Absit Omen RPG

It was a brush off, to put it down to friends in common, but Eva wasn’t exactly inclined to give Lawrence Musgrave any benefit of the doubt. This was the wizard who’d happily arrested innocent muggleborns during the war and, upon his eventual release, had cavorted with dementors. It was wizards like Musgrave (mainly Musgrave) that Eva had never considered returning to her role as a defensive lawyer at the Ministry. From her pocket, Eva pulled an enchanted notepad. Level 2 issue, enchanted for her eyes only. She scribbled the name Octavius Pepper down with her self inking quill.

Of course, Lawrence wanted to know more about why they’d come with the topic of Glass, but Kuester was reluctant to tell him anymore than necessary. Harper, however, was far more open with her client. To Harper, Musgrave appeared to be a stray dog in need of love. To Eva, Musgrave was a stray rabid dog in need of putting down. Harper hadn’t spent a year in Azkaban thanks to the stray dog.

“I can’t tell you why.” She wasn’t willing to tell him why. Who said this wizard was even remotely trustworthy? For all they knew, knowledge of their little visit would find the Minister soon enough.

“When you were handing yourself in, you sent the message to Glass alone. Why inform anyone beforehand? Specifically, why Edwin Glass?”

“… you just mean out.” Elixa pointed out, causing Eva’s lips to press together. Yes, out. Out and obvious. While some relief was felt for finally ripping off the band aid and stepping out as a same sex couple, Eva was still anxious. She’d spent her entire life with one image that she’d tried to portray and now she was throwing that away to date a rather rebellious younger witch.

“Out.” The blond repeated, getting a feel for how it sounded on her tongue.

But Elixa was now distracted, and Eva followed her eye line to fall on a crowd surrounding the stocky balding 60-something-year-old. Her stomach sank. Eva and the Minister for Magic hadn’t spoken much since she’d moved down to Level 2. She’d rather attempted to avoid any real conversation since her visit to William Shufflebottom in Azkaban. Maybe he even knew about the visit. He’d certainly heard about her seeing Musgrave in the Ministry cells.

“I did.” The champagne glass in her hand was lifted and drained in one gulp before she took Elixa’s arm and directed her towards the bar. “He said he’d rather I come in his place. Not his cup of tea. I’ve not spoken to him in over a month.” Lix would know what that meant. “We could go. We should go.”

Musgrave was unsurprisingly perturbed that Evangeline had seen his memories. He’d given them to Harper for safe keeping before the obliviation, not expecting someone he’d arrested years ago to play witness to them. Musgrave’s comfort, however, didn’t rate high, if at all, for Kuester, so her gaze remained fairly icy and professional, a great contrast to her friend in the other chair.

“I don’t work for him.” Eva corrected him with a shake of her head. “Not directly, anymore.” Just like when she’d been in Azkaban, the world stopped still in the cell of the imprisoned, whilst it moved at hyperspeed outside, it had always seemed. Musgrave was clearly experiencing the same sensation as he sat in this little cell clueless as to what these witches had been up to.

“I am the Deputy Head of Law Enforcement, Musgrave. And I…we have reason to believe you may be able to help us; Miss Graves and I.” How much could they trust Lawrence? If he’d been friendly with the minister, what was to say he wouldn’t pass this visit on? They were now taking tentative steps on a dangerous path with no chance of return.

“Before the war, you and Minister Glass were friends?” She’d heard it from the man himself the preceding April[1] when Lawrence had sent his warning about handing himself in. “Can you describe that friendship?”

1.	[Apr 6] The Fire that was so Trim

Evangeline Kuester didn’t want to be in Lawrence Musgrave’s claustrophobic hospital cell room as much as he probably didn’t want her there. She’d seen him at the ministry shortly after his arrest, a failed attempt at closure as she asked him why. Not knowing what answers she’d wanted to her questions, Evangeline found that she’d left with more questions. She had, however, been quite certain that she wouldn’t be coming face to face with the excuse of a wizard that unfairly locked her up again.

Unfortunately, the clandestine investigations into the legitimacy of Minister Edwin Glass’ activities had made this meeting necessary. Harper had managed to get Eva in under the ruse of seeking further closure. No one questioned a former muggleborn prisoner wanting to come face to face with the wizard that had almost been her executioner. It was a suitable alibi for the visit.

In the doorway to the small room, Eva froze for a moment. Lawrence was standing to greet them in fairly normal clothes with a bright grin directed at Harper. He looked ordinary. Eva wanted him to resemble the monster she still saw in her dreams, or at least the bedraggled mess that had been in the cell on Level 2. Perhaps this might make it easier to talk to him.

They stepped further into the room and the door was locked shut behind them. This sent a chill down the witch’s spine. She didn’t do locked doors. she couldn’t do locked doors.

“We need to speak with you.” The German witch said coolly, pulling a notepad and self-inking quill from the pocket of her cloak. she gestured for him to sit, and sat down herself. “It’s pertaining to…well, I’ll let your lawyer explain that.”

Despite the ostentatiousness of the Elixa’s suggestion, Evangeline grinned.
“As much as I would love to wind up a Daily Prophet employee,” she started to respond, linking arms with Elixa and guiding her in the other direction, “We are here as a stand in for the Minister of Magic. You know, my boss?” She frowned in thought. “Boss’ boss now, I guess.” It was odd. She’d not taken a demotion and yet there was now another party between herself and the Leader of Wizarding Britain. Elixa knew how important it was to keep her head down and behave with the knowledge she now had about Edwin Glass.

“After tonight, Lix, we are public knowledge.” Probably bigger for Eva than it was for Elixa. Eva took a sip of wine, glancing back to Scruffin. “I’d rather not play up the rumour that my girlfriend is a hooker, no?”

Only if Eva could handle her worst… The lawyer felt the tiny hairs on the back of her neck stand to attention. That was what made this with Elixa so special. No wizard had ever made her feel quite so on edge. No wizard had ever been so unpredictable and fearless. It had to be time to bring this out into the open, didn’t it?

“Hmm…” Blue eyes scanned the room until they, too, fell of Darlus Scruffin as he stared in their direction. Almost instantaneously, Eva pulled her gaze back and, grabbing her girlfriend’s arm, spun her and Elixa around to face the opposite direction.

“Nope.” she replied before taking a larger than normal gulp of champagne. “That is the Daily Prophet’s deputy editor. Last time I met him, he presumed that I was Glass’ gold-digging arm candy wife.” It was laughable, yes, but it still made the witch’s skin crawl.

 It had been a few months ago that Glass had received his invite to this event. He’d given the invite to her, suggesting she go in his stead. Then she’d left his office to take up her post as the Deputy Head of Magical Law Enforcement. He hadn’t mentioned retracting the invite, so Evangeline chose to do her duty. Because, well, who wouldn’t greatly oppose an evening of unlimited champagne and music? She’d even asked Elixa to join her, nervously proposing their first public outing as girlfriend and girlfriend.

The charity in question, was a controversial one, and one that left an unpleasant taste in Eva’s mouth. Technically, she herself was an ex-Azzie. She’d spent almost a year in an Azkaban cell during the war. The ancient runes on the back of her neck were a permanent reminder that Elixa had seen and never questioned. Lix knew the bare bones of a stay in Azkaban. Eva hadn't ever gone into detail.

Beside the Deputy Head of MLE, Elixa was looking as stunning as ever, if more conservative than usual. Eva had chosen a long and ornate cream coloured gown, leaving her shoulder length blond hair down and falling in neat waves. As Elixa leaned in to mutter in Eva’s ear, a shiver ran down her spine. It clearly didn’t matter on their location or the company, Elixa was always going to be Elixa. Eva grinned

“You are incorrigible.” she muttered in response, lifting her own flute slowly to her lips. “No quiet corners tonight.” A blond eyebrow was raised to accompany her playful smile. “Best behaviour.”

Whispers in the night of conspiracy felt like it came from a novel that Eva may have read in her younger years. Espionage and secrecy to take down a corrupt government; a most intriguing genre of casual reading. Now, this wasn’t a novel. Now, this conspiracy seemed a reality. Surprisingly, however, Eva didn’t feel nervous or anxious. Instead, she felt a fire in her stomach, a fire urging her to seek the right answers. Perhaps she’d missed her calling and should have taken the red robes as a youth, instead.

"Do you trust Elixa entirely? Not just with your secrets, but with mine?" Harper asked quietly.

The question caused a crease of Eva’s brow as she considered. Heck, she trusted Elixa to tie her up and do Merlin knew what. She’d trusted Elixa for months with the secret of their relationship, having not been ready to make her sexuality something public. She’d most probably fallen for Elixa, too. She was trustworthy, even if Glass was a distant relative.

“I do, yes.” Eva nodded, and took a gulp of bubbly. “But that’s me, and this is huge, and could destroy our careers. This doesn’t have to happen tonight, I just needed to share that with you.” She waved her hand at the brooch.

Evangeline had been about to take a sip of her champagne, but she froze, glass to her lips. Harper had Musgrave’s memories? Why in Merlin’s name would she? The glass was lowered as the blond listened intently. This was new and surprising information. Glass has insisted on memories being obliviator?! Eva briefly considered how her old boss had in fact been an obliviator in a previous life. Had he been the one to do it? Well, after Musgrave had somehow given them to Harper?

“*#&@.” Eva muttered, sitting back in the chair, now taking a much-needed gulp of alcohol. She glanced behind her. Elixa was long gone, probably being extremely nosy around Harper’s house. It wasn’t that Eva didn’t trust her girlfriend. It was quite the opposite; but she knew how awkward this was when it was Elixa’s relative being discussed.

“Holy crap, Haich. We’re talking about impeaching the most powerful wizard in the country. Whatever memories these vials hold, they won’t stand up. Just like my interview won’t.” It was like teaching her grandmother how to suck eggs. Harper, too, had been working in law since she left school. They both knew it wouldn’t work. “But, do you have them here?”

---

Ms E Mordent
The Infirmary
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Scotland

Ms E. Kuester
33 Cranbrook Road
London

5th January, 2011

Lix,

Must admit, I didn’t see you working with children. Maybe Satan has seen something in you? Don’t do too well or she’ll have you working in paeds healing. So much more wind!

Being all powerful isn’t all it was supposed to be. Do you know how many papers you can sign before you hand gets cramp? 247, I’ve learnt.

Eva xx

PS. I am wearing your boots right now.

PPS. No can do. Please see substitute gift. (Only open in private)

In the package is a photograph of the red lacy silk pair and the boots being worn. There is a smudged lipstick print on the photograph.

During the recording, Elixa had slinked off, clearly not eager to listen. It wasn’t a comfortable topic, for sure, and Eva’s girlfriend was a healer rather than a lawyer. She wasn’t going to question where Elixa had wondered off to because she had a fair idea. Being nosy, finding out who Harper Graves really was, no doubt. Probably wondering if dear vanilla pyjama clad Harper had any kinky skeletons in the closet. Elixa, Eva could have told her, would be disappointed.

Regardless, it gave Eva and her friend a chance to talk.

Surprised eyebrows shot up when Harper suggested she may have more, partly because Eva had no idea that Harper would even have any reason to suspect their big boss.

She needed a drink!

It felt rather inappropriate to be diving into the champagne when discussing the possibility that the head of the wizarding world was corrupt, but she needed something in order to manage with the situation at hand. So, Eva pulled the bottle of the bag and uncorked it as she spoke.
“I think that we’re up shit creek. He’s corrupt but I don’t know to what extent and we need to tread mighty carefully.” ‘We’ because Harper was involved now she’d heard the recording.

“What do you think you have?” She asked as she summoned three glasses over and started to pour the drink out.

“He’s not my favourite cousin.” Elixa said with raised hands. Eva glanced away, her expression uncomfortable. She knew it wasn’t an easy position for her girlfriend to find herself in. But, as she’d stated, Glass was distant family. And, family or not, he was shifty.

A quick briefing. Right.

“Did you know Glass and Musgrave were friends? I couldn’t help but find it striking how personal Musgrave’s messages were for Glass. It was more than him being the minister.” She frowned and shook her head. “Anyway, I went to Azkaban the other day,” A pretty big thing, Harper would probably have noted, given her history, “to see William Shufflebottom, Musgrave’s friend. He basically blurted out that Glass isn’t so squeaky clean. Shufflebottom worried that Glass had hurt Musgrave.” A quick raise of her blond eyebrows showed just what she thought of that. She placed the brooch on the kitchen table between them.

“I know this doesn’t count legally, I’m pushing some boundaries here. But it’s reason enough to investigate.” She sat down and tapped her wand to the brooch. It began to play the recording.

---

When Eva heard her own voice state ‘It’s pretty serious.’ followed by a scraping chair, she tapped her wand to the brooch to silence it.

Cautiously, blue eyes watched her friend.

Elixa Mordent didn’t fail to amaze Evangeline. The witch was oozing with confidence and seemed to not feel it necessary to even consider censoring herself. It was refreshing for a witch who’d spent her life striving for a professional perfection which had seeped into her personal demeanour as well. She’d found herself focusing on work and getting that right, so now Elixa was showing her that there was more.

This confident witch winked, bumped past her, and then made no secret of the fact that she was admiring and snooping. Eva couldn’t help but smile as she followed the pair through to the kitchen. From the fact that Harper was in her pyjamas so early on New Years Eve, Eva guessed that she would benefit from a bit of the Elixa spark too (although perhaps not in the same manner!).

Harper’s home was much more of a home that the house Eva lived in. There were signs that someone actually loved the place and was well settled. Her personality was in the decoration and furnishings. There was always food in the fridge and her crockery actually matched. Eva’s little house was quite different. The furniture was mismatched and brought in a rush, it was neat but not lived in, her kitchen cupboards were full of odd crockery, and she rarely had food in.

Case and point in the enormous differences between the two friends, was the chilli heating on the stove. Home made by someone that actually knew how to cook.
Eva’s eyes lit up at the offer, and she dropped the bag of booze on the kitchen table.
“Answer’s always yes.” She opened the bag and pulled out the champagne bottles and the bottle of firewhiskey. The Chinese food was left at the bottom. “Breakfast?” she muttered to Elixa with a smirk. Chinese food in bed with a hangover sounded perfect for the following morning.

Also, out of the bag, she pulled a brooch[1]
“Before we start drinking, I want to show you something.” Her voice was quieter than before, slightly anxious. “It’s pretty…ah…well, I want your advice on what I should do with it. It's pretty damning of Edwin Glass.” Eva may have been the new Deputy Head of Law Enforcement, but Harper had been in that department for much longer. She’d know how this sort of information was likely to be taken, and who to take this info to.

An uncomfortable smile was cast at Elixa. She’d mentioned it the day of, all too aware of her distant family connection. Elixa was also sworn to secrecy.

1.	Used to record an interview taken place between Evangeline and William Shufflebottom at Azkaban Prison – He Sings Like a Bird

Elixa, stood there in her boots and coat, made a ridiculous suggestion of Harper Graves actually having a social life.
“Social life?” The Lawyer grinned across at her friend, “You’re funny.” And deliciously appealing when one couldn’t see beneath the coat. It still remained a bizarre feeling, to be so on edge and attracted to a woman. She’d had plenty of flings and relationships with men, but nothing to make her feel like this. It hadn’t even come close to this with her ex-husband. Perhaps that was why it hadn’t worked…amongst many other reasons.

“But…if she has…” Her eyes scanned down to Lix’s legs and she bit her lip. “We can go home and you don’t have to behave.” Probably the more exciting option, but Eva wasn’t about to let Harper sit at home alone on New Year’s Eve, and of course it hadn’t exactly taken any coaxing for Elixa to agree.

Behind the door, Eva first heard the barking of Harper’s pooch, George. Moments later, the door was pulled open, and there was her friend, as predicted, in her pyjamas. Eva grinned and glanced sideways to Elixa with a knowing look. Still, Harper was better dressed than either of them had been the first time she’d met Elixa.

“It’s hardly payback. You’ve got clothes on.” Months had passed, Eva could now just about laugh at the incident. But she didn’t even want to think about the fact that she was basically now Harper’s boss and they’d been in that situation. Nope. Didn’t need to think about that.
Eva stepped her heeled foot over the threshold and into the cosy cottage. George excitedly started to jump up, and Eva bent down to give him a good friendly fuss and scratch behind the ears. “Well, pyjamas. You’re in your forties, not your seventies, Haich. We’ve come to rectify the situation.” She frowned. The situation of the clothes? “Of the age. Your old lady situation.”

“Mr Shufflebottom.” Evangeline Kuester, newly appointed Deputy Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement stepped into the tiny dark room. The Azkaban guard stood behind her in the door, but made no move to follow her in. Kuester had just found out how easy it was to access just about anywhere in her new job role, even if Azkaban was the last place on earth that she wanted to be right now. 13 years had passed since she’d last set foot on the tiny island in the North Sea, and she’d sworn to herself to never return. But this was important. She needed to know.

From the moment she stepped onto the boat, Eva had felt her stomach twist up in unbearable knots. Her hands were shaking and she felt deeply nauseous. This hadn’t changed as she followed the guard through the corridors.

Kuester was dressed in her usual professional attire. Shoulder length blonde hair in neat curls, with a thin blue scarf around her neck. Her black trouser suit was smartly cut, and she wore a set of professional robes over the top, a silver brooch holding them closed. The brooch had been enchanted to listen.

“Evangeline Kuester, Deputy Head of the DMLE. I’ve a few questions for you.” She offered the wizard sat in the uniform a tight smile that didn’t reach her eyes. Behind her, the door slammed shut, and she drew in a breath, hands making fists, and fingernails digging into her palms as she heard the lock click.

It was eleven months since William Shufflebottom had been sentenced for his actions with the dementors and Lawrence Musgrave. His inability to defend himself, and lack of legal help had meant his trial[1] had been short but convoluted.

Since then, Willy knew that his old school friend had turned himself in, but he hadn’t made it to Azkaban yet. News was scant at Azkaban, and being a gullible sort, Willy believed any news other prisoners conveyed from their families and legal help who visited.

He didn’t think he’d ever heard of this Kuester witch, and the fact someone from Magical Law Enforcement wanted to speak to him made him optimistic. He’d served eleven of his 79 month sentence in Azkaban, which left 68 months left, and if he managed to appeal, that could be shortened still. Maybe Madam Kuester would be here to let him know they had revised his sentence and he might see his little Susie and Jack before they were nearly of age.

“Hello there,” Willy greeted, somewhat incapacitated as the prisoner in the situation. His long straggly hair was long past his shoulders and his bug eyes had sunken into his face. Although it was not the first time he had spent in Azkaban, it was the longest sentence of his life and he wasn’t getting any younger.

“Is it about my appeal? Only I’ve been hearing things about appeals lately.” There’d been some heartening news of a long-term inmate getting out legitimately not so long ago, hadn’t there?

“Not exactly.” Kuester shook her head. Azkaban was hellish, and she could sympathise. “You would have to discuss an actual appeal with your lawyer.” She sat down and leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. “You are friends with Lawrence Musgrave, aren’t you? Anyone else in your circle?”

Willy’s bushy, unkempt eyebrows drew together and his shoulders rounded.
“I - I… no I don’t think so.”

“You don’t think so? You don’t know who your friends are?”

“Well, see, is a bi’ ‘ard ter know in here, innit…”

Eva’s brows rose, somewhat thrown off by the accent and poor English.
“But before Azkaban? I know who my friends are, or were.”

“Oh, oh righ’” Willy appeared to agree. “I, suppose we were.” He stroked his uneven beard. “We were friends at school, me an’ him. Then not so much. Were a surprise when he go’ in touch again.”

“I bet. Good to reunite though, yes?”

“Well….” Willy paused for what was perhaps the first time in his life he’d actually contemplate what he should say. “Yeah.” He nodded. “Were thick as thieves at school ’til I leff…” He explained, using an unfortunate turn of phrase.

“I heard he turned in, but don’ hear much else. Is he here too now, d’ya know?”

“He did.” She offered a small nod and smile. “He’s being treated. He wasn’t well, Mr Shufflebottom.”

Willy nodded automatically, agreeing. He hadn’t seemed well during those few months, but he’d been quite capable despite this.

“I .. I tried to protect him.” Willy offered. “From the dementors.”

“Did you? How so? There’s not much you can really do, is there?” Dementors weren’t exactly amenable to being controlled.

Willy brightened at the suggestion he could do something that another person thought was impossible.
“Oh bu’ there is!” He exclaimed, suddenly animated. “That’s why ‘e needed me Mrs Kuester.” He puffed his chest out.

The Azkaban prisoner looked alive all of a sudden.
“I were rotten at school, terrible. Not my interest, but there was always one thing I had bigger and better than anyone else.” He smiled, a line of yellow teeth that needed some careful attention flashed at Evangeline. “My patronus!”

The teeth. Eva’s blue eyes took those in for a very brief moment. The wizard looked generally awful and unkempt. It was quite amazing that he had a wife and children. Was she was dense as he appeared to be?
“Your patronus?” She looked incredulous. “Even a strong patronus can only do so much.”

“Yeh, but mine’s a dragon.” Willy was telling the truth on this occasion, even if it did sound far fetched.

“Even Mr Gamp were impressed.”

Mr Gamp? Mortimer Gamp!? Not Leo Gamp. He’d still been locked up. The other Gamps weren’t psychopaths. Kuester forced herself to school her expression, even if it could be surprise at the apparent dragon patronus.
“That is impressive.” She gave a self deprecating smile. “All I can summon up is a puff of white cloud. It’s a tricky spell.”

She were impressed! Willy seized this rare piece of good news from a stranger like a child seizes its favourite teddy. And he ran with it.

“Oh, I dunno,” he continued merrily, “I just think of me children, and my dearest Gladys-May,” there was a momentary blip in his expression, but as soon as he stumbled he got back up.

“Made it perfect for what we were doin’, you see. Movin’ dementors on. See, I said a big ‘oover, like that net Mr Gamp had. We had t’explain what an ‘oover was to him an’ all.[2] He don’ know muggle stuff.” The Hufflepuff’s mouth was running off like a leaky tap now, “He wanted some for research though. Ee’s mad an’ all, int he?” Willy looked to Eva for confirmation.

It took a moment for the German witch to realise that ‘oover’ meant Hoover, a muggle Vacuum cleaner. His accent wasn’t the easiest to decipher, but she was relieved that he was talking. He was eager to talk, at that. And when Shufflebottom confirmed the Gamp was mad, Kuester knew exactly which Gamp.
“That’s what they say.” She gave a shrug. “He wanted research on vacuum cleaners?” she knew that wasn’t true. But if it got the wizard to start explaining more, she could play along.

“Nooo,” Willy shook his head, as if he were lovingly correcting one of his children, “you know that net[3] they had,” Willy tried to mime it out, “I ju’ said they should make an ‘oover version, like. Everyone thought it was a funny suggestion, even Mr Glass.”

And there it was. Kuester blinked, momentarily stunned. Fortunately, decades of practicing in the legal profession meant that she had a pretty decent poker face. She smiled, at his suggestion, of course.
“I can see that. Just suck them all up? I’m surprised they didn’t take that idea seriously.” People were always developing new spells and apparatuses.

“Hah, they didn’ even give us the net for a go.” Willy shook his head. “Jus’ wanted us to send them out to sea.” He chuckled to himself. “Me and Mr Musgrave. Two wizards agains’ all the dementors. Doin’ what the Ministry couldn’!” He was still pleased with himself. “But he didn’ tell them that though. We were helping and I ended up in here.”

This turn was making Kuester feel even more nauseous. She’d half hoped that coming here would kill her suspicions, not increase them. What in Merlin’s name was Edwin Glass doing with Mortimer Gamp, Lawrence Musgrave and this fool?!
“That’s pretty unfair. If you were doing what you were told.”

He was warming to Mrs Kuester. Definitely warming. She were nice!

“We were, that’ were the deal.” Willy agreed. “But like yer said, Mrs Kuester, controllin’ dementors is tricky business. And when Mr Musgrave started … behavin’ odd… odder…” Shufflebottom visibly deflated, remembering the aurors turning up at the farm.

“We got rid of the dementors though!” Willy protested, “all of them, gone aren’t they.” He grinned, proud of his inexact achievement.

“Well, they’re certainly less of an issue now, Mr Shufflebottom.” She smiled before sitting back. “What I want to know is how you ended up with such an important role. I mean, all those ministry officials struggling and you just break out your dragon. How did that come about?”

“Right-o, well… “ Willy began, “Mr Musgrave asked me to come, like, to the house,” He could picture the posh house right now, smoking in the back garden. “Invited, honoured guests. Loads of people there…” Willy lied.

“Like who?” She chanced.

“Like, er…” He faltered, scrabbling to think of anyone, “you know, people.” He shrugged and avoided the question. Don’t talk about Glass. Mr Musgrave had told him that if he got arrested, he wasn’t to talk about Glass. But Mr Musgrave was ill and… this lady seemed to believe him.

He sealed shut. Damn.
“Mr Gamp? Mr Glass?” She said as if it were an assumption. “It’s alright.” Kuester waved a hand, shaking her head. “Can’t have been much before your night with the hoover like net, can it?”

“We never go’ the net…” Willy maintained. “He told me no’ ta say about Mr Glass… ‘cause he would. When it were right.”

Bingo. Evangeline switched her look for one of concern. “Well, he’s not exactly had the chance, Mr Shufflebottom. Mr Musgrave is really not well.”

Willy looked up, sunken eyes all wide in alarm all of a sudden.
“Is he goin’ to be alrigh’?” He asked hurriedly. Sudden feeling of dread, that his hope that Mr Musgrave would sort everything out. That he’d always had a plan and Willy would benefit once it worked. “Did Mr Glass geddim?”

“Hopefully he’ll be alright.” she answered the first question, ignoring the second. “They’re trying to fix him. But, I don’t know, if I’m honest. It’s pretty serious.” She couldn’t quite believe it, and her heart was going at ten to the dozen. She’d need to tell someone. Anyone. But who the hell could she trust enough to believe her?

1.	1st February 2011, Caught and Court
2.	2nd January 2011, Through Gray Mist Creeping
3.	23rd April 2010 Daily Prophet: Devon Locals Turn Back Dementors