malcolm .

[serraborgin]

"Only some?" She fluttered her eyelashes as she looked up at him, ever one to make a moment more dramatic than it needed to be. "It's because I'm so beautiful." She smiled at his compliment, her eyes lighting up as she drank in the way he looked at her. The prospect of going to Paris with him, spending time together just the two of them and having him buy her anything she wanted seemed exactly like what she needed right now. "It sounds perfect."

[themalcolmparkinson]

"Well, I wouldn't place you on the kitchen table where the servers are, but the other surfaces...I could have that arranged," Malcolm said, his hands circling around her waist as if to demonstrate now. "My dear, you are more than just beautiful. They just haven't created a word for it yet." Malcolm could use his own vacation. If he had it his way, he would've proposed to her in Paris with a ring as shiny as the Eiffel Tower would be in the background. But he preferred this reality in which she was standing in front of them as if the world was meant for them. "We can leave whenever you would like," he said, his lips by her ear and pressed a kiss against her neck. "If you are feeling well. We can bring whatever fabrics and paints over. And anything for the wedding."

[valeria-nott]

The woman scoffed softly with a smile on her lips as he asked for the name of the owner. "You don't know the name of the person who owns the place you want to take over? I would think that this would be one of the first things that you would research." Hesitantly, Val picked up a business card from her boss and handed it over to him. She raised her eyebrows at the strange job proposal she had given just now. "If you are offering jobs, you also have to tell what you would want to change this place into and what the job would be containing. You know... in case I would consider ever working under you. Although those chances are slim."

[themalcolmparkinson]

"It didn't seem that important," Malcolm answered. He did do the research and it was not a name he recognized. Usually, there are names that carry weight and Malcolm was good at remembering who those people could be. No one talked about the owner of this shop and now that he had more information, it made sense. "We would be renovating it into a club. Not one of those noisy ones...a sophisticated one. With a future for legacies. We are hoping to fill roles for performers, servers, bartenders, whatever anyone wants to be. We are tight on some spaces already so we have a demand for it. You'd be paid more than whatever you are being paid here."

[tonks-ted]

Ted watched him carefully, skilled eyes observing for tell-tale signs and hinted guilt. Malcolm poised a steadfast figure, but his words gave away masses - until he tried to close the door, then his actions joined the culpable picture, too. Ted had been certain of his case before. Now, he was merely satisfied to have rattled him. He didn't care about the repercussions, doubting the other wizard would go to ground and take better measures to hide his efforts. Frankly, he didn't think he had the brains for it, and he had more than enough arrogance to assume himself untouchable. He pushed the door, holding it ajar. "I never said this was about you, Parkinson. What an interesting assumption. I only said you might be able to assist, so thank you for agreeing to do just that." He paused, as though waiting for something obvious. Then he continued. "Let's discuss this inside."

[themalcolmparkinson]

Malcolm blinked in surprise at Tonks' audacity to push against the door. Perhaps he might've implicated himself, but he doubted that it would hold up in any court. Of course, he thought that Tonks was not exceptional at his job after his father's trials. Malcolm agreed with the results, but remembered every person's name on that case. "I made my own assumption that your questions were meant for me alone. See, I might be good at this. Even better at your own job." Malcolm was already swimming in hot water for implicating himself, but it most cost him more to shut out Tonks completely. It was only shoveling his own grave the more this conversation continued. He held the door open with some hesitation. "Watch where you step, this is hardly a completed building. Well, you've certainly made it to the top. I remember when you were a novice. I wonder how much you have learned. Can we make this quick? I have an appointment soon."

[hcalingherbs]

"Give me a moment." The witch moved about, using the wand to adjust the dummies even if only temporary. Proper stitch-work would have be done later, but the sample itself it would do. "Is that better? I believe if you adjust the shape at the top a little further," a pause and a flick. "Like this, it might bring even better results. Fits the outline you wanted better, if you wish them combined as such."

Once more the blonde paused as her feet carried her toward a stack of fabrics. "These are of the softer variety, since I doubt the privacy of a curtain is intended to look like chainmail or a prisoners door, but these two each have plenty of enchantments. This one distorts a conversation, and this one mutes it entirely." Leta was proud of her work. "Allows you plenty of variation." - @themalcolmparkinson

[themalcolmparkinson]

Malcolm gave a thoughtful nod and accepted the design. "Impeccable. How many of these do you expect to make? I was thinking about a dozen. Plus a few more for any complications." He liked where her mind was going. Everything needed to be intentional down to the the most smallest details. If they could curate more tips through the servers, either from their designs or their charming smiles, then he wanted to put accomplishments behind it.

He stepped towards the curtain fabric next, having less opinions about it. "Velvet. But not crushed. And maybe in green," he said, glancing between the options. "Perhaps we only distort it. Make other people wonder what they're saying and pay to have the same experience. People enjoy wanting what they can't have. But we can make it accessible if they'd like."

[slwagatha]

Agatha let a small, approving smile tug at her lips. “I’m glad to hear you’re looking forward to something… it suits you,” she said softly. “You’ve earned the chance to have a future you actually want, and I’m glad Serra is a part of it.” She leaned back slightly, folding her hands in her lap. “As for the wedding, don’t worry about a thing. A dozen ideas are only the start. I’ll handle the finer details — schedules, decorations, even making sure Kermit puts those house-elf skills to good use beyond the foyer. You just focus on being with Serra. That’s more than enough.”

Her eyes softened, still steady and kind. “I’m curious, though — how’s everything going on your end with the engagement? How’s Serra handling all of this? I know it’s a lot, but I want to hear how she’s doing — and you too, of course.”

After a moment, she shifted her gaze slightly, a spark of genuine interest in her expression. “And while we’re on the subject of life’s other important matters… how’s your business? Is everything moving along as you hoped?”

[themalcolmparkinson]

Malcolm wished to roll his eyes, but her words did strike a chord. All his life, he felt alone. even when his parents had been around and they smothered his trust in them. Since then, he had Agatha. Though he never knew what it was like to have a sibling, he knew what it felt like to have her. When planning his wedding, there was no one else he wanted to help him. "I'm just glad this whole mecca of drama has been ironed out. At first, I thought Serra would say yes because of the contract, but I wish to believe she would say yes without it. Thank you for your help, I appreciate it more than words can ever say. However shall I repay your generosity?"

Already, she was talking about a multitude of categories he didn't think of. Of course, he was used to planning events and hosting, which came with his reputation. He was also great at throwing opening receptions for newly acquired properties. "Kermit can help facilitate any of the needs," he nods. "Serra is...we're happy. And her health has improved. I couldn't be more satisfied. We're on the way to living our life together. How it should've been many years ago. I only regret how much time we've wasted already."

"La Cachette will open soon and we are proceeding with all plans," he grins. "I've just finalized designs with Leta and we are hoping for a late Fall opening. You'll be there of course, and Emir is invited. We are accepting fundraising, but we are equipped to deal with the majority of the expenses."

[ptpeter]

Peter blinked at the name mix-up, his mouth twitching into a nervous half-smile. “Paul… right,” he muttered, forcing a chuckle. “Guess it’s been one of those days.” He waved a hand vaguely at the counter as if to excuse the chaos around him.

His eyes flicked to the necklace, glittering faintly under the shop lights. Poisoned, enchanted, cursed—his stomach did a small flip. He took a careful step closer, gloves at the ready. “No explosions yet,” he said, voice low but steady. “And I plan to keep it that way. Though, I can’t promise it won’t scream at the wrong touch if it’s feeling… particular.”

He gestured toward a small inspection tray on the counter, the wizard's fingers danced just above the necklace, careful not to touch it directly. “You’re sure you don’t want me to confiscate it for a second and run the full test? Could save us both a headache.” He looked up at Malcolm, the faintest spark of challenge in his eyes. “Though, I suppose you’d rather watch me sweat a little.”

[themalcolmparkinson]

Malcolm breathed a secret sigh of relief that he got the name right and fixed a tight smile on Paul. The name was the least of his worries. Malcolm didn't trust the authorities to properly investigate the necklace. For them, it was just a family heirloom that might've been cursed a long time ago and been placed on Serra's neck by queer circumstances, but Malcolm didn't want something checked off someone else's list. He wanted answers. If he had to find them himself, he would. It was a question hanging over him since Serra had been gifted it and had gone cold from it.

"Scream? Well, I don't want that either," Malcolm frowned, thinking that Paul wasn't that great at his job. He thought the point of diffusing cursed objects was to stop it from continuing to cause harm. "I'd rather you do your job. How do I know if you studied it back there that you won't take it? This almost killed my fiance. If you want to waste my time, then maybe you should put it around your neck instead. Save us both a headache and time, like you said." Malcolm paused, giving a sharp smile. "Run the test."

[rsrevan]

Evan gave a slow, approving nod, tongue pressing to the inside of his cheek in thought as he leaned back in his chair. “A private show... now that’s the sort of exclusivity I want associated with the place. Velvet seats, spell-dimmed chandeliers, some enchantment on the door that only lets in the interesting.” He lifted his glass. “You’re right, Malcolm. Twice the price, half the audience. Let the desperate and boring drink at the Wyvern. La Cachette is for those who matter.”

He swirled the liquor in his glass again, eyes glinting over the rim as he continued, voice slipping back into something teasing. “You know what I think? I think you should just buy Zonko’s outright. The place has been dying a slow death since the war started, and it’s got a façade ridiculous enough to make people overlook what we’re really building behind it.” A pause, followed by a slow, wicked grin. “And as for that little pet of yours, Charity was it?” he purred the name like it tasted sweet and scandalous on his tongue. “Troublesome, yes, but might be worth the headache. She could work the floor, stir up trouble, keep the bored patrons entertained. We could charm a laugh out of the worst of them if we put her in the right corset.” His smirk deepened as he added, too pleased with himself. “After all, she’s certainly managed to get into your pants more than once.”

Then, his tone dropped, all the mirth tightening into a cold thread beneath. “And Tonks...” he hissed the name more than spoke it. “I’ve never trusted that little piece of shit. Too curious for his own good. Always sniffing at things that don’t concern him." The mudblood had stolen Andromeda away, took her from the family like a dog dragging silk through the mud. He paused, swirling his drink again. But he pushed the storm back down just as quickly, flicking his fingers and letting the topic fall to the table like ash. “Still,” he said lightly, “we move forward. I spoke to Leta-- she’s more than ready. I asked for opacity, discretion, and a touch of seduction.” He looked at Malcolm over the rim of his glass. “Rather like us, no?”

[themalcolmparkinson]

Malcolm didn't react to the overture of comments praising his thoughts. It had been something he had been forming in his head and wouldn't share until he was completely confident in his plans. Evan and him shared a passion that was unmatched. This had been something they had been working on longer than when they laid down the foundation. If they did it right, this would be something that would outlive both of them. "The Wyvern," he chuckled sardonically. "Soon, people won't even think of that. This will pale it in comparison."

There had been other business venture ideas on where to put La Cachette, but none of them came without an inconvenience. His lips were in a flat line and his jaw twitched at the mention of Charity. He didn't like her name in Evan's mouth even though everything was history. Malcolm knew Evan was right. Charity had the personality that could work well on the floor. "It's not a horrible idea," he said after a moment of reflection. "She could use a better job. Maybe she can help run the upstairs. Didn't we say we wanted to turn it into a mezzanine lounge? She could help run that and tell us what conversations are had later." "Don't worry about, Tonks. I'll handle him. If he comes around again, I'll be prepared and have a better way to end the conversation," he said with a quiet grin. He didn't need any investigators poking their heads in their business. "I will make an appointment with her later this week, then. I have a couple of design ideas of my own."

[themalcolmparkinson]

If Malcolm could have it his way, he wouldn't invite the Lestranges at all. Malcolm didn't feel necessarily warm to either of them, but he did believe in holding alliances and keeping his reputation afloat by inviting the other purebloods in the society. It was why Agatha and Emir probably invited most of the people to their wedding when half of those who made up the attendance were merely just a number a seat number. That's what the opening night for his and Evan's lounge would be as well. "As long as you bring respect and a good endorsement by passing along the word. I am trying to get more people like you and Rodolphus to come for the first night. And hopefully continue coming and be regulars."

[bellatrix-lestrxnge]

"Certainly," she glimmered, as though she hadn't just been mildly irritated. It'd probably be a good time, after all. She wasn't one to turn down a rowdy affair. "I'll spread the word for you, Parkinson. Us old families have to stick together, don't we? Pureblood allegiance and all that... Speaking of-" Bellatrix inhaled audibly, a thin hiss that seemed to grate the roof of her mouth. It could have resembled surprise, and indeed she'd forgotten until that very moment. "Better get a spot by the fountain if you want a different sort of good show. The fayre will end with a bang." More like a goddamn eruption. She could barely wait for the fireworks. The only thing compensating for not being involved was watching the chaos delectably unfurl.

[themalcolmparkinson]

end.

[themalcolmparkinson]

Malcolm didn't mind whoever came to the first night of Cachette so long as they brought money and friends. He had to look like a respectful business owner and not turn people away even though he desperately wanted to. That could be reserved for whatever came after the opening event. "There might be a long line so might want to get there early. Wear comfortable shoes or know a good cushioning charm. We can only let so many people in."

[mkmarlene]

She couldn't believe she was actually indulging into such a conversation with Parkinson out of all people, but there was no denying the whole opening night sounded tempting. "I wouldn't want to be late, that is." Marlene agreed with a chuckle, taking a sip of her beer. "What would you say makes La Cachette so special? Worth my while, I mean."

[themalcolmparkinson]

end.

[tonks-ted]

Ted couldn't be bothered to respond to that nonsense. He didn't even raise an eyebrow. Parkinson Sr had been a piece of work and it seemed that his son was just as annoying - maybe more, God help him. Smiling vaguely, mostly just to piss off the younger man with his nonchalance, he obliged and pressed on. "We've received reports of unscrupulous landlords taking gold from their tenants and filtering it through illicit businesses - and vice versa, illicit businesses investing in property as a means to conceal their earnings. Any of that sound familiar?"

[themalcolmparkinson]

Malcolm's face remained stoic as he leaned against the doorway, clearly not inviting Tonks into the establishment. He was looking into the same face that helped arrest his father, and while his father deserved it, he didn't trust Ted Tonks as much as he could throw him. Which he really wanted to do. His lip only twitched when Tonks listed out exactly what Malcolm was doing to make his new lounge. "No, not familiar," he said in a light and thoughtful tone. "Who are these landlords? Perhaps they have something against me and are taking legal action. I trust you will find whoever is really doing that, but I'll cut your chase here short. I am not the person you are looking for, but let me know in what ways I can help." Malcolm was quick to try and close the door on Tonks, hoping that the problem would walk away.

[freyfallin]

An eyebrow quirked as Freya examined the leaflet which had been handed to her by a house-elf. As the blonde thanked the house-elf, her attention then zoned in on the man speaking to her. "That is a bold statement, Mr...." Freya paused, evaluating the man cooly, waiting for an introduction. She was sure that she recognised him, but Freya couldn't quite place where from. Perhaps, he was friends with one of her siblings.

"Care to elaborate? Or shall I allow myself to be the judge of that."

[themalcolmparkinson]

Malcolm's face set in calamity thinned away as the witch couldn't seem to place him. "Parkinson. Malcolm Parkinson. It's on the damn flyer," he said while somehow still holding a professional smile. "What is your name so I can make sure it's on the list." At the very bottom, he thought. "And I am a man of business. This will not be my first establishment. I have several others and own other properties. This will be the first one with collaborative effort from Mister Rosier. I believe you should come and see it for yourself. We invite you to only come if you are open minded. You can leave your speculation at the door."

[serraborgin]

"Oh really? Tell me more.." She raised an eyebrow as she looked up at him, her tone more confident and nonchalant than she actually felt. Truthfully for her there had never been anyone that came close to making her feel what he did. It was daunting to let him in again, to actually give things a real shot. "I want to go to Paris. You can watch me try on new dresses, buy me a few.."

[themalcolmparkinson]

"Some tables would look better with you on them," Malcolm smiled into the comment, thinking his mind could run wild with his own brand of chaos. "You light up every room," he says, kissing her forehead. "Even the ones you haven't stepped into." And he said the words as honestly as he thought them. "I'll buy you whatever you want. I know some contacts in Paris. We will eat at the best restaurants and stay in a large townhouse with a balcony facing the Eiffel Tower. How does all of that sound?"

[bellatrix-lestrxnge]

"He certainly has a way of forcing proceedings into his liking." That smug smirk. Part of her wanted to wipe the floor with it. Another larger, more trivial part was still mulling over the thought of her husband losing his senses. So she chortled darkly, rolled a shoulder then fixed Parkinson with an unyielding stare. "And I'm only joking. Just a harmless jest. I don't mind anywhere with good drinks and decent entertainment." A pause, a sly gleam. "Half the enjoyment is watching everyone else get sloshed and reckless, anyway."

[themalcolmparkinson]

If Malcolm could have it his way, he wouldn't invite the Lestranges at all. Malcolm didn't feel necessarily warm to either of them, but he did believe in holding alliances and keeping his reputation afloat by inviting the other purebloods in the society. It was why Agatha and Emir probably invited most of the people to their wedding when half of those who made up the attendance were merely just a number a seat number. That's what the opening night for his and Evan's lounge would be as well. "As long as you bring respect and a good endorsement by passing along the word. I am trying to get more people like you and Rodolphus to come for the first night. And hopefully continue coming and be regulars."

[hcalingherbs]

Listening was something the witch could do even while looking over lists. Her feet moved, a hand motioning for the other to follow as she made her way to the atelier in which designs were created and - in some cases - dreams made a reality.

The blonde chuckled as she finally placed the list in her hands down, flicked her wand. The squeaky of wheels could be heard as three dress dummies rolled over. "What do you think?" Leta asked, question lingering in the air as she made her way to a stack of fabric to search for the one she'd been looking for. This would be a whole other venture for her, one not yet taken. It was exciting. - @themalcolmparkinson

[themalcolmparkinson]

Malcolm smiled as he dutifully followed Leta around a studio, watching some fabrics and ribbons soar and whiz over his head on their own. Leta was like-minded like her brother, a character quality he liked in each. They could share a vision and work towards, having the stamina and patience to know what it takes for good work to work. Malcolm liked to see the insides of a mind laid out in front of him. His chin raised higher as he looked over the dummies wearing some designs. Malcolm liked to believe he had excellent taste in fashion, some more than others. "This," he said thoughtfully, pausing to take a step back. He fitted the fabric through his fingers, glancing between the two designs. "With that outline. And raise the hem of the dress. A modest amount though. The servers will probably get more tips."

[bbcharity]

The last time she saw him was what she thought would be the last ever, but here he was. The witch didn’t know what to expect, but it certainly did seem like a cruel joke. Charity leaned back against the counter, arms crossed, a smirk tugging at her lips. “Well, if it isn’t Mr. Trouble himself. Didn’t think you’d actually show up yourself. Curious—come to gloat, apologize, or just ruin my day for fun?” She let the question hang, her eyes rolling slightly. “And just so we’re clear, I’m only here because it pays. Everything else about this job? Absolutely soul-crushing.”

[themalcolmparkinson]

Malcolm was a bigger person than most people would admit and because of that, he was willing to set aside his personal history and dislike for Charity Burgbage and put one professional step in front of the other. His last conversation with Charity felt like treason, feeling remarkably smaller when she approached him at the wedding and spewed their own gossip like a wet rag being rung. "Mr. Trouble? Better than your last insult thrown at me. Something about my balls shrinking because I abandoned you later than I should have?" he smiled condescendingly. "Money is the only reason you agreed to it? There must be some other reason."

[bellatrix-lestrxnge]

"Parkinson." Well, it was a half-decent greeting. He was a pureblood and a Death Eater, after all. However, Bellatrix was waiting for the day he'd prove he wasn't as stupid as his parents. Moving her weighted stare from his expression to the flyer in her hand, she studied the contents then looked back up with sudden humour. It expanded over her features like a bubbling wave, raising her sly mouth into a curve that hit her eyes with equally bright attention. "You're inviting me to a strip club? I don't know about that, Parkinson. I go weak at the sight of ankles, let alone busts and behinds. But I'm sure my husband would have a wonderful time." No doubt he would. She could see him now, getting hot and bothered by all the witches, while bemoaning that none of them were her. With that self-congratulatory and egotistical thought in mind, she wryly chuckled, folded it neatly and tucked it into a pocket.

[themalcolmparkinson]

Malcolm gave Bellatrix a considerate nod, glancing over her as she read it. It would be good to have other pureblood and influential society members be at their opening which could mean he needed to get along with Bellatrix for at least this short conversation. "I'm inviting you to a lounge with burlesque dancers," he corrected her sharply. "I am not surprised that Rodolphus would be a more suited guest," he said with a brazen and smug grin. "Your husband would probably have a better time than you at most establishments."

[mkmarlene]

The flyer was shoved in her hand before she even saw who did it, her gaze meeting the wizard's with a slight note of confusion displaying on her features. "La Cachette? Sounds like you're opening a bank and that doesn't sound like the best place I'll see," she stated as she took the bottle to her lips. "But to each their own, I guess."

[themalcolmparkinson]

Malcolm met the blonde witch with an easy smile, pocketing the phrase into a well of other ideas for later. A place that felt like a bank. Now that would make a good speakeasy concept, but perhaps something that can be used for another lounge. "We basically will be opening a bank with the amount of money that will be coming our way," he said. "And if you're lucky, you get to experience it on opening night."