The Headmistress' Office

[Cassirin]

If you've made it past the gargoyle, all that stands between you and the Headmistress is a solid wood door. On the other side of the door is a high ceilinged room with a desk at the far end. The walls are stacked with innumerable portraits, although they all appear to be sleeping deeply or otherwise engaged. The shelves and tables are lined with strange objects, some that seem almost familiar to you, and even a few you are certain are mutated Dark Magic Detectors. A low row of pictures line a bookshelf otherwise filled with various texts, and each features the same blond woman waving happily with some other person. You think you see a stuffed hippogryff and centaur peeking out from between the books.

Behind the desk sits a woman either deep in thought or dozing into sleep. Her honey-colored hair is pulled into a short, elaborate braid down her back, and she is wearing dark blue robes with flowers embroidered along the hems and neckline. Overall, she gives off quite a solemn appearance, until a sound from you catches her attention. When she looks at you, you realize her eyes, while tired, are full of laughter and a smile plays around her lips. "What can I help you with today?"

ooc: Do NOT, under fear of punishment and of me giggling and pointing at you... do NOT post in this thread unless you have the password legitimately. Also... the Gargoyle thread may be used as a sort of waiting area for the Headmistress.

[Nabs]

An owl swooped in and dropped a piece of parchment on the Professor's desk. Written on it in a loopy handwriting are the following words:

You are invited to a special
Tarot Reading Party
to be held at the North Tower
on Friday Evening.

- Natasha Blaylock

P.S. Come with an open mind!

[Biochemkris]

Professors Branxton and Rae had several different passages off their private chambers in order to facilitate their journeys around the castle. One such passage allowed them easy access to each of their offices. He used this to swiftly gain entrance to th Headmistress's office. She wasn't in so, he made himself a drink and sat down to wait for her. He needed to discuss Cooper.

[Cassirin]

Rae appeared through the main door and didn't even seem startled to find her husband waiting for her. "Oh GOOD. I was just finishing my class and I thought 'Merlin's great aunt! I haven't kissed my husband today. Away with these students.'" She grinned at him and gave his forehead a polite little kiss.

[Biochemkris]

"It's good to see you, too," Doyle smiled and stood after she kissed him so he could squeeze her. He abhorred her brother and had to just make sure she was really his wife and the past few years hadn't been a dream. "I missed you."

[Cassirin]

She drew a chair out of the air so she could sit next to him, holding his hand with both of hers. "You weren't gone long, so it must have been bad. Was it Bren? Was he nasty?" She squeezed his hands and gave him a sympathetic look. Funny that her brother was a beast to her husband but just ignored her.

[Biochemkris]

"Is he ever anything but nasty? I honestly can't remember a time he has truly been nice to anyone... Though, I suppose you know him better than I,' Doyle said by way of an apology for speaking ill of her brother. "He wants you to owl his secretary to arrange a lunch for the two of you. I doubt you'll ever get him to acknowledge me as kin, even by marriage."

[Cassirin]

"You can bet he'd acknowledge us if either of the girls did something amazing, or if you or I did something newsworthy. 'My darling little sister... taught her everything she knows,'" Rae did an impression before shaking her head with a little smile. "Sounds like all the other meetings. Don't worry about it. Was that all he said?"

[Biochemkris]

"I don't think..." Doyle shook his head and sighed. "No, that wasn't all. He's convinced that I only married you because I was unable to attain such power on my own and I am now living vicariously through you."

[Cassirin]

"What?" The look on Rae's face was pure outrage, and she actually rose from her chair. "Of all the self-important, ridiculous..." She grabbed up her quill, intending to write an angry letter to the Minister of Idiocy, before she dropped it and sat squarely in her husband's lap.

"You know that's not true, of course. I didn't intend to marry again, and only the truest of loves would have enticed me from spinsterhood."

[Biochemkris]

"I was actually more worried that you'd think it was true," Doyle calmly replied, though there was worry evident in his eyes. "Your brother is convinced that everyone is as power hungry as he is. He would have taken advantage if he were in my position so obviously that is what I have done."

[Cassirin]

"Doyle, you don't have a false bone in your entire body, and I know that," she rubbed away the lines of worry from his face. "I shouldn't have made you go and talk to him. Let's just avoid him from now on."

[Biochemkris]

"He's technically one of my bosses," Doyle reminded her and then sighed. "And there's more."

[Cassirin]

"This is a day for bad news," she sighed and rose, pouring them both a cup of tea. "I'm also one of your bosses, and I say... I'm prettier than him, right?" She tried to smile.

[Biochemkris]

"You needn't even ask," he chuckled lightly. "A much better conversationalist, too. But, the rest of our conversation focused on his plans for the school. He doesn't pleased that you're Headmistress here and is convinced the Ministry needs to meddle again. He wishes me to evaluate the school and report my findings to him."

[Cassirin]

"Oh," she nodded. "He doesn't like the fact that we're prepared for whatever happens, or that they're actually doing well and becoming responsible members of society? Which part is it? Or maybe he doesn't like that I'm the one in charge?" She seemed perfectly calm, but she'd quietly shredded her favorite quill.

[Biochemkris]

"I'm fairly certain it is the later. The only thing more curious than why he wouldn't want you in charge is why he would prefer me. He insinuated that I could assume leadership through you," Doyle carefully added, closely watching her reaction.

[Cassirin]

"If I felt as if anyone working here now were better suited to this job, then I would step aside in a moment. There are many talented witches and wizards here. All I have is the ability to step back and see the bigger picture, and to use those talents." She tapped her fingers on the desk. "Is that something you even desire? To be Headmaster?"

[Biochemkris]

"Not even if it could be attained without you as a puppet. I once desired to be Minister of Magic but, that dream died a long time ago when I found my true place. Cooper doesn't understand that."

[Cassirin]

"You would be a magnificent Minister. Bren... he's good at surrounding himself with talent, as I am, but he has no humbleness about it." She reached for his hand. "My love, that dream doesn't have to be dead."

[Biochemkris]

Doyle smiled and squeezed her hand. "I have other, more important, dreams now, Cassandra. I'm not certain I can truly keep working two jobs and be able to manage both successfully. However, I am willing to placate Cooper and be his evaluator for as long as whatever plan he has brewing permits rather than see him appoint someone else to the task."

[Cassirin]

She smiled and let go of his hand. "Then evaluate away. The first thing you can evaluate is my parenting skills. Let's go and visit the girls. I need to be with three someones who love me."

[Biochemkris]

"I most heartily agree. Ever since your brother gained the Minister's position, working at the Ministry hasn't been the joy it once was. It will be good to relax with my girls," Doyle replied as he took her hand again and led her from the office in a rare display of public affection in front of the students.

[TheGirlWhoLived_818]

ooc:delete

[Biochemkris]

~~~~Weeks later- forgot to leave last time~~~~~

Doyle was pacing the Headmistress' office, unable to sit still. He had a relapse in his OCD and was cleaning his glasses furiously every five minutes or so as he waited.

[Cassirin]

Rae hurried into her office, surprised to find her husband. "Doyle," she fell into his arms, her face pressed to his shoulder. "I feel terrible. I can't find them, and Argyle has finally shown up... alone. What can we do?"

[Biochemkris]

"We shouldn't panic," Doyle replied, holding his wife tight and stroking her hair, though he felt anything but calm himself. "They have to turn up somewhere but, I think it would be prudent to alert everyone. They can't remain missing for long if the entire school is looking for them."

[Cassirin]

Rae burst into tears, the resolve she'd maintained all day completely gone now that it was just the two of them. "I want my babies. I want my babies." She made a pathetic, wet sound on his shoulder.

[Biochemkris]

"I know and we'll find them. Vivi probably dragged Sophia off somewhere and they'll turn up soon," Doyle said, though he wasn't completely convinced himself. They'd been missing for far too long. "They won't have gotten too too far."

[Cassirin]

"What if someone took them? That ward... it wasn't as strong as it could have been. And we never... they're babies! Someone might..." She couldn't even think about it. She simply shook her head and sobbed.

[Biochemkris]

Doyle just stood there and hugged her. He didn't have any words. That night with Clara and Cooper was nothing compared to the way he felt right now. He walked them slowly over to a sofa and sat them down. "We'll think of something."

[Cassirin]

"Okay," she nodded, trying to gather herself. What if someone showed up? She had to maintain a strong facade. "Don't leave me for a while, please. Just... hold my hand."

[Biochemkris]

"I'm not going anywhere," he assured her, pulling out his handkerchief and blotting her eyes. He almost went for her nose as well and smiled. "They have to come back soon or I'll end up asking you to blow for me, too."

[Cassirin]

"Merlin," she smiled and took the cloth, wiping her whole face. She tucked in next to him, her head on his shoulder. "Who would take them? Let's think worst case scenario. Who would want them?"

[Biochemkris]

"I can't think of anyone off the top of my head," Doyle replied, completely flabbergasted. He went through the list of his enemies but, it was a very short list. "I can only think of one enemy of mine but, I can't see your brother taking our children."

[Cassirin]

"No, because then he'd be forced to raise them," Rae shook her head. "You don't think... Vodlemortist would take them as a way to get the book. I don't have the book!"

[Biochemkris]

"Does he know you don't have the book?" Doyle asked and then shook his head. "How would he have gotten past the new wards and security?"

[Cassirin]

"Then it's a student or a teacher?" She hated that idea worse than anything else. "Doyle, I don't know what to do. Am I just supposed to go on teaching and running this school?"

[Biochemkris]

"Yes, that is exactly what you should do. But, you are also a mother and so your... our... children and seeing them come back to us is also a priority. We can do both. Perhaps a staff meeting could be called."

[Cassirin]

"Yes!" She stood and went to the desk, scratching out a bit of parchment. It was easy enough to replicate the message on enough parchments for each professor. She'd have Algamus take them when he arrived with the tea. "We can search the entire school. They... what if they left?"

[Biochemkris]

"Send word to the Groundskeepers first. Seal off the exits. I doubt they have left and if they did they may have already gone but, it would be a wise course of action to take at least until we've had a chance to search thoroughly."

[Cassirin]

"Yes," she nodded, making a note on two of the slips of paper. "You know you're invaluable to me," she smiled. "I think that should I ever lose Lainey, you'd make a good Deputy. Conflict of interests, do you suppose?"

[Biochemkris]

"Too close to your brother's remarks," Doyle cringed. "I do not need another position of authority. You do very well as Headmistress on your own. It is as husband and father that I aid you now."

[Cassirin]

She looked stricken. "You know I wouldn't have... I'm sorry, love." Rae returned to his side to kiss his cheek and snuggle up next to him on the small settee. "It is as husband and father you excel, my dear."

[Algamus]

Algamus pops into the Headmistresses office with a tray of tea. He looked at his boss with wide eeys and smiled. "Algamus bringes teasies for Headmisstress." At that moment, he saw Professor Doyle. "OH! Professor Doyles! Algie is very honored to sees you again sirs." He said giving him a little bow.

"Headmistress, Arygle is be coming soon. You is wanted Algamus to calls her?" he asked, with wide eyes.

[Biochemkris]

"I know you meant nothing of the sort. It was quite inappropriate for me to even comment, especially in these circumstances," Doyle pulled his wife close and looked up as the house elf appeared. He waited silently for Cassandra and the elf to conclude their business, all the while his thoughts resting with his missing children and wondering if they were okay, what they were doing, and if they missed him as much as he missed them.

[Cassirin]

"Yes, Algamus. Call her. And will you deliver that stack of parchments on the desk to the professors. They need to know the girls are missing and that we're making a concentrated effort to find them. The Groundskeepers especially are to keep a lookout."

She pressed her cheek against Doyle's shoulder. "Is Argyle quite alright?"

[Algamus]

Algamus nodsies to the Headmistresses."Yes ma'amsies." Grabing the parchments, Algie looks at both the couple and nodses his headsies.

POOF!

And there he goes.

[Argyle]

Argyle, the high chairs, and the tray of food pop into Professor Rae's office. Argyle place the tray on a table and arranges the high chairs close to the fire. "Good evening Mistress Rae and Master Braxton, Argyle has the girls dinner ready. Will you need help feeding them tonight?" Argyle looks around the room for the twins. Argyle expects to see them crawling everywhere, but no twins. "Mistress Rae, where are Sophie and Genevive?"

[Cassirin]

"I was hoping you could tell us that," Rae said coldly, although her stomach was sinking fast for her feet. "The nursery is empty, they haven't been seen, and you were missing for days. I want to know where my daughters are," her voice rose.

[Algamus]

Popping back into the office, Algamus gave Professor Raisin and Boil a nod. "Professors, I is be giving all the Professorers their letterses." he beamed, "Algie is good Professor."

Looking over he saw Arygle standing there.

"HEADMISTRESSES!" Algamus called, "I findsies Arygle. Here she is!" he beamed, pointing at the other elf. "Algamus is be good ma'am."

[Argyle]

"Days...Argyle has been gone for days...." Argyle doesn't know what's going on. Mistress Rae had just talked to Argyle this morning. "Mistress Rae is mistaken. Mistress Rae talked to Argyle just this morning. Mistress Rae said she was going to spend the day with Sophie and Genevive. Argyle was to go and work in the kitchen until Mistress Rae called Argyle. Argyle fixed the twins their dinner just like Argyle is suppose to." Argyle turns her tennis ball size eyes towards Master Braxton. Master Braxton will know Argyle is telling the truth.

[Biochemkris]

Doyle looks between his wife and the house elf, then back again. "Is it possible to confund a house elf or modify its memories?" he asked her, unwilling to believe that the elf could have been involved in anything so sinister as the kidnapping of their children. Doyle turned back to the elf and slipped to the floor so that he was on his knees in front of the elf. He placed his hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes. "What is the lat thing you remember before you gave the children over?"

[Argyle]

Argyle remembers trying to use the floo network to talk to Master Braxton." Argyle goes over to Professor Rae's desk and grabs a gold statue from it. "Bad Argyle, bad Argyle." Argyle beats herself in the head with the statue. "Argyle knows house elves are not suppose to use the wizard's floo network, but Argyle needed to get in touch with Master Braxton. One of the students had managed to penetrate the protective barrier without Argyle removing it. Argyle was afraid the twins would be able to get through it too. Argyle couldn't leave the twins alone. Bad Argyle, bad Argyle.."

[Biochemkris]

Doyle gently removed the statue from the house elf's hand. "No, you were perfectly within your rights to use the floo to get in contact with me. Now, which student came through the barrier?" he asked.

[Cassirin]

Rae rose. "I'm needed downstairs. I'll be back with you in just a moment." She exited the office, leaving Doyle and Argyle to discuss it.

[Argyle]

Argyle is grateful Master Braxton took the statue away from her. "Argyle is a bad house elf. Argyle must be punished." Argyle wipes the tears from her eyes and thinks hard. "It was a Slytherin girl. She told Argyle she knew how to counteract the charms on the door, but Argyle knew better. Master Braxton or Mistress Rae were the only ones who could remove the charms. Argyle knew there was something wrong. Argyle worried the twins would get out on their own. Argyle tried to warn Master Braxton, but Argyle failed. Bad Argyle." Argyle drops to the floor and starts banging her head on the stones.

[Biochemkris]

Doyle picked up the elf so she couldn't hurt herself. "No, you did everything you were told. Do you remember the name of the student? Or, if you saw the student again, would you recognize him or her?" he asked, wondering if a trip to the Slytherin Common Room might be in order. At the very least, he'd need to contact their head of house.

[Argyle]

"Argyle did not ask the student her name. The twins were sleeping, and Argyle did not want the girl to wake them. Argyle thinks Argyle could recognize her. Is it important Argyle remember this student?"

[Biochemkris]

"Yes, it could be very important. You should follow me to see Professor Forrester right away," Doyle said and held the door open for the elf.

[Argyle]

Argyle bows. Yes, Master Braxton. Argyle follows Master Braxton out of the door. It seem strange for Argyle to be using the door. House elves usually pop in and out of rooms at Hogwarts.

[Biochemkris]

~~~ some time later ~~~

Doyle burst into the office via the private entrance which linked their offices with their quarters, hoping to find Cassandra in her office. He held an open letter in his hand which he probably shouldn't have read as it was addressed to his wife and not him but, perhaps it was for the best that he could ease the telling. He sat down in his favorite chair and reviewed the cryptically brief note again.

Rae,

I can't stay at the school with the girls missing. I've gone to rejoin the Aurors to ensure things like this don't happen anymore. I'm going to look for the girls abroad. I think you know who I mean.

Anj

Who did she mean? Abroad? There were signs all over the school. How could she think the girls were abroad? Anjelica Lainey had always seemed a bit mad to him and this letter only proved it. He only wished his wife had the same view. She was going to be devastated.

[feeheeheeny]

One of the school's tawny owls swiftly flew up to the window of the Headmistress's office. It noticed the window was open a little bit, just enough for him to fit through. The owl flew into the large room, circled it a few times, then landed on Rae's desk. There was a man present, but the owl didn't give him much thought. He simply shook his leg fiercely, letting the scroll slide off.

Dear Headmistress Rae,

The practices you have going on at your school are ones that are certainly not acceptable and far too dangerous. I ask you to give me your school or we will take it by force and have to kill them.

Please respond immediately with your decision.

Yours,
Big Man

The owl shook his feathers, took flight, then exited the room through the partially open window.

[Cassirin]

Rae entered her office still wiping her eyes. "My love, I've got some news," she sat next to Doyle and put her head on his shoulder. She needed his strength right now.

[TheGirlWhoLived_818]

A Small black owl flew through the window with a letter
Dear Headmistress,
I got through the barrier and asked Argle if I could help her.After she left I kept checking on the twins everyday but then oneday I checked on them but the barrier broken and twins gone.It looked like they crawled away not like someone stole them.Do not worry I have been looking for them as much as possible.I promise I'll help as much as i can.I know what it is like to lose someone special I won't let it happen to you.
A helping hand,
Dani Lefontz
5th Year Slitherin

[Biochemkris]

Doyle wrapped his arms around her after tucking Lainey's note back in his pocket. "What news is that?" he asked, kissing the top of her head and squeezing her.

[Cassirin]

"They've found signs of the girls all over the school. Whoever has them is still here, and they must be fine." She held up the odds and ends that had been collected.

[Biochemkris]

He nodded. "They're definitely still here, then. Tolkien found a dirty nappy and a couple of cats brought a rattle into my office," Doyle said. "We'll find them." He really didn't want to trouble her with the notes but... "Darling, I have some news as well, though not quite as happy." He pulled the note out of his pocket and handed it to her.

[Cassirin]

Rae accepted the note and scanned it. "Anj? No... no, it can't be." Her daughters gone, and now her best friend had just left? She slid into the nearest chair, pressing the letter to her chest. "Why would she leave me when I need her so much?"

[Biochemkris]

"I think she's trying to help," Doyle said, surprisingly coming to Lainey's defense. "Who does she mean, Cassandra?"

[Cassirin]

"Voldemortist," Rae whispered. "She's always had some odd connection with him, and now she's gone looking. But the girls are here! I have to send an owl." She stood suddenly and headed to her desk to write a quick note to Lainey. She grabbed a scroll of parchment and froze at the words on it. "Merlin... Doyle!" Kill?

[Biochemkris]

He rushed over to her, his face flooded with concern at her tone. He read the note over her shoulder and gripped her arms tightly. "We need to respond. Arrange a meeting. Do not give an answer. As much as I hate to do it, we cannot endanger all of the children for two," he said, closing his eyes and resting his head against hers.

[Cassirin]

"Where should we meet? What do I say?" She stroked his arm, scared out of her mind. "I don't want him here. But... this is my turf. And he's already here." She nodded. "The Great Hall."

[Biochemkris]

"Yes, we can gather the staff and perhaps the prefects," Doyle agreed. "Perhaps we should alert the Ministry, as well?" He hated to bring them in but, he could swallow his pride if it meant the safe return of his darling girls he missed so much and that justice be done to their kidnapper.

[Cassirin]

"Whatever you think," she nodded, writing out a few lines on the parchment and attaching it to her waiting owl.

Big Man -

I am willing to negotiate. Meet me in the Great Hall, and please bring them with you.

-Headmistress Cassandra Rae-Branxton

[Pigwidgeon Took]

AJ burst in, not caring who was in there at this point, and immediately shouted, a bit quieter than before, "Professor!!!" in a high pitched and terrified voice. She slowed her pace to a walk and began to explain her rude entry, "So sorry for the more bad news, I know this is what you want and need the LEAST, but you need to go to Hogsmeade. There is an angry" she took a deep breath, "Angry group of muggles with pitch forks and torches burning the place down. I saw Vindictus is there, at least I think it's him, shoot I really don't know, standing guard or something, staring anyways, at 3 students who are tied together and it LOOKS like their wands are broken, but really I can't be sure of anything except that I almost got hit in the head with a teacup when they started destroying Puddifoots." she said and grapsed the back of a hair, lightheaded from the running and then saying all that in one breath.

Things started to swirl before her eyes, and she grasped it tighter, focusing on breathing, "I got here as fast as I could," she said, suddenly calm and total monotony, "I just thought you'd like to know, oh man..." she tried to keep her eyes open and her head from spinning, "I don't feel so good." she said finally and resisted the urge to hurl, fainting instead. AJ fell to the ground in a heap, slumping over the back of the chair first, and hitting her head on the back on the way down.

[TheGirlWhoLived_818]

Puffy,Dani's owl,hotted loudly trying to give Braxton the letter that says
Dear Headmistress,
I got through the barrier and asked Argle if I could help her.After she left I kept checking on the twins everyday but then oneday I checked on them but the barrier broken and twins gone.It looked like they crawled away not like someone stole them.Do not worry I have been looking for them as much as possible.I promise I'll help as much as i can.I know what it is like to lose someone special I won't let it happen to you.
A helping hand,
Dani Lefontz
5th Year Slitherin

[Cassirin]

Headmistress Rae glanced up at the prefect, wondering why she thought it such a good idea to give them access to her office. Still, she offered a nod. "Do you think the mob is with this Big Man, Doyle?" She looked to him.

[Biochemkris]

"I think it's highly likely. Too much of a coincidence otherwise," he commented and finally turned to grab the note from the owl which was pecking at him. "Here," he passed the note to her, frowning slightly.

[Cassirin]

"I don't believe for a moment they've merely crawled away," Rae said, adjusting her robes and tapping her wand. She had a plan of action, which always made things easier. "I'm going to the Great Hall. Round up help if you want, but I will get our babies back, Doyle." She kissed him and left.

[Biochemkris]

She seemed to be gone before he'd had a chance to even breathe. Doyle stood, placed the notes on her desk and left via the secret passage.

[Cassirin]

Headmistress Rae led the way up the staircase into her office. She pushed three chairs out into the room before seating herself behind the desk, looking for all the world like a cool empress and not at all like the frantic mother she was.

"Can he be given the potion while he's still spitting slugs?"

[demented_death_eater]

Max shrugged his shoulders as he followed Doyle up the stairs and into Rae's office . "You could try, but he might bite into one of the slugs," he said and watched Pierre belch up another of the large slimy insects. "However the slugs are working . . . this git confessed to setting loose a rogue bludger during one of my lessons and it nearly injured a group of students who were sitting in the stands."

[Biochemkris]

Doyle let the man dropped the foot or so to ground once they reached the office and then stepped around him to stand beside his wife. "How long will it take for the spell to wear off? I don't want to waste the serum by having him throw it up."

[demented_death_eater]

Max grimaced. "About an hour or so but he can still talk. You'll know the jinx is wearing off when the slugs come at a slower pace," he said.

[Biochemkris]

"Fine," Doyle said and conjured a dropper. He measured two drops of the potion. "Hold his head still for me, Max," he said when he was done and positioned himself in front of Pierre. He forced the dropped between the man's lips and administered the serum, then held his nose and mouth shut to make him swallow.

[Cassirin]

"Lovely," Rae moved to stare down at Pierre, her expression pinched. She HATED this, but she had to do it. "Montague. What is your purpose in coming here?"

[feeheeheeny]

Pierre squirmed around on the floor, trying to undo the ropes as the professors chatted to each other. Ocassionally he would spit up another slug into the bucket, but the period of time between each one had expanded quite a bit. Thankfully.

As Branxton pulled out the serum and headed towards him, Pierre widened his eyes and tried to move his head away, but failed as Vindictus the airhead held his head in place. He tried to put up a fight by keeping his mouth closed, but it wasn't closed tight enough and the liquid entered his mouth. His plan was to not swallow the serum - then Branxton plugged his nose and he couldn't exactly breathe. So he had no choice, and with immediate regret he swallowed.

While Pierre swallowed, he choked and sputtered. Feeling it go down his throat, he gave a shutter. He glanced up at Rae as she stood in front of him, and the answer to her question came rolling off of his tongue without even really thinking about it. "I want to take over Hogwarts," he spoke, "because I want my revenge."

[Cassirin]

"Revenge for what? You don't know any of us, and you never attended this school. What do you have against Hogwarts?" Rae stooped, pulling him into a seated position.

[feeheeheeny]

Once again, the answer to Rae's question pretty much just spilled out even when Pierre tried to resist the urge to answer. "I'm a Squib, ma'am. Ever since I was a young'un I've been jealous of those who can do magic."

He paused for a moment, his face overcome with sadness. He wanted to stop but the truth must be told. "My best friend, Shawn, I had known since I was three years old. But then... one day, he got a letter to Hogwarts. He was a wizard. And me? I got stuck going to a stupid school for Squibs. I despise that place," he muttered.

"As if being at that horrible place in general wasn't bad enough, they made me have a pet kneazle. I'm allergic to cats. Those 7 years were the worst of my entire life. Shawn would come home during the breaks and tell me all about how amazing it was to come to Hogwarts and do magic. So then I would try to do magic. I never succeeded." Pierre frowned at the memories. Oh how he wished he could have been like his best friend.

He took a deep breath and continued. "After I graduated from Squib School, I got a job walking dogs. I was so glad to get rid of that bloody kneazle. I tried the Kwik Spell Correspondence Course, but... I failed miserably," Pierre sighed. "The promises that Kwik Spell would give me the ability to do magic were false. So. I'm blaming those people for taking my money and promising me that I would be capable of doing magic after taking their course. I got ripped off!"

Pierre's breathing was now a bit heavy, especially with being tied up. He was glad the slugs had stopped coming up. But that didn't exactly make him any happier. "Naturally, I want my revenge. Where else could I get revenge from other than the most famous school of magic itself with some of the most experienced witches and wizards around? So I want the school."

[Cassirin]

"You're going to the Ministry, Pierre," Rae said softly, giving him a pitying look. "I'm so sorry about what you've been through, but you should never have made it about two innocent little girls. What if they were squibs? Just please... before you go... where are they? Where are the twins?"

[demented_death_eater]

Vindictus cracked his knuckles as he glared menacingly at Pierre. He was losing patience with the Frenchman and hoped the guy would answer Rae's question. "Answer the woman," he said calmly and folded his arms across his chest.

[feeheeheeny]

Pierre gave Rae a questioning look when she mentioned the Ministry. Why would he be going there? "I wouldn't know where your children are, madame. I don't have them. Am I supposed to?" He wiggled around in the ropes again, wishing they would magically fall off or something. As Max spoke, Pierre narrowed his eyes. "Shut up. You're an idiot, you know." Hey, he was speaking the truth. Maybe not the nicest truth, but...

[Cassirin]

"No, Max is very clever," Rae responded out of reflex. "You didn't take the babies from their nursery? You don't have my children?" Rae shoved to her feet and started pacing, ending in front of Doyle. "Where are they, my love?"

[feeheeheeny]

Pierre shook his head and shrugged. "Nope. I didn't take them. But that was a good idea." Why didn't I think of that? he wondered. Man. Now he kind of wished he had thought of it. Maybe then they would've given him the school.

As Rae walked over to Branxton, Pierre looked up at Max. "You should let me go while she's not looking," he commented quietly to the man. Sure, Mr. Montague thought the Quidditch Official was indeed an airhead - but his desire to be freed was even greater than his hatred. Being tied up in a room with very powerful people that would determine what happened to him was definitely not the most comfortable situation he would have liked to be in.

[demented_death_eater]

Vindictus shook his head and continued to glare menacingly at Pierre. "I'm afraid the only place you're going is to the Ministry," he said without a trace of emotion.

[Biochemkris]

Doyle watched and listened silently from his stance in front of Cassandra's desk. He was shocked to hear that he didn't take the girls and could not think what else could have happened to them if Montague did not have them. "I don't know," he replied, leaning his head down so that his forehead rested upon Cassandra's when she walked over to him and he gripped her upper arms. "Take him to the Ministry, Max."

He didn't know what to do but, the rest of the room was in a fog as far as he was concerned. It was only Cassandra and himself and they were still no closer to finding their precious twins then they had been the moment they discovered them missing. Doyle pulled Cassandra in for a tight hug and stroke her hair in a comforting gesture for them both. "We'll find them, my darling."

[Cassirin]

"But the term is about to end, Doyle, and they're not back. Their birthday... two years old. Where have they been and who is taking care of them? Who will make them a cake and make up a song with their names in it?" She tugged on her chin, clearly grief-stricken. "I can't be in this place without them."

[Biochemkris]

"We'll find them," Doyle assured her. "Even if we have to take leaves of absence. "We... will... find them." His words were as much to comfort himself as his wife and he held her close. "We will do our duty by the students and if we still haven't found them, we'll do something else." He swallowed his pride and added, "We can ask your brother for help."

[demented_death_eater]

Max nodded at Doyle and turned his full attention to Pierre. "Stand up, man. We're going to take a little trip but I'm afraid that chair you're sitting in needs to remain in this office."

[Cassirin]

"I... suppose I should start the feast." She didn't move, though, holding tight to her Doyle. "How do I do this? This was my last hope."

[feeheeheeny]

Pierre looked up at Vindictus and scoffed. He didn't think he should do what he said. But then again, he'd probably send the tickling charm after him or make him start belching up slugs again. That was so gross. With a bit of hesitation, Mr. Montague brought himself to his feet. "Do I get to be untied yet?" he complained, ignoring the headmistress and Branxton as they talked.

[demented_death_eater]

"Only when we get to our final destination," Max said as he helped the man over to the large fireplace that did not have a fire burning in it. "Now, if you'll just step inside here . . . ." He stopped and realized that as a squib, Pierre proabably had never traveled by Floo Powder. "Don't be afraid, it's safe . . . we have a way of traveling through fireplaces without getting hurt or burned."

[feeheeheeny]

Pierre hopped across the room, following Max as he went. He stared into the fireplace and looked at the man fearfully. "But isn't there any other way we could go?" he asked. Don't be afraid. Max's words rang through his head and Pierre thought that statement made it sound like the man actually cared. The words made him trust Max a bit more. "Well, okay, but if I die I swear I'll come back to haunt you," Montague commented, hopping into the fireplace.

[demented_death_eater]

"Then it's a deal! That will make my office more interesting," Max joked with a twinkle in his eye. He grabbed an ample amount of Floo Powder in one hand and latched on to Pierre's arm with the other. "Minsitry of Magic!" As the words were spoken clearly, the powder was dropped into the fireplace and a brilliant green flame filled the cavernous opening. When the flame disappeared, both men were gone.

[Biochemkris]

"I... suppose I should start the feast." She didn't move, though, holding tight to her Doyle. "How do I do this? This was my last hope."
"We have to continue on and hope we'll find them. The students have to eat and so do we," Doyle said, stroking her hair. "We'll find the girls but, we can't do that from in here. We might as well get something to eat at the feast and then continue the search."

[Cassirin]

"It might be easier to look once everyone is gone," Rae shrugged, giving him a hug. "I'll go get things underway." She patted his cheek and led the way out of her office.