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Zacharias Smith ([info]en_zacharias) wrote in [info]enigma_rpg,
@ 2009-01-24 20:38:00

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Entry tags:* complete, 2004-01, character: zacharias smith, retired character: penelope clearwater

RP: A date?
When: January 24, 2004
Who: Zach, Penny
Where: The Clio Wing at the British Museum (to start with)
Private/Public: Private though in a public place
Rating: All Ages
Summary: Zach and Penny go on a date to the museum, no doubt today's paper will be a topic for discussion.

Waking up to the morning paper had been quite a shock, and for a moment Zach had pondered cancelling on Penelope so that he could go into work. The Aurors would need him to sort out such a mess, no doubt, but then he had made arrangements and he did not like changing arrangements or backing down on agreements.

The office could wait until tomorrow – possibly even Monday as was proper – it would look a mess, no doubt, and the Aurors would never be able to do things properly without him, but then they'd make a mess no matter what, so yes, it could wait.

He dressed in proper dark blue robes, which he'd call classical rather than conservative, and made sure he looked proper before leaving the house and Apparating to the place of their meeting.


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[info]en_penelope
2009-01-24 02:26 pm UTC (link)
Penny had read the paper that morning over her cereal and made a note to double check the wards at the shop. Although from what she'd made note of, it was apparently fine to be in your own house and property, merely the traveling between them that was perilous.

By the time five to two arrived, Penny had managed to calm herself down and was even looking forward to this afternoon with Zach. There was something incredibly calming about Mr Smith.

Spotting him making his way over to her, she grinned at him.

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[info]en_zacharias
2009-01-24 02:47 pm UTC (link)
He smiled the moment he saw her, an unusual thing for him to do, even if he did not reflect on the matter himself. Extending his hand, he took hers in greeting.

'Penelope, how lovely to see you again.' He smiled. 'I hope the news didn't give you a too unpleasant morning?'

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[info]en_penelope
2009-01-24 02:57 pm UTC (link)
Taking his hand in hers, Penny leaned forward and brushed her lips slightly against his cheek, catching a whiff of the cologne he was wearing in the process.

"To be honest, I'm still processing it. So many disappearances in little under a month is rather worrying." And no doubt Percy would be working all hours on it. She made a note to have dinner delivered to him, and that book she'd put aside specially that morning. Someone had to make sure he remembered to eat.

"And yourself? You weren't requested to floo into work?"

She moved slightly, to allow a middle aged wizard to brush past her. Clearly he was concerned the exhibition would disappear imminently.

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[info]en_zacharias
2009-01-24 03:21 pm UTC (link)
The feel of a woman's lips against his skin was... odd, but Zach decided it was just one of those things that came with not being used to that form of greeting and brushed off the feeling as fast as it had appeared. Instead he smiled warmly at her when she pulled back, offering her his arm.

'Well they did all have different reasons,' Zach tried to calm her, making his voice as mature and knowing as possible. 'Quigley got drunk at a party and probably ended up in some fight that went bad. Trust me, he'll be found in some Muggle alley. Men like that has no honor or sense of style.'

He smiled. 'The other one...Wickford, he was just careless. Who goes fishing in January? Trust me there is nothing to worry about there, and currents are strong so there is nothing strange about them not finding his body.'

'The woman though, yes I agree that is worrisome. You'll have to be careful to walk alone late at night, Penelope, I would not want something to happen to you. Especially since there apparently are mad men running around casting Killing Curses around.' He shuddered. 'Hopefully the Aurors will pull together and find the man soon and the UK will be safe soon again.' He smirked a bit, only tensing a bit as she moved as a result of the passing wizard. Nothing out of the ordinary he told himself. Nothing at all.

'No doubt my desk will be a mess when I return to work, but somehow the Aurors still think they manage without me. I should really be gone for some time and they'd learn how much they need me. They just don't see the sense of structure and organisation - as if they wouldn't complain if I couldn't find their files fast enough for them.' He rolled his eyes.

'Shall we enter?'

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[info]en_penelope
2009-01-24 03:48 pm UTC (link)
"Indeed, lets." Penny said as she offered him her arm "And we can put thoughts of disappearances to the back of our minds and I can steal you for a few hours. Have you been to the museum often?"

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[info]en_zacharias
2009-01-24 04:05 pm UTC (link)
Zach smiled. 'You're right we should focus on more pleasant things for now, like Hatshepsut and her impressive ways.' He smiled warmly.

'Not as often as I wish,' he admitted. 'Too few appreciate culture such as this. My parents do of course, but then coming with them is not really the same thing. It does tend to make you feel a bit like a teenager, doesn't it?'

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[info]en_penelope
2009-01-24 04:47 pm UTC (link)
"Are you planning on confounding the muggles and assuming a position of power, Mr Smith? I assure you, the world could use your brand of charm and organisation."

They walked in through the gilded doors to a cool marble atrium, the tall ceilings drawing her eye up and over the exhibit.

"Wow."

"Actually," she said as though it didn't mean anything to utter the words "I haven't seen my parents in seven years. So its just finding the time to come to these sorts of things that I'm usually unable to do."

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[info]en_zacharias
2009-01-24 05:24 pm UTC (link)
Zach laughed. 'I'm sure you're right, as could it yours, perhaps we should take over the world together,' he teased, pleased with the way she reacted to the sight in front of them.

When she went on, however, he was horrified. He could not even imagine such horrors. 'I am so sorry to hear that, Penelope,' he said, turning to face her. 'It must be awful not to see your parents in so long. Were you close to them?'

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[info]en_penelope
2009-01-25 07:06 am UTC (link)
"We were. Clearly we're not now." she said sharply. Too sharply.

"I'm sorry Zach. I just. I'm not used to thinking about them or speaking about them. Its not a part of my life I like to dwell on."

And she'd learned long ago to ignore the voice in the back of her mind that yelled 'liar' at those words.

"Now, I believe we were going to take over the world together under the guise of learning about the delightful Egyptian who befuddled the muggles."

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[info]en_zacharias
2009-01-25 07:34 am UTC (link)
The sharpness of her tone caught him off guard and for a moment he just stared at her, until she apologised. 'No, I should apologise, Penelope,' he said in his own formal ways. 'I did not mean to pry in any way, and clearly it's a personal matter.'

He smiled. 'And you are right, we were.' He hesitated for a moment, knowing that if he went ahead with his next offer it would mean... a lot. But then - maybe it wouldn't be too bad? Penelope was a clever, intelligent woman, with a sense of order and a like for reading, studying and books. She was also something so rare as a woman whom he could respect. Yes it wouldn't be a bad thing, he decided, and perhaps the fact that he'd tensed when she kissed his cheek was another sign that this was a good thing?

'Before we go on,' he said, feeling slightly nervous all of a sudden. 'If you want, well my parents have dinners, nothing fancy, I just eat with them at least once a week.' He smiled awkwardly. 'You're welcome to come along sometime if you want to.' He said the last quickly, almost in a rush, because truth was he'd never asked anyone - well a part from his male friends - to come along before. And well meeting parents were a major thing. Still, he liked Penelope, and if she had no contact with her family, well it was only polite to offer his, was it not?

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[info]en_penelope
2009-01-25 01:09 pm UTC (link)
"I am sorry," she said again. And she was. She just hadn't been expected his next offer.

Oh. Oh. That was..unexpected. Ans slightly nerve-wracking considering they hadn't even been on a proper date yet. Heck they hadn't even had one proper honest to goodness kiss.

Kissing Zach hadn't actually crossed her mind which was the strangest thing of all.

But it was an incredibly sweet offer for him to make.
"I- thankyou Zach. Thats very sweet of you. Perhaps its something we can discuss it in a couple of weeks? After I invite you round to a dinner party I've just begun to plan."

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[info]en_zacharias
2009-01-25 01:18 pm UTC (link)
Zach nodded, not sure if he could actually properly answer her at this time. 'Good,' he finally managed to press out. 'We'll do that.'

Looking down at his feet for a moment, he then collected himself enough to look up at her and smile. 'I think the exhibit is this way.'

He felt his hand grow a bit sweaty and he wasn't really sure of what to say, so he opted for the obvious. 'What kind of dinner party did you have in mind.' Granted he hated most dinner parties, but he would not turn a friend down. More importantly he didn't want to turn Penelope down.

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[info]en_penelope
2009-01-25 07:31 pm UTC (link)
"For friends, nothing too formal. I'm just thinking it would be nice to have everyone in one place with some pretty incredible food and something soothing on the wireless. Would you be interested?"

Her hand slid down his arms to brush against his and she smiled at him. "Lead on, I'm perfectly content to follow you."

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[info]en_zacharias
2009-01-26 11:24 am UTC (link)
The moment her hands touched his, he could feel himself tense. Zach was not used to being touched, more so, he was not used to being touched by a woman. Or by a woman he liked, mostly because he didn't like very many. Still, with the way Penelope smiled at him, it wasn't a completely unpleasant feeling.

He returned her smile, blushing. 'Well this way then,' he said. 'And of course I'll come to your party,' he added, though more because it was Penelepe who asked than anything else. He wasn't comfortable with crowds, but he liked Penelope.

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[info]en_penelope
2009-01-26 11:38 am UTC (link)
There was something about Zach that was incredibly comforting, and Penny found herself relaxing around him. There wasn't any stories of disappearances or murders walking round the exhibition. Just Zacharias.

"Zach, can I ask you a question?" She paused.

"Why haven't you considered taking up an apprenticeship or focusing more on your charmwork?"

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[info]en_zacharias
2009-01-26 11:57 am UTC (link)
The exhibit was incredibly interesting, and Zach found himself getting lost in the history, in the strength of a witch who took over her world. Not to mention that the magical artefacts of those days were absolutely magnificent.

So when Penelope spoke about something other than what they were viewing, he found himself being quite surprised. 'Of course you may,' he said waiting for the question, nearly laughing when it finally came. 'My charmwork?' he asked, blushing again. 'My charmwork is far from my strongest suit. Order, logic, structure, those are my biggest strengths.' He smiled. 'Besides, you don't get anywhere within the ministry from charmwork, I'm afraid. Making sure the Aurors office runs smoothly is only a first step.'

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[info]en_penelope
2009-01-26 12:49 pm UTC (link)
"I'd employ you," she told him with a small smile.

Her hand reached out, almost aching to touch the exhibit but her degree and three years working with Gringotts had taught her that touching can lead to badness, so she settled for letting her palm hover about the artefacts on display, the magic humming off her skin.

"First step to what? The Ministry?"

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[info]en_zacharias
2009-01-26 12:58 pm UTC (link)
Zach smiled shyly, not really used to praise that didn't come from himself or his parents. 'I still would do better at the Ministry, there is so much that can be improved. They need structure and order - sometimes it's so chaotic you wonder how they get anything done there at all.'

He smiled. 'So that is a yes. I do want to become influential enough to make things run smoothly, show people what things can be like.'

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[info]en_penelope
2009-01-26 01:15 pm UTC (link)
"I'm afraid I can't cover myself in tiny flashing badges for you, I've promised all that advertising space to my friend but I can certainly help with poster making. Its a hidden skill of mine."

She looked over at him from underneath her lashes. Penny had met a lot of people she considered friends through her shop, but she was very, very glad that Zach had wandered into her shop on an off chance.

"I'm glad I met you," she said aloud as her eyes drifted over the information labels.

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[info]en_zacharias
2009-01-26 01:34 pm UTC (link)
Zach smiled, chuckling a bit. 'I'll happily accept the posters,' he said with a smile. 'May I ask who the friend who's competing with me is?' he then asked, curious. It never hurt to know your competition, after all.

Her next words made him blush again and he was starting to wonder if that was something she generally managed to do. He almost felt like a teenager.

'I'm really glad I met you too,' he said with a smile.

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[info]en_penelope
2009-01-26 01:57 pm UTC (link)
"Percy Weasley. Disorganisation trembles at his approach. You're both rather alike actually."

Perhaps that explained why she was so comfortable around him.

Had he been anyone else, she would have hugged him but he was blushing and there was something very sweet about that. Yes, she was very very happy to have met Mr Zacharias Smith.

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[info]en_zacharias
2009-01-26 02:16 pm UTC (link)
Percy Weasley... Zach pondered the name, then nodded. Of course he knew who he was, the head of the Wizengemot Administration Services. He smiled, though the thought did not appeal to him - that was a bit too much competition for his taste.

Of course he did not say that to Penelope, she seemed to like the man and if she did, well then he was sure the man was nice enough.

'Well it's a good thing for the Ministry that there are two people longing for some organisation at least,' he said instead, smiling a bit, then a bit more. There was something about her, about the way she looked at him right then that made him feel rather important.

'Have you seen this?' he asked, not sure what to say next and instead pointing to an artifact found in Hatshepsut's temple.

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[info]en_penelope
2009-01-26 02:36 pm UTC (link)
"Indeed. Perhaps you two could negotiate to take over the Ministry together. Although, I would be the first in line to apply for the position of official bookshop."

Her eyes followed his fingers and she found herself oohing over a set of writing implements used during the time. They looked so achingly fragile and so old but she could imagine too easily a hand holding them to inscribe papyri with hieroglyphs.

"Its gorgeous," she breathed softly "Amazing to think that some of the spells we use today were written down by things like this. Miranda Goshawks Ancient Spellbook of Egypt?"

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[info]en_zacharias
2009-01-26 11:36 pm UTC (link)
Her enthusiasm was catching and he smiled widely as he heard her speak, nodding and mumbling some pointless reply before moving them on to the next artefact, and the next.

By the time they'd looked at it all and exited the exhibit, it was already getting darker and at least Zach's legs were beginning to feel a bit heavy. He smiled at Penelope, then looked down the street. 'I think you mentioned a glass of wine?' he asked with a smile, waiting for her to lead the way this time.

He almost wondered how it was that he could be so comfortable around her, as he really wasn't comfortable around anyone normally, not completely, not even Hannah or Susan. With Penelope he found himself wanting to spend more time around her though, and it surprised him.

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[info]en_penelope
2009-01-27 01:27 pm UTC (link)
"I did," she said as she pulled her cardigan tighter around herself as they stepped out of the museum and into the chilly London air.

"Theres this little wine bar round the corner, its muggle but really rather lovely. I think it used to be an old bank or something. I hope you like it."

Picking her way across the cobbled stones she shot a look at him over her shoulder before pushing open the door to the bar.

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[info]en_zacharias
2009-01-27 02:46 pm UTC (link)
'Muggle?' Zach asked, not sure how his robes would pass in a muggle bar. He wasn't used to Muggle places, well one type, but he was usually very good at forgetting those kind of places.

'It sounds lovely, but won't they react to the robes?' he asked, smiling at her. 'It wouldn't be good to manage to add to the Ministry's trouble at the moment, now would it?'

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[info]en_penelope
2009-01-28 12:59 pm UTC (link)
"Oh" Penny said as she looked down at both of their outfits. She was so used to dipping in and out of both worlds that she rarely thought to change.

"Erm, I could transfigure them for you. If you'd like. I can guarantee the charms would hold. No public nudity."

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[info]en_zacharias
2009-01-28 02:09 pm UTC (link)
Zach pondered the situation for a while, but guessed they were still in the wizarding section of the area. 'Are you sure we won't be breaking regulations?' he asked, as always careful of breaking the rules.

He smiled warmly at her. 'I have to set an example after all,' he added. 'But if we keep within the rules, then I would gladly trust you with my clothes.'

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[info]en_penelope
2009-01-29 07:27 am UTC (link)
"I promise I won't be breaking the rules, nor will I be in danger of altering the laws of magic."

A few muttered charms had him in a neatly pressed trouser and shirt combination and she removed her own scarf to transfigure it into a tie which she handed to him.

"Very dashing, Mr Smith. Shall we?"

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[info]en_zacharias
2009-01-29 01:08 pm UTC (link)
He wasn't used to being termed dashing, and nearly blushed again at the words. Instead he smiled and took the tie, fixing it around his own neck before he nodded.

'I'm ready,' he said with a smile. 'So show me this little place you like so much.'

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[info]en_penelope
2009-01-29 01:52 pm UTC (link)
Pushing open the door they stepped inside. It was a typical muggle wine bar - city boys in their too-expensive crisp suits throwing money around like it was going out of fashion. Working hard and partying harder and she picked her way through the hastily shoved together tables and the women who flocked around them in the desperate hopes of taking home a trader. Some sex here and they thought it was a one way tube ride to the suburbs.

Leaning forward on the bar, she caught the bartenders eye and grinned. Waiting for him to stop popping corks she ran her hand lightly down Zachs arm to get his attention.

"Do you have a preference, red, white or rose? Or are you a bubbles boy?"

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[info]en_zacharias
2009-01-29 02:01 pm UTC (link)
It was hard to imagine a place where Zach would feel more out of place. From the moment they entered he tensed, eyes wide as he looked around from the posh boys to the slutty girls around them. Seriously that women would degrade themselves to such a degree, willingly, just because someone had money. It almost made him shudder.

Which was why he jumped when he felt Penelope's hand glide along his arm. Slightly embarrassed, he smiled at her, shaking his head at her question. 'Either red or white is quite all right,' he said gently, hoping they could sit away from the crowd.

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[info]en_penelope
2009-01-29 02:06 pm UTC (link)
She ordered the bottle of wine and two glasses, and had to repeat herself a couple of times before she got what she wanted and slid her money across the bar.

Her voice was almost lost in the crowd and she motioned for Zach to follow her through the throng, keeping an eye out to make sure he didn't get sucked into the mass.

Finally they made it into the snug, this was warmer and cosier, a few couples were dotted around the large room, some huddling in front of the crackling fire. Spying a corner booth, Penny slid into it and waited for Zach to join her.

"What did you think of the exhibition?"

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[info]en_zacharias
2009-01-29 02:23 pm UTC (link)
When she first asked, his mind was still so focused on the display in the main bar that he thought she meant that. It wasn't until he properly looked at her that he realised what she meant and could truly relax and smile.

'It was amazing,' he said with a smile, leaning in as he allowed himself to get lost in the exhibition once more. 'I'm always impressed with the way the witches and wizards of old managed to get the Muggles to accept it all, not only accept it, but embrace it like they did.' He smiled shyly. 'What did you think?'

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[info]en_penelope
2009-01-29 02:40 pm UTC (link)
"I studied Muggle studies at school and yeah, I think its fascinating that they manage to explain what is completely unexplainable and in fact, are more technologically advanced than us."

Deciding it had had enough time to breathe, she poured the wine into the glasses and managed to only spill a few drops on her fingers.

Waste not, want not, she thought and sucked it off her finger before continuing her train of thought "I loved the exhibition, apart from the subject matter which was worth going for alone, I thought it was well laid out, and very accessible. I do wish I had gotten a closer look at that box though. It was so intricate."

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[info]en_zacharias
2009-01-29 02:58 pm UTC (link)
Zach smiled, not even noticing the way she licked her fingers like most men would. Instead he leaned in as she started speaking, interested in what she had to say.

'It's hard to keep your fingers to yourself in a museum some times, isn't it?' he said with a laugh. 'And it is fascinating. I also agree with you. The layout was very logical and well structured. It made sense, there was order.' He smiled. 'If only everything in life was that well ordered.'

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[info]en_penelope
2009-01-30 11:14 am UTC (link)
"It really is, although I suppose thats why we have museums, so that the artefacts can be preserved."

Leaning back against the cushioned chair she offered him a smile as her fingers curled round the wine glass. "I like order, and I'm very glad you invited me out tonight. I've had a fantastic time."

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[info]en_zacharias
2009-01-30 11:28 am UTC (link)
Her words made him very self conscious, suddenly aware of the fact that this was indeed a date, that he'd asked her out. He never asked anyone out, there weren't any women he actually liked enough.

He looked down, then back up at her. 'I'm glad I did too, I really like your company. There are not too many people who I get along with this well.'

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[info]en_penelope
2009-01-30 11:45 am UTC (link)
Lifting her glass, she toasted him with it and clinked theirs together.

"Perhaps we can do it again sometime? Since we get along so well?"

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