a change for the better || open
antonin-whoisleftâ:
âIâm sure youâd never try to invite such a thing, Lucius,â Antonin replied smoothly, pointedly ignoring the eye roll in favor of a slight tilt to his head, a small amused smile on his lips while he peered at the other man. âI simply think the safer road to take is one of careful quiet while the news is still boiling over. You donât have to take my advice, by any means, but you never know who might be listening.â Plenty of people were happy about the news, obviously, and just as many politely (ridiculously, in Antoninâs opinion) offended by it: but if there ever came a time to worry about oneâs extracurricular vigilante activities being found out, Antonin surely didnât want to be known as someone loudly, in public, condoning a decision some people saw as a harbinger of things to come for other so-called marginalized communities.
Not that there was reason to worry about being found out. Just better to quietly revel in the Ministryâs good decision, for once.
âAbsolutely tiresome,â he agreed, with a quiet laugh. This was veering far more into proper conversation territory, as far as he was concerned. âHardly surprising, though, when the Ministry makes itself so open to the public. I believe some rumors had started to filter out well before the news was published, that upstart St. Culpo possibly having something to do with it, so she could get a handle on it being her campaign platform. At least from what Iâve been hearing.âÂ
Gossip was more his speed, especially the Ministry of Magic kind.
âI will be, Iâm quite a fan.â Antonin said, nodding along. There was no doubt Norwood would get one of the seats - they were all working tirelessly to ensure that, some Death Eaters harder than others - but it still looked good to participate in the lead-up nonetheless. âMight even do a bit of grassroots campaigning for her, depending on my schedule.â He lifted his tea cup up, taking a slow sip, reveling in the knowledge that the two men were sporting identical tattoos beneath their finely tailored robes, enjoying a quiet (expensive) lunch in broad daylight. âIâve got the Wizengamot in my sights, you know; not for a while, of course, but I do love seeing all the excitement around it. Tragic, of course, the circumstances, but still.â
Antonin didnât sound particularly affected by the tragic circumstances, not with the smirk on his lips, but a bit of lip service never did one any harm: again, who knew who might be casually listening in on a conversation between two powerful men?
    Occasionally, Lucius reflected, it was difficult to remember that he shouldnât like Antonin Dolohov. They shared a great many views, responsibilities, and allegiances, and it was hard to deny that he was charismatic enough to make conversation not feel like a chore. It was frustrating, considering the pettier parts of Luciusâ personality were jealous of all the man had accomplished, and his place among the Death Eaters. Had it not been for that, Lucius may have actually been able to relax into the exchange of ideas.Â
   âIâll enjoy seeing St. Culpoâs face when it becomes clear sheâs not earned a seat,â he said, chuckling at the thought. âSheâs certainly attempted to use the media to her advantage, but she doesnât seem to be very good at it, does she? His own media ventures had been far more successful, once the indomitable Ms. Skeeter had been brought around to the right way of thinking. âAnd I find her tolerance for dark creatures rather -- disturbing. She has managed to amass a bit of a following, however.â Not enough of one to worry Lucius, not really, but it was certainly something to keep an eye on. If he had it his way, this election would be over with tomorrow, so they could all move on with their lives. But there was still a ways to go, and he needed to keep abreast of all potential issues. The family name was, after all, riding on the outcome of this election.Â
   âThere will also be an event at the Malfoy estate, after the debate,â Lucius said with no small amount of pride. âTheyâre insisting on holding the main event at a ... less than reputable establishment, so we will be celebrating Ms. Norwoodâs success in a less public fashion. Iâm certain your name will find itâs way to an invitation.â As Abraxas was enamored of the Dolohov family and in charge of the guest list, Lucius was more than certain, but that hardly needed to be voiced. âHave you heard what theyâre planning? The Manic Pixie? Can you imagine? Hardly the place for an integral political debate -- it makes you wonder who is allowing such decisions. Raffles should hardly be permitted to injure the integrity of an event.â
   Of course Antonin would have a Wizengamot seat in his sights. The man had always had lofty aspirations, just as Lucius himself, though they tended in different directions. Antonin wanted political power; Lucius cared little for that sort of thing, and simply wanted influence, in the general sense. âWhen the time comes, you can count on my vote,â he promised, and the words werenât taken lightly. A fellow Death Eater on the council would be a victory for all of them, and Lucius knew that Antonin was better suited to the task than most anyone. Despite the fact that acknowledging that fact made him feel rather ill. âPerhaps by then, society will have had a change of heart, and the issues addressed will be far more logical.â










