Rabastan Lestrange

“Fuck!” She wasn’t looking, and ran straight into someone, sending her phone crashing to the ground. “If that fucking shattered I swear…” 

“I’m so sorry, I wasn’t looking where I was going.” He said looking at the phone on the floor, imagining what his own reaction would be if it was his phone that fell.

They had to be joking. Severus couldn’t disguise the anger that flashed across his features. He didn’t go to Ministry functions since politics pissed him off and the people that worked there were far too snobby for him to handle. It was hard to come to terms with the fact that the Minister was set on the muggleborns that were present going home at the curfew bell.

“For crying out loud,” Severus hissed out in a whisper, the grip on his glass of juice rough enough to leave its contents spilling down his arm. His shoulders were shaking and the juice went unnoticed since he was too busy muttering under his breath. “It’s a Ministry sanctioned event. They should be allowed to –” He trailed off when he remembered who he was speaking to prior to the backlash and screaming that accompanied the Minister’s announcement. Severus pressed his tongue against his cheek and let his glass drop to the floor, slowly bringing his gaze back to Rabastan. Fear briefly flicked across his features then he forced himself to stand up straight, eyes locking with his acquaintance’s. There wasn’t anything else to say since his outburst had been more vocal than he would have allowed.

When Rabastan had heard about the muggleborn curfew he had thought that it was a stupid idea. The Ministry using the guise of protecting the muggleborns was something anyone with half a brain could see through. Apparently that encompassed half of Wizarding Britain though, because there hadn’t been protests from the muggleborns, he guessed that’s what happen if you were born to people not knowing anything about the Wizarding World.

Rabastan was still enjoying Severus’ company when the announcement was made, muggleborn were to be escorted home. He felt this was a good idea, seeing as some like his brother might want to get their hands dirty otherwise just to prove a point. But he had to admit seeing Severus getting that upset about it was amusing, Severus really needed to get his poker face in check, or he wouldn’t be long for this world if the others found out.

“As amusing as it would be to see you go against the Ministry and face the consequences you really should get working of that poker face of yours, Severus. Or someone might get hurt.” He whispered in his ear, grabbing the other man’s bicep. Making sure that it looked harder that he did it if any other Death Eater had heard Severus’ outburst.

“You really shouldn’t say stuff like that you know.” He finished whispering in Severus’ ear looking into his eyes.

keenandshrewd

“My parents got me mine,” She admitted with a chuckle. “I plan on getting my own when I graduate.” She chewed her lower lip then looked him over. “The party was fine. Not nearly as busy as I–” Evie trailed off. Her eyebrows furrowed together and she grabbed the bottle of water. “I didn’t get a New Year’s kiss out of it.”

   Alecto pulls the bottle away from her lips, a face full of regrets and longing for the good choices she never learned how to make. 

   “Sweet Merlin.” Giving the glass a contemplating swirl or three, Alecto lets it fall back on the table, fingers flicking it across the surface to get it further away from her, thank you very much. “This drink is everything that’s wrong with Wizarding London, stuffed in one bottle.”

Severus wrinkled his nose. The whole thing was perplexing to him since he didn’t go out of his way to announce his birthday. He didn’t have the social media to do it either – unless Snapdragon had something to do with it. He was saved questioning how Rabastan knew when he noticed the ingredients he was trying to take. “No,” He wrinkled his nose. “I would prefer you stay or at the very least, put the ingredients back. The highlight of my nineteenth birthday needn’t be getting in trouble because you smuggled half of the unicorn ingredients out of the building.”

keenandshrewd

“Right,” Evie laughed. “Well thank you,” There wasn’t much else to say about it unless she wanted to start repeating herself so she took a chance to look around. “You have a nice place.” She murmured then set her necklace down. The mention of a guest room caused Evelyn to frown, struggling to cover the look with any other emotion besides being disappointed. “Sorry,” She mumbled when she realized she hadn’t said anything. “I– You’re not planning to go to bed yet, are you?” She paused and sat across from him. “And I don’t mind your having brought me here. I prefer having the company. Water does sound good though.”

“Thanks, it’s the first time something was mine.” He said looking around the place proud of himself for paying for this place himself, even if he didn’t make the money in most legal manner. He noticed the slight flicker of disappointment on her face when he mentioned the guest bedroom. “No I don’t actually, I mean who goes to bed for the sun rises on the new year.” He continued smiling at the woman. “I’ll summon one for you, so tell me how was the party?” he asked as he flicked his wand and a bottle of water flew their direction.

Evie clung to Rabastan once he apparated, their landing leaving her a bit closer to him than she ever would have deemed necessary. She didn’t immediately step back though, chewing on her lip as she shifted to get a little more comfortable. He was warm and she felt content against him even though hisapartment hadn’t been on her mind when he offered to come get her. but she She knew better than to complain though, simply leaning against him until her head stopped swimming.

She was grateful for the fact that she didn’t feel ill. Apparating on her own would have ended in disaster. His apartment was warm even though she didn’t know anything about it past the brief glimpse she got before being sent stumbling into him.

Evelyn didn’t look up until her breathing steadied, blue eyes meeting his as a small smile creased over her lips. “I owe you a thank you,” It was a miracle the words hadn’t come out slurred. She took a step back then nervously tugged at her necklace. “Am I wrong to assume you wouldn’t mind my staying the night?”

Rabastan straightened as she took a step back tugging at her necklace, he also tugged his jacket off throwing it over the chair. “It’s no problem, and I offered. I wouldn’t have brought you here if I minded you staying the night.” He said as he turned back to her. “I want to make sure you’re okay, and I know that being drunk alone is never good. The trips to the bathroom to vomit are always more fun when there is someone there with a glass of water.” He continued sitting down in the chair. “Make yourself at home. The kitchen is through there.” He said pointing to the right door. “And the guest bedroom is through there.” He continued pointing at the second door to the right this time. “I hope you don’t mind that I brought here instead of home.” He asked.

January 9 Slug and Jiggers Apothecary Open Starter

Severus didn’t make a big deal about birthdays. Come to think of it, he hadn’t mentioned this one at all. There was no reference to it on any of his social media and he had kept his phone off since learning it was bugged, simply having more important things to do than take the time out to exchange it. He used work as a place of solitude, busying himself by freshly cutting several ingredients up for the new display in the front window.

No cupcakes, no glitter, no cards. It was the most ideal way to spend the date his father never allowed him to celebrate. His head shot up when the door to the apothecary opened, the knife dropping to the countertop.

“Can I help you with something?” He sighed and didn’t give the person a chance to answer before he went back to work.