A Not-So-Sympathetic Ear (Augustus)

[Bellatrix Black]

Bellatrix had been working as Professor Rothschild's assistant and been set up with private quarters at the castle. She wasn't required to stay in the castle after hours most days, so her quarters were rarely used and looked much like they did when she was given the key. But every now and again she was asked to stay for the night, as it was her rotation on corridor rounds. Since the students lived here most of the year, many of them became overly comfortable in the castle and would sneak out of their House commons after hours. It was only a year ago that she was one of those students. It almost felt hypocritical to scold them for it.

Tonight was her rotation so she was forced to stay in the castle. She loved serving her master, but truly wished she could serve him without dealing with these kids all the time. She was none too pleased about roaming the halls looking for troublemakers and she soon found herself outside Augustus Rookwood's quarters. He, perhaps, could sympathize with her situation and give her some advice for dealing with the unpleasant when there is no alternative. He too was a member of the Death Eaters, one of Lord Voldemort's trusted followers. He was also working in the Ministry and now a judge for the Inter House Tri-Wizard Tournament. Surely there were tasks placed upon him in these roles that could compare to the nightmare Bellatrix was in.

She was hesitant to bother him. They hadn't had much interactions outside of DE meetings, and he was older and more experienced than she was. Would he laugh at her and send her away? Bellatrix scoffed at that. No man turned her away, no matter the reason. She didn't accept it. She wouldn't. Feeling a bit more confident she knocked on Augustus' door, leaning against the frame.

[Augustus Rookwood]

Augustus kept to himself, in general, but especially at Hogwarts. He had a larger build, and a quiet way about him that he knew made him intimidating to the kids. Even some of the 7th years skirted around him. As long as he acted like a gentleman when he needed to, it was fine. He rather preferred that the students respect him. And really... there's wasn't much difference between fear and respect.

He was just heating water for tea when the knock came at his door, and he narrowed his eyes in its direction. It was late, and he wasn't called on to every make the rounds. He was more of a guest here while the tournament was going on. It gave him the perfect vantage for keeping an eye out.

He didn't hurry to the door, but rather opened it as if he had all the time in the world. If he was surprised to see Bellatrix in front of him, he didn't show it, but looked her over before stepping aside.

"Come in," he said, assuming she didn't come for something quick.

[Bellatrix Black]

"Thank you," she said softly as she brushed past him into the room. She had seen many of the other staff rooms before, being forced to fetch things for Rothschild when she was too busy with her baby to actually do the job she was hired to do. They all looked fairly similar, especially when it came to the more temporary staff members, her room included. But she had yet to enter Augustus' room and so she took a few moments to take in her surroundings. She took one slow spin and then turned back to Augustus.

"Hello," she said casually, with a small smile on her face. "I'm sure you weren't expecting to see me at this hour. I'm not interrupting anything, am I?" She could just as easily go if he had plans, though her aggravation would only continue.

[Augustus Rookwood]

She would not have found anything of great interest, or anything out of the ordinary in Augustus' room. Especially being from the department he was in, used to keeping his secrets, his set up here was minimalist, at best.

He closed the door behind Bellatrix, turning to face her, his expression ever impassive. "I wasn't expecting you," he confirmed for her, his eyes going up and down her body, not in a perverse way, but just short of sussing her out. "But no, you're not interrupting anything." Not to say that he wasn't doing anything, just that she wouldn't be interrupting, that he wouldn't stop for her. "How are you, Bellatrix?"