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Padma Jyoti Patil ([info]tothewildforest) wrote in [info]tinworth,
@ 2009-11-13 21:32:00

Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend!  Next Entry
Entry tags:character: npc, character: padma patil, character: theodore nott, date: november 2003, place: private residence

Characters: Theodore Nott, Porrima Nott, and Padma Patil
Locale: Robinswood, and then Bramblebrook Estate
Date: 13 November 2003
Warnings? Likely none.



Bare feet tucked under a cushion in the window seat, Padma pressed a frayed book marker between the pages the novel she was reading, a sigh for giving up a favorite activity for an unpleasant one. She had not seen Porrima for a year, at least, and that she and Theodore had put off her dinner invitation for so long would no doubt render the evening more strained than it already promised to be.

She padded across the floor to the bottom of the stairs, book in hand, and tried not to look wretched as she peered upward.

"Will you bring me my shoes, sakha, when you come down?"

How much she would have preferred to leave them off, and ascend the stairs in search of Theodore and see how much better they could fill an evening.

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[info]miseenabyme
2009-11-14 04:06 am UTC (link)
"Which ones?" Theodore called, turning away from the mirror and towards the closet.

He had been back to Bramblebrook on his own since Padma had officially taken residence at Robinswood, and she had been with him for Mum's release dinner last winter, but the last month of invitations to dinner, to teas, to lunches, had all included instructions to bring Padma which he had blatantly ignored. Last week Porrima Nott had put her foot down.

How many shoes did girls own, wondered Theodore, as he looked to the floor of the closet.

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[info]tothewildforest
2009-11-14 04:13 am UTC (link)
Padma began to climb the stairs two at a time, light footed steps but no doubt obvious above. She would go up, perhaps she could avoid coming down again.

Porrima was cold already, how much more could she be when openly displeased? For Padma knew well enough that while her blood was pure, there was little else to interest the Nott matriarch where she was concerned.

Theodore's back was to the door, and Padma slipped behind him, putting her arms about his waist and pressing her cheek to his shoulder.

"Those," she said with eyes closed, and making no indication whatsoever.

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[info]miseenabyme
2009-11-14 04:45 am UTC (link)
"Those," Theodore laughed, resting a hand atop Padma's. "Brilliant instruction, love."

Had he any idea what sort of shoes his mother would like her to wear Theodore might have bothered to try and choose wisely, but it evaded him completely.

"Those," he nodded, giving a vague point towards what could have been several pairs of shoes; towards a little pair of embroidered slippers, towards plain flat heels, towards sandals. "They look nice."

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[info]tothewildforest
2009-11-14 05:17 am UTC (link)
Though she was not even looking, Padma grinned against the crisp fabric of his shirt before releasing him with a sigh, bending to retrieve a pair of stockings as well as a pair of purple silk slippers, her favorite.

"Wise choice," she offered with a resigned grin, raking her fingers through her hair and securing it with a hand at her neck.

"How shall I fortify myself?"

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[info]miseenabyme
2009-11-14 05:58 am UTC (link)
"There's no doing with my mum," Theodore sighed, leaning down to kiss Padma as she pulled her hair back away from her face. "I'd brace for some commentary about the living situation, and questions about when we plan on getting married."

He didn't have any sort of answers to the questions, as Theodore had asked none of Padma, but suspected this would not satisfy his mother.

"We'll go, we'll eat, if it's terrible we'll come home and do our best to utterly, completely, entirely distract ourselves," promised Theodore, resisting the urge to postpone - or completely disregard - the invitation all together as he went and stood in the doorway, smiling as Padma finished pulling herself together.

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[info]tothewildforest
2009-11-14 06:20 am UTC (link)
Padma had no answers for Porrima, and certainly none to questions that were hardly speculation between the pair of them. She did not want to be married, and the pressures to consider it her situation with Theodore had created had become loathesome. There was joy in what they could share now, unmistakable and of such comfort, but trouble, too, crowded unexpectedly the most tender of gestures.

"If that is a promise," Padma mused with a sly little smile, rising and unraveling a shawl from the closet to drape round her shoulders. She moved to Theodore's side, her features sharp with determination and a willfulness that had come to steady claim on her temperament in recent years.

"Shall we?"

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[info]miseenabyme
2009-11-14 07:25 am UTC (link)
"We shall." Theodore took Padma's hand snugly in his own and Apparated the both of them to the familiar family doorstep. Only a moment later, and the door was being opened by a stooped, slightly grizzled looking house elf with a gruff voice.

"Master Theodore is returned," Knock declared, though without the joy that was customary for Tilly whenever Theodore or Padma came home from a day at work.

"Hullo, Knock," said Theodore as he led Padma into the foyer. "How's business?"

"Master Maxwell has left us for Hogwarts, so," labored Knock with a sigh, "far diminished, Knock is afraid."

"Sorry to hear it. Knock, this is Miss Padma, my guest."

"Oh Knock knows all about you, Miss," the aged elf said with a wise, toothy grin.

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[info]tothewildforest
2009-11-14 04:31 pm UTC (link)
Wary of the house elf's words, Padma nevertheless maintained a resolute expression. If breeding was all that was valued in the Nott household, she would not disappoint, offering a curt nod to Knock before glancing at Theodore. She did not need to say anything, as she imagined he knew well that particular slant of her brow.

Let us go and be at your mother's mercy, then.

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[info]miseenabyme
2009-11-15 01:39 am UTC (link)
Too wise for Knock's baiting, Padma moved them deeper into the house with an eyebrow alone. If Porrima hadn't the decades of experience on Padma, the evening would have been a dead even match. Sending a hopefully buoyant smile to her as he knocked on the parlor door, Theodore hadn't more than a second to wait before being called inside.

"Hello Mother," Theodore said, releasing Padma's hand momentarily for a brief embrace and kiss to his mum's cheek. "I'm positive you remember Padma."

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[info]npc1
2009-11-15 01:50 am UTC (link)
"Of course I do dear," Porrima said, acknowledging the obvious but without the sass of her eldest who took such enjoyment from his ebony wool exterior. "How are you, Padma? Good to be back in Britain, or are you missing Germany?"

She really was stunning, Porrima thought, admiring Padma's flawless skin and wide-set elegant eyes. It wasn't exactly what she and Ignatius had originally hoped for - Morag had been the natural choice, and Porrima couldn't help but retain a bit of a fondness for the dark little Scot - but no one could deny that Padma was a good match as well. Theodore had said the two had been friends; and Porrima harbored suspicion that he had a reasonable hand in the use of the past tense.

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[info]tothewildforest
2009-11-15 05:53 pm UTC (link)
"Britain is not without its comforts, though I do miss my work," Padma answered in veiled tones, taking a seat on the stiff little sofa and smiling politely. Though by nature a diplomat, Padma's tolerance had nevertheless been tried in Porrima's company before, and she had no hopes for this encounter that had not been dashed in previous ones.

It seemed that she and Theodore, exclusively, would be the only ones every truly happy in choosing each other.

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[info]npc1
2009-11-17 09:14 am UTC (link)
"History, right?" Porrima asked, pouring petite glasses of elven wine for each of them. "You were helping write about the Dark Lord, and Harry Potter." It would be an interesting read, if nothing else. If anyone was going to have a sympathetic pen, it would be a German.

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[info]miseenabyme
2009-11-17 09:24 am UTC (link)
"And other things," Theodore amended. "She worked with Zelma Grommetsach, she's written accounts of historical events throughout Europe." They had never been the most comfortable dinners, with Zelma and her ceaseless inquisitive nature, but Theodore knew Padma had been contented in the work. He wasn't sure what she planned on attempting next, truth be told, but was greedily hopeful that it might not take her as far from him as Kiev again.

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[info]tothewildforest
2009-11-17 04:07 pm UTC (link)
Padma smiled at Theodore, and though she wanted to take his hand, she refrained. It had been thrilling, working with Zelma, but trying, too. She did not know now if she could give up the little pleasures of living with the man she loved. It would be easier to simply beg him to go with her.

"The annals of wizard kind have lost much in her retirement," Padma concluded, resting her hands carefully in her lap, purple silked toes peeking up at her toe.

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[info]npc1
2009-11-17 10:43 pm UTC (link)
"Surely," Porrima agreed, though she was not at all versed in the witch's writing. Why speak ill of someone she had never been acquainted with, when people she knew spoke highly of her?

"Do you have new plans for the future, or is this your retirement as well?" It would be a slightly less bitter pill to swallow, somehow, if Porrima knew that she was planning on contributing somehow; or at least a point for her argument of marriage, if she was intending for Theodore to be her sole support.

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[info]tothewildforest
2009-11-17 11:00 pm UTC (link)
"I was not entirely dependent upon Zelma," Padma explained, wanting for Knock to notify them that dinner was ready so she would have something else to do with her mouth besides talking. She could not blame Porrima. The woman loved her sons, all of them, and no doubt simply wanted to know best their preferences, even if for Theodore that happened to be, at present, a tongue-tied Indian girl who had more dreams of poetry than she did of continuing a pureblood line.

"I assisted in the translation of Horigome Ronin's latest novel."

Now she seemed very desperate indeed. Padma decided not to mention her mother, who had qualms of her own and was very near to insisting Padma apply herself to some Ministry position where her languages would be an asset.

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[info]miseenabyme
2009-11-17 11:08 pm UTC (link)
"She's a writer, Mum," Theodore said, trying hard not to scowl as he drank from his glass. "She's helped Zelma with her histories, and she translates for other authors, and she writes things herself too."

It was the same argument he had endured via post while on his tour: Why not employ yourself with some useful purpose, Theodore? The Ministry needs people like you, especially now. A fine hypocrisy from inside a prison cell, Theodore had often mused.

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[info]npc1
2009-11-17 11:16 pm UTC (link)
"Ah," Porrima smiled. Merlin's teeth he was so tetchy. It was the same sullen son she'd been butting heads with since Ignatius had been sentenced the first time; battling his own pride and shame at the family name, she figured. It was a challenge, in the current environment, but Porrima had taken the measure of those who were so critical of her family's ways, and found them to be lacking in substance and traditional values, so it was easier to quantify their opinions as uneducated. "Well I look forward to one day reading something, Padma. Shall we head to the table?"

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[info]tothewildforest
2009-11-17 11:23 pm UTC (link)
Nodding in relief, Padma rose from the couch, touching a hand lightly to Theodore's sleeve as they followed his mother into the dining room. They had no secret language, but a look she could give him, her thanks, her thousand reasons for choosing to be here with him now, instead of with her own mother.

"As I hope to be able to share it," she answered Porrima secondarily, though she was sure the witch would not appreciate her verse. Padma was not sure anyone would.

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[info]miseenabyme
2009-11-18 03:08 am UTC (link)
Giving Padma's hand a quick squeeze, Theodore followed in his mother's wake to the dining room. It was the sort of room that awed, but was never as comfortable to eat in as the cozy dark kitchen below. Undoubtedly larger and vastly more ornate than his own, the table was set for three.

"Where's Joseph?" he asked, for here had been half the reason Theodore hesitated to bring Padma home in the first place.

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[info]npc1
2009-11-18 03:12 am UTC (link)
"The Urquharts', I believe," Porrima lied.

Her middle son had given this as his destination when he left, but this had been three days ago, and even Cecily Urquhart was incapable of holding his attention for three whole days. Joseph had taken to coming and going from the home as he pleased, with no thought for letting even the elves know when he would return or where he was off to.

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[info]tothewildforest
2009-11-18 03:30 am UTC (link)
Padma's relief was momentarily blazed across her features, covered by a quick brushing her hair back from her face. It was plaited tight, but she did not want Porrima to know how good it was for her to hear that Joseph would not be there.

She remembered him still, that night in the castle, the instant she had thought perhaps Theodore had returned, before she'd seen Joseph turn his wand on a Gryffindor Prefect. She had not given him time to attack her, so utterly would she have been unable to defend herself.

Taking her seat shakily, Padma wished, if only for a moment, that her imagination were not so very active.

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[info]miseenabyme
2009-11-18 03:41 am UTC (link)
"Oh." It wasn't a display of stellar conversational ability, but it was better than commenting that his brother's absence was good. It was curious, that Joseph was allowed to miss family dinners to visit a girl, and Theodore had been threatened with a surprise visit if he didn't bring Padma along to an arranged one. Not for the first time, Theodore cursed the inability for the Nott males to be born in the correct order.

Napkins lifted from each of their plates, bowls of soup appeared in their place and Theodore gladly picked up a spoon.

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[info]npc1
2009-11-22 12:31 am UTC (link)
"How was your birthday, Theodore?" Porrima asked, curious to know what he had done, presumably with Padma, or Blaise and Bulstrode. Thank Merlin he hadn't chosen Bulstrode. "You did get our present?"

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[info]miseenabyme
2009-11-22 12:43 am UTC (link)
"It was nice, thank you, it's a fine set of robes. There's a girl in town who does some tailoring, I think. Sarah something?" Theodore turned to look at Padma, who was making quick friends with the girls at the stories and sweets nights, bonding over literature and love of jam tarts. "I thought about asking her to make any adjustments if they're needed. Should be plenty of time before the holidays, anyhow."

He left off any description of how he and Padma had celebrated, as time in Paris, however brief, was the one true haven he had from his mother's interrogation. Grandfather refused as ever to give any details about Theodore's visits, and Theodore in turn repaid him with news of his life, and stories from his wizard's tour. In truth, Theodore was happy in Paris; with Grandfather and Padma, the former of whom was actually rather delighted with the latter.

"She's quite the belle of the season, isn't she?" he had asked, with a knowing smile after Padma had been released to explore the depths of the most senior Nott's library. "Keep a hold on her, then, if you're able."

Theodore smiled at Padma over the candles and silver that littered the table between them. Hold on he would, for as long as she'd have him.

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[info]tothewildforest
2009-11-25 01:20 am UTC (link)
"Sarah, yes. Sarah Fawcett," Padma answered, staring into her soup bowl as though she hoped to divine something from its murky depths. She smiled in thinking of her new friend, raising her eyes and matching Theodore's warmth.

"If she is as skilled in her work as she is well read, then I think she will suit your purposes just fine."

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[info]npc1
2009-11-25 04:13 am UTC (link)
"Hopefully she works quickly too," Porrima added, earning a quizzical look from Theodore. "There is an early party this season, Palomina Parkinson. I expect us all to be invited."

She was an infinitely distinguished woman, Pal. Ultimately, no charges had been able to stick against her as she had no husband to be formally tied to, and had been careful in how she aided her brother and sister-in-law. Not to mention that she had taken on the children during the last few summers. In Porrima's opinion, it was good that she was finally getting the notice that she ought to have, years ago.

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[info]miseenabyme
2009-11-25 04:28 am UTC (link)
"Palomina Parkinson." It was Pansy Parkinson's aunt, Theodore knew there would be no way to decline. With the Malfoys all still shut in Azkaban, beyond disgraced, Pansy's family had taken center stage. Her father would not be returning, but there were plenty families with the same problem, and her mother had been released only at the end of the summer, but Palomina had never set foot in Azkaban, and wanted to trade on the fact now that the Traditional Reform Movement was starting to gain some ground. Brilliant. "When should I expect the owl?"

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[info]npc1
2009-11-25 04:30 am UTC (link)
"Oh sometime this week I imagine, she's planning for the first of December, if I'm not mistaken. Padma dear, I'll be going to Twillfit's next weekend, if you'd care to join me?" Saris and slippers were one thing for family dinners, but Christmas was the one holiday for which exotic was a curiosity, not an intrigue.

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[info]tothewildforest
2009-11-26 03:00 am UTC (link)
Padma was often left wondering if Porrima simply meant well or her little digs were just that: meant to unravel whatever confidence she had managed to muster in the woman's company.

"I would like that," she offered blandly, unsure of the etiquette on clothing purchased in a senior woman's company. Would she be expected to wear it? Would she even have any say in what was or wasn't appropriate for the disgusting affair she no doubt imagined the Parkinson dinner would be?

The set of her jaw might have been stone, then.

"Though I do not think I am like to be welcome at the Parkinsons. My mother - Charu Patil, you know - is the Ministry's diplomat India and a vehement supporter of Shacklebolt."

Perhaps they'd met in prison, when her mother was finally released and Theodore's mother was newly incarcerated.

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[info]npc1
2009-11-26 03:31 am UTC (link)
"We don't all judge a leaf by it's branch, Padma. Palomina Parkinson wants to further the keeping of our Wizarding traditions, but that doesn't mean she doesn't have progressive ideas as well. If you'd like to hear her speak, I'm sure you would be more than welcome."

What a wonderful impression that would be. Theodore? Oh, he's living with a girl in Corwall. No, not married, or engaged. Where is she? Oh, she declined to come, her mother sings Shacklebolt's praises to all of India and she thought it a conflict of interest. Happy Christmas to you as well!

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[info]tothewildforest
2009-11-30 05:05 am UTC (link)
Darting a glance at Theodore, Padma swallowed any number of explicit responses that rose to her lips, though she feared that even vague philosophy would not serve her with his mother.

Still, because she was not yet sure she had lost all ground with the woman, and because she preferred calm waters to tempests, Padma pinned to her tongue what she most desperately wanted to say: that she wanted no more to be associated with the Parkinsons than she did the Malfoys, the Zabinis, the Bulstrodes, her expression darkening further when she considered that she did not even want for the Notts what they sometimes wanted for themselves. Theodore she understood, and love was a steady bridge to tolerance when they disagreed.

But the rest?

"I am happy to oblige," she answered finally, admitting defeat.

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[info]miseenabyme
2009-12-04 03:20 am UTC (link)
"First week in December," Theodore agreed, though his reluctance was as equally evident as Padma's. It was the sort of obligation he felt to his family, and while he didn't always - or even often - agree with everything they believed, they were still his family.

His other family, chosen himself, would be entitled to an evening of anything she pleased, Theodore imagined, if the rest of the evening continued on as it had so far. This obligation, however, was one that he was looking keenly forward to.

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