Re: We Must Persevere [Theo, Harknesses]

[Ryan Harkness]

"Ryan."

Shaky fingers dropped two sugars into a cup of tea, stirring a bit violently. The loudest sound coming from the Minister's home was Ryan Harkness's unsteady spoon. The kids were in bed, the dog having successfully tired them out. Salt was... somewhere.

A hand covered Ryan's tense one, warm fingers squeezing his. "Ryan, please. Jack and Theo know what they're doing, they'll be fine."

Ryan's dark eyes met Matt's blue uncertainly. He squeezed Matt's hand back, a worried frown tugging at his lips. "What if they aren't? Did you see that article in the Prophet?" Ryan's mind flashed to the Prophet headline, the home in Godric's Hollow that had been cursed into oblivion. "I mean... that could have been here. It could have just as easily been Annie and Georgie. The guy was an auror, and he couldn't even defend himself..."

"Ryan, your dad's the Minister for Magic. We're safe, I promise." Matt took Ryan into an embrace, cradling his boyfriend's head on his shoulder comfortingly. "They'd have to bust through me to get to you, anyway. No one can do that." The two chuckled a bit uneasily, but Matt's joking eased Ryan's worry little. Matt was an accomplished duelist, but he couldn't defend everyone, the entire Black Watch couldn't keep one kid safe from these dark wizards.

"I just hope they send word soon. I haven't heard from Theo since the Knight Bus, and dad even longer." Matt tried to smile reassuringly, but nothing could soothe the concern Ryan had for his family. They were number one to him, if they weren't safe, his peace of mind was gone.

A silence fell between them as they both sipped their tea, seconds dragging on for years as Ryan prayed for word from family.

[Theo Bowre]

A ghostly blue light approached the second-floor window of Jack's estate, casting shadows upon walls that danced in a peculiar, eerie fashion. The echoed light was followed shortly thereafter by its source: a small grey tabby patronus that mimicked its sender's spirit. The illuminated feline tore across the walls and under the sofa upon which Ryan and Matt sat...

"Jack is at St. Mungos in the best of care. We are safe but there is much to discuss. Don't believe everything you hear and please stay clear of here until you hear back from me. Jack has been used and may yet account for it. Ryan, need your help. Sending an owl for you to research. Please stay away and for Merlin's sake, watch over the kids. No one leaves the Estate. I love...Miss..."

The patronus curled upon Ryan's lap before disappearing completely. All that remained in its place was a strange, crudely-crafted talisman. A barred owl hooted hauntingly in the distance.

[Ryan Harkness]

As the cat patronus faded away, Ryan locked eyes with Matt. Matt shook his head. "Oh, no. No. You're not."

"Yes I am." Ryan stood up from the couch, crossing through the kitchen and dumping out his tea before grabbing his coat from the hanger. "I'm going to Mungo's."

"Did you not just hear? That entire message was expressly telling you not to go--"

"Which is why I know I have to."

Matt caught Ryan by the hand as he headed for the door, his strong grip stalling his boyfriend only for a moment longer. "Ryan, please. At least let me go with you."

Ryan shook his head. "No, I need you to stay here and keep Annie, Georgie, and Kendra safe. Keep an eye on Travert too." The last sentence was said sneakily, in case some Ministry's wandering ears were present. Matt saw the sense in this, and loosened his grip on Ryan. He buttoned up his jacket, pecking his boyfriend on the cheek as a goodbye before he opened the door. "If there's anything Theo and Dad taught me, it's that a Harkness doesn't just stand by." Matt nodded at him soberly, and with a turn of his heel, Ryan disappeared.




ooc: Exit Ryan, end rp? Unless Theo/Jack or someone is up for a little NPC action with Matt, Travert & the Harkness kids?

[Minister Jack Harkness]

“Ryan?” Annie’s small voice sounded in the living room. She was looking pale, but the fever had broken two days ago, just a day after her father had kissed his children goodbye and disappeared. Her stomach was still queasy, and she had the occasional fever, but she was on the mend. She still spent the majority of the last few days sleeping.

“Ryan?” Not finding her brother in the living room, she wandered into the kitchen, blurry eyed. She was hungry. She was tired of living on crackers and ginger ale. Annie had a hankering for a large sandwich. With lots of mustard, cheese, meat and vegetables. And jalapeño peppers. She especially had a hankering for jalapeno peppers.

“Matt? Where’s Ryan?” She asked as her brothers boyfriend crossed back through the kitchen. “I’m hungry.” She added plaintively.

((No need to reply))