Hogsmeade

[G. Novella]

"Fine, just nervous," said Henry. "Do you remember how we met, Olivia? At Maxwell's dinner party?"

[kumainpink]

Olivia nodded. Yes, she remembered that day all too well. "What about it?"

[G. Novella]

"I told you I had just met Maxwell a few times," began Henry, "But I lied. We'd been exchanging letters for a few years, since his parents funeral. I knew all about you, about him, and he in turn knew quite a bit about me. He was charming, and he seemed to understand me. We were friends."

He waited to guage Olivia's reaction before continuing. He'd given her the truth, if she could handle this much, she'd take the rest easily.

[kumainpink]

Olivia regarded him, eyes narrowed. She didn't like being lied to, but Henry kept saying was versus is. Meaning that something happened. "Go on." she said mildly.

[G. Novella]

"Over the years, in my naive youth, I shared things with Maxwell, things that I shouldn't have, and Maxwell made me promises," said Henry, "In exchange for his help, I had to help him in return. Enthralled as I was, I never noticed how cleverly I was being used, and by the time I figured it out, it was too late. There were no other options, and Maxwell had me by the balls. I'll admit, some of my help from that point was willing, he was after all keeping his end of the bargain. And until today, I didn't think there was anyone else who'd understand or be willing to help."

[kumainpink]

Of course that is what would happen! Olivia thought nastily. Maxwell just keeps on using people, and they never see until it's too late! "It seems that you have also been sucked in by the Rosebane charm." she replied coolly. "Not your fault - I was foolish once, too. That man is a master of manipulation." she took a sip of her wine. "As someone who understands, I would be happy to help you."

[G. Novella]

"Don't misunderstand, I was less of a victim, I went along with him partly from my own selfish desires, he was my Grindelwald, if I am to be considered Dumbledore," said Henry seriously as he took a bite of the steak, "And like Dumbledore, I stil want the future I was promised, simply now I see a more peaceful way to attain it."

[kumainpink]

Olivia's temper was sated by this, and curiosity bloomed in its place. "Dumbledore, huh?" she inquired, interested. "Hm...even so, you were tricked by him. So what is it that you seek?

[G. Novella]

"It's a rather simple deal," he said, sipping his wine, "In exchange for helping your group, I want to become Headmaster of Hogwarts. Maxwell would never suspect me, and I know you must be dying to hear what he's been upto and is upto."

[kumainpink]

Olivia frowned. Yes, she did want to know what Maxwell was up to, but first... "You want to be headmaster? But what about Sewlyn? The two of you seemed to be close."

[G. Novella]

"Olivia, I have a knack for charm," he said placidly, "And as much as I admire Selwyn, working with the man is like working with a troll. He acts first and then regrets. He was about to go back to Britian with his tail between his legs this morning. If you hadn't shown up, we'd have been humiliated.

The only thing I desire is to be Headmaster. It's a simple position, and I want to do it right. I want to become the kind of Headmaster that can rally a school, that can defend a a school, and goes down in history."

There. He'd laid down his deepest desires. Now it was up to Olivia to respond. She had to realize the risks he was taking. Not to mention his usefulness. This was a big step for him to take.

[kumainpink]

Olivia considered what Henry had told her. It was a lot to admit, but the man did have a point. If Sewlyn was willing to run away because things got rough, then he didn't make a good leader. Nor a good headmaster.

"How may I help you?" she asked seriously. "And what are you willing to do for me?"

[G. Novella]

"It's simple, in exchange for helping me attain the school and getting rid of Selwyn," began Henry, "I'll help you through my spying. I can tell you just what Maxwell's up to, I can tell you what the creatures are up to, I have a young girl who I've been collecting information from who has friends within the forest, and I can provide you with information inside of Hogwarts."

[kumainpink]

Olivia felt a large grin spreading across her face. She had wanted this for a long, long time. "I came to Hogwarts looking for an alliance, and it seems I've got two. Henry, I accept."

[G. Novella]

"Excellent," said Henry with a large grin, "What do you want to know first then?"

[kumainpink]

"What are his current plans?" she asked coolly.

[G. Novella]

"In two days he's going to wipe out the Dementor colony Garrison's been growing in the South Pole," said Henry quickly, "He's absorbed Heliopath fire to make sure it works."

[kumainpink]

Olivia's eyes widened. "Merlin!" she cursed. How far would that man go, just for the sake of power? "Well, we have to do something! We can't just let them get away with this!" Her mind was whirling with many different possibilities. Maxwell obviously intended on destroying the Dementors...and it would be an ugly battle for sure. And those creatures were demons incarnate, or so she had read. While she was for magical creatures rights, did those extend to soul-eaters?

And what of Garrison's plan? That didn't sound promising at all.

[G. Novella]

"Maxwell's already looking into Garrison's motives, and it's probably best to let him finish off the Dementors. We don't stand a chance the way we are now. He has fighters, Olivia, a Healer, and all the supplies. By the time we get there, he'd be done. And I don't even know the exact location, and I won't know until I get there. I can get you the Garrison information once Maxwell gets it," said Henry grimly.

[kumainpink]

"And of course, if this goes public, Maxwell will be hailed as a hero by those foolish creature-hating bigots." Olivia muttered in disgust. "So we can't go that route..." she paused thoughtfully. "Can you tell me who that girl was, the one that was with him at the funeral?"

[G. Novella]

Henry raised an eyebrow, surprised. Why was there so much concern over this girl? He'd need to watch her again. "Alice Boot, why?"

[kumainpink]

"Because, she seems to blindly follow him, and then, there's the issue of what happened in the cemetery." she shivered at the memory of Maxwell's eyes, which had turned black. There had been so much excess magical energy flying around. Only for it to be gone in a single moment. "What happened between him and her was not normal. I would like to know what kind of control she has over him, and find a way to exploit it."

[G. Novella]

"All I know on there relationship is suspicious at best," said Henry with a sigh, "From what I've gathered and what I know from teaching her she's extremely naive. She grew up in the home of two prominent healers. She doesn't like hurting things, and her oarents died mysteriously when she was was in her sixth year. She should have graduated and become a Healer, it's what she'd dreamt of, but instead she went off the grid, then became a clerk in the ministry.

If I'm right, she's now Maxwell's healer. He did something to earn her devotion, and he's put her up in Cassalina's home. What else, I don't know. Maxwell keeps her close."

[kumainpink]

Olivia thought about this for a while, as an idea began to form. "I see. In that case, I think it's time we show her what happens when you sell your soul to the devil." Her eyes glinted dangerously. "And make sure that Maxwell suffers for it. It's the least he can do, after causing Brayden's death."

[G. Novella]

"Oh?" asked Henry, "And what are you plotting?"

[kumainpink]

"Maxwell allowed for Brayden to die, and he's still blind to the pain he causes. This time, I'm going to make him see what his ideals are going to cost him." she said coldly. "Would you be willing to lure her to me, so that I may kill her?"

[G. Novella]

"Of course," said Henry with a nod, "The less I know, the better however. If Maxwell suspects me, it's a simple jump to you. When and where?"

Inwardly, Henry groaned. This was going to be tough working for both sides. Ah well, if he did things right, no one would need to know.

[kumainpink]

"I understand." Olivia said coolly. And indeed, she did. "It's my idea after all. Six days from now. I should have everything ready by then. Does that work for you?"

[G. Novella]

"I should think so," said Henry with a nod, "Oh, I nearly forgot to mention, he's not allowing her in the Dementor Battle. Is that important?"

[kumainpink]

Not allowing her in the dementor battle, huh? she thought angrily. Yet he allowed Brayden to fight? He must really - And suddenly, she was hit with a wonderful realization. One that could be used to firmly crush that man. "It does make things more interesting, Henry." she said, grinning like the Cheshire Cat. "And my revenge all the more sweeter."