(no subject)

[bartyjr.livejournal.com]

Barty's in the bar; he's walked down from his room, this time, instead of apparating. He orders a glass of water and a sandwich - nothing too expensive as he still hasn't managed to get any money - and sits down at a table to eat.

Comments

[bartyjr.livejournal.com]

"I plan to do nothing of interest. What with the physical manifestations of Merlin knows what wandering about, seems a bit dangerous to do anything at all."

He maintains his Occlumency defences.

"As far as I know, there are three rules in the bar. I plan on following all of them. And I don't think you have the right to ask any more."

[young_tmriddle]

*When fighting those who are evil, sometimes one must resort to practices that are not quite morally upright. In the game of power amongst evildoers, one also must show supremacy, or so Tom thinks.

He makes eye contact with Barty and says, very quietly:*

Legilimens.

*He punches through Berty's defenses, not quite as easily as he thought he would, and then withdraws his powers quickly. He didn't look for any specific memories or insights; he merely wanted to show the younger man he could do so, if he'd wanted.*

No, I haven't the right, but as you said - any means to an end. Milliways is a haven, and it is like a home to me.

I will fight to protect it, boy, and those I love. I promise you, if it comes to it, I will fight dirty, changed man or no.

[bartyjr.livejournal.com]

He's surprised by the curse - no, stunned. He'd not considered how Tom would react to his taunting and arrogance.

He's humiliated, and scared.

He looks away.

After a long time, he says, "I'd do the same too."

He's got a new respect for Tom. Respect through power and fear; they both know the way raw power works.

He still doesn't look at him.

[young_tmriddle]

It's good to hear we can agree on something.

*He feels uneasy, to be honest, showing his power like that. It used to be he'd not have given it a second thought.

He doesn't regret doing it, though.*

[bartyjr.livejournal.com]

"Mmmm."

The spell reached him in a way that Tom's anger alone never could - Barty respects power, he respects fear, he knows how important they are, and he knows how valuable they are.

It's not nice to be on the receiving end, but power isn't about being nice. It's about necessity.

"If you...don't mind...I think now's a good time to call it a night."

[young_tmriddle]

*He smirks just a bit. It's nice to win. He feels somewhat guilty about how sweet the victory still is. But not overly much.*

Another thing we can agree upon. Have a good evening.

*Tom dismisses him from his mind in all appearances as he goes to the bar for another scotch.

This night, however, will stay with him for some time to come.*