flesh without blood

do you REMEMBER who you were before the world TOLD you who to be ?

[r-b-stan]

remus:

☾

His breathing was unsteady. Several deep breaths were needed before he was able to find the courage to throw a sideways glance at the person that spoke. He forced himself to nod then took another breath, slowly releasing it through his nose.

“Yeah, I can do that,” He murmured. A waste of his own drink and the little bit of money he carried on him going toward whatever Rabastan was drinking. It was all too fitting for a shitty day. “What do I owe you?”

- 

He watched the other man with interest now, Remus' reaction offering some amusement to Rabastan. He supposed his demeanour could seem intimidating at times. Running his tongue along his teeth thoughtfully, his fingers tapping on the bar, Rab nodded towards the man.

“ I think your finger is bleeding. ” he remarked, dark eyes dropping to the red slowly emerging from Remus' hand. “ Forget the drink, better you just stop bleeding everywhere. ” He wasn't really in the business of trying to make anyone's day worse, gesturing the barman over to refill his and Remus' glasses.

[r-b-stan]

lucius​: 

Lucius was able to keep his look neutral when he entered the shop. There was a brief moment where he scrunched his nose up while taking in the wares but it was quickly replaced with a slight smile when he spotted Rabastan.

”The color does not suit you,” Lucius offered with a shrug. “Would do better to go a shade lighter. Add in silver cuff links and you should be set.” There was a pause where he stepped forward to look Rabastan over from the front of the reflection. “Add getting some sleep or a cheering charm on there.” This time, the pause was to flash a smile in Rab’s direction. “Do you regret asking me yet?”

-

Noting Lucius' voice before the visage, Rab stepped down from the stool, brushing the lapel on his robes genially. He wasn't sure if the man was pulling his leg, given his tone, though Lucius was a little known for his flair. His own style focused on darker palettes.

“ I suppose you'd know better than me, ” Rab laughed, for admitting defeat to Lucius wasn't something he'd ever cared about. It didn't share the same competitiveness he did with Rod. “ Someone gifted me some cufflinks for my birthday, they should pair well. ”

He emitted another laugh, darker this time at the man's joke. “ Not sleeping great, but it's never an issue. Other than the obvious. ” he gestured to his face. “ Not at all, I only value you for your fashion advice, mate, didn't you know? ”  

[r-b-stan]

ilona: 

♔

“Mister Lestrange.” Ilona greeted with a small nod, a polite smiled fixed upon her features as she listened to the wizard explain his reasoning for dropping in past the store. It wasn’t unusual to have people come in to Borgin & Burkes looking to pass on various trinkets and items, both on and off the books if they were the right kind of person, so she wasn’t surprised by Rabastan’s words.

“Is that so?” She asked with a raise of her brow, not allowing time for him to answer before she continued. “Well of course, I’d be more than happy to hear all about it. Would you prefer to step in to the privacy of our bac room or is out here fine?”

-

“ Mister Lestrange is my father, or my brother. Rabastan is fine. ” he corrected softly, resisting the urge to cringe a little at the formality. No doubt, though, he knew she ran a professional establishment. The Burke's were always someone he had known at a distance within society, their shop bearing usefulness for generations.

Crossing his arms over his chest, Rab returned a nod. “ Privacy isn't something we should take for granted, so I'd rather use the back room, if you don't mind that is. ” he tilted his head at her, waiting for her to lead the way if she desired. “ I suppose you get all kinds in here, and I'm not very trustworthy. ”

[r-b-stan]

wendy:

~

Even when Severus was in, he typically worked in the back so she was used to working the front of the store alone. She much preferred being alone in the shop, even when it was busy, to the owner being in. Whenever he was around, she couldn’t stop her nervousness and paranoia that he might realize what she was. He always chalked it up to her just being nervous, working with her boss, and she let him continue thinking that. It was better for all of them that way. But when she was alone, she tended to be more like her old self, more relaxed. 

She wondered if she shouldn’t have said anything and just gave it to him, but she didn’t want to do anything that would get her into trouble. “Well if you promise to be extra careful,” She teased lightly with a smile. “I hope that I didn’t offend you, you seem to be very capable. But you don’t know the types that we get in here sometimes that take on a bit more than they can handle,” she shrugged.

“We keep our more poisonous ingredients in the back, let me go get it,” Wendy said. She was about to go and get it when he spoke again. What exactly was this man up to? “Well, that entirely depends. What kind of curse are we talking about and what kind of damage is it doing? I have a few books in mind that might be of help but I need a bit more details to narrow it down.”

-

The woman matching his playfulness almost threatened him into smiling back. He did, albiet after her nice words, feeling somewhat sheepish about his brazen armour. It had always helped to put people at a distance. He brushed away her shrug with a hand. “ No offence caused, I suppose it is a part of the job. ” he admitted. “ People can be stupid. I hope those kinds of people aren’t causing you and Severus trouble. ” he said sincerely, as if reminding her he had the potential to be a friendly face.

He nodded curtly at her reply, placing his hands behind his back patiently. Rab looked up once more attentively when Wendy spoke, clearing his throat. How interested was she? He wouldn't give her much to cling onto. “ It was from an object, just a simple burn--still, it's resistive, I hope that can offer some help. If not, don't worry, it’s no pressing issue, really. I have a few places to hit after here. ” He knew he could simply ask Lucius if he should find himself with further barriers.

[r-b-stan]

verity: 

⚘

The familiar face caused her to lose the anxious look that had taken over her features, expression softening into something more neutral. It was unreadable for several seconds and was quickly replaced with a small smile, Verity unable to hold back a soft laugh in response to how he phrased his question.

“Tried asking me out,” Verity cringed. “No - asked me out two times after I feigned disinterest. Ruined my plan of buying new robes for a function mum is putting on.” She threw a backwards glance in the direction of the store, shuddering at a new thought. “I swear my brother thinks I don’t have any taste. Is it silly to think he may be trying to meddle with the little bit of personal time I get?”

-

Rab made a slight grunt in distaste, looking over his shoulder once more to get a good look at the man. Hounding women was never a behaviour he'd favoured in his own sex and he had half a mind to go back after hours to teach the men a lesson for simply bothering someone he knew. It was a twisted loyalty he felt to his society. He wasn't often inclined to slither into vicious ways but when he felt strongly, it wasn't an easy thought to shake. A steel gaze suddenly bore his features. “ They won't get away with it, karma is a sticky thing. No doubt you'll find a much better establishment worth your money and time. ”

Rabastan offered her a reassuring smile, head tilting slightly at the mention of her brother. “ You think your brother would care to muddle that much? Seems a little pathetic. ” he enquired curiously, for his own brother had a penchant for involving himself in Rabastan's business, though this lessened mostly with age. He hoped she didn’t suffer the same fate.

[r-b-stan]

helga:

a small gathering was to be held with her family and distant relatives over the weekend to honour her parents and the work they did for the ministry within england, so helga had come to madam malkin’s  -  her go to place for fresh robes and fittings  -  to pick up hers and her sister’s dresses and overrobes. 

the bell rings overhead as she pushes into the shop, the scent of lavender and lillies hits her almost immediately as she moves to walk further inside. her curiosity betrays her as she catches sight of a man waiting for the tailor to return to his side, her staring obviously catching the man’s attention as she stutters out a response to his question. “well … well perhaps. good … um.” shaking her head, the healer pushes a small smile onto her lips, “you’ll make all the lads and ladies swoon for you with that, if thats what your after of course.”

-

The stuttering response evoked an endeared, bubbling laugh from Rabastan's lips as he shook his head politely at the woman. While he hadn't caught her staring, the belief she thought herself noticed brightened his spirits on what had been an easily average day. It wasn’t the reaction he had expected from something found in here.

“ I’m flattered. They are work robes--so I hope they aren't too distracting, ” he mused, pushing his hands into his pockets as he stepped down from the tailor’s stool. Another look in the mirror made him think twice. “ I doubt my Head of Department will be too pleased, the nature of my job isn’t exactly associated with distractions. Still, perhaps I can find a purpose somewhere. Are you waiting for the seamstress? I think she may be out sick today. ”  

[r-b-stan]

emilia​: 

Emilia had come seeking for something more thrilling than reading up on various worldly cultures, witches and wizards so dropped by Obscurus in hopes to find something to peek her interest. Running her fingers over the tattered and leather bound spines the woman finally stopped upon a book about the history of love magic. Smiling the woman pulled the book from the shelf. “Oh how that would be a feature.” she laughed, not knowing exactly who he was.

“Something more appealing than, muggle languages.” she sighed gazing down at the book she was now hugging in her arms. Was this really the book for her? She’d soon find out. “Have you read this one?” she asked offering him the book in her grasp.

-

Rabastan was a little bewitched by the laugh bubbling beside him, brows slightly lifting in impression as his eyes dropped upon the female, pausing to take it all in for a second. “ It wouldn't be the worst thing that's happened to me today. ” he retorted with a polite smile, pulling a book from between the shelves before stepping back.

                           “ Well, I don’t disagree there’s nothing amusing about them. Though languages are beautiful in themselves, ne serais-tu pas d'accord, bel étranger? ” Rab quipped, lips twisting to the side. He was sure enough she would know French if she had mentioned languages and taught by his mother, it was a language he had always favoured speaking compared to English. The man looked down at the cradled book, offering a soft chuckle. “ No--I haven’t, though I only really read fiction or when I'm trying to learn something. Are you a searching for truth or just a romantic? ”  

[r-b-stan]

fenrir:

Rabastan’s discomfort was more than obvious, but there was nothing in the world Fenrir treasured more. How often was he allowed to toy with those fighting on his own side? Not often enough. The blood traitors and filth he was sent to break and torture and kill could sate his hunger well enough, but there had always been something special about those considered off limits. Had it not been for the respect he had for his brother—however restrained their relationship might have been—he might have done more than flash his teeth. For now, all he had offered ( would offer ) were advances shadowed in humor.

“I don’t celebrate Christmas,” he half-joked, snorting. “Better off sending me something the day after. Make sure you get that on your list.” It was almost a shame that he had come across the artefact in summer, instead of closer to the holidays. How would he have reacted to it as a gift? Surely he wouldn’t have been foolish enough to poke at it himself, but… there was always the possibility. It was less entertaining to imagine when he wouldn’t have been able to watch.

His eyes slid to the pub across the street, tongue caught briefly between his teeth. “Depends,” he started, lip curling in a smirk. “Are you buying?”

-

Rabastan wasn’t aware, though there was very little he properly knew about Fenrir. There were things he noticed in his appearance. And while he favoured his own skills, he knew enough to be wary around the gentleman despite him sharing a friendship of sorts with his brother. Rab arched a slight brow at the other's impudence, though put it down to lack of manners. Naturally looking down at people was a trait he tried to discard in more recent years. “ Note taken. ”

He doubted he would bother when it came to the time, but being polite was in his nature. He pushed his hands into his pockets, offering a matching snort before deigning and shrugging at the man. Had he expected any different? 

                     “ Makes no difference to me, let’s go. ” Rab muttered in reply, brushing past Fenrir towards the pub. As they entered, he resisted turning his nose up at the instant smell and his sticky boots, lips pressing into a simper. He looked across at the other, gesturing around with a nod of his head. “ Not really my usual type of place, but I guess a drink’s more important. You know this place? ”

[r-b-stan]

alecto​: 

♙

Alecto turns her head slightly to hide her continuing smile. She’s not usually one for such softness, but after an evening spent faking niceties, these expressions feel real in a way she can’t resist. 

“Good. You don’t need to find out what I do to liars then.” She can be a cruel woman, harsh in her reactions to any perceived slight, but there’s nothing of that here. It’s an empty threat, another playful barb in the banter they seem to have fallen into tonight. It’s familiar, comfortable, and it’s definitely making up for the sour evening Alecto has had so far. 

She follows his example and discards her glass on a nearby table. “Is that so? Well, in that case I’ll have to take you up on your offer to dance. I’m eager to see these surprises of yours.” 

-

Her hidden smile bewitches him into grinning back. “ Sad to say I’m a little intrigued. ” he remarks flippantly, his nerves melted by this routine of theirs and that gaze of hers, though he senses a flash of warning in the words. He knows Alecto possesses dangerous qualities and perhaps by anybody not so similar to himself, he would be revolted.  

He nods to the dancefloor, beginning to trail toward it but not before reaching back to gently pull her toward him by the hand. They’re a little close as they enter the dancefloor and he presses his lips into an victorious simper. Had this been a year or two ago maybe his cheeks would have flushed in reaction, however, the comfort he’s now accustomed to, though still never expects. Stepping closer to the dancefloor, one hand grasps hers and he places the other at curve of Alecto’s lower back as he pulls them into a casual rhythm. “ I don’t dance very often so if I’m a little rusty I guess you can take it as a compliment, love. ”

[r-b-stan]

WHERE: Madam Malkin’s

WHO: Rabastan & Open

He ended his day early, leaving the Ministry at three o’clock, after a productive few hours of work. Madame Malkin’s was right around the corner, and while he preferred to opt for Italian imports, Rab decided to settle for the former for work robes. With the tailor excusing himself to fetch more pins, Rab took the time to let out a loud exhale, features enamoured with tired lines. He was busy pulling at his shirt sleeves when the reflection of someone gliding past piqued his attention. Looking up, then back at them through the mirror’s reflection -- his eyes somewhat failing him -- he adjusted his collar and raised an apprehensive brow at the blurred figure. He gestured to his robes. “ What do you think - will it make the cut? ”

[r-b-stan]

ilona:

Where: Borgin & Bukes, Knockturn Alley Who: Ilona & Open

Ilona had been working away in the back room of Borgin & Burke’s when she had heard the small bell of the shop door ring. It wasn’t usual for her to be working in the evening, but a particular set manuscripts had caught enough of her attention to have her stay back, allowing one of the assistants to head home instead.

Raising her head once she had finished the paragraph that she was reading, Ilona listened for movement coming from the shops floor for a moment before she eventually stood and silently made her way through.

“Is there something that I can help you with?” She called out. 

-

Rabastan headed straight for the front desk after entering the shop. Once inside and realising no one was to be seen, he began meandering around aimlessly between the shelves. Before he could complete his quest of searching the whole shop, he noticed the back of a brunette head. Staring for a second, he cleared his throat to draw her attention.

                  “ Afternoon, Ilona, ” mused Rab, adopting a small smile flushed full with confidence as he did when encountering most pureblood acquaintances. Better to put the best foot first since anyone could be prove to be an ally in these times. Satisfied there was no one else in the shop, he stepped a little closer to leave a polite distance between them. “ I'm looking to sell an object of quite some stature. I thought your help would be useful in getting it off my hands. Perhaps we can talk. ” 

[r-b-stan]

remus:

Remus & Open The Leaky Cauldron

Pale fingers clenched around his empty glass, the look of annoyance growing into one of pain when it turned into his squeezing hard enough to cause it to shatter. He pulled his arm back and shook it, sending glass flying across the bar. Several curse words could be heard before he composed himself enough to not make enough of a scene to get kicked out. The cut along his thumb ran between his index finger. It stung from the alcohol that got into it, Remus forcing himself to ignore the pain since he didn’t need more attention on himself.

“Precisely what I needed after another turned down job offer,” He grumbled then stuck his hand beneath his shirt, gaze shifting to the patron beside him. “Forgive me, I appear to have underestimated my strength.”

-

Rab's gaze was trained firmly on the book in his hands when he felt the sudden shock of Remus’ arm pulling back, the curse words and the impending glass flying in his direction. The commotion caused his own glass to tip off the bar’s edge. Rabastan was quick to react, picking up his wand from beside his book to clear the mess with a flick, eager to not let the guest beside him further interrupt.

He glanced to the side, features lined with confusion. He emitted a sigh at the sight before him, unimpressed by the male’s somewhat odd stature. “ Do that again and you’ll have a little more to worry about than unemployment. ” he remarked casually but decisively, crossing his arms atop the bar. “ If you fancy a goodwill gesture, I’ll take another drink. ”  

[r-b-stan]

wendy:

~

Working at the Apothecary certainly wasn’t what she had expected out of her life but she felt grateful to have a job at all. She knew that she had been lucky to have this job and she wasn’t about to do anything that risked her losing it. 

Wendy came out from where she had been stocking shelves, and offered the man standing there a smile. “I’m so sorry,” Wendy apologized when she came to stand in front of the counter. “Busy morning,” she explained. But she raised an eyebrow at what he needed. “Antimony? I’m sure that you are aware that that’s quite poisonous,” she pointed out. Her boss had always told her that she needed to make their clients aware when they were buying something potentially dangerous. The last thing that they needed was for someone to unknowingly poison themselves. “I don’t need to know what you’re using it for, but it’s just policy that I make sure you know what you’re getting.”

-

Rabastan's wealth had never led him to be generally kind toward working classes when growing up. It was something he had had to learn to grow out of as an adult, as though understanding wasn’t a simple human quality. Even now, he sometimes had to remind himself, to stop and to refrain from offending waiters, servers or any kind of staff. Here, his Slytherin streak shone through in his easy arrogance and simple dissatisfaction. Her apology softened his outer armour slightly and he swallowed his mild irritation.

                     “ I get it. ” he nodded curtly, eyes tracing the items on the counter. Rab turned his gaze back to the woman once more, brows quirking at her questioning of him. “ I’m well aware its poisonous and I’m well aware only idiots don’t research something before they buy it. But since you’re worried, I promise to be extra careful. ” 

He looked around expectantly. “ While I’m here I suppose you couldn’t recommend a book specialising in antidotes for injuries from cursed objects? The usual charms aren’t really doing the trick. ” He didn’t want to admit it, but the object given to him by Fenrir a few weeks back had proved to be somewhat hostile at first.

[r-b-stan]

alecto​: 

♙

“Haven’t I told you before? Flattery will get you nowhere.” But just like before, the sentiment has Alecto quietly preening, her ego stroked. Growing up in a house devoid of approval, of affection, has left her a little more starved for validation than she’d ever openly admit. The fact that such comments, even jokingly spoken, are coming from someone she cares about and trusts so implicitly only makes them taste sweeter.  

“Dance with you? I might,” she responds. The smile she sends his way is filled with amusement, a faintly teasing expression as she peers at him through her lashes. Years of lessons have taught her how to find her way around a dancefloor, and she’s not at all opposed to it, providing she has the right partner. Of all the people in attendance tonight, Rabastan is likely one of the few, if not the only one, she’d consider worthy. But when has she ever given in without just a little bit of a fight? It’s simply not in her nature. “Although, I’m not sure if you still remember how to. I worry you might have forgotten in all that time away. If I say yes, are you going to be stepping on my toes?”

-

Rab lifted his brows as if to ask you sure about that? Perhaps she was secretly imperceptible to his charms, but he hoped that wasn't the case. He adds a wink, the sudden revert to cheekiness compelling him to do something to keep them in the moment. He places his glass down on the nearest table. 

                        “ It’ll be the most fun you have all night, and I wouldn't ever dare lie to you. ” Rabastan returns coolly, clicking his tongue in faux disapproval at her nature to act playfully difficult. He knows his skill does not compare to Alecto's on a dancefloor, but relies on the hope his confidence, buoyed by the mixing of liquor, will carry him through. He offers a careless shrug, but a slight smile gently caresses his lips. “ You'd be silly to worry about my abilities, Carrow. I’m filled with surprises, even after all these years. Just for that, I'm well inclined to show you up in front of everyone. ” While it bears some truth, Alecto is truly the only person here he would be proud to have on his arm.

[r-b-stan]

marlene:  

~

Marlene smirked and took another sip of her drink as she observed him. Clearly he didn’t remember her or recognize her, which only made sense considering their age difference. There had been a time when she had had a crush on him, not that she had thought of that in years.

“Like that glass of what is it, whiskey? Or are you a scotch man?” She questioned. “Brave? What should I be afraid of you?” She asked, raising an eyebrow. “She must’ve conveniently forgotten that lesson. Or maybe I just didn’t listen. Apparently I do that.”

-

He snorted slightly, eyes flashing at the sound he produced. “ Whiskey - and you're right. It put a smile on my face. ” Rab ran his tongue across his teeth thoughtfully, brows quirking. " I dunno, maybe you should. What's your gut telling you? Perhaps you ought to trust that. ”

He watched her with a slight smile threatening to tug at his lips because there is something mildly bewitching to him. “ Wasn't a fun visit with mother dearest then? Can’t say I disagree -- being told how to act, what to do, fitting in the box -- all that shit -- never really appealed to me much either. ”

[r-b-stan]

andromeda: 

-

   she could feel the tension between them, the sort of tension that could only arise between old friends with unresolved business between them. it was the sad reality they found themselves in, many years had passed since they last sat in the common room, talking about anything and everything, trying to keep some distance to the rest of the slytherin crew. “i have never expected apologies from anyone, not you or the others — even if i believe i am deserving of some,” andromeda confessed. “i know you all too well to ever expect it. i also have some apologies to make, but none of it matters now, nothing will change the past and the choices we made.” there was a part of her that wanted to soothe rabastan. she suspected it was a remaining part of their friendship still nestled in her heart. it was that same softness her parents had despised in her. “i would have liked to do things in my own time and way, but i would not have made any other choice, and i cannot think of any other possible outcome than the current one.” the one where her parents ignored her, pretending she did not exist and that they never had a third daughter. andy was still slightly bitter, there was no escaping that. andromeda knew that she would still have chosen to be with ted, but everything had ended up being rushed due to the choice rabastan made… and it was also a betrayal. they had formed an understanding during their school years, she had considered him one of her closest friends, if not the closest one. she had not yet confronted him about him telling druella, they were dancing around the issue, but she still could not bear listening to him actually say the words. “i hope you are happy with the life you are living, rab,” andromeda said after a moment of silence. there was no malice in her voice, she truly hoped that he was happy with his position in life. she had a small inkling the rabastan she had known all those years ago would not have been. but it felt like a lifetime ago, and she did not know the man he was now. 

-

Rabastan’s time at Hogwarts would have been missing a key part without Andy by his side. Once upon a time he felt protected by the thought that it was just him and Andromeda against the rest of their group, but now it only served to highlight his isolation. He felt stuck in limbo, not strong or honest enough to establish himself properly on either side. He imagined she thought him no better than anyone they had grown up with now, for he was sure it would look as though he filled the mould of a wealthy pureblood man to a tee.

The comment made about apologies was true, for the behaviour had never really been fully deserved and there was no one more aware than Rab. “ You’re right, nothing will change. ” he responded blankly, not meaning to seem dismissive but throwing caution to the wind. He took an eager sip from his cup. As she continued, he found there was no anger, only frustration at himself. “ You were always destined to leave the rest of us behind, though I never thought that would include me. ”

Why did she even care about him? Knowing her heart and looking into her eyes now, Rab felt she had forgiven him. Between them still resembled a comfort from a lasting friendship and he took a little relief in the knowledge Andy saw the good in people. 

                    “ So you’re happy, and I suppose we all got what we deserved. ” he stated simply, his defences still raised in fear of this impending situation. As she spoke, he could only respond with a dark laugh, shaking his head ridiculously at her. He felt insulted by the remark, at the thought of comparing their situations now. He knew his own happiness paled in comparison. “ If you think I ever had a choice at the kind of life I now lead, then you are sorely fucking mistaken. In fact, it feels like you never knew me at all, Andromeda. ”

[r-b-stan]

wendy:

Diagon Alley Apothecary  Open

Things had started to pick up as they got into August with families coming in to buy supplies for their children and such. It always gave her a little jolt of bitterness to see them so eager to go back to school, she missed when things were simple and when she was filled with excitement and hope for the future. Now…well, now she didn’t like to think about the future and what she had lost. She felt lucky to have this job at all and that her boss didn’t ask too many questions when she missed a day or two after the full moon. Little lies about sick relatives kept him unaware of her status and she intended to keep it that way for as long as she could. The thought of the look of disgust that would come over his face if he knew the truth sent her spiraling. 

Standing on a little stool in one of the aisles, stocking it back up from the rush that morning, she heard someone come into the store and then ring the little bell on the counter. “I’ll be with you in a moment,” Wendy called out. “Just give me a minute.”

-

Rab pushed through the door, gliding to the side to allow another customer to pass. He heard the scrape of the stool, tapping his fingers upon the counter whilst he waited patiently. As he heard the bustling from behind, he turned to meet the eyes of the hidden voice.

He took a step back to allow her to pass, pushing his hands into his pockets. “ Good thing time isn't of the essence here. ” remarked Rabastan in a blasé manner, looking around the empty shelves. He would usually go to Lucius’ apothecary since he thought it far superior and it was his friend, but low stocks had left him no other choice. “ I’m after some antimony, or a close alternative, if you have it. If you’re busy, I’ll go elsewhere. ”