2 May: Family Favours Who: Rodolphus Lestrange and Peter Pettigrew What: Rodolphus seemingly asks Peter a favor on behalf of his brother. When: 2 May Where: Ministry of Magic Warnings: None.
As a busy man, Rodolphus utilized every opportunity, especially when it might otherwise be seen as an inconvenient moment. The office was busy today, but Rodolphus was well organized. Even when the windows in the large conference room became ‘wonky’ - to use a technical term - he wasn’t annoyed. Quite the opposite really.
“Mister Pettigrew, I am so grateful for your prompt attention. There is a meeting with some members of the French delegation this afternoon, and they can be rather…” Rodolphus paused, waving his hand, “particular. Please, let me show you to the conference room.”
Peter could always do without having to make a visit to any of the Death Eaters, though it had become rather difficult in his job to do so when so many of them worked at the Ministry. Getting a summons from Rodolphus Lestrange had certainly put a damper on his mood as none of the Lestranges were particularly great company - all for different reasons, really.
“Thank you, sir,” he replied even though he knew very well where the conference room was. He knew the Ministry rather well at this point. “We wouldn’t want to offend any foreign dignitaries.”
Rodolphus smiled at Peter. He would be polite.He had no reason to act otherwise. They were all professionals here. Admittedly one was a mere handyman, but everyone had their use. “No, and least of all the French.” Things were already tense enough with the French right now. The ministry didn’t need negotiations breaking down because of a window enchantment.
“Please stop by my office to let me know when you’re finished.” Rodolphus motioned down the hall to the door with his name. “Otherwise, I will leave to your work.”
At least Peter didn’t have to worry about the other man breathing down his neck while he worked. He wasn’t actually terrible at magic, but his nervousness got the better of him with other people watching. As it was, it only took him fifteen minutes to sort out the problem with the enchanted windows and he set them to swap between some lovely views of the French countryside to make the visitors feel more comfortable underground.
“All sorted,” Peter said as he stopped in the doorway of Rodolphus’ office on his way out.
Not expecting it to take long, Rodolphus didn’t delve deeply into anything, opting to review his prep notes. “Thank you, again, Mister Pettigrew.” He set the pages down and looked up at the man in his doorway. It was difficult to see the benefit here, when he mostly saw danger. However, that was the fickleness of potential in men such as Peter. “If you have a moment, I do have one other ask of you.” He motioned to the chair across the desk, inviting Peter to take a seat.
He probably should have suspected this was some sort of trap. There certainly wasn’t a lot of work-related things that Rodolphus would need to ask of Peter. Which of course left one other option. Though it was true he was curious in a lot of ways. The Death Eaters had been rather silent toward Peter lately and he had been interested as to why. Maybe now he’d find out.
Peter sat down in the chair with only a little hesitance. “What can I do for you?”
Rodolphus waved and the door closed gently behind them. He waited until Peter was seated, settled even before he began. “A mutual acquaintance has asked a favour of my brother. Skilled as Rabastan might be to complete many things, he finds himself in need of your particular expertise.” It would not be the first time the Lestrange brothers had approached Peter in such a manner. Rodolphus was the officer meant to hand down assignments. The difference here was the lack of directive from above. Not that Peter would likely be the wiser.
It wasn’t like Peter had a lot of ‘particular expertise’ to pull from, so the short list was easy to consider here. If this had been asked of him by Rabastan then Peter might be more inclined to argue the point, but Rodolphus was a different animal indeed. There was also the matter of his psychotic bitch of a wife who Peter was far more familiar with than he would like to be.
It was an obvious ploy by the Lestranges to have Rodolphus approach him on this, but Peter wasn’t going to dissent. “I see. He must be indisposed if he can’t manage to ask me himself,” he replied anyway, knowing full well that he shouldn’t have. At least he could manage some cheek on his way down.
Rodolphus raised a brow, but said nothing. Instead, a small grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. “You are familiar with my brother and his antics. He doesn’t often realize when he needs help.” He paused, tilting his head. “Or correction.” Despite their differences, Rodolphus was on his brother’s side -- whatever that took. That was known. “I am merely working to ensure that he doesn’t gain any unnecessary attention.”
“How very brotherly of you,” Peter muttered, despite himself. He didn’t want to test his limits, but couldn’t seem to shut his bloody mouth. He nodded then. “Well I guess I’m here to help, aren’t I?” Whether he wanted to or not, of course. If the Triad asked it, he’d rather face to face with Rabastan than those three.
Well, Peter was certainly not winning any favour today. But Rodolphus could be patient. “You’ll find my loyalty, while hard won, is lasting.” There was no bite in the words. If anything there was a quiet offer. “And my family would appreciate your help in this matter.”
Peter shrugged. This was enough formality to last him a lifetime. “Right. Where do you want me?”
Rodolphus stood up, walking around the desk to see Peter out. “My brother will be in touch.” He ushered the younger man out of his office and back down the hallway. He caught a glance at the new charms on the way out. Not horrible. Maybe this could work out after all.