A Paradox

“With the amount of money those people have I can’t imagine they couldn’t just replace the stolen funds. Honestly, they’re making such a huge deal out of this.” She didn’t see the point, gossiping and speculation felt worthless when there was something to be done. “And no, I don’t know who did it and I don’t care, I didn’t even go to the stupid ball.”

Hearing her words caused a snort to escape him, “Of course they can. That’s not the point though is it? It’s about justice” he grinned, a teasing tone about him. Dirk wasn’t sure he cared who stole the funds, only that he wanted the money that was meant to go to Mungo’s replaced. Shaking his head, Dirk raised his eyebrow, “Oh? You don’t find the conspiracy theories any fun?” he asked, “You didn’t miss much. It was mostly tipsy people trying to upstage one another. It would have been comical if it wasn’t all so - distasteful” he hummed. 

Mary sighed and then nodded her head in agreement. “You’re right,” she said. In all honesty, she could think of many people that she knew from the Pureblood circles that she used to run in that fit that description. Her own mother would certainly fall into that category, unfortunately. “I know,” she agreed. “But at least they’re helping, even if it’s only financially. Honestly…that seems to be one of the best ways sometimes.” Mary didn’t know much, but she did know that money always talked, money always opened doors that were otherwise shut. She nodded her head. “It’s not, but if I know anything about balls, i’m sure there will be some people that treat it that way. It’s the unfortunate allure of a ball and dressing up and money.” She knew. She had been that way at one point in time. She laughed softly and then nodded her head. “That’s true,” she agreed. She doubted that Rodolphus would be happy to see her there, anyways. It would really complicate things. “I’m getting used to the whole, no sleeping thing,” she said lightly. Doing this alone…it was rather difficult. But she wouldn’t change anything. She smiled. “I can imagine how shocking it must be when you pull out a language when people have no idea that you are even listening,” She said, imagining the look of surprise on people’s faces that had to come with that. “My mother always wanted me to learn another language, preferably French, but I was never one to do as she wanted,” she said with a light laugh. “I regret it now, though,” she said with a shrug. “Thank you,” she smiled, a real smile . It was nice to be told that she was doing a good job.

Giving her a small smile, he nodded and allowed that portion of the subject to drop. As she spoke, Dirk mulled it over before giving a soft hum, “Honestly, you’re right. Financially is sometimes the best way and only way to help in a situation like this. Actions always speak louder than words do” he replied decidedly. Dirk hadn’t come from money, not really, but working in the Ministry had taught him how to see it for what it was and what it could be used for. “I can see that definitely, which is a shame. You’d think people would be more tasteful, but some people love any reason to be the center of attention,” he groaned, but he knew that there were always going to be people like that. Dirk gave her a small, sympathetic smile as she spoke, “I can imagine that’s been difficult,” he responded, “Kids are always a game changer, especially when you’re a single parent. I commend you for being able to do it,” he complimented warmly. A laugh escaped his lips as he nodded, “Honestly, it’s quite hilarious to watch the shock and often times embarrassment cross their faces,” Dirk admitted. Grinning he answered, “Most kids would rather not follow what their parents want them to do. If you ever want to learn though, I’d be happy to teach you, not matter the language it is” he offered warmly.

@evnrcsicr

Of all the places for them to be sent to, Dirk thought there had to be some form of irony in the fact that it was France; Paris to be specific. Since the night of the gala, when Dirk received a plethora of drunk texts, the pair hadn’t made much contact with one another. Despite the hilarity of the situation, Dirk hadn’t brought it up to Evan at all, nor even hinted about it in a teasing manner. Part of him wanted to, but something told him that Evan didn’t get to experience those kind of moments often enough, and he didn’t want to be the reason that the other boy stopped. 

Upon arriving at the hotel, he realized that they gave him one of two room keys, both going to the same room. He knew that the Ministry had been tightening up their budget, but he had expected them to make him and Evan share a room. Still, he wasn’t going to complain - they were here for business - so he made his way up to the hotel room. Dirk used his key to unlock the door and gave a warm smile at the only other person that could be occupying the room already. 

“It seems our budget has been cut. Hopefully you don’t mind sharing.” 

Alice took her phone back, a smile on her lips. “A globe emoji, I love it, she commented in amusement. Before putting her phone away she made sure that his number was closed. The blonde chuckled, shaking her head. “You’re far too flattering, Dirk,” she told him. “But I’m proud of the statement,” she added with a wink. “We all have our talents…” she added, letting the sentence hang in the air. “When are you usually free?” she inquired.

A warm smile crossed his lips, “I figured it was fitting” he laughed. Shaking his head, Dirk hummed, “It’s not flattery, not really. I think people should always give compliments when they feel them. If you can make someone feel good about themselves in a genuine manner, I don’t see any reason why you shouldn’t” he admitted. He’d seen how cruel people could be, and if he could make it a little bit warmer, a little bit kinder, he would. “Good, it’s something to be proud of” he agreed. Laughing, he couldn’t help but grin at her, “We do, and they’re all quite astonishing,” he hummed. Dirk looked up as he thought for a moment, “Friday afternoons are usually good and Saturday mornings, and most Sundays” he admitted. There were some perks to having a regulated job.

“Do I have your number?” she asked, casting her eyes up to try and recall. Pulling her mobile phone from her pocket she unlocked it, sliding it over to Dirk. “Add it again for good measure,” she told him with a warm chuckle. The blonde licked her lips, draining the last of her coffee from it’s cup. “dovremo solo rivoluzionare il mondo,” she responded, both part playful and fondly. “Fallibollire per la parola” she added with a wink.

Furrowing his eyebrows, Dirk thought for a moment, “I don’t think so, and if you do, it’s probably my old one,” he admitted. Picking up her phone, he quickly typed in his own name and number. “There; just shoot me a text and we’ll be good to go,” Dirk grinned. If his off time was spent with Alice, then it was time well spent. Taking a drink of his own tea he hummed, “Possiamo cambiare le cose che non possiamo accettare,” Dirk agreed, his tone warm and smooth. A smirk fell onto his lips as he answered, “potresti farli caldo per qualsiasi cosa mia cara.” 

“I’m honored,” Alice told him, and she truly meant that. The beauty of language was something severely underappreciated and Dirk seemed to be leading the way in preserving and celebrating that. She smiled warmly. “Beautiful,” she murmured. Her breath caught in her throat. “Excellent,” she replied. “I’ll call you,” she told him. Alice chuckled, shrugging playfully. “Mi lusingate,” she told him. “Quando il mondo è così bello, come puoi non essere uno spirito libero?” she asked.

A warm smile crossed his lips, and he was thankful to have someone like Alice to appreciate the beauty in language and culture as he did. “Thank you,” he answered softly. Alice was a marvel inside and out. “Please do, I look forward to it,” he admitted. Dirk smiled warmly before responding, “Se solo più persone avessero la stessa mentalità di te,” he hummed, “il mondo potrebbe essere un posto più caldo.”

“Oh, very possible. Maybe I should take bets?” he laughed shortly, he never let a laugh go too long for fear of being punished for mere mirth. IT was sad but then he didn’t really think about it. “Yes, Rodolphus is—-quite stiff, like he walked out of the 1800′s somehow.” it was odd, making fun of Rod, he wasn’t good at it. “It might as well be. I know it’s for a good cause but it just seems like a powder keg. I wonder who will light the first match. It seems unlikely the whole thing will remain peaceful for the full night unfortunately.” Though Rabastan publicly supported the Opposition, and his brother, his real feelings and loyalties were not with them. “That’s—close to the right word.”

A laugh escaped him as he answered, “Oh I think you should. It’d be a good laugh if nothing else.” Dirk could see some reservation in the younger man but it didn’t entirely surprise him. Nodding, he didn’t want to insult the other’s brother - there was something important and almost sacred about the bond between siblings. “I can absolutely see that, and it’s a very accurate representation of him,” Dirk grinned. He’d work with Rodolphus, and while he hadn’t been his favorite person to work with, he was effective. Chuckling, Dirk wore almost a cheeky grin, “It absolutely does, and I imagine it’ll get lit before the night is done, though hopefully people will remember to keep their manners as it’s for a quite somber event. I highly doubt they will though” he answered, an amused smile on his lips. Nodding her gave a softer smile, “I’d imagine it’s something like that. I didn’t grow up with a lot of balls, but I know the inside of a hospital pretty well,” he shrugged. 

Mary nodded her head. “I understand the feeling,” she said, assuring him. She had spent so much time preparing for events like this in the past, making sure that she would fit in. “I’m sort of surprised that the Ministry doesn’t do this more often, it’s a good way to raise money,” she said. “But I promise, if you stay with something classic and casual, you will absolutely fit in!” She promised. Mary nodded her head. “Very true. I think that it takes a very specific setting to try something brighter. An event like this…I would say that it might be a little bit…inappropriate to wear bright yellow or something, you know? Given the intent of the event,” She said. It was something that she had just realized, this wasn’t just a typical event, it was for people who had lost their lives. Mary smiled. “I hope so. But I’m not planning on being there all night. I’m going to be entirely too tired, I think.” Mary wasn’t sure how people would react, but she told herself that it didn’t matter. “I think that’s really cool! I loved going through the baby books and reading about the meaning behind names. If I knew, I probably would have bothered you about it all,” she teased. “Life’s hard enough, I wanted to give him a name he could be proud of.”

Nodding his head, Dirk gave her a smile, “I think that’d be a great way to get people involved in good causes, but I think there are some that are only willing to give when a tragedy occurs unfortunately” he admitted. A lot of people weren’t generous unless it benefitted them - boosted their status. “Thank you Mary, your expertise is very much appreciated. I think you’re absolutely right. The point isn’t to be the center of attention, and despite the fact that it’s a ball it isn’t really a celebratory event” he agreed. It was a much more somber event and he hoped people treated it that way. Dirk grinned at her and then looked at the little one she had in the pram, “I think that’s more than acceptable Mary. I can’t imagine motherhood leaves you with a lot of sleep, and no one can fault you for wanting to go home early.” Grinning, he gave a soft hum in agreement, “Languages are interesting, and to be able to speak and understand them is a different level of power I think. Not that I seek power so much, but it’s nice to have that knowledge. It comes in handy more often then one might think. If you ever want to know anything about any language let me know and I’ll do my best to answer,” he offered warmly. Giving a nod Dirk smiled, “You’re a great mum, Mary. He’s lucky to have you”.

Evan: That would be harassment. I am not a harasser.

Evan: everyone assumes things. I highly doubt you are exempt from that. You assumed I was grumpy.

Dirk: It's not harassment if consent is involved. You're not a harasser.

Evan: Lies, it's probably coarse.

Evan: Did you ever think maybe there is a reason why I'm grumpy?

Dirk: You can feel it for yourself of you don't believe me.

Evan: No. I hate it and its fluff.

Evan: you plagiarized a meme. That is offensive. And calling me grumpy? I'm not grumpy.

Dirk: It's also soft

Evan: Yes please do. Who knows what type of distractions you will bring if you let that mane go wild.

Evan: It's good that you know your fault in all this.

Dirk: Distractions? wait do you - do you like my hair?

Evan: Nope. Not getting over the hair. It should be illegal.

Evan: Rude. I have a sense of humour. And memes are beautiful ok? They are art and deserve to be respected and not plagiarized.

Dirk: Truly, I don't think it's that bad. Would you like me to wear a hat while we're in France?

Evan: I'm not drunk. I'm sober.

Evan: Yes.

Evan: How unoriginal. copying a meme. You should be ashamed.

Dirk: yes, of course you are

Dirk: Right well, I suppose you'll have to get over it

When the man took his hand and introduced himself Bas recognized the moniker. A man called Dirk had been spoken of by his colleagues and his brother a few times before, it was strange they had never crossed paths until now.  “You as well.” he said genuinely. “Oh, there always is, but it can be fun to see them being escorted out. I’d let them stay personally but Rodolphus is hoping to present a certain image.” He might have said too much, maybe. “Well, it’s also possible to be a room full of your enemies, or supposed enemies. I imagine I’ll try to enjoy myself but the tension might be—-high.” Why not speak so candidly to a complete stranger? “I wish I wasn’t.” he admitted.

Almost immediately, there were stark differences between the Lestrange brothers. From the way they greeted people to the look in their eye; Dirk sometimes wondered how siblings could be so incredibly different. He smiled, “It sounds like there might be a show involved. I suppose that’s something else to look forward to,” Dirk couldn’t help but snort, “Somehow I can’t imagine your brother is particularly fond of that sort spectacle; he’s very formal” he hummed. The candidness in which Rabastan spoke in was both surprising and refreshing, “It almost sounds like a cage match. Putting both sides in a room, giving them all alcohol, and watching the chaos unfold” he pointed out, unable to stop the amused smile. Dirk nodded, “I can imagine it gets tiresome,” his eyes softening just a bit.