 Lovely™ | Captain Hurted | Ariana's Bane | Resident Antagonist | Unparalleled Delight
"Just checking." Nem had already ruled out everyone who had been present in that lesson as a student, based partly on total incompetence, but mostly on all that had been said and done during this meeting so far. They supposed anyone of consequence could have learned that detail before disguising themselves, but they'd have had to anticipate a question about such a throwaway fact. Nem's suspicions had been almost negligible in any case; really, they just wanted the Headsman to know they had cause for doubt.
But if they were making a swipe, that was nothing compared to what he hit them with next.
It took a matter of seconds to see what Trent was getting at. All at once, the pieces fell into place with jarring clarity, and the world around Nem went suddenly still and silent, as did they, while their brain went into overdrive. Trent wasn't lying.
One particular conversation with Lucien Rosier shot to the forefront of Nem's mind. They recalled every word.
Though they had plenty of moves they could still make yet, Nem might have conceded in that moment. They'd come close so many times in this meeting alone, like leaping over an open flame and daring it to catch hold of them, only half-hoping it wouldn't but trying to avoid it all the same. Nem was so tired; it was tempting now, more tempting than it had any right to be, to give into it.
Hands steady, they set the tea down on the desk, leaned back, and gripped the arms of the chair again. Took another leap.
"So, you're making more judgements, this time based on some conversations you overheard between me and the man I later betrayed." Nem stared blankly at Trent now, though their tone still passed as pleasant. Nothing yet reflected what was simmering just below the surface. "I suppose you realise I was never stupid enough to tell him an outright lie, and you'd be right." Meaning, Nem could accept that Trent did know what they'd said to Lucien Rosier the one time they'd risked a display of personal honesty, and all their other interactions as well. Even that he might be able to draw a semi-accurate conclusion, all things considered, if he knew how to use his brain. But they'd not said more than two sentences on that particular topic; to think it could be condensed down to so few words and still be known... it was almost laughable. Nem didn't laugh. "But you are never going to know, or understand. You won't even come close. Not if you keep deciding things for yourself. Not if you don't even ask me."
__________________ Days of Potter 2023:___________________________ Which Bertie Botts Flavour Are You?
You are Chocolate! |