OOCName: MCLeighPants
Age: I want candy
Email & AIM: Bubblegum and taffy
Time zone: Skip to the sweet shop with my sweetheart Sandy
ICBASICSName: Tennyson Bishop Nott
Age/DOB: 48; June 1, 1931
Blood Status: Pureblood
Affiliation: Death Eater
Canon Information/Connection: Theodore Nott's father, future convicted Death Eater, OG
Residence: Nott Estate, Vale of White Horse, Oxfordshire, England
Occupation: International Magical Trading Standards Body; started as a liaison to the Mediterranean Ministry of Magics, and their respective DIMCs, before working to become a senior administrative member of the department through the years
Sexuality: Heterosexual
Username: ![[info]](http://www.insanejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif)
nottquiteAPPEARANCEHeight/Build: A hair under 6'/stringy
Appearance: Though he never saw to flaunt it excessively, Tennyson has always considered himself a handsome man. With age has come signs of it, but short of a dusting of grey starting to show at his temples and slightly failing eyesight he's managed to ease into the label distinguished. His heritage is evident in his olive skin and dark hair, but did learn years ago that the British blood running through his veins was enough to ensure he will still get a sunburn something fierce if not careful. His default expression is that of some sort of smile, but his strong features have been known to clearly convey exactly what he is thinking should his natural demeanor be tested.
Fashion is something he has no interest in past looking presentable when called for. With his professionally sound suits, robes and collared shirts, one wardrobe trademark he's come up with is his lack of tie. Tennyson has never been a fan of how restricting they can feel, so it's not out of the ordinary to see him without one and the top button of his shirt undone. That is about as far as any
rebelliousness in dress goes, however, because when all is said and done he has no need or want to traipse about looking like some ruffian.
PB: John StamosPERSONALITYPersonality: Tennyson Nott isn't the sort of man who at first glance looks like he would be a Death Eater. Yes, he shows a pride in his pure lineage and has standards surrounding such that he will not bend on, but he's not the type to spit in your face or kick you when you're down. If anything, he's outgoing and rather charitable to those around him. Not that these traits alone are indicative of what depraved horrors a person might be capable of, but unlike some of the others within the Dark ranks he doesn't scream that there's something off about him. To the majority of the world, Tennyson is a man who has put in a number of decades with the Ministry, married two upstanding women and contributes to society at large - even if he might prescribe to a slightly archaic dogma. If anything, most people would probably be caught off guard to find out that he is a crook, a swindler, has his hands in cauldrons he technically shouldn't and past that a murderer. As he sees it, none of these things solely
define him. Too true he's a Death Eater and the type to facilitate many illegal acts, but he's also charismatic as all get out and always ready with some humorous quip. Now which of these do you think he'll present to the public?
He is all of this, though, and then some. Tennyson is not especially sympathetic to anyone of a laic standing, in as much as existing outside the realm of Purism. If they don't directly bother him, then he has no need to go about denouncing Muggles, Muggleborns and Halfbloods who have no want to 'better' themselves. Being as busy as he usually is, that would just be a silly delegation of his time. But! He's of the belief that those of inferior blood
are slowly but surely encroaching on what has stood for Purist values and, well, isn't really a fan of it. Without his inclusion in the Dark ranks, he probably never would have turned to violence to the degree he has, however it's necessary! At this time, drastic measures need to be taken and Tennyson understands that.
There isn't really much joy that he gains out of many of the things he has done at Lord Voldemort's bidding, honestly. Watching people suffer for the sake of just that is nothing he has interest in, yet at the same time holds no true remorse for the heinous crimes and atrocities he has committed or helped commit. Survival of the fittest and all of that, with he wanting to prove that he is among the elite worthy of continuing on. This is because he feels the need to prove himself time and time. Overlooking the fact that he has been a loyal Death Eater and husband and diligent son and so many other things, that he has obtained these positions is not nearly enough for him. Which is not to say he is power hungry, more so he has a need to make sure that people don't forget about his past successes when a new one should come about.
HISTORYFamily: Marius Nott - Father, 81, Pureblood, Slytherin alumnus, retired member of the International Magical Trading Standards Body
Adrienne Nott, nee Drakos - Mother, 78, Pureblood, completed her magical education at a Greecian all-girls school of Wizardry, '
artiste' that has never worked a day in her life
Ismene Nott - Older sister, 55, Pureblood, Ravenclaw alumna, Senior Undersecretary to the Portuguese Minister for Magic
Artesimia Nott, nee Burke - First wife, d. 19??, Pureblood, Slytherin alumna, former gallery owner and curator
Elise Nott, nee Rosier - Second (and current) wife, 27, Pureblood, Ravenclaw alumna, formerly a Nurse on the Magical Bugs ward though now spending her time volunteering and preparing for the birth of their first child
Gregorious Rosier - Father-in-law, 54, Pureblood, Slytherin alumnus, member of the International Office of Law, Death Eater
Arabella Rosier, nee Flint - Mother-in-law, 52, Pureblood, Ravenclaw alumna, socialite
Teresa "Tess" Rosier - Sister-in-law, 23, Pureblood, Slytherin alumna, recently resigned desk clerk for the DMLE/Hitwizards after the murder of her brother
Evan Rosier - Brother-in-law, d. 1979, Pureblood, Slytherin alumnus, former junior member of the Accidental Magical Reversal Squad and Death Eater
Christopher Rosier - Brother-in-law, 16, Pureblood, current 7th year Slytherin
Hogwarts House: Slytherin
Years attended: 1942 - 1949
Activities/achievements: Slug Club, Duelling Club, Prefect
NEWTs: Ancient Runes - A, Charms - EE, Defence Against The Dark Arts - O, History of Magic - EE, Transfiguartion - A
History:Through business connections, the Nott and Drakos families had long ago forged a dynamic that has grown and further exists to this day - perhaps most importantly due to the union of two of their younger generations. For as long as anyone could remember the Notts had a member of their own in the International Magical Trading Standards Body. It was much the same for the Drakos who had been breeding and selling dragons since the family had existed. Both were of pure blood and both decidedly, over time, began to dabble in less than legal pursuits involving everything from smuggling Dark artefacts, illegal goods and generally having a hand in the 'darker' side of the trade market. This served both they and a number of others well through time, but it did come as a bit of a surprise to all involved when the sole Drakos daughter caught the eye of the eldest Nott son. Interactions between the family, of course, weren't unknown, but the move from associates to family came after Marius approached Adrienne's father with the intents of courting her.
By the time they were wed both were in the early stages of their twenties: Marius having followed in the footsteps of Nott males before him in joining the IMTSB and the prestigiously groomed Adrienne falling in step nicely with her British contemporaries after having left behind her home of Greece. She was not the type to work due to a sense of entitlement that had been grown in her as the little princess of her family, but this was quite fine with her new husband. The type of man to truly relish in providing for his, Marius continued to climb in his chosen career - both this and continuing the 'family business' that existed solely under tables and behind scenes. He could give his wife the admittedly materialistic life she wanted to live and she had nothing against indulging his well-known romantic streak; it worked for them.
They even made it work, unsurprisingly, with the addition of their first child and only daughter, Ismene. At that, years later when the Nott heir was born. Both children were spoiled rotten as far as their parents means, but on top of that were raised in a household that, for the most part, fostered a great deal of caring and nurturing. It might have been in Adrienne to think somewhat of her children as living toy dolls, yet even her slight lack of true maternal instincts didn't do away with how fond she was of them. When it came to the children themselves, they developed a well enough dynamic with each other. The older Ismene, who was already rather straitlaced, may not have been completely appreciative of how constantly cheerful and boisterous her younger brother could be, but both were taught from an early, early age that not much else (if anything) comes before your duty and loyalty to your family.
But this was not all that they were taught. Being an overall happy and loving family, this did not overshadow the fact that they were Purists through and through. They were, by blood and birth, superior to a number of others but it did no good to go around being flippant with this information. Why bring attention to something already so self-evident, especially when doing so would only make those who liked to play the part of victim so well out of the woodwork. Though not all Marius saw to impart of both children alike, discretion and moderation were two things he placed emphasis on in their rearing. This on top of the customary posturing of the family's heir, early on in Tennyson's life beginning to school him in what were to be his duties and responsibilities as the next head of the Nott line.
Tennyson was not one to disappoint. Not any sort of prodigy by far, the young boy however took quickly to what was presented to him in the hopes of gaining respect and standing. This would continue well into his adult life - the need for validation from sources outside himself. Insecure is not the proper word, for he developed a healthy sense of self, but he was never to turn into some true leader or visionary. With his charismatic and easy going personality he could give off the appearance of such, but is in fact the type to turn to others for direction and merely follow suit with whatever is laid in front of him. People hold expectations for others, ergo meeting or surpassing these will obviously put you in their good graces. He may not be a Ravenclaw, but will attest to that being simple logic, there.
Perhaps it is this type of attitude that lead to him damn near idolising an older group of Slytherin boys once he had arrived at Hogwarts and was sorted into the Serpent's Den. There were a number of friends made his own age, but there was no way to deny the pull he felt towards the older males companionship. At the helm of this being none other than Tom Riddle himself. Back in those days no one, lest of all Tennyson, knew that this young man would turn into one of the most feared villains in memorable history. No, at that point he just had an air about him. The kind that could draw you in, make you want his attention and, perhaps more importantly, quickly realise that you did not want to be on the wrong side of that cold intensity. Taking the majority of personalities of the older crowd into account, Tennyson does not think that they merely endured his presence as he took to implanting himself around them whenever possible for his amusement. For some reason they weren't
too terribly bothered by the numerous years younger boy who held them in such high regards. So for the few years their schooling overlapped, he found this being the group that he more often than not followed around.
Seeing as they were ages older, it made sense that the likes of Avery, Mulciber, Riddle, Rosier and Lestrange left Hogwarts before he did. Tennyson saw to keep in contact when possible, but this also meant that the 'support system' he created for himself was no longer readily available. Enter Artesimia Burke; a Slytherin in his year that early on in their friendship made it clear that they were pieces of the same puzzle. In lieu of rambling on with sweet nothings and prose, the two just about managed to complete each other. As time progressed and blossoming sexuality came into play, the two skirted around the issue of the two of them being a
they for the longest time. Passing fancies came and went with both playing the role of gossiping confidant to each other throughout, but it wasn't until two years after Artesimia had secured a job at a Purist owned art gallery and Tennyson started his foray as an IMTSB member that they saw to pursue anything together.
They kept it quiet for the sake of simplicity for quite some time, but during then things seemed picture perfect. A bit
too perfect, honestly. Family members and the like did eventually find out about the couple and urged them quickly into courtship, then further: marriage. Such a lovely couple that Artesimia and Tennyson made, didn't they? Why would anyone have ever guessed that by that point the two twenty-somethings were just beginning to realise that they relationship fit much better into the platonic realm. However, their was after all a duty to family and society that neither could fully avoid. Many long talks went into exploring their options before deciding together that they would go forth with what their families wanted, for while they might not be soul mates, as they had found? Being married to your best friend wasn't necessarily the worst thing in the world.
In the spring of 1953, the duo were wed in a grand, yet sensible, ceremony. While mayhap not some newlyweds completely at ease with their situation, the two thrived the best they could and for the duration of their marriage led a happy life. Artesimia began preparations to eventually own and oversee her own gallery, then there being Tennyson whose lingual skills and diplomatic manner led to him being made a liasion to various Mediteranean Ministy of Magics soon after proving his chops. He had already come into the connections and legacy his grandfathers plus has started long ago, yet this gave him the opportunity to turn the mainly domestic operation - on the Nott's end - he now helped run smoothly into a bit more of an international scheme. Between the traveling and those he interacted with, it wasn't hard to broaden the syndicates aims. Though she may never have known the full extent of her husband's going-ons, it was through Artesimia's knowledge in appraising and art history that smuggling of the sort was able to come into the picture.
Tennyson might have been the slightest bit clumsy in this all at first, but it didn't take long for him to learn how to
properly abuse the power and position that had been given to him. An honest man at face value, he felt no remorse for doing what he did. It wasn't
truly hurting anyone and was a damned well way to ensure that his status of life could be continued, what with his Ministry salary eventually becoming solely supplementary. Embedding himself personally in the underbelly of the trade market held no true appeal to him seeing as he has never been the kind that likes to get his hands dirty. Conversely, he was quite gifted from an administrative standpoint in it all; the minutiae needed to deal with such an operation was more or less his niche. Thus granted him an implied position of power without the leadership skills required to truly be the backbone of such a thing. It all definitely kept him busy, but with time to come wouldn't be the only concern in his life.
With the start of a new decade came a new opportunity. Having stayed staunchly within Purist Society throughout his adult life, Tennyson still kept up with those he considered contemporaries by now. The same kind that with himself would become known as the Inner Circle Death Eaters. With the return of Tom Riddle, now calling himself Lord Voldemort, came an chance that Tennyson would have been remiss to pass up. They were given the ability to actually
defend their ways, but the part that really drew him in was the implications of power beyond his wildest imagination. It is true that he soon found himself over his head in coming to terms with what was expected of him, but, as always, found a way to get his head above water and not let anyone see him sweat in the process. The at times vicious and gruesome measures they took to ensure their own survival were necessary, he adopted; to the point that Tennyson eventually became quite apathetic to the horrors the Death Eaters began to undertake. Looking at it from the viewpoint of both a job and a privilege he managed to work through any hesitance (and nausea) he originally had at what was asked of him. Besides, with these expectations he was to meet did come another one of those positions of insinuated power that he was so fond of as the ranks grew and he found himself seated nice and high on the hierarchy.
There was a distinct lacking in his life at this point, however: children. An heir was wanted by both Notts, yes, but Tennyson is also merely the type of man who wanted to be a father. A bit of a soft sentiment who has committed a number of crimes against society and moralities alike, but so it stood. Artesimia was not to ever bear him a child, seeing as her premature demise put a supreme kink in that plan. A healthy individual at any given point, it was her falling gravely ill in the fall of 1971 that saw to her end. The best Healers had been called upon, but by the time her illness had been brought to their attention her malady had already begun to ravage her body. Two months of fighting the progressive disease before her body just gave up and left Tennyson without really a clue as what to do. She was laid to rest soon before the end of the year and he, perhaps more than ever before, took on the role of Death Eater twenty-four/seven.
Not that he had been the kind to shirk duties in the past, but immersing himself wholly in the Dark Lord's growing army became both a coping mechanism and distraction. Though there were a
number of tough months after Artesimia's passing, Tennyson as usual kept on in general after a momentary setback of a breakdown that he quickly and quietly worked through. Between Death Eating, his official job and accommodating the passing of dozens of goods through dozens of hands at any given point, he was rather successfully able to avoid much time with his own demons. Detours were dealt with as they came about, he continuing on with life as a rather sane widower.
And at this point in his life, didn't exactly have much against this. A second wife had not been in his sights, but it's funny how those sort of things can sneak up on you. Fateful is a word just jovial enough to work in describing Tennyson's thoughts about that night at the charity event where he was to set off into a second try at marriage. With her father having been one of the older males he so looked up to for numerous years, he'd known of Elise's presence for quite some time. A whip smart, attractive and very much single young woman, she had never caught his attention before as she did that night while they danced. There was something captivating about her that he couldn't deny, even if he may have tried his hand at that early in the night. She was, after all, more than two decades his junior, the daughter of a close friend and he a widower. Being nothing if not aware of his wants, it was early the next morning that he approached Gregorius with the intents of gaining his approval in asking for Elise's hand in courtship.
There might have been talk of the age difference or how not
that much time had passed since Artesimia died, but Tennyson was deaf and blind to it. In Elise he soon became sure that he had found the love of his life, if his infatuation with her grew as evidence. Their courtship and subsequent engagement had no true bumps along the way, partly attributed to the fact that her parent's saw no reason to question his motives or smother the couple with supervision. On the day of his second wedding, he was quite sure that this time he was marrying for love and not some respect for familial honor and dignity. His wife wife will always hold a small part of his heart, but it is Elise that holds the rights to the majority of it.
Sinking into married life once more came easily enough for Tennyson. During their courtship he had already begun to take himself away from his workaholic schedule some - legal mainly, but illegal as well - but not enough so that he wouldn't be able to support Elise and any future family they might have. He respected her position as a nurse at St Mungo's, yet did not feel it necessary for her to toil away cleaning sick and dealing with the diseased. It might have been some irrational precaution caused by what had come of Artesimia, he'd begrudgingly admit, though saw nothing wrong with asking his new wife to let herself be cared for by him. She was not held prisoner in their estate by far, as he more than encouraged her to become active in charity work where ever she liked. He wasn't thrilled when she decided this would be at St Mungo's, but wasn't going to push to the point of being controlling.
Since she has become pregnant with their first child, however, Tennyson has advised her here or there to take things a bit slower, but has no need to give Elise any reason to resent him; he's been perceptive enough to pick up on her well-hidden bit of temper and penchant for grudges by now. In an attempt to keep things as stress-free for her during her pregnancy, he has remained the same doting and laid back husband he has always been. On the surface, that is. Admitting to it is a completely different story, but it is true that he might manipulate a situation here and there so that everyone involved - and Elise's hormones - are appeased. There are things out of his control, though, such as the recent death of his brother-in-law that has left the Rosier family, and by extension the Notts, rather devastated. The war is worsening, true, yet Tennyson has no doubt that the
right side of this all will prevail and avenge the fallen sooner than later.
DE Applications Only:Skills/Strengths: As a hanger-on in past times to the likes of Riddle, it only made sense that a man so enamored with the power he could command could be called upon to help oversee the Dark ranks. While it a type of power Tennyson himself would never be capable of, his blind faith and trust in the older man certainly makes him a nice little lackey. His connections through the Ministry and various areas of illegal trade also don't exactly hurt. Tennyson will never be the best dueller or advanced Wizard, but he's good at what he does do and knows very well how to do the bidding of others without drawing too much attention to himself.
Recruitment: 1940s
