Rodolphus wants to play (morallyskewed) wrote in initiative_logs, @ 2020-03-08 15:21:00 |
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Entry tags: | char: rodolphus lestrange, char: roland prescott |
Who: Rodolphus Lestrange and Roland Prescott
What: Planning the new order
When: March 7
Where: 506 Ivy Lane
Status | Rating: Complete | Low
Rodolphus was not exactly surprised that Roland had been so keen to help. In fact, he was one of the people that the man had relied on to turn to his cause. Not simply because he was skilled at his craft and a successful name and man to side with, but because he was eager. Rolan was a power-hungry person who picked his sides for what he thought would be the winning, or at least safer, team to be on. And that worked exactly to Rodolphus’ advantage. He did not need to be loved or even liked to be in charge. That was his brother’s biggest flaw, after all. He wished to be feared and respected for his power and control, not for his ability to appease the people. Their ability to live in the world he graced them with should be appeasing enough, after all. He wanted a pure world, so halfbloods should feel lucky and blessed to have any rights at all. And that was the weakness that had always been his brother’s poison and failure.
Rabastan wanted to lead the people as someone who ruled with his rules and beliefs. He had been a Death Eater, yes, but even when they were interrogating the Longbottoms, he had not been willing to keep pushing when it was clear they did not have the information. He could kill, but the man lacked the balls to push. He was weak. A failure and disappointment to their mission. And that was never more clear than the recent steps taken recently. The meeting. The deed going to Capper. It was all proof that Rabastan was no longer following the way that the Dark Lord had laid out for them. And it was only a matter of time before that news for back to him. He would come to dispose of Rabastan, if they don’t first, and it was Rodolphus’ hopes to have himself lined up and primed to be the next in line.
Which was where Roland came in. Followers. Willing and ready to fight the good fight. To take the extreme measures needed to win and flush out those who deserved to die. Rodolphus wanted to rid the world of the muggleborns, even the children if need be. At the moment, it was possible to train them to be their servants, which worked well enough. He knew people were looking into where their magic came from to eliminate it in new muggleborns. Rid them of their powers and use them to their advantages. There were so many small parts they needed to study further, but he needed people like Roland to be on his side. Willing. Blindly so. Something dangerously rare in these days with such a weak leader.
It was why the man was invited over his estate. He had done a great service with Diana Ollivander changing sides. Her mind, and Fletcher’s, had been wiped, but that was not Roland’s fault by the aurors charged with watching them. They had been accessed by the resistance, and that would be brought up later for the public to see what the risk was of siding with them. That no one was safe, and it was why they were terrorists. They had plans. And he needed people to spread them.
His servant brought Roland into his study. She was small, polite, and soft spoken--maybe 15 at the oldest. She bowed out and shut the door behind the two men. Rodolphus rose from his chair and walked around his desk to the decanter of scotch and poured them both a glass. He then turned and handed one to Roland and offered a warm but still closed and professional face. “Good of you to come, Roland,” he offered by way of greeting. “I hope this week has not been too taxing.”
---
During the First War, Roland had still been at Hogwarts, and still to this day remembering his parents impressing upon him the importance of playing the long game. To keep your beliefs strong, because one day, they would be proven right and everything would be set the way that it should be. Which is how Roland ended up spying and running interference for the Death Eaters during the Second War, earning his place as it were. He had been working as an Oblivator and working certain memory charms to gather up and erase vital information within the Ministry. And though it was hard playing both sides of the fence it had been more than worth it in the end. Roland could always talk a good game, all the while thinking another completely. Thankfully, those days of having to hide who he was were over, and had been for quite some time. He only wished that his parents had been around to see the day that they had promised him as a fourteen-year-old. Because life was good right now, and after having to bend and scrape and pretend, it was nice to be at the top of the hill right now.
However, it seemed that the rabble were starting to get a little more restless than usual, and the encouragement of the current Minister wasn’t exactly helping things. While he’d always been good at showing support for the man in public, Roland found himself retreating into his old ways. He found it totally unacceptable that they were suddenly caving to the muggle borns. It was disgusting. This discussion and giving over the deed was just two steps too far. What was next? Rights? A representative on the Council? No, Roland wouldn’t allow that to happen. While not as extreme as Rodolphus in his beliefs, they were still beyond what some of the softer purists would believe. He honestly thought that the only reason for them to really exist was to do the jobs that were unsuitable for the proper ranks to do, and produce more magical offspring. Yes, they wouldn’t be pure children, however, if the magical gene was passed down enough it would eventually grow stronger and result in pure children, and thus, stronger children. So in a few generations, they would grow from the base creatures that they were. He also believed they should be taken from the parents immediately so as not to be tainted from their lowly origin. But other than that, he figures eventually they’ll die out anyway, so why rush in exterminating them when nature will do it for them eventually.
But at this point, it was details, and the finer points that could be dealt with later. For now, they had much more important matters to discuss. LIke how to solve the whole Minister and his followers problem. He was thankful that Rodolphus seemed more eager to do something about it, so Roland leapt at the chance and quickly made his claim on which side he was on. Between the two, Roland figured which one would actually have the stones to do what it took, so he made his choice. He was led into the study by a woman, no girl, and honestly, Roland tried not to pay too much attention, keeping his focus about what was going on, about why they were meeting before the others. He happily took the glass from the other man. “Thank you,” he started automatically waiting for his host to take a sip first, since it was only polite after all. “It was my pleasure. And a bit of a relief, if I’m being honest.” to which of course he would be with Rodolphus. It would be a stupid move to start lying now. This was both for protection as it was for legacy after all. “Not as bad as it could have been,” he admitted. “Though, it could have gone better. At least there is a little bit of panic in the streets from what I hear.”
****
Rodolphus motioned toward the black leather and dark wooden executive chairs on the close side of the desk. He took one and waited for Roland to sit, as well. This was a movement to get a second in command. Though timid with his speech and perhaps better at restating rhetoric than creating his own arguments, the man was a prime example of a true pure male. Proud father of children and the soft mourning father of his unfortunate daughter. A successful member of the working Ministry—obliviator who became departmental head of his section—and active socialite in the community. Roland played the role of the slightly less aloof and charming man who could be his face of the new government. The face of the softer side of the iron fist that would be wrought upon those unwilling to comply.
“I’m sure you were made aware that people tampered with our two possible sources of information,” Rodolphus started when Roland was comfortable. His voice was tight but conversational. He knew the ministry gossiped, and this was a chance to test how easy it was to spread rumors through the hall. He spoke too loud toward another high member of staff on purpose in hopes that it would circulate. Roland’s willingness to share what was being whispered about, if he chose to, could prove as useful as his obedience to the powers in charge. “It seems that our potential terrorists that the Minister fails to title as such have taken it upon them to target those who have previously been on their side, which cannot go unpunished. But it also concerns me on how easy these secrets were made knowledge.”
He took a sip and enjoyed the earthy, sharp taste of his scotch and the tingle of the sea salty caramel that washed after. “I ask you to be here and not others because I feel as though we have a better understanding of each other and the situation at hand. My brother has fans, of course. He is charming and personable. But he is also weakening his stance on the way our laws have been written. This bridging of the gaps, so to speak, have still yet to deter much of our major supporters from staying on his side for these opinions. And it makes trusting those who could potentially request action against his more liberal rulings disastrous. Our politics have become a popularity contest, you see. And he is winning.”
--
Roland didn’t automatically assume that he would even come close to being something of a second second in command. If anything he was looking for the guy in the room who was actually going to win. Sometimes it wasn’t always the biggest guy, in fact, nine times out of ten the smarter person could take down the stronger one much easier if one applied themselves. Which is one of the reasons he’d declared himself on Rodolphus’s side. While he wasn’t saying that the Minister was a smart man, it was just that he felt his brother was smarter, and didn’t really seem to have hang ups on how things got done, just so long as they did. Roland took a seat when it was offered settling into it as comfortably as he could without both appearing rude, or like he was anxious about how this talk would go. Perhaps as a younger man, Roland would have been a little more intimidated, and prone to his mind racing to try and figure out what was going on. However, right now, in this company, and considering he hadn’t died yet of poisoned whiskey he was looking forward to what Rodolphus wanted to discuss with him. Though, if he was honest he was sure that poison wasn’t his game, however, nothing would gain attention by a fake assisnation attempt on the man and claim that he hadn’t drank anything yet thereby using Roland’s corpse for whatever purpose. Or he could just be a little paranoid. One of the two.
As he took a sip and listened, Roland paused for a moment to contemplate what he was being told. Yes, he’d heard the rumors, and he’d probably paid more attention to them than he should have. His own vanity somewhat getting in his way, considering the work that he had put into the one bint who thought could outsmart him. Little did she know that it hadn’t been an impulse decision for Roland in the first place. “I did hear some of my underlings whispering about it.” he admitted and shook his head, recalling names and faces that he had caught talking about it. “It seems as if they’ve finally have shown their true colors, stooping down to the level that they keep claiming we’re at.” he rolled his eyes ever so slightly at that. “Oh, there’s no doubt a mole somewhere in the Ministry. After all, we had them there for years before we took power.” he said reasonably. “However, I have no doubt we’ll be better at flushing them out, given that there aren’t many new tricks they could be using.” he smirked a little at that thought, considering he had been one of those moles for years.
While Roland liked to talk, and probably hear the sound of his own voice more than he should, he also realized that this time it was far more advantageous for him to listen and absorb than actually say of anything of use, at least at first. He mulled this over and nodded crossing one leg over the other and looking into his glass as his arm casually draped over his knee. “We simply cannot allow that to happen.” he responded decisively. “If he continues on to bridge that gap, it’s going to undo everything we’ve worked to build. It’s a very slippery slope and what might seem reasonable today, will end up giving back the muggle borns their rights. And that simply cannot happen.” he took a sip from his glass savoring the quality. “I assume that you have the start of something planned? Which is why we’ll be meeting with the others later?” he asked, hopeful.
****
When Roland confirmed that he had heard something, Rodolphus hummed, pleased that he had been right. People spoke, and he was more than happy to say when word was getting out. That would prove useful down the line. At the moment, he had Alecto controlling information and education at the school and keeping her brother in line. It meant that the fear of sending their kids with radical ideas after what had happened last time kept parents in line. Those who did not send their children doomed them to a life of servitude barely above that of the muggleborns. Blood traitors. But, as Roland said, the moles in the Ministry were an issue. Because there would be a lot who could be a turncoat, and he needed people who were ready to help turn the tides.
“Which is where you are irreplaceable for my goals,” he admitted easily. “I was never one for the Ministry work, but you have experience and know what to look for.” He knew praising Roland was always a positive. The man was not weak by any means, but he did seem to crave acceptance. If he needed such positive reinforcement to mold him to the perfect lackey, the man was not above playing that game with him. He needed a face far more approachable and far less jaded than his own. The beauty and youth of Immy and Pansy would be useful, as well. But the world was rightfully focused on strong male leaders.
“I do have plans,” he confirmed easily with a nod. “A lot of that is dependent on men such as yourself, too.” He took a sip and leaned back to get comfortable. “You are a great face for us, Roland. Successful, skilled, intelligent, and connected. A father. A husband and widower. A man who lived through the old regime and support the new. While I have dreams and goals for where our future needs to go to keep our society strong, I am a tainted public figure. My dedication to the harsher side of our world has made me less desirable. But you,” he gave a charming smile and nodded. “You’re exactly the face who can help bring us to a better tomorrow. You understand more than I do of the modern world. You know people, you have more connections who are less extreme, and you are more capable to act as the rally that I can’t create. They will learn of their roles, of course, but you. You’re irreplaceable in this.”
--
A small smirk formed on Roland’s face at the praise. He didn’t actively seek it, but his subconscious latched onto it and enjoyed hearing it. It was reassuring to know that his skills were noted and would be of use. After all, he was very aware of a line that needed to be walked. Keeping the man in charge happy while making himself indispensable. People were mostly replaceable, with a few exceptions. And new skills could always be found. Roland’s main goal was to just make sure that he was looked at as someone who they needed, rather than was just replaceable. “I would be happy to start searching out and gathering up information for possible spies.” he admitted looking thoughtful. “As well as teaching some of the more...inexperienced like minded people about what to look out for. More eyes are not going to be a bad thing at this point.” he finished, thinking that maybe that’s what he was going to be needed for. To which, he was fine with that lot. Roland knew that he had been just outspoken enough to know that no one on the other side would trust him ever, no matter how charming he was. Not to mention he had more power now at his current position, so there were better chances of him following patterns and behaviors rather than either listening in on, or joining conversations. That and it would seem rather odd considering he barely mixed with his underlings anyway. Change of normal day to day behavior was always the biggest red flag.
At Rodolphus’s comment about his plans being dependant on men like him, he couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow, somehow making his already avian features stand out a little bit more as his gaze met the other man’s. It wasn’t in a negative sort of way, more curious than anything else. It felt weird to think that he could do things that Rodolphus could not. He was very aware of the other man’s reputation, and had assumed that it would be an iron fist from the get go. But this...this made more sense now that he thought about it. Roland was still very sure that the iron fist would be happening, however, this new approach would be interesting as well. Make them learn by showing them another side, manipulate those who were on the fence into thinking to the right side in order to gain more numbers at the best, and at least keep them from joining the terrorists at the worst. No, this was the smart play, the one that would lead to a lasting regime, instead of one that could be toppled easier. A strong foundation was all that it was going to take, and they were practically there already. They just needed to get the ones who couldn’t stomach what needed to be done out of the way first. Once they did that, all of this would be considered a minor bump in the road. Barely a blip on the historical timeline.
“Of course I would be more than happy to take on any role that you would see fit to put me in.” Roland started after taking a small sip as he gathered his thoughts. “I just want what’s best for our community. I want to be able to see my grandchildren raised in a world that doesn’t have to put up with the scum like we’re forced to now.” while his words were harsh his tone was purely conversational. “Like you said, it’s a popularity contest. Why not use it against certain people, and start making the pathway easier for that future.” he started to form some ideas in his head about how to do just that, if they were good or not, he had no clue. They were only rough ideas at this point, to be discussed and possibly fleshed out later. “What is it exactly that you want me to do Rodolphus? Be...more of a public figure? Or help you appear less...extreme and more reasonable?” he asked wondering where this was going exactly.
****
Rodolphus merely gave a half smile—one that radiated his approval and assurance that Roland would handle working the younger members of society. He had children, who could do the same under the right guidance. It was easy to make him feel so confident in himself, which was exactly what he needed. While proud and dignified, the man lacked the ego that came with Yaxley and Borgin. Or the need to question everything to death as the Carrows would. There was less desire to investigate the topic at hand and more desire to be of use. Helpful. It was almost sad and child-like how much the man seemed to crave that approval from someone of such a higher status. This was a powerplay on a man who needed to fit in with the most powerful. He knew how to make his chances seem like the most obvious. That there was no way they would not be the victors in this. Above all, that assurance would keep Roland’s loyalty more than position and promised power.
But Rodolphus was done praising at the moment. He had noted his significance. He had seen his role in this. Anything more would be too much. This was a careful game to play. The hint and nudge of grooming in the direction Rod needed him without crossing the line of too heavy or too soft. If he was not careful, he would push too much and Roland would catch on. Be too soft and the man would not take the bait. It was a careful dance of manipulation and genuine compliments that he was doing to entice the man. But it seemed to work. Just enough of a hint and Roland was not only watching carefully and curiously but offering his own thoughts and beseeching what Rodolphus needed. He wanted to know how best to help, and now was his turn to let Roland decide.
“That is up to you,” he offered. “More vocal, yes. An activist calling out the inconsistency of the laws against the actions of the Minister, but how is up to you. This is where you can take the lead. I trust you to gauge yourself accordingly. You survived the first purge that caught myself and my wife and was known as a supporter when the second came through. You will be pivotal in the third one that will fix what abominations my brother has created from his weakness.” He grinned wolfishly. “As for less extreme, I know who I am as a person and what stories circulate about me. They are very similar to my brother, yet they have not preventing his ascent. I’m not concerned about those. When we have our foothold again, it won’t be difficult for us to claim our positions. And when I retire, you would be primed for office, if you chose to take it.”
---
Surviving the first purge had been easy, as he had only been a teenager at the time, however, his parents had taught him well by example. They too had been supporters, but had done it in a way where they didn’t make themselves targets. It had been quiet, but nonetheless supportive and necessary. All three of his sisters had been in the same boat as himself, and he was already thinking about how to perhaps entice them. While they enjoyed their privileged lives, all but Madeline lived outside of this community with Patricia in Holyhead and Eliza in Hogsmeade. However, that could be useful as well. While, yes, most of the action was being held here in London, it could be useful to have other vocal supporters in the other locations. He would have to go visit them soon and feel them and their husbands out. After all, despite the fact that they were all strong in their own right, they were also very old school and would need their husbands in order for their opinion to really old weight among the people that Rodolphus would really need. His mind was alight with ideas and how to best go about this. If Rodolphus was trusting him with this much of a task, then he would make sure not to let him down. After all, while victory would be assured, it didn’t mean that it wouldn’t be without a fight, and they had better be prepared for one.
As for the second, well, there were still many that didn’t exactly know Roland’s role in the previous war, and he wanted it to stay that way. Of course there were rumors, there were always rumors, and many didn’t quite know how accurate they really were. That while he certainly hadn't thrown his mother under the Knight Bus, he would have it if it meant gaining favor with the Dark Lord and his followers at the time. Ambition had always been a part of his personality, though, not in the outright way that normally came with Slytherins, no, Roland’s ambition came from a quieter place, a need for survival among his peers, this need to fit in to be liked, and be known for his work rather than his personality reputation. He had to wear many masks over the years, but it had all been worth it. He was the perfect example of what could be accomplished with hard work, patients, and loyalty could get someone. At least in his own mind at least. That was what he had hoped was coming across. “Calling out the inconsistencies is not going to be an issue.” he confirmed after taking a moment to mull Rodolphus’s words over.
“After all, what good citizen wouldn’t? It’s our duty after all to make sure that the Government is working as it was set up to do. Being more vocal won’t be an issue.” Because Roland knew that he could go about it in the right way. He could do it in a way that wasn’t screaming and stamping his feet like a child and calling out fair play. At least in his own mind he could come across as reasonable, at least to those that were already on the more pure side of things. Of course, he knew that the rabble would be likely to scream and stomp their feet like toddlers not getting the sweet they want at the shop, but that was no matter to him. Soon enough they would remember their place. Though that line of thought did bring about something in his mind, a faint thought really. “If I am to be more public, there may be one or two things we should consider and take care of before hand.” he vaguely mentioned before continuing on. “What happens after your retirement is a discussion a long way off yet, we will cross the bridge later.” he assured the other man, though it sounded like he was thinking quite seriously about that, even if he had no idea what he wanted at that moment. “I have a few names already within the Ministry that I can perhaps start to lean on a bit more to get me some names for the next purge. People to watch to start off with. People that might be on the fence and perhaps be a little more sympathetic to your brother.” he started to form a plan of action in his head. “The faster we can either sway them to the correct side, or out them as muggle and muggle born sympathizers the better off we’re going to be. Examples will probably have to be made.” he noted. “Set the tone early that those things will not be tolerated.” Roland drank a tiny bit once more from his glass.
------
“I feel as though my brother’s short-sightedness is his lack of progress in this case,” Rodolphus replied easily when Roland tried to say his retirement was long off. He was in his sixties, and he wanted to have the illusion of no dictator like Rabastan was primed to be with his long-term period in office. He needed to balance the full control with the façade of giving others a chance to rule. He needed to be replaced by someone primed and groomed to take over when he was gone. And it had to be gone within a reasonable amount of time. Perhaps, no, not a few years, but nothing like the decade and a half his brother was sitting on. He knew, after all, that this was part of the discomfort felt by the more liberal members of the community. Passing the torch would make it seem like their hopes were heard. However, Rodolphus also knew he had to select those who would take control after him to prevent the focus from faltering into disarray like the Soviet Union had.
“The next purge won’t matter until well after this trial, but that would be useful. Those on the fence are more important in this. We need to find out what is making people unsure so we can push them over to our side with promises and conservative steps. Nothing like what has been given now, but more comforts.” He thought for a moment and took another sip. “All actions have to wait until after this hearing with Macmillan. She put herself in a tricky place, thinking her family would protect her. Much like those who married muggleborns, we need people with connection to the old families to know that they don’t have protection simply because they are older. A sign of fair treatment toward those who are of a lower cast. Granted, this fairness is within a margin of reason, but it needs to be shown.”
“Is there anything you need from me,” he asked after a pause. His face looked open and inviting, but there was an edge to him. One that prepared for anything he needed to fix. No one was without skeletons in the closet. Especially not a true purist. And if he wanted Roland’s trust, he needed to handle what issues he had to control. It was vital at this point to ensure all loose ends are taken care of before they begin to cause an issue.
--
The timing of all of this made perfect sense to Roland. There was no point in starting anything until after the trials. After all, it would just take away from the impact that was happening. Not to mention it would be an event that would lead to information gathering. If they got off easy, it would be a chance to begin to call out how weak the Government was being on terrorist actions. If they did what they were supposed to do, it would only reinforce the idea that this sort of behavior would not be tolerated. So interrupting that in order to speak his mind about the current regime wouldn’t lead to any strong footing whatsoever. As his mind began to turn over Rodolphus’s words a word stuck on in his mind. Comforts. Of course, sway them that way because it was easier to gain their trust instead of through fear. People were easier to control when they were happy and felt comfortable. Fear led people to do drastic things and they very well couldn’t have that right now. “And if that doesn’t work, well, I do suppose we could dust off a few old tricks.” he agreed in a nonchalantly sort of way, as if they were having a discussion about the weather.
Roland paused only for a moment before he responded to the question. It wasn’t enough to raise any bells, or cause for alarm, merely just thinking it over for a brief moment like he would to any other question. Roland was not someone who just rushed into things after all. His work was based on his ability to keep a cool and collected head at all times. A practice that he tried very hard to keep in practice in all ways of his life. Something his late wife was exceptionally good at reminding him and working with him, especially in their earlier years. To the other man’s question Roland simply gave a sharp nod of his head in the affirmative leaving it at that. It wasn’t as if it was a major problem anyway. No need to get dramatic about it. “Then we should plan on meeting again shortly after the trial.” He smoothly continued on, as he caught a glimpse of his watch realizing that the others would be here sooner rather than later. “Depending on how things go, I dare say we’ll have a fairly good starting point either way.” he reasoned.
A thought swept through him as he finished his whiskey though. “You can count on me Rodolphus.” he added in a very serious tone. “I only want what’s best for our community, and the current figure head cannot get us there. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make it so.” he concluded, looking directly into the other man’s eyes so that Rodolphus would know how serious Roland was about it. In Roland’s mind, there was no line that couldn’t be crossed in order to make sure that the right ways survived, and everything else burned to the ground.