Posts
He was almost certainly getting too old for this. Not literally, thought Solomon, but in the marrow of his bones.
As far as close calls went, this had been one of the worser ones. They had been fortunate to be able to summon others, to summon I.D.R.E.A.D. He did not linger on that thought in the same way that he did not linger on the image of pentrals, burned into his mind, to be revisited only later when he was out of these bloody muggle clothes and in the safety of his own home.
Trevelyan approached with hot chocolate as the bustle of Aurors and Healers, once swarming around him, began their own trajectories away. He'd given orders, listened to accounts about the wizards who would be making the journey down to Mysteries for their exorcisms.
They didn't have much time to savour their drinks. Childs approached with word of another discovery.
A house elf. Solomon met Jonas' look for a second, then returned his attention to the poor creature in its makeshift hideout. The fairy tale book felt extremely present, enclosed by the inside pocket of his jacket.
This was likely the house elf who inhabited the burnt down cottage along with the Hunts. But why was it now here? He knew now that nothing incidental happened in connection with Lorelei - like in fairy tales, there was symbolism and purpose to even minute oddities. What kind of story was she trying to weave by leaving behind her house elf?
"Speak," Solomon asked of it, his own voice gentle. "Can you, or communicate in other ways?" And then, drawing on something anxious eating away at him, some old instinct: "Is this over?"
|
| 1. | 24th Dec 2010 |
5
Other Wizarding Locations / Re: [March 6] When the Fog's Too Thick to See [Closed]
April 15, 2021, 11:22:22 AM
My kingdom for a Longbottom, he thought upon hearing of a presence in the greenhouses. No, two presences.
Solomon had faith in Trevelyan - the redhead was experienced and sensible, exceptionally considerate for the well being of victims the DMLE came across in their pursuit of dark wizards. All the same, he wished a spare wand or two right now. They didn't know enough about their surroundings to confidently confront the likes of the Hunts.
"Reckon we should finish clearing through here first, sir?"
A brief nod. It went unsaid that separating was an unwise idea. The two wizards finished their survey of the ground floor - preserves in the kitchen, again, signs of life. He never visited the lakehouse himself but he imagined it had a much stronger version of the sensation picked up here; walking into a place where terrible things have occurred.
On Sol's prompting, they checked upstairs next. The light in the window took priority over the basement; and anyway, he was wary of basements and underground rooms. Something about being in the soil.
The first of bedroom held little to examine but a single bed. In the second, Solomon paused to quickly check for enchantments and recently cast spells. "The Wolds didn't have an elf did they? Seems quite a bit of house elf magic here..." he glanced at Jonas as he trod carefully to avoid stepping on a family of toy ducks circling the centre of the room - always ducks!
There were toys scattered all over - many enchanted - and the bed indicated someone small had lived here. That was unnerving, even for him. A child's room, complete with pretty wallpaper, without a child in sight.
Solomon stopped at the nightstand to glance at an open book. He looked up abruptly and exchanged a look with Trevelyan. It wasn't strong, the scent, but it was growing stronger quite rapidly. Smoke.
Solomon had faith in Trevelyan - the redhead was experienced and sensible, exceptionally considerate for the well being of victims the DMLE came across in their pursuit of dark wizards. All the same, he wished a spare wand or two right now. They didn't know enough about their surroundings to confidently confront the likes of the Hunts.
"Reckon we should finish clearing through here first, sir?"
A brief nod. It went unsaid that separating was an unwise idea. The two wizards finished their survey of the ground floor - preserves in the kitchen, again, signs of life. He never visited the lakehouse himself but he imagined it had a much stronger version of the sensation picked up here; walking into a place where terrible things have occurred.
On Sol's prompting, they checked upstairs next. The light in the window took priority over the basement; and anyway, he was wary of basements and underground rooms. Something about being in the soil.
The first of bedroom held little to examine but a single bed. In the second, Solomon paused to quickly check for enchantments and recently cast spells. "The Wolds didn't have an elf did they? Seems quite a bit of house elf magic here..." he glanced at Jonas as he trod carefully to avoid stepping on a family of toy ducks circling the centre of the room - always ducks!
There were toys scattered all over - many enchanted - and the bed indicated someone small had lived here. That was unnerving, even for him. A child's room, complete with pretty wallpaper, without a child in sight.
Solomon stopped at the nightstand to glance at an open book. He looked up abruptly and exchanged a look with Trevelyan. It wasn't strong, the scent, but it was growing stronger quite rapidly. Smoke.
6
Other Wizarding Locations / Re: [March 6] When the Fog's Too Thick to See [Closed]
March 25, 2021, 11:02:08 AM
He walked with more of a saunter than his companion - as if going for a stroll rather than their actual purpose, examining the second greenhouse before leaving behind another alerting charm when they moved on to the cottage. Solomon appreciated Trevelyan's caution; they weren't calling in help despite numerous hints of habitation so he made no comment as the redhead cast his charms.
All foreboding notions left him upon their approach. The light in the window should have left him feeling tense and cold but the older wizard was simply alert.
"Someone's still in there," Jonas informed him.
Still. Solomon pressed his lips together firmly - unsurprised but aware that if the occupant was a Hunt then they weren't turning tail. Confrontation was very much a possibility if not a probability. "I suppose we better not keep them waiting."
For all its outward appearance, the cottage certainly seemed alive once they passed the threshold. Solomon's step was quiet and the floors did not quite creek. Perhaps they should have, would have, if the place had not gone unoccupied. The air carried scents of smoke, a fire recently lit and gone to ash.
They were in the living area. If he anticipated an assault right away, he didn't get one. "Not their style," he murmured to himself before giving his wand an elegant little flick.
A favoured specialty of his, the Shadow charm caused his own faint shadow to twitch; and then there were suddenly four shadows, including his own, and the three spare separated from their owner to go scurrying about the ground floor of the home. It was a simple little spell that could make an expectant person, as the muggles say, jump the gun if they caught sight of a wizard's shadow ahead of them.
Sol noted a weathered cloak on the hook - perhaps also not their style - and glanced around the room again. A dried herb dangled from the ceiling, which gave him pause, though he could say why.
"A downgrade from the lakehouse," he remarked dryly instead.
All foreboding notions left him upon their approach. The light in the window should have left him feeling tense and cold but the older wizard was simply alert.
"Someone's still in there," Jonas informed him.
Still. Solomon pressed his lips together firmly - unsurprised but aware that if the occupant was a Hunt then they weren't turning tail. Confrontation was very much a possibility if not a probability. "I suppose we better not keep them waiting."
For all its outward appearance, the cottage certainly seemed alive once they passed the threshold. Solomon's step was quiet and the floors did not quite creek. Perhaps they should have, would have, if the place had not gone unoccupied. The air carried scents of smoke, a fire recently lit and gone to ash.
They were in the living area. If he anticipated an assault right away, he didn't get one. "Not their style," he murmured to himself before giving his wand an elegant little flick.
A favoured specialty of his, the Shadow charm caused his own faint shadow to twitch; and then there were suddenly four shadows, including his own, and the three spare separated from their owner to go scurrying about the ground floor of the home. It was a simple little spell that could make an expectant person, as the muggles say, jump the gun if they caught sight of a wizard's shadow ahead of them.
Sol noted a weathered cloak on the hook - perhaps also not their style - and glanced around the room again. A dried herb dangled from the ceiling, which gave him pause, though he could say why.
"A downgrade from the lakehouse," he remarked dryly instead.
7
Other Wizarding Locations / Re: [March 6] When the Fog's Too Thick to See [Closed]
March 14, 2021, 09:35:59 AM
"Reckon we should have thought to bring Longbottom along in case Audrey III is waiting inside to greet us, yeah?"
Solomon snorted in response, hanging back to allow Trevelyan to take lead. "I think we're equal to the task, if our new friends have stepped out for the time being."
There wasn't anybody in the greenhouse even though it was clearly being looked after - and by someone skilled, no less. He gestured with his wand at his boots, activating their silencing enchantment as he followed after the red-haired wizard.
Being inside made him think first of Hogwarts, of his youth and mandrake plants and wrestling with aggressive vines. Then he thought of another woman he had dated, who owned a magical nursery. Sol lingered at some of the plants, particularly anything he recognised as toxic or magically potent. Jonas spoke, voicing what Solomon felt.
"I wonder," he walked past the other man, further along the counter towards the far end, "what role it plays."
What was their motive, with the lake house gone? Had the Hunts been good at Herbology? Solomon only remembered that Lorelei had been very much into Divination. His memory was patchy, old impressions overwritten by new and confused ones.
There was a battered old table in the corner; he approached it, tapping the surface thoughtfully.
"It's extremely likely someone is living in that cottage back there..." Solomon's hand traced against the grain of the wood and he noted two pairs of letters carved on the side: W.W. & L.W.. Wolds, he assumed. No Wolds here.
Sol sighed so softly it was barely audible. "We should lay down an alerting charm or a trap," he glanced over his shoulder at Jonas. "To warn us if someone returns here while we're in the cottage."
Should this in fact be the Hunts' new base, with its new tenants temporarily away, Solomon didn't want to be caught off guard when they got back.
Solomon snorted in response, hanging back to allow Trevelyan to take lead. "I think we're equal to the task, if our new friends have stepped out for the time being."
There wasn't anybody in the greenhouse even though it was clearly being looked after - and by someone skilled, no less. He gestured with his wand at his boots, activating their silencing enchantment as he followed after the red-haired wizard.
Being inside made him think first of Hogwarts, of his youth and mandrake plants and wrestling with aggressive vines. Then he thought of another woman he had dated, who owned a magical nursery. Sol lingered at some of the plants, particularly anything he recognised as toxic or magically potent. Jonas spoke, voicing what Solomon felt.
"I wonder," he walked past the other man, further along the counter towards the far end, "what role it plays."
What was their motive, with the lake house gone? Had the Hunts been good at Herbology? Solomon only remembered that Lorelei had been very much into Divination. His memory was patchy, old impressions overwritten by new and confused ones.
There was a battered old table in the corner; he approached it, tapping the surface thoughtfully.
"It's extremely likely someone is living in that cottage back there..." Solomon's hand traced against the grain of the wood and he noted two pairs of letters carved on the side: W.W. & L.W.. Wolds, he assumed. No Wolds here.
Sol sighed so softly it was barely audible. "We should lay down an alerting charm or a trap," he glanced over his shoulder at Jonas. "To warn us if someone returns here while we're in the cottage."
Should this in fact be the Hunts' new base, with its new tenants temporarily away, Solomon didn't want to be caught off guard when they got back.
8
Other Wizarding Locations / Re: [March 6] When the Fog's Too Thick to See [Closed]
March 05, 2021, 12:53:30 PM
This investigation had been full of missteps. From Abigail's unusual escape to the personal nature of her pentral to the fact that he had instinctively hexed his squib assistant[1] when she tried to bolt from his office. The one time he had tried to help, he hindered instead. What if it happened again?
Was he trying to prove to himself that it wouldn't? Now was probably a bad time to realise that.
Solomon nodded, acknowledging Jonas' preliminary examination of the grounds. His own gaze swept the horizon and focused on the cottage with interest. Wind chimes were meant to ward off evil spirits, he remembered his mother telling him as a boy, though a witch he dated believed they attracted the spirits.
"My instinct says the cottage," he said as he pushed his cap up slightly, "but it's not been particularly helpful in this case. Greenhouse, then?" Sol started in the direction of the glass structures, free hand in one pocket. He was being superstitious and he knew it.
As they drew closer, he found himself more and more curious about the closer greenhouse with its thick foliage. Leaves pressing against the glass, in defiance of their wintry season. "Is it just the one entrance?" he gestured for them to circle around instead of heading for the one facing them.
Was he trying to prove to himself that it wouldn't? Now was probably a bad time to realise that.
Solomon nodded, acknowledging Jonas' preliminary examination of the grounds. His own gaze swept the horizon and focused on the cottage with interest. Wind chimes were meant to ward off evil spirits, he remembered his mother telling him as a boy, though a witch he dated believed they attracted the spirits.
"My instinct says the cottage," he said as he pushed his cap up slightly, "but it's not been particularly helpful in this case. Greenhouse, then?" Sol started in the direction of the glass structures, free hand in one pocket. He was being superstitious and he knew it.
As they drew closer, he found himself more and more curious about the closer greenhouse with its thick foliage. Leaves pressing against the glass, in defiance of their wintry season. "Is it just the one entrance?" he gestured for them to circle around instead of heading for the one facing them.
| 1. | 15th Nov '11 - We know not the fire in which we burn |
9
Other Wizarding Locations / Re: [March 6] When the Fog's Too Thick to See [Closed]
February 12, 2021, 12:29:55 PM
"If we Aurors don't...worry about the past... who else is there to do it?"
He smiled dryly at Trevelyan as they drew closer to the farm, a cottage and greenhouses visible past the overgrown garden. It must be good land, he thought abstractly, to have such wilderness still growing in the winter. Perhaps they had a head start on the coming spring. Right now their tenacity for life reflected his companion's chipper attitude.
"The werewolf issue, at least, has more known variables." Solomon was taking his time with his cigarette but his eyes were bright and alert, examining the horizon. "Although you're not wrong, Trevelyan. I don't enjoy locking horns with four all the bloody time."
The new department head, Spectre, seemed more interested in the goings-on of their werewolf problems than his predecessor... but he was young, his son was involved with some nonsense involving werewolf hunting. A good recipe for trouble if you had a heated temperament.
Solomon slowly came to a halt once they were closer to the heart of the farm land. He put his cigarette out on the thin branch of a young tree whose roots had grown into the dirt path, overturning the soil.
"Morgenthau's been useful, I suppose. Wants better relations with the other floors. Whatever that means," Sol muttered and pocketed the cigarette butt, gaze shifting from the cottage ahead to its sibling structures. "The greenhouses seem rather well kept, don't you think?"
His eyes lingered on them, glass walls reflecting winter light from one angle - the sheer verdancy of plant life could be seen from the outside.
Solomon heard the wind chimes again; they made a beautiful noise that punctuated what had so far been a pleasant walk. Yet the noise also made him want to shudder. Why was that? Instinct?
He slipped his wand out from his sleeve, casually holding it.
He smiled dryly at Trevelyan as they drew closer to the farm, a cottage and greenhouses visible past the overgrown garden. It must be good land, he thought abstractly, to have such wilderness still growing in the winter. Perhaps they had a head start on the coming spring. Right now their tenacity for life reflected his companion's chipper attitude.
"The werewolf issue, at least, has more known variables." Solomon was taking his time with his cigarette but his eyes were bright and alert, examining the horizon. "Although you're not wrong, Trevelyan. I don't enjoy locking horns with four all the bloody time."
The new department head, Spectre, seemed more interested in the goings-on of their werewolf problems than his predecessor... but he was young, his son was involved with some nonsense involving werewolf hunting. A good recipe for trouble if you had a heated temperament.
Solomon slowly came to a halt once they were closer to the heart of the farm land. He put his cigarette out on the thin branch of a young tree whose roots had grown into the dirt path, overturning the soil.
"Morgenthau's been useful, I suppose. Wants better relations with the other floors. Whatever that means," Sol muttered and pocketed the cigarette butt, gaze shifting from the cottage ahead to its sibling structures. "The greenhouses seem rather well kept, don't you think?"
His eyes lingered on them, glass walls reflecting winter light from one angle - the sheer verdancy of plant life could be seen from the outside.
Solomon heard the wind chimes again; they made a beautiful noise that punctuated what had so far been a pleasant walk. Yet the noise also made him want to shudder. Why was that? Instinct?
He slipped his wand out from his sleeve, casually holding it.
10
Other Wizarding Locations / Re: [March 6] When the Fog's Too Thick to See [Closed]
February 09, 2021, 11:55:39 AM
Solomon lit a cigarette with a lighter as his companion continued with jokes and pleasantries - charming in themselves, if somewhat unfamiliar to the older of the two. As an auror he hadn't worked much with Trevelyan. In the position of department head head, his interactions with Jonas were as frequent and professional as they were with most others.
Perhaps that was all for the better. Sol's interest in this investigation was personal: Iona, the siblings she named. The pentral had laid down a thread and he intended to see where it led... after all, a certain length had passed through his own experiences at Hogwarts.
The intimacy of his interest was better balanced by Trevelyan's unfamiliarity, then.
He tapped the end of his cigarette as they turned down the path leading to the farm, frost crunching underfoot. "You suppose Pratt is merciful enough?" Solomon snorted a cloud of smoke. "No, he gets too much pleasure out of it. I'd be doing circles in Regents Park until the autumn months."
It was a fine day, considering. Cold and cloudy but perfectly pleasant if you lived in these parts he imagined. He was dressed much in the way he would in Cambridge, which was close to his country home. To many it seemed as though he lived in office suits and robes, always prepared for a meeting. In reality, Solomon had grown up a country boy. He was very much at home here.
With his trousers tucked into his boots, woollen cap pulled down slightly over his eyes, Sol looked like the kind of stranger you would let in to your kitchen through the back door.
"We're being led on a merry chase, aren't we?" he glanced at Jonas, curious. "These pentrals, dredging up the past. As if there isn't enough future to worry about."
That sounded like something Morgenthau would say. It was true, though.
Perhaps that was all for the better. Sol's interest in this investigation was personal: Iona, the siblings she named. The pentral had laid down a thread and he intended to see where it led... after all, a certain length had passed through his own experiences at Hogwarts.
The intimacy of his interest was better balanced by Trevelyan's unfamiliarity, then.
He tapped the end of his cigarette as they turned down the path leading to the farm, frost crunching underfoot. "You suppose Pratt is merciful enough?" Solomon snorted a cloud of smoke. "No, he gets too much pleasure out of it. I'd be doing circles in Regents Park until the autumn months."
It was a fine day, considering. Cold and cloudy but perfectly pleasant if you lived in these parts he imagined. He was dressed much in the way he would in Cambridge, which was close to his country home. To many it seemed as though he lived in office suits and robes, always prepared for a meeting. In reality, Solomon had grown up a country boy. He was very much at home here.
With his trousers tucked into his boots, woollen cap pulled down slightly over his eyes, Sol looked like the kind of stranger you would let in to your kitchen through the back door.
"We're being led on a merry chase, aren't we?" he glanced at Jonas, curious. "These pentrals, dredging up the past. As if there isn't enough future to worry about."
That sounded like something Morgenthau would say. It was true, though.
11
Level Two: Magical Law Enforcement / Re: [5th Feb] She's Your Daughter
December 19, 2019, 03:59:56 PM
"I wasn't dealing. I wouldn't...I was sharing."
Solomon's sigh was gentle and barely-there as he took off his spectacles. "To insult officer Clairvoy's intelligence is, I suppose, a matter of fact," he used the corner of his suit jacket to wipe the lens clean, "but it's best you think twice before doing the same to your mothers. Or myself." The wizard inspected the frames one last time before wearing them once more.
It had been interesting to have a peek at Roh and Ballentyne's private lives but the novelty was quickly wearing off. He pushed back his chair, rising to his feet.
"It isn't an original lie," Sol half-smiled at Waverly, picking his folders off the table, "and this isn't an original situation. You're reading off a script that hundreds of imbeciles have read from before. The only thing keeping you from real trouble is..." he nodded his head at Zora. "And that won't work if you find yourself on level two again. I can make certain of that."
His countenance was perfectly droll as he turned around to leave. "Auror Roh," Solomon raised his eyebrows slightly. "If you want to stick her in the cells for a bit, I imagine Pratt wouldn't mind it."
Merlin knew their Head Auror was happy enough to abuse their amenities for his own amusement.
Solomon's sigh was gentle and barely-there as he took off his spectacles. "To insult officer Clairvoy's intelligence is, I suppose, a matter of fact," he used the corner of his suit jacket to wipe the lens clean, "but it's best you think twice before doing the same to your mothers. Or myself." The wizard inspected the frames one last time before wearing them once more.
It had been interesting to have a peek at Roh and Ballentyne's private lives but the novelty was quickly wearing off. He pushed back his chair, rising to his feet.
"It isn't an original lie," Sol half-smiled at Waverly, picking his folders off the table, "and this isn't an original situation. You're reading off a script that hundreds of imbeciles have read from before. The only thing keeping you from real trouble is..." he nodded his head at Zora. "And that won't work if you find yourself on level two again. I can make certain of that."
His countenance was perfectly droll as he turned around to leave. "Auror Roh," Solomon raised his eyebrows slightly. "If you want to stick her in the cells for a bit, I imagine Pratt wouldn't mind it."
Merlin knew their Head Auror was happy enough to abuse their amenities for his own amusement.
12
Level Two: Magical Law Enforcement / Re: [5th Feb] She's Your Daughter
December 19, 2019, 12:28:51 PM
He hadn't expected substantial resistance and, in fact, received none to the suggestion that he speak to their daughter. Solomon entered with his usual stride, casual but brisk, and smiled thoughtfully at the young witch sat in the room. She was surprised - fair. She was expecting her mothers to return with a resolution to their troubles, instead they return with a bespectacled suit. The wizard took a seat across the conference table while Zora made introductions.
"Nice to meet you," came a voice that was almost certainly not in its natural tenor.
"And you," he replied courteously. "I don't typically have the pleasure of meeting the families of our aurors." If anything it was probably inadvisable to bring one's children to Ministry holiday parties; too much drinking, too little recourse for young souls.
The eyes behind his gleaming frames made quick work of the items scattered between them, the purse. He wondered what he would have done in Roh's place, if Cynthia was caught under such circumstances. As department head, he would have felt an obligation to see the law enforced. As a father, disappointment would prevail.
"I know a few dealer bosses." Solomon began, crossing his legs and sitting back - he glanced at a bit of fluff on his suit trousers and brushed it off fussily. "Everyone on this floor does, rather. We know their names and addresses and everything down to their OWLs. Many of them didn't make it past OWLs," he added the last bit with a soft and derisive snort, offhand.
Sol didn't personally care for gillyweed but most people who sold it also sold harder things, riskier substances. He folded his hands over his crossed knee and considered Zora's daughter for a moment. "The only reason they're still out there is because we aren't able to pin anything on them. They're too clever for this," a throwaway gesture at what the witch had been dealing.
In the end, after all, the OWLs and NEWTs didn't always matter. Successful criminals were smart in different ways.
"They get imbeciles to do the dirty work, to serve the time." Solomon shrugged and exchanged a look with the senior auror before looking back to Waverly. "Do you consider yourself an imbecile?"
"Nice to meet you," came a voice that was almost certainly not in its natural tenor.
"And you," he replied courteously. "I don't typically have the pleasure of meeting the families of our aurors." If anything it was probably inadvisable to bring one's children to Ministry holiday parties; too much drinking, too little recourse for young souls.
The eyes behind his gleaming frames made quick work of the items scattered between them, the purse. He wondered what he would have done in Roh's place, if Cynthia was caught under such circumstances. As department head, he would have felt an obligation to see the law enforced. As a father, disappointment would prevail.
"I know a few dealer bosses." Solomon began, crossing his legs and sitting back - he glanced at a bit of fluff on his suit trousers and brushed it off fussily. "Everyone on this floor does, rather. We know their names and addresses and everything down to their OWLs. Many of them didn't make it past OWLs," he added the last bit with a soft and derisive snort, offhand.
Sol didn't personally care for gillyweed but most people who sold it also sold harder things, riskier substances. He folded his hands over his crossed knee and considered Zora's daughter for a moment. "The only reason they're still out there is because we aren't able to pin anything on them. They're too clever for this," a throwaway gesture at what the witch had been dealing.
In the end, after all, the OWLs and NEWTs didn't always matter. Successful criminals were smart in different ways.
"They get imbeciles to do the dirty work, to serve the time." Solomon shrugged and exchanged a look with the senior auror before looking back to Waverly. "Do you consider yourself an imbecile?"
13
Level Two: Magical Law Enforcement / Re: [5th Feb] She's Your Daughter
December 19, 2019, 06:15:17 AM
Gillyweed? Ah, but not simply gillyweed. An excess of gillyweed, a different kind of problem from smoking the odd bit here and there. As department head it was not Solomon's policy to go hard on gillyweed users. Would be a waste of resources to stop every witch or wizard giving it a try in quiet corners. Dealers, on the other hand...
"It's under control, sir." Roh was quick to intercede. "Your concern is noted. And unnecessary."
"Nonsense," he gestured dismissively and smiled mildly at the pair. "I'm happy to be of assistance. Can't have a senior auror's daughter running around in the wrong circles, can we? That's bad press, if nothing else. Might not be so lucky to avoid a nosy little reporter, next time. If there is a next time." And as Zora knew, there often was a next time.
Both of the witches were moderate earners, however. Why did they have a daughter trying to earn sickles and galleons by trading gillyweed? She can't have been looking for money so much as she was looking for a thrill.
"Would you like me to speak to her?" Sol offered, enjoying himself just the slightest.
"It's under control, sir." Roh was quick to intercede. "Your concern is noted. And unnecessary."
"Nonsense," he gestured dismissively and smiled mildly at the pair. "I'm happy to be of assistance. Can't have a senior auror's daughter running around in the wrong circles, can we? That's bad press, if nothing else. Might not be so lucky to avoid a nosy little reporter, next time. If there is a next time." And as Zora knew, there often was a next time.
Both of the witches were moderate earners, however. Why did they have a daughter trying to earn sickles and galleons by trading gillyweed? She can't have been looking for money so much as she was looking for a thrill.
"Would you like me to speak to her?" Sol offered, enjoying himself just the slightest.
14
Level Two: Magical Law Enforcement / Re: [5th Feb] She's Your Daughter
December 17, 2019, 11:53:26 AM
"...we'll handle it."
"We?" Solomon echoed with a dry little smile, before he could help himself. "I didn't realise that Ms Ballentyne was a part of the law enforcement process. You would think her far too busy running after her own division, to come help us poor creatures on two."
Daughter! And old enough to be out of Hogwarts as well. Maybe even recently out of Hogwarts, judging from Zora and Iona's ages. Apparently criminals and werewolves were easier factors to control than a teenage daughter. Sol tried not to judge when the offspring of aurors found themselves on the other side of the law. His own children were far from perfect.... but then again, neither Earnest nor Cynthia had ever been dragged to the Ministry for anything worse than a bar duel.
"What did the little miss Roh-Ballentyne get herself into?" Solomon raised an eyebrow, gaze flicking over Bruce's shoulder to clock the patrol officer waiting for them. "Or does Clairvoy have a better account of matters?"
"We?" Solomon echoed with a dry little smile, before he could help himself. "I didn't realise that Ms Ballentyne was a part of the law enforcement process. You would think her far too busy running after her own division, to come help us poor creatures on two."
Daughter! And old enough to be out of Hogwarts as well. Maybe even recently out of Hogwarts, judging from Zora and Iona's ages. Apparently criminals and werewolves were easier factors to control than a teenage daughter. Sol tried not to judge when the offspring of aurors found themselves on the other side of the law. His own children were far from perfect.... but then again, neither Earnest nor Cynthia had ever been dragged to the Ministry for anything worse than a bar duel.
"What did the little miss Roh-Ballentyne get herself into?" Solomon raised an eyebrow, gaze flicking over Bruce's shoulder to clock the patrol officer waiting for them. "Or does Clairvoy have a better account of matters?"
15
Department of Magical Law Enforcement Head's Office / Re: [4 Jan] In Due Corpse
December 16, 2019, 02:09:43 PM
“If you might avoid Pratt and Pinn, recent history considered…?”
He nodded once, almost tersely. Good man. The last thing they needed now Pratt stepping on toes in the vampire community - the Ministry was barely making things work with the werewolves, though he hoped for a peaceful full moon. Solomon made a note on his memo pad, glancing up to acknowledge Cepheus' advice. It was sensible, moderate advice. The words of a diplomat.
"Excellent," he finished his note and raised an eyebrow in his visitor's direction. "Would you be happy to do that? We'll send word down to four when Motley is taken in, and you may broach it with Vaillancourt."
Better a friendly face than one of the patrol officers or a red robe on another floor. Sol gestured casually at the door, and it swung open to reveal the waiting room beyond. "Thank you, Mr Gamp. Do let me know how you get on, and if there's any notable reactions within the vampire community when this news hits the Prophet."
He nodded once, almost tersely. Good man. The last thing they needed now Pratt stepping on toes in the vampire community - the Ministry was barely making things work with the werewolves, though he hoped for a peaceful full moon. Solomon made a note on his memo pad, glancing up to acknowledge Cepheus' advice. It was sensible, moderate advice. The words of a diplomat.
"Excellent," he finished his note and raised an eyebrow in his visitor's direction. "Would you be happy to do that? We'll send word down to four when Motley is taken in, and you may broach it with Vaillancourt."
Better a friendly face than one of the patrol officers or a red robe on another floor. Sol gestured casually at the door, and it swung open to reveal the waiting room beyond. "Thank you, Mr Gamp. Do let me know how you get on, and if there's any notable reactions within the vampire community when this news hits the Prophet."