Accepted! by Knox

About You, the Writer:
We will never ask any member to disclose any personal information.
Your Nickname: Chris
Have you read and do you agree to the Code of Conduct?: Yes
How did you find us and decide to write with us? I was invited.
If you have written other characters here, list them all: Nope

Full Character Name: Marcus Annwyl
Character Birthday & Age: June 1st, 1960
City & Country of Birth: Swansea, Wales
Pureblood, Halfblood or Muggleborn?: Pureblood
Alma Mater: Hogwarts, Ravenclaw
Job: Minister of Magic


Wand:
13" stiff Oak, Welsh Green/Thestral dual core. Dark brown finish with a slight drillbit design. The handle is
perfectly suited for the fencing style he typically employs.


Physical Description:
6'4", 200 lbs.; Marcus is fairly tall, but not skinny. His decades of Auror work have put enough muscle on him to be what he considers to be comfortable, and he works out regularly to maintain it. As a Metamorphmagus, Marcus is able to alter the aesthetics of his appearance at will, but his most natural appearance is that of a man beginning to show age lines from decades of work-related stress. His hair is dark brown with hints of gray, with his facial hair at the same hue. Using his natural ability, he will routinely cover up the numerous scars and other various signs of abuse he has obtained during his time on the field.


Personality Description:
Until the day he dies, Marcus will be known as a very charismatic man. He's thoughtful, calculating, and not afraid to relax when the situation demands it. His years serving an an Auror, as well as his time fighting the Irish Republican Army (IRA), has hardened him to the atrosities and evils that men can do. As Minister of Magic, he is always acutely aware of the responsibility he has to the people, and tends to inspire a fierce loyalty in those around him.


History: (Shown in handy bullet point form!)
- Born on June 1st, 1960

- Attends Hogwarts from 1971-1979, as a Ravenclaw.

- Becomes an Auror-In-Training from 1979-1982, then graduates to full Auror status.

- From 1982-1992, Marcus makes a name for himself as a retrieval expert in the Auror department, using his ability as a Metamorphmagus. During this time he gets a partner, Alexander Belisario. Alex proves to be far more capable as a pure retrieval expert due to the way in which he approaches a mission, so Marcus shifts more toward profiling and recon.

- The Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) had been in constant combat with the British forces since 1971, slowly moving their campaign to regions in England. In 1992, British soldiers were discovered on the battlefield with horrible disfigurments such as relocation of body parts and the transfiguration of internal organs to straw. Marcus, along with Alex, was shipped out immediately to go undercover in the British Army to find the source.

- In mid-1994, the IRA had declared an indefinite ceasefire. By the fall of that year, Marcus and Alex were finally able to clean up any and all dark wizard activity in the area, finding the original source for the mutilated soldiers, as well as a group of wannabe Death Eaters that had been escalating the chaos for unknown (at the time) reasons. Alex had recieved word that his wife had been tragically killed, so he left the battlefield and returned in order to be with his daughter. Marcus remained to finish the job, as well as lie about Alex's death in the field.

- In mid-1995, Marcus was finally given their (forged) discharge papers. He returned home just in time to get the news that Voldemort had, in fact, returned.

- By the winter of 1997, corruption had spread throughout the Ministry of Magic. So much, that Marcus feared coming to work. Within that time, dozens of suspected and known Death Eaters had begun to take residence with the Ministry of Magic. Instead of letting fear be the deciding factor, Marcus investigated the root of the problem along with Alex.

- Their findings led to the apprehension of Theodora Kingstreet in early1998. As the attorney for the Ministry of Magic, and a staunch supporter of Voldemort, she was found guilty of numerous offenses and shipped off to Azkaban. This was the beginning of Marcus' rise, as he was made Senior Auror shortly afterwards.

- During the years of 1998 and 1999, Marcus and Alex were both crutial in the apprehension of several known Death Eaters. It was during this time that Marcus began to feel a severe distaste for field work.

- In 2000, Marcus resigned from the position as Senior Auror, leaving it open for Alex to take over. It was Marcus' conclusion that there was more that could be done behind the scenes to make sure that the same mistakes were not repeated.

- From 2000 to 2004, Marcus worked almost completely in the Wizengamot, serving as Vital Counsel on Criminal Affairs.

- Kingsley Shaklebolt stepped down as the Minister of Magic in 2004, and Marcus was elected to take his place. At 44, Marcus was known to be the youngest wizard in recent history to take the position.


What is your job description? How do you go about your job?
The Minister of Magic is overseer of all affairs. It is his/her job to notify the current Prime Minister of any unusual magical goings-on, as well as introducing himself/herself any newly elected Prime Minister, and make them aware that magic exists. When the seat of Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot is vacant, he/she serves as the de facto Chief Warlock.

As the Minister of Magic, Marcus employs an open door policy. This means that he can be approached at anytime by anyone at the Ministry, for anything relevant to the Ministry. Politically, he hides very little from the people, only sparing them the things that would cause undue unrest. He shares a close relationship with the Daily Prophet, to ensure that out-of-context messages are minimized. Nevertheless, with him there will always be a free exchange of ideas. Ultimately, Marcus holds the power to decide, and it's something he takes very seriously.


How did you get your current job? How does your past and abilities justify your current position?:
The position was obtained after a slow and steady climb. As an former Auror specializing in profiling and recon, Marcus is well-suited psycologically to prevent problems from becoming too severe. Working undercover with the Army while fighting both the IRA and hidden dark wizards gave Marcus the advanced abilities to make decisions on the fly, as well as adapting to ever-changing odds. His years serving on the Wizengamot gave him the patience and the diplomacy needed to lead.


Writing Sample:
Show your character in a scene that illustrates their best and worst aspects
of their personality. Include action, dialog and thought.

The crowd grows larger every year. This day is a milestone, because it is the Tenth Rememberance Day. The tenth anniversary of Voldemort's defeat. There are pilgrimages to the site, where those that had nothing to do with the events still pay their respects. Marcus was one of many speakers that day, of many who were directly or indirectly involved with what transpired. Many who have stories to tell. Many who have lost loved ones. The task was daunting, because Marcus is horrible at speeches. Especially speeches that he feels he is not deserving enough to give.

As Minister of Magic, being able so reflect on what happened is a privelage, one that felt heavy on his shoulders. Marcus was a consumate people person, but he didn't like crowds. It was an inherent contradiction, and something he would have to shrug off for the day. He was there to remember, just like everyone else.

"Ten years ago...," Marcus began with a strong voice, "Great men, women, and children fought to keep our safety, with the sole ideal that they cannot let evil win. I was just one of the many, but my story is not even one of the first thousand that needs to be told. We come to remember the ones that have left us, the ground that we stand on a constant reminder of the battle that was fought and the sacrifices that were made."

Marcus took a pause and looked over the crowd that was gathered. Some of them calm, others in tears, but all of them here today. Remembering. "To quote America's sixteenth president, 'We cannot dedicate,we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract.' Words that ring true as much now as they did then.

What we do or say on this ground today will go unremembered, but the events that occured ten years ago will never be forgotten. Your mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters will never be forgotten. The courage that we as a whole showed to those that threaten our way of life, will never be forgotten. Let us not hang our heads in mourning, but hold our heads high, and resolve our devotion that those that died did not do so in vain."

Marcus stepped away with a thunderous applause erupting over the crowd.

Sum up your character in one paragraph:
How about one sentence?

Marcus is always different, yet always the same.

Accepted -- Dazmond.

Character Name:
Marcus Annwyl

Under what character section did you apply?:  (Criminal, Student, etc.)
Ministry

Is your character accepted?:  If not, please wait to apply for a Special Ability
Yes

Age:
47

Special Ability:
Metamorphmagus

When did your character master this ability?  How long have they had it?:
The ability itself was finally mastered during his sixth year at Hogwarts. He's known about this ability since he was ten.

Describe how the Special Ability influences their life:
During his stint as an Auror, it enabled him to get into places and gather information that would have otherwise been unknown to him. For casual encounters, mostly to be polite, he uses the ability to cover up the scars he has recieved during his time in the field.

Write a description of what happens when your character is exhibiting this Special Ability:
Marcus is to the point with his ability that he is able to change almost instantly, and hold it with minimal concentration. On a low stress day, he can even hold it in his sleep. If knocked out, however, the facade will disappear.

Accepted -- Knox

Marcus Annwyl, Auror serving the Wizarding Kind of all Britain, your commitment to the ideals of mercy, efficient action, and love of justice has earned you great honor and our esteem.  It is our distinct pride to award you the Order of Merlin First Class for your tireless efforts and selfless victories in bringing the prodigal sons and daughters of Merlin to justice.  The world is now nearly free of Death Eaters, thanks to you.

[Character Name:] Marcus Annwyl

[Title Applying For:] Order of Merlin 1st Class

[link to Accepted Biography:] http://absitomen.com/index.php?topic=102.0 (temporary location)

[How Has Your Past Prepared You For This Honor?:] Before Marcus was sent undercover, he had been an Auror for a decade. Even before Alex came along, Marcus was unstoppable in his pursuit of dark wizards, and had rounded up several before Alex joined.

During the three years he was undercover for the British Army, he had uncovered several dark wizard groups that were using the chaos as a means to an end.

After the fall of Voldemort, Marcus was instrumental in wiping out the remaining Death Eaters. Most notably, he was one of the Aurors thathad apprehended Theodora Kingstreet, a strong supporter and enabler of Voldemort's.

[What Do You Think the Most Important Aspect of This Job Is:?
As an Auror, his job was dependant on his usefulness in apprehending criminals. As Minister of Magic, the most important aspect of his job is to think carefully and not screw it up.
[Tell a Story From Your Past That Has Proven Your Mettle:]
(You may tell the story as if your character is telling it,
or you can write in the third person.)

The first thing that pops into my head is the time Alex and I were at the North Ireland border. A few days previous, I had discovered what looked like an entire company of soldiers that had been slaughtered. Upon closer inspection I find that they weren't just British soldiers, but IRA members as well. Most of them were stripped down, and all of them were disfigured. Some of the bodies were misaligned, some had parts reattached to different areas, a few of them had their internal organs or blood replaced with straw and sawdust. I found two maps, one for each faction, buried in one of the bodies with a note attached saying, "Come find me." Whoever wrote this was taunting us.

I put the two map coordinates together and I find the middle ground, a small house just on the border. Alex and I both watched over the place for activity, but no one was coming in or going out. We were fed up with waiting, so we shouldered our weapons and moved in. Alex kicked the door down, and I followed while watching the rear.

We searched the house and found a hidden basement door. Upon investigation, we discovered a wizard doing cruel experiments to the dead soldiers. He began a speech about creating eternal life before Alex shot him in the shoulder. Jade, as we found his name out to be, had actually been working on a formula for eternal life. Before Alex shot him, anway.

I extracted the bullet from him and had him sent away to be tried in our courts. Most importantly, the families of those that were disfigured by Jade could finally rest easy.

Accepted! ~Elle/Fauna

List your other characters, if applicable: Jade Corin, Argent Denora
Please provide a link to your Application:  CLICK!
Age: 47
Special Ability: Occulmency

When did your character master this ability?  How long have they had it?: He trained the use of this ability sice he had become a Senior Auror, and mastered it when he became Minister of Magic.

How did they learn or hone this ability?: Alex had initially taught him a way to block reading the mind, and then requested that Alex send him through a barrage of testing throughout the years.

Describe how the Special Ability influences their life.  What do they use it for?: Marcus uses this special ability specifically as a politician would. The ability had been trained and mastered to prevent anyone, be it the press or even another member of the Ministry of Magic, from reading his thoughts.

Write a description of what happens when your character is exhibiting this Special Ability: The way Marcus combats the average intrusions are thwarted by thinking simple emotions like lust, anger, or jealousy. More advanced attempts are usually stopped by pure willpower strengthened by his magical prowess. However, if his mind is attacked several times without relenting he would be prone to mental assault.