Night had fallen in the City.

Though in many of its streets that meant little, here at the end of St Jude's road all had fallen silent. Muggle lamps cast a stunted glow across the crowded row though, even in the shadows, one house stood out at the very end.

Once the home of an illustrious inventor, its front and height far outstripped its smaller neighbours. Though it had long since been converted into smaller flats, it's exterior spoke of wealth and glory that had long since left the area. A pair of large gargoyles still glared at all visitors from their central position above its main door. 

It was towards this building that a dark figure was currently making her way.

Though officially summer, the air was rather cool and a fine mist of rain filled the air which, giving its volume, had the surprising ability to drench everything that crossed its path.... at least everything but that figure. There seemed a sphere of air, an invisible shield around the woman that the rain seemed to avoid. The silence, in this instance, seemed somewhat unnatural. No sound of footsteps could be heard as she ran up to the front. Only the small creak of the latch as she let herself inside the rather grand entrance.

Even inside the safety of the building, she kept the hood of her cloak up until she had finally made her way inside her flat at the very top of the house. She sighed softly, realising how tired she was as she slipped her cloak off and left it over the back of her desk chair. Work had run a little later than normal for a Sunday. It hadn't left as much time for rest as she had been hoping for.

A flick of her wand and the candle in the centre of a small oak table burst into flames. It cast enough light for her to see to pour herself a small glass of firewhiskey from a decanter nearby....just enough light for her to see, out of the corner of her eye, the outline of the figure at the far side  of the room.
   

If there was a more patient man in this world, Jade would like to meet him. He had spent years hitting dead ends when it came to his research. He was told that he was crazy, that he needed to give up, and that his time was more valuable. What could be more valuable then finding out just what makes a wizard tick? Mere Muggles could never hope to reach the level of power that a wizard has, and Jade wanted to find out why. He needed to find out why.

So when he heard of a rather large text existed on the subject, in the hands of someone undeserving, he knew he had to have it. The problem was that he had become an Unspeakable for the Ministry of Magic, and couldn't just go and take it himself. Which is why Jade sat in Arianna Trenford's flat, waiting for her to arrive back at her home, her place of comfortable solitude. She had stolen the text for him, and left a brilliant mess in her wake. She also failed to reach the drop point so Jade could collect his prize.

As she entered the front door to her flat, a wicked smile etched itself across Jade's face. She was completely unsuspecting, and Jade could do anything he wanted to her. Images of horrible actions danced through Jade's mind, but ultimately Jade decided to be a bit more Human about it. There would be too many questions if Ms. Trenford was found dead. It just wasn't the right time.

A candle flickered, and Arianna poured herself a glass of firewhiskey. She had no doubt had a rough day, and wanted to relax. She wouldn't get the opportunity. She turned to face the figure in the shadows, and Jade stepped forward, with his wand out but not leveled at anyone. "Did I startle you?" Jade stepped forward, like a creature sizing up it's prey. "It's so hard to find good help. Am I right, Ms. Trenford?"

Arianna span round to face him, her wand instinctively raised in defence. She froze, her eyes on the man now standing before her. Her expression was calm though the rest of her body betrayed her emotion. Her breathing had quickened. Her skin drained of any colour as the adrenaline shot through her body far more quickly than a curse could ever be fired. Slowly she lowered her wand by her side though the muscles in her arm stayed taught, ready to move her arm back in a moment.

A hundred questions ran through her mind. ... How did you find me? How did you get in here? Will I be alive tomorrow.... She didn't ask any of them and ignored his. She certainly didn't add her usual dose of sarcasm when she finally spoke.

" You've come for the book. " She stated plainly, her voice steady though her wand arm trembled slightly.

"Its over in that chest, wrapped in a red cloth at the bottom. Please, take it."

She dropped her eyes lower than his gaze as she spoke, watching his hands rather than his face. Even as she spoke, she knew...the chance that he would just take his book and be on his merry way was slim. Breaking into her flat, bypassing the many security spells she had laced her hideout with, had taken planning and patience - he would want some pay back for all that effort.

Mind on overdrive, she quickly flicked through her options, which were far more limited than she would have liked.

She could run, but choose that and she would be running forever and she was tired of always hiding away. She could fight, but then the man she was facing was likely no stranger to a duel. Losing would have dire consequences - she wasn't ready to die just yet. Or...or she could bargain - she had always been better with words than her wand.