Chapter Text
“…fortunately, no child is as pathetic as you as to not be able to tell apart the adults looking after and loving them; unless of course, the difference was that one possessed a vagina and the other possessed a penis.”
Yikes. Sirius paused with his hand on the handle of his office door.
“What the hell? I thought you agreed with me.” A man said.
“I did agree with you originally, the picture quite obviously shows Black has a husband and child. I just don’t agree with your heterocentric prejudice.” The woman continued calmly.
“Prejudice? Who the hell are you calling prejudiced? I didn’t say anything rude to cause you to insult me, don’t talk to me like that. You don’t know me.”
“I’ve learnt enough about you to know that I don’t want to know any more. You disgust me.”
“I disgust you? I’m normal. You’re one of them, aren’t you? You’re just like him.” the man spat. Sirius wound his hand into a furious fist—he’d just about heard enough. And yet, he still didn’t leave his office; some part of him wanted to hear what the woman would say in response.
“Correct me if I am wrong, but you are truly curious to know if I am a gay man with a husband and a son? As much as I may wish otherwise, the answer is no.”
“You’re a lesbian.”
“And if I am?”
“You just need a real man to show you a good time,” the man leered. Oh, hell no, Sirius immediately leaped into action, this guy was truly pissing him off. “How about you and I get out of here and—”
“What’s going on here?” Sirius asked, deadly calm.
They both turned to look at him. The rather handsome man (he’s an asshole, Sirius’s brain reminded itself helpfully, and the man immediately become a troll) had turned bodily in response to his voice and looked panicked for a second, before bringing his facial expressions under control. Sirius assumed he believed that no sound could be heard from inside the office—a mistake Harry made only once. The office was soundproof, so meetings could take place in true privacy, but sound could enter—once annoyed at being duped by the declarations of an enthusiastic salesman, Sirius was now glad of the fact, especially since he would soon have a young teenager running around the house (not that Harry was comfortable enough in his new home to run. But Sirius could be ambitious sometimes). And now, job interviews.
A young woman—girl, really—was sat in one of the chairs he had stolen from Remus’ library for the occasion. She only turned her head to glance at him, and went back to scrolling through her phone. She wasn’t pretty by any means, but strikingly beautiful; with smooth brown skin, small sharp eyes, full lips and a cascade of dark, curling hair. Sirius’s gaze was immediately drawn to her glasses; they were thin and gold and massive, and perfect for her face. He would have to see about getting Harry better glasses than those ugly frames his ‘relatives’ had given him.
Well. Nobody seemed inclined to talk to him.
“My next interview is with a Mr. Corforth?” Sirius asked.
“That would be me,” said a distinguished-looking man Sirius has yet not noticed. He was sitting a few seats away from the young woman; was balding with a full white beard; and, most importantly, had not intervened in the conversation Sirius had overheard. Sirius’ lip curled with distaste (both men straightened a little, for Sirius Black was more than a little intimidating even when he was not angry). He had a feeling he already knew how this interview would go.
“Uh, excuse me?” said the troll, “I’ve been waiting for longer than anyone here. I’m Benjamin Echolls. My appointment was meant to take place at half one, it is now five to two.”
The girl rolled her eyes.
“Ah, my sincerest apologies.” Sirius said genially, tucking an errant strand of hair behind his ear. “I won't make you wait any longer.”
The troll puffed up, and took a step forward.
“I’m afraid this isn’t the job for you.” Sirius said. The man froze, gaping unattractively. “My son and husband will no doubt be frequent guests at The Sanctuary, and after what I just heard, I cannot trust you not to insult them.”
“What—I didn’t say—I’m not homophobic, I swear! My sisters’ best friend is gay!”
“I’m sure you can see yourself out.”
“You can’t just not interview me—I came all this way… it’s so unfair—”
The girl snorted: “Yes, how tragic, the life of a straight, white man, you must face such injustice on a daily basis.”
“Don’t—you—!”
“Mr. Jones, please get out of my house.” Sirius said firmly. “Or I will call the police.”
Still spluttering in fury, the troll left. The girl waggled her fingers as he went.
“Mr. Corforth, please step into my office.” The man did just that.
Before Sirius could follow him in, his husband stuck his head through the doorway. “You all right, love?” he asked, a familiar glint in his amber eyes. Ah. So Remus and the troll had crossed paths.
“I’m fine, babe,” Sirius reassured him quickly. “I’ve only got two interviews left, Mr Corforth, who’s waiting for me in my office. And Ms—”
“Liz,” the girl said quickly. “Please call me Liz. I think I included that in my application.” She reprimanded gently.
“Yes, of course, Liz.” Sirius said in apology. “Why don’t the two of you get to know each other while I carry out this interview. Remus?”
“Of course,” Remus said, amused. Liz had a look of understanding in her eyes, and stood up, offering him her hand. Sirius grinned wolfishly and disappeared into his office. Yes, Liz would be a welcome employee.