Forced Engagements

[Rollo Winner]

Much to Rollo Winner's disdain he was somehow in a robe shop getting measured. Rollo never wore robes and for this reason his father assumed that he had grown out of all his other ones. Therefore Darrin had taken it upon himself to make an appointment for Rollo at the shop and even said he would cover all the costs for his son. While most people would view this as gracious Rollo viewed this as pure torture and humiliation. He wasn't made for robes and the way they felt on his skin irked him. He wanted to just dress as he did now simply in a pair of skinny jeans and a v-neck white t-shirt. He'd much rather have to deal with people seeing his scars then actually having to wear robes. Anything was preferable to that fate. Sighing as they finished measuring Rollo stepped down and began to wander around the shop.

Rollo turned his situation over in his head as he walked through rows and rows of robes. It wasn't as if he could have just said no after his father had already made the appointment. Which is what he figured his father was banking on when he made it. Rollo didn't skip appointments and while he had no schedule per say he would always show up if he had been arranged to. Just another perk of having be himself Rollo thought sadly. Running his hands across the robes he felt each one and remembered the distaste for them he had in school and how the same distaste still remained to this day. Sighing he began to hum softly and the humming turned into singing that usually only the walls of his apartment were lucky enough to hear. No one seemed to be in the shop beside him anyway so there was no real need for him to worry if anyone would hear or not.

"This is the only lonely picture, waiting on my floor, littering my shore. This is the last true burning letter, given to a girl, written by a boy, living in a world created to destroy. But if I oh umph."

The last part was not in fact how the song went but was in fact the noise Rollo Winner made at that moment. The reason behind this being that in the bliss of his singing he had in fact run into someone. As he lay on the floor staring at the ceiling he couldn't imagine who he had in fact bumped into. Sitting up meant that he would have to face whoever it was and Rollo at the moment was more consumed in wondering why he was being so careless as of late. Rollo though knew he would have to take responsibility for what he had done. Sitting up he stood and offered a hand to the person who he had also knocked over. Silently Rollo attempted to suppress a blush due to his actions and who in fact it was.

"I'm sorry Miss. Thorton I wasn't paying attention."

Rollo wanted to disapparte on the spot but figured it would not be pleasant or proper of him if he did so but since when was Rollo Winner proper? Rollo stood his hand extended and staring at the floor.

Closed-Allegra

[Allegra Thornton]

The bell over the door tinkled her arrival and Allegra stepped through with a happy sigh. It wasn't that she was a huge shopper, but there was still something to be said for being able to wear a new outfit.

This wasn't so much of a pleasure trip this time though. Allegra had stopped in to pick up some skirts that she had ordered, and while it would have been simple enough to have them delivered to the school, picking them up herself gave her a good excuse to get out of the castle. As the sales girl was looking in back for her order, Allegra was browsing through the robes on display, really not aware of anyone else around her until she was knocked over.

She let out a small squeak of surprise as she landed on her bum and it took her a moment to realize exactly who had bumped into her.

"Hello, Rollo! No need to apologize. No harm was done," she greeted with a friendly smile, surprised to see her old housemate in the robe shop. He had been a couple of years older, but they had been on the house team together so she knew him right off. She took his offered hand and pulled herself up, dusting off her skirt, but still smiling at him. "Fancy meeting you here. How are you doing? I heard you were with the Ministry now."

[Rollo Winner]

Despite experiencing a similar situation earlier this week Rollo was still not used to these kind of moments. They were awkward moments that Rollo did not relish in anyway shape or form. If he wanted to talk to people he wouldn't just bump into them to start conversation. It should also be noted that in most cases Rollo did not want to speak to people. Had he seen Allegra across the store or even passed her in the store he would have most likely not said a word. If anything he would have attempted to hide in the racks of robes until she was gone or he could sneak out. It wasn't that he didn't want to talk to the girl but more so that he would have extreme trouble finding the words to do so. Past the standard hello Rollo had no idea what to say to people. Conversation was still a skill he was no where near mastering. As she spoke though Rollo felt like blushing but managed this time to contain himself. She remembered him but how or more importantly why? Rollo was a very forgettable person and had worked very had to make it that way. As he had thought of days before in his office speaking to Andrew though Allegra was one of the few people who had been nice to him even if it was only in passing. Shifting his weight Rollo addressed the girl and her questions.

"I'm doing alright I suppose no better or worse then I usually am. Yes I'm at the ministry Control of Magical Creatures department. Dragons now as you can probably see werewolves before."

His scars were visible and as usual Rollo was self conscious about them but felt it best that he eliminate the step that involved him having to explain the grotesque things. Sighing he knew that he should probably not be so worried about them but he was. The scars made him feel dirty and repulsive as a person and at the moment he felt that the only person who didn't mind them was Luce. Luce though was a whole different story. Scratching the back of his head Rollo's mind raced on what to say. He wasn't good with the whole conversation thing and having friends would have helped this but Rollo had none. Looking up he did the best he could with what came to mind.

"What are you up to though? I seriously have no idea I don't talk to many people inside my office let alone outside. Although I did have the supreme pleasure of having your brother join me for lunch the other day."

What was Rollo talking about having anyones presence past whatever bottle occupied his desk was a pleasure...well with the exception of his father gracing his office. Scratching the back of his head an idea came to mind something that he had not been able to relay to the younger Thorton that hopefully his sister would. Even if she didn't do so it was worth a try what was the worst that could happen?

"Speaking of your brother I've taken quite a liking to him and possibly you could get something across to him that I have a strong feeling that I failed to. I know him and most people see them as cute harmless ribbings but these worthless assignments and tasks are far below him and should be time spent preparing him for the field. I would hate from his body to end up looking anything like mine or that he should get hurt for that matter.I know it's part of the job description but all the time that could be spent preparing counts."

The last part was said with a heavy heart and a large amount of remorse. Rollo still to this day wished he had thrown his father the bird and walked out to live in the gutter. Anything was better then the destruction of his body like this. Rollo was amazed that he had never been bitten or for that matter had never had his faced shredded a part. How this had happened baffled him but he wasn't one to complain in such situations. The part that sadden him was that he looked far worse then most of the senior members of the department whose bodies looked pristine compared to his own. Maybe that's why they had drinks with him at the Cauldron that night because they felt bad. None the less Rollo shook those thoughts and stared at the floor wondering how he kept on stumbling into situations such as this one.

"What I was getting at though have him stand up for himself I doubt they'll hold it against him that he has a passion for the job and would much rather learn something useful then being made to run around the Ministry for no reason."

Sighing Rollo wondered if the Allegra would see things the same way that Andrew had that what the young boy was doing was just normal hazing and something that he should just deal with. Rollo though saw only something that could lead the boy to his grave.

[Allegra Thornton]

Allegra had obviously noticed the scars but hadn't felt awkward about them until Rollo had brought them up. She didn't really concern herself with outward appearances, knowing there was more to a person than how they looked... but if Rollo was drawing attention to it, then maybe it was important to him? Did he want to discuss the werewolves? She was starting to feel uncomfortable, not realizing the young man was the type who liked to brag about battle wounds, but fortunately he moved on to something else.

He asked a question of her, but then switched topics again before she could answer, this time talking about her brother. She was well aware of what was going on with Drew and had faith that he would come out all right. After all, when he had been a firstie, the older boys had put him through a similar sort of initiation and while she hadn't liked it then, she knew Drew wouldn't do it unless he really wanted to. In the end, Drew had been the youngest member of their inner circle, treated like a little brother, let in on all of their secrets, and the only first year to be included on all of their adventures. Drew had been a Quidditch star, House Prefect, and Head Boy while at Hogwarts. He had survived things much more dangerous than a bunch of silly errands and pixies in his locker. Allegra was sure her brother would be fine.

"You're concern is really sweet Rollo, but Drew's a big boy," she said kindly. Had Drew gone onto Muggle university, he would have inevitably joined a fraternity and gone through a lot worse during Rush Week. Like it had been with the boys at school, or how they did it in the frat houses and fire stations back home, she now realized that this was all part of joining a brotherhood. You gained a lot more respect by dealing with the stupid stunts than by refusing. Knowing her brother, he'd not only get through this quickly and easily, but he'd probably become the youngest head of the department the Aurors had ever had. "I know him and he's not going to do anything that will put anyone else in danger. Drew knows how things work and while you might see him getting walked all over, I know he sees something totally different. I trust that he knows what he's doing."

[Rollo Winner]

Rollo was to say the least defeated. He wasn't about to argue with the girl just like he didn't attempt to do so with her brother. They both misunderstood what he was saying and Rollo wasn't going to try and make an ass of himself by trying to reword it. Rollo just deeply hoped that Andrew would not end up looking like him. Rollo would never wish his body on anyone. Shaking it all though he decided to just let the matter go Rollo had failed. What else was new? Sighing he ran his hand through his hair and looked at the ceiling realizing that she hadn't answered his question. It had most likely gotten lost in the barrage about her brother. None the less Rollo was still some what curious as to what the girl had been up to since she had graduated and what he didn't want to press the issue he asked once more.

"Enough about your brother though what are you up to?"

Rollo stood awkwardly now and wished he could light up a cigarette at least it would give him some sort of poise in this situation but he doubted that they'd let him do so in this shop. The fact that there were robes in it and the fact that it was in fact a shop just added to the pile of other reasons he would most likely not be allowed to smoke. It was becoming a crutch though Rollo realized this not because he overly enjoyed the act but because it made his awkward movements a little less awkward. It seemed as if the reason he moved the way he did was because of the cigarette and not because he was a complete idiot. Rocking back and forth on his heels Rollo wanted to say something else but what? He had no idea this of course was most likely because of the fact that Rollo didn't know much about the girl. Yes they had been in the same house and Quidditch team but beyond that Rollo had never talked to her in depth about anything. Then of course that was just another statement that belonged on an already long lists of things he had never done at Hogwarts. Rollo was good at avoiding conversation was that such a bad thing?

Shaking his head at himself Rollo wished desperately he could do something with his hands anything would be preferable at the moment. Mock looking through the robes was pointless though seeing as that would just be a waste of time for him. He was just going to get the ones he was being forced to and looking at others was just giving the shop owner false hopes. He couldn't do that them...despite barely knowing them. Rollo wondered if he would ever actually not feel bad about something he did. Scratching the back of his neck Rollo forced out a sentence just to end any awkward silence he was causing.

"So what are you here to pick up robes or something else?"

It was a stupid question he knew it wasn't like there was a lot of variety in the shop. It was clothes and while Rollo was no expert to him clothes were clothes. They were there for warmth and comfort nothing more nothing less. Which was most likely why he disliked robes because he found no comfort in them what so ever. Hopefully Rollo would be able to find someone of a similar build that he could just give the things to rather then letting them become moth food in his closet.

[Allegra Thornton]

Rollo's body language oozed disappointment and it made Allegra feel like the young man thought she was an idiot for trusting her brother. She was used to people underestimating Drew and had even come across a few who had shown outright disapproval of his choice in careers. Yes, he was in a dangerous line of work, and yes she worried about his safety, but she knew he could handle himself. On the other hand, when she had told Rollo that Drew wouldn't but anyone else in danger, she hadn't been able to say the same about putting himself in danger. Drew just wouldn't be Drew if he played it safe. And he wouldn't be Drew if he sat back and let others fight the fight when he was capable of doing it. As much as she didn't like to admit it, her baby brother was a grown man now and was doing what he could to right a few wrongs in the world, no matter how dangerous it was. If she understood this first year of training that he was going through, Drew was building a bond with a group who would protect and support him when he did get into those sticky situations that were inevitable as an Auror. She had to trust that he would be okay because this job was important to him and she knew he could do it better than most. She wasn't going to let the doubters and naysayers keep her from trusting her brother.

But again, the topic had changed, Rollo's jittery behavior coming out in his conversation. She wasn't sure what made him so nervous and was starting to wonder if it was something she was saying or doing.

"I'm doing okay. I'm working at the school, mostly helping out in the offices but also working with a few of the professors," she answered, fiddling with her fingers nervously. She had spent a couple of years feeling quite young and useless, but now that she was getting into the swing of things, she was feeling more confident with her position at the school. After all, it wasn't like she planned to stay in the office for the rest of her life. "I'm just here to pick up some things I ordered. I could have had them delivered to the school, but this is a good excuse to get me out of the castle for a little bit."

[Rollo Winner]

Rollo was to a certain extent jealous of Allegra and her job choice. If it was not for his desire to one day leave the ministry and paint he would have loved to work at Hogwarts. Several reasons presented themselves for this the main one being teaching didn't' seem like such a bad profession to him. It was danger free and passing on knowledge to others was surely fulfilling in one way or another. Rollo though wasn't sure if he'd be able to do it though as overcoming the huge obstacle that was his personality was an extremely tough one. That and he doubted that they would approve of his smoking which would on occasion turn into chain smoking. This marked off another career which would allow him to escape the clutches of the ministry and his father. Sighing he dismissed the thoughts and knew that some people would give anything for the position and money that came with his name but he'd give anything to give it all up to do what he wanted to do. His father still held one powerful card and that was his mother. Had it not been for her he would have cut ties with his father a long time ago but knowing that if he did that he would not be able to see her killed Rollo. Slipping his hands into his pockets Rollo quirked a brow at Allegra.

"Sounds like fun. I can understand your need to get out staying in the same place does get boring after a while. Makes you restless. Glad you're doing something you enjoy though."

That's what Rollo was restless but not in the same sense. With Allegra it was that she got tired of the castle and what to see more. With Rollo it was he was getting tired of his life and wanted a new one or at least to run away from what he knew. Maybe learn how to talk to people, have more people then himself see his paintings, and not have to worry about who he saw in public. With that thought Rollo gazed around the story quickly to see if anyone else had entered. It was to say all clear. Looking down at the ground he heard his name called from the back.

"I'll be right back sorry."

Grabbing the parcel that contained the robes Rollo returned to the same place he had been just moments before and had an idea. It would rid him of the robes and hopefully they would go to someone who needed them. Whether it be one of her friends or a student. Rollo really didn't care as long as the things weren't taking up his closet space and going to waste. Turning he offered up the packet with his one hand and hoped that she knew someone who was his size that was in need of robes.

"Hey look I'm not going to wear these things. My father just set an appointment for me here which he knew I'd show up for if it was made because I don't skip out on appointments. He thinks that I don't have any that fit me or something because I basically wear well what I'm wearing now to work everyday so yeah. I won't use them, don't want them, and furthermore don't have anyone to give them to. If you could find a friend or maybe someone at the school who needed a new set or something I'd be much obliged. That would be if you don't mind I know I'm kind of springing this on you it's totally cool if you don't want to take them."

Rollo smiled sheepishly as he offered her the package with one hand still. This was Rollo trying to be nice and he knew that he had probably said far too much information in such a short period of time. It was the best that he could do though he wasn't quick with his tongue and was positive it had all came out jumbled.

"And um if you didn't catch anything I said feel free to ask me to repeat. I realize now I spoke a bit quickly."

Rollo shifted his feet and tried to remain sure about what he was doing. This was Rollo dealing with people it wasn't pretty but at the moment he was doing the best that he could do.

[Allegra Thornton]

"I don't know if I'd say it was fun or something that I enjoy," Allegra said with a small laugh. But like any job, she knew she had to pay her dues before she would be allowed to do what she wanted. Heck, when it came down to it, she didn't even have to work in the first place, and sure, she could have used Daddy's connections to get a decent job at the Ministry, but she wanted to be a grown up and do it all on her own. So she filed papers and shuffled forms, watching and learning how things were done until she was experienced enough to apply for a teaching job. Then, she thought she'd be doing something she enjoyed.

His name was called and Rollo excused himself. She browsed through the robes while he was gone, pausing to speak with the salesgirl when her order was ready. Allegra asked for the skirts to be put on her account and she tucked the package under her arm just as she saw Rollo approaching with his own purchase.

The question caught her slightly off guard, and the explanation only confused her more. Hadn't he just been trying to tell her that Drew needed to stand up for himself and do worthwhile things and here was Rollo, wasting time and money instead of standing up to his father. Allegra took the extra package, still not sure why he couldn't take care of it himself.

"Of course I can," she answered carefully, still thinking of those nice robes and what a waste of time and money it had been for Rollo, his father, as well as Madam Malkin and her staff. If Rollo didn't appreciate them, she knew someone else would. "My Aunt is on the board of a couple of different organizations. I'm sure one of them will be glad to have the robes for their charity drives."

She was feeling more awkward, remembering Rollo differently than the wishy-washy, egotistical guy she was speaking to now. The Rollo she remembered had been quiet, but still confident enough to go out for the Quidditch team. He had worked well with the others, even taking direction from a captain who had been two years his junior. Most of all, she felt so bad, realizing that he may have always been like this and she had never taken the time to get to know him for real. She had been a prefect and captain and she was only now getting to know her old house mate. It made her feel awful.

"So what are you doing now, Rollo?" she asked, wanting to make out for lost time. It wasn't that she was doing it out of pity. She really wanted to get to know a guy she hadn't really talked to before. "Interested in grabbing a cup of tea?"

[Rollo Winner]

Rollo was relieved when she took the parcel. He didn't want them to go to waste and for the most part she didn't ask questions about why he couldn't just give them to someone himself. The answer was simple really Rollo didn't know anyone. With the exception of Luce he didn't really have friends. Even when at Hogwarts while most people were out on the lawn, hanging out in the courtyard, or on the Quidditch Pitch playing pick up games Rollo was no where to be found. He would either be holed up in the common room, a spare classroom or the Ravenclaw quarters painting or playing on his suitcase piano. Rollo did on occasion make the rare trip out to the Quidditch Pitch to practice flying but that was only ever when there were team practices or when it was midnight and he was sure no one would spot him. It was evasive he knew but Rollo didn't know how to talk to people. He recalled an attempt in his first year to try but it ended in disaster and since then he had tried. The only people who ever wanted to associate him that they bothered to make contact was in fact the ones that were like his father. They knew he was pureblood and thought that maybe he'd be anti-muggle like them. This was not the case and it left Rollo friendless. Now in his early twenties Rollo was still stuck in the awkward teenager stage and hoping to somehow break free of it but had no idea now. All the words came out wrong and he sounded like a self absorbed ass. Shaking the thoughts from his head quickly though Rollo listened as she asked the question and mulled it over. He really wasn't doing anything so what could be the harm of some tea.

"Um nothing really I'm free a cup of tea sounds great."

Rollo straightened up a bit and walked holding the door of the shop open. Silently after she had exited and the door was all clear he lit up a cigarette. It would give him something to do with his hands and while it didn't make him look like the best person Rollo always found it to be up front with such things then to keep them hidden. Rollo for a moment thought back to the shop and her body language. It seemed confused by him and even somewhat surprised by his actions. Rollo cursed at himself inwardly for a few different reasons. Rollo had been different at Hogwarts and that was something he was quite aware of. He was free of his father's grip and the most he had to deal with the man was on the holidays if he went home and through owl. It was as if a weight had come off his shoulders and the fact that he knew there was no chance of seeing his father that day made him a happier person. He'd been learning to and that made Rollo happier then any other person in the world. Inhaling he let the smoke escape his mouth after a second and spoke softly and for that matter a bit gravely.

"I know what you're probably thinking and I'm not the same as I was in school. Somethings I'm happy to say are the same but not all of them. You never really realize how much you take what that school gives you for granted until you've left and been away for a few years. It's kind of like losing your best friend I guess except in my case it's not really a kind of and just a solid losing."

Looking up he didn't care how sad the words sounded or how she would take them. They were true Hogwarts and it's walls had been like a living entity to him and his only friend. Inhaling more smoke he looked up at the sky. It wasn't exactly the brightest day but it was getting later on and the moon would be out soon. Rollo knew it was a full moon. Despite having left the werewolf department Rollo still checked his lunar calendar constantly and the growing paranoia of werewolves was starting to worry him. Rollo finished the cigarette and tossed in on the sidewalk stepping on it with a quick movement of his foot and looking over at Allegra. He gave her a small hopeless smile, because that's exactly what he was hopeless, and shrugged.

"So where do you want to go for tea?"

It was another simple question and thankfully Rollo could seem to manage those.

[Allegra Thornton]

Allegra was glad he accepted, but not to pleased when he lit up a cigarette. She was quite allergic and sneezed three times as soon as the distasteful smoke hit her nose. She didn't say anything other than a soft "Excuse me," knowing that it was improper to force her condition, as well as her American perception of smoking, onto someone else. She was glad he seemed to finish the cigarette quickly, but really didn't care for the littering.

She waved off his explanation, not wanting him to think it was a big deal. "Rollo, I was all of what... sixteen when I last saw you? How can anyone really know a person that young, right?" She still felt bad that she hadn't really known him and was determined to make up for lost time. "I mean, who doesn't change after leaving school? You work your way up through the years, becoming king or queen of the castle, and then you're tossed into the real world, dealing with grown up issues outside of the safety of those castle walls. Who wouldn't change with that?" She was just grateful she had a supportive family that loved her and respected her choices. She had quickly discovered how easy the transition had been because of them.

On the other hand, she knew enough people to realize that not everyone had it so good. Rollo seemed like he had not had it so easy and could really use a friend. She thought she was pretty good at filling that position if he was willing.

"There's a place right down the street, or we can just head over to the Cauldron," she suggested, wondering if Gail was working that day. It might be nice to meet up with another Ravenclaw if even just to say hi. Either way, it was fine with her. If Rollo shose the quieter of the two places, she would be perfectly happy.

[Rollo Winner]

Rollo listened to what she had to say but decided not to correct her on a few points. He was never king of anything at Hogwarts unless you count shut up invalids as kings. That was after all the general consensus of what he was because with the exception of his Quidditch playing Rollo didn't talk and didn't get out much. Her concern though was...sweet or at least that was the word he'd tack to it. After all if it wasn't that what was it? Rollo didn't think it was pity after all he knew pity and pity sounded a lot different then the tone she was speaking in. Sighing he stared into the sky and couldn't help but wonder why he was so maladjusted. Some people treasured soft spokenness but Rollo would do anything to get rid of it. How now in his twenties did he change such a thing especially when he felt so old? He was only twenty-two though that was supposed to be young.

"Whichever you prefer is fine I'm pretty flexible."

At least he could say that much that he was flexible but where did that get him? Pretty much no where was where it got him. Rollo swallowed or attempted to the lump in his throat that had developed during his previous thoughts. It was irking him now that he felt like he was thirty-two and not twenty-two. The stress, drinking, and smoking had defiantly ushered him along this path but what was it that really got him here. The scarring. It was the demon that haunted him constantly because no matter where or how he turned it was always there. It was what he attributed part of his drinking to. It was mostly because when he was so far gone he couldn't feel his body and the scars just didn't seem real in those instances. Was that so wrong? Rollo didn't know but wasn't about to ask Allegra about it. It seemed like far too awkward of a topic for that moment and nothing against here it didn't seem like one she could relate to.

Letting out a sigh Rollo wondered about what she could possibly want with him. It was something that was eating at the back of his mind now. Rollo really wasn't one for conversation and it wasn't like they had been the best of friends at school. Then of course that could be said about everyone that Rollo attended Hogwarts with. Rollo wasn't to sure but decided that for now he'd keep his mouth shut and wait to find out exactly what she wanted him for.

[Allegra Thornton]

Rollo sighed an awful lot and Allegra couldn't help but wonder if she was that boring or tedious to be around. She told herself that if he really didn't want to join her for a cup of tea, he didn't have to accept her invitation. It had been a while since she let those old insecurities get to her, people treating her like a fluffy airhead that really didn't understand the harsher realities of life. Okay, so she hadn't had a whole lot of drama in her life. She just figured that meant she was either strong enough to deal with it or smart enough to avoid it all together.

Shaking off her thoughts, it hopefully appeared as if she was shrugging her lack of preference. "The Cauldron?" she suggested, thinking that they could also get a bite to eat. She wasn't sure about Rollo, but she could go for a plate of chips... and maybe a butterbeer instead of the tea.

[Rollo Winner]

Rollo watched her movements as they walked and the feelings on inadequacy he had felt at Hogwarts when walking next to her resumed. It wasn't something Rollo talked about with anyone but it was just one of those things. Rollo was confident in most tasks he took up or for that matter anything he was good at. In moments like this though when it was just simple things as walking he felt awkward especially when walking next to someone like Allegra who posessed more grace in her finger then he did throughout his whole body. Rollo rarely noticed such things when walking in halls or streets because he wasn't walking with those people so he didn't take much notice. Now though he was walking with Allegra and as the strode down Diagon Alley side by side he couldn't help but feel as if his movements were clumsy and awkward compared to the way she walked so easily. Rollo heard her choice though through his thoughts and swallowed deeply hoping that he could control himself once in the Cauldron.

"That's fine with me."

Well it wasn't totally fine with him seeing as usually around this time he'd be saddling up to the bar. Forcing shot after shot down his throat in an attempt to not feel his body. The scars then wouldn't matter nor would the even feel present in such a state. This Rollo decided would be a challenge, if one could have ever been presented to him in his everyday life, that would take much more of his self control then any other. More restraint then all those nights at the bar when he stared at the piano longingly. Granted Rollo decided this would be an equal task for him when compared to that. Rollo ran his fingers through his hair and walked staring at the ground as he did. Why was he so useless? Rollo though then noticed the bricks that made up the back of the Cauldron and with a quick movement of his hand and wand touched each one in the correct place so that it would open. Mustering a small smile he looked hopefully at Allegra wondering if he'd be able to make it through this.

"After you."

[Allegra Thornton]

His words of agreement didn't quite match his demeanor but Allegra said nothing about it. If he had had a preference, he should have said something.It didn't make her feel very good knowing that he was uncomfortable, but she didn't think she could take back her choice now.

She walked with him towards the Cauldron's back door, really not saying much, but still enjoying the stroll. She always liked noticing other people, seeing them go about their own business, wondering what they were doing. Rollo opened the entry and Allegra smiled at his small act of chivalry. She really wasn't one of those who insisted on opening her own doors. She was fully confident that the men she hung out with knew she was capable.

"Thank you, sir," she said, giving him a wide smile. As she walked into the establishment, she looked around the tavern, wondering where would be a good place to sit. She looked over at Rollo and smiled again. "Do you have a preference of tables?"

[Rollo Winner]

As Rollo stood and waited for Allegra to enter several things ran through his head. The main one still being what troubled him from the robe store to the Cauldron and that was why did Allegra want something to do with him now. Rollo considered for a second a new option that possibly Andrew had said something to her about him meeting up with him. This of course could be the case seeing as Rollo knew he wasn't the best influence in certain areas and maybe she was bringing him over to have a talk with him about his habits and how he should keep certain ones to himself. All Rollo could do was thank himself that such bad habits like drinking and smoking were where it all stopped and that they did not carry over into other such aspects of his life. Rollo though hoped that this was not the case though seeing as a lecture was really the last thing he needed at the moment. After all he had been getting those his whole life so why oh why would he want another one now although this one probably wouldn't be as bad. That was of course for the simple reason that her voice was not his father's voice and therefore whatever the lecture may be it wouldn't cause him to feel as if someone had just walked all over him.

Her question didn't startle him as much as it made Rollo feel a bit uneasy. His first instinct was to dive for the bar and down a few shots knowing that it would ease his nerves a bit and possibly make some of his awkwardness disappear but then thought it better. He was here with Allegra so he would do as she had suggested and simply do nothing more then have some tea with the girl. Rollo could not help put be a bit thankful for the years of edicate and manners his father had drilled into him because in this situation it seemed to be his saving grace. It made the bar seem so much easier to resist the more he thought about it. So Rollo simply continued to concentrate on the arrangement that he had made with the girl just minutes before and pointed at a table towards the far corner. It was for him safe bet seeing as it was enough distance from the bar and also far away enough from the piano so that could not tempt him also.

"That one looks good. That all right with you?"

Rollo knew that he was probably over thinking things and now that the question sounded awkward but it was him. It was the way he acted and just the way he well did things. He couldn't help it and usually it didn't bother him but around certain people for some reason it did. Mainly Luce but now Allegra was having the exact same effect on him at this moment and he was not all that sure why. It wasn't because they were in fact girls because he knew certain men at the ministry who had the same effect on him and his father did in fact have the same effect on occasion. Rollo silently wished that he could some how put his finger on what exactly it was. Walking over though to the table he pulled a chair out for Allegra and then sat down himself across the table. It was in his mind better for conversation anyway and sitting next to her would most likely make him even more aware of his awkwardness. With a breath Rollo motioned for two cups of tea and hoped for the best or at least that they wouldn't bring him his usual array of shots.