Oh darn good, not too long. Glancing down to the pouch, his eyes shined for a moment before looking back to the man. "Yes well, Lord Berty Borr deserves a great celebration." Mmhmm, he wasn't going to elaborate on that. Mostly because he was stumped on why Leonidas suggested some of the bags were safer then others. Paranoia he supposed? Bryce was pretty sure all the bags would be safe. Nothing fishy going on, especially considering there were children attending the event it seemed. Glancing towards one of the men behind the table, the wandmaker shrugged before turning his attention back to Leonidas.

"Thank you. Of course." he nodded, taking the bag. And, on to business. How did he know who was who here anyhow? If he knew who was in the cult, then why bother having Bryce introduce him to them at all? "Leonidas...meet, Alexander." Hmm, yes, him. Right there. "I'm sure he can answer a few questions you may have. Not to mention introduce you to a few more people you may have the chance to speak with if needed."

Grin. Nothing shifty there. Does he get the goblet now?

Alex had watched Bryce arrive and start talking to the CLEARLY delusional man. What did he think he had? Psychic abilities. Yeah, I was listening, buddy. Crikey! Some people would do anything for attention.

His eyes flicked from Bryce to the Delusional Man who was apparently named Leonidas. Pfft.

Raising an eyebrow the man nodded his head in greeting and looked curiously at the pair. "What is it that you want?" he asked rather bluntly in a bored tone.

"Greetings, Alexander. As Mr Bryce just said, my name is Leonidas. I wonder if the three of us, including Mr Bryce here, could have a more private conversation? I know different things by way of feeling them. and I asked Mr Bryce here to introduce me to some people of interest. If you grasp my meaning." Leonidas grabbed the wandmaker and whispered, "Oh, no Mr Bryce McLaughlin. Your job's not over with quite yet. Let's go to a more private setting, shall we?" He smiled at both of them then made the wandmaker lead the way. "Come, come Alexander. We're going to a more private area to talk."

Gretchen breathed a slight sigh, nodding as Ren and Alexander reassured her. And then Ren was off toward the dias as Lord Borr LOUDLY called his name, her attention drifted toward large man making his speech for a moment.

Long enough to not notice the two men approach her table at first, until she turned back, still saying nothing as the strange, unfamiliar one of the two made some remark she didn't fully catch or quite understand about the gift bags she'd put together. "They are all safe." The young woman spoke up matter-of-factly, her usually cheerful smile faded from her lips.

Brown eyes shifted onto Alex, confused by the odd man and rather offended by the comment that was made. Gretchen remained quiet as Alex spoke to the pair.

"I'm sure they are, Miss Walpurgis. Oh. Dear me. I didn't catch your REAL name. Forgive me, ma'am. But we have most important things to discuss. Unless you wish to join in. You're more than welcome. But I'm sure someone has to look over these wonderful gifts." He leaned over the table to speak in her ear. "I know about the tees catching fire. I overheard it. Never mistake a man who does not talk as a mute or a deaf." He smiled as he waited for McLaughlin to take the gentlemen somewhere more excluded.

A more private setting? Different things by feeling them? MCLAUGHLIN!? Huh, he didn't remember mentioning his last name to the guy before.

Now, to just get this guy to...LET...GO! "You make yourself quite clear, Leonidas." he grumbled, forcing the man to let go, taking a few steps to the side, not out of his own free will though. Good Merlin, did he not say there was no need for threats of any kind before? Hmm, he was silly to think they could speak like adults apparently. Bryce did NOT like to be pushed around like this.

Adjusting his leather jacket, his gaze landed on the woman before turning back to Leonidas. See? They were all safe. Though he was EXTREMELY curious to know what he just said to the woman. Meh, might as well watch her expression? And about this more secluded area problem..."It's up to Alexander really. He's the one you're talking to."

Gretchen raised her eyebrows. Was this some kind of joke? "I'm afraid you have the wrong person." She said sharply, unsure if that was sarcasm she detected in his tone. Either way, the young woman's smile was long gone. "I don't know a Miss Walpurgis, or any Walpurgis's for that matter." No, she didn't offer her name.

Gretchen didn't care for the man's attitude, he was acting awfully strange and almost.. paraniod? Perhaps he was a little touched in the head.

As the older man leaned forward to whisper in her ear, Gretchen stepped back. She didn't appreciate the stranger invading her personal space nor how he acted as if he had something over them. He clearly knew nothing. Even from where she stood away from him, she heard his quiet words.

"You mean you listened in on a joke between Ren and Alexander having to do with these shirts," Gretchen gestured toward the shirt she currently wore, identical to those that were being passed out to all of whom attended the party, speaking at the same normal level she had before; She wanted Alexander to hear. "and what to do with them after the party is over."

Yes. He had really caught some juicy gossip, hadn't he? Gretchen's eyes narrowed slightly and she waved a hand toward the gift bags, uttering a single question in her utmost calm, but serious tone. "Do you see any bags smoking?" Because she didn't. "Now, are you done insinuating things that you don't even understand?"

Sweet, cheerful young Gretchen disliked having to speak to anyone in such a manner but this man, he was pushing it. He had no right to assume things from conversations he easedropped on, badly at that.

Alexander set his jaw stubbornly and took a deep breath through his nose. How DARE this man come here and ORDER him to do a damn thing. Shaking his head slowly Alex said in a low warning tone, "No. We shall not be going anywhere private to speak. There is nothin to discuss anyway. YOu have mistaken me for someone... you could approach. You are sorely mistaken. Now. I suggest that you step away from Bryce, this table, and myself very quickly."

o_______O

The shirts were catching on FIRE and no one told HIM. How dare they keep something that interesting from him. Casting a sidelong glance at the beautiful Gretchen he waited a moment before speaking again. "There is not a single thing wrong with the gifts that my colleague here put together. Nothing is catching fire. YOu might not be deaf or a mute, but clearly you are ignorant. Now, leave quietly," he said as he turned his head back toward the man and met his eyes.

Yes. You ARE dismissed.

"So sorry, Mr. McLaughlin. I don't mean to cause you any problems, but I have to admit that I do have trust issues. Especially with dark wizards, not unlike yourself. Maybe the giftbag girl here will be more compromising. And in order to get your prize, you must introduce me to people of intrest. And right now, this young pretty little thing seems like the best we have. Please, introduce us to eachother." He stopped moving at the gift bag table and squinted at the woman. "Yes, she'll do just fine. Miss? Would you mind leaving your post for a quick moment and come with us? I'd be very pleased if you did. It'll only take a few moments. I swear to you. My name is Leonidas Trevors. And you are?"

Ohh, Gretchen had put together the lovely bags? Good Merlin Leonidas, didn't you know never to complain about a woman's work?

Keeping back as the three of them there conversed, Bryce was kinda hoping her could just, slip away, though this all was very amusing at the same time. Leonidas was getting the two of them quite angry, himself included but that part didn't matter.

Speaking of being angry...did the man just call him a dark wizard? That SHOCKED him. Pfft. Well that certainly changed Bryce's mind. "She can stay where she wants to be. We are done here." he frowned. Well, this man certainly liked to order people around. Bryce had thought that would have changed and he'd be a bit more civilized once at the celebration. Running a hand through his hair, the wandmaker sighed before turning to the two in charge of the table. Or they were just hanging out, either way.

"Forgive me, I had not known he'd continue on like this once we were here." Meh. Well they understood, yes? So much for his 'prize' though. Aw well, he can get one elsewhere. Leonidas wasn't the only one in the world who owned goblin silver.

Patroclus was B.O.R.R.apostrophe.D

He alone had been invited to the party out of his group of friends, no Destiny, No Evelyn, No Jacob, Mia, Marie, Carter, Emmy, or Salander, and Josh, well there was no way he would have been invited. Sure Lexi was here, but she was busy.

So in his own thoughts, Patroclus wandered the party, and came across something he found rather odd, a collection of wizards discussing 'recruiting' and now they all seemed to be speaking rather heatedly to man.

It was three against one, very unfair, but the Lion Prefect knew to say nothing. Pretending to tie his shoelace, he stopped his ears open but his mind closed. And then a word came to his ears, that made his heart beat faster

....Miss Walpurgis.....

"I'm sorry, miss. I must've mistaken you for somebody else. Please excuse me. I meant no harm." He stepped back and bowed to the woman ever so slightly, never taking his eyes off her, and never holding his walking stick and wand with only one hand. the resurrection stone ring on top of the emerald. He straightened back up and looked at the woman and gave her a slight smile.

He moved to the gentleman. "I'll take that ignorant part as a joke, if you don't mind, good sir. For If you were calling me ignorant, there may be a problem, you see. And rest assured, I don't mean to have any problems with anybody here. But, you see, you thinking you're the boss of me, there's a problem. I will not leave Mr. McLaughlin here alone, for one good reason. We made a deal, and introducing me to a couple of henchmen does not a deal make. So, if I have offended you, which I don't recall that I have, I do apologize. that was not my intent at all. But, for your sake, I will move away from this table. And, also, for your generosity andthe woman, too, I offer this." He took out twenty galleons and dropped them on the table. "Good eve, sir."

He took hold of Bryce and led them to the outer rim of the back of the tent. "You still want this enchanted goblet?" he asked as he pulled the goblet out of the pouch. "One drink from this goblet, and you will become more powerful. Too many, and you'll become as weak as an old maid. This, is what I offer you. More power. Everybody enjoys and wants more power." He tapped the goblet with the wand he had from school. He pointed his wand out to the dark street and flicked it. A silver panther showed up and ran and disapeared into the night. "Now, I know you must be wondering, "Why did he need a new wand when he already had one?" Well, the answer's simple. This wand was used back when I was younger. And the wand you made for me is more powerful. And, in case you're wondering where my patronus just went, it went to my father here in London. I see it as I'll need some back-up soon enough, and he's the strongest person I know at this moment.I told him to enter through the back so as to not set off those alarms back there. And maybe some of his old friends will show up, also. So, you do your end of the deal, and you can be even more powerful. Okay?"

Rubbing his eyes with his thumb and forefinger, Bryce sighed, having not expected this to take place. He wasn't going to leave the two of them here with Leonidas though. The man was the wandmakers responsibility as...painful as that was. Standing up straight and placing his hands in the pockets of his leather jacket, he smiled apologetically at Gretchen, and then Alexander, before glancing around the area. Hopefully they had not attracted too much attention. Bryce didn't particularly enjoy attention on himself unless it was for good business. This wasn't good business. However, he did happen to notice a young lad not far from them tying his shoes. A student from Hogwarts perhaps? Or had one of the adults brought their child?

Before he knew it though, he was once again being dragged to who knows where. A simple 'May I talk to you over to the side for a minute or so' would have been sufficient enough! Yet, Bryce did not fight the man, instead, followed along and gave a DRAMATIC roll of the eyes. Yes, he did it. And it was DRAMATIC for those who didn't see. Dramatic!

Oh, so he really did have the goblet with him. Power. Leonidas was offering him power? HOLY MOTHER OF MERLIN! That was NOT the wand he sold the man earlier in the week. Becoming rather serious, Bryce stood his full height, staring dead straight into the man's eyes. No more funny business here. After a moment of silence, the wandmaker took a deep breathe, shaking his head as he took a quick look around to the others near them before replying to Leonidas in a low, yet very serious so he was not to be mistaken for kidding around, tone. "The thing about power Leonidas, is that it really holds no value to me. Not without skill that is. I would love to be almighty powerful man, but I'm not an idiot. Besides, power can be just as easily taken away from you as quick as it has been given." Speaking of taking away power, he'd be liking that wand back. "Tell me Leonidas, what are you, without your father and his back up squad, hmm? What are you after?"

To Bryce, the man was nothing special. Just someone who had money. "And the deal's off. Keep your money and power, and look for your answers alone. I will not help someone who treats me and our friends up there at the table like servants."

Before the wandmaker walked away, Leonidas tossed the goblet at him. "Bryce, you did a good enough job to have this. Do whatever you want with it. And thiss wand? this wand only hols special value to me. I appreciate what you've done for me tonight. If I get you in any trouble, I'm sorry. Besides, I really told my father to come to me. And, also, you still havemy word that I and my son will continue to come to you and make your store richer. Have fun tonight." At that, Leonidas apparated back to his home in the contry side of London.

Alex watched the whole THING unfold in front of him and had to keep telling himself that he could NOT set fire to people with this many witnesses around. HE KEPT TELLING HIMSELF THAT. Over and over.

...

So much so that he nearly didn't hear the man talking about what HE had said being a joke. Shifting his gaze back to the man he smirked slightly. "Do I look like the type to joke?" 'Nuff said, wasn't it? Yes. If this man knew ANYTHING about the people he was trying to BULLY and THREATEN he would run for the hills and never look back.

EVER.

Oh lookit that. He was leaving. If Alex were the type to say things such as "HUZZAH" he would have, but he is wasn't so he simply looked bored for a moment. Turning to Gretchen he placed his hand on her arm gently and smiled. "Good on you. You handled that very well," he told her in an impressed tone.

Then he switched his gaze to Bryce and let his hand drop from Gretchen's arm. "Next time, do a bit more research into who you are bringing around here, Bryce. I won't warn you more than once."

Emmalee had made her way over to the gift bag table, unsure of where else to head, but she stopped short as it looked like a group of folks were having words.

She stood there a moment, unsure of where to go. It had been clear that she was headed that way, so suddenly turning and heading elsewhere would seem odd. Besides, she wondered if there was anything in those bags that might be at least marginally better than that horrific teeshirt.

As she stood, a flash of recognition struck her - the man who had sold her her wand was there, and it didn't look like he was in a great situation.

Backtrack it was, she decided, taking one slow step back. Getting mixed up in that was probably not a good idea.

Whaaat? First he was being threatened and now he was being practically congratulated? Catching the goblet however, he stared at it suspiciously, just waiting for it to burn his skin or something before his gaze landed back on Leonidas. Only for a second though since he disapparated.

This...

Bryce wasn't a happy camper. This just made him look like a fool. Grumbling to himself, he held the goblet by his side as he turned around, heading back to the party. Nodding in greeting with a grin towards a woman he thought looked quite familiar, the wandmaker paused for a moment as Alexander addressed him. "You won't need to tell me twice." Well, he'll definitely be researching the man NOW. Considering...Bryce will be wanting that wand back. "Thank you for the gift bag. I'm sure it's splendid."

Nodding in thanks, he raised the bag slightly towards them as if raising a glass for a toast before disappearing back into the crowd, slipping the goblet into the bag as well.

Why were people gathering to GAWK? Merlin and Morgana! There was a child nearby eavesdropping. Alex grinned slightly to himself and then deftly unholstered his wand and flick it toward the child sending a little RATHER LARGE gust of air toward the child. He was hoping it would knock him over. Heh.

Oooh. That chick was kind of cute though. Hi there Ginger. Rawrrr. Alex looked at her and gave his least creepy smile and blinked a few times. See. Nothing creepy over here. Nothing at all. Come closer pretty lady. Yes indeed.

Shifting his gaze, reluctantly, to Bryce he nodded once. There was no need in repeating or any of that. Bryce was well aware of what would happen if he crossed Alex. Simple as that. He nodded once more as the man took a giftbag and drifted into the crowd.

Now. "Please, come grab a bag, Miss..." he said to Emmalee in a NICE tone.

Annnnd they were moving! Emmalee stopped her slow backward moving, nodding briefly in return to wand-man's acknowledgment, and smiling. She couldn't recall his name, but it certainly didn't matter as he stalked off.

She followed him with her eyes, turning to look over her shoulder, red waves of hair falling in her face. She turned back, suddenly, though, when she heard one of the other men call to her.

Looking back, she could feel her pale skin pink in embarrassment at having been noticed. Taking a measured breathe, she headed closer to the table, pulling her purse back on her shoulder.

"Quinn. Emmalee Quinn," she said coming to a stop. "I hope I didn't interuppt..." She gestured back over her shoulder in the direction wand-man - what was his name - had walked.

Oh she was blushing. How lovely. Alex smiled a bit wider, still NOT creepy at all. Not. At. All. Aaaaaaand she was coming closer. Yippee.

Alex extended his hand across the table and said, "Pleasure to meet you, Miss Quinn. Or is it Ms. ? I don't want to offend of course. And no, no we were done. You aren't interrupting a thing." Clearly he didn't CARE if it was Mrs., but he needed to keep up appearances.

Emmalee extended her hand as well, relaxing slightly as she took his, and allowed herself to smile. "Miss suits just fine, thank you," she said. The pink faded from her cheeks, leaving only her freckles. "And your name, Mr..."

After all, it wouldn't do to run into him later and not know his name.

Alex bowed his head slightly and smiled at her. "Formalities are not my forte. Please call me Alexander... or Alex will do just fine," he said smoothly.

No need for anyone to know his last name outside of the cult. That was how people got in trouble. People KNEW them and TURNED THEM IN. Heh. Not this pretty little thing, though. He wouldn't make that mistake with her. She didn't get the last name. In case something happened.

Emmalee smoothed the front of her robes and nodded. "Alex it is, then."

She placed one hand on the table, leaning, slightly, a tiny smirk on her lips. "So, tell me, Alex. What does a girl have to do to get one of these glamorous gift bags?"

There may have been a hint of sarcasm dabbed on the word glamorous, but not too much. You never knew who had power around here.

This was getting heavy.

One of the men, the one that didn't work at Ollivanders had just dragged the wand maker out of the tent, but now only the wand guy was back.

But the most worrying character was the smaller man; the one with Miss Walpurgis; the one who had just berated Ollivander-man for inviting the other man along; the one who now had his wand out; the one who was now pointing his wand at Patroclus.....

With a flick of the wrist, the Prefect's wand shot from it's holster and into his hand, it was a natural reaction, but then there was the little issue of the Law; no magic for under-ager's, however the trace could never find the source.

Throwing caution to the wind, a wind that Patroclus now realised hand come from the man's wand tip, he pointed his wand at the ground behind him, and muttered "Glisseo"

So rather than being blown over, he was sent sailing across the tent. As soon has it had stopped, he stood up, and turned to leave, but not after memorizing the man's face...

Smiling he dropped her hand after a moment. Yeah he LINGERED in the hand shake perhaps a moment too long. Oh well. *Smirk*

He couldn't help but lean toward her slightly and smile. "Would it make it better if I said flattery can get you anywhere... or that you just have to pick one up?" he said with a chuckle. The crazy was gone from his eyes for a few moments as he laughed and smiled.

...

Yeah. He was going to have to set THINGS on fire as soon as he left. All of the NICE was making his stomach churn slightly.

Oh really? The kid was performing magic underage with AURORS and other MLE scattered about. Riiiiight. That was surely going to turn out well for him. If Alex was not so enticed with the lovely Miss Quinn he would SHOUT for security. Too bad he didn't care enough. Heh.