12:06 PM



Black nose pressed to the ground, a golden retriever padded enthusiastically through the depths of the Forbidden Forest, trotting over precarious roots and long feathered tail swishing merrily in her wake. Once or twice the slightly build dog would perk her head up and bark anxiously at the large, cumbersome man trailing after her. With an impatient whine and a fair amount of dancing, she would wait for him to catch up, just so, before lurching forward again. 

Technically trespassing on Hogwarts property, Tamis Raynor made her once a week, two hour venture onto the grounds as inconspicuous as possible. The villagers at Hogsmeade were beginning to become familiar with the stray dog that appeared occasionally that seemed to appreciate a good, dare devil romping in the adjacent forests. Except, today she was not playing the stray. Her coat was bright and glistening and a collar jingled melodiously around her neck as she jogged along. The collar matched a leash in Archer’s possession a few feet behind her – a concept he seemed to find rather entertaining. He had not been amused, however, when he discovered that when she asked if he would help give her a bath that she had not meant while she was in human form. She had made sure to shake, several times, just for good measure.   

If anyone stumbled upon them, the pair would look nothing more than a villager innocently chasing after his escaped canine.

Now, if only he could keep up.

Her four legs and limber build were more adapted to handle the rough terrain, it was true, but she was anxious to get through the forest as quickly as possible. She had never been a fan of dark misty places nor magical creatures and it was a bit too much of both for her liking. Used to traveling much faster, the slower pace was making her nervous. He also was not as familiar with the way to the Hospital Hut. When asked, she had told him that she had it memorized – she had not been about to admit that she had marked it.

Another reason to be done with the forest. Last night’s little escapade had left her with a murderous headache and trying to distinguish one smell from another was making it worse – and they were most certainly not going to be stranded, lost, in that forsaken place.  Transforming back was going to be unpleasant as it was.

What seemed like after an eon, the clearing behind the former groundskeeper’s hut came into view and the retriever leapt the rest of the distance.  She circled the perimeter several times, unusual gray eyes taking in what her nose did not. Then, satisfied, she sat back on her haunches and barked at the rear of the cabin, tail swishing once half-heartedly through the grass. They were a little bit late for Raynor’s usually projected time and she did not know if anyone else was in the Hut for treatment at the moment. Best not to transform yet.

One of her floppy ears twitched backwards, checking to make sure Archer was still following.

Four legs were faster than two.  This was a widely accepted fact, and the fact that his partner could become a dog at will was not exactly ideal.  Well, it was interesting, he had – that morning – been entertained that the first time he got to be in the bathtub with her was running his fingers through a thick coat and using tick repellent shampoo.  He had no idea why she was so dirty, he wished that carried over to her human self sometimes, and though he joked about it, he was going to help on this one – he had promised.  

It was even his idea to use the take for a walk.  Of course, that was now his worst idea ever, he decided, as she tugged at the leash and looked back at him through Hogsmeade.  It was like she was purposefully being a tough dog just to make him look bad.  Honestly.  Like he couldn't handle a dog!  It was perhaps the greatest gift when he was able to unhook her leash and let her run ahead of him, rather than be strung along on the leash (a feeling he was all too familiar from past relationships).

When they got into the forest, it wasn't much better than the village, unfortunately.  He could see, even in her dog eyes, that she was impatient, and if a dog could sigh like he knew she would when she was a person, that retriever would have been doing it now.  He didn’t really like being looked at like that, and he would have yelled that he couldn’t move any faster over the rocks and foliage and everything that was littering the path – he didn’t even know where they were going!

She had insisted she knew the way – he knew he should have checked first – but now he was relying on her and she was being really annoying, for lack of a better term to describe what was going on here.  She was overall, a good dog, but an obnoxious one who did not understand a human being could not move so quickly.  Under his breath, he continually murmured this fact, laced with curses whilst tripping over roots and sticks.  He would have been more graceful if not for the fact he was completely confused.  

Hopefully they would be there quickly and Archer wanted to make sure that he was doing well, but he wasn’t exactly in a hurry to be target practice either.  Informed of this duty this morning, without any warning or ability to say no, Archer was having a little bit of fun, tugging the leash just a tad more than he had to.  Finally, when he was catching up, Archer sighed, “You could go a little slower you know!” he called out after her – really hoping beyond reason that they were going to be out of the forest soon.  

He thought he saw the edges of the forest with green field beyond it, but it could just have been a wishful hallucination.  "Are we almost there yet, Fido?" he called again, glancing at his watch - they were late, on top of it.

Fauna -

Come by at 11:00.  We need to go over the test results.

Signing the note would have been excessive.  The golden eagle that weaved in between the delivery owls during that morning's brunch was as distinctive as a red tulip in a field of daisies.  As recognizable as the bird was, it was also becoming a common sight.  Unless her presence was really required at meals, Tulojow preferred to stay in her cabin and send the eagle to deliver the summons for any necessary follow ups.  Not only did it spare her the trip but it also gave Kalie something to do.  He seemed to be getting as restless with the settled life as Tulojow was. 

Strategically, asking Fauna to arrive at the Hospital Hut had been a decent idea.  If someone was watching for signs of any extracurricular activities on the seventh year's part, they'd be looking for patterns.  And, if they were watching the cabin or the student, it'd do no good for Fauna to come through the front door a few minutes before a strange figure passed through the back door.  Having her come down an hour ahead of time gave any observers ample opportunity to get bored and find something else to do. 

It also gave the student plenty of time to fidget and worry in the kitchen while they waited.  About fifteen minutes ago, Tulojow had plopped a basket full of hand towels needing folding in front of the Hufflepuff.  The hospital hut was empty, save the Hufflepuff.  The last of the morning's post-quidditch-practice bruises had been salved and sent on their way. 

A cauldron of emetic potion hung, simmering, over the fire, diffusing a faint though distinctly putrid scent through the kitchen.  Two heavy cast iron dutch ovens were propped in front of the fire on the stone hearth.  One was closed tightly, its lid hidden under a thick, grey clay seal.  The other was left open, it's lid propped against the table, thick chili simmering inside of it.  Tulojow sat at the table, her feet kicked up on the chair on the opposite side of the table.  "You did fine last time," Tulojow told the Hufflepuff around the mouthpiece of her pipe without looking up from the pomegranate half she was plucking plump seeds from.  Bob Marley's voice spilled lazily from the old phonograph in the corner, its hand crank charmed to maintain its motion.

"You shouldn't care what her or anyone else thinks of you.  'Do what you feel in your heart to be right- for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't.'  Spoken by one of the most impressive women I know of in either the muggle or wizarding worlds.  And, she was a muggle." 

From his perch in the window, Kalie had spotted the visitors as soon as they'd come in view.  Her knee grated as she pushed herself to her feet and crossed the kitchen to the back door.  She'd not been expecting the tagalong when she'd pulled open the door but, luckily, she recognized Archer readily enough.  He was still one of the newer aurors - at least from Tulojow's perspective - but he'd been around the office for the last few years of her career.  For what little of it she'd spent in the UK. 

"Brought reinforcements this time?"  Tulojow asked, grinning down at the retriever as she held the door open for them both. 

The Song Playing

“Well, it’s not just that,” she told Tulo, glancing out the window anxiously again. If Raynor could see her now, she wouldn’t be too impressed by the hem Fauna had nearly unraveled on her shirt. Still, after weeks of asking her friends to poke her, tweak her nose, or shout ‘bacon’ in her ear whenever she slouched (and some liked to do all three), she figured she could slouch and fidget and do normal Fauna things when Tulo was around to see her.

The hospital hut had become a haven for her, second only to the Hufflepuff common room. It was where she picked up letters from Akiva, held SAWS meetings, and chatted with the healer over tea. And of course, it was where she met Tamis every Sunday.

Out of the three lessons they’d had so far, the first one had been successful and left her elated for days, and the rest had a mix of success and failure. Normally, she obsessed about the possibility of failure before the lesson even started. Today, though, something else weighed on her mind.

“It’s just… she’s a few minutes late,” Fauna continued, folding another towel and stacking it on the pile. “She’s never late.” The smell of chili and emetic potion in the air added to the sick feeling in her stomach. She started to look forward to heading outside.

“I’m sure it’s been a bad week for her, considering…” she trailed off, glancing up when Tulo stood and went to the door. Indeed, it must have been a horrible week for Raynor and the other Aurors after the death of Gawain Robards, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Some of the students had been rather shocked and upset, yet many of them had quickly gone back to worrying about classes and the Halloween ball. It was hard not to, Fauna thought. Hogwarts acted as both a shield and an isolator from the outside world, at times.

Fauna hastily folded the towel in her hands, plopped it on the pile, and moved to the door beside Tulo. The sight of the golden retriever trotting towards them made her smile. She’d been worried about Raynor, and also somewhat worried that with so much on the Auror’s plate, she wouldn’t have time for the lessons anymore. They were helping, little by little.

Straightening automatically, she stared in surprise at Radley, the Auror she remembered from the night they’d discovered Akiva at the Shrieking Shack. She would have laughed at the image of the big man being pulled forward by the dog, but her mind raced with all the reasons he could be here. Her heart sank a little. Was she so bad that Tamis thought she needed help from two capable Aurors? Or was she giving up on her and asked Archer to be her replacement?

Fauna stepped back to let them in, and though it was difficult, refrained from fiddling with her shirt.

“Hello,” she greeted them shyly.

The brush rustled behind her and both floppy ears twitched back, twitched forward toward the house, and then back again, listening for the sound of Archer’s heavy foot falls. If the canine’s enhanced hearing had heard his shouted complaint, she feint ignorance. Her tail took a lazy side-to-side cadence through the tall blades of grass when he caught up to her, long doggy face turning up to him expectantly as if she had not just dragged him on a perilous voyage through the forest. At the question, she gave his hand a quick lick and turned expectantly to the back door of the cabin.

As if on cue, it opened at the waiting hand of Tulojow Nagde. Rising daintily to her feet, she padded across the clearing but this time “obediently” keeping pace with her human counterpart. Now that they had left the thicket behind, and the pair of witches knew they were there, she had calmed considerably.  

Tailing wagging in greeting, the retriever glanced back to Archer at the Healer’s inquiry and replied with a low ‘gruff’ before crossing the threshold. Reinforcements? It was something like that.

Taking in the two surprised expressions, she realized a little too late that she had not informed them that Archer would be joining them. To be fair, she had not know that herself until four days prior. And in the series of events that had followed the First, well, the courtesy had not been the foremost in her mind on the list of concerns.

Cleaning up after the assassination of her Department Head had consumed much of her life of late. She had had no personal endearment to the man, and he had been rather productive in life – but he was giving her a migraine of the century in death. The reappearance of the symbol branded onto Akiva Katz had been a sinister discovery. One that she was driving her mad to keep from the press. She could have been too busy to set aside two entire hours of her day to one, ultimately insignificant student. But, whoever this organization was, they would succeed in their plight if they distracted her enough to keep her from helping an innocent.

So, she was here. And, as an extension, so was Archer. At this point, he was either finding her life exceptionally boring or too eventful. She was afraid to ask which.

Once in the safety of the infirmary, the dog gave the room a good sniff and then, the next moment, Tamis Raynor was in her place, suppressing a groan. Just as she thought. That had been extremely unpleasant. More than it usually was, anyhow. Feeling your anatomy shift and evolve into another’s was never exactly ‘pleasant’ but it did not normally feel as if her head had been caught in a gong either.

“We were slightly delayed,” she offered as an obvious explanation, but not imparting details (or pointing fingers). Her fingers were currently busy blindly searching for the buckle to the collar now loosely looped around her human neck like a bulky fashion faux pas. Ah, there it was. She began pushing the leather end back through the metal.

Gray eyes sought out the blue ones in the room and discovered Fauna near the door, observing Archer almost skeptically.

“Do you remember my partner, Archer Radley?”

She did not think Fauna would have forgotten. But it was always a possibility.

He was plotting his revenge with every heavy step through that brambled forest.  He would talk loudly, move loudly, do everything as horrifically loudly as humanly possible, just to aggravate the headache she had amassed from the evening before.  He had not been aware, until she woke up this morning, that one could have something akin to a hangover from a few plants in a cup of hot water.  It was like a gift from above that it would be his fortune, since she was being such a terrible brat about the whole situation – yes, brat.  The hand licking business was going to have to stop, and it did, abruptly in fact, as she bounded ahead again.

Groaning, Archer tried to continue as quickly and possible, glad to see a cabin in the near distance and it actually made him pick up his pace further just to clear the edge of the wood.  He wanted so badly to apparate back, but could not do so – not on the grounds anyway, and was not sure how far into the forbidden forest he would have to go to have that power.  If it would not probably nearly kill her, he’d force Ray to go back that way with him, just to add another nail into the coffin of her sanity and lack of pain. 

Plodding up behind her, following close, Archer sighed as he entered the doorway.  Tulojow talked to the dog before he even addressed her, something about that miffed him, and he cleared his throat, trying to appear as good humored as possible – though he was slightly worn from the run through the forest, having to avoid every root and plant, possible creatures as well, to get there.  He was not winded, but he felt the exercise.  He would have to attend to some extra training, he noted, if that was how he was feeling. 

“Not quite reinforcement, Tulo,” he noted, “more like assistant.”  He was there to be a target, actually, from what he had been told, and did not have an option.  If anything made him surly, it was the fact he was not going to be able to defend himself – or function as anything more than a body to be abused – but he did not wish to tell either of them that, it would destroy the confidence of the girl if she knew he was ordered to take every blow without a protest. 

Thankfully, Ray saved him for the moment and got back into her normal self, though the clench in her jaw and tightly shut eyes for a few moments told him her head was hurting.  He was happy she was now going to be the one speaking.  And then she pointed the finger at him – one of those glances and he rolled his eyes.  That was the first indicator he needed to be slightly cruel with her. 

Looking to the young woman, he recalled her immediately, shaky leaf with eyes.  Eyes.  It seemed appropriate.  “I hope you don’t mind I’m going to be helping out today, Eyes.”  His voice was slightly elevated, targeted toward Ray, really,  in hopes her acute hearing would make those little ears ring just a tad for what she did to him out there.

Fauna didn’t think she’d ever get used to seeing someone transform from a dog into a woman. It was just very strange to watch, even in the wizarding world. She stared at Tamis for a moment. The change did not look comfortable.

Raynor then stated the obvious- that they were slightly delayed, and Fauna chose not to press or ask questions. All she said was, “I’m glad you made it. Things must, uh, be busy… lately.”

She wanted to ask her how she was doing, but like most times, hesitated.  Besides, she and Tamis weren’t the only ones in the room, so she’d probably get a polite but not altogether truthful answer, anyway.

Fauna realized that she still didn’t know much about the Auror. She was starting to know her teaching style, her mannerisms, and the way she looked when she was annoyed (she had that one memorized), but as for details about her life or anything Tamis cared about, Fauna didn’t have a clue. At this point in their lessons, she was interested in getting to know her more, but wasn’t sure if asking would be welcome. And, it was hard to ask questions while trying to dodge a hex and stand up straight!

When Tamis asked if she remembered her partner, Fauna nodded and glanced at Archer, about to spout off some awkward greeting to him. She was startled, however, when he rolled his eyes, and it took her a moment to figure out it was directed at Tamis, which was even more puzzling. Fauna looked between the two of them, wondering if the tension between them was normal, or something new.

Maybe she should be grateful that Archer was here to assist. Tamis was in one piece, after all, and it seemed like she still wanted to help her. Yet, Fauna didn’t feel grateful. It was easy to take offense to the implication that she needed the extra assistance, as if one Auror wasn’t enough. Any other reasons why he would be here simply didn't occur to her.

Despite her reservations, she started to smile at him, only to be taken aback by his nickname for her. ‘Eyes’. Really? She shot him a confused, annoyed look. The name reminded her far too much of Neely’s ‘girl with the eyes’ moniker.

"Uhh, it's Fauna." She paused. "But, I do remember you,” she shrugged, feeling very awkward. Even without the Akiva incident, she would have remembered him. It wasn't just his height or bulk, or even the volume of his voice, but some pull from his personality. Tamis had the same presence, just in a smaller package. It must be an Auror thing, Fauna decided.

Tulojow gave little note or acknowledgment of the Head Auror's transformation from canine to human form.  She'd seen her share of peculiar transformations over the years and, like many things that had once seemed remarkable and unbelievable in the wizarding world, inter-species transformations had long since become mundane.  Certainly, on several occasions, Tulojow had considered studying animagus transformations - there was no limit to its potential applications in an auror's life.  But, it had been one of the areas where Tulojow's cultural identity proved to clash with her identity as a witch. 

Tulojow's grandfather practiced spiritual, astral shapeshifting - entering the thoughts of his animal spiritual guide through ritual and meditation.  She'd been raised to believe that select, adept shamans were able to take the physical form of their guides.  Prior to entering the wizarding world, Tulojow had been taught to recognize such transformations as powerful, ritual endeavors.  Religious experiences.  Not to be taken lightly.   

One thing was clear when Radley stepped through the door behind Tamis and greeted them all.  The dynamics between Head Auror and subordinate were not the same as they'd been that night in Tulojow's cabin.  Tamis was flustered and showing her Type A personality in all its glory.  Radley - Tulojow glanced at him questioningly as he cleared his throat - seemed to be his usual slightly arrogant self.  But, that space between the two of them, something was different about the dynamics.  Tulojow's eyebrow quirked curiously and questioningly as gaze shifted to Tamis but she refrained from commenting.  Well, almost.  "You alright?" she asked Tamis - referring both to what was, undoubtedly a bad week and the tension the woman was carrying.

A good humored grin spread across Tulojow's face as she heard Fauna correct Radley's choice of address and she nodded and winked at the young woman in approval.  Despite Fauna's concerns, it was already becoming apparent the young woman was finding her own sense of confidence.  Tulojow turned towards Radley and offered him a a grin as well.  "It's good to have you helping us out, Archie." 

Finally prying the leather end of the collar loose, the Auror unhooked it and tossed it back to her partner, silently wondering if he would be childish enough not to catch it. Anything she was wearing tended to become part of the transfiguration. With her headache, she did not want to pocket the collar only to forget about it and then have to transfigure again in order to retrieve it. If those headache relievers she took would start taking effect, all would be well.

That is, if Archer would stop instigating the migraine. She was standing far enough away that his raised voice did not dramatically rattle her brain, but it gave it a decent enough jab. The cool, irritated glance she sent back was almost identical to Fauna’s, albeit a little more practiced.

The fellow Auror apparently woke up on the wrong side of the bed that morning and whatever it was he was going to have to get over it – she was not switching sides with him. She liked sleeping next to the window. The fact that her recollection of last night was fragmented at best was of little use in the matter. And dragging him through the forest as fast as she did had not improved the situation but they had been running late as it was…

“Busy is to be expected,” she replied to Fauna as the teenager drew her attention from the present male. ‘Busy’ was also an understatement, the forever-replenishing spell she suspected had been cast on the paperwork on her desk could contest to that. But there was little point in correcting the Hufflepuff on such things. The corners of her lips pulled back in an attempted smile, but as usual, it never fully sparked into being. “Life goes on and prior commitments cannot be forgotten.” She almost called it a ‘promise’ but did not feel comfortable with the word.

The truth was that if it had been any other commitment, she would have sent a polite apologetic note. Having her under surveillance was stressful enough for Archer without having to obligate him to trek out on a side mission with her. Yet, every time she had put quill to parchment those bright blue eyes showed up and she had hesitated.  It was not a fondness for the girl but guilt, she assured herself.

A hand fitted across her mouth, scratching an imaginary itch to hide her smirk as Fauna corrected the large man. It had kindled an element of pride, seeing a hint of that backbone. That was good, very good. She used Tulojow’s question about her well being as a saving grace from actually outwardly expressing a positive emotion.

“I am as well as can be expected.” It was a political response. Not a lie, but not the entire truth, either. She was as well as someone with the weight of the largest department in the Ministry on her shoulders, a grumpy (was Archer a boyfriend? The term seemed so… juvenile), and a major headache could be. So no, not a lie. But not as forward as she could be. She ignored the possibility that the very perceptive older woman had picked up on the anxiety between the Auror duo.

‘Archie’?  He was not going to like that. She went back to scratching that imaginary itch, eventually clearing her throat once her composure returned.

“Not all your opponents are going to be … women.” She explained to Fauna, avoiding a direct acknowledgement to the fact that she also needed more versatility than a five foot adversary. Tulojow helped with that, but she was, also, a woman. “You have to become accustomed to a variety of foes, in all shapes and sizes. Auror Radley had kindly volunteered,” that might have been stretching it, “to help in that capacity.”

His eyebrows quirked at the big-eyed girl’s correction.  Ray had made it sound like the girl was a simpering pup’ that display clearly didn’t come from nowhere.  Perhaps Ray just needed to really piss her off upon first meeting her.  Archer felt as though he had that effect on people – particularly young women – and now Ray, he noted as she looked back at him with a look that could have frozen fire.  He had not lost that wonderful little charm with age like everyone promised he would.  Perhaps it was just written into his code.  “Alright, Fauna,” he finally consented, “Eyes fits though.”  He did not feel the need to hide his thoughts or anything of the sort. 

It wasn’t as though he could get in any more trouble.  He was not positive what had gotten into Ray, but she did not seem happy with him and then her having a headache that morning because she doped herself up, well that wasn’t his fault.  But, apparently, the blame got put anywhere and now he was target practice and had to run through the forest like some kind of creature.  If anyone should have been allowed to be in a bad mood, it should have been Archer, who got up every two hours to make sure that she was safe and slept like a newborn – that was almost not at all because every noise triggered some sort of paranoid, knee-jerk reaction.  Apparently the cat wandering in and out was also a good way to rouse him out of sleep without much provocation. 

It was because of this, and a few other things, that Archer looked at her when she tossed the leash at him and let it fall to the floor.  The clacking of the little metal clasp and the thud of the leather against the floor was nothing he was not used to, nor did it startle him at all.  He never intended to catch it.  His arms had not even moved from being behind his back.  "Sorry," he said plainly, "Wasn't expecting it."  Yes he was.  He was lying through his teeth.  He turned his attention back to the other women in the room.  He was so anxious and perturbed it didn't even matter.

He wasn’t positive she was appreciative of the job he was doing, which really made his skin crawl.  Regardless of whether she thought she was in danger or not, he was doing his duty, not only as an auror, but as a friend, and whatever they were.  She was so caught up in everything being done the right way that she didn’t make room for the times they were going to trip up – tripping up was the fun of it!  She just didn’t get it sometimes.  It was perhaps the most frustrating part. 

Putting his hands behind his back, standing alert, but informally, Archer sighed audibly at the moniker, Archie.  He could have visibly grimaced but he probably would have gotten into trouble for that too.  “It’s my pleasure to help,” he responded coolly – though curtly, with little conviction in his voice to Tulo.  He was interested in all of this, particularly as it was off the books, and Ray was not an off the books kind of person – another reason this bothered him so much. 

She was willing to risk far more than her standing as the ice queen in the office for this – it was highly dangerous to be encroaching on school grounds without permission and giving secret defensive lessons.  She had not let him know until that morning.  She was willing to do all of this for the buggy-eyed little girl, but not willing to make significant breakthroughs with him – someone she had been to hell and back with for thirteen years.  It irked him more than he cared to say (and he said nothing), but sighed as Ray started to speak.  She clearly talked more to the seventeen year-old than with him as well without some funky tea. 

Putting on a false grin, he turned to the young woman as Ray finished her speech and allowed her to see his wand in the holster on his strong side, his strong stance emanating the confidence he had in himself, particularly against the girl.  At least he would get to do something. “The first task,” he said, stealing the reigns right from under Ray’s nose.  It felt good for some reason, to be slightly spiteful.  “Should be disarming.”

Fauna felt relieved when Tulo asked Tamis if she was alright. Someone had to check up on her! Of course, the response sounded very official, and Fauna didn’t think they’d find out anything else even if she was brave enough to ask. Which she wasn’t.

Tulo grinned and winked at her when she corrected Archer, and Fauna smiled back in surprise. She glanced at Tamis next, wondering if the Auror thought she was being rude, but it looked like she was holding in a sneeze.

At least Archer didn’t seem to mind calling her by her actual name. ‘Eyes’ fit, he said. “I get that a lot,” she muttered with another shrug. There were worse things to be called, though she didn’t like to admit it most of the time.

When Archer said it was his pleasure to help, he sounded about as enthused as she was. Fauna frowned- this lesson was not going to be easy if he wasn’t happy about being here. Raynor seemed stoic as always, and Fauna could barely tell she’d been through a hell of a week. She couldn’t help but look at her, questioning with her eyes why she’d bring along a partner who was so… reluctant.

She could be reluctant, Fauna thought. She was the student, she was allowed. The adults were at least supposed to hide it!

Her eyebrows drew together in confusion when Raynor explained that not all her opponents would be women. Fauna was a tad biased, but she thought Raynor was the most skilled out of all the Aurors, which didn’t have much to do with gender. Ah. All shapes and sizes. Fauna understood now, and bit her lip to keep from giggling.

Then, Archer grinned at her in a way that suggested he’d rather be shoveling hippogriff droppings outside. Fauna stared at him warily, wondering what the Aurors had up their sleeves.

Her eyes widened- uh oh. He’d spoken before Tamis could continue- never a good thing! She was sure that wasn’t allowed, either. Tulo did it sometimes, but that was Tulo. There was something going on. First, Archer had let the collar drop on purpose. Even Fauna could have caught that! And now, he was stealing Tamis’ thunder, which simply wasn’t very smart.

Fauna pressed her lips together to try to hide her amusement, almost forgetting that she’d have to practice disarming. Oh, wait. She had to practice disarming. The direness of the situation sunk in fast.

She took a deep breath.  “Alright… should we head outside?” Fauna glanced at them, waiting for confirmation before she opened the door of the hospital hut and stepped out. The air felt good. She’d miss Bob Marley’s singing voice, but at least the smell of the emetic potion was behind her.

Fauna went towards the back, by the horse paddock, where they’d be less likely to be seen.

When she turned towards the trio of Aurors (one former Auror, but still), she had her wand out and started adjusting her stance: feet wider apart for balance, shoulders back, chin up. After a quick glance at Tamis for approval, she looked at Archer, trying to ignore her trepidation. Tamis wasn’t predictable by any means, but Fauna wasn’t used to Archer, so she didn’t feel comfortable around him yet. However, she doubted her opponents would aim to make her comfortable, anyway.

“I’m ready when you are,” she announced, hoping she wouldn’t eat her words a moment later.

During her years in the field, Tulojow spent expended periods of time in remote areas, investigating allegations of dark wizards exploiting resources, knowledge or people or smuggling rings where they hoped they were out from under the Ministry's nose.  Unlike urban muggle populations, the less tainted by western religion and ideology a culture was, the faster and less muddied rumors of peculiar, magical meddling seemed to travel.  While not strictly magic - at least not as most high magic practitioners would label it - Aboriginal leader had an awareness of their world around them that wasn't strictly muggle, either.  While amongst these communities, to uphold the statute of secrecy, she presented herself as a Healer and served the community as such.  It was an all encompassing role - supporting the members of the community medically, emotionally and spiritually through all stages of life.  Flushing out poisonings, tending to animal bites, playing midwife, providing life advice. 

She watched the two younger Aurors with curiosity.  The dropped collar.  The subtle messages behind the glances between the two.  The short, vague answers the Head Auror offered which clearly made the woman's desires for no follow up questions quite clear.  The way Archer felt comfortable preempting his supervisor.  The knowledge that, under normal circumstances, Tamis Raynor was not normally a woman who would simply allow it. 

It was curious - Tulojow hadn't, quite, decided if it was troubling as well.  Hiding from emotions seemed, in many ways, far too much of Tamis' tactic of choice.  A tactic that could, if those emotions involved another, could leave her open to manipulation.  While Archer Radley seemed to be of the impression that he expected to be able to dish out diminuitive pet names without receiving any in return, it was hard to gauge whether he was one who'd intentionally, or unintentionally, take advantage of a situation.  "Eyes have evolved to fit.  Ocular sockets are, indeed, miraculous things," Tulojow said, dryly, to Archer.

"Can I offer you anything?"  Tulojow asked as Tamis scratched, intentionally leaving the question open.  His pleasure, indeed.  It was pure coincidence, but an advantageous one.  Just as Bob Marley's relaxed, raspy voice sang out "If you know your history, then you know where you coming from, then you wouldn't have to ask me, who the 'ell do I think I am."  Tulojow flicked her wand at the phonograph, stopping the continuous revolution of the hand crank. 

She couldn't resist.  Something about Archer's preemptive declaration of the task irked Tulojow.  As she followed the trio out into the yard, she stepped alongside Tamis and dropped her voice, hoping only she'd heard.  "If I were you, I'd quickly decide on a new lesson plan.  Control is much easier to maintain than it is to regain."  Coming from one who had a good deal of experience challenging those in control.  "I know you're glad to be rid of me - and frustration and autonomy were the only forms of emotional control I juggled."

Once by the paddock, Tulojow paused by the fence, offering the painted mustang a piece of carrot from her pocket before turning back to the motley crew.  Almost silently, the golden eagle settled in a branch in a nearby tree - their early warning system.  Since the start of school, Tulojow had been carefully training the bird to cry three times anytime he caught a glimpse of a particular headmistress.  With his keen eyesight, he'd spot the woman the moment she stepped out of the castle.

Not that she planned on making Snark aware of the bird's training.

The plains of the petite woman’s face remained in that cool, authoritative mask that had helped earn her the title of Ice Queen within the Ministry. Among others. The ‘Dog of the Ministry’ was also quite common, she at least gave that one creativity points. If she noticed the cheek seeping from her subordinate it did not look as if it was phasing her much. Except the line of her jaw had become gradually tighter… and tighter… and tighter… it was a wonder that it did not shatter under the pressure.

The muscles in her face did not so much as twitch when the collar hit the ground, but those alert gray eyes sidled up toward the man and stared at him for a very long moment. Yes. It appeared he was going to be that immature. A simmering sensation twisted her stomach uncomfortably and her breathing slowed to a careful and regulated pace. It was just a collar, she reminded herself. There was no reason to overreact – even if another Auror would have been forced into remedial reflex training. It seemed that if that jaw clenched any further, something surely was going to break.

The imploring glances from Fauna did not go unnoticed. Tamis carefully did not return it or look at much of anything in the room for that matter. She was more interested in a patch of wall and listening to the drone of the music without really hearing it. It would be entirely inappropriate to lash out at the man now, in front of Fauna, and Tulojow for that matter. She was here to help the Hufflepuff with another lesson. That was what mattered. She could get through it, ignore the insolence, and deal with it later.
Or so she thought.

The man knew just what buttons to push. He had always been good at that. She was sure he could find the right ones blindfolded.

The room seemed to still when Archer declared the next course of action. It was as if, for a split second, nothing breathed or moved. The tension on her teeth was starting to become uncomfortable. This time, she did not even glance at the large man. Emotions concerning him were jumbling together in a giant ball pressing against its container with a need to escape. She was not going to let them escape, she assured herself. When Fauna looked cautiously at her for permission to leave the room, Tamis nodded, once. She did not trust herself to speak.

She waited for Archer and Fauna to file out of the cabin before moving toward the door. On the way out, she retrieved the collar from the floor and slapped it against a table harder than was necessary. It certainly left a tingling sensation in her hand. Tulojow was intelligent enough not to comment on the small channeling of anger. At least until they had made it outside.

Letting the woman match her shorter stride, Tamis focused on the trees at the end of the clearing as they walked. It took a moment for her jaw to work properly again. “I know,” was the simple response. The curtness in it, however, was not directed at Nagde. The Head Auror had not obtained that position by allowing others to tread on her. Merlin, she knew it. But it helped hearing it from another, calmed her and allowed her to approach the situation rationally if not calmly. She offered a quick nod – it could have been interpreted as a thank you, though she would deny it if asked.

Another glance from Fauna and then the girl turned back to Archer, announcing she was ready.

Redirect the lesson. Yes, she could do that.

Her left hand found her wand swiftly, in a motion that had become as natural as breathing. In another quick gesture she slashed it toward Archer in a sharp, jerking motion and the nonverbal expelliarmus shot brutally toward the large, broadly built man. As it mercilessly sought its target, she sent a defensive charge swiftly after it, channeling the energy to her wand. Confident that she would make her mark, Raynor dispassionately slid her wand back into its holster and chose to physically cross the distance to Archer’s fallen wand, picking it up.

“Disarming is the number one most important act,” she agreed. “But you have to be conscious of your opponent. A man of Auror Radley’s height and build can easily overtake a woman of yours without magic. You need to know how to physically hinder as well as magically.” She motioned to the fallen man behind her halfheartedly. “A defensive charge, as shown, is an innate ability that can do this. It is easier to learn against physical attacks, first, as it is not actual wand magic, but can be manipulated to act as a spell. That will be our objective, today.”

Crossing her arms, she tapped Archer’s wand possessively against her elbow, just for good measure.




(( Permission to Godmode granted by Jess.))

Part of Archer’s problem, in an environment where he did not have to observe everything going on was the fact that he was only, in this instance, really looking at Ray and her reactions.  He wanted to annoy her, in fact, he wanted to more than annoy her.  He was vaguely aware of the other people in the room, Tulo and the eyes girl – Fauna, but he was really focused on Ray.  He could see the signs of her anger in her face, the twitch of her jaw and the way her eyes seemed to train harder on everything – particularly him as the source of her frustration. 

Perhaps she did not understand what he was doing, or why, and if he were in a better mood, he might have been alright with her aggression.  Unfortunately, she was blissfully unaware of his anger toward her inability to make exceptions for him, but practically bent over backward for some student she didn’t even know outside of having her as a witness to the discovery of the librarian.  It was frustrating, truly, and she was even more aggravating in conjunction with Tulojow, who appeared to have no love for the male auror in the room.

He ignored her dry quip about eyes and ocular sockets.  He wasn’t an idiot, though felt his saying so would only further the growing animosity toward him in the room.  If he had the choice, he probably wouldn’t have even come – but, perhaps Ray did not also remember that he was on duty and had to protect her.  Ungrateful and garnering the support of the other women in the room! 

She was probably just frustrated with him in solidarity with Ray.  Female aurors tended to stick together, at least in situations like this, because of the nature of the profession, it’s overwhelmingly male stock of agents, and the fact that they were both, in their own ways, exceptionally strong women.  Archer was not intimidated by such behavior, though he thought if she knew what was really going on – her suspicions corrected (he gave her the credit she deserved, Tulo had been an auror – it didn’t take much else to see the underlying issues here – though he supposed the teenager didn’t realize that), but it was, in some ways, humiliating to him as well. 

Both parties, Tulo and Fauna, looked at him like he had committed some sort of mortal sin by speaking before Ray.  He was actually the more experienced auror, and though he was not the head of the department, his field experience was vastly greater than her’s and though no one knew it, Ray was excellent at hiding things like that from people, he was actually the better wand worker too.  She was exceptionally intelligent, organized, and methodical, but magically, she was not nearly as powerful as people believed her to be.  He would have said so out loud, but it might have earned him several unnecessary hexes and a fainting from one of the two other women in the room – more likely the kid. 

He silently took leave of the room and stalked outside, his typical gait of strong, controlled steps which landed heavily on the grass of the grounds.  He actually followed the young girl’s lead, considering he had no idea where he was going, and glanced back.  Further evidence that the two women were in leagues with one another.  Whatever the case, he did not care.  If he was already in trouble, he was going to endure this as long as he had to and then get home where he would sit guard for another evening.  Maybe she would drug herself again.  Maybe he would have to drug her. 

The thought was, in every way, a tempting one, despite it’s clear inability to comfortably fit within the constraints of his job.  Standing across the paddock from all of them, Archer was distinctly aware of how alone on this he really was, and not for the first time, wished he had Eddie or even Adon to back him up on this – he wasn’t the wrong one, he decided with a deep sigh.  How he hated all of this. 

Removing his wand from his holster, he held it up at the ready, though made no move to strike.  Indeed, he knew that was beyond the limits of what he was supposed to do, no matter how much of a perfect target Ray looked at the moment.  And he allowed her the little power strut she was going on.  If she wanted to be in control, she was going to be in control.  She looked at him dead on, wordlessly casting the disarming spell, no surprise.  He made no move to counter it, allowing the wand to fly from his hand; however, seconds later, the Auror felt something akin to a kick in the chest, knocking the wind out of him and unceremoniously throwing him off his feet. 

He took the moment on the ground to recuperate and scowled angrily as he sat up, trying to breathe normally.  He was, however, breathing raggedly as he glowered at Tamis.  He pushed himself up from the ground and sat on the grass, thankfully soft, looking at her with his dark eyes, focusing solely on her back (well, part of it) as she spoke to Fauna.  He could see the tip of his wand poking from around her side – she was taunting him.  He glared daggers at her back and felt like he had to do something about it. 

Licking his bottom lip, Archer clenched his fists in the grass and decided to give her a bit of defensive magic.  Recalling the feeling of that swift knock to his chest, Archer trained his gaze on her and sent the returning blow right to her backside.  That would show her – and of course, illustrate the point to know one’s opponent.  She really should have known better. 

Fauna felt a bit clueless. She saw Tamis and Tulo say something to each other, but couldn’t hear them, and only sensed this sort of strange… solidarity. Normally, the two women challenged and tested each other a bit. It never went far enough to make Fauna really uncomfortable, but now, with this change in events and the way Archer was acting, the fresh air did little to calm her or make her feel ready.

When Tamis pointed her wand at Archer in a fast movement, Fauna’s grip tightened on her wand and she jumped a little. That was embarrassing. It just seemed that Tamis drew her wand so fast! Raynor’s nonverbal Expelliarmus sent Archer's wand flying out of his hand, and then- the unthinkable- she hit him with another spell that knocked him to the ground.

Whoa. Fauna let out a breath. How had she done that? It wasn’t as powerful as Stupefy, but it wasn’t as puny as the Trip jinx that Fauna loved so much, either. She tried to listen to what Tamis was saying, about how it was as important to protect herself physically as well as magically, but then Fauna got a glimpse of Archer’s face.

His expression was so dark and mutinous that she felt a sudden stab of fear. Tamis, of all people, had her back to him, and though the logical part of Fauna knew he wouldn’t do anything worse than a defensive charge, the emotional part of her took control and just reacted.

It was like she was a kid again, and suddenly bad things would happen to the neighborhood kids around her. A sturdy branch that Fauna had stepped on a moment earlier would break, causing one bully to fall while she remained safe in the tree. Or, she’d be running and suddenly the kid behind her would stumble over her feet and crash to the ground (a precursor to the trip jinx, perhaps). Now, she wasn’t worried about herself so much, but Tamis! The words of the appropriate spell came too slowly- yet she knew what needed to happen, so she raised her wand and let the magic find an outlet.

That outlet came in the form of a barrier between the two Aurors, a barrier that seemed almost transparent until one tried to look directly at it. Even though it happened so suddenly, Fauna didn’t know if it would be fast enough, or strong enough to stop the spell that Archer had just cast in retaliation.

“Oh… shite,” Fauna murmured weakly, unsure how Tamis and Archer would react once they realized what had just happened.