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Post by Arianna Blackthorn on Feb 11, 2012 22:30:53 GMT -5
The night was turning out very different than Arianna had thought. At least she was getting food, and she wasn't paying. Ari smiled a bit self conscious when the owner commented on her eyes. he was probably just saying that to put her at ease. Add a little charm. Heaven knew Kameren needed lessons. But were her eyes really that pretty? They were brown, a rather uncommon shade, but still brown. Dark, nearly black, demon eyes, but not lifeless like one would expect. No they were dull just dark.
Dutifully, Ari followed Curse to a table, of his choosing, and sat down.
"I used to work here, as a kid. Delivered sandwiches for them on my bike during the summers before my mum died."
So he was at least a halfblood if not muggle born. Well she had guessed as much when he willingly entered the muggle world and didn't gawk. A bit of sympathy flooded through Ari at his honest confession. But if his mother was dead then who had they been talking about?
So, Arianna Blackthorn, Runes Researcher at the Department of Mysteries. Surprised I haven't seen you before, I'm in Mysteries often. There's an office at the Department devoted to me. I've met the researcher, lovely fellow. Name's Carl." He chuckled. "What brought you to Mysteries?"
Ari frowned slightly. He knew a lot about her. She hadn't told him her profession and he'd gotten her last name from her book. Nosy bugger, then again he was an auror. It was in their job description. Wanted, top snooper for Auror job, people with boundaries need not apply. He had his own department? Mysteries was quite a large place and she rarely ventured out of her little corner. There was so much to do, so many fascinating artifacts and runes. Really, she hadn't the time, plus she'd been working at the bookstore in Diagaon Alley, helping them with their ancient runes collection. Still, she did remember hearing something about someone having a team probe them. Odd. She hadn't taken it seriously. Could their be such a man that he needed scientists to see all he could do? What kind of talented freak was he? Did he have a special ability that no one knew? Did he shoot lasers out of his eyes? Or was it his brain?
"Isn't it obvious? The allure," She said with a wry smile. Really, it was the puzzles. There wasn't a lot of places where one of her talents could work. She knew more about dead cultures than she did the present. She couldn't speak Spanish, French, Arabic, or any other useful language but she could translate five ancient languages without need of a dictionary.
"If you know so much about me, why don't you tell me?"
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Post by Curse Kameren on Feb 12, 2012 13:01:11 GMT -5
"Isn't it obvious? The allure," She said with a wry smile.
Curse smiled wryly at Arianna from across the table, running a hand through his messy hair. He understood that feeling very well; the challenge of the game was what had brought Curse to Law Enforcement, as well. He had thought about entering Mysteries, but the pressure brought on by the chase in Law Enforcement made it better for him. He needed that problem-solving, it was what kept him interested enough to connect to the outside world.
"If you know so much about me, why don't you tell me?"
Rolling his eyes, Curse leaned forward on the table as Milo came to serve them. He curtly thanked his friend as he dropped a sandwich in Arianna's place and placed a paper cup filled with tea in front of Curse. It wasn't until Milo turned away that Curse replied. "You know, the things I found out about you were really quite obvious. Your name from the receipt. You were reading a rare runic tome in the middle of the Leaky Cauldron. Not many people have access to those kinds of books. Either you work for Mysteries or you're filthy rich, which I could tell wasn't true by how you dress, no offense." He shrugged, taking a sip of his tea as he leaned back in his chair. "I can easily figure out who you are and what you do. What you think and why, though, requires a proper conversation."
Curse shrugged. "I got into Law Enforcement because it was a productive use of my many talents. It helped me put my head on straight. Mysteries doesn't give you the proper kick in the arse I needed to be a good person." He chuckled, a smile curling at his lips as he met Arianna's eyes. "You must have already been a good person, then. So I have nothing to go off for motive, besides that you obviously like runes. But there are better places to study than the Ministry, so you have me stumped again."
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Post by Arianna Blackthorn on Mar 24, 2012 20:08:52 GMT -5
Okay so this was not how Arianna had pictured her night. Nor did she think that Mister Curse Kameren had thought that he would end up here drinking tea with her. When the food arrived, Arianna carefully unwrapped a section of the sandwich. Before taking a bite though, she set it down, quickly placing a napkin in her lap. She then took a bite, closing her eyes in pleasure. She half listened as Curse rambled on about how he figured out who she was. How very clever of him and how idiotic of her. Really, she had been far too oblivious. Practically had an arrow floating over her head saying: Hey stalker i'm a perfect target, LOOKY HERE".
You know, the things I found out about you were really quite obvious. Your name from the receipt. You were reading a rare runic tome in the middle of the Leaky Cauldron. Not many people have access to those kinds of books. Either you work for Mysteries or you're filthy rich, which I could tell wasn't true by how you dress, no offense."
At first Arianna had an urge to take offense. Who was he to comment on her clothing, but then she glanced at her outfit and had to concede that battle. It was a rather old sweater. Nor was it entirely fashionable but it was comfortable and she adored the color. Besides, she really didn't have the time to read fashion rags. Nor did she particually care how she looked, she was a researcher not a model.
"I can easily figure out who you are and what you do. What you think and why, though, requires a proper conversation."
Was that a chastisement? She had been rather quiet as she munched on her food. Listening to him though was rather entertaining.
"I got into Law Enforcement because it was a productive use of my many talents. It helped me put my head on straight. Mysteries doesn't give you the proper kick in the arse I needed to be a good person."
So he was naturally a person who could stray to the dark path? Interesting. Maybe he wasn't a knight in shining armor type after all.
"You must have already been a good person, then. So I have nothing to go off for motive, besides that you obviously like runes. But there are better places to study than the Ministry, so you have me stumped again."
" While it is true that morals are lacking in some areas of Mysteries, I do not test artifacts on living beings. I think it's cruel, even on animals. Better places than the Ministry? Perhaps, but there is so much to do there. I have access to a number of things I wouldn't elsewhere. Tips directly from the muggle memory department and all that. At the Ministry I have the first opportunity to investigate muggle ruins that could have magical origins. I grew up in both worlds and at the Ministry I can work in both."
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Post by Curse Kameren on Jun 15, 2012 19:36:20 GMT -5
" While it is true that morals are lacking in some areas of Mysteries, I do not test artifacts on living beings. I think it's cruel, even on animals."
"So you're responsible for testing the artifacts as well, then? Interesting, I always thought of that as more of a cursebreaker duty. The researchers tend to stick to the books and let someone else be put in harm's way." Curse meant nothing by it, but it was true; most researchers were curious, but cowardly. Their interest in an object only stretched so far that they were safe. Arianna intrigued him; she was like him, with a hunger for knowledge so great that she was willing to make sacrifices. "Still, there are much better institutions for runic research than the Ministry. Why there?"
"Better places than the Ministry? Perhaps, but there is so much to do there. I have access to a number of things I wouldn't elsewhere. Tips directly from the muggle memory department and all that. At the Ministry I have the first opportunity to investigate muggle ruins that could have magical origins. I grew up in both worlds and at the Ministry I can work in both."
Curse couldn't help but smile as he listened to her passionately tell about her profession. She made Mysteries sound so exciting, so fresh. It was a passion Curse could relate to in his own work. The thrill of the chase, whether it be knowledge of a rune or the literal chase of a criminal. "So you're half-blood as well, then? Londoner? How old are you anyway?" He took a final sip of his tea, glancing over at Milo. His friend was closing up, it would be rude to stay much longer. If he mentioned to Violet that Curse had stopped by with a young lady, he would never hear the end of it. Better head out before he got tempted.
When Arianna was finished, the two left with a wave to Milo. Curse held the door for her, looking around both ways as they stepped into the night. A bit of time had passed since they entered the sandwich, shop, and now the streets were empty. "Where's your flat? I'm guessing it isn't too far or you wouldn't be taking the 'Cauldron exit - "
Curse suddenly ducked when a small, blue orb of light whizzed over his shoulder. He took Arianna by the hand, pulling her behind him and whipping out his wand. He called out into the night. "Hutchinson! Look what you're doing! Is this worth it?!" Curse looked over his shoulder at the young lady, locking eyes with her. "Whatever you do, stay behind me..."
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Post by Arianna Blackthorn on Jun 16, 2012 23:21:28 GMT -5
"So you're responsible for testing the artifacts as well, then? Interesting, I always thought of that as more of a cursebreaker duty. The researchers tend to stick to the books and let someone else be put in harm's way."
A frowned knotted Ari's delicate eyebrows as she thought about her coworkers. It was true that many had curse breakers as partners. She didn't yet warrant an assistant or partner being rather new at her job. Besides, one of the more interesting parts of her job was uncover the secrets of the artifact, not just the runes inscribed on it. If the object was known to hold a curse she wouldn't work on it direct. Research yes, but not break it.
"Not all runes are harmful, actually many are quite mundane, but you are quite right. Many researchers have assistants or partners who break the curses. I can't resist doing it myself though,"She said grinning.
"Still, there are much better institutions for runic research than the Ministry. Why there?"
"Better places than the Ministry? Perhaps, but there is so much to do there. I have access to a number of things I wouldn't elsewhere. Tips directly from the muggle memory department and all that. At the Ministry I have the first opportunity to investigate muggle ruins that could have magical origins. I grew up in both worlds and at the Ministry I can work in both."
His smile was devastating. Perhaps he wasn't a complete fool after all. She might even forgive him for his saving the damsel tendencies.
"So you're half-blood as well, then? Londoner? How old are you anyway?"
"My mother was pure, my father muggle born. I grew up in both worlds, much to my pureblood family dismay. Nineteen," She said raising her chin higher, quite proud of her adult age. "You?"
Ari followed him out, rolling her eyes on principal as he held the door open for her.
"Where's your flat? I'm guessing it isn't too far or you wouldn't be taking the 'Cauldron exit - "
"I take--" Her words were abruptly cut off as a strange blue orb shot passed, nearly singeing Curse. Thank Merlin he'd had the sense to duck. It all happened so fast. One minute there was peace and the next, she was being shoved back as he warned her to stay out of the way. Ari couldn't believe it. the stupid pig from the cauldron had followed them. The man was married for christ sake and it wasn't like she'd ever dated him. He had no reason to pull his wand on them, or follow them for blocks. Clearly he was unbalanced.
"Whatever you do, stay behind me..."
"I will bloody not," She hissed, as she pulled out her own wand and moved to stand next to him. A strange thrill made Ari shiver. She'd never been in a duel before.
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Post by Curse Kameren on Jul 1, 2012 1:26:34 GMT -5
Curse knew Hutchinson and understood his motives; Curse had hurt his pride and humiliated him in front of Miss Blackthorn. This wasn't about taking Arianna home for Hutchinson anymore, it was about teaching Curse a lesson. He wanted a fight to scare Curse off of him, but that wouldn't happen. If Hutchinson wanted to push back, Curse would stop him.
"Whatever you do, stay behind me..."
"I will bloody not," She hissed, as she pulled out her own wand and moved to stand next to him.
When Arianna stood next to him Curse took her hand and held it tight. He wasn't letting her wander off, he was going to keep an eye on her. "You're a nineteen-year-old researcher. Have you ever been in a duel that wasn't overseen by a professor?" His once non-chalant tone turned to a gruff bark as he beat down another spell that flew at them from a ways away. Curse the auror was a different person from Curse off-duty. He was decisive, calculating. Protective.
With another wave of his hand the electricity failed in the sandwich shop and everything went dark; there couldn't be any muggle witnesses. Though Curse knew in this instance he wouldn't get in trouble for using magic in Muggle London, he still didn't want to be banned from his favorite sandwich shop."Hutchinson! This is you last warning!" His fingers glowed a soft red and his bright green eyes changed with a blink to wide, cat-like pupils. "You can go home and I'll forget this. If you don't you'll regret it."
Silence in the darkness stretched on for what felt like hours. Curse's grip didn't budge on Arianna's hand. This was more than a spurned suitor, this was a dangerous man with a burnt ego. Curse wouldn't let him take it out on Arianna like he had to others. "Hutc - "
Curse took Arianna and ducked with her as a bright blue light soared past them. "That's enough," He growled and stood to his full height. The trajectory of the spell and the aid of his cat-vision was all Curse needed to figure out Hutchinson's whereabouts. Without a word he fired two quick spells from his fingers: an Expelliarmus spell to disarm him, and a binding spell to keep him from running.
With a satisfying thmp from a few meters away, Curse stood and extended a hand to Miss Blackthorn, his green eyes still unmoving from the shadows around them. "He had friends..."
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Post by Arianna Blackthorn on Nov 3, 2012 22:10:46 GMT -5
"You're a nineteen-year-old researcher. Have you ever been in a duel that wasn't overseen by a professor?"
"This is stupid! Really Hutchinson, I didn't mean to wound your male pride, I'm sure you're a real stud, but I don't like men," Arianna called out, trying to say anything to end this mess. It wasn't true. Arianna did not like women in a romantic sense. Really, she wasn't sure she liked anyone. Romance was just so bloody complicated and even as adults there was still all the school drama attached to it. Exhibit A.
Ari ducked when Curse practically threw her down. The man moved so fast she could barely follow him like a lost puppy. Okay, so maybe he was right and she had never been in a real duel before but she knew old spells. Really complicated ancient magic that...was probably competences useless. She didn't have what she needed to draw the runes. So she created a shield around them. Sometimes the best offense was a good defense.
"He had friends..."
"Who have probably come to their senses, saw what a prat he was and decided not to be killed," Ari said as she grudgingly took his hand and allowed him to pull her up.
"He really is an idiot, Thank you, for saving me from my own stupidity. I guess there was no talking him out of it." It then occurred to Arianna that Hutchinson had wanted to rape her. A shiver of shock and dread, shook Ari's frame and she hugged herself to prevent her entire body was shaking. She had to appear in control. She was not a little girl. She was not a teenager. She was a ministry researcher and a grown woman. Who needed to get practical sense.
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Post by Curse Kameren on Nov 6, 2012 4:56:57 GMT -5
"He had friends..."
"Who have probably come to their senses, saw what a prat he was and decided not to be killed."
"I wasn't going to kill anyone." He scoffed, offering her a hand up. When he pulled her up they suddenly stood very close. Intimately close. Curse could feel her breath on him. He looked out into the darkness as a distraction and decided it would be best to let Hutchinson go. With a jerk of his wrist a quiet snap could be heard in the distance, and Hutchinson was free. Some shuffling faded into the distance, and the young witch and wizard were alone.
"He really is an idiot, Thank you, for saving me from my own stupidity. I guess there was no talking him out of it."
"Of course." The triumphant moment was dulled when a shake went through Arianna. She had been shaken up by the incident, and rightfully so. Hutchinson was an aggressive man, surely, but this time around it wasn't exactly what it seemed. He looked over his shoulder as he shrugged out of his muggle jacket. "Don't worry, you won't hear from him again. Not to bruise your pride, but I think he only followed because of me. He didn't like being shot down by a prat like me in front of a girl he fancied, then catching me walk home with you." He gently placed his jacket around her shoulders, making eye contact to make sure he wasn't impugning on any feminist ideals with his actions.
"Come on," He cocked his head back down the sidewalk, "where do you live again?"
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