The Leaky Cauldron

[Roslyn Levere]

Sitting there with Theodore, Roslyn continued watching as so many little expressions flitted across his face. She didn't intend to stare, but he could be quite fascinating; and in all honesty Theo was one of those people one had to handle carefully. Truly like a serpent in the sense that he was charming... silent and deadly to those who didn't pay enough attention. Still she wasn't afraid. The expressions on his face were warm, and a bit familiar which may have helped. Roslyn had never feared the darker wizard to be truthful, even in their worse moments remembering a boy long ago she'd locked eyes with in Hogwarts. Warm dark eyes, with a playful edge. She couldn't let go of the warmer memories...
But there were others that resurfaced yet again, as they went onto the subject of Hogwarts, after a reminder that Theodore never forgot much. But of course, the reminder pulled a playful glint to her eyes; that and the genuine nature of his smile.

"Careful, Nott..." Roslyn leaned forward casually, entwining her hands to rest her chin on them. "I may put that to test one day. If that should ever happen you would be falling before you know it." Laughing lightly to show she was only teasing, Roslyn brushed her hair over her shoulder leaning back. Her tone was quite innocent, however without a doubt coated with honey as the double meaning could be heard clearly.

Considering his response to her thoughts of teaching at Hogwarts, a smile remained at her lips, moistened from the water. "I just think it would be lovely to teach there. I love kids as well, so... I remember when I first came to Hogwarts. How confusing and wonderful everything was." Almost without thought, Roslyn continued.

"I know it isn't really your cup of tea, Nott." Grinning, she shook her head. "But it would probably be in everyones best interest, as I think you'd have them hanging by their thumbs if they'd ever gotten out of line." She could definitely see Theodore's forms of punishments play out in her head.

"There are other things I've had my mind on though... would you believe actually, Roger suggested playing for a professional Quidditch team? Though I suppose it's a compliment coming from someone like him."

Briefly revisiting their time spent together in her mind, Roslyn shrugged it off. She wasn't quite sure why she brought the man up. There wasn't any feelings there in the slightest. But one couldn't deny such a handsome face, nor easily forget it at least. "Anyhow, I'm rambling now." Shaking her head she found her cheeks darkening, fanning herself. "Quite warm in here."

[Theodore Nott]

From over the rim of his glass, Theodore peered carefully at Roslyn. Was she flirting with him? The way she shifted closer to the table gave him the inkling she was indeed flirting. Honestly though, he couldn't be certain. It was just... There was something so...very familiar about the way she moved and looked at him.

And then... There it was. The tell.

Roslyn's ambiguous words dripped with suggestion. Naturally, this piqued Theo's interest. He's somewhat a sucker for a pretty face, though not of the sort that becomes a bumbling fool tripping over himself to win only a smile. It's merely because he indulges himself with all things fine. Witches just happen to hold strong at the top of his list. "Challenge accepted, my pet." He answered, lowering his voice to draw her close. If Roslyn wishes to play, Theodore is no one to deny her that right. But his games might leave a bitter taste in her mouth.

Slowly his head began to shake again. Children were not a part of Theo's world. He couldn't grasp why anyone would entertain the idea of spending more than five minutes near anyone younger than seventeen, and clearly, Roslyn understood that. "That paints an interesting picture." He chuckled at the idea. Sadly, she pretty much hit the nail on the head. "In my defence though. If anythings worth doing, its worth doing right. Can't have those little shi...buggers getting out of hand." A sage nod followed his words.

What's this?

Roger?

Theo's eyes narrowed infinitesimally. Was this Roger a boyfriend? Not that he cared. Roslyn wasn't his, she wasn't fit to be. Sure, she was good for some fun, but when the time came it would be the hand of a proper witch Theo would seek to claim. "Quidditch over books?" He couldn't see it. Books to Roslyn was what blood is to a vampire. "I think I prefer you on the ground, in one piece." He spoke as though the decision was his to make. Theo isn't stupid, he was well aware it was not for him to say, but that never stopped him before.

The flush coloring Roslyn's skin gave Theodore enough evidence. This Roger must be, or very recently was someone of significance. "I hadn't noticed." Again, Theo shook his head, sleek strands of his dark hair falling over his eyes. "Shall I have Tom bring you another water? Perhaps with some ice this time?"

[Roslyn Levere]

Ultimately, Roslyn reminded herself as she watched Theodore carefully; in spite of all the playful banter, the memories she couldn't deny were lovely, she hadn't forgotten the sting of allowing herself to fall for Theo's charms last time. Well in her Defence she hadn't allowed it to be exact, but was unprepared for a lack of better words. How could one prepare themselves for the actions of another they didn't even know? But experience though painful was quite an excellent teacher. In spite of her borderline flirting, Roslyn knew better. She was only doing exactly what Theo did to many other witches; playing the game accordingly. He tended to play nice so long as the other was. Things could turn sour in the blink of an eye, should Theodore Nott desire it to. In a way Roslyn had learned quite a lot from this man, and that along with dealing with these dark times, had indeed changed a slightly gullible witch to a wiser woman.

"Pet." Snickering lightly, Roslyn's brow raised. "To be your pet would be to know me, wouldn't it Nott? That was a mistake long ago made by me in regards to you. You and I have only skimmed the barest surface of each other." Her tone had lost the honey coated edge, though remained on a friendly note, simply speaking facts. There was no hostility in Roslyn's voice, as she felt none. But there was the coolness of wisdom. If nothing else she would at least make it clear to Theo she was a quick learner. He had never had her best intentions at heart then, and she didn't honestly believe he did now.

"It's funny actually, how back in Hogwarts when the sorting hat sorted us; You for Slytherin and I for Ravenclaw, that our houses very much reflected our cores didn't it? Serpent and Eagle. Proud, majestic creatures with timeless wisdom. Great in their own way. They are able to coexist.. so long as one doesn't get too close. Should the serpent ever draw in the eagle with it's charming hiss, only to strike swiftly and silently. Without a single care."

Narrowing her eyes a bit at Theodore calculatingly, Roslyn pursed her lips briefly. "Have you not wondered as to the core of why I'm here, sitting with you? In short. I wanted to clear the air. You and I didn't end on a friendly note, way back when, though I suppose it's of no importance to you; I was faced with questions of how you could behave so coldly...but the truth is even if you did give an answer I doubt it would be real. Because you wouldn't openly admit that the reason you do the things you do, is because noone has ever made it clear to you the difference between right and wrong. How to treat those who have been good to you..."

Frowning, Roslyn shook her head. She'd placed her feelings in Theodore's hands, only to have him crush them completely without a thought. And now it was time he at least faced up to his actions. Lowering her voice to a whisper, so as to remain between them, Roslyn continued. "I remember a boy with a bruised relationship with his father, missing his mother terribly. She was his light in a dark world. And you should remember a girl with no parents at all. I made it clear you weren't the only one lost. Still I would never do half the things you do, Theodore. I at least am human enough to feel sympathy for those I hurt needlessly. But you have no idea what that is do you?"

This was the core of everything. Playtime was over. All casual talks of children and Quidditch were of little importance, which is why Roslyn chose no to address them. She had indeed come to Theo for a reason, and as it turned out she just couldn't gloss over the past, nor his actions with friendly detachment.

[Theodore Nott]

The temperature dropped a few degrees suddenly. Theo was faced with a part of Roslyn he had never seen before. Was she showing...gumption?

He remained silent, happily allowing her to get what she needed off her chest, and watched. If anyone was looking over at them, there would be no hint as to what their conversation entailed as Roslyn was the perfect picture of composure. If only every witch Theo had "wronged" would behave as such.

The things Roslyn spoke of were true. Theodore has never had anyone truly correct his behavior, his father was always too busy, or more likely, didn't care. Nor has anyone ever said as much to him so matter-of-factly. It was certainly was an experience. But he still didn't care. People have called him a brat before, Roslyn was just better at it.

Theodore lazily pushed aside the hair partially veiling his eyes, and leaned casually back into his seat. "You wish to know why I do what I do?", he asked nonchalantly. He dropped his gaze, which had cooled, and plucked at invisible fuzz on his neat black trousers. Roslyn wanted honesty. He could give her that.

"Why do I do what I do?" Theodore repeated, as he once again fixed on Roslyn. "I've learned not to rely on others where my happiness is concerned. People will always break promises...they'll always leave you, and then what are you left with? Sympathy, you said? Not my cup of tea." He chuckled dryly before continuing on. "So...you needlessly hurt people, but are sympathetic about it? How lovely of you. At least I don't hide what I am, pet. No need to dig deep under the surface."

[Roslyn Levere]

The only thing shocking about Theodore, or at least mildly surprising, as Roslyn spilled all the words she'd been longing to say, perhaps since she'd first met Theodore; Was the fact that he remained silent, listening it would seem. However Roslyn knew the clear difference between hearing something, and actually understanding. And she knew for a fact that Theodore Nott was far from understanding. Aside from that, she also knew he had to be biding his time. Instead of storming off in a rude fashion, it was in the style of the serpent to at least hear their foe out. Not that they were foes, still the same concept applied.

Watching as he reached to brush aside his hair, everything about him as calm as Roslyn would learn to expect from a person who cared so little for anything; she too sat, a cool expression upon his face, as one would in a game of chess. Funny how this was so like it, one wrong move leaving the other cornered.

Theodore took his time, in his usual style, of getting to the bottom of their little conversation. Repeating her spoken words, preparing to play along with his own truth. What he spoke was quite revealing, yet inspired no sympathy in Roslyn. Perhaps in her earlier years she would've been putty at his words, rushing to comfort the fallen Angel. However. Ones actions were their own at the end of the day; and so she would remind Theo.

Remaining perfectly neutral, hardly batting a lash at his dry chuckle and frail attempt at turning her words, Roslyn nodded fractionally. "You are... absolutely right. In the sense of not leaning too heavily on people. You're right in saying that I have needlessly hurt at least one person in my life.." Remembering all too well the situation with Theo, Neville and herself, Roslyn gave no hint at feeling a thing. She'd faced that truth long ago, of hurting a genuine friend. "But here is where your lucky streak ends, dearest Theo. " Hardening her stare, eyes as cold as winter snow, Roslyn's tongue was like that of a sharpened blade.

"I've admitted to every imperfection on my part, and never claimed my faults didn't exist. Unlike you, I don't hide behind my Pureblood status, and money. I don't smooth over my own sad truths with the excuse of relying on only myself. I don't pretend there aren't good people in the world, who are very much worth the struggle of dealing with people who couldn't care less about our well being; simply because they exist. Because ultimately.." Taking a breath, Roslyn shook her head. "Ultimately. What I do, is of my own choosing. The same goes for you. Funny how you speak of a reality, when you've drifted so far away from it. If you think for one second a few unlucky experiences, with the wrong people justify your behavior. So perhaps there is more to dig for underneath the surface, at least as far as you are concerned. Not for me or anyone else, but yourself. And if sympathy isn't your cup of tea, certainly you can't expect any back."

[Theodore Nott]

"Save your self-righteous verbiage." Theodore spoke hollowly. This whole situation was growing old. Quickly.

"You need me to be the scapegoat here. Fine. But don't ever assume like this again, Roslyn. You wouldn't have lasted a foot walking in my loafers. You would have been broken long ago..." She can sit there and pretend she knows what makes Theo tick all she likes, he didn't care. People have been doing that for ages. Truth is. No one will ever know. For that to happen trust would be required, and that is something Theo does not do.

"We all do whatever it takes to ensure our own happiness. Some are more resourceful, more agressive than others, but we're all the same in the end. This is no fault of mine, but I'll take the brunt of it if it pleases you. It truly doesn't matter."

The air between them was icy. Theodore, once again, focused on his whiskey, and shrugged. Playing the bad guy was the story of his life. Rather than anyone attempt to get close to Theo and learn about him, they choose to judge. Fear of the unknown their motivation. However, at the same time, he had only himself to blame. Again, its all about trust. All of his died with his mother.

[Roslyn Levere]

Watching Theodore, as he all but shoved her words back in her face, remaining completely immovable; Roslyn took a moment to settle down, rather than continue with the rapid fire they shot at each other. She thought perhaps now would've been a good time to bow out, with as much grace as one could at this point. Noone was winning or loosing, but rather they'd reached a stale end. Theodore could be quite stubborn. But she had witnessed herself in spite of such, he did have his good qualities. He was still human, however cold.

With everything she'd wanted to say cleared from her mind and heart, Roslyn could at least appreciate that he had made fair points, in defence of his actions. She realized in that moment she didn't have to fall into sympathy for Theodore, but accusations would get them both nowhere. Except perhaps where they'd left off long ago; her walking away with a bitterness in her heart, and Theo remaining as he was. And the latter would've been the most tragic, in light of his recent revelations. He was used to being the way he was. He expected others to leave, and so he would remain his only true friend.

Roslyn couldn't just walk away now. She didn't believe even Theodore deserved to be given up on. Battling with her pride, filled with the determination to prove him wrong; Roslyn took a breath, preparing to speak. Carefully running through all the things she could say to save this situation, before tossing it all out the window, locking her gaze unto his in absolute sincerity.

"Time, Theo. You can't undo the way you've seen things your whole life, with just a few words from someone else. But I promise you, I can prove there's one person you can lean on other than yourself. And if you can't take my word for it, at least allow me to show you with actions." Her tone much softer than before, as she made her request known, Roslyn allowed her face to soften. Certainly extending a branch of friendship. She wasn't after Theo for anything, and she hoped he could see that. All Roslyn desired in that moment was to open the darker wizards eyes, and prove that good still existed in the world. That placing your trust in someone else wouldn't always prove disastrous.

"You're right. Who am I to pass judgment, on you or anyone else? For that I ask your forgiveness, and to make up for it by showing you something different."

[Theodore Nott]

Ever so slowly, Theodore lifted a brow. What was Roslyn up to? She didn't throw up her arms in disgust and storm off the way most witches do when encountering the brick wall that is Theodore. There had to be a motive here. His head tilted, and he eyed her with curiosity. Naturally, he didn't trust the extended hand of friendship she offered, though he didn't worry the in the slightest Roslyn meant him any harm. This was just very unusual behavior. Something he was finding himself very interested in, and wanting to get to the bottom of it.

"You feel showing me something is going to prove what exactly?" Theodore bit back laughter. Did Roslyn plan to "change" him by being friends? How absurd. He took another drink of whiskey to prevent the laughter threatening to spill over. In this moment, he made a snap decision. The only way he would figure out Roslyn's intentions would be to play along.

"Alright...alright. I'll bite." The glass in his hand was now empty, and Theodore set it aside. His dark eyes glittered. Clearly, he was now amused. "Do whatever it is you have a mind to. I won't resist."

[Roslyn Levere]

Roslyn Levere had never been one for drinking. She had always been miss responsible. Reasonable, looking for the logic in chaos; and often she was successful. Those were the qualities of a Ravenclaw student. However she was close to the end of her rope. After making a swift exit from Nott's manor, Roslyn had picked up whatever courage she could muster and went to her own home. Funnily enough when weighing the options of staying with Nott, and braving the terror chasing her it was an easy decision. She would rather take her chances on her own, than deal with the confusion and misery that seemed to follow the darker wizard.

It was frustrating. And her frustration had drove her here. No matter how much she desired to stop thinking about the wizard, and leave things to fall where they may; Roslyn still found herself haunted by him. She still found herself cursing him as much as she had tried to throw herself into work and forget everything. There was still that nagging feeling of unfinished business with someone; only it was less formal than it seemed. It was her bloody heart that wasn't finished, whilst her mind screamed to just let it go.

Now here she was, a pathetic mess as she sat bent over a glass of fire whiskey. All she wanted was a break from it all. A break from being afraid. From having someone stomp all over her feelings. Just a break from life. But Roslyn would find much like any other time, there was to be no breaks for her. She was bound to be stuck/

"How can one man be so bloody stubborn?" Musing to herself quietly, Roslyn stared into the glass of amber liquid, an unhappy expression on her face. She felt truly miserable. After taking such great lengths to avoid Nott for the past two or three weeks, here she was trying to drink her troubles away; and failing miserably. She was still only on her second glass for merlin's sake. "Can't do anything right, can you Rose?" Sighing, she placed her head in her hands.

[Roger Davies]

Roger walked into the familiar pub after a rough day of Quidditch practice. He played terrible today; he was too distracted to play after what happened last night in his room with Fleur. Roger simply ordered a fire whiskey and sat down at a nearby table in order to try and forget everything even though he knew it was not going to work; he can't hide from her forever. At some point he would have to return to his cottage and face Fleur.

[Roslyn Levere]

There was only so long one could stare at their drink, planning on drinking it, only to turn down the option every time. Honestly there was a reason Roslyn stuck to tea. It wasn't as if drinking would magically make the world better anyhow. She felt it was a complete waste of time.

Places a few coins on the table to pay for her drink, Roslyn went to head straight for the door.

[Roger Davies]

Roger sipped at his firewhiskey slowly hoping to prolong his time at the pub, not ready to leave and go home. As he looked up from it he saw a familiar woman walking towards the door; Roslyn. She also looked distressed and he figured they could both use some company.

"Roslyn?" Roger called out to her as she walked to the door.

[Roslyn Levere]

Pausing just as her hand hovered over the door handle, Roslyn turned to look towards the voice that had called her. Seeing how there weren't many folks in the small pub, her eyes easily found Roger Davies. He seemed as if he had the world on his shoulders, and Roslyn wondered if it were just a bad day for most folks. Bad day... Rose, darling, you've been in a funk for weeks! A voice reminded her needlessly. Casting it aside for the moment, Roslyn forced a smile to her face. She could at least act as if nothing were wrong.

"Hullo, Roger." Torn for a brief moment between staying where she was, or joining him at the table; Roslyn decided to meet him halfway, only walking to where she stood near a chair still neatly placed upon the table. "How are you?" Immediately Roslyn thought of what a stupid question that was, but it was only in good manner she asked anyhow.

[Roger Davies]

Roger felt slightly better as Roslyn smiled at him. "Well better now that I have seen you." Seeing her brought back fond memories of the last time they ran into each other. Perhaps a repeat of their last encounter was just what he needed to take his mind off everything.

[Roslyn Levere]

"Oh," Laughing just a bit, Roslyn ignored the dry feeling in her throat. She didn't feel happy in the slightest. This was all a pretense she put on; a part of her wondered if Roger could sense her troubles. Without a doubt Roslyn knew the very wizard she wished not to think about would be able to see beyond her outward appearance. She wasn't sure why, or even that she should place much faith in such thoughts. But something inside of Roslyn felt as if she and a certain someone knew each other better than most.

Try as she might, Roslyn's troubles only seemed to grow worse. It was beginning to turn into a depression. But she couldn't express that out loud, without explaining her current situation to Roger. So Roslyn would have to be content in pretending. "What brings you here?" Thinking to ask if he'd like company, Roslyn held back. There was no point. She didn't plan on staying long.