Who: Rodolphus, Simon, and baby Pansy When: January 1981 What: Of coins and caveats Where: Parkinsons' home
Rating: G
Elizabeth was bed-ridden with yet another headache, the kind she had been getting frequently ever since Pansy had been born almost a year before. Simon did enjoy these evening he got alone with his daughter, who was able to sit up on her own and hold herself upright now, and who had a soothing habit of looking up at him trustingly with those eyes that had only recently turned dark brown. He was sitting in front of the fireplace, his daughter in his lap, one hand absently stroking her shock of dark hair as he read the book at his side, enjoying the silence of the evening. The world was crazy, but he had his little family, and Pansy was yet young enough not to be confusing to him.
A polite knock, followed by admittance, and Rodolphus Lestrange made his way with surprising grace to the fireplace. "Mr. Parkinson." Things were more civil in these days, and even Rodolphus had a genteel air about him. His voice was low (startling infants was never the best of ideas) and he took leave of his host to sit, filling the well-upholstered chair with his broad form. Well dressed, always, and his face was young and thoughtful - but stern with strongly ingrained ideals. "Ms. Parkinson." It amused him, really, to address the child as well.
He looked up at the knock, giving the man a genteel smile and indicating the chair opposite him. "Mr. Lestrange. I'd stand, but I have a rather precious burden in my lap." He said affectionately, referring to the daughter who was now staring at the absolutely giant man across from her. He was easily the biggest human being she had ever seen, but she wasn't showing any fear, instead looking up at her father for a moment then back to Rodolphus.
Looking thoughtful for a moment, Rodolphus fished within his waistcoat and pulled out a large golden coin. He held it out to the girl, twirling it occasionally in his heavy fingertips to keep her interest. When he spoke, it was in calm tones, despite the seriousness of the matter. "I commend you on the establishment of your bloodline, Mr. Parkinson. It is for that reason I have come to visit. I think you know the matter."
The little girl was immediately fascinated, chubby fingers reaching for the coin, opening and closing her little fists as if that would help her. Simon offered her an indulgent smile, then turned his full attention to Rodolphus. "Thank you, Mr. Lestrange. We all know how important it is to propagate the pure lines." He sighed, looking down at his daughter thoughtfully. "I'm afraid I can't commit to that, Mr. Lestrange. If something were to happen to Elizabeth and I, who would raise Pansy here?"
Rodolphus did not seem surprised at the counter; he had heard this suggestion from many before. "We would never suggest that your wife be put in danger, Mr. Parkinson. I would no sooner to suggest to Lucius that his wife join our leagues or that his participation be made public. You can be secure in that." He pushed the coin a little closer, to let soft baby-palms wrap about the large coin. His own splayed beneath, should she lose interest and drop it.
Fortunately, Pansy was a child born with a taste for the finer things, and she immediately grasped the coin and held it up, watching it glint in the firelight in fascination. "Good luck getting that back, now, mate. You should see her in her mother's jewels." Simon said with a laugh. Then his face was serious again. "You can never be secure in anything, Mr. Lestrange."
Rodolphus waved off the coin and leaned back in his chair, hands folded in his lap and face blank, although he studied the man across him in silence. "No, one cannot. Yet. I have come to ask if you will join us in our attempt to secure our future, Mr. Parkinson." The voice resonated with irrepressible pride; there were no doubts in his mind that a strong future was -exactly- what they were securing.
He nodded, the daughter he was apparently so intent on raising properly almost forgotten on his lap now. "And I hope that He understands that he has my complete loyalty, and that I would do anything required to help the cause. But I could not become marked, not now. Pansy's needs must come first."
Rodolphus considered the man before him; he understood the needs of the family, of course, but Simon's words did ring true with him. Making to stand, a shrug rolled across his broad shoulders. "The Dark Lord has little need of men who hide behind children rather than answer to the call of national duty." He looked down, then, at the child who played so mindlessly in her father's lap. "May you realize that her needs are best served when our pursuits are also being served."
Standing as well, Simon placed Pansy on the seat he vacated, one hand on her shoulder to keep her from wandering off the edge. "I will not take kindly to being implied a coward, Mr. Lestrange."
Rodolphus did not extend his hand as he prepared to go, a glance down at the wobbling toddler and back to Simon before he shook his head. "One must take responsibility for the implications of one's actions." Simply stated, and he straightened his coat, fingers lingering at the buttons; in terms of physical intimidation, Simon was out of luck, but there was a very real possibility that he might draw his wand, despite the child's safety. "I will relay your position on the matter. Think no more on it."
"I will be sure to do so. I'm sure you know your way out?" He asked dismissively, then turned back to his daughter and lifted her, knowing it was time to put her to bed. As he exited, Pansy looked over his shoulder, her eyes still fixed unblinkingly on the man who's coin she still held in her little fist.