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Post by G. Novella on Mar 30, 2013 11:02:51 GMT -5
It was a cold winter day, on the eve of Christmas of 1912 when the first sign of trouble washed up on the desk of John Thomas Longbottom. He'd been out the regular ministry ball, when he'd slipped away to return to his office. Dressed in fancy blue dress robes, with his black hair down around his face, John looked very handsome, despite the beginning of the crease lines around his face, and the harsh scowl he tended to wear in public. The tall man had brushed into his office, and was studying the report.
Over the last month, John had been growing increasingly more troubled by a new set of cases. Mostly in the muggle world, John had noted an increase of a strange set of grave robberies. The muggles had been astonished by the lack of evidence and the neatness of the robberies. John had sent a few aurors to investigate, but no magical residue came up. He'd concluded it as a muggle investigation. The auror hadn't worried about it, leaving it for the muggles to deal with. Last week, the tides had turned on the wizard. Two wizarding graves had been robbed. The modus operandi, or MO, was the same as that of the muggles.
The graves would be neatly dug up, the dirt from the grave being nowhere in sight. John suspected it to be a vanishing spell, but for some reason, it was untraceable. No Priori Incantum was strong enough to detect wizarding magic in the area. From inside the grave, the coffins would be opened and purged of their bodies. Three wizard corpses had vanished. Every corpse robbed was from a death occurring in the last ten months or so. Whoever was stealing these bodies wanted fresh deaths, and mostly intact bodies. The thought chilled John to the bone.
The auror continued to stare at the reports, gritting his teeth. Not a single report had any clue what had occurred here. What John couldn't understand was why the wizard hadn't gone on to cover his tracks by burying the coffins again. None would be the wiser. He shook his head, and sat back in his large, black leather chair. The desk before him was a grand oak desk, filled with papers. His office had newspaper prints, award, and unsolved case files littering the walls and bookshelves, all stocked to the brim. Two of the books were even written by him. John was in his element now, trying to put together the pieces of this case- before the perpetrator decided to reveal what his true intentions were.
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Post by eskimoRock on Mar 30, 2013 11:17:55 GMT -5
Albert Fawley stepped neatly out of the elevator into the Auror's Department. He could hear people partying upstairs, and walked slower, hoping to stay downstairs in the relative safety for as long as possible. Upon reaching the far end of the hallway, he noticed that there was a light on in his bosses office.
"Sir?" He called, putting his head around the door. "Shouldn't you be at the ball?"
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 30, 2013 11:23:29 GMT -5
"I went and paid my dues like I promised Spavin I would," replied John with a scowl, flipping through the report again. The man's silver earring jangled as he flipped the page, muttering angry things about the party. Very faintly it could be heard 'waste of time' and 'useless people'.
He turned back to eye Fawley, his current Deputy. Sighing, he indicated the chair in his office, as he waved his holly and unicorn hair wand at a cupboard. A kettle flew out, followed by two cups and a tray with sugar, milk and tea. It began to prepare the tea by itself, using the ingredients provided on the tray.
"Tea, Fawley?"
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Post by eskimoRock on Mar 30, 2013 11:26:03 GMT -5
Albert tried not to smile at his bosses bad temper. He was like this often, so Albert had become used to it, and after all, this was a public function. His boss was notoriously bad with public functions. Recognising that this was probably more of an order than an invitation, given that the tea was already making itself, he sat down.
"That would be very much appreciated, thank you."
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 30, 2013 11:57:34 GMT -5
"You're welcome," said John absently, as he set the report down and began to stir his tea, the other cup floating before Fawley. John sighed as he glanced at Fawley, sipping the tea in relief. It was very hard to attend these social events, especially when one wasn't a drinker. John had sworn off alcohol when he was twenty-three, having used it as a crutch when he'd been in a dark place of his life.
"How is the event, by the way?" Asked John, making small talk, "I'd ask why you left, but I don't blame you for running. Old women are so determined to marry their daughters to you, though, I suppose being a married man you don't suffer from them. Perhaps I should marry a fine woman then. Any suggestions?"
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Post by eskimoRock on Mar 30, 2013 12:02:39 GMT -5
"The party is the same as every other I've ever attended." Albert smiled. "People fawning over the minister and trying to get their foot a little further up the social ladder." He took a sip of his tea and laughed.
"You would think that people would stop with the marriage proposals, given the fact that I'm happily married with two children, but it appears not. If you're interested, Greengrass has been following me around all evening trying to introduce me to his daughter."
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 30, 2013 12:10:20 GMT -5
John grimaced as he shook his head, smiling a bit at Fawley's comment. The man was quite able to draw John away from his bad temper, another reason he'd been made deputy to John. The Head Auror sighed, and he set the warm cup of tea down, and replied, "Sounds like he's drunk then. Better get the security to watch him. Drunks really are such a nuisance. But really, Greengrass? Could you imagine me as his son-in-law? The man would drive me to murder."
Relaxed a bit now, he said with a tight nod, "Have you been keeping up with the grave robbery case? I had the Auror investigating make sure to send both of us a report. Of course, with closing the Glenville rapes, I can imagine you might have been too busy to investigate this crime."
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Post by eskimoRock on Mar 30, 2013 12:15:59 GMT -5
"I think there's a reason that his daughter is still single at 43, but I certainly wasn't going to mention it." Albert laughed. "And forgive me, but I'm thinking you would murder half of the fathers in that room, especially if you married their daughters."
He then sighed at the change in mood. "I've been keeping an eye on it, but like you said, we seem to be exceptionally busy at the moment. Are there any new developments?"
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 30, 2013 12:25:24 GMT -5
"Probably," acknowledged John dryly. However, as the conversation shifted, his expression hardened, and he sighed as he nudged the file over. "One more wizard grave robbed last night. Whoever's doing this- I can't understand his motive. No spell I know requires so many bodies. He's gotten less sloppy too, all efficient. I've looked into a few dark rituals, but as long as it's Christmas, there's no reason to push the case. Even the graves robbed belonged to wizards who weren't well loved in the community of well-known."
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Post by eskimoRock on Mar 30, 2013 12:34:18 GMT -5
Albert took the file and scanned it, frowning. "I don't know a spell like that either. This case is looking worse and worse all the time... I'll look into the spells, but I can't see me finding anything about it. Is it possible that it isn't just one person doing this? They seem clever, like they know our systems. If it was one of the big families, there'd be uproar, but by working like this..."
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 30, 2013 14:40:34 GMT -5
John sighed, as he nodded in response, having expected Fawley not to know. He glanced at the man's suggestion of a group, and grimly considered it. He tacked on, "I considered a group, but there's no evidence to suggest the size of a group. The grave digging is as meticulous as their understanding of the wizarding world. Even the cemeteries the dug the bodies up from are visible to muggles. There is really no reason to suspect wizard involvement but the vanishing of the dirt, and my own paranoia. The minister has no idea I'm even putting resources into such a case. It is, after all, not a case worth looking into. I just can't shake the feeling that something is missing. I was planning to venture into the darker tomes and search for any information about spells that could require such a volume of bodies. The group angle is an interesting one. Any suggestions?"
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Post by eskimoRock on Mar 30, 2013 14:48:50 GMT -5
Albert frowned. "I think it might be useful to see if we have any aurors from one of the... darker... families, and speak to them about it. We have a few, and there are quite a few families with spells and tricks that only they know. I've studied a lot of spells and I don't know of anything that could do anything like this, but maybe they do."
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 30, 2013 15:01:05 GMT -5
John nodded, and stood up, his tea having cooled considerably. He left the cup on the side, and glanced at Albert. His scowl of annoyance had returned, rather than that deep thoughtful look he wore often, and he sighed as he said, "Let's get going then. The party calls, and I'm in charge of the security detail. I'll see if I can have someone look into it, but I'd like to have my own glance over at things. By the way, have you heard? Apparently the Russian genius has returned to the social world. I had assumed he'd passed away. I'm looking forward to meeting this Dobrev fellow. Rumor has it he'll be in attendance at the party."
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Post by eskimoRock on Mar 30, 2013 15:05:55 GMT -5
Albert nodded and stood. "Let's go, I should probably get back up to my wife. She'll kill me if I leave her up there alone a second longer. But that Dobrev fellow? I did hear about that, I think it's all everyone's been talking about for the past month. I'd like to get a good look at him, myself."
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 30, 2013 15:53:50 GMT -5
John nodded, smirking a bit at Fawley's comment. It made him happy once again to not have a wife, though he did envy the lack of family he had. Ah well, his sister was more than enough for him, and his brother too. As the two men exited his office, he added, "I hear he's responsible for some very fine findings about spells of life. He may have some insight to our case. Even if he doesn't, the man's a genius! He disappeared when I was made Head Auror back ten years ago, almost. He rarely comes out."
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Meanwhile, back in the Atrium of the ministry, gold statues were floating around, delivering snacks and hors d'ouvres for anyone who paid attention. The Minister was surrounded by media, clicking photos of the man and his various guests. Several reporters roamed the crowd of famous Ministry guests. The party would wrap up in another hour or so, and then the guests would disperse to the other parties taking place. People could be heard discussing how lovely the ministry gala was. It was a special night where the Minister would reward all the ministry workers by throwing a large Christmas party.
One guest was surrounded by a crowd as he regaled them all with a story. The man stood tall and handsome, with dark hair under a dark grey top hat. He was dressed in impeccably tailored grey robes, that looked to be made of the finest fabrics. In his hand was a silver goblet of wine, which he sipped delicately after finishing his tale to applause. One silly blonde girl even clutched her heart in awe. The man laughed, not derisively, and waved off the comments.
"Mr. Dobrev, you sir really are a genius! Transforming lead to silver! I've never heard of such transfiguration! All to keep the werewolf at bay!" said one man in a squeaky voice, clapping again, leading the other's into applause.
"Now now, you are all too kind," said Alexander Dobrev in response, "It was simply temporary, the silver wouldn't last. And the wolf meant no harm once he was put down. It simply stunned him. I was just lucky. I could have used a stunner, but like I said, my mind had gone off in a tangent. The trouble when one thinks too much. In fact, it was rather a silly mistake. A waste of energy. If you'd excuse me, I'd like to get my greeting to the minister before the night wraps up.'
Alexander walked away from his crowd, still discussing and complimenting the man. He sighed as he moved to the edge, annoyed with himself for attending the party. However, social graces were a must. The man finished the wine, and handed it to a golden statue, before asking a pretty woman to dance. After the dance ended, he returned her to her friends, and moved back to talk to another woman, this time surrounded by her friends. He really worked a crowd.
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Post by eskimoRock on Mar 30, 2013 15:57:40 GMT -5
"Well, you know I'm always interested in finding out about new spells!" Albert grinned. "A little new knowledge never hurt anybody, don't you think? Wish some of the trainees would agree with that."
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 30, 2013 16:04:11 GMT -5
John laughed in response, as they got into the elevator and headed up to the Atrium. He looked younger when he smiled, and as they entered the Atrium, he glanced at the crowd and gave Fawley an amused glance.
"Speak of the devil, he's over there with your wife and some company," said John with a grin, "Looks like we can get that information now. Shall we?"
Meanwhile, Alexander was politely listening to the women as they spoke. He had on a very pleasant smile as he listened to one's story about her child. A few children were evident in the crowd, but none much younger than ten. He laughed at her horrified expression as she ended the tale, before she parted to join her husband.
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Post by eskimoRock on Mar 30, 2013 16:10:53 GMT -5
"So he is." Albert smiled. "How convenient!" He laughed, and moved over to join his wife, kissing her gently on the cheek. He then turned to introduce himself to the new guest.
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 30, 2013 16:18:15 GMT -5
Alexander immediately smiled at the two approaching men, offering his hand. John shook first, introducing himself, "John Longbottom, a pleasure to meet you."
"Alexander Dobrev, likewise, Head Auror. I think the newspapers are filled with your triumphs. I assume this must be your husband Albert, Sophia. What a pleasure to meet you, good sir! I've seen your name in the paper far too many times to count as well. It's an honor to make the acquaintances of such men as yourselves. But I must say, no wine? Please, let me get you a glass," said Alexander charmingly as he extended his hand to Albert, and waved over a statue.
"None for myself, I'm not fond of the ministry's alcohol," said John with a nod. It wasn't well-known that John wasn't a drinker, and very few people knew. Albert was one, and his sister and brother were others. Of course, it was only his family who really knew why John didn't drink. Others who knew suspected it was part of John's paranoia and eccentricity.
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Post by eskimoRock on Mar 30, 2013 16:22:37 GMT -5
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr Dobrev. I have heard much about you also." Albert shook the mans hand, and accepted the glass he was offered.
"Been talking about me, have you?" Albert teased Sophia, and she laughed. He had to say, he admired how his boss managed to avoid the subject of his not drinking, and he was quite happy to try and bring the attention away from him when needed.
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 30, 2013 16:59:53 GMT -5
Alexander smiled and gave a conspiratorial look to Sophia, as he said, "I fear we've been caught in the act, madam."
That earned him a laugh from John, who caught the humor and smiled as he asked, "So where have you been Mr. Dobrev? I thought you had become a thing of legend, like the Flamels! Of course, considering your exploits, you probably will become legend. I read your papers on transfiguring ordinary metals to precious metal. It was fascinating, I must say. Never was a fan of transfiguration, but the ideas you brought forth were indeed amazing."
"Thank you! It was really a stroke of luck, and after further investigation, well, I managed to discover how to maintain the shape of the metal and the size, but in value, they're not much, and eventually the spell fails. Unlike Flamel, I can't produce real gold," explained Alexander with a modest shrug, "But please, call me Alexander! Mr. Dobrev is so stuffy. Reminds me of my school days when I was being reprimanded by my professors! I read about the Glenville rape case by the way- ah, but I suppose I shouldn't discuss that sort of thing before a lady. Pardon me, madam. But your husband and Mr. Longbottom are geniuses, solving that tricky one."
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Post by eskimoRock on Mar 30, 2013 17:06:55 GMT -5
"I don't think I'd be able to escape it even if I wanted to." Sophia said dryly, and Albert laughed.
"Thank you, Alexander. That was certainly one of our more difficult cases, but we do have some very talented individuals in the department." Albert said.
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 30, 2013 17:30:36 GMT -5
Alexander laughed at Sophia's humor before acknowledging Albert with a nod, "And I believe you play a hand in that? You're wife tells me you train the Aurors, and I have no doubt that you pluck the talented ones. But modesty is a virtue I appreciate, as much as wine is a vice I cherish. So how long have the both of you been working in the department?"
"Since I was nineteen," said John with a nod, "Almost twenty years now. Had a few rough patches here and there, but I wouldn't trade the job for anything. How about you? What are you up to now, Mr- Ah, Alexander."
"Just the usual frivolity, studying this and that," said Alexander airily, "It's a difficult task, but alas, someone must tend to it. But I'd much rather hear about your jobs. What cases have you got going on?"
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Post by eskimoRock on Mar 30, 2013 17:35:33 GMT -5
"Quite a few at the moment." sighed Albert. "It appears that the most cases always come up within the periods we'd most love to take time off! But then I guess that's a downside of the job."
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 30, 2013 17:47:56 GMT -5
"I can only sympathize," said Alexander with a nod, while John gave Albert an imperceptible nod of 'Good job'. It was no secret that John didn't like to share details of his business with outsiders. "Are either of you gentleman fathers than? I didn't see any identical children running around."
"I'm unmarried," said John, and Alexander laughed as he said, "A bachelor, much like myself! Perhaps love's arrow will strike us someday. Mr. Fawley, you're a lucky man! Bachelordom is so lonely."
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Post by eskimoRock on Mar 30, 2013 17:59:51 GMT -5
"I'm a father, two children." Albert smiled. "They're both here somewhere, probably with their friends from school. And I am very lucky indeed."
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 30, 2013 18:15:12 GMT -5
"Indeed," said Alexander warmly. "Siblings are such a blessing, I was an only child most of my life. I envy family lifestyles."
"Actually, Alexander, Fawley and I were hoping to pick your brain about something," said John politely.
"Oh?" Asked Alexander, glancing between the two men curiously.
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Post by eskimoRock on Mar 30, 2013 18:17:13 GMT -5
"Indeed! We've been hearing about your affinity with spell work, and we were wondering if you had much knowledge of... darker spells." Albert sighed, trying not to say too much.
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Post by G. Novella on Mar 30, 2013 18:22:38 GMT -5
Alexander immediately nodded, but cast a glance at Sophia uncertainly, "As a scholar I make it my job to study all forms of magic. I don't appreciate it, but well, all magic has a darker form to it. What spell work can I assist you with?"
John sighed, and he gave Sophia a similar glance, before asking her gently, "Sophia, madam, may we have some privacy? I'm afraid the nature of this discussion is not for women."
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Post by eskimoRock on Mar 30, 2013 18:39:51 GMT -5
"I'll go and attend to the children." Sophia smiled, and Albert gave her a kiss on the cheek before she walked away. Once she had gone, Albert turned back to the other two and nodded expectantly at John.
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