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Full Character Name: Aisling Mary Knight (ne Bryne)
Character Birthday & Age: December 29, 1955 (54 as of December 29, 2009)
City & Country of Birth: Family Farm, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Blood Purity: Muggleborn
Alma Mater: Ravenclaw, Hogwarts (1967-1974)
Job/Position: Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, particularly the Muggle-Worthy Excuse Committee (1974-1998, 1999-Current)

Wand: Pliable, 8 inch long Osage Orange spiral wand with a unicorn hair core.


At 5'8", Aisling is slightly taller than average. Her build could best be described as slim, with a small bust and frame. Her face has an oval shape, with pale skin framed against long black hair, along with dark brown eyes. Her Azkaban place card number is still tattooed on her neck, though it's usually covered up with some form of makeup.

Fortunate genetics, along with the careful use of makeup (something which Aisling has paid particular attention to in more recent years), aid in giving her a rather youthful appearance for her age, even for a witch.

Her clothing style could best be described as "classic Muggle professional", though she tends to add more ornate touches with accessories. She tends to shy away from any styles that could be described as archaic.



Intelligent, disciplined, thoughtful, and observant; Aisling was a good fit for her house. The social awkwardness of her early years, something often worsened by her background and the limited understanding of the wizarding world caused by it, has given way to a sociable, gracious, and generous adult. One quite amenable to a chat over lunch or a cup of tea, though there is near-always a hint of reserve still there, and she tends to prefer to watch and listen rather than expound to much on her self. (Though her intellectual and artistic interests can certainly prompt her to lively discussion). To those whom she is the least amenable, this attitude may shift rather cold, though not impolitely so. On occasion she approaches some discussions with more analysis than is appropriate at the time, though such incidents have grown rarer over the years.

She tends to approach issues with careful observation followed by a focus on a few impactful points, and has taken a bit of an interest in politics in her later years. Her muggle-born background and the pain caused for her by the wizarding wars have given her a bit of a cynical side, and she invariably keeps a keen eye out for any indications of threats to her or her family. If such a threat were percieved, it is likely that she would react harshly, as she does tend to be able to distance herself from her emotions and scruples if she believes they would interfere.

It is not uncommon for Aisling to work herself overmuch, especially if Tarron is otherwise occupied. The nightmares and other impact of her time in Azkaban are something she has never truly dealt with, as she finds such all too easy to dismiss in favor of family, work, or study.

Family:

• Natan Bryne (Father)
• Mabina Bryne (Mother)
• Bailey Bryne (Brother)
• Teagan Bryne (Sister)
• Tarron Knight (Husband)
  
• Rowena Knight (Daughter)
  
• Sophia Knight (Daughter)

Early Years: 1955-1967
Born at her family farm in Northern Ireland, Aisling was the second of three children, and the first daughter, with her older brother Bailey having been born two years earlier. Her parents Natan and Mabina Bryne were relatively poor, and their children spent much of their free time assissting with the farm as soon as they were old enough. Another daughter, Teagan, was born four years after her older sister.

The delivery of her Hogwarts acceptance letter stunned her family, though they soon came to realize the potential benefits of such training and abilities. Teagan was particularly excited at this opportunity for her big sister, and had to be carefully instructed on the sensivity of such topics.

Hogwarts: 1967-1974
Aisling was soon sent off to Hogwarts for the 1967-1968 school year, with a simple wand of smooth Ash and unicorn hair, and no understanding of the world she was about to enter. She was sorted into Ravenclaw, and spent most of her first year struggling and sacrificing sleep for study time. Her second year proved better for her studies, though did attract some bullying through the occasional outspoken comment and the bit of a crush she'd developed on Tarron Knight, a Slytherin pureblood.

The First Wizarding War was a major instigator in much of her cynicism, and prompted the young Muggle-born to keep her head down and focus even more strongly on her schoolwork. She also developed an interest in Occlumency at this time, particularly prompted by the various uses of mind control during the war. She took six N.E.W.Ts, and passed all of them. Ancient Runes(O), Arithmancy(O), Divination(O), Charms(O), followed by Muggle Studies(E), and Defence Against the Dark Arts(E). She also passed all of her O.W.L. tests, with potions being her weakest point.

Career: 1974-1994
Upon her graduation in 1974, Aisling took a position with the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, largely working with Muggle-Worthy Excuse Committee. While at first she was uncertain about the position, and felt a bit pushed into it because of her Muggle-born heritage, she soon found herself enjoying the work and intellectual challenges offered by it. It was also during this period that she encountered Tarron Knight again, as they both worked for the Ministry of Magic. They soon developed a friendship based on shared intellectual interests, though Aisling's work tended to limit her free time until the end of the war. Much of what extra time she had was dedicated to studies regarding Occlumency, a subject in which she eventually hired another wizard to tutor her in. This study, and the discipline and willpower it entailed, played quite well into her natural strengths and was something she continued to practice until near the end of the Second War.

She did stay with her position after the war, continuing to do a dedicated job with it and pursuing intellectual and literary interests in her free time. A general lack of interest in Ministry politics or promotions meant that she did not rise high within her department, despite her skill at their work. She also kept in good contact with her family, particularly her younger sister Teagan, who married in 1983.

Courtship and the Second War: 1993-1998
In early 1993 Tarron decided to move their friendship (a relationship always complicated by Aisling's Muggleborn status and Tarron's traditionalist tendencies, along with the strong traditionalism of his family), to a formal courtship. While this process confused her at first,
it also went well, and they were married in February of 1994. The marriage caused Tarron's family to name him a blood traitor and disown him. Most of them also cut off contact at this point.

The return of Voldemort and the impact of the Second War stressed the new marriage considerably. Aisling became pregnant with twin girls early in 1997, a pleasing surprise that also added complications to any thoughts of fleeing the conflict. She was on leave because of this when the Ministry of Magic was taken over in August of that year, and managed to go into hiding for several months. Rowena and Sophie Lenore, their daughters, were born on October 3rd and 4th, respectively.

They managed to remain in hiding until February of 1998, when Aisling was found and captured by snatchers. She was accused not only of stealing magic, but of attempting to falsify her family tree (a subject she'd been researching for some time, though one which never showed any true wizard connections that they could find), and was tried and convicted. Her wand was snapped, and she was then sent to Azkaban. She attempted to use her skills in Occlumency to guard her mind from the impact of the Dementors there, though such concentration only had limited effectiveness amid such conditions.

War's End and On: 1998-Current
While her release at the end of the war came only a few months later, the trauma of exposure to the Dementors, along with being seperated from her young daughters, left a deeper impact than Aisling will usually admit to. It was a few months before she was willing to purchase a new wand, and returning to many of her previous activities took longer.

When she did eventually return to work in 1999, she took up her former position and started to pay a bit more attention to politics, particularly after Tarron's promotion to Chief Warlock in 2006. And now, with her daughters now off at their first year at Hogwarts, she's begun to turn her newly-found free time to more intellectual studies, though she hasn't yet resumed much formal practice of Occlumency, finding its use still rather tied to her memories of Azkaban.


As part of the Muggle-Worthy Excuse Committee, a sub-section of the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, Aisling helps to create explanations for muggles related to magical incidents. Depending on the incident, she may also liasion with muggles or other wizards to create evidence to support such explanations. The position requires a keen knowledge of muggle culture and issues, along with a sense of discretion. While she does assist with other issues within the department, managing issues involving muggles is her primary focus.


Aisling has a strong understanding of muggle culture, both because of her heritage and from continuing study, an understanding that led her to argue more than she should have with her Muggle Studies professor. She also recieved good marks in her studies, passing N.E.W.T.'s for six classes,  Ancient Runes(O), Arithmancy(O), Divination(O), Charms(O), followed by Muggle Studies(E), and Defence Against the Dark Arts(E), and passed all her O.W.L.'s as well. She commonly uses her Divination and Arithmancy skills to evaluate the consequences of various explanations.

Also, she finds it easy to dress and act in ways that make her blend into muggle society, thus avoiding compounding further suspicion onto any incidents she deals with. Over the years, she's developed a particular interest in muggle diseases and disease control procedures, something she tends to apply to more nasty incidents related to her work. In relation to her coworkers, she tends to be polite and respectful, if still slightly reserved. She tends to avoid too much involvement in office politics.


Ashana rubbed one hand across the bracelet on her wrist as she entered the inn. There was the soft thump of a limp body hitting the floor across the room, and she waited a moment before glancing in that direction. A drunk of little interest.

But the mer behind him caught her eye, though she seemed to glance at him no more or less than any of the other denizens. A lean Dunmer, clad in black and ebony and the sigil of moon and star. Azura. Nerevar. Such summoned thoughts were pushed back down as she considered the orange in his eyes, the itch his presence summoned to the back of her mind. Sanguinare Vampiris. Such explained the faint whispers that had come to her of one asking about vampires.

There were only a few reasons why a servant of the Queen of Dawn and Dusk would seek such. Most of which were cut away by his current state. Thoughts fanned out and completed in tiny fragments of Aka.

Even with how weak she still was, it was easy enough to paint the contemplation and expressions of one long-exiled who had just caught sight of a fragment of home on her face and movements. She purchased a bottle of wine from the innkeep before walking over to the table where the other vampire sat. "I greet you under sun and sky, sera. May I join you?"




Dedicated, intelligent, and creative, Aisling enjoys her work and has a tendency to spend more time than she should on it and additional studies, something exemplified by her still occasionally falling asleep in the middle of studying. She cares deeply about her family, and enjoys time spent with her friends, though she lacks the social energy of a true extrovert. Her muggleborn heritage has aided with her work, though it has also often placed her in precarious positions, especially during the Wizarding Wars. While she was more open in her youth, at this age she tends to be quiet and sharply watchful, especially when it comes to the politics of the wizarding world, something her birth and her husband's position will not let her escape as much as she might otherwise wish to.

Approved- Nuri


Character Name: Aisling Mary Knight
Age: 53
Character Biography: http://absitomen.com/index.php?topic=12259.0
Do any of your other Characters have Special Abilities?: No
If Yes, then Please provide their name and a link to their bio:
 
Special Ability: Occlumency
What level is this ability at?: Intermediate
At what age did your character gain this ability?: 20
How did they learn or hone this ability?: A few years after graduating Hogwarts, Aisling hired another wizard to instruct her in Occlumency, a subject she'd gained an interest in during her studies, and because of the nature of the First Wizarding War. She took such lessons on a regular basis for several years, and then occasional formal lessons, along with practicing with other wizards for about twenty years until she was forced to go into hiding during the second war. After her time in Azkaban, use of the skill was strongly associated with her experiences there, and thus she's slacked in her practices and her competence level has slipped over the ensuing years. Recently, with her daughters being in their first year at Hogwarts, she is hoping to dedicate some time to a proper study of the skill once again.
Describe how the Special Ability influences their life.  What do they use it for?: Aisling originally learned this ability as a defense measure against the methods of Voldemort's forces during the first war. While she wound up not requiring the use of it at that point, the mental discipline associated with the skill has had an impact on her career, further studies, and eventually, her social interactions. When she was sent to Azkaban, she used the memory supression techniques from the skill in an attempt to reduce the impact of the Dementor presence there on her mind, though such negatively impacted her use of the skill after her release.
Write a description of what happens when your character is exhibiting this Special Ability: While Occlumency generally lacks any major physical tells, there are a few tics that Aishling usually displays while practicing it. She tends to begin with closing her eyes and a few deep breaths. Because of the concentration involved, her usually polite and possibly warm expression may slip, giving way to one that could be described as more blank or in some cases, cold. It's also not uncommon for her to clench her left hand, and sometimes she will also reach that hand up to rub at the tattoo on her neck.

All Rationals are good at planning operations, but Masterminds are head and shoulders above all the rest in contingency planning. Complex operations involve many steps or stages, one following another in a necessary progression, and Masterminds are naturally able to grasp how each one leads to the next, and to prepare alternatives for difficulties that are likely to arise any step of the way. Trying to anticipate every contingency, Masterminds never set off on their current project without a Plan A firmly in mind, but they are always prepared to switch to Plan B or C or D if need be.

Masterminds are rare, comprising no more than one to two percent of the population, and they are rarely encountered outside their office, factory, school, or laboratory. Although they are highly capable leaders, Masterminds are not at all eager to take command, preferring to stay in the background until others demonstrate their inability to lead. Once they take charge, however, they are thoroughgoing pragmatists. Masterminds are certain that efficiency is indispensable in a well-run organization, and if they encounter inefficiency -- any waste of human and material resources -- they are quick to realign operations and reassign personnel. Masterminds do not feel bound by established rules and procedures, and traditional authority does not impress them, nor do slogans or catchwords. Only ideas that make sense to them are adopted; those that don't, aren't, no matter who thought of them. Remember, their aim is always maximum efficiency.

 In their careers, Masterminds usually rise to positions of responsibility, for they work long and hard and are dedicated in their pursuit of goals, sparing neither their own time and effort nor that of their colleagues and employees. Problem-solving is highly stimulating to Masterminds, who love responding to tangled systems that require careful sorting out. Ordinarily, they verbalize the positive and avoid comments of a negative nature; they are more interested in moving an organization forward than dwelling on mistakes of the past.

Masterminds tend to be much more definite and self-confident than other Rationals, having usually developed a very strong will. Decisions come easily to them; in fact, they can hardly rest until they have things settled and decided. But before they decide anything, they must do the research. Masterminds are highly theoretical, but they insist on looking at all available data before they embrace an idea, and they are suspicious of any statement that is based on shoddy research, or that is not checked against reality.

Name

Name: Aisling Mary Knight (ne Byrne)
Reason or meaning of name:

• Pronounced "Ash-ling".
• Aisling means "dream" or "vision".
• It also refers to the poetic genre known as "aisling".
• Has some similarities to the name used for the original version of the character.

Nicknames: "Ash" is the only likely one, and her husband would be the only one likely to use that.


Birth

Age: 54 as of December 29, 2009
Date of Birth: December 29, 1955
Blood Purity: Muggleborn
Astrological Sign: Capricorn
Nationality: Irish
Birth Place: Family Farm, County Antrim, Northern Ireland


Family & Home

Father: Natan Bryne

• Age:  76
• Occupation: Farmer (now largely retired).
• Relationship with: Generally good. Aisling and her father don't have too much in common any more, but they both put effort into keeping in touch and holding on to what they have. He's also a bit relieved now that she's married and isn't burying herself in her work so much.

Mother: Mabina Bryne

• Age: 75
• Occupation: Farmer/Seamstresses/Housewife/Whatever's needed
• Relationship with: Aisling's mother was quite relieved to discover that her middle child was a witch, rather than merely a problem child followed by odd incidents. She's been quite proud of Aisling ever since, though she does tend to worry about her daughter. All things considered, it's hard to say she worries too much.

Brother: Bailey Bryne

• Age: 56
• Occupation: Plumber
• Relationship with: Friendly, but not close. Mostly the holidays/birthdays/occasional letter sort of relationship. Bailey's never quite adjusted to having a witch as his sister.

Sister: Teagan Bryne

• Age: 50
• Occupation: Doctor: General Practitioner
• Relationship with Warm. Aisling tends to stop by whenever she might be in the area. The two women both share a strong intellectual bent which means they always have something to discuss.

Birth order: Middle child

Current Residence: An estate in London.

Socioeconomic Level: Upper-class

Talents/Skills:

• Good memory
• Skilled liar
• Good listener
• Capable gardener, though a bit rusty
• Occlumens
• Good with her wand work, esp defense
• Quite good with knives

Physical Characteristics

Height: 5'8"
Weight: 137 pounds
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Black
Glasses or contact lenses? No.
Skin color: Pale
Shape of Face: Oval
Distinguishing features: Azkaban cell number tattooed on her neck, though it's usually hidden in some fashion.

Health: Good overall, though her occasional struggles with prioritizing self-maintenance can cause minor issues, as she'll skip breakfast, stay up too late, or forget to exercise on occasion.

Speech patterns: Intellectual, semi-formal, occasionally a bit poetic. Tends to circle around some topics rather than speaking directly regarding them.

How does he/she dress? Tasteful Muggle professional attire is her usual style. (See here. She'll go with more formal, or more wizardly clothing depending on the occasion.


Intellectual and Educational Background

Intelligence Level: Bright, likely in the 120-130 IQ range. A lifetime of intellectual pursuits and a strong sense of discipline haven't hurt either.

Any Mental Illnesses?: She has some symptoms of PTSD from her time in Azkaban during the Second War. This tends to be largely prompted by attempts to use Occlumency or lengthy separation from her daughters.


Personality Attributes and Attitudes

Mannerisms: Generally reserved, with enough small gestures to add a bit of warmth to it. Particularly with her hands. Occasionally rubs at her tattoo when stressed.

Habits: She tends to sprawl out on the couch, a large chair, or occasionally the floor when she reads. Cradles warm tea a bit. Forces herself to drink her wine slowly.

Hobbies:

• Reading. A great deal of reading. Poetry, magic theory, a bit of politics, various muggle topics.
• Gardening.
• A lengthy selection of magical studies. Particularly Divination.

Emotional Characteristics

Strengths:

• Dedicated
• Considerate
• Intellectual
• Generous
• Willing to listen to and aid others
• Diplomatic
• Empathetic

Weaknesses:

• Sometimes cold
• Stubborn
• Manipulative
• Extremely harsh in certain situations

Introvert or Extrovert?: Introvert
 
Optimist or Pessimist?: Pessimist

How does Aisling deal with anger?: She doesn't anger easily. If something deeply angers her, she'll become utterly cold about it as part of distancing herself. And quite ruthless, since the few things that would anger her that much likely involve threats to her family.

With sadness?: Distances herself from others.

In a crisis?: Stay calm and analyze the situation.

With change?: Analysis, tea,  snide comments in private.

With loss?: Tends toward very icy and distant.

What does Aisling want out of life?: Opportunities for intellectual advancement, a bit of safety and stability for her family.

What would Aisling like to change in her life?: She'd like Tarron's family to forgive him for marrying a Muggleborn and move on.

What motivates Aisling?: Intellectual curiosity, a deep care for her family, and a touch of fear.

What frightens Aisling?: The prospect of another Wizarding War. She's only lived through two already.

What makes Aisling happy?: Books to read, comfy chairs, tea, family, and intellectual discussion.

Is Aisling judgmental of others?: No.

Is Aisling generous or stingy?: Generous. She delights in finding the perfect gifts for others, and in their enjoyment upon receiving such. She also doesn't tend to spend a great deal, and thus has a respectable quantity of galleons to spare for the right cause.

Is Aisling generally polite or rude?: Polite. A bit teasing among those she's close to, icy with a hint of biting sarcasm when she wishes to express disapproval, but polite.

Greatest flaw: Doesn't value herself enough. Tends to disconnect from her own issues to deal with other matters. Is the sort of who'd damn herself for something she considers a worthy cause.

Best quality: The flipside of the above. No holds barred dedication towards that which she cares about.

Aisling's short-term goals in life: Getting the garden at home into shape, picking her Occlumency studies back up, dedicating a bit more time to her various intellectual interests. Reading more poetry.

Aisling's long-term goals in life: Having the time for some in-depth research and writing, making sure that her daughters do well.  Being able to sleep in.

How does Aisling see herself?: Cautiously.

How does Aisling believe she is perceived by others?: Polite, thoughtful, and not quite as intelligent or threatening as she can truly be. (Which is the way she likes it, as she tends to find being underestimated useful.)

What would most embarrass Aisling?: Some sort of intellectual or logical failure in front of Tarron's family.


Favorites

Color: Dark blue or dark purple.
Animal: Raven or spider.
Food: Strawberry jelly beans.
Drink: Warm tea in a nice cup.
Movie:
Band:
Song:
City:
Place:  Home.
Instrument:
Piece of clothing?: Comfortable shoes.



Magical Characteristics

Erisid:  A quiet afternoon at home with Tarron and her daughters. Accompanied by books and cordial letters from his family.
Amortentia:  Tarron's pipe, strawberry jelly beans, and the smell of a rose that's just starting to fade.
Boggart: Tarron and the girls dead.
Dementor: Being dragged away from her home and young children, then being subjected to the tender attentions of the Muggleborn Registration Committee and sent to Azkaban for several months. With a side of Dementors during that time. So Dementorception.
Patronus: Raven

Wand:

• Wood: Osage Orange: Most in tune with the mind. Seeks a companion of intelligence and creativity. Used commonly with Occlumency and Legilimency. Excellent for repelling and protection spells.[1]
  
• Core: Unicorn hair
  
• Length: 8"
  
• Pliability: Quite pliable.
  
• Special Characteristics: Fine spirals run down the length of it. It also has the faint wear of something handled quite regularly.
  
• Notes: It's her second wand, the first one was Ash and Unicorn hair, which was snapped by the Muggleborn Registration Committee. Because of that, she always keeps her wand close by.
  

Additional Notes on Aisling

• Aisling actually has a quite high alcohol tolerance, something which she tends to hide as it might give the wrong impression.
• Her favored techniques of Divination are Extispicy and Rhapsodomancy
  
• She's pansexual.
• She has a bit of a fondness for Edgar Allen Poe.
• Even though she usually uses magic to hide her tattoo, she still has a fondness for collar-type necklaces that cover that area.
• She much prefers flat shoes over high heels. With her height, that's not necessarily a bad thing.
• Her and Tarron still have some of the Ancient Runes books that Aisling had bought for him in school.
• While she doesn't know it, Aisling is actually distantly related to the Ó Móráin family. Her ancestor, whoever he/she was, would have been burned out of their family tree a couple centuries back.

1.

Source

Approved! -- Sparky

Career Change

Character Name: Aisling Knight
Character Biography: Aisling Knight
Previous Job/Position: Employee, Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, particularly the Muggle-Worthy Excuse Committee (1974-1998, 1999-Current)
Position Applying For: Chairwitch of the Muggle-Worthy Excuse Committee

Why have you chosen to change careers?:
Aisling isn't getting any younger, and between a concussion on the job in November and recently discovering that she's pregnant, a more administrative position sounds very appealing.

Elaborate on your expertise in this new field:
This is more of a slight focus change then a new field. Aisling has served in Accidents and Catastrophes for over thirty years, much of which involved the Muggle-Worthy Excuse Committee. At this point, she's familiar with all facets of the Committee.

Before that, she got good marks with her schooling, including in Muggle studies. Her Muggle-born background, along with her maintaining contact with that world over the years, mean that she's quite comfortable with Muggle society. This makes it much easier for her to create easily-accepted excuses for her work, as well as picking up on any content that may prove jarring or otherwise disrupt the masquerade.

Describe your new job and how you go about doing it:
With this new position, Aisling's duties will be more organizational. She'll evaluate excuses on larger incidents, organize whatever resources are needed to support them, and investigate current Muggle happenings for fodder with which to handle new disasters.

She approaches her work with care and attention to detail, and while she occasionally employs divination techniques as a method of analysis such are never used exclusively.