is never bent, her wand hand learning the proper dips and flicks of the wrist years before she's old enough to handle a wand of her own, and she learns quickly how not to let any cracks show beneath an intricately created facade.

when she comes of age, xinyuan surveys the family wand collection — tucked away behind a locked corridor — for the first time. her selection is carefully made, although it beckons to her immediately: a composition of expert craftsmanship, sheathed in a case of ivory and jade and laden with elm. according to family legend, it belonged to her great-great-grandfather and contains heart string from a chinese fireball, a conglomeration of elegance and ferocity which can be seen in its temperamental nature. when wielding it in her hand and finding that, rather than erratic results, the pair are more than coincidentally in tune with one another, xinyuan can't help wondering if perhaps it was simply a matter of finding its correct match after so many years (an interesting turn of events as the item was initially intended for pure-blooded use).

in growing girlhood she is sent across the european borders, residing in unknown places with a more definitively allotted sense of independence. the académie de magie beauxbâtons is a natural selection, refined and well-matched for the social standing of the zhang family. ironically, it is here where xinyuan discovers her own fortitude, now able to immerse bewitching properties into cauldrons at will during potions class. her intrigue has never been for the ordinary nor the faint of heart, and occasionally she chances the opportunity to check out books on illicit herbs and mythical remedies, subject matter not recommended for frequent use, under the guise of school projects and with the help of her pristine reputation. this is not of frequent occurrence, however, as she is aware that openly drawing attention to such interests would diminish the prestige she has earned, and does much of her research in private unbeknownst to others. after maintaining high scores throughout her academic career as well as serving as préfet in her later years, xinyuan graduates without incident.

working as an apprentice to esteemed witches and wizards (a position owed to her family's recommendations, xinyuan is well aware of, although she'd rather receive it of her own accord) allows her to study potions further, applying her knowledge to practical situations. their desire is to incorporate her skill into a governmental position, and her dissent from this goal estranges the family to a degree. the tension is furthered on her end by turmoil over the political aspect of blood status and conflicting ideals of loyalty, a factor she is still struggling over and which remains largely undiscovered by her family and their social circle. still, their continued support has helped her receive respected job opportunities, having becoming a potioneer with the help of her n.e.w.t results in potions.

eventually she wanders farther from her parents' grasp, obtaining side jobs at apothecaries that are less prestigious but more fulfilling and researching her craft in several different cities. her work leads her to south korea to study its magical properties, and having lived there for a stint during her childhood excursions, she's familiar with the area and the language already. after three years traveling the country and settling for a period in the rural pathways of busan to conduct research and provide herbal remedies to the community, she learns of the vacant potions position at yonsei school of witchcraft and wizardry, and her potions-related credentials allow her to be hired.

xinyuan's classes can be found in the dungeons, where she is apt to provide unique information about magical herbs and elixirs. as a first-year teacher who is new to the practice as well as to yonsei, with a quiet and composed demeanor and an air of mysticism, xinyuan can seem intimidating upon first introduction. regardless, students who have come to know her will recognize her passion for the subject — her teaching style is known for being challenging yet engaging, the subject matter eccentric and intense at times, but she aims to make learning about the art of potion-brewing an enriching experience and will often incorporate new potion elements that she finds interesting and will encourage participation and inquiries from her students.


                                    misc.




➀ WAND 12" elm, dragon heartstring, slightly unyielding

「elm wands prefer owners with presence, magical dexterity and a certain native dignity. of all wand woods, elm produce the most elegant charms and spells; these are sophisticated wands, capable of highly advanced magic in the right hands.

dragon wands tend to learn more quickly than other types. while they can change allegiance if won from their original master, they always bond strongly with the current owner. dragon wands are also the most prone of the three cores to accidents, being somewhat temperamental. 」

➁ AMORTENTIA old parchment, rain, and plum blossom.

➂ BOGGART   time slipping through her fingers.

「outright death is not her fear, but with a highly ambitious streak that would probably have placed xinyuan in slytherin had she attended yeonsei and a desire for self-preservation instilled by her parents, the idea of not reaching her highest potential and wasting time are terrifying, and death is related to that notion. 」

➃ PATRONUS raven.

「known for introspection, mysticism, and observation, ravens are paradoxical in that they symbolize both new beginnings and bad omens, leading to a degree of misunderstanding which is often heightened by their mysterious aura. prophetic by nature, ravens are intertwined with the non-physical world and utilize this with a proficiency in adaptability and change. quiet and analytical, they are the silent counterpart to crows. 」

known for:  ᴛᴀʟɪsᴍᴀɴs, ɢᴏᴏᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ʙᴀᴅ ʟᴜᴄᴋ, ᴍɪᴅɴɪɢʜᴛ

➄ MBTI INFJ.

「INFJs are believed to adapt easily in social situations due to their complex understanding of an individual's motivations; however, they are true introverts. INFJs are private individuals who prefer to exercise their influence behind the scenes. they are said to have a rich, vivid inner life that they may be reluctant to share with those around them. nevertheless, they are congenial in their interactions and perceptive of the emotions of others. generally well liked by their peers, they may often be considered close friends and confidants by most other types; however, they are guarded in expressing their own feelings, especially to new people, and tend to establish close relationships slowly.

INFJS are intricately, deeply woven, quilt-like, mysterious, highly complex, and often puzzling, even to themselves. they have an orderly view toward the world but are internally arranged in a complex way that only they can understand. abstract in communicating, they live in a world of hidden meanings and possibilities. with a natural affinity for art, INFJs tend to be creative and easily inspired, yet they may also do well in the sciences, aided by their intuition. 」

➅ PET a cat, pandora.


 
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