rodolphuslcstrangeâ:
who: @soclearwater where: rodolphusâ office, level two, ministry of magic
Long gone were the days where Rodolphus could expect to get through the days uninterrupted. The Ministry being The Ministry, the central location for all things bureaucratic, used to be enough to keep his vexations at bay. When one spent more time in the company of self-righteous windbags, family felt forgotten. Or so, Rodolphus supposed they did as Rabastan had been spending all his free time (of which he had far too much of) determined to ruin the peace and sanctity of his older brotherâs workplace. It was clear the moment he walked through the doors, shutting them and effectively silencing Greengrassâ tittering. The smell of citrus overtaking the notes of bound leather, parchament, and tobacco Rodolphus hardly registered any longer until they were stomped upon. âPenelope. How has he bought your affection this time?â From his spot at the door, he barely glanced in the direction of the permanent fixture of his office. The young woman had wormed her way (or had the promise of knowledge lured her in?) into the inner sanctum quite effectively. The deal they had struck was a farce, Rodolphus never surprised that his brother found a way to gain entry into his wards. The real prize in his eyes was the education in provided. For both a wayward layabout and a promising young Ministry worker. Her wards were growing more complicated by the week. Pen would be ready for more complicated ventures in the coming weeks.
The short distance to his desk only showed more signs of Rabastanâs presence. Papers strewn about, drawn symbols done in the sole purpose of attention, and crumbs. That was new. âYou let him eat in here.â His tone conveyed the first sign of disappointment since his arrival as he observed his desk with a sharp gaze, cold eyes assessing every inch of newly created mess. Publishing the court times was one of Wizengamotâs many follies. A sharp turn of his wrist re-organized the papers and vanished the signs of consumption. It was the opening of his liquor drawer and the retrieval of his most-drank cognac that truly drew his ire. âHave you grown tired of winning already or is Rabastan proving too much of a challenge for your resolve?â Pouring two glasses, he floated one to the table nearest her coveted reading spot before partaking in his own.Â
Sheâs come to know this library like the back of hand-- the richness of the wood, the heavy, hardcover books that lined the shelves. Any one who knew her, even tangentially, ought not to be surprised that she had taken refuge in such wonderous collection of knowledge. In a place that felt so dreary and monotonous, the library had become her secret escape, where her mind could wander far past the confines of the ministryâs walls. And though the library made for a lovely lunchtime escape or late afternoon research session, at the end of the day, she would have to return back to her cramped office and endless stacks of paperwork.
Itâs perhaps why she enjoyed prolonging this game she inadvertently fostered for herself between the two Lestrange brothers-- after all, there was no better reason to avoid her frivolous work assignments than with a little challenge and the opportunity to procure herself some rather lavish perks. When the owner of the library strides through the doors and into her line of sight, Penelope canât help but allow a small smirk to play at her lips, âI suppose it doesnât truly matter, does is?â Pen ponders aloud languidly, âI do worry for poor Bash, as with each little gift, my expectations rise and my tastes become more refined. I can reassure you, my affections are anything but cheap.â
She watches as a disapproving glance floods across Rodolphusâs features, a chuckle dancing on the tip of her tongue. Perhaps, in some odd way, Rodolphus could be just as particular as she was. âIâll have you know, I allowed your brother no such thing. In fact, I rather fiercely urged the use of a plate and coaster, though as youâll note, my instructions went unheeded.â Closing the book in her hands gently, she reaches for the glass her companion has wordlessly offered. She wasnât normally one for day-drinking, at least not in the middle of the work day, but who was she to refuse such a lovely glass of hard liquor. She takes a sip, allowing the drink to burn through her throat, before responding to his query. âBy now, I think weâve both realized that our little deal has always been a challenge for me to outdo myself, as opposed to your brother. It takes a special sort of cleverness to undo oneâs own toughest defenses, so if anything, this back and forth have made my defenses more elaborate than ever.â



















