gawain robards (embattle) wrote in disorderic, @ 2017-12-28 09:11:00 |
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The whirlwind of activity from house elves and movers had died down a few hours earlier, and Gawain had decided that was enough time for his new neighbours to be settled down enough for him to at least introduce himself. With his kitten, Mittens, in his arms he’d wandered over around the block to the front of the house that abutted his property, and then knocked on the door. Mittens squirmed, and Gawain tutted. “Now now, it’s just our new neighbour. I’m sure we’ll get along fabulously.” Hugo Nott was a father (of a ten year-old boy), a widower (the type who’d not really speak about his Beloved), a free citizen (all charges dropped, thank you very much) and completely aware of the area that he’d moved to. In truth, it was about a little bit more than the idea of getting away from Ireland. It was a little bit about snooping on the neighbours. It was also a fair amount about the good soil quality in Tinworth - that couldn’t be underestimated. Despite what all of Hugo Nott was, he wasn’t very good with neighbours. He’d been warned that it was part and parcel of moving, being the new person. And so he wore a grimace, as he barked out an instruction to his house elf to put some coffee on, that he attempted to soften somewhat as he answered the door. Attempted. Hugo had done his research, enough to know that his house bordered on that of an Auror, but he chose to feign ignorance. “Good afternoon!” He greeted Gawain breezily, his gaze falling upon the kitten and lip curling involuntarily in disgust as he saw the creature. Mittens, for his part, let out a discontented mrrowl once the neighbour came into sight. Gawain’s reaction was much similar, although he had a better poker face. His posture tightened at the face of Hugo Nott, accused (but admittedly unconvicted) Death Eater. “Mr. Nott,” he said evenly, but without hiding his contempt. “I wasn’t aware you were looking to move into our delightful neighbourhood.” Which was obviously, but it was nicer than what Gawain had wanted to say. “This is a surprise.” Hugo nodded his acknowledgement of Gawain, though his eyes were firmly trained on the cat. “Roberts, isn’t it?” His question was accompanied by Hugo finally holding out his hand to shake. “Gavin Roberts? From the Ministry?” A taut smile, eyes still on the cat. He was going to have to get better at meeting his neighbours. “He’s wonderful, isn’t he?” Gawain responded simply, ignoring the incorrect name for now and settling instead on Nott’s discomfort with the kitten in his arms. He raised Mittens up a little bit so that the feline was even closer to Nott’s person. “Gawain Robards, Auror.” He doubted Nott didn’t know who he was, and that only added to the skepticism surrounding this whole meeting. “What an-” a hesitation, the cat was even closer to him now, “interesting animal.” Hugo bristled visibly and finally looked to Gawain instead. “Do you live close by?” And then, ably hiding his reluctance, “would you like to come in for some coffee?” Hugo looked over his shoulder as though someone were behind him, although the hallway behind him was empty. “My house elf is around, although my son has gone out to explore the neighbourhood since we’ve finished the worst of the unpacking.” Gawain smiled politely as Nott squirmed in the presence of Mittens which only meant he appreciated the kitten even more than he already did. “He is, and you’ll likely see more of him — our yards abutt, actually.” Which, of course, the Auror already suspected Nott knew. “If you’re not too busy, Mr. Nott. I know how moves are, but I wouldn’t say no to a cup of coffee with a new neighbor.” “Certainly,” Hugo’s response was smooth, almost effortless as he moved aside so Gawain could step inside. “It would be my pleasure, Roberts.” |