rsrevan

[rsrevan]

[rsrevan]

Evan grinned at her words, a flicker of fond amusement lighting up his face. “Ah, poor Lucius — nothing like impending fatherhood to turn a man into a watchdog in silk robes. Still, I suppose it suits him in a strangely noble sort of way.” He offered Narcissa a warm, genuine smile, his gaze momentarily drifting to her stomach with quiet reverence before returning to her eyes. “I’ll hold you to that invitation, then. We’ll bring some scandalous stories for sure.” With a teasing wink, he gave her a slight bow, courtly and playful all at once. “Take care, Cissa. I’ll see you soon.” And with that, he turned on his heel, his elegant stride carrying him away, the faint echo of his laughter lingering in the air.

END.

“Flattery, cheekbones, and charm… truly, you are unstoppable,” Narcissa replied with a soft chuckle as she shifted on her feet, a hand instinctively brushing over her stomach. "Thank you. That means a lot. If this child ends up with even half the grace you show in social manoeuvring, he’ll be leagues ahead before he’s even out of diapers." She nodded. “Lucius is… walking a tightrope between panic and performance I think. He keeps a dignified air when others are around, but he's also increasingly unwilling to let me out of his sight in case something happens." She offered a faint, genuine smile then “I’d be delighted if you stopped by. And yes, do bring Leta if she also has the time — it’s been far too long, and the company is always welcome. I imagine you both have plenty stories I’d enjoy hearing.”

[rsrevan]

Evan let out a low chuckle, swirling the amber liquid in his glass as he leaned a little closer, voice laced with that familiar mischief. "You know me, Augustus—marriage and children are no longer part of the plan. I'm far too fond of my freedom now to let it go ever again, and I find sleeping around infinitely more entertaining than diapers and domesticity." He smirked, casting a glance across the room where a few witches had already been eyeing them. "That said, there are a few lovely candidates tonight who look like they'd be more than happy to keep your bed warm— I trust you to choose wisely." He raised his glass slightly in a silent toast, eyes gleaming. "Send that owl, and let’s meet this week. I think you’ll like what I have in mind."

“Excellent. Expect an owl soon enough then, we’ll find an evening where both of us are free from obligations and see what we can get up to.” He had no doubt between the two of them, they could get up to quite a lot. He chuckled and took a swig of his scotch, nodding. “At the rate of these weddings and babies I’m beginning to think we may be the last ones.” He snorted. “A wise man, a pity that the ones that are the most fun are also the most dangerous. Then again, perhaps that’s why they’re so enjoyable to begin with.” He arched a brow at the offer of meeting to discuss some things and he nodded. “Of course, you know where to find me.” His eyes went back to roving over the crowd, people milling about and enjoying themselves. “Not particularly this evening, but the night is still young. Plenty opportunity.”

[rsrevan]

Evan’s smile turned wicked as he leaned in, fingers trailing along Evelyn’s waist with slow, deliberate intent. “Tempting as Valeria is, I’d rather wait until she’s sober enough to remember just how good the night gets,” he murmured, lips brushing close to her ear. “But if I’m leaving with anyone tonight, it’s you.” His hand settled at the small of her back, pulling her closer, voice dropping to a murmur meant only for her. “I want you tonight, Evelyn. And I plan to spend the night making sure you forget anyone else crossed your mind.”

Evelyn’s smile turned amused as Evan informed her that Valeria had spoke to him about it as well. “I may have to thank the endless supply of champagne this evening that’s kept her honest, it’s certainly made the evening more interesting.” She was never one for weddings, especially her own. But when it provided good company and enjoyable ends to her evenings, then she certainly couldn’t complain. The witch had a feeling that tonight she and Evan would be leaving with a third party. “Shall I fetch you a pensieve Evan?” Her voice held a note of teasing as she pressed against him, the hand on his shoulder sliding down over the lapel of his suit as darkened eyes met his. “Or perhaps we could reenact things for you this evening.”

[rsrevan]

The wizard listened closely, though he remained seated, the distance more than appropriate as his intentions with the witch had greatly shifted since her birthday party. "I fear Longbottom couldn't notice the perpretator even if they were standing right in front of him." Evan said with a shrug of his shoulders before shifting in his seat, leaning in curiously. "Perhaps I could take a look at the guest list from your party? One of them must have been the one presenting you with the poisoned necklace."

Serra, sighed dramatically, shrugging her shoulders. "I have no idea. Apparently it was one of the necklaces I got for my birthday that was poisoned, but I do not know who has given it to me, so it cannot be someone important." She had gotten a lot of gifts and had waited to open most of them at once so she did not read each and every card given to her. The card was the least important part. "I have had an auror come and interview me. Longbottom." She knew he was pureblood at least, but far too sympathetic to muggles and the like. "They are going well. He has barely left my side since I got here."

[rsrevan]

The body crumpled fully and Evan's hand wrapped firmly around her wrist— not rough, but decisive. Commanding. “That’s enough.” His voice wasn’t loud, but it didn’t need to be. It cut. Cold and final, like a slamming door. He held her gaze for a long beat, watching her face: the gleam in her eye, the twitch of her lips, the tightness in her chest as adrenaline hummed through her blood like wildfire. Too much of it, too fast.

“Now comes the hardest part,” he murmured, low and calm, like a lesson passed down in some cathedral of the damned. “Unveiling the monster that lives beneath your skin isn’t the test. Anyone can scream. The real power is hiding it, folding it up neat and silent behind your smile.” He let her go, slowly. Almost gently. Then stepped back, and in one smooth motion, turned on the spot and apparated them away.

The space around them cracked and then they were in the warm, dusky interior of The Three Broomsticks, a far cry from the stench of blood and terror. Laughter drifted from a nearby table. The scent of butterbeer and firewhiskey lingered in the air.

Evan slid into a booth like nothing had happened, nodding at the barkeep with practiced ease. Then, as his eyes fell back on Georgette, he raised a brow — and his glass — before offering his final command of the evening, quiet enough for only her to hear. “Figure out how to ease your breathing, and soften that expression. You wear that face out there,” he gestured lazily toward the rest of the pub, “and you won’t last a month.”

The witch didn't turn immediately. Her wand lingered in the air, trembling slightly, though whether from the exertion of sustained cruelty or the pleasure it gave her, even she couldn't tell anymore. The muggleborn lay crumpled at her feet, his shallow, ragged breaths the only proof he was still alive.

She finally turned, slowly, deliberately. Blood had spattered on her cheek like war paint, and her eyes shimmered -- not with tears, but with power. Magic still crackled at her fingertips, desperate to be unleashed again. Her lips curved into a slow, wicked smile.

"Alive," she whispered, voice thick like honey. "More than I’ve ever felt in years."

She took a step toward Evan, dragging the wand behind her like it was an extension of her will. "All I did was listen." Her smile widened, showing just a glimpse of something unhinged beneath the surface, "to him scream. To the magic hum. To myself, finally waking up."

She looked past him for a moment, into the shadows where the house bent into darkness. Then her gaze snapped back to Evan, sharp as a dagger drawn mid-laugh.

"So -- did I pass or shall we fetch another for round two?" There was a beat. Then she added, softly, intimately, "Because I think I’ve developed a taste for it."

[rsrevan]

He knew the other wizard to be cheeky, having followed closely on their adventures while at Hogwarts and seeing the group of them corrupt his cousin into the pathetic life he now lead. They had all turned out the same and he was not about to miss an opportunity to talk to the boy, especially when they were in his territory. A subtle, disregarding chuckle left Evan's lips as he leaned forward, putting his weight on his elbows. "The trick's always having your opponents believe you're playing the odds, when in fact you're playing them." He stated nonchalantly, gesturing for the barmaid to fetch them both a drink. "See, I don't need any ego heightening on your part, and if you feel tortured by the conversation-- I think I'm still winning side, aren't I?"

James was already wishing to whatever higher being was there with him in the cafe that Evan Rosier would ignore the conversation and simply walk away. Once Rosier got comfortable and shared the respite, James felt himself roll his eyes and was thankful it was done so discreetly behind the papers. "Oh, that is a delight to hear that you win at everything. Do tell me how to be just like you," he answered with a wooden smile to match his casual sarcasm. "I don't know that, Rosier. It seems like you've finally lost something — your confidence in others' ability to heighten your ego. Since you are such a betting man, what are the odds of you finding someone else to torture with small talk?"

[rsrevan]

Always dexterous in the art of socializing, Evan knew exactly who to spend his time with and who to avoid completely. Christopher fell in the first group, the two had been friends for a long time, shared views and beliefs only strengthening the friendship with the years. "By those standards, we could say I behave well too." The wizard joked with ease, a grin flashing through his lips as he ordered them both glasses of the best brandy the bar had. "See, I can never make up my mind when it comes to that, if it's better to remember them or not to." He voiced his thoughtfulness, taking a sip of his drink soon as it arrived. "I guess I'd rather remember who's been in my bed, or else it wouldn't be worthy to have them anyways."

𝐭𝐰𝐨   𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬   𝐨𝐟   𝐭𝐡𝐞   𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐞   𝐜𝐨𝐢𝐧   ,   not   people   ,   just   him   .   he   was   the   same   coin   with   different   facets   ,   the   first   the   quiet   boy   ,   turned   man   ,   who   kept   his   nose   clean   (   relatively   )   and   his   head   down   ,   but   then   there   was   the   truth   ,   hidden   behind   the   easy   facade   he’d   created   long   ago   ,   a   mirage   almost   ,   only   those   important   or   close   enough   ,   knowing   the   realness   of   him   and   the   man   that   sat   across   from   his   ,   was   one   of   the   select   few   .   with   sleeves   rolled   upwards   ,   shoulders   free   of   stiffness   as   body   slouches   in   the   chair   with   ease   ,   crystal   glass   almost   dangling   from   fingertips   as   lips   quirk   .   “   i   behave   quite   well   ,   you   know   this   .   ”   kit   grinned   ,   wicked   in   it’s   own   right   ,   devious   almost   in   it’s   own   darkness   .   “   there’s   been   some   here   and   there   ,   but   never   to   keep   the   attention   ,   nothing   terribly   noteworthy   .   ”

[rsrevan]

The wizard felt a weight lifting off his shoulders as his friend mentioned the fact he'd slept on the couch, for a moment almost losing his composure as he imagined what the two of them could've been doing travelling together. He wouldn't admit it to anyone, let alone Beck, a secret still his and Emmeline's to keep-- one that even now that they were free to do as they pleased seemed to be more theirs than it ever was. "I'm glad you two enjoyed yourselves, a breather is sometimes most needed." Evan told the other, his expression unfazed as he bottomed the contents of his glass. "I won't hold you any longer, my friend, or else your date might come curse me." He said as he clasped the wizard's back and nodded towards the pretty witch he'd come with.

END.

His face soured with a grin and shook his head. This was a wedding, not exactly a feeding ground for potential sleeping partners. Even if that were the case, his heart was still holding space for another. But Evan always had a way of tempting him towards other passions. First the Death Eaters and now his eye was beginning to wander the room. "Fine, from what I could tell," he answers, missing Evan's reaction towards the use of Emmeline's name. "Seemed a good chance for both of us to get away for at least a day. Even if it was just sleeping on her couch."

[rsrevan]

"One you haven't shared just yet, am I going to hear it or would you rather I came up with a pretty nickname just for you?" Evan wondered unabashedly, flirtatious without care. He took a step closer, offering his arm to the witch before nodding down the alley so she would walk with him. A smug yet amused chuckle left his mouth as her question, turning to look at her with a brow slightly raised and a grin pulling at the corners of his lips. "Got to admit I wasn't thinking of including him or else I'd have to behave, which I really rather not do."

"I am but I do have name all of my own you know," she joked with a serious look. Florence laughed at his offer, turning to look back at Knockturn Alley as she observed the path ahead of her. "Does that offer include him joining us for a drink if we come across him?" she asked with amusement.

[rsrevan]

A lopsided yet fliratious grin settled on Evan's lips as the witch turned around to meet his gaze, he recongised her right away. "You're Corban's sister." He observed, smoothly. "I don't think I've seen him though. But I could definitely escort you through Knockturn Alley to try and find him, perhaps buy you a drink afterwards?"

Florence glanced behind her as someone spoke to her, a small frown of confusion on her brows before he complimented her and it fell away with a laugh. "What's the point of looking all pretty if it can't get you into wherever you want?" she offered questioningly. "I'm just looking for my brother, but he seems to be hiding."

[rsrevan]

"If we were emotional people, that would make me tear up. But, as it is, it makes me proud." He told her endearingly. Evan had always looked after her, making sure no one ever messed with her, and it had been brought to his attention that Emma had done the same for him when it mattered most. The wizard let out a chuckle, he wouldn't let anyone else tease him like she did, his reaction gentle. "Ah, yes, I think we've established I'm not good at picking a wife."

"As I have yours." She trusted him implicitly, Evan was as dear to her as her own brother was, it had always been this way. It was easy for them to get along, their opinion similar enough on most matters. "We are nothing if not skilled athletes." She shrugged, a smile playing on her lips. "I would like that. As long as you do not advise it in choosing a betrothed."

[rsrevan]

The wizard had stepped out to give her room to connect with her inner strength and whether she made it or not, would determine if he'd allow her into their ranks or not. He was patient, just enough, before he decided it was time to see the work in progress. Evan stepped back into the house, quietly, intending to go unnoticed. His glance instantly drawn to the witch pointing her wand at the muggleborn, malice on her gaze and pleasure written all over her face. Success.

He let her go on, torture the man unconscious before clapping slowly, proud smirk coloring his features. "Look at you, that's what I'd call hot." The death eater complimented her, eyes keen on her. "How are you feeling, darling?"

Georgette didn’t answer right away. Her gaze fell to the man bleeding on the floor -- glassy-eyed, barely holding on -- then back to Evan, unfazed by the amused malice behind his grin and the laughter from his belly. She took it to mean she had done well. At least slightly so. Unless he was laughing at her skill but there was nothing laughable there. He spoke and she nodded her head in understanding. She wondered what she would do but knew she would figure it out. She always did. It's the way she got through life.

The door clicked shut behind Evan. Georgette waited. She stood perfectly still, letting the silence stretch -- not for the man’s benefit, but for her own. There was a power in pause. Most people overlooked it. They rushed to the violence but Georgette had learned early that fear created the best silence.

Her eyes stayed on the man slumped against the wall. A mess of blood and sweat dripped down his brow, his eyes watching her, tracking her steps as she moved toward him. Georgette studied him like one might study a book, flipping through pages with careful hands.

Quietly she said, “Tell me who you spoke to. You can give me a name with a tongue or without it. It’s entirely your choice.”

His shoulders trembled -- pathetic -- and a sob slipped through clenched teeth. “P-Perrin,” he rasped. “It was Perrin. I met him outside The White Heart pub.” Georgette laughed. "That's all I needed," she replied.

For a moment, Georgette considered the matter over with and she had nothing more to do with the muggle. A sliver of mercy perhaps. No, she thought. Crucio!

She hadn't noticed if Evan had come back. She was having too much fun.

[rsrevan]

He couldn't help but laugh at Beck's comment, he was not trying to give out dating advice, not really. "I think it's hooking up advice, my friend, if you want it that is." He wasn't one for dating himself, rather engaging in short lived but intense affairs where people always left remembering his name. There was only one witch that had managed to slip right through his cracks and make him wonder if there was more to life than making his method know all around. He was surprised to hear her name brought up in the conversation, brows raising ever so slightly as his interest was piqued. "You and Emmeline? How is she doing?" Evan wondered, he had yet to speak to her since his betrothal was called off.

"Are you actually giving me dating advice? I think I'm alright." Beck gave a weak laugh, his lips curling into a placid smile. Of course, some people found danger attractive and Evan would say that. The chase was sometimes better than the game because of acting on wit or something was forbidden. Beck hung his head to the side, glancing around the room. He had only come with Mira and intended to leave with her to at least say goodbye or leave by himself. The room was full with familiar faces, some of who he had been friendly with before in the past. Tonight wasn't about that. "Not tonight," he said, repressing his other thoughts. "The other option is just myself. I just got back from Italy with Emmeline so I need to catch up on some things. Well, congratulations, mate. I hope you two have fun."

[rsrevan]

Evan had done what he thought was right at the moment, the witch had no interest in talking to his friend at the night of her party, all too upset with him still. He'd seen the wizard leave the White Wyvern with Charity Burbage a couple of times, so he simply shared the facts with the birthday girl and found himself taking her home for a fun ride. But that was the end of it, he'd already turned the page over, especially considerin Malcolm was indeed betrothed to her and she now seemed perfectly content with it. He even believed he'd help things turn out this fantastic way. "I'm not going to contradict your fiancée, my friend, but I shared only what I saw with my own eyes." The wizard commented lightly before shrugging it off entirely, the purpose of this conversation being a much more important topic. La Cachette was a dream of theirs, one that needed to see the light of day sooner than later and he felt both wizards were in a place to make it happen now. "Yes, Leta's ready to make it work whenever we need her to. You're the expert on locations, so tell me, which one's the best for our little project?"

At least with his friend Nick, there was never any worry about going after the same people; they couldn't have two different types. It had been the same conclusion when he thought about Evan, never considering that he had to be on his toes around him and Serra. He hadn't reached out to him since their small argument at Serra's birthday party. Between the pre-wedding planning, continuing his work, and another wedding, he hadn't had time to give to his friend. Malcolm waited in the back for Evan with his drink already on his table. His lip twitched as Evan brought up everything he had been trying to forget. "And while we're on the subject, my friend, I did not sleep with Charity Burbage around the time of Serra's party. Perhaps you should check your sources as my fiancee told me that was your account of what happened," he said and took a small sip. La Cachette had been their personal dream for years; a combined interest that would lead to miles of success. Malcolm could continue to be upset, or he could bite his wand and go through with their plan. He didn't mean to be a stubborn rock in their path. "I already did some...location scouting. And there are three viable options. Is your sister still available for working out some designs?"

[rsrevan]

He had no further intentions with the witch, theirs had been a one night stand fully taken advantage of, but never to repeat again. She was about to marry his friend and even as some wouldn't believe it, Evan was a man of principles, and therefore the encounter he'd shared with her was already forgotten. He'd come around only for his bond with Malcolm and his ties to pureblood society, it was what was expected from him and what he deemed entirely appropriate. "Have you got any idea who might have been behind it? It's a crime that can't go unpunished." The wizard stated, crossing his legs as his gaze settled on Serra. "Of course, it's nothing, the least I could do. How are things going on with Malcolm?"

The first few days of her stay in the hospital had been spent with Malcolm by her bedside every day. Sure she had been somewhat aware that he did still care for her, before he had told her so. The consistent presents every year had been an indicator for that, but she had been surprised by his worry and care and that he was a permanent fixture to her side. When she opened her eyes it was not him by her side but Evan. "I do not recommend it to anyone." She grimaced, checking the mirror on her beside table to make sure her hair wasn't flat from laying down. "I am much better now. Thank you for coming. It is kind of you." She hadn't thought he would, although they had ended their short lived affair the same night it began. She had been upset, it was her birthday and he had made her feel better. It never lead to anything else or more than that.

[rsrevan]

"Between the sharp cheekbones and the ever flowing flattery, I might get a boost ahead in life." He joked, letting out a gingerly laugh. Evan was used to taking compliments and making the most of them, quite dexterous in social exchanges and gaining the best he could out of it. "I'm certain he will prove his worth in no time, my dear, a son of yours could only be brilliant." Evan told his cousing with honest belief, he cared deeply for his family and was glad to see his cousins bringing in new members to their bloodline. "How's Lucius handling fatherhood so far? Freaking out or already past that stage?" The wizard wondered as he hadn't been around all that much, a debt he would pay soon enough. "I'll stop by for tea sometime this week, if that's alright by you. Perhaps I could bring Leta around too, I'm sure she's been looking forward to seeing you as well."

Narcissa's eyes sparkled with fond amusement as she shook her head. "Forever a flair for dramatics cousin. I'm sure the sharp cheekbones will carry you far in time to come," she replied smoothly, though her smile gave away the affection beneath her words. "You've always been a good friend - and a better cousin. I've no doubt about that, no matter what you've heard. But perhaps it's best to believe only half of what you're told, and make sure the other half flatters you outrageously." She offered with a small chuckle. She had always had a lot of time for Evan and valued any time that they had the chance to spend together. "I'm sure that he'd be happy to know that he has an uncle who already sees his worth, even before he's had the chance to demonstrate it." Then, with a rare softness, she added, "Well, you are always welcome m'dear. You know that."