Augustus Rookwood (strategic_rook) wrote in an_ill_wind, @ 2009-06-21 15:03:00 |
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Entry tags: | - 1980/06 june, augustus rookwood, rosalind rookwood |
Who: Augustus and Rosalind
What: An Interesting Proposal
Where: Rookwood Manor
When: Saturday Evening
Rating: G
Status: Complete
Dinner had been delicious, as she'd learned to expect at Rookwood Manor now, and the simple fact that she'd been here often enough to expect anything was still a dizzying thought for Rosalind. It was her fourth visit in June alone, since that first duel when Augustus had become her mentor at the beginning of the month, and her third within the last week. Since 'Mr Rookwood' had become 'Augustus.' She still wasn't sure what to expect from this change. It was slow pace when the blind led the blind, it seemed, for things hadn't changed much yet. They'd met for another training, the previous night, but everything had gone as it used to before he'd asked for permission to court her, his hand down the small of her back to lead her the only noticeable difference.
Tonight ought to be different though, for it was the first time that they didn't meet for training. Already, dinner had been served in the intimate setting of the breakfast room rather than in the ballroom like Tuesday and yesterday, when training was to follow. It was a beautiful room, panelling covering its walls and elegant yet comfortable furniture welcoming them. Rookwood Manor, she noticed, had been well maintained, but thankfully no gaudy 'modernisation' had destroyed its original charm. She wondered if it was because Augustus had neither time nor interest for home 'improvement' and decoration or if he, like her, preferred the classic beauty of an old estate.
"It's a good thing that we aren't duelling tonight," she said light-heartedly, "as I doubt that either of us would be able to dodge hexes as deftly as usual." Rosalind wasn't a peckish eater, owing her slender figure to a healthy dose of daily exercise and an efficient metabolism, and she'd done justice to the delectable meal without reserve.
Augustus had been inordinately pleased throughout the entire meal, finding himself surprisingly relaxed despite the fact that he had absolutely no idea what he was doing. He could spy efficiently within the Ministry, he could carry out the most burdensome and difficult of the tasks the Dark Lord asked of him, and he could fight and kill without reservation - but he could not, for the life of him, wrap his mind around the idea of courting. He rather thought it was because of all the things he could do, that he felt this way; he spent so much time being careful and proper and polite, playing the game, hiding himself and his feelings, that when it came to his personal life he had absolutely no desire to act the same way. Why not take what he wanted, when he actually had the chance? Why not just get right to the point? Courting was for young men, the ones with all the time in the world, the ones who could afford to get wrapped up in the absurdity of it all, who could have engagements that lasted for years, who could play coy and shy and unattainable and whatever else it was that young men these days did, but he simply didn't have the patience for it. Or any idea of how to even do it.
"I'm afraid I would be entirely too sluggish to duel efficiently," he agreed, grinning a bit as he pushed away his earlier thoughts and focused once more on Rosalind. "One can only hope the resistance never chooses to attack after dinner." Of course he knew he'd have no problem fighting any of the pathetically inept resistance members (even if he grudgingly had to admit that one or two were fairly efficient fighters) but he was enjoying the bit of banter between them. He 'bantered' at the Ministry, but it was over the most inane of things, like holidays and office events and that blasted sweater-clad cat, so it was a relief to actually be able to enjoy himself without any of that nonsense clouding his way.
"It probably would be just as bad for them as it'd be for us," Rosalind retorted with a smile. "Worse, in fact, if their talks in our journals are anything to go by. They'd not only be full from a good meal, but sloshed out of their mind from tequila and other such... vulgar liquors." Her tone left no room to doubt that she disapproved such behaviour. Reading journal entries from Sirius Black or Dorcas Meadowes, two known rebels, was sickening more often than not. They always either spouted off ridiculously outrageous opinions, in an awful language, or discussed drinks and such. It was a relief to be saved from their comments lately, as they seemed to have learned to use privacy hexes since the failed attempt on Meadowes' life. It'd be useful to still be able to read what they wrote, to gather intel on the resistance, but while she acknowledge that fact, she couldn't be sorry to be safe from their presence.
Augustus rolled his eyes at the mention of Black and Meadowes, finding the two of them to quite possibly be the most irritating individuals on the planet. Other than Rowle, of course - he still couldn't fathom how anyone could be that absurdly stupid and yet still breathing and functioning - but at least Rowle had his priorities straight. "Their overt displays of stupidity are not only shockingly vulgar and ridiculous, but desperate cries for attention. It is a terrible shame, that we have not killed them yet." Yet, being the operative word. "And to think, we all thought Black would grow up to be the perfect heir..." He himself had not paid much attention to it, but Orion and Walburga had certainly had high hopes for their former-heir. It'd been a horrible embarrassment for all involved, when the boy had been disowned. He was only glad he hadn't had a part in any of the mess.
"I didn't know Sirius Black all that well, as he was much younger than me, but I remember how his Sorting into Gryffindor was the beginning of the end for him," she said. She immediately added, detailing her thoughts: "I do not believe that Slytherin is the only worthy house, for my brother was a Ravenclaw and I love him dearly, but that boy fell into a bad crowd and lost his way. It's a shame, really." She'd been six years ahead of him at Hogwarts, so they hadn't been in school together for long, but he had loved his cousin Andromeda and had often visited her, Rosalind sometime there with her best friend, sometime only hearing about it afterwards from Romy, worried for her little cousin.
"Gryffindor is a House that prides itself on showy displays of idiocy and absurd notions of bravery. So very few capable witches and wizards come from that House; it's a shame they keep admitting Gryffindors, really. Ravenclaw, however," Augustus added, as he believed Ravenclaw to be a very worthy House indeed, "is full of promise and intelligence and opportunity. I of course have a soft spot for our own House - and a bias, I might add - but Ravenclaw is no less admirable." Hufflepuff, of course, went without saying. The mere thought of the House made his head ache. He smiled at Rosalind as he shook his head once, shortly. "But enough of blood traitors and disappointments. It's a lovely night outside; I was thinking a walk around the grounds?" he offered.
"Refusing to admit Gryffindors would greatly deplete the ranks of Aurors and Hitwizards alike," Rosalind commented, amused by his intransigence. "While they do have a tendency to jump first and think later, my former Gryffindor colleagues are still quite useful. As long as we control their rebellious strike, of course, and never put them in charge." Their current Head of Aurors might be a former Hufflepuff, not Gryffindor, he was still a nuisance and she could hardly wait to see her work come to fruition and Moody demoted. She sincerely doubted that Rodolphus would ever consider replacing him with a former Gryffindor, thankfully.
Augustus' offer to stroll through his estate park was welcomed with a bright grin from Rosalind. "I would love nothing more, Augustus. You know how I love the outdoors."
"Perhaps, if they were watched - carefully - they could be kept in line. Perhaps." Augustus grinned a little despite himself, and he nodded when Rosalind agreed to the walk, clearly pleased by the idea. "Perfect," he replied, and as they were finished with their meals, he stood up from the table, setting his napkin down on the tabletop. He moved around to help Rosalind from her seat, offering her his arm once she was standing beside him. He lead her out through the large glass doors that opened out onto the expansive lawn, the night air warm and refreshing around them. "It seemed too nice a night to stay inside," he commented, "especially given how much I know you enjoy the outdoors."
Taking his arm, Rosalind mused on how this was one of those few different things, now that they were courting. They'd walked side by side without touching before, when walking to and from the clearing in the woods on the Jugson Estate for training. She easily fell into step with him as they crossed the glass doors, glad to head outside for a walk. "It is, you are quite right," she agreed, enjoying the warm air on her skin. She was wearing a much fancier dress robe than anything she'd ever worn to meet him before, as this was a date and not a training opportunity, and the dress left much of her skin - neckline, shoulders and arms - exposed. She'd paid a lot of attention to her appearance tonight, choosing one of her favourite dress robes that she'd bought in Paris when shopping with Narcissa, along with jewelry that was a perfect match for the light dress. Her hair fell down in delicate curls, offering their only protection to her bare shoulders. Looking at this sophisticated fine society pureblood lady, no one could have guessed that a Death Eater and an Auror also hid behind this delicate image. "I have admired your beautiful grounds when walking up to the manor on previous visits, but I would certainly love to explore them with you. What are your favourite areas?"
"There's a fountain, towards the back of the garden," Augustus replied, leading Rosalind in the direction of the fountain even as he spoke. "It's extraordinary, in the daylight, but it's still beautiful at night. During my rare time off, it's nice to sit by." He did enjoy some of the simpler things in life, especially after a tiring day at the Ministry, and the gardens were refreshingly relaxing. "And there's a seating area on the opposite side of the gardens - the two are my favourite places on the grounds." He glanced at Rosalind as he spoke, quite enjoying the sight of her; she looked beautiful, her hair curled and her shoulders bare, and it struck him just how... fortunate this was. Not only did he enjoy her company as a friend and colleague, but he quite enjoyed the sight of her, how young and vibrant she was.
Feeling his gaze on her, Rosalind looked up at him, and she would have almost blushed as she recognised the appreciative look in his eyes. He'd told her already, when asking for permission to court her, that he found her beautiful, but it was different somehow to feel it tonight, as they walked together, arms linked, through his garden, on his estate, on their first real date. She was nervous about this, if she was honest with herself. She was innocent - it might be the last bit of innocence left in her whole person, body and mind, but it remained so. She was inexperienced. She'd never been interested, truth be told, when boys had begun to flirt in school. Her parents' experience had scarred her, leaving her wary of love and sex and all this nonsense that had led her parents to this ruined marriage. Romy had succombed, as well, and look where it had led her? No, she'd wanted nothing with it, saving herself for her husband, when husband there would be. And now that this time was coming closer, she hoped that she'd be up to par, that she wouldn't disappoint him.
They reached the fountain and she dipped her free hand's fingers in its water. "I can understand why you like it here," she said softly. She knew that she was quieter than usual and she shook herself up. Looking back at the manor, its windows illuminated, she commented on what an elegant and pleasant home he had. "I love how you protected its original beauty," she added. "I've seen patrimonial houses disfigured by gaudy additions and renovations, it's always a terrible shame."
Augustus let his gaze roam appreciatively over the garden, feeling uncharacteristically relaxed and content in that moment. It was one of his favourite places on the entire grounds, and outside on a perfect night, with the company he had, it was bordering on perfect. He smiled a little as she complimented the manor, knowing exactly what she meant by gaudy additions and renovations. He'd seen many family homes destroyed by overzealous redecoration, and it made his stomach turn; his own house was untouched, kept the way it had always looked, with only a few of his personal things across the entire space. He prefered it, that way; his own chambers were his space, but the house itself was best left as it was. "I always do find it a shame, when a family home is ruined that way; why change something that doesn't need to be changed?"
"Precisely," she agreed, deeply pleased that they were of the same opinion on something as important as the house they might share, if this courting ever came to fruition. "While some improvements are a necessity, such as modern plumbing and such commodities, the essence of a home should be preserved. What is stylish today might be horribly outdated in a few years, while a classic and elegant manor is never out of style." She indulged into fashion when it came to clothing, but it certainly did not extend to house decoration. "I'm glad that we agree on this point as well, Augustus."
A bird landed on the fountain as they talked to drink its water, and Rosalind admired its colourful plumage in the fountain's light. "Such a beautiful bird. Is there any game to hunt in this area?" she inquired, unable to help herself. If there was none, she could always return to her parents' estate to hunt, but it wasn't ideal, of course.
Augustus smiled, pleased that there was yet another thing that they agreed on. It seemed a perfect match, and he was beyond satisfied with the way things were progressing. While it was still true that the entire concept of courting was beyond him, he knew that the real heart of the matter was connecting with his future wife - as he was sure she would become - frivolities and social expectations aside. Neither of them fit the upper class society mold, in this regard, and he was quite glad for that; and quite keen not to try to force either of them into it. He was pulled from his thoughts when she mentioned hunting, and sounding the slightest bit distracted he replied, "there are birds, yes. Quite a number of them, actually, although I have never taken the time to indulge in them." He was silent for a moment, watching Rosalind closely, wondering how she was going to react to the idea he'd begun to form. "We should announce an engagement," he finally said, blunt and to the point. He had no idea if he was supposed to ask, or get on one knee, or have... well, a ring, but why beat around the proverbial bush? In his mind, things would progress naturally and they would bypass the entire courting process. Of course he would take her out, and spend time with her, as he very much looked forward to that idea, bit he was stuck on the whole idea of having to wait to reach that point.
Rosalind let out an 'oh' of surprise before she could help it. She hadn't expected him to move on so quickly. It was their first date. They hadn't even kissed yet. What test had he devised when he'd asked for permission to court her that she had already successfully passed without even knowing? Of course she was flattered that he wanted her to be his wife, and that he was so sure of it that he didn't even need a full date to confirm it. Not that she wanted this courting business to go on and on forever, absolutely not, that would be a terrible waste of time. Still, she hadn't thought he'd ask her tonight already. She wasn't ready, and she hated to be caught unprepared. She could not say no, that was impossible. If she said no now, she'd lose her chance with him, and he was the best potential husband she'd come across so far. She'd been quite pleased all week with his decision to court her. His impatience shouldn't distract her from this fact: he was the best man for her.
Regrouping, she looked up at him, careful not to let any more show than she'd already done, and asked simply: "When would you like to do so?"
"As soon as possible, ideally," Augustus replied, pleased. He knew she wasn't as pleased as he was with this, and he did feel... a bit regretful, that this had been so sudden and abrupt, but the idea of making it official appealed to him far more than he could explain. When Augustus found something he liked, he did not like waiting to make it his; why would this, something and someone so important, be any different? The whole concept of courting was just too much for him, and he found himself feeling as though he could not really touch her, kiss her, appreciate her, if they were not officially engaged. It was an older custom, one that was certainly dying out, but he felt oddly compelled to follow it at this moment. It was likely due to their age difference, that he felt he had to be more respectful with her than with someone close to him in age, but he wanted to do away with it all. Once they were properly engaged, he'd decided, everything would fall nicely into place. She might be a bit nervous or uncomfortable, but she would soon see that she had made the right decision. He was certain of it himself. "I do realise this is very abrupt, but I feel it would be far more fitting, for us, to make this official."
She nodded, still a little disappointed by how it had happened. She was not a romantic girl, far from it, but she'd never imagined that her marriage proposal would be anything like this. So casual, so matter-of-factly, so sudden. It felt silly, but she somehow felt robbed of an important moment in her life. It was counterproductive to ruminate on it, though, and she shook herself up. "How would you like it to be announced? Should my parents publish it in the Daily Prophet or should we do it together, you and I, given -" she almost said 'your age' but stopped herself in time, saying instead, "that your parents aren't with us anymore?" She was discussing her own engagement, how could she be so detached? "Should we set a date for the wedding immediately as well, or keep that for a second announcement later on? I'm afraid the mere news of our engagement will create some commotion already," she said, pausing as she realised what it could mean. Her tone suddenly more serious, she added, "It cannot appear like an arranged marriage, Augustus. Only purists still uphold that tradition and I've worked hard for years to avoid that purist label with my colleagues and others. I do not want to see that work ruined."
Augustus raised a brow at Rosalind as she spoke, and he tilted his head very slightly as he regarded her carefully. "Do you think I would risk that?" he asked. "That I would risk your image, or my own? Don't forget that I've spent more than half my life creating the perfect visage of innocence and understanding. After all this time, all this effort, I would never risk my place within the Ministry, or my place within the wizarding world as a whole. Given our age difference," he continued, mentioning the issue for the first time, "many will automatically assume one of two things: either the marriage is a real one, out of fondness and love and companionship; given the years between us, it is easy to assume we must be genuine in our feelings - or it is an arranged marriage, as we are simply too far in age to possibly have anything in common, other than our lineage. And they are always aware of who we are, of our blood lines, of the expectations we find ourselves facing. What we must do is convince them that we have not been arranged - that we have chosen each other on our own accord. It will be easy, to speak of private dates, of stolen moments; neither of us have much time to begin with, and why would we complicate our professional lives while we were not officially engaged?" He shrugged lightly. "We are master crafters of tales, are we not? It is in our blood. And our natural fondness for one another will only make it that much easier."
At his words, Rosalind realised how her own emotions were clouding her judgment. How could she believe that he would let anything ruin his own position? Her upset feelings were no excuse. "Good," she said once he was done explaining how they could avoid most suspicion. "You are right, of course." She offered him a weak smile, hoping that he'd understand that she was sorry without saying it out loud, and then deciding that if she wanted this marriage to start on a right track, she shouldn't be afraid of acknowledging her mistake and apologizing. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have reacted so strongly. We'll do as you said: explain that we've been seeing each other for some time already, privately, unwilling to provide gossip material until we were sure of our intentions." She took his hand in hers, reaching out to him this way for the first time, an offering in hope that he would forgive her.
"No apology is necessary," Augustus replied, and he was being sincere. He covered her hand with his other, giving her a small smile. "I know you would not prefer this," he continued, watching her closely. "To rush quite so quickly, to have this... not be what you probably had hoped it would be. And for that I apologise. I find myself... feeling a bit too old, not to make this official as quickly as possible. And to show just how old I feel," he added, tone dry, "I find myself hesitating to touch you, to move forward in all facets of this, without it being official. An old sentiment, I am quite aware, but one I cannot shake the feeling of nevertheless. There is also the matter of you being quite a catch; who's to say a young man won't come and sweep you off your feet, before we have made an announcement?" He was only partially kidding, with that.
Rosalind covered their hands with her other as well, feeling at peace with her decision now. Augustus really had a way with words, knowing exactly what to say to appease her. Eyes still locked with his, she brought their hands to her mouth, dropping a light kiss on his knuckles. "Thank you for explaining," she said. "And for complimenting me as outrageously as you do," she added, amused. "As it is confession time, I admit that I would have liked to share at least one kiss before getting engaged. Now that we are, for all matter, engaged..." She didn't dare to say more, letting him complete her sentence, hoping that she wasn't too forward, especially after he'd admitted to being uneasy with touching her so far.
Augustus was surprised when Rosalind kissed his knuckles, not having expected it; it'd been too long since he'd been with a woman, let alone one he actually cared for, and the simple brush of her lips against his skin made him momentarily rethink his stance on not touching her. It didn't help that she then asked for a kiss, and while a part of him was hesitant, still feeling as though he shouldn't make a move just yet, they had agreed to an engagement; it might not be in the Prophet just yet, but they had agreed. One kiss - surely he wasn't too stuffy and old for that. He thought of Dig, suddenly, of his... date to the Malfoy and Black wedding; no, he couldn't be so stuffy as to refuse a kiss from Rosalind. "Now that we have decided on an engagement..." he said, and he slid his hand from beneath hers to reach up, fingers lightly touching the soft skin of her jaw. She was shorter than him, and he leaned down to kiss her, his lips brushing against hers before he kissed her more firmly.
Relieved that her unsaid request had been welcomed, she craned her neck to meet him midway, her lips tentatively brushing against his as she hoped that she wouldn't disappoint him with her inexperience. She opened her lips slightly as his kiss grew deeper, closing her eyes to better enjoy the sensations he was bringing forth in her. She'd only received a handful of kisses in her life, but Augustus had no reason to worry about his age being a problem here, she thought. His experience seemed suddenly more like a gift than a weight; in this area too, he would teach her. She had a feeling he'd be just as good a teacher for this as for duelling.
Augustus hadn't been sure if he was going to deepen the kiss or not, but then Rosalind's lips were parting slightly and he really couldn't help himself, not with an invitation like that. His hand slid along her jaw, fingertips brushing her hair as he kissed her slowly, deeply, taking his time to explore her mouth and learn the taste of her. He thought himself incredibly lucky, to be kissing a beautiful young woman - to be engaged to a beautiful young woman, one he respected on top of it all. When he finally broke the kiss he pulled back slowly, eyes opening to take in her expression, hoping she was as pleased as he was. His hand stayed on her jaw, thumb brushing a slow arc over her cheek as he gazed at her.
She was as pleased as he was, yes. Her lips curved into a smile as he broke the kiss, her eyes bright in the dim light from the fountain. "Thank you," she murmured, feeling as though speaking louder might break the moment. "It does seem more natural to call you my fiancé now that we've shared a kiss," she added, squeezing his hand she was still holding. And his fiancée she was, now. Oh, they'd make it official soon, but between them it already was a done deal. Her disappointment at how he's sped through the whole process had disappeared, replaced with contentment. She had chosen well for herself, she was sure. Her smile widening into a grin, she went on to tease him playfully: "I believe I can get used to this, yes."
Augustus really should be the one thanking her, he thought, a genuinely warm smile on his face as she squeezed his hand. "I do believe that is the appropriate term, yes," he agreed, feeling a good deal younger than he had this morning. Kissing beautiful women half his age tended to do to that. He was pleased to see that she had relaxed and seemed genuinely happy herself now - and almost a little relieved, really - and he could feel himself relaxing entirely. She was happy, he was happy, and the were officially engaged; as absurd as it seemed now, the cloud that'd been fogging his mind just a half hour before seemed to have been lifted, and he was beyond glad that he'd decided to get right to the point. It suited them. "I am quite pleased to hear that," he replied with a grin, taking her hand properly now. "Let me show you the other side of the garden; you'll have to see all of this in the daylight, but I'd like to show you the seating area I'm so fond of." He began to lead her away from the fountain and through the garden, back a little straighter and head held a little higher.