Absit Omen RPG

"And as we set to drinkin we sing and dance and roar -- And we become far merrier than we ever were before," Rufus sang in a quasi huff, the forming smile on his face becoming more evident, even as the worries in his heart about making it in time to flag down his runner for the upcoming show this week. He knew what he accounted for wasn't going to nearly be enough, even with 3 day closing - much to the dismay of his patrons - of Pigs Can't Fly. They could grab from the storehouse inside of Fiddler's Green if it came to it, but Rufus was going to keep from that mindset.

And so, this meant heading out to Muggle London round noon time as Paddy minded the pub and the band while they continued setting everything up. In jeans, a light jacket, random wrock shirt (disenchanted, mind you) he'd blindly pulled from his closet, sunglasses to cover his eyes, Rufus blended well enough as he slipped from wizarding world to Muggle London. His wand was holstered safely inside of the jacket as he moved amongst the Muggles, humming and giving polite smiles to any who might give back a remark.

He was passing by the corners where Purge and Dowse sat, a tinge in his heart as he thought of the moments spared there with a former flame in mind. They'd been more fling than serious and well, now she was happily with someone else, wasn't she? A lingering of sadness, longing was there but it lasted only a moment or three more as the thoughts became materialised right before him. He hadn't wished her to show up right at that very moment, but there she was in all of her glory. Elixa Mordent.

A grin.
"Oi! Mordy Dents!"

His feet stepped towards her, a few Muggles tilting heads towards the brogue before them. Rufus was genuinely happy to see her and half hoped she was too. Even if no longer an item for each other, there had to be amicable feelings, right? At last he was in arm's length of the witch and patted at her shoulder.

"Hey there, stranger..."

"So. How's the tiramisu? Any good? You've been oggling it as if it'd metaphor into some sultry siren or caffeinated blob monster."

Rufus had felt this speed date had been first and foremost interesting. Rufus knew Maiko fairly well enough -- she was a patron to Rover's on a moment's notice -- but never had thought to ask about family. So it had been a bit of a surprise when Kohaku had arrived into his establishment, asking for the proprietor. The meal had been good as always with Kohaku not giving any indication (vocal or facial) if he enjoyed his meal. Rufus supposed the other had, considering no news was good news, hm? Rufus hoped that he wasn't ruining this experience for the lack of conversation, but it also seemed he could not figure out exactly how to break the ice with Kohaku.

Thus, his comment about the tiramisu. Thank god that the dessert could give him an opportunity to speak up, out.

"Are you all right over there? You've been slightly quiet. I know there weren't any silencing potions on the food." Fail.

"Seriously, mate. Are you all right? I swear I don't bite (hard, he thought, a small grin there on his lips) -- say something, do something. You've got this Irishman thinking he's ruined the evening. What kind of interests do you have? Quidditch, reading St. James novels? Uh....madmen in blue police boxes? My cousin Addie's always talking about it. She dubbed me the 'Face of Douglas' instead of someplace called 'Boe'? I donno. She's still convinced this new guy isn't like the last one. Then again, I tend to just nod my head in quasi interest when she talks about it."

1.	aurelio voltaire's bitrekual!

The ceilidh was finishing up its warm up and beginning to start its first number, the enchantments to keep the[2]entreeswarm and cozy were in place as Pádraig[3] handed to Kieran[4] the list[5] of who was and who was not invited for the shindig. The owner, the man of the hour himself was running the final bits of styling gel into his hair, grinning in the mirror about the situation that was about to go on down below in the pub. The winter and spring months had proven rather well for the bank and for Rover's. There had been some concern whether or not the small franchise, if it could be called that Rufus surmised, could afford a third location in Hogsmeade. All that worry had eased and discussions were still being met, but for now, Rover's and Pigs were banking on good fortunes.

And it was for good fortunes that Rufus had decided to give a manner of 'thanks!' back to the wizard community in Diagon. Invitations had been sent, especially for a handful he hadn't seen in a while, menu items had been narrowed down and now, it was time to get downstairs and meet and greet. "Smellin' like a Salty Dog, back from Hell where you belong!" he sang jovially as he left the office/apartment moved down the stairwell, looking to see if there were any early birds. "Ey, 'Raig! Any sights for company?" Rufus called out, the grin never once leaving his features. Pádraig shook his head in a 'no' stance, causing Rufus to wonder if the owls had gone amiss. Looking to the clock as it chimed noon, Rufus looked once more to the door.

Surely, no one had forgotten, had they?

---

When you enter, go ahead and tag yourself in! :3

_{FIRST REPLY IS OWED TO SLY THOUGH?}

1.	Clothing Choices: Relaxed -- It's fun after all!
2.	All will be revealed~
3.	Co-Owner to Rover's, Owner to Muggle London's Pigs Can't Fly
4.	NPC;; Bouncer -- Kieran Mahoney
5.	If you want in, pm Gabrielle Murray!

---

Mm, the winter holidays. How Rufus loved it. Every good memory that he could recollect involved this season. The sounds and scents were far better than any other. The music, the food, the warmth of another body and even laughter were truly more comforting this time of year. His mother's voice was particularly beautiful as she sang sacred and secular tunes. The times with Ro, Anya, and Viola.... Rufus could almost taste the mulled cider on his tongue.

"...OY. PAGANELL. EY-O!? HEY!"

Rufus snapped back to his staff, Paddy snickering off beside him. "As ye were sayin', boss man?" Paddy inquired, smirking after bringing Rufus back to reality. "I...yeah. Sorry. As I was saying, this is the Christmas season - Pigs and Rovers needs to do its part. Make the place look old school - the holly, ivy, even mistletoe. Because remember our most crummy bum likes to recall his childhood memories too." Rufus clapped hands together, grinning.

"So be even thinking about dishes and taps we can serve. Rest assured, we've got winter ciders and ales. Now, let's get it together, aye? Jay, open shop, an' we'll meet up again early next Sunday for discussions. Dismissed." Everyone dispersed to prepare for the workday, including the owner.

"...'ve seen ye happy b'fore, Pags, but ye really are lit up like a candle. Ye sure everythin's going well?" Paddy asked, prepared to head back to Muggle London soon enough with his bunch. "Yes, it's just this time of year, Pad. Some of us like it better than others, right? Make sure your boys start thinking up dishes; they had some really good fall ones." Paddy nodded and was now ushering himself out as the wintry air filled inside the pub.

Ah, Christmas.

Rufus looked groggily up at the clock on the wall  inside his office - five thirty in the evening. This day had already been more than busy than what he had anticipated. Paddy had contacted him numerous timesthroughout the day - it was mainly inquiries on the Man U game & if it was gonna be on when they played against Portsmouth as well as if the mead was in yet. Rufus assured his co-owner a final yes before taking a nap, the very nap he was waking up from.

He stood up, looking at his outfit, soon going to brush his teeth and straightening out the wrinkles on his clothes. Within minutes, Rufus was heading downstairs after locking the office up & dropping by the bar area. "Irish coffee, extra shot of coffee & liquid courage," Rufus chirped, a grin on his face as he slowly began talking to his wizarding patrons.

Unbeknownst to him and the generally heavy male populace, the occasional lady was about to grace Rover's Fancy this very evening.

Malcolm Collins Blake Age: 45. Birthday & Zodiac: July 2, 1963 | Cancer Blood Purity: Muggle. Job: Musician/Artist. School and House: No magical training. Parents: James & Mary Frances Blake. Plot Info: Malcolm is the one who’s in the need for some TLC as he’s got nothing going for him aside being a full time father along with his jobs that aren’t always keeping him busy. He was indeed involved with the Mummy plot (which that could be a possible interesting follow up) in January, but he is willing to meet anyone up for a pint or anything that’d tickle your fancy. Also, if you’re in need of a musician (provided you have a Muggle joint or we can discuss it) for your locale, he’s your man.

Adelia Iris Delacroix Age: 17. Birthday & Zodiac: May 11, 1991 | Taurus Blood Purity: Halfblood. Job: Student; looking for future employment. School and House: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry, Hufflepuff House. Parents: Malcolm Blake & Anneliese Delacroix. Plot Info: We know that Addie is dating Matty Amherst, fellow seventh year and housemate, but aside from classes, she’s got not that much on her plate. The drama from the blow up with Fauna is resolved and now, she’s starting to think of how she will fare in the future in love, work and all the toils it’ll bring. Any and all plots welcomed.

Rufus Uriah Paganell Delacroix Age: 30. Birthday & Zodiac: October 31, 1978 | Scorpio Blood Purity: Halfblood. Job: Pub owner; former Quidditch star. School and House: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry, Slytherin House. Parents: Roderick & Rowena Delacroix. Plot Info: The newest addition to the group of characters I have, Rufus is the pub owner who was the former Eastern Europe Quidditch star. He will no doubt be involved with the yoga realm, but poor boy needs more than that! So, please, don’t hesitate to drop by either Pigs Don’t Fly (in Muggle London) or where he is usually is: Rover’s Fancy in Diagon for a pint or two. Otherwise, love interests,  vengeance, etc etc are open to discuss.

Gabrielle Murray-Harker Age: 43. Birthday & Zodiac: June 27, 1965 | Cancer Blood Purity: Pureblood. Job: Department Head of the International Magical Cooperation & Wizengamot Elder. School and House: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry, Slytherin House. Parents: Vladislaus Dragulia & Wilhelmina ‘Mina’ Murray. Plot Info: The daughter of a Ministry worker (and the historic value of his name) always can produce many dramallamas. She is indeed looking to possibly dating a former fling, but please, don’t let that stop you from bothering her. Gabrielle needs something to constantly pull/tug her hair at.

 

Elias Hector Nanopoulos Age: 72. Birthday & Zodiac: July 27, 1934 | Leo Blood Purity: Halfblood. Job: International Liason for Greece; former Headmaster for Heraklion Institute in Greece. School and House: Durmstrang. Parents: --- Plot Info: He’s fallen a little bit off to the side, but nonetheless important, is Elias. The Grecian is need some desperate TLC too! He doesn’t have to do a lot but anything you can think up, he’ll be sure to work with it!

 

Moaning Myrtle Age: Stuck at 16. Birthday & Zodiac: June 23, 1927. Blood Purity: Muggleborn. Job: Hogwarts Ghost. School and House: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry, Ravenclaw House. Parents: Roald & Cerwen Byther. Plot Info: AND NOW HER. (just got a dirty look for that) Myrtle is the sole canon I have but please, I love being able to make life miserable for her and for her to annoy you with the never ending tears/sobs she always procures. So, if you’re looking for a sob story to tell, chuck books in (she says you better not, I encourage it), or even to make potions in the loo, by all means, lemme know!

And so, here you go!
xx, Ames

Your Nickname: Ames!
Have you read and do you agree to the Code of Conduct?: Yes
How did you find us and decide to write with us? Other
If you have written other characters here: Yes
If Yes, list them all: Primaries are Gabrielle Murray-Harker, Adelia Delacroix & Malcolm Blake. Secondaries are Elias Nanopoulos & Moaning Myrtle (canon).
Is this a Primary or Secondary Character?: Primary

Full Character Name: Rufus Uriah Paganell Delacroix (Uriah & Paganell are middle names)
Character Birthday & Age: October 31, 1978; 30 from last October.
City & Country of Birth: Douglas, Isle of Man, UK
Blood Purity: Halfblood
Alma Mater: Hogwarts, Slytherin House
Job/Position: Shop Owner.

Wand: 11", left handed, Yew.
Kelpie Mane core; seems rigid for the inexperienced user, but Rufus has learned how to master it. It is a decorated handle with his mother's initials at the very bottom with rose vines all over the handle.

Physical Description: Standing at a firm 6’3” and muscular to rival his cousin’s fathers, Rufus has exceeded expectations in the “once a runt” category as he was once a scrawny, slightly short little fellow in his Hogwarts days. Rufus pushes to maintain this build and image, refusing to remember the torment he often felt within (and sometimes outside pressure) from looking this way. Needless to say, Rufus can also eat a four course meal and burn it off in no time while appearing that he eats only bread and water. There are also some scars across his hands and back from the wear and tear from his Quidditch career.

Aside from the muscles, he has unmistakable appearance as he has inherited his great grandfather’s looks: Dark hair and tanned skin, which is really from him sunbathing but it’s really a shocker as everyone else in his family (aside from a few others) have the pallor that’s typical of an English individual with that heritage (his own is Spainard, French & Irish).

Personality Description: There are many levels to Rufus ( kinda like an onion, he has layers ), some of them sweet, some of them not so much. Many will see the first layer, which always seems to have a smirk and a pair of smooth lips that could either get a boy or girl to smile or smack him. He likes to cause a little blush around the cheeks since he knows full well what the right words will do to a person and for that reason, Rufus pushes to do just that. The next layer would find that he’s got a bit of a rebel streak in him – it’s helped him on the Quidditch pitch and currently in making a name for himself in opening his pubs in Muggle London & Diagon Alley (with the hopes to open a small joint in Hogsmeade). This rebellious nature has also caused alarm in the Delacroix clan, including with his father, who in even in the best attempts to settle him down, fails to do so. It seems the good die young in this sense because the rebel doesn’t want to die, not when it drives Rufus to move forward to forget the past. Okay, so we have the rebel and the smooth talker, so what comes next in Rufus is the lover and fighter. When you’re in his good, loving (or just good) embraces, he is a fierce protector, willing to be there for you to Hell and back; naturally, it isn’t everyone he’s given these  feelings to so if you’ve felt them, you’re the lucky ones. It’s not to say he’s willing to be friendly or have friends, but there’s those select few he feels the closest to. The last layer Rufus has that so very few has seen is that he is very vulnerable, especially when it comes to recalling the bad times in his life, which was in many regards, his childhood. The loss of his mother is something that if one wasn’t close to him (namely family), would be wise to not bring it up, as a mixture of anger and sorrow results in a blind fury which might involve a few jinxes and curses. This vulnerability that he’s lived with all these years typically don’t surface as Rufus has fought to make sure that he never shows this weak spot as well as working on Occlumency from his post Hogwarts days to now. It is not to say, though, that he has let it slipped, especially when striving to keep her memory alive.

Now that the sappy parts are over, we’ll move onto the nastier, uglier bits. Ever since his mother’s death when he was nine, Rufus’s temper developed into a horrid one as he often found that being nasty made him feel less vulnerable and more empowered to bully people into getting what he wanted. True, it did get him into trouble in his school days as well as in his Quidditch career, but in a way, it did make him into the man he is today. He keeps this attitude on the back burner, prepared to bring it in when someone crosses him the wrong way or pushes his buttons one too many times. As was mentioned before in physical description, Rufus has a constant desire (borderline obsession) to maintain a proper appearance to avoid falling back into a state of unhappiness and unrest when he feels he looks a little chubby or his muscles are toned like they should be. His appearance is not the only obsession as another is that Rufus has worked to always remember his mother in the littlest (even as they blend in with his surroundings) of ways, of which include a vase filled with the brightest red poppies (as his mother was a Pisces) even lighting a candle on her birthday which is only lit on that day alone. Aside from obsessing what cannot always be helped and with anger issues, Rufus’s rebellious streak matches well with a driven energy (often misguided if he should push it down a darker path) to “go, go go.” This is the reason for his desire to open his pubs as a way to show his defiance towards his father, who would have much rather seen his son go into the Ministry or at least find something else to do than to open a pub. Along with the idealisms of what many would know that belongs with the elitists who have their opinions of muggles, muggleborns and the like is something that deep down, Rufus believes partially in amidst being a halfblood. True, he wouldn’t spit in someone’s face and call them a ‘Mudblood’ but it seems that this little dirty secret is something he only in his family’s background shares with his great grandparents. With all these attributes, it’s safe to say there are many levels to be had in Rufus Delacroix.

History: Born into the pureblooded family of Delacroix and the halfblood, Paganell, Rufus Delacroix was the sole child to Roderick & Rowena, who were ill-fated but madly smitten Ministry workers. The match had not gone over too well with Roderick’s parents when they found Muggle lineage in the works, believing that the offspring of their marriage would be a halfblood. Luckily for Roderick & Rowena, his parents died ever before he was born, so by the time Rufus rolled along, he would not know the tainted silver spoon of pureblood elitism. Rufus was the pride and joy for his parents, rarely fussy but loyal as well as clutched to his mother’s side. Rowena filled his mind on fantastical stories, many from her own Irish heritage, while Roderick brought his son up like a proper gentleman as his own father had been at such a young age. All seemed wonderful as a young Rufus believed that times like these could easily be obtained and not just to be found in fairy tales – his beliefs were soon to be crushed when he turned nine. Roderick and Rowena had known a year before that Rowena was ill often and so, trusting both magical and man’s medicines was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Many physicians and healers, including Roderick’s brother, Maurice, tried many different therapies, but the treatments could not slow the process down and so, four months before his ninth birthday, Rufus found out. His world came crashing down, often resulting in tempers flaring (and meltdowns), blaming everyone, including his father for not willing to stop this from happening. His everything could never die, but Rowena’s death in August of 1987 forever changed Rufus – his bright, cheery spirit was replaced by a dark, brooding, sulking life-force who began to resent Roderick. His father tried earnestly to help out Rufus but found himself so grief stricken himself that to even mention Rowena brought him into a sobbing fit.

Luckily for them both, Hogwarts came soon and with it, Roderick’s hopes were that Rufus would find solace in the school to help ease the pain. Rufus was excited to get away from all his troubles and believed that Hogwarts would provide a way to not remember how terrible he so often felt. He was sorted into Slytherin and even as a halfblood, Rufus found that not many were willing to push him around but in fact, found support by some older students (including a few not in his house) and settled in just fine. Rufus had a driven aptitude in his studies which reflected very well in his grades; he soon was also on the Quidditch team as Chaser, providing a deadly asset in the game. He was little caring when Harry Potter and the whole debacle about him arrived into Hogwarts as his ambition to get into the Ministry or some other high position was more important were pushed when he wrote his papers. His Quidditch career was chosen to be on the reserves and as a coordinating strategist instead of actually playing. Rufus also found that he was willing to fall in love and dated a few girls here and there, including Tryna Morestay, a fellow Slytherin who happened to be a few years younger than him. Though he was all right with dating girls (as well as developing emotional feelings towards boys but kept these thoughts to himself), Rufus had long since had his eyes also on Aileen Reid, a femme fetal in Slytherin House, who perhaps was his inspiration in becoming self-aware on his appearance, which led to working out to get rid of the idea that he was scrawny looking so she would perhaps date him. All he was ever able to get from her was a smile or two and perhaps a stare, so even to this day, Rufus has the deep down desire to hopefully get her attention to pass his way.

Graduation came and instead of following in the Ministry steps of his parents, Rufus decided instead to jump into the Quidditch field and landed a position for the Falmouth Falcons. Roderick was not very well pleased as he believed what his son was doing was throwing his life away, but Rufus saw it as opportunity to move away from his father and become his own man in charge without having to be constantly nagged. The second wizarding war put a damp on the Quidditch playing for the Falcons, even after the war when Dominik Wiedman came to play for them. Rufus welcomed him like a brother (after getting used to him), which no doubt caused a bit of drama for him and his teammates. The Falcons won many victories, however, Rufus began to feel that it was time for him to move onto another team in early 2002 and found a home in Eastern Europe when the Vrasta Vultures welcomed him in as their Captain and Chaser. A few love interests, including finding Tryna back in his life for a short while and a model named Lucia Dobre, whilst leading Vrasta back to a glory status and making a name for himself in the households of the wizarding world gave a deep satisfaction for Rufus as it seemed finally that he had found peace of mind. He had found happiness truly but he found that he still wanted to settle down in a securer job, so these desires took over in 2007 as he left Vrasta on good terms and returned back to the Isle of Man. His father was still irate but still glad nonetheless to find his son home; Rufus found that home actually felt more so than what it had but spent no time in telling his father a few things: his tastes in relationships, his stances on elitism (much to his father’s dismay) and that he was going to open a pub or two. Roderick grudgingly gave his support, even as he told his son that there was more to it than just earning a Galleon or two, but gave his blessings as well as funding the first pub, Rover’s Fancy, which was put up in Diagon Alley. Rufus found that the business swelled quite well with especially those of Irish descent and well, he formed a co-ownership with Pádraig Cormac, a former Hogwarts student who happened to be looking for a job himself. The combined profits as well as funding that Pádraig and Rufus were receiving allowed them to open another pub in Muggle London on St. Patrick’s Day in 2008 (Pigs Can’t Fly), in which Rufus put Pádraig in charge of while he kept himself manager of Rover’s Fancy. Currently, both pubs are doing quite well, employing thirty individuals at both locations and well, as for the boy who lost it all, seemed to regain everything for himself.

Describe your job duties and how you go about them: As an owner of two Irish pubs, Rufus is in charge of anything and everything that is demanded of him as he is the head honcho. If it means hiring/firing, washing dishes, throwing out a bum, pouring a fine Guinness, booking a Céilidh or Irish punk rock group, that’s what Rufus does. Naturally, Rufus doesn’t do this all by himself as he has Pádraig Cormac, one of his closest associates and co-owner, to aid him. True, there are moments that Rufus wonders what he has done by choosing this profession, but he loves every moment he can spend at his workplace, ensuring the happiness for those looking for a pint or two.

Elaborate on your expertise in your field: Before Rufus opened his pubs, he had not a lick of experience in managing, let alone, running a business. However, being a leader with a driving spirit is something that he knows firsthand, from both in his Hogwarts days as well as being a pro Quidditch star. These past three years have made him a suitable businessman, handling his finances very well (as he isn’t stingy but he is not one to splurge on the latest thing for his business) and making sure who work for him are well suited or they’re gone.

Writing Sample: (-see an Ames post-)

Sum up your character in one paragraph: If anything could be said of Rufus Delacroix is that is the example of the little engine that could as he's proven over time that he can climb the tallest mountains and go repelling off one jump.