|
Post by Eden Fletcher on Jun 27, 2011 0:18:19 GMT -5
Eden had looked down for just a second, as a spider crawled over the toe of her shoe. Then suddenly the light from the room was shining in her eyes.For several seconds, all Eden could do was blink up at the tall woman in front of her with the weird eyes. Uh oh. Was she going to whip Eden? Transfigure her into a gold watch? What did weird adults do to kids? Wait, this was the new headmistress. She couldn't hurt kids, otherwise she'd never have gotten her new gig. But that didn't mean she wasn't strict.
"What in Merlin's name are you doing in there?"
Hmmm what to do? Ignore the question at point out the fact that one couldn't spell the demons because they were attacked to magic and actually grew stronger when spells were cast? Or did she tell the truth, that she was bored and lonely and fancied herself a spy?
"I live here," She said with a cheeky smile, hoping to charm her way out of trouble.
"I'm a small person and it's a right comfy space. I learn very many things here. The demons like spells, they feed off them and grow stronger. So doing a tracking spell probably won't work and they'll drink your blood."
|
|
|
Post by Siara Brightweather on Jul 1, 2011 14:57:10 GMT -5
A hint of a smile quirked the corner of Siara's frown, then she crooked a finger at the young girl.
"Come on out of there. If that's your home, then where is your bed?"
Siara took a step back, waiting for the girl to exit the wardrobe and stand before them. She admired her spark, and even though Siara didn't tolerate children mouthing off, what Eden did was not such, she just had a quick wit.
"Well, small person, you have a good point," the Headmistress admitted. "These demons don't act like normal ones, and they're more like an antithesis of magic." Her fierce face sharpened into a keen smile, almost predatory. "I'm actually counting on that. The strange resistance to magic, how they feed on it, it forms a kind of aura or 'bubble' around them, in the magical dimension that we can't see. That's what I'm going to use to track them."
She turned and nodded at Echo. "In your hunting, do you ever use basic tracking skills? If we make one of those, and hook it into a matrix spell for detecting those anomalies as they disrupt the fabric of our world," she grinned apologetically. "Sorry, I get a bit carried away when it comes to custom spell-making."
|
|
|
Post by Eden Fletcher on Jul 6, 2011 18:56:48 GMT -5
Was finger pointing a good sign? Eden wasn't sure. This adult was quite strange, and not just in physical appearance. Most adults would have snapped at her cheek, reached inside and dragged her out. To them, she practically weighed nothing. A slip of a girl, then again many adults didn't punish her because of her size. No one liked punishing children, especially undersized ones, with waif eyes and blond curls.
"Come on out of there. If that's your home, then where is your bed?"
"I put it away, it's not bed time yet," the words had slipped out before she thought better of it. She crawled out of the cupboard, unsure of her welcome. She had just entered the den of an unknown group and the only person she knew had left.
Still, she had information they needed and they wouldn't hurt her. And it wasn't because she was a cute kid, it was because she knew they wouldn't. Nothing about them screamed evil, powerful yes, but not evil. Besides, they wanted to help Hogsmeade and they seemed to be Curse's friends.
"Well, small person, you have a good point," the Headmistress admitted. "These demons don't act like normal ones, and they're more like an antithesis of magic." Her fierce face sharpened into a keen smile, almost predatory. "I'm actually counting on that. The strange resistance to magic, how they feed on it, it forms a kind of aura or 'bubble' around them, in the magical dimension that we can't see. That's what I'm going to use to track them."
Eden rolled her eyes at the "small" description. It was true, and she couldn't be grudge the woman from pointing out the obvious, but at least she didn't say child. Now that would have been too much. At the sight of the woman's smile, Eden paled a bit. It as a tad scarey and she did seem too keen on attacking or tracking the demons.
Eden watched the group as the woman spoke, addressing the newcomer, Echo. She was a hunter of some sort. Eden stared at the woman, eagerly drinking in her appearance. Then she caught site of the gyspy woman. She did not look at all happy to see Eden.
|
|
|
Post by Maebh Breandan on Jul 6, 2011 19:05:17 GMT -5
The meeting had been progressing when a sudden sneeze alerted the room to the presence of a spy. A coldness washed over Maebh as the headmistress tracked down the source. Who could know about the Black Watch? It wasn't exactly a sanctioned ministry association and could spell trouble for it's members, surely they were breaking some antiquated law.
The spy was in the cupboard. A child's voice rang out and anger seethed inside of Maebh. What kind of monster would put a child up to spying? It was dangerous business, and the girl should have been having supper and getting ready for bed. Maebh watched, a frown on her face, as the little sprite came out. She was tiny thing, no taller than four six maybe seven. Her dress was of good quality, but dirty and her hair a tangle mess of curls. Dark circles framed large pale blue eyes. She appeared to be eight or nine, possibly even ten. Surely, something that small had not yet gotten their wand. But the girl didn't really look at that scared. In fact she actually gave advice on the demons. Merlin, how did the child know so much about them?
"Who are you?" Maebh demanded. Children could be the perfect spies and this one looked very sweet. "Why are you here?"
|
|
|
Post by Nuriko Elsywth on Jul 10, 2011 23:26:02 GMT -5
"You can speculate all you wish about who's meeting and why [...] not mine, not yours."
Reece suddenly smiled, reaching up to pat the young lad on the cheek approvingly. She stepped back, tilting her head as she reassessed him. “Ah, well said lad. Very good.” He’d stood his ground, and refused her entry. Despite previous actions that might leave others thinking otherwise, Reece approved of this.
“Clear to see why they placed you in charge of the door here.” She settled in to wait. She could be patient. It was only a meeting.
|
|
|
Post by Reckony Pike on Jul 14, 2011 21:24:33 GMT -5
A horrified (and perhaps slightly embarrassed) Reckony was quick to stand beside Maebh, jumping on to the end of her questions before Eden was given a chance to speak.
"Yes, who are you and why are you in my living room? I don't recall seeing you in there before. Dust bunnies yes, but not little girls with, with, with Bambi-sized waif eyes and, and bright blond Polyanna curls. I dusted yesterday. Who sent you? How did you get past our defences? THEO! I don't permit children in my bar at adult time."
The barkeep levelled a stern expression at the petite girl but failed to show that on the inside, he felt a pang of guilt for doing so. She was young. So young. The personification of innocence and a picture of the very soul they were trying to protect from harm. Why did she have to appear in his cupboard?
And how did she know so much about the demons.
"Did you see the demons in Hogsmeade? During the attack the other week, were you there?"
|
|
|
Post by Eden Fletcher on Jul 14, 2011 21:45:29 GMT -5
The demanding questions were expected. Who wouldn't send a barrage of questions at a stranger? Eden would have been concerned if they had just accepted her presence. They wouldn't be much of a watch if they did. What she hadn't accounted for was the accusing stares and brooding faces. still, Eden did not crumble. With a slow, deep breath she squared her thin shoulders, lifted her chin and stared right back at the gypsy who demanded who she was and why she was there.
Before Eden could answer the questions more were flung at her from the barkeep who had been pretty chummy with Curse earlier. The man had come to stand abreast of the gypsy and quite close. Eden had a feeling that they liked each other in that weird way adults and teens did. Soon, they'd start making googly eyes at each other. Gross.
"Yes, who are you and why are you in my living room? I don't recall seeing you in there before. Dust bunnies yes, but not little girls with, with, with Bambi-sized waif eyes and, and bright blond Polyanna curls. I dusted yesterday. Who sent you? How did you get past our defences? THEO! I don't permit children in my bar at adult time."
The man was funny and Eden bit her lip trying not to laugh. He was odd and rather blustery but he wouldn't hurt her, he just liked pretending to be all mean and angry. Hot air, was all he was. But in the adult world appearances mattered. Eden remained silent, trying to make her eyes bigger as he commented on them. She didn't know what a bambi was but she had an idea that his description was positive-ish. For his sake, Eden pretended to be scared, although it was excitment not fear that made her tremble.
"Did you see the demons in Hogsmeade? During the attack the other week, were you there?"
Again, Eden shrugged with one shoulder, it was a rather grown up gesture that look odd on the thin little girl. How much to tell him? Could she trust the man, or the entire group to know her secret. Well, not really a secret but her gift? Not everyone liked seers, a lot of people thought she was a fraud.
"Not exactly. I was there in person for their first attack though."
|
|
|
Post by Theo Bowre on Jul 14, 2011 23:02:36 GMT -5
Theo cast a slightly softer glance in Reece's direction, thankful for her tact in accepting his ultimatum. The place on his cheek where she patted his face remained warm, and he realized that he was growing flush in the cramped hallway. Being 6'0" did that to you. As did the heat rising from the fireplace on the groundfloor. He had just clasped his hands behind his back and stood to fill the doorframe when a Reckony Pike-sized bellow emanated from the adjacent room...
"THEO!"
Theo didn't move with the sudden vocal assault but he did wince. Years of knowing the barkeep still left his eardrums pleading. The beater cleared his throat and excused himself, turning to open the door and slipping inside. He was instantly struck by the sight of everyone standing and brought his wand forth until his eyes fell upon a small girl. He looked at her apologetically, seeing that its tip was pointed directly at her head.
"Oh, I'm sorry, love." He brought the wand to his side. "What's going on? Why is there a kid...There's a woman outside as well. She's wanting to take part. Reece Elsywth? Ring a bell to anyone?"
|
|
|
Post by Curse Kameren on Jul 15, 2011 6:26:55 GMT -5
"Thankyou for getting me," Max's round green eyes stared up at his father as they moved briskly towards the Broomsticks.
Curse smiled briefly at him in reply, but it was clear to see he was impatient. The meeting was going on without him. It was important that he was there, doing what he could to help. Picking up Max had also meant helping Madam Puddifoot to bed and shooing out the snogging couple in the back. He didn't have time to close up Puddifoot's shop for her, but that constantly bothersome need to be a good person made him help. It wasn't like Puddifoot could do it herself, in the state she was in.
The two Kameren's hands disconnected as soon as they hit the doorway to the Broomsticks. The tall professor waded through the tables of the Broomsticks, leaving Max behind at the door. He wasn't sure if Reckony would object to Max's presence in the Broomsticks during their meeting, but either Max was there with him or neither of them were.
"Keely, Keely please..." Curse tracked down the Three Broomsticks' waitress, pleading with her above the noise of the pub. He gestured at Max at the doorway, and the young witch scowled. It was tough getting people who had already experienced Max to watch him again; he was a sweet kid, but trouble followed him everywhere. This wouldn't be the first time he had to plead with Keely to watch him. And it also wasn't the first time she gave in. He smiled, embracing her in thanks before finding a place for Max to sit (sit, no moving. He'd tried to make that clear) and heading back up the stairs.
"Hello, Reece," Curse said quickly before he snuck in the door just behind Theo.
He stopped; suddenly, everyone was on edge. They were all crowded around Reckony's cabinet. What had he missed? His wand-hand twitched, ready to use his wandless magic if he needed it. He took a slow step closer, trying to get a look at what they had discovered. It must be small, or it wouldn't be evading him so...
"What's going on? Why is there a kid..."
"A kid?" Curse's brow furrowed. Oh, Merlin. He knew where this was going. The professor gently pushed some of his fellow Watch members out of the way, suppressing a groan when he saw the familiar fair-haired imp. "Eden." He sighed, running a hand through his hair tiredly. The tension in the room was hardly offset, however. An eavesdropper was a threat to their new order, even a small one. Luckily for Miss Fletcher, Curse had arrived in time to vouch for her innocence. He sighed; Eden wasn't a danger, just a nuisance. He gently lifted her in his strong but thin arms, giving her a stern, fatherly look. It felt more like he had two children this summer, rather than one. "How did you get in here?" He arched a brow at her, keeping his voice low with his curiosity before he addressed the rest of the Watch. "This is Eden Fletcher, she's a student at the school." His eyes flashed at Theo for a moment, hoping for some sort of recognition from of her from him but not receiving it. "She isn't a danger," He met the young girl's eyes from where she was in his arms, his tone both parental and a bit playful, "just a menace. C'mon, Eden, I'll take you home. You can join Max for now."
"There's a woman outside as well. She's wanting to take part. Reece Elsywth? Ring a bell to anyone?"
Was he the only one here who knew anyone? Curse looked around at the blank faces flanking him. "Yes, she's Nuriko Elswyth's mum." That name Theo would know from Quiddich, he hoped. "Ex-Law Enforcement, or so I'm told." Curse straightened as he heard yet another familiar voice from behind the door.
"Eden got to go to the meeting? And I had to stay at nasty Puddifoot's and watch people snog? Not fair!" The ex-auror rolled his eyes as Max's voice rang out from just beyond the door, where he was apparently listening.
Sometimes, Curse loved being a parent. This was not one of those times. True, Eden wasn't his, but she was around so often the Kamerens sort of adopted her as another family member, which made him feel responsible for her. Max listening in from behind the door didn't help either. He thought about going back to Godric's Hollow, hopefully getting updated by Reckony or Theo the next time he saw them and didn't have kids to juggle.
|
|
|
Post by Reckony Pike on Jul 29, 2011 23:25:12 GMT -5
((Posting as Reck and Theo to save time...))
"This is Eden Fletcher, she's a student at the school."
Theo gave Curse a "Come on, mate. Give me a break." look as the Potions Master held Eden in his arms, bouncing her in front of him as though they should be acquaintances. Theo had only just accepted his position at Hogwarts and meeting students prior to the start of the school year was a rarity. He barely knew the adults. The beater's expression softened as he saw Eden's innocent face. It was as though he were looking at his youngest niece, Annie.
"Hey, pumpkin. I'm Theo." He waved slightly. "Sorry for the inquisition."
"This is ridiculous." Reckony pushed passed his friend and went in for the kill, having nothing with Bowre's Welsh hospitality. "How did you get in my flat? Or in my bar, for that matter! No children after-hours. Period."
"Eden got to go to the meeting? And I had to stay at nasty Puddifoot's and watch people snog? Not fair!"
The barkeep suddenly spun at the sound of Max's voice behind the door and rolled his eyes. Great. What a spectacular, winning impression they were making for the newest members of the Black Watch. Daycare Services. His voice raised...
"No children after-hours. Period."
"Reckony!" Theo glared at the barkeep, carefully collecting Eden from Curse's arms as he admonished his tirade. "They're kids. And clearly they're with Curse. I think we can afford to give them...and him...a bit of a break, bauy. Merlin help you, I swear." The Flying Instructor returned his attention to Kameren as if to ask for permission. "I'm gonna stay with them outside the door and I'll let Nuri's mum in. If she has a background in law enforcement we would probably use her expertise. She really wants to help."
Theo turned and walked towards the door, his voice trailing as he exited.
"You, Maximus and I are going to play hit the England Fans with the Bludgers. You'll love it. Ms. Elswyth, thank you for waiting. Please go in. Hey, little man. Your dad's just finishing up. How's the new house?"
With the door finally shut, Pike crossed his arms and stared at Curse for several long seconds before addressing the collective.
"Right. Where the hell were we?"
|
|
|
Post by Eden Fletcher on Jul 30, 2011 22:17:39 GMT -5
The big man asking the pointed questions bellowed and another athletic looking man entered, wand pointed. Eden stared down the wand point a slightly bored pout on her face. What was with all the wands. She was just a little girl. Really, the adults were acting like she was possessed by the demons and that nay moment she would begin to suck their magic. She had plenty of her own and didn't need theirs to trouble her either.
"What's going on? Why is there a kid..." "A kid?" Eden knew that voice. A smile blossomed on her face as she tried to peer around th ehuddled masses for a glimpse of the bestest professor in the whole wide world. Curse Kamren was more than a teacher to her and wished that he was her father instead of her dad being dead and all that rot. A tomb stone couldn't take you out for ice cream, teach you magic, or how to fly....not that Curse could fly but he was learning.
"Eden."
"Hi I..." Her cheer instantly vanished and her words trailed off when Curse sighed, running his hand through his hair. Uh oh. She knew that look. It was the one that stressed out adults got when they flustered and unsure of what to say. It also meant that Eden once again did something not totally okay but it wasn't bad enough to get a major punishment. Could teachers take away house points for what one did during the summer? She doubted it but a teacher could use the summer trouble as reasons to take points away come term. Note to self: be better in front of professors. Don't want to give any reason for lost points.
Before Eden could do more than glance at the floor she was scooped up into Curse's arms. Instinctively her small thin limbs circled around his neck, wrapping her short legs around his waist the best she could.
"How did you get in here?"
Despite the fatherly look that tempted her to spill her secrets she kept mum about how she got in. It would do no good for them to know how she got up there in case she needed to do so again. Besides, it was Curse's spell that provided the cover for her to get in anyways.
This is Eden Fletcher, she's a student at the school."
"Hey, pumpkin. I'm Theo." He waved slightly. "Sorry for the inquisition."
Eden stared at the sporty man frowning when he called her pumpkin. He really must think she was a baby. Still, she waved back slightly as she leaned her head on Curse's shoulder.
"It was nothing." She said softly just as the loud child hater ran his mouth.
"This is ridiculous." "How did you get in my flat? Or in my bar, for that matter! No children after-hours. Period."
the man was persistent and very protective. Despite his blustering she liked him. There was something about that man that drew her awe. She couldn't name it but he practically glowed with something very similar to what Curse had. Eden watched the man, her pale eyes watching him.
The conversation continued around them and Eden heard Max's whining voice but she did not respond. She only had eyes for Reckony. Trouble would soon find him. A strange feeling over came Eden and she shuddered slightly. It wasn't quite a vision but something like it. He was an emotional man that did rash things and if he wasn't careful could push everyone away. Things were changing for him...
No children after-hours. Period."
"Reckony!"
Eden continued to watch the man even though she was transfered from Curse to Theo. She did not rest her head on the strangers shoulders but instead sat stiffly in his arms.
"I'm gonna stay with them outside the door and I'll let Nuri's mum in. If she has a background in law enforcement we would probably use her expertise. She really wants to help."
Outside? NO! Eden wiggled in Theo's arms trying to get down but he as purposefully stalking towards the door. "Be weary of harshness Reckony Pike. Forgiveness is necessary." She called out her voice slightly deeper than it had been.
|
|
|
Post by Reckony Pike on Jul 31, 2011 19:07:10 GMT -5
((OOC: Note ~ this thread takes place before the attack on Hogsmeade, which would have been on the Friday of this week.))
"Be weary of harshness Reckony Pike. Forgiveness is necessary."
"Go away," Reckony hollered over his shoulder at the departing Eden Fletcher, whose sudden voice changed seemed more befitting a pubescent choir boy. Be weary of harshness. He was not harsh. In fact, he was perfectly amiable. He just didn't care for child-sized dust mites in his cupboard.
"Right. Let's get control of this meeting. I'm not going to beat about the bush any longer. In short, we have absolutely no idea what we're dealing with." Pike looked at each member carefully, letting the silence settle in. "I'm being honest. We have expertise in this room and we can speculate until we're blue in the face but at the end of the day, we don't know. I recommend that we do what we can to gather information over the next few days. Draw upon your contacts, keep your eyes and ears open. We'll meet early next week, same time, same day. Bring us everything and anything. Should these demons strike again we'll communicate via patronus. Any questions?"
"Good."
Reckony slipped a hand in to his pants pocket, pulling out a folded piece of parchment that was worn smooth about the edges. Passing Curse, the barkeep discretely slipped the note in to the Potions Master's hand and continued on to speak with Maebh.
On the exterior of the note, a hastily-scribbled sentence: Don't tell Theo.
And then on the inside...
"Dear Mr Bowre,
I’m sure you’re very concerned about your brother. It’s very touching. However, I must insist that you keep your suspicions to yourself, only ill winds will blow if word gets out.
I remain as always, Your brother’s faithful servant, T. Salt
|
|