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Post by kumainpink on Jul 24, 2012 19:16:15 GMT -5
He nodded. "Good bye, Veronica." He watched her walking away, feeling sure and confident about his cause once more. We've come so far, it would be foolish to waver now.
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 25, 2012 5:31:17 GMT -5
Chris sighed grimly as he moved to Rosebane's office. The man would not like the news. He grimaced as he remembered the last strands of war. A large barrier had been erected between Hogwarts and the Forest. No creature in the Forest would be able to attack the school. It was a one way barrier, and those outside could still enter. He hadn't liked the idea, but a two-way barrier would have taken longer, and the injured needed to be cared for.
He reached the office, and opened the door without hesitation. He looked upon Rosebane. He remembered telling Rosebane long ago how he announced deaths to the family. He knew Rosebane well enough to know the man would realize why he was here once he began talking.
"Mr. Rosebane, we need to talk," he said formally.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 25, 2012 5:46:23 GMT -5
Maxwell had gone to Brayden's office, knowing that was the first place he'd go to - Brayden had a "secret stash" of scotch; and after dealing with the creatures in the forest, anyone would need a good drink. On his desk, there was a single picture of the two of them - an eleven-year-old Brayden standing in front of the Hogwarts Express. A younger Maxwell stood behind him, hand on his shoulder in a rare show of physical affection.
Maxwell smiled. It had been one of the proudest days in both of their lives. Perhaps Brayden would be able to settle down and escort his own child as well?
This happy thought was interrupted when the door opened suddenly, revealing a grim-faced Chris. "Mr. Rosebane, we need to talk."
A cold dread hit him with those words. But no, that couldn't be it! "About what, Mr. McKoy?" he replied coldy, pushing his panic down into Occlumency pools. Perhaps it was about the fact that Vance had been killed during the "interrogation"? If so, Maxwell knew that he could shoulder the blame - it had been his loss of control that had done it, after all.
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 25, 2012 5:51:34 GMT -5
Chris sighed. Rosebane wasn't taking the hint, time to step it up. He looked around the boy's office and felt a bit sympathetic. A seventeen year old kid didn't need to die so soon in a war.
"Loss, it's a natural part of life," began Chris. "You should know plenty lose their family in worse ways Mr. Rosebane. Your son was a hero today, and will be known as one forever."
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 25, 2012 5:58:23 GMT -5
All it took were those dreaded words, and Maxwell felt his Occlumency walls shatter all at once. For a time, he didn't respond. His body started to tremor ever so slightly, as he picked up the photo he'd just been looking at. No, this couldn't be happening! His son, his only family...dead? There must have been some kind of mistake. "Are you sure about that, Mr. McKoy? He could just be missing, right?"
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 25, 2012 6:00:22 GMT -5
"We found his body, I can take you to the morgue to see it," offered Chris, highly uncomfortable with Rosebane's display of emotions. "He was found with many broken bones, and the healer on charge said he died of internal bleeding. They believe he was overpowered."
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 25, 2012 6:13:43 GMT -5
Maxwell's mouth quivered, as he tried to come up with something to say, some possible way of proving him wrong. The man was lying - he had to be! Brayden was young, yes, but he had undergone years of training against magical creatures. His son had become strong over the years - with a will that didn't accept surrender. There had to be some kind of mistake, there really had to be. He was just about to argue with Christopher again, but then he really looked at him.
Christopher looked worse for wear - slighly injured, haunted expression. No, he wasn't lying. Christopher wouldn't lie at a time like this...and not about something so serious.
This truth hit him with a terrible force, and the words repeated over and over again, lashing out at his very soul.
Broken bones. Internal bleeding. Dead. Brayden was dead...dead...
My child, my only family...
Maxwell slumped down in Brayden's office chair, sick, miserable and unable to keep his emotions at bay.
"Leave me, please." he whispered, holding his head in his hands.
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 25, 2012 6:23:59 GMT -5
Christopher nodded. He knew his place, and he was not one to comfort. As he reached the door, he felt he ought to say something personal. Damn.
"For what it's worth, the kid was a chip of the old block, a spit-fire. He'll be missed by everyone," said Chris, as he left the room.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 25, 2012 6:43:21 GMT -5
Since they were at the Ministry, Cassalina figured it would be alright if they went their separate ways. While Alice went to spend time with a friend, Cassalina thought it would be a good idea to visit her brother. Octavius had wanted to fight, but was advised to stay out of it - his position was too important for their future plans.
They spent a good majority of their morning discussing their newest ally, Alice, and what her involvement meant for the future. Cassalina had explained her view that Alice would be a welcome addition, and maybe even bring out Maxwell's softer side - something they'd seen so little of lately. Octavius didn't accept it just by her word alone, though. He didn't trust women who got too close to his surrogate brother.
After the Olivia incident, Maxwell had stopped involving himself with women for anything other than a one-night stand. And during the few occasions he'd strayed from that, it always ended badly.
"I just don't like it, sis." he said, as they made their way to greet the returning aurors.
"I didn't at first, either." Cassalina agreed placildy. "But she is a good person, I can just tell."
"Well, I'll wait to meet her myself before making that decision."
"Fair enough." Cassalina looked at her pocket watch. "Merlin! I can't believe we spent the whole day talking! I was supposed to take her clothes shopping today!"
Octavius laughed sheepishly. "Yeah, we tend to do that, don't we?"
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 25, 2012 6:51:05 GMT -5
Chris walked grimly from the office. He strolled at top speed on his way out. As he reached closer to his office, he saw Cassalina and Octavius. They were good friends of Maxwell, and his closest confidantes. He sighed. He hoped he didn't have to regret this idea later.
"May I have a word?" he asked the two as he approached.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 25, 2012 6:55:25 GMT -5
It was easy to tell that Chris had just come out of battle - he looked worn, torn and exhausted. He shared a concerned glance with Cassalina. Whatever he wanted, it couldn't be good.
"Sure thing, Chris. What do you need?"
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 25, 2012 6:57:12 GMT -5
Keeping his voice low, he said, "Maxwell is currently in Brayden's office. He has lost a member of his family today, and is not in the best shape. I believe he needs somebody there by him to help him get through losing his only heir."
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 25, 2012 7:00:23 GMT -5
Shit. That's not good. Was Octavius' first thought. "So Brayden died in combat?"
Cassalina looked as though she were going to be sick.
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 25, 2012 7:02:06 GMT -5
"He's dead. And you two standing here with me discussing it is zero help," snapped Chris.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 25, 2012 7:04:54 GMT -5
Octavius glared at Chris, but didn't take the retort personally - the man was hard and callous at times. He didn't deal with emotional things very well.
"You're right. My apologies." he murmured, already walking off. Cassalina followed close behind. Things were about to get really ugly.
---
"That's amazing, Marigold!" one of the aurors said, clearly impressed. "Sounds like you had quite the battle."
Marigold grinned. "You can say that again! That foolish centaur didn't even know what hit him!" she laughed, feeling giddy from all the praise. "What can I say? I'm just that good!" And Maxwell will finally see it!
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Post by rachelhitsujii on Jul 25, 2012 10:35:11 GMT -5
I strolled into the restraunt, Alice right behind me, and we took a quiet table near the back. After we had ordered our drinks, I finally started spewing out questions. "So what was the place Mr. Rosebane took you too like? What was the atmosphere like there? Would you consider going out with him as a date, or just a dinner with a friend? What kind of things did you talk about? And finally, how did Mr. Rosebane treat you throughout the whole affair?"
While asking these things, I pulled out my favourite pencil, which I often used in favour of a quill and ink, and a small notepad. It was definitely much easier to jot quick notes with, and I didn't draw the muggles attention that way.
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 25, 2012 10:38:36 GMT -5
Eleazar, along with several other Aurors, stumbled out of thin air into the Auror's office. Several of them had cuts and other injuries, though Eleazar was lucky enough to bear no injuries. Brushing some leaves off of him, He straightened up and looked around.
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 25, 2012 10:44:55 GMT -5
Alice blushed at some of Violet's questions. She ordered a mild chicken curry to eat as Violet spewed her questions, along with a warm cup of chai tea.
"Slow down!" laughed Alice, not bothered by Violet's curiosity, but slightly amused.
"We went to the Soleil Cafe. It's very warm and cozy," said Alice, smiling fondly at the place.
"As for dating him, I'm so much younger than him! He's such a mature older man, I doubt he'd be interested in me! I think we're just friends," said Alice, blushing profusely through saying that.
"We talked about general things, work, our families, his experiences with women. It was very comfortable, and he was a gentleman the entire time, almost like a knight really," said Alice, remembering the end of the evening. "He's very nice to me. My friend, Eleazar, used to be worries that Maxwell may have ulterior motives, but I think he's passed that now."
Chris couldn't believe his luck. After having to inform his benefactor that his son was dead, he now needed to inform Bellard that his sister was unstable. Rosemarie had been moved to a private office and put to sleep. She didn't seem to trust anyone, and Chris couldn't help but feel guilty. It had, after all, been his responsability to watch her.
As if on cue, he saw Bellard arrive via Portkey. Dammit.
"Bellard, my office, now!" he barked, retreating inside while grumbling about being paid more.
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 25, 2012 10:50:12 GMT -5
Eleazar was grinning as the realization that the battle was over hit him. There would be no more fighting, not today. Turning as he heard his name he called back happily, "Yes, Sir!"
While picking a few leaves from his hair that must have fallen from the burning trees, he walked toward Christopher's office. Entering he smiled and said, "What do you need, Sir?
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 25, 2012 11:00:33 GMT -5
"Sit down Bellard," he said, his back to Eleazar.
"Congratulations. The battle went well today. We've lost many good men and women, injured many more. Some may not recover, some are mentally hurt," he began. "For all of us, it's a strain. I want you to know that while physically your sister is fine, she is not mentally. I'm sorry."
He turned now to face Eleazar, all his guilt barred behind his Occlumency barriers.
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 25, 2012 11:03:20 GMT -5
Eleazar had been nodding agreeably, his huge grin fading as he considered how many had been harmed or killed in this battle. When his sister was mentioned, he all but froze. No smile was present, only shock on his face. After a moment he managed to find his voice,
"Sir... What happened to her? How could they harm her... mentally?"
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 25, 2012 11:08:38 GMT -5
"Unicorns have gifts, some, that make them able to alter a person's mental state," said Chris, priding himself on the lack of emotion on his face, "I sent your sister ahead as I was engaged in a fierce battle and I didn't need her harmed in the crossfire. She found one particular unicorn who could alter her state of mind, and was attacked. She's was influenced by his gift, and seems unable to trust anyone. Everyone has become an enemy to her, and she attacks them. I got there and got her out, but the damage was done. The healers want to see if her mental state improves. Even I am trying to find a solution."
The last part wasn't a lie. Chris couldn't help but think of his poor daughter who he hadn't seen. To let a girl her age go harmed on his watch was like a slap in the face.
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Post by rachelhitsujii on Jul 25, 2012 11:12:30 GMT -5
I felt embarassed about letting my tongue and inquisitiveness get away with me, but jotted notes based on Alice's answers.
-Café, warm and cozy atmosphere.
-Alice's age makes her think they are not dating, though it has not been disproved. She beilieves they are "just friends"
-Talked about normal things, although I think bringing past relationships in may count for more.
-Looks up to him in a knightly fashion.
-Talk to Eleazer more about Maxwell's diposition.
All of this I swiftly placed on the paper as I listened to her responses. She seemed quite taken with him, and this bugged me. The strangest thing though was that it didn't bug me in the sense I thought it would. It was more like I was worried about Alice, then upset about losing any chance to be with Maxwell.
After a few seconds of contemplation, I asked her, "And what did you do after you left the restraunt? Did he escort you home?"
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 25, 2012 11:13:14 GMT -5
Eleazar had to close his eyes and take a deep breath. She had always been the most trusting person he knew, how could she now be unable to trust at all? Opening his eyes he said softly, "May I see her?"
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 25, 2012 11:26:25 GMT -5
Chris sighed. They always wanted to see the victim. And it always hurt them.
"I can take you to her, but it may not be wise to approach her at the moment. The Healers forced her asleep via potions. We want to see how she overcomes this, if she will," explained Chris. "Follow me if you still want to see her."
And with that, Chris left his office, hoping Bellard wouldn't follow, but knowing he would.
As Violet asked her more questions, their meals arrived. Alice slightly brushed her hair back, unaware that a slight bit of the purple bruise was now showing.
"Yes he did. He drove me home, still being a gentleman," said Alice quietly, remembering what happened after.
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 25, 2012 11:30:28 GMT -5
Even if Eleazar knew it would hurt him, he knew he would go. He had to see his sister, make sure she wasn't physically hurt for himself, and prove to himself that she was mentally hurt. It didn't seem to be possible- he had to see it for himself. So he followed Chris, wherever he may take Eleazar.
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 25, 2012 11:34:08 GMT -5
Chris took Eleazar towards the private offices by the Auror office, these were considered witness rooms. Aurors would interview potential witnesses in these confortable rooms. He stopped outside room 303, and sighed.
"She's in here," he said, opening the door and drawing his wand. "Keep your wand on you, she's unstable, and may need sedation if the sleep potion wore off."
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 25, 2012 11:37:11 GMT -5
Eleazar nodded, fingering his wand. It unhinged him to think of pointing it at his sister... But he managed to convince himself it was for her own good, if it was indeed necessary.
Inside, he saw her. Rosemarie was huddled up on a small bed- it was clear that, even in sleep, she was wary. Her body was curled up, tense and ready to fight.
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 25, 2012 11:41:12 GMT -5
Chris brought a finger to his lips. He looked at the young, tensed girl, before nudging Eleazar to the door. They didn't need to be here if she woke up and attacked. He felt immense guilt seeing her like this. He should have watched her better.
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 25, 2012 11:44:46 GMT -5
Eleazar allowed himself to be nudged out, he didn't want to be there anymore. After getting into the hallway, and the door was closed he asked rather viciously, "What happened to the unicorn?"
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