always be a mystery

The notion that she knew him wasn’t an entirely new one when half of their rivalry had been caused due to the similarities that they shared. What was unsettling was the notion that she had begun to care about what she was able to read from him and so she was quick to attempt to create some distance between them with dry words. Hoping to echo their jibes and sparring of the past rather than whatever almost softened seemed to creep its way into their current meetings. “Then you really are becoming predictable.” Brow rose at his outburst, expression neutral as she took another sip of her drink. Coy words left her lips, filled with an innocence that she didn’t truly possess. “And what would make you think that? It’s hardly my place to begin questioning the choices of those above me.” 

A few weeks ago she might have revelled in the upper hand that she had now, with him not only so determined to drink but also radiating frustration in a way she would have been certain she’d never witness. He was always too irritatingly poised for such things. But now instead of feeling victorious and smug in the wake of it, she found herself reaching around him for the bottle. Although she was still undecided about how much she would actually drink ( their last evening together singed into her mind when she hated how much the alcohol had clouded her choice ) there was an urge to level the playing field that she couldn’t ignore. Sigh slipped from her lips followed by her own candid words which she tried to downplay with light tones. “But if I were to begin to voice any misgivings, I would start by wondering exactly what they had hoped to achieve. And ask if they’d even considered the repercussions for our image.” 

All of this uncharted territory was exactly what Augustus had spent the duration of their partnership avoiding. Strictly business, strictly competition, a little too similar for comfort but never letting the other in beneath the armor. What had changed? When had Kat become someone who just might have the power to make him feel better when he was hardly used to feeling much of anything at all? The distance she placed between them was appreciated, truly, and yet it didn’t make his frustration dim. “Doubting your own skills? If I’m just predictable, you’re not working as hard.” Shaking his head as if disappointed, the hard lines of his expression did little in the way of softening. “Oh, I’m sure they had their reasons,” he allowed, not about to say anything too against his own, “but I’m also sure we’re the ones who are going to have to fix the fallout.”

This was far from the first time he’d referred to them as such - as we, as a unit. As far as he was concerned, they fulfilled essentially the same role within the Death Eaters, their cool natures and sharp minds ideal for the task of gathering secrets. In many ways they were a team, working better when trying to beat the other. And yet for some reason, it struck him in a way he wasn’t nearly drunk enough to dwell on. A grin crossed his face as she caved and took a drink, triumph and relief glowing in his eyes. “A show of power, I suppose, in case anyone believed we weren’t already the most powerful side.” Tone breezy to match hers, as if the very thought didn’t have him tapping his foot impatiently. Without thinking, Augustus opened his mouth, an admission that wasn’t even fully formed on the tip of his tongue. Without thinking, his mouth snapped shut again, shock and concern clear in his expression. Without thinking, his mind filled with panic at the amount of vulnerability she’d seen in that one split second, the panic alone startling for how rarely he felt it, and without thinking he was leaning in, wild thoughts latching on that age-old distraction - Augustus kissed her.

Evan could see the benefits of meeting in a place like this. As much as he had always preferred the privacy of his own manor, a place he knew that could be trusted, there was always anonymity in a crowd. Everything had been hectic lately but then, there wasn’t exactly anything new about that. Evan had learned how to manage what seemed like perpetual exhaustion with an what seemed like an ever growing workload. Still, it wasn’t as if he couldn’t make time for a drink or two every now and then. He had come straight from the Ministry and had only gotten there around five minutes ago when Rookwood arrived. He nodded his head in thanks, ordering a scotch for himself. “You know how it’s been but I couldn’t dream of standing you up,” Evan’s lips rose in a slight smile, “It’s good to see you, Rookwood. Been busy?”

All in all, Augustus was a mature, well-adjusted adult, nightly activities aside, and yet there would always be a part of him that craved the approval of his superiors. He’d worked hard to make sure he was liked, respected, but these people held the keys to the power he hungered for. Sure, he had the Dark Lord’s favor, but people like Evan had his ear. As such, he was always careful to keep in their good graces, to prove himself an asset, and it helped that he was damned good at the whole spying gig. Besides, he did genuinely enjoy Evan’s presence - there were far worse people to be meeting in a dirty bar. “I don’t envy your job. The Department of Mysteries is always so unaffected by the chaos in the world,” a self-assured grin crossed his face, proud in the knowledge that he’d played his part in creating that chaos. “And yet my boss seems to think we need to work extra hours out of solidarity for you lot. It’s good to see you too, Rosier.”

setting: the apothecary, late afternoon who: alecto and ?

“I’ve a bit of a cold, you see,” Alecto says, crossing her hands over her throat. She grins, her eyes going cold as impatience sets in. The attendant she’s talking to seems not to notice, rolling his eyes as if she were a normal customer. Alecto smiles wider. She turns her head just so, eyeing the man at the cashier, whose eyes widen in alarm. 

“Miss Carrow, what will you need from us today?” he says as he brisk-walks toward her, his voice shaking. Before Alecto can say anything more, the bell at the door chimes and he looks toward it. 

Although he’d always been quick to send the house-elf to run his more mundane errands, the apothecary was one place he always chose to visit himself. There wasn’t much he particularly needed, but Augustus was nothing if not prepared. In his chosen nightly activities, one could never be too sure just when they’d need a healing draught, a burn salve, and it always felt just a touch more discreet, casual, making the journey himself.

As always, he was quick to scan the shop as soon as he entered, cataloging all its patrons. A smile spread across his lips as he spotted Alecto, and he was quick to make his way towards her. “Well, well, well. I didn’t expect to see you here.” A warm greeting dripped from his lips, and at the cold look in her eyes, his smile only grew wider. Turning to the cashier with a friendly grin but a hard look in his eyes, he tilted his head. “I do hope you’re taking good care of such an important customer. I would hate to see Ms. Carrow upset.”

Where: Gringotts Who: Dirk & @ofthedcrkness​

Pleasantries were exchanged in Gobbledegook with the goblins he had been meeting with as they re-entered the Gringotts Atrium and Dirk felt a sense of satisfaction. His boss had given him this business to deal with alone, when usually he was simply there as translator and note-taker. The office were starting to notice that the goblins preferred dealing directly with the wizard who spoke their language instead of him being a go-between and finally Dirk was getting more responsibility as a result. He started towards the doors, the work at Gringotts complete, when his eyes fell on Augustus Rookwood. Of course, Dirk knew nothing about Augustus’s work in the Ministry (something he was still utterly bemused by, given nobody seemed to imply the Department of Mysteries was like the secret service but more a research facility) but he had always seemed friendly and was somebody Dirk held a certain amount of respect for. “Hello,” he greeted him with a single nod. “Here on personal business, I assume? Or I suppose I wouldn’t be able to know if you were here for the Ministry as well.”

Had he been a touch less reckless - and, really, was it recklessness at all when he knew no one would mind? - Augustus would have left work early and gone straight home. Instead, he’d grown bored with yet another roadblock in his latest project and decided to call it a day early, before he hexed one of his coworkers out of sheer frustration. Of course, he hadn’t bothered to mention that to his boss, but what did it matter? Augustus had learned time and time again that there was little he could do that would provide any real repercussions. Gringotts had been his first stop, there to deal with some minor clerical error with the Merlin Rouge’s latest deposit, but Dirk was a far more welcome sight than the goblins were bound to be. “Dirk Cresswell in his element - should’ve known I’d run into you here.” He knew everyone - their name, their face, where they worked, what they enjoyed; he made a point of speaking to all and remembering all, ready for the day any side comment became useful. “Here on business, actually, just not Ministry business.” Tossing in a wink as he was so apt to do when the topic of his job came up, he smiled. “Checking in on something for one of my other investments. And what about you? Was your trip here productive?”

Usually she would have matched her own drink to his, refusing to be left behind. But her glass stays still in her hand and she wonders if for once she’s making the conscious choice to feel rather than choosing to numb all emotions. It was something she didn’t want to acknowledge just yet so instead she turned her attention back to Augustus, gaze flickering over him as his grin seemed more feral than it’s usual charm. Even with her aptitude for reading people it wouldn’t have taken much to realise that there was something he wasn’t say but wanted to. With a flick of her wand she cast a silencing charm over the room, not that her walls weren’t thick enough for ultimate privacy without it. 

She wasn’t used to feeling concerned for anyone other than her siblings and sometimes for her friends. But she had never considered Augustus Rookwood a friend. A rival and an annoyance, perhaps even an ally more recently but never a friend. Even if she had yet to define their shift in dynamic, she was fairly certain that it didn’t feel like friendship. Which was what made it all the more surprising and uncomfortable that she found herself almost worried for him. “You’re usually more convincing, Augustus.” Brow had risen slightly to couple with her dry tone but her expression soon softens, ever so slightly. There’s a challenge to her next words, trying to ensure that she sounds more exasperated than worried when she hardly wanted to leave him the option to point out that new turn of events. “If there’s something you’re trying to get off your chest, do it.” 

Sure, he noticed that she’d barely touched her drink - Augustus noticed everything, after all - he really couldn’t quite bring himself to care. Maybe the alcohol would numb his frustration, maybe it would amplify it, but either way, it gave him an excuse for whatever came next. Even if he hadn’t even come close to drinking enough to lose his well-kept control, he’d found excuses out of less convenient things. And if the confusion and questions leftover from their carefully ignored last meeting was pushed even further down by the intoxicants, well, all the better. Augustus smirked, recognizing the silencing spell, and though he was grateful he made sure it didn’t show. Already he was radiating weakness, vulnerability to be exploited in every line of his hard expression; he didn’t need to allow any more.

Yeah, well, maybe I don’t feel like lying to you. Augustus silenced that traitorous thought with another sip of his drink. “Maybe you’re finally learning to read me,” he retorted, a sly smile on his face. It still fell short. He was agitated and she knew it, and as much as he hated it he was lucky that only she knew it. Now that he actually had the chance to express his frustrations, Augustus found himself unsure of where to even start. “I’m just,” he began, then paused, running a hand through his hair with a huff of annoyance. Well, no going back now. “I’m not exactly thrilled by this public image nightmare that we suddenly find ourselves dealing with. And I can’t imagine you are, either.” If he was going to come out with it, he would do his best to take her down with him. And then propriety and masks and far too many of the defenses he had between them were tossed summarily to the wind. “No, fuck this. Let’s drink.”

ariadne.

It could almost be frightening,   the way she and Alessia were bonded   -   not twins,   no,   but if the pair of them were any proof,   choice could be much more powerful a tool than chance.   “   Don’t play the fool with me,   Auggie.   Duels make me yawn.   ”   Her brother must have been a saint in another life,   the patience and love that he reserved for the pair was so unconditional.   And it was patience that he would need,   with two sisters like the ones he’d got.   While they may have been lacking in that department though,   the love at least was returned tenfold.

She finds herself shooting him a challenging look at his words,   clearly demonstrating that he won’t get out of it nearly this easy.   “   I’m only saying,   one could never dream of a better match…   ”   Of course she’s relishing in this.   On the one hand,   it was always fun to watch her brother squirm.   But she really did want hear it straight from the mouth of the culprit,   and the thought of two people she loved most dabbling in the affairs of the heart felt very much like her business.   “   Honestly,   it’s only the three of us here.   You know your secret is safe with us.   ”   Sanctimoniously,   as if in oath,   manicured finger moves to draw an ‘x’ over her chest,   and she glances to Alessia with a devilish smirk.   “   Cross my heart.   ”   @merlinrouged​

Alessia had heard all about Augustus’ little scuffle with Antonin in the halls of St. Mungo’s, and while that was curious it wasn’t nearly as remarkable as whatever was - or was not - going on between Augustus and Katerina. “You’re not wrong, she can’t,” she said, but her voice was teasing. It was always amusing, the banter between her brother and her best friend. Katerina had been around the girls their whole lives, and the Rookwood siblings had always been inseparable, even with years spanning between Augustus and the girls. They were a packaged deal, the three of them. “She’s our soulmate. The love of our lives. Et cetera, et cetera. -What did you do to anyway? Steal her favourite quill?” she joked, smirk curling on the edges of her lips. She glanced her sister’s way again, nodding along with Ariadne’s words. “She’s right, you know. Katerina’s’ already family, might as well make it official.” Were they even teasing anymore? She smirked back at her sister, drawing the same ‘X’ shape over her heart as her gaze moved to Augustus. “Brother dearest, what is going on in that pretty little head of yours?” @ofthedcrkness​

Really, they were a terrifying bunch, and pity anyone who wronged either of them. But Augustus knew them too well and loved them too much to feel any fear at their inquiries. They’d get it out of him eventually - whatever it was, he really wasn’t sure - they always did, but that didn’t mean he had to make it easy. ”I’m so glad you approve,” he drawled, voice dripping with sarcasm. “But there’s nothing going on. We’ve always been at each other’s throats, you know that.” Augustus shrugged, but against his better wishes, his lips dropped into a frown. “We’re each other’s fiercest competition, I can’t imagine she finds that a prerequisite for marriage.” It was truly an absurd topic - there wasn’t anything going on between him and Katarina, and he didn’t even want there to be. Didn’t he? No, of course not. The idea was ridiculous. Except that, for the life of him, he couldn’t bring himself to drop it - even if there was a hope of them letting him. With a sigh, he rubbed a hand across his face. All of his words, his expressions, lacked their usual double meaning, their careful planning; no, even with his careful mask they could read him impeccably, so why bother? Giving in with a glare far too affectionate to carry any heat, he leaned back, in for the ride. “What exactly have you heard, then?” @rookswood​

“If it becomes public knowledge?” Isaac parroted. Perhaps this was a mistake. He leaned over to try and get the letter back. But he accidentally placed his weight on his injured hand making him wince in pain. When he looked back up, Augustus already put the letter away. A cold shiver ran down Isaac’s spine. “What do you mean ‘us’?” Isaac sat straighter as if he was trying to back away, only to be stopped by the headboard of his bed leaning against the wall. 

A cold and unforgiving realization washed over him. “You… You’re a Death Eater. That’s how you knew I was here,” he mumbled as he pieced the information in his brain together. 

Augustus is a Death Eater. And Isaac just told him about Rosalind. He handed the person whom he cared for above all and wanted to protect the most to them on a silver platter. Isaac wanted to scream. He wanted to throttle the other man. “Who… are you?” he asked. He had to. He couldn’t recognize the person in front of him anymore.

Augustus didn’t bother with an answer, instead simply arching an eyebrow. Why should he have to explain himself? Isaac had seen what had happened with his father, did he really think the pureblood world would react well to two blood traitors in the family? No. Not if Augustus had anything to say about it. A teeny, tiny part of him waited for the guilt to rush in as he watched Isaac piece it all together, but it never did. It was so easy to forget all the years where he’d been a trusted friend; no, instead Augustus felt as he did standing before his latest victim, and yet he knew he wouldn’t harm Isaac. Not physically, at least. Not yet.

There was no laughter, no joy in his eyes, but his grin was the kind of cool and emotionless that he knew for a fact Isaac had never seen from him. “Who am I? I’m who I’ve always been. C’mon, Isaac, you’re not that naive. How many of your old friends do you really think would choose neutrality in this?” Taunting was perhaps not the ideal method of recruitment, and although he felt he had the upper hand, he toned it down anyways. “But I’m still a friend, so long as you balance the scales. Do a bit of good, and I won’t send your attackers back for more.”

Marlene opened her mouth only to close it again, running her tongue over her teeth. It was rare that the former Gryffindor failed to come up with some kind of sarcastic remark, but she believed him, even though she had no real reason to. She liked to pretend that she didn’t know him, not anymore, but she still did, didn’t she? She knew him. She tried again, but it took a few seconds for the words to come out. “Thank you…?” She didn’t mean for it to sound like a question, but it was so expected. He sounded genuine, concerned, thoughtful and… something else she couldn’t quite place her finger on. She shrugged it off. “I mean, I can’t really judge,” she noted, gesturing towards all the bottles she was trying to drown herself in. Alcohol was Marlene’s new best friend. Even though it was her idea, she had to resist the urge to protest as he took some of the bottles from her. She sighed dramatically before replying. “Guess not.” If Benjy was home, he was going to kill her, and this time, she might actually stay dead. With Augustus taking some of the alcohol, she had a free hand to offer him. “Come on before I change my mind.”

Augustus knew his gaze was just a little too intent, a little too genuine as he tracked her movements. While usually his mind would be fast at work sorting and cataloging each expression, each tell but he didn’t have to with her, did he? “I mean it, Marlene.” Pouring every ounce of honesty and, though he tried not to, guilt into the words, his smile was soft, comforting. “And how often does that stop you?” If teasing her could stop this conversation from feeling just a touch too surreal, he’d take it. “You could judge me,” he elaborated, “but you probably shouldn’t.” Even the facade he wore so often felt off-kilter, off-balance, but he was doing whatever he could. Augustus couldn’t help but hesitate, the idea of grabbing ahold of her hand even if for a second stuck somewhere between so familiar and so foreign. Instead, he grabbed her wrist loosely, careful to keep his expression casual. “Fine, fine, don’t need to tell me twice.”

Augustus words pulled a genuine laugh from his stomach, and for a second he imagined what would happen if he broke Alessia’s heart. Mulci wasn’t entirely sure if it was possible for Alessia to have her heart broken. After all, he wasn’t sure that she would ever give it away. “And you’re more than right,” he laughed. “She would have my head before you.” A part of him was shocked that Auggie would protect him if his sister did something to him. Then again, they’d been friends for so long that Augustus sometimes felt like the brother he’d never had. Now that he was marrying a Rookwood, they would be brothers. He should be happy that he would have Auggie by his side, as true family, now. But all he could really do was wallow, thinking about the words Orion had said to him the previous night. At Augustus’ next words, then, he couldn’t help but deflate just a bit. “I would rather marry her than a lot of other women,” he said, although his words were soft. All he could see in his mind was Orion’s face, broken, hurt. He’d caused that pain. This marriage was causing the person he loved most pain. He sighed, meeting Auggie’s eyes with a sad smile. “And, it means we’ll be family. Not that you already aren’t, but I suppose the solidification is nice.”

The whole arrangement rang of that stereotypical childhood hope, that one’s best friend would one day become their sibling. In the society they’d been raised in, that hope wasn’t nearly so fleeting as it was for most. Augustus had never concerned himself with such thoughts, but nonetheless, Doug had always ranked just one single step below his sisters. “She’s a Rookwood. She can hold her own.” Pride was clear in his voice as he agreed; he liked to think they’d proved to a man that the lot of them were not to be fucked with. Really, he trusted Mulciber not to do anything that might lessen his opinion of him; even a broken engagement would come with an agreeable explanation, as he knew well. Nodding his head in understanding - because he did get it, even if he’d never found himself in such position himself - his lips turned up in a sympathetic smile, and he voiced the words that seemed to linger unsaid at the end of the sentence. “And yet...” Although he wouldn’t say it in so many words, he hoped Mulci knew that if he wanted to talk more about the lot of it, Augustus would listen patiently. “See? There’s always some perks,” he teased. “Really, though, I can’t believe my father agreed to this match before marrying me off. He’s letting me get off easy.”

Of late, his evenings tended to go something like this: leave work late, head home, drink a beer, read until he fell asleep. His latest project had him constantly weary, and sure, Augustus made sure to portray a laidback persona to the world, but even exhaustion couldn’t drive away the itch under his skin that came with such a mundane routine. It was lucky, then, that he’d made these plans before he found himself in such an intolerable rut. The pub was loud and crowded, just as he liked it, but Evan was easy to spot. This was where he thrived, finding anonymity in a busy bar, picking up drunken revelations like they were dropped sickles on the sidewalk. And yet there was no better place for a private conversation, it seemed. Sitting down in the seat across from the older man, he grinned. “Rosier, glad you could make it. This round’s on me.” Then again, maybe he was just there for the beer and some company. Sure, they’d talk Death Eater matters sooner or later, but first - “One scotch for me, and whatever this gentleman wants.” A wink and a smile were tossed at the waitress, and the second she’d stepped away his attention returned full-force to Evan.

Isaac saw Augustus’ expression drop and get replaced by a stone-cold mask. It was almost as if his face was carved from marble given how still the boy went. Any hint of possible excitement for his friend was washed away after Isaac’s revelation. No doubt confusion, perhaps even hurt or betrayal clouded his friend’s mind. Still, deep inside Isaac, he hoped that his friend would look past that and understand. 

“I’m in love with a muggle, Augustus,” Isaac repeated as if repetition made it any easier to digest. “And I need her to know that I’m safe.” Isaac extended the sealed handwritten letter to his friend. Isaac flinched when Augustus agreed, albeit unhappily. He would rather that his friend ask him more questions- for clarifications. At least then, Isaac will know that his friend was still willing to understand. Instead, Isaac got a curt answer with a harsh tone. Menacing even. “She’s not-” Isaac almost interjected what Augustus was about to say but he reminded himself that he was in no position to argue since he was asking for his friend’s help. “What is it?” he asked apprehensively.

Augustus had dedicated his entire adult life to ensuring their world was pure, kept only for those who deserved it. Sure, sometimes it was nothing more than an excuse to satisfy the parts of him that craved bloodshed and chaos, but belief in blood purity wasn’t even a conscious choice for him. No, it was simply the only way. Maybe it wasn’t his entire personality like others, even while recruiting, but he’d always believed Isaac understood the importance of the world they were trying to build, especially after his father’s lunacy.

Accepting the letter as if it was something to be handled with care, he looked at it closely. “That’s the thing, though,” he mused to the letter in his hands, “you might want to make sure you are safe,” finally, he looked up and met Isaac’s eyes, a threat hidden in his gaze. “Because you won’t be, if this becomes public knowledge.” Augustus put the letter away with more force than was really necessary, then continued, arching an eyebrow. “That’s what you’ll do for me. Join us, and I’ll keep your secret.” Balance out your betrayal. If you’re going to be a blood traitor, do some good for us too. With a deep breath, he fought to soften the marble exterior. Threat or no threat, he knew he had to sell the deal. “I meant it when I said you’re too good a wizard to be in this hospital bed, Isaac. You’re smart, quick-thinking, well trained - someone like you would be a strong asset.”

Alessia’s eyes could not have rolled further back in her head. “Better security than you, Ariadne and myself?” she challenged, eyebrows raising like a brat. Of course they had security on the books too, but honestly the Rookwoods could scare away any unsavory characters if they wanted. They just chose to tone down the drama, not wanting to cause any waves considering who their best clientele was - purebloods, sacred men (and women) - looking for a good time. They had it under control, and if anyone stepped out of line… they took care of it. With or without paid security. “Ancient, yes, that’s the word I was looking for,” she teased, biting the head off another jelly slug. “I didn’t say you were no fun, but hey, your words not mine,” she joked, chuckle escaping her lips. She could tell someone was off about her brother, but didn’t press. He’d tell her when he was ready so she focused on the conversation instead. “Oh, I’m sure we can find some kind of trouble to get into. And yes, you should be worried, grandpa. Might keep you out past your bedtime.”

Augustus couldn’t help but grin at that. “You’re right, I think we’ve proved we can protect each other from anything at this point.” Pride in his bloodline and his family was as much a part of him as his own name, it always had been. Besides, he was right - they’d all made it abundantly clear that there wasn’t anything they wouldn’t do for each other. Who better to keep something they all shared an interest in secure? The spark of pride was enough to get his head to clear some, and he reached to grab some more candy from the bag with purpose. “Fair point, but you were thinking it, don’t lie.” Augustus narrowed his eyes at her teasingly, but somehow he still couldn’t keep his expressions from falling a bit flat. Why did he care so much? Why was he so exhausted in a way sleep couldn’t hope to touch? All these questions and not a damned answer; all that was left to do was to try and drown it all out the best he could. Alessia had always been one of the best people in the world for that. “I hope I can handle it,” he joked, lips quirking up. “If that trouble involves alcohol, I’m in. I could use a stiff drink or four.” After a brief pause, he continued. “If it doesn’t involve alcohol, I’m still in, just wanted to make my preference clear if you’re dragging such a feeble old man out.”

He chuckled under his breath, but it felt a little forced. Everything that had happened over the past couple weeks was weighing heavy on him. He had always been the more somber of the four jokesters anyway. “That’s the spirit,” he replied dryly, hesitating a moment before moving to take a seat next to Rookwood. He crossed his arms and stretched his legs out in front of him, staring straight ahead. “Oh you know. The usual. Get up, go to work, hang out with the guys, eat a little, drink a little, sleep and repeat.” He bit the inside of his cheek before adding, “Nothing too exciting going on.” He turned to look at the other male, knowing that the other male knew a secret that could get him into a lot of trouble. Actually he knew a lot of secrets, so it was better to keep Augustus Rookwood on his good side. “What about you? Obviously not in a hurry to get back to… whatever it is you do” he baited, knowing damn well an Unspeakable wouldn’t speak of what it was he does. He rose a playful eyebrow, hint of a smirk curling on his lips.

There was something about Augustus’ lazy grin that made it clear to those who knew him that he was making note of everything said, every reaction. The more casual he was, the more others felt at ease, yet his quick mind never once took a break. Peter was a curious sort, an unknown entity despite it all, and his gaze was openly inquisitive, curious. “Not the worst like to live,” he said with a shrug. To him, it sounded pretty damn awful - but then again, Augustus could grow bored of even the most exciting of lives. “Oh, I’m sure something will come along soon enough to make things interesting again. Shake up the old routine.” Admittedly, his own life had settled into something of a routine, too, so the words were as much his own hope as an actual prediction. Augustus turned his head, winked, then returned his gaze to their surroundings. “Oh, you know. Figuring out life’s greatest mysteries can wait a few minutes.” Time is a fickle mistress, he wanted to add, but even the joke risked giving away too much of his work. Unspeakable truly mean unspeakable.

If there was one thing he loved about working as an unspeakable, it was that the work was always interesting. If there was one thing he hated about working as an unspeakable, it was how much research seemed to be required of him. Understanding and manipulating time, it seemed, required a strong grasp on the theoretical, and so Augustus found himself spending far more time between the library and the archives than he’d like. For the third time that week, he stood leaning over a table in the archives, flipping through notes with flicks of his wand from before he was even born, trying to solve a problem he was beginning to think was unsolvable. The entrance of another was a more than welcome distraction - dealing in secrets was as much his job as being an unspeakable. Alastor Moody, however, was certainly not his usual companion. No, there was little chance of ever gaining any information from the airtight man, and he’d known the moment he met him not to even try. Still - he’d always loved friends in high places. “Moody,” he greeted with a nod. This was where the game came in, where he could treat his company like a puzzle to solve. What tone should he use? Should he smile? How wide? He settled on gruff and not overly familiar. “What brings you down here? Anything I can help with? I could use a break.”