the nature of my game [8.11.78]
weewxtch:
The proffered surname tickled something in Lily’s brain she couldn’t quite place, so she mentally waved it away. Instead, she looked into the face of the stranger who was a stranger no longer. Rodolophous was the kind of flowery, poetical name pureblood wizarding families were partial to which, in theory, gave her a hint at who the wizard was. In Lily’s experience, however, arbitrary status markers said so little about a person.
She read between the lines of Rodolphous’ other words instead. What were the chances he thought the topic of Legilimency so fascinating because he was student of it himself? “I think the I’ve managed to give you the wrong impression that I’m darkly mysterious somehow,” she waggled her eyebrows jokingly. “Still, it sounds like you know a thing or two more than I do. Come on then, if you’re such the expert,” she met his eyes with a dramatized intensity, pressing two fingers to her temple as if dialing into her own thoughts, “What am I thinking?”
“Oh?” He leaned forward, elbow propped on the bar his head lazily resting on his hand. “Are you not darkly mysterious then? Studying occlumency might lead one to think otherwise. Gives the impression of secrets.” He teased.
Rodolphus sat up straight, amused. “Hmm. You’re thinking it would be impressive if I was in fact as skilled a Legilimen as I’m presenting myself.” He said with a wave of his hand. “Or perhaps, Miss Evans, you’re simply wondering what it is I’m studying.” He shrugged. “Challenge or no, it would be a bit rude to delve into the mind of a woman I just met would it not?”













