Alastors pov

"So you thought you could steal from me" I tilted my head in interest as I watched the man trembled under my gaze. I was furious at the audacity but still I kept a smile on my face. I find it scares them more when I don't lose my cool.

"Please my lord have mercy" he fell to his knees.

"Mercy?" I let out a laugh "my good man. I don't do mercy" I grabbed my cane and lifted his chin with a cruel smile "so how do you like rat torture? Personally it's one of my favourites"

"No" his face twisted in horror as he was dragged away, kicking and screaming. I smirked to myself. Ahh I love what I do.

"Oh alastor, sending another poor bastard away to the torture chamber I see" Rosie gave the man a pitying glance before giving me a sharp toothed smile "would you have time to pop in for some tea?"

"When do I not have time for you Rosie" I twirled my cane around before following her out the door.

*Time skip*

"Thank you for taking me out dear. It's always a pleasure to spend time with you" I took a sip from my teacup.

"Of course. You know you're my favourite company" she paused "I confess I did have an ulterior reason to invite you out here"

"Hm?" I raised an eyebrow in interest.

She sighed "alastor when are you going to settle down?"

"Not this again" I sighed "Rosie I am fine without a significant other"

"And I'd normally respect that but alastor you're always alone, silently brooding. It's worrying" her empty eyesockets wavered with concern "Something has to change alastor. It's going to be a lonely life if you have no one to share it with"

I felt a flicker of guilt. Rosie was my dearest friend. I hated the thought of making her worry about me.

But how can I ease her mind?