Level 10 Corridor *click for live version* Not really much of a corridor, from here you'll find the way into all the courtrooms as well as a few smaller offices. The corridor is dingy and dark, and short and stubby. There is an alcove with a padded bench to sit on if you happen to be waiting to talk to someone, but its not really all that inviting down here so you probably don't want to hang around unless you have official business. |
Text Cut: Alba He assumed that the young lady could use an escort to the entry to Department of Mysteries, so as he led the way down the hallways. ”Et zat was enough fair you to not tak a lift again?” Funny what caused people to act the way they did. ”Ai 'aven’t 'aird zat zéir was steehl an issué wiv la memos.” Then again, not talking to one’s boss would making receiving information like that hard to learn. He shrugged. Eight years really wasn’t that long. Especially when one moved from country to country after a few years. But nine years in the muggle world? Well, this young lady just keep getting more interesting. ”Why on airth would you spénd nine yairs as a muggle? Waire you beeng punished fair zumtheng?” because that was the only reason he could think of for willingly removing magic from your life. And then she stumbled again. What was this girl’s issue? Did she have vertigo or something? ”Do you need a héailair?” he asked, one of his eyebrows raised and in that moment he made the decision to accompany her to the entry of Mysteries and that was it. |
SPOILER!!: Alba smiled at Valentin, they obviously having just met didn't realize that Alba trips on everything ... and sometimes nothing. But he seemed genuinely concerned for her well being. "I'll be alright, I trip over my own two feet all the time. Only broke my arm once." She added remembering the time at Hogwarts she feel down a staircase after tripping and ended up in the hospital wing. "It's really more for the lifts safety than my own." Alba chuckled. Okay she really just wanted the exercise, but that seemed more personal than necessary.... for now. "We got the memo problem solved now." She added, in fact Alba wasn't even certain that there was a memo issue everyone or just on their floor. She hadn't gone that far into the investigation. And then the question about the muggle world ... how did she play this. Cool like she totally didn't move to the muggle world with very ex boyfriend because she was 'madly' in love or be truthful and tell the whole sob story that he dropped her like a bad habit 8 years and got married to some nobody just 6 months later?? .... yeah ... definitely the cool route .. or somewhere in between. "Well it was the classic foolish young girl following the "boy of her dreams"" Alba made air quotes around the boy of her dreams comment. "Things didn't work out, and now I came back to where I belong." Of course Alba hadn't removed magic from her life all together, she still used it a home. "But enough about me." Alba wanted to change the subject.... "How exactly does one become an ambassador?" Now that job sounded like fun, see the world and a diplomat ... Alba loved to travel! |
Text Cut: Alba Humor…again. It was endearing her to Valentin, well, as much as one could endear themselves to Valentin. Better then humor, it was self-deprecating humor, which Valentin thought the best kind. Not that he engaged in it himself. Valentin Roux never did anything that degraded himself, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t take joy in others’ humor. Still…he was surprised to hear her say that she only had broken something once. He had a feeling that she might not be telling the truth though. And then she lost some points for telling him that she had followed a boy into the muggle world. ” Anyoné zat makés you give up a part of you, isn’t wairth yur tim.” He realized he had spoken aloud and snapped his jaw shut, teeth grinding a little. He was getting irritated with himself and therefore was happy for the subject change, even if it wasn’t a topic he liked discussing. Which was odd, because one would think someone as arrogant as Valentin would enjoy talking about himself. ” Well, ai started wairkeng wiv tradeng standards. Ét zen a posishé-on opened on le francais wizardeng seats ét ai applied. Aftair zat, ai sairt of just fell into thengs.” He really didn’t want to get into the technicalities of the position. |
SPOILER!!: Alba had felt that the lightness of the conversation seemed to take a turn. Maybe she would have been better off lying about why she was in the muggle world. But she wasn't into lying, she had made mistakes as a young witch fresh out of school, and some of that was embarrassing yes, but she had come out of for the better. "Well, live and learn, years of experience made me realize that too." Alba shrugged her shoulders, unsure of where to go next. She smiled while he talked about how he landed the job of ambassador. "Well I've always believed everything happens for a reason." It appeared they were reaching the end of the corridor, since Valentin seemed he was going to escort her all the way, it would appear that their interaction was close to end... unsure how a gentleman would feel about it ... but ... Alba blushing slightly "So listen..." she hesitated for only a moment. "I'm tired of eating leftovers for dinner ... would you ... she took a deep breath and swallowed. "Would you be interested in dinner sometime?" unable to resist blushing even redder she waited ... |
Text Cut: Alba Well, at least she was smart enough to learn from the mistake. The everything happening for a reason? Well, he wasn't sure he could believe that. Especially not after what he had experienced in his life. "IEet eez not as glamairous as you might think," he said simply. "Mon job eez a lot of papairwairk, réadeng abut laws, talkeng wiv vairy baireng people."He shrugged. "Long pairiods awai from 'ome." He said softly in a manner that implied he missed France. Which he did, but he didn't like to admit his feelings to people. Sure he was honest, but he wasn't what people would call open. And then she asked him about dinner. He stopped walking and turned to look at her. It wasn't because of her forwardness. Quite the contrary. Valentin preferred it when people were straight forward. In the world of politics where he usually operated, nobody did that. The thing was that he wasn't sure if she was asking him out on a date or if she was just - looking for a dinner companion. If it was a date, there was going to be a problem. If it was just to dinner, well, it would be nice to go out with someone. Since he'd began working in London a few months ago, he hadn't really made friends. Enemies? Yes. Singh came immediately to mind. Lost friends? Yes, but then he and Phora had stopped being friends years ago when he also lost Michael. "Ai énjoy food and wouldn't mind a dinnair companion." he said and then noticed the blush. Oh this was likely asked with a date in mind. Normally, he would have had no qualms about telling Alba that he was gay, but the you lady had somehow managed to endear herself to him on their short walk. She was funny, she was direct, and most importantly, she hadn't bristled at his own prickliness. He found himself thinking that the idea of spending more time with her might be enjoyable. So after a short moment, he added, "But if you waire lookéng fair a romontic date, mademoizelle, ai am afraid you aré lookéng een le wrong diyairécshe-on." |
SPOILER!!: "I know what you mean about paperwork. Welcome to Human resources." Then they had stopped moving for the moment. Alba had been rather forward with the dinner invite, but Valentin wasn't running for the hills so at least Alba was saved from that embarrassment. Alba smile spread across her face when he mentioned he would like having a dinner companion. Actually getting to talk to someone other than her cat a dinner would be a huge improvement on her day. She needed friends... but then the blush that was fading form her cheeks when she first asked resurfaced with his last statement. Although Alba would be fooling herself is she didn't think there could have been something with time, she had after all greatly enjoyed their time together, even it had just been over a few minuets, she also understood. "Well no denying you are handsome." Alba added smiling from ear to ear, thinking she had nothing to loose at this point. And given the indication about which gender he preferred, Alba was much less embarrassed "I'm okay with a dinner companion and a friend." She was more excited about the prospect of having a friend than any kind of romantic encounter anyway. Her heart was still healing after all. |
Text Cut: Alba Perhaps he had misjudged her intentions. In fact he was glad he had. "Good," he nodded. He was certain the compliment was meant as a way to lighten the blow her no, but he didn't care. "Zen next week." He produced a small rectangle of paper form a pocket and handed it over to her. On it was his information in the style of an old-fashioned business or calling card. "Send an owl wiv la details." He began walking again and soon they had reached the stairs. "If you go up one flight, and tak a left. Le entry eez 'ard to miss." The idea of warning her about the entry to the department entered his mind. His information about level 9 was mostly from rumors and conjectures. Besides, it wasn't his problem if the information was true. He'd never personally entered the Department of Mysteries and while he was intrigued by what he'd heard, Valentin had little wish to experience it first hand. Too many of the rumors were about things going wrong in there. He was too vain to risk his looks. Perhaps he could get information out of her at their dinner? Yes, he liked that idea. "Good luck," he offered, flashing one of his more charming smiles. And then, he turn walked off. |
The department head had mulled things over to an excruciating degree and come up with a detailed and methodical plan that would give him everything he had ever desired. Now he just needed her to join him, not as his right hand or minion but as his equal. Something that Lucien could never provide them and the whole organization were fools to think otherwise. So he had sent Alphonsine a codded message to meet him here so he could unveil his intentions and finally sway her. She had to see the reason. She had to. And with the wand in his possession now, safely tucked in his enchanted breast pocket, he was the most powerful wizard in the world. Pacing back and forth before the doors into the courtroom...he waited. |
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She had grown very impatient, even if she knew the wait would be worth it. But now, she had a renewed sense of purpose when she made her way down to Level 10, making sure no one was following her. Quiet as a cat, she approached the department head, a soft, mysterious smile playing at her lips. "You wanted to see me?" |
Pulling a flask from his enchanted breast pocket, the department head twisted off the cap and held it to his lips...only to find its contents empty. No matter. This meeting should not take long and then he could replenish his supply back in the office. He had just tucked it back safely into his suit when he felt a shift in the air and a smile crept across his lips. He had always been sensitive to her presence, ever since they were children, and today he could feel her breath even before her figure appeared around the corner. Stunning and beautiful, a true enchantress in every sense of the word. I always want to see you, was what he wished to say to her as she spoke but instead a different series of words slipped through his lips. "Yes," he whispered, his tone almost possessive as he spoke. "But not out here." Silently he pulled open the door to the courtroom ten and ushered her in with his other hand. |
Alphonsine would be lying if she were to say that she was unaware of the effect she had on him. In fact, it was something that she counted on, even if the expression on her face did little to give that away. Her mysterious smile grew ever so slightly when he spoke, his words hinting at what she wanted to hear. "You have news," she replied in turn, her own voice hushed, yet tinged with delighted anticipation. He must have it! Or at least knew where it was. At any rate, Alphonsine was certain that they were one step closer to their mission. Eager to hear what he had to tell her, she stepped past him into the courtroom, expecting him to follow her inside. |
Yes. News he had been sitting on for some time now. Perhaps double the news, one additional piece he did not think she would be expecting but also lay within the enchanted breast pocket of these borrowed threads. "I do," he nodded in unnecessary confirmed. He watched her, elegant as always, as she glided by him and into the courtroom. His eyes darted around the corridor to ensure that no one had seen them - and non had - before slipping into behind her and shutting the door. |
Part II Conley hadn't been in this part of the courts in the a while. In fact, he had sort of been avoiding it since the trial of Jack Roller. Who could blame him really? Just being down in this area was making the hair on the back of his neck stand up. Still, it seemed like the best place to wait and see if Jane came, because like him, most people seemed to be avoiding the space where a man had been murdered. But it wasn't just being close to a place so associated with death that was bothering him. The conversation he had with his cousin Winnie, along with his last meeting with Fletcher had set him on edge. In fact, he was really glad that right now Sachin was in India with Radhika. After this meeting he was planning on sending Curdy with a letter telling him to stay put until he could come talk to him in person. He shifted the book and scrolls he was carrying under his arm so that he could take a glance at his watch. He wasn't sure how long he could linger here without garnering suspicions. He'd give her a few more minutes and then move along. |
Jane had never been to Level 10--she'd never had occasion to. Fortunately she had already been on Level 9, so it wasn't a very long trip to make her way down the stairs to this lowest of the levels of the Ministry. The corridor was cramped and poorly lit, so she made her way slowly down it, wondering what in the world Conley Singh-Phora wanted with her. It couldn't be normal Ministry business, or he would have requested she meet him up in his own office in International Cooperation. In fact, she hadn't seen much of him since socializing with him and his partner at the Ministry social event back at the beginning of the year, when she was just about to start her position at the Ministry--my, that seemed a long time ago. Preoccupied with these thoughts, Jane didn't notice the person she was thinking about lingering up ahead of her. |
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Yes he was starting with small talk. Just in case anyone was around in fact…he muttered a silent homenum revelio, wondering why he hadn’t thought to do it while alone. Better late then never right? Did he look twitchy? Because he felt twitchy. ”I apologize for not following up on that lunch invitation. It has been quite busy around the globe this year. How has Level 9 been treating you?” |
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Still--these questions would seem to indicate that there were peculiar things going on elsewhere in the Ministry, and not just with her Department, and that was a matter for concern. Look at how he was fiddling with his badge! The man was nervous, no doubt about it. And he immediately stopped and tried to act as if he hadn't been doing it when she noticed it. So--what to say, and how much to say, that was the question. Jane had no wish to violate her promises as an Unspeakable, but she felt increasingly worried that something was wrong, though what she couldn't put her finger on. "Um...I'm not quite sure what you mean by odd things, personnel-wise, exactly. As an alchemist, I generally work alone, you understand. But...I have noticed some people behaving...unlike themselves at times. It may be stress, of course, but still..." Jane didn't want to go into detail without more to go on, and wasn't sure she should have mentioned anything at all. Because by some people, she of course meant Airey Flamsteed. |
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He cleared his throat. It had been a long time since he'd had to sneak around like this and talk in code and he was clearly out of practice. Why Fletcher had thought he was the person to recruit someone from Nine was beyond him. He rarely had time to do anything but deal with the issues on Level Five for crying out loud and didn't know many people. "I would really like to get to know you better." Not in the romantic sense. Dear Merlin, please don't take it that way. "What do you say to a semi-regular tea meeting. No business...of course. I wouldn't want you to break any Ministry rules. But I would certainly be interested in your point of view on things." |
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"Why, yes, Mr. Singh-Phora--that sounds like a fine idea. Tea, and discussion." And just that. "In some...secure place, presumably?" And Jane didn't know where that would be--the tea-spots inside the Ministry seemed too public to be safe, and surely Corridor 10 was a very insecure location, which was why she was hesitating to say more now. "And, if you haven't had the chance lately, you might want to take a look at Mr. Flamsteed and see how you think he's doing." There, that was fairly vague, but if this man was paying attention, maybe he'd catch her meaning. |
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Airey? That was the second time she'd mentioned him during this short talk."I will certainly do that. I think our quarterly meeting a bit overdue." But now he had her wondering what was wrong with the |
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Wondering what she had gotten herself into, Jane pocketed the small pin and shook Conley's proferred hand. "Yes, Thursdays should be fine, I think." She was tempted to go on to mention her concerns about Hogwarts, but decided they were too vulnerable to discovery in that corridor and had probably stayed there long enough as it was. "I'll...I'll see you on Thursdy afternoon, then. But for now, I think I'd better go. I do have duties elsewhere." Jane smiled briefly, nodded her head, and turned to leave. |
Oh dear. While most of the bloodhounds who escaped have been accounted for, one somehow remained unaccounted for...until now. Laying alone in the corridor with empty eyes is that bloodhound. Their slightly mangled fur hides a group of puncture wounds on the creature's neck. |
Kit? Jasper? Darej? Aurora? Anybody??? :3 Quote:
While his paperworks were at the back of his mind, at the forefront though were the bloodhounds escape. He'd planned to meet up with the Beings Division, who by the way was supposed to be helming the retrieval of the hounds, and give them a piece of his mind. Albert took another turn, carefully eyeing each room until he stumbled upon a lump of fur not too far away from where he stood. The man could feel his insides turn upside down as he drew his wand out from its holster as he carefully approached the lifeless form of the creature. Albert's face fell when he saw the dead bloodhound, his eyes gazing on the mangled fur. The man raised his wand arm and sent out his winged horse patronus to his team alerting them to what he found, requesting their immediate attention too. "This... is beyond normal." |
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