Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang

[Lucius Lestrange]

• “An excellent shot,” Lucius offered appreciatively, a rare compliment. “You’ve been fortunate today.”
  
  The fresh air had him in good spirits as he and his companions shot birds from the sky with little remorse—one of the few muggle pastimes the wizard willingly engaged in. It had been, he thought, a stroke of genius to invite voters out this far. Away from the rest of the world they had little to distract them, and while Lucius would not exactly say it offered a chance for subtle manipulation—as if Priam was even capable of such a thing—he was sure the lack of external influence could only be to his nephew’s benefit.
  
  “Much better than poor Mr. Wilde,” he added more quietly, gesturing to the poor American (not technically American, but he had lived there long enough that there was little difference in Lucius’ books) who he was certain hadn’t hit a think yet—unless you counted his loader with the butt of his rifle.

  

[Caspian Lestrange]

Under normal circumstances Caspian wouldn't have bothered to attend such a muggle orientated event. Trust those filthy mudbloods to find entertainment, and even fun out of an event that involved killing animals. Granted, Caspian had been hunting before in the past, in fact he actually enjoyed hunting big game out in Africa in his youth. But this event didn't even compare to the experience of hunting a true predator, a creature of the wild that was king of all he could see. Caspian admired creatures like that; he tried to model his own life with the same philosophy. It was one of the reasons why he had been so strict and harsh upon his own family. All of the woman that were close to him needed to know that he was king, and that they were all inferior to him in every aspect.

The only reason Caspian agreed to come to this event today was because it gave him a chance to meet with Lucius. Ever since Caspian met up with Priam, the so called representative for the Lestrange family, he had been less that convinced that Priam was the right choose for the upcoming minster election. In fact Caspian made it quite clear that he would have much preferred Lucius to have stepped forward. After all Lucius was the Alpha Lestrange as far as Caspian was concerned. He was the most powerful, the most influential, and the most ruthless when it came to politics with other pure blood families. So why didn't he put his name in the hat for minister? And why was it decided that a man like Priam would run for minister instead?

While the others were out on the hunt. Caspian sat under a nearby tent, looking like the boss of all bosses dressed in a black suit, black cloak with crimson red underlining, and a black ivory walking cane topped off with a sliver plated head of a snake. Once everyone had finished firing their rounds, and was in the process of reloading. Caspian gave his trusted valet a gentle gesture with two fingers, instantly he jumped into action, and walked out toward Lucius to whisper a message into his ear, respectfully. "When you have a moment, Mister Lestrange. My master wishes to have a word with you." Once the valet delivered the message. He stood back upright, and awaited to see Lucius's response.

  

[Lucius Lestrange]

• A throat clearing behind him was enough to make Lucius turn his head slightly, though the awaiting valet got little response beyond raised eyebrows and an expression that plainly set get on with it. Dutifully, the man delivered his message; a less dignified wizard that Lucius might have rolled his yes.
  
  Caspian Lestrange. Lucius’ second—no, third—cousin had many things going for him: wealth, an advantageous marriage, and a face that you would not think for a second belonged to a compassionate and easily directed fellow. He was also, at present, the oldest living Lestrange, a position that should have garnered respect from the nine-years-younger Lucius but which only served to be an annoyance—much like a mosquito. As family, he was invited to events such as these, sent a letter at Christmas, and endured with a polite smile. As an individual only slightly more hinged than the incarcerated Tybalt, Caspian was generally avoided otherwise.
  
  “If your master wishes to speak to me, he should refrain from doing so through a third party,” the wizard replied loftily. The valet, to his credit, did not look wholly pleased with the message, but set off to deliver it regardless. Lucius Lestrange was not a man to be beckoned like a dog; he stood decidedly at the top of the food chain.

  

[Caspian Lestrange]

The valet returned to Caspian, and whispered the response into his right ear. At first there was no reaction to the words within his ear. But after a few seconds Caspian's grip atop his cane tightened, ever so slightly. If it had been any other Lestrange, like Priam for example, then Caspian would have hexed them right here and now. He wouldn't have cared about anyone else at the event. Caspian would have just taken his anger out on the target, and then challenged anyone that tried to stop him.

Everyone here, especially family members, knew what Caspian was capable of. Even those close to the family knew that Caspian Lestrange wasn't a man to be taken, lightly, not only was he the oldest Lestrange currently living. He was a very powerful man, both magically and otherwise, basically if anyone crossed Caspian they would regret it in short order. But this wasn't anyone else now was it? This was Lucius Lestrange. A man nine years younger than Caspian, but still just as powerful and influential as the older Lestrange. It was why Caspian allowed Lucius to be the Alpha Lestrange for this generation of the family. Caspian saw a lot of himself in Lucius, and it seemed only right that the younger generation should have someone closer to their age to look up to, and follow, rather than a man in his twilight years who just wanted a peaceful life.

With a dismissive and almost angry wave of his hand. Caspian dismissed his valet, who went off to see if Jacquetta Lestrange needed his services. When he was left alone. Caspian stood up from his chair, and walked toward Lucius. He held his cane in his right hand as he walked, and every now and then the cane touched the ground to steady his pace. "Lucius, my boy, it's been too long hasn't it?" As Caspian greeted Lucius, he gave him a gentleman's hug.

After the hug was over a second later. Caspian stood upright and gave his younger counterpart an eerily cold stare. "You couldn't take a moment out of your day to come and sit with an elderly old man? You know my knees aren't what they used to be Lucius." It was clear just by the tone of Caspian's voice that his words were nothing more than patronizing pleasantries. It was just Caspian's way of getting a dig back at Lucius for making him make the first move.

  

[Lucius Lestrange]

• Lucius failed to see how nine years made him a ‘boy’ but took the greeting—and the hug that accompanied it—in good humour. Caspian could have his fun; at the end of the day, the man still deferred to Lucius himself. He clasped his cousin on the shoulder (perhaps a hair more forcefully than was mandated) before answering.
  
  “Are those knees troubling you?” he asked with blatantly feigned concern. “You really ought to have remained at the house, then, and just come out with the women for lunch. It seems silly to cause yourself hardship when you aren’t even shooting!”

  

[Caspian Lestrange]

Even though Lucius words didn't sound in jest or in mocking. Caspian took them in that manner; in fact, it took every ounce of Caspian's strength to stop himself from chastising Lucius, and telling him that he should respect those of a more twilight nature than himself. Inwardly Caspian was angry, with himself more than anything. He had always prided himself for speaking his mind, and never standing down when someone gave him pity or made a joke at his expense. If Caspian was a few years younger then he might have said something, he might have pulled his wand out right here and now. Instead all he did was bite his tongue, and just allowed a slowly, and hopefully subtly, grimace wash over his face. It was no fun getting older, especially for a man who was so full of pride over his strength and power.

Nowadays it seemed that Caspian was only a master in his own household, and lord over his wife and staff. But that was a silver medal as far as Caspian was concerned. If he had the youth and the strength within him then he would be the Alpha male within the Lestrange family. Caspian would have done a damn fine job of it too, and wouldn't allow such people as Priam Lestrange to be so...pansy. The Lestrange bloodline was a strong one, a powerful one, and it was people like Priam that was bringing doubt to the reputation, at least that was how Caspian saw it in his eyes. If he was the Alpha Lestrange...well he would have most likely had Priam killed by now in a display of power and control. The strong needed to take out the weak, if not then the weak would bring damage upon the strong that was Caspian's motto and philosophy on life.

After the rather harsh slap upon his shoulder from his cousin. Caspian took a moment for the pain to pass, and just stood still and calm for a long moment. He then chuckled, deeply and gravelly, and offered Lucius a fake smile underlined with a small hint of contempt. "Indeed Lucius, indeed. But I felt that I must attend this event in person, and show my support for dear Priam. I couldn't aim straight anyway, not with my arthritis." Another weakness of getting old was the fact that the body started to fade along with the mind. Even though he was old Caspian still had a strong sense about him, an almost regal and powerful sense that ran to his very core. His body may fade, and his mind might wander but Caspian's spirit was strong, and would remain that way no matter what the cost.

"In fact it is Priam that is an issue I'd like to discuss with you." Caspian's voice was husked as he got straight to the point that brought him to Lucius's side here today. "Are you quite sure that he is the right choose to represent us within the Ministry? Should he win the election of course." While he talked Caspian rested both hands on the top of his walking cane, and he tilted his head backward slightly as his voice became more of a hushed tone. "Surely someone like yourself? Or perhaps Orestes? Would be better suited for such a campaign?" Even hushed it was clear within Caspian's voice that he was trying to plant a small seed of doubt in Lucius's mind.

  

[Lucius Lestrange]

• “I would not support Priam’s candidacy—would not have insisted upon it, in fact—were I not completely sure that he was the best option,” Lucius replied coolly. Of course, Priam was not the strongest (physically, mentally, or magically) that the Lestrange family had to offer, but that did not mean the man was without his virtues. And as a matter of course, Lucius did not care overmuch for being doubted.
  
  Still, whatever his thoughts on Caspian Lestrange’s own virtues (and ample weaknesses), he had enough respect for his older cousin to elaborate, however begrudgingly.
  
  “Orestes is already well-situated as head of the Wizengamot; it would be a fool’s move to place him elsewhere and lose that foothold. I myself do not have the taste for politics any longer, or I would not have retired. As to Priam?” he paused for a moment, finding the best (aka least incriminating) words. “His present position has given him international ties. His…particular nature makes him rather more approachable than Orestes or myself—and certainly than yourself—to those who do not deserve the vote but have it anyways. And he’s very compliant; if I asked him to kill someone he would ask questions.”

  

[Caspian Lestrange]

The explanation behind the candidacy of Priam made sense to Caspian. Although he still didn't like the situation any better. As Lucius spoke about Priam's good points. Caspian turned his attention off into the middle distance, not really looking at anything in particular. In fact it looked as if he was quite bored with this subject already, and had lost interest in the subject matter entirely. But in actual fact it was taking in every word with a great interest, and was going through the motions within his mind over what the next course of action would be best.

After he had listened to Lucius's points it was made clear to Caspian that he could not change the alpha Lestrange's mind concerning Priam. Even if it now made sense to Caspian he still thought of the man as a pompous pansy who would fall over at the first sign of wind. Granted a weakness like that would be good to exploit as Lucius pointed out. The man would do anything if asked by a member of his family, a trait like that would be useful if he came to be in a position of power and authority like minister of magic. But that was the only good thing about the situation from Caspian's point of view, and he would still much prefer someone of strength and of power represent the Lestrange family in such an office. If only Caspian was a few years ago maybe then he would be in a position to change things? Sadly there was still no way to change the aging process even with magic readily available.

When Lucius mentioned that Priam was more approachable than himself, Orestes and especially Caspian. The old timer just smiled a subtle smile, and looked back to Lucius with a soft wicked tint within his eyes. "Oh my dear Lucius I am very approachable in so many ways. Just ask my lovely wife." Of course it was a lie and Lucius was spot on. Not even Caspian's daughters would approach their father; in fact, they'd most likely do everything in their power to get away from him. But Caspian wasn't going to let Lucius berate him like that, and so decided to challenge the implication with his own words.

"If you say that he is the right man for the job then fine. I will stand by your choice, Lucius. Even if I do not agree with such things." As he finished talking Caspian looked back off into the middle distance, and tapped his cane onto the ground with a soft sigh.

  

[Lucius Lestrange]

• Lucius raised an eyebrow at the ascertain that his cousin was ‘approachable’ but as Caspian seemed disinclined to debate the matter further, the wizard suspected it would be easiest simply to let the matter drop. He did not need the other man’s approval to conduct the family business, did not even particularly care if he had it or not, but could not say he wasn’t pleased (at least a little) to have the matter cleared up.
  
  “Speaking of your lovely wife,” he switched to a new subject, “has she joined you this afternoon? I admit that I left the hosting of the women to my sister, as such things hold little interest for me.”