king

The concept of second chances was something particularly foreign to Rodolphus. A mistake, small as it might be, would inevitably be repeated if one didn't suffer the consequences. He'd made that clear from the start. Every one of his employees knew what they were getting into when they signed their contracts, and yet, there were always those who seemed to think that following his rules was merely optional. And of course it was then left to him to replace them.

It was a pity, really. Alex, his latest personal assistant, had initially appeared to be a diligent, obedient person. Rodolphus would have thought he'd last longer and yet here he was, sitting behind his massive oak desk, a small pile of resumes in front of him. Presorted, of course. Jane, his secretary had seen to that. He had more important issues to see to. "You can send the next one through, Jane," he called into the outer office, pinching the bridge of his nose with two fingers. Wretched migraines. He’d kill for a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon right about now. Literally. Instead he called Jane back into the room again. “And have one of the interns get me a cup of tea. But not that dishwater they serve downstairs. I won’t have anything that’s not loose-leaf. Preferably Assam, a splash of lemon, no milk.”

At least Alex had always gotten that part right. Such a shame that he’d been tragically lacking in other departments.

When the door to his office opened again Rodolphus was halfway through his weekly report from  the auror office. (From what he could gather, he really ought to have a second look at their finances.) Holding up one finger to indicate that he was busy, his eyes never left the page. “Close the door quietly and take a seat. I’ll be with you in a minute. Don’t touch anything.

Finishing the report was more a display of power than anything else. That, and he wanted to see how long his candidate could sit still without getting nervous. A while, it seemed, Rodolphus noted with a hint of satisfaction. Maybe this one wasn’t a complete simpleton.

Finally, Rodolphus looked up and folded his hands on the desk. His face did not betray his surprise. “Are you absolutely sure you’re here for the interview? If not, I suggest you make it quick. I’m on a tight schedule.”