Head of the Serpent

-honestly his questions STING because Sirius probably is practically holding his breath waiting for the shit to hit the fan, for that moment to come when she wants to go home and he has to either let her or force her to stay just like her family would have done, so his stomach is churning as Rab is spatting all of this at him and honestly he wants to leave, he wants to SCREAM, he wants to kick and punch and blow things up because he hates this sodding world so much but none of that would make Rabastan feel like absolute trash and so Sirius decides to do none of it, instead focusing 100% of his effort on somehow winning this winless argument, leaning even closer to Rab to show he isn’t afraid and says back in a dark but also somewhat mischievous ‘i’m-enjoying-this’ tone- Oh, wha’, ‘ffended t’be told you’re just like every other pureblood asshat you hang ‘round with, Lestrange? I really hate t’break it to ya, but you’re no better nor no different than your disgusting grunt of a brother, Rab. Might think y’ve gotta better brain or–Merlin, help ya–a bigger heart, but I know, and Cress knows, that you ‘nd Rodolphus ‘nd Mulciber ‘nd Dolohov ‘nd all you boot-licking, interbred followers are the same. And I don’t know what t’tell ya -shrugs like a total prick, taking a careless step backward- you’re not her type.

*In that moment, Sirius had accomplished something that little to no one else had: Rab didn’t know how to respond. Even so, he doesn’t want that to be IT, he wants to WIN. So instead of wrestling with his own internal demons and the consequences and reasoning of his own actions, he pulls out another cigarette and cups it in his hands. He could feel the heat of it lick against his hands, but still he keeps it there. The pain of the flame, becoming a point that he could fixate on instead of the emptiness of his mind and the pounding rhythm of “He’s right. He’s not, WHAT DO I SAY?” So instead of changing his own ideas and perspective, he drops a hand, takes a deep drag of his cigarette, and plays his role. As he breathes out the first cloud of smoke he extends the pack of cigarettes and raises an eyebrow before saying with his double edged smile:* You might be onto something Black. *takes another drag and tilts his head dispassionately* Which begs the question, *speaks hauntingly* why the fuck are you still here? Haven’t your friends at Mungo’s told you the stories of how they got there? *Doesn’t really know what he’s doing or why he’s saying it, but knows that it’s better than silence because quiet means that he LOST, so he takes a small step forward* Because, I’ve heard the whispers, and some of them are rather ghastly. *Another drag* It would be a shame if something like that would happen to an upstanding member of, *pauses dramatically to make it sting* society like yourself. *Scans Sirius as if he is looking for an answer but is already disappointed with the outcome* A real shame.

-smirks at his offhand compliment, but immediately his air changes to defensiveness when Rab mentions ‘his lot’, Sirius opening his mouth to respond but frankly he doesn’t know what to say right away, having thought all of these thoughts himself before, wondering the same questions about Mulciber and if he’s doing the right thing being around Cress at all, and so looks down while Rab’s talking, until Rab’s final question hits him like a punch to his gut, and he looks up again, determined to be right about his decisions despite the worry in his eyes- S’still a better option than hitching up with some fuckin’ hooded, purist scum who only cares ‘bout how quickly she can give y’anheir. -his voice is steadily rising, anger going along with it as he talks- You wouldn’t give a damn about her if her last name weren’t Selwyn, don’t act like you would. ‘Least when she’s with me she knows I wouldn’t toss her t’the fuckin’ curb if she spoke out’veturn, you spineless, archaic wanker.

*Absolutely would have let Sirius go on his rant because yes, Mulciber is trash, but when he implies that Rab feels the same way, oh that’s when shit hits the fan and he laughs* But what about when she wants to go home? See her parents? Talk to whatever friends she has that didn’t abandon her after they hear what you did? *prowling towards him* When she is longing for some familiarity but fears what you would say for wanting to associate with “scum?” *voice gets dangerously low* Could you look her in the eyes again if she decided that you and your band of misfits were no longer enough, and she leaves? *Absolutely spits the next words out* Because let me tell you Sirius, you can offer all the help in the world, but helping her make mistakes and watching her make mistakes is a whole different level of pain and frustration. *and now that he’s all riled up he thinks “what the hell, I haven’t had an outburst in 105 days, might as well have one now* And don’t you *whisper shouts* EVER pretend to think that you know my motivations or my mind, you cur! 

-scrunches up her face at him teasingly and then disappears into the bathroom, changing quickly before stepping back out, running her hands down the dress a la the gif- So…this is dress one. Know mum’s a fan of solid colors, and this, y’know, isn’t but… -shrugs a bit, slightly self-conscious- I dunno. I liked it.

Well you know how I feel about your mother’s opinion. *opens his mouth and then reconsiders his next comment* She has one. *clears his throat because man he is not cool* If you like it, I like it. *resettles himself in his chair and jokes* But I was promised a fashion show, and at the very least I need to see a twirl. 

-smirks while looking down and shaking his head, chuckling airily at Rabastan’s remarks before looking at him again- Bloody hell, y’think you’re such the smart talker, don’t ya, Lestrange? -rubs his hand over his mouth while looking to the side again, like he’s trying to hold himself together but also thinking of the next thing to say, then turns back and says really darkly, looking down at the man’s robes while he speaks, as though Rab doesn’t deserve his eye contact- Both know being ‘round you and your lot is only going t’hurt her, so how ‘bout y’just bow out’ve the fight now, yeah? -looks up to meet his eye now- Save us all the trouble, yeah, cousin? 

*can tell that he lost the offence in this conversation and so doesn’t respond to the first bit because the only things that would come out of his mouth would be something petty like “smarter than you.” In the corner of his mind he’s impressed that Sirius is actually using his head and knows exactly what he’s doing but that doesn’t stop it from getting under his skin* For someone who scorns the game, you’ve still picked up some tricks I see. *grits his teeth because he knows what he is saying is true but Rab is too damn proud to admit it, and definitely not to Sirius, so he hisses out the next answer* And your lot is so much better, hmm? *scans the surroundings around him* You don’t think there won’t be any repercussions for your rash actions? *Speaks through his teeth* What do you think is going to happen when they find out? Her parents? The vipers that she calls friends? Hell, do you think you could take on Mulciber when he finds out? *he forcefully punches/jostles his hands around in his pockets* How soon can you convince your blood traitor buddies and mudbloods to protect someone with ties to the Death Eaters, *raises his eyebrows* hmm?

-is talking as he’s talking- You actually never gave me a str– -stops when he stops her, looking up at him, ready for his NICE answer and then just rolls her eyes (but ~lovingly) and gives his arm a small shove when he kisses her forehead- Y’know, you might’ve been able to say no, but after that pratish comment… -turns and pulls him after her again, leading them to their bedroom and pushes him into a chair- Now you absolutely have t’help me decide.

*shrugs his shoulders* I suppose that’s fair. *trails after her, and is playing with their finger a little bit, when she pushes him into the chair he let’s out a little “oomf” and smirks up at her* I can think of worse fates.

-stiffens when Rab walks closer and touches his shoulder, his breath practically visible for how heavy it is, and glares right into Rabastan’s eyes to show he has no fear and no intention of backing down, a small smirk forming at the corner of his lips once he realizes what got Rab all worked up- Oh, s’matter, Rabbie? Bug ya t’think ‘bout me groaning her name when we’re together? -raises his eyebrows, his smirk having grown as he speaks in a lilted tone, heavy with sarcasm- Oh! Oh! Careful, Rabbie…such aggression, and just outside of the Ministry? -tilts his head up a bit- Who’s your supervisor again?

*his jaw is tight and theres probs a vein or whatever twitching in his forehead. He takes his time to just breath in and out, clenching his teeth and closing his eyes as Sirius is being a jerk face and forces out his reply even though not even he believes it* Wherever you stick your cock is no concern of mine. *straightens his own jacket and tilts his head* Crane is my supervisor, but he comes from a turbulent family himself. *the words are sour and terse coming out of his mouth* I’m sure he’ll understand errant threats between family. *his silver tongue is back and as much as he hates saying it, he knows that Sirius will hate it even more* Cousins fight, some more than others. *really grinding the words out now* Suppose I wont see you at the next Black-Lestrange reunion?

-deadpans- I meant your home office, you dolt. -tugs him on out of his chair, lacing their fingers together and pulling him out of their current room and into the living room area- Fancy seeing the things I bought for my mum’s event? Could, y’know, use your help deciding what looks best with these stumpy legs I’ve got.

But that’s different. *gets up and is all dramatic with his head tossed back as he walks and all that jazz* Oh is that this week? I can’t recall, did I say I would be there? Hey, *pulls her to a stop and looks into her eyes and definitely looks like he’s going to say “you don’t have stumpy legs, you’re perfect” but instead says* I love those stumpy legs. *gives her a teasing kiss on the forehead* I take it you won’t take “no” for an answer?

You need a break, Rab. Y’know, not work for a bit. -holds out a hand to him- C’mon. Out’ve the office.

*blinks up at her* You must be joking. *resettles himself in his chair* My boss has been breathing down my neck for thes- *stops as her hand enters his vision and huffs because he can’t say no to her, so he takes her hand* I’ll have you know that I left my office late this morning, so your concern is unnecessary.

-is infuriated further by Rabastan’s casual attitude, swallowing hard as he resists the urge to shove the taller man against the wall and sock him then and there, his blood pressure rising even higher with Rabastan’s threat to his position, and despite realizing the validity of the threat and the possible audience, Sirius leans in closer, his voice low and menacing- Think I give a shit about this place, about following their rules? I don’t need t’wait for evidence t’give me a reason t’do it, Lestrange. -his breath heavy and head fuming, he shoves the man backward threateningly, glowering in rage- Leave my brother–and Cress–the fuck alone.

Careful Black, *speaks tauntingly, recognizing some of the irony in his words* starting to sound more like a vigilante than a law abiding citizen. *takes everything in stride, going so far to reposition a piece of hair that fell out of place before freezing and his tone/posture shifts to cold and quiet* What did you say? *takes a step forward to get back into Sirius’ space, brushing hair or lint or something off of his jacket to avoid suspicion, and speaks low and icily* Speak her name again, and it will take years for them to find all the pieces to put your corpse back together again.

-his whole demeanor changes when Rab mentions Regulus, his eyes narrowing and falling to the wall behind where Rab is standing, breath thinning and smirk completely changed out for a harsh, flat expression, and can feel his blood boiling, ears ringing a bit so he’s almost unable to comprehend the rest of Rab’s jabs (heh rab’s jabs), his head spinning with thoughts about Regulus still at Hogwarts, being influenced by and pulled into sick, twisted things by the death eaters, until finally he just snaps, his eyes whipping back up to meet Rab’s for a split second before he rushes forward, grabbing the wizard by the collar with both hands, his teeth gritted as he speaks- You leave my brother alone, or I swear to Merlin I’ll burn you alive, Lestrange. 

*continues to smoke and watch as his words get under Sirius skin. He even goes so far to nod at some people passing who are sending them cautious/concerned looks. Just pondering what he’s going to say next until Sirius grabs him by the collar and makes him drop his cigarette, catching the smoke in his lungs so it doesn’t come out in a puff until he lets it out to the side of Sirius’ head, and looks down at the cigarette* Shame that, I had only just started it. *looks back up at him with a smile* My, my, such aggression from a trainee, right outside the Ministry.  Who is your trainer again? I’m sure they would be interested to hear how you handle personal situations and conflicts of interest. *just smirks at his threat* That’s cute.

-hisses- Of course I’m here. You’re in my bloody house, or have you made yourself so comfortable you’ve forgotten.

*rolls his eyes* You’re being dramatic. *is an asshole and puts his feet up on the table* You’re the one who insists on information as soon as I get it. I just assumed you were going to bullheadedly charge into a duel, so I thought to myself: “it would be a shame if the Scotch he opened went to waste all because he has no patiance” *motions to glass of Scotch and says with sarcasm* and since we are such good friends I knew you wouldn’t want it to go to waste.

…no. I’ve already been out and come back. You okay?

*looks down at his watch and raises his eyebrows in surprise before rubbing a hand through his hair with a sigh* Oh yeah, yes. Just lost track of time going over, *waves his hand at the mess of his desk* all this.

-he’s smirking and ready to GO with all the reasons Rab doesn’t care about Cress but then when he gets to the end of his rant Sirius’ eyebrows shoot up and he guffaws, as though genuinely shocked Rabastan would suggest that Sirius doesn’t have the right to judge him, his mouth twisting into a sadistic smirk now, lifting a hand to his face as though having to think through his answer, clearly sarcastic in doing so- Well, let’s see, could start with the fact that you’re a fuckin’ blood purist who hasn’t the ability to see people as human beings, or -shrugs nonchalantly- I dunno, the fact you’re just the quieter, stealthier version of your seedy brother? -quirks an eyebrow at him, his voice dripping with insinuation- Think I don’t know what you do when the ministry’s not looking, Lestrange?

Such strong words from a traitor who abandoned his family. *pauses to fake contemplation* You know, I ran into your brother the other day, *smirks and sticks his hands in his pockets with that ~~standing swagger~~ and honey voice* he’s doing well by the way. A little bit lost, *a twist in his smirk and his words are laced with double meaning* but we’re taking care of him. *pretends to contemplate Sirius’ insults* You are quite right about my brother, he’s good with his wands but not much else. *rolls his shoulders and meets his gaze* Those are some cute threats you have there Black, *tilts his head* did you practice them in the mirror before you came?