Outfit

Liadán had learned, some time ago, to dress herself according to the business she was intending to do. She had a meeting with a man in Knockturn Alley who was looking to buy some rare animal parts for a series of potions he was brewing, and he was willing to pay top dollar. Liadán knew that coming off as the intimidating business woman she truly was could often make a deal fall through with someone who did not know her very well. As such she had chosen a dress that was a bit less harsh, and had opted to wear a nice pair of flats. It was hard to be intimidated by a woman who stood short of five feet tall wearing a dress that (in her opinion) offered a tiny bit of sex appeal.

She did not enjoy doing business in Knockturn Alley if she could help it. It was inevitable that one day the Ministry would decide that they did not like her doing it there, either, and try to launch some ridiculous investigation or put a stop to it. So when she had finished discussing the finer details with the man, she had intended to leave right away. Liadán was quick about (though not rude) excusing herself from his tiny little shop (that she really doubted was a shop at all) and was well on her way down the street when she was confronted by the Black Chimaera.

Ever since her run in with Christian, she had been doing a lot of thinking about the Black Chimaera, and more specifically about the man who owned and operated the little pub. Mr. Tawse was another of those unsavory fellows she did business with. Liadán had a strange fondness for the man, which no doubt had something to do with the fact that her own father had been imprisoned in Azkaban. Her father had not survived, and Mr. Tawse had. Something about that fact made her respect him, at least a little bit. Besides, he had a proper heritage and she had never had any totally offensive or unpleasant meetings (though he did have a knack for making her flustered from time to time, and she had an inkling that it might just be on purpose).

Still, the fact remained that however fond of Cináed Tawse she might be, she was not fond of the fact that he was using Christian as his own little puppet. Ever since she had discovered the fact, it had done nothing but grate on her nerves. Liadán had tried to put it from her mind (it was ridiculous, she assured herself, to be so agitated by it), but she had failed miserably. Perhaps it might be best to just pop in and talk with him about it. Maybe he could assure her that her suspicions were unfounded. (Though she doubted it.)

So, after standing outside of the establishment for a few moments, Liadán decided to take matters into her own hands. Taking care of the situation at hand was much better than fretting over it. Who was Christian to be worried over, anyway?

Entering the pub, Liadán peered around, looking for the man in question. It was not hard to spot him, given his considerable height and the fact that he had a very commanding presence. There was no doubt, that regardless of his spotty history or personal short comings that Mr. Tawse had a typically unrivaled charisma. With very little hesitation, that she hoped appeared to be no hesitation at all, Liadán marched right up to the man and pressed a small finger into his chest. She stared up at him with mismatched eyes, the most evil glare she could muster, and spoke. "You and I have something to discuss, Mr. Tawse." She paused for a moment, and cast a furtive glance around the room at the patrons scattered about. "Now," she added quite forcefully.

Manfred was being almost no help, as usual.  The bitter old man was useful if you needed another surely looking body or just a mate to troll around Knockturn with or, if they were bored with their usual haunts, Diagon Alley.  But, planning was, clearly, not one of his better activities.  And, the fact that most past Wizarding Blood Alliance meetings were successful without any planning whatsoever wasn't helping the old bloke be anymore cooperative.  Perhaps, a short attention span was just one of those unmentioned byproducts of an extended stay in Azkaban - or, maybe, the old geezer hadn't been able to focus on much, even as a youngster.  As it was, right now, the only thing keeping Mannie's attention on planning that night's meeting was the promise of a steady supply of drinks.

Which, given the old bloke had no problem helping himself to booze, wasn't much of an incentive. 

"We've never planned meetings before," Mannie muttered, moodily, looking, almost wistfully, at the four men hunched over a deck of cards at another table.  "Why we gotta start now?  And, why are we the one's doing it?" 

The second question was harder to answer - Cinaed was still rather private about his ambitions to assume a more formally recognized leadership position within the WBA.  The organization needed leadership.  He wanted it.  There were only a handful of other people who'd, earnestly, come close to really earning it like him.  But, whether the group as a whole would come to understand, and admit that they needed a leader was questionable. 

His first question was much easier to answer.  With the celebration over, Gawain Robards dead, the WBA's mark found, once again, at the scene of the crime, the werewolf attack planned to go next Tuesday, and Cinaed finally back at the pub full time, it was time to recognize that some cards had been laid out on the table between Wizarding Revolutionaries and the Ministry.  Between the WBA and the Auror office.  Between Tamis Raynor and himself.  The WBA was no longer a sleepy, fly-by-night support group for bitter ex-Death Eaters. They were on the move.  And, they had to start actually putting thought into what they did and how they did it. 

But, he neither had the patience nor the inclination to try to explain the reasoning to Mannie.  The older man wasn't very likely to hear it, anyway.  So, Cinaed didn't bother trying.  He'd just continue to use the resident leech as a grumpy though honest sounding board for his ideas.  For instance, when Cinaed mentioned the idea of starting to toss around the initials "WBA," the look Mannie gave him made it clear the fellow thought Cinaed had lost a few marbles.  "Are you a complete dunce?  The less they know the better."  Who would have thought the old louse was capable of wisdom. 

As he was already distracted, it was Mannie that noticed Liadán standing inside the door first.  In the realm of self-confident women (none of whom Mannie was particularly fond of - he preferred the term arrogant witches), Liadán was close to the top of the list.  He'd never understood Chris' fondness and Cinaed's tolerance of her.  He rolled his eyes and, without further acknowledging her, turned his attention back to Cinaed.  Meeting planning was better than dealing with her.  Seamus, the fawn mastiff, noticed her second.  Lazily, almost in slow motion, the almost two-hundred pound dog lumbered to his feet and padded across the room to the woman, his tail wagging slowly in greeting.  He sniffed the hem of her dress before, finally, clearly deciding he'd now received his morning's exercise and his feet slid slowly out from under him as he lay down on the floor next to her. 

It wasn't until Mannie nudged Cinaed with his elbow and nodded his head, almost regrettably, in the direction of the door that Cinaed became aware of her.  But, once he had, Cinaed was on his feet and approaching her with an enthusiasm that (clearly) neither of the other two greeters had shared. 

"Well, good evening, my dear," he said, then gauging the less than pleased expression on her face, he changed tactics.  "It's a pleasure to see you, as always, my love, but I'm afraid like every Thursday, we're closed today.  Special invite on-"  Her voice cut through his greeting and he stopped, letting her close the remaining distance on her own (hasty) terms.  As the distance between them closed, his smirk grew until it was quite prominent when she stood right in front of hi.  His eyebrows slid up as her finger pressed into his chest. 

His expression was calm, even cocky but his mind raced through a list of potential causes for this greeting.  He was quiet for a beat, following her demand, half tempted to refuse.  Just for the sake of it.  Just to see how angry she could get.  But, no.  He'd play nicely.  Mostly.  "Of course, my love."  He dropped his voice, leaning his head down towards hers as if to whisper, though, when he spoke, there was no doubt it carried easily across the room.  "Especially if you promise to do that little move you did last time.  It was ... invigorating," he added with a wink. 

Liadán's eyebrows flew up as he leaned down, making one of the most inappropriate comments a man had ever said to her, especially in response to her anger. Not only was she somewhat shocked (though, she shouldn't have been, considering who she was dealing with), Liadán was completely mortified that he had spoken loud enough for all others in the pub to hear him. She had forgotten it was Thursday and that the little place was closed, but she did not find that sufficient reason for him to bait her. It took her a few moments to regain her composure as a blush crept into her cheeks and then faded away.

"Need I remind you, yet again, that just because you have enchanted your hand to look like me, does not make it real?" Such crude insinuations were not typical of Liadán. Normally she tried to stay above such disgusting gutter talk, but if Cináed was going to push her buttons, she felt she would push right back. She did not have the time for his ridiculous banter and his annoying antics.

She realized, however, after making that comment there really was no appropriate way to ask to move their conversation to a more private location. Shortly after making the connection, Liadán had to fight the urge to sigh. How was she going to discuss this matter now that she was certain every single person in the pub was probably listening in on them? Very carefully, she thought to herself. The woman knew there were spells to grant them privacy, but casting one might make others grow even more curious and suspicious as to why she had charged in ready to pick a fight with a man such as Cináed Tawse.

"And I am fully aware you are closed, but I promise that I won't take up too much of your time. Besides, it's not like I am unaware as to what goes on here on Thursdays. Christian told me all about it." She crossed her arms then, giving him a very haughty look. She was certain that Christian had likely already informed Cin that she had been let in on the secret. Still, she didn't see his hesitation in allowing her in if she knew what was going on. Well, she knew to an extent anyway, Christian had not gone into much detail apart from his own part of the plan.

"It is a very simple matter, really, one that can be resolved quite easily assuming you don't intend to be particularly difficult today. Although I'm sure that some people find it endearing when you behave like a child, I do not. Essentially this boils down to you can either make this very easy, or very difficult," she offered with a smirk. "The choice is yours, and I'm certain that neither you or I have the time to make it any more difficult than it need be. I am a very busy business woman, and you are a very busy business man. In fact, you could think of this as a business related manner. So, tell me Mr. Tawse, do you intend to cooperate with me so this can be resolved sooner, or would you have me interrupting your little club for the rest of the day?"

The insolence in her features was delicious.  The playful smirk grew on Cinaed's face as he leaned down, closer towards her.  Was that color on her cheeks?  If he wasn't so certain the gesture would have gotten him (admittedly, rightfully so) cursed to the high heavens, Cinaed would have planted a kiss on those lips.  Just to see how deep that shade of red could reach. 

He had nothing against Liadán.  She was a fine woman, in fact - the wizarding world needed a few more like her.  Though, maybe not with the same degree of self-righteousness.  But, she seemed to enjoy this level of selectivity that was just aggravating - the number of passes he'd made on her were immeasurable.  Somehow, soft-spoken, plain-looking, halfblood Christian seemed to have a better shot with her.  Which, ultimately, meant that those big, shiny buttons of hers were insanely fun to push.  It had become a sport.  Liadán egging. 

But, to Cinaed's delight, Liadán recovered her composure and rose to take the bait.  Rather than appearing embarrassed by her return jab, Cinaed was surprised.  And, also slightly impressed.  Not enough to let her win this round, though.  And, the amused guffawing around the room made it clear the few scattered pre-meeting early arrivals were enjoying the game as well. 

"Oh but, my love, since that first taste, you've left me with nothing more.  I admit, I have to resort to such measures.  It's hardly as good as the real thing was, but it'll satisfy me until next time." 

Cinaed was, of course, aware that Liadán had been informed of the Thursday night events.  He had not expected her to come running into the pub, announcing it to any and all present.  The humor melted swiftly from his features, replaced with a brief flicker of dangerous anger.  Normally, it would have faded quickly but, tactically, maintaining it seemed wise.  He could see the curiosity ripple on the few scattered faces.  Hopefully, Mannie would realize the damage control to be done and set to it without any cues from Cinaed. 

"What in the hell are you talking about?  Piss off."  It wasn't a simple matter.  And, she was making the matter more complicated by the minute.  He would not be discussing this any further out here.  Who cared what the perception was - she wanted to discuss this, she could follow to more a private location. 

He turned and stormed away, pushing the french doors leading into the back of the building with both hands.  He assumed she would follow - expected it, in fact.  After he ducked through the door into the meeting room under the stairs he turned around again as the door swung shut. 

"Don't say another fecking word until you've sealed that door."  Cinaed pointed towards the door to the room.  She had a wand.  She wanted this conversation.  She could do the honors. 

"First taste?" she asked, obviously disgusted at the idea. "Some women in this world," Liadán informed him, "do still care about womanly virtues." It was not a very good come back, certainly not as effective or as full of spunk as her previous one, but she left it at that. Liadán had never done anything inappropriate with the man, and would prefer that others did not think she did. Her virginal status was one that Liadán was extremely proud of. Her mother and father had both worked hard to teach her how important it was to maintain a good reputation, and refraining from any promiscuous acts helped her to keep a spotless name. The last thing that she needed was some illegitimate child to take care of that would make her the laughing stock of pureblood society.

She had not expected his violent reaction to her statements, and was confused when he stormed off. Liadán remained rooted to the spot for a few moments, offended at the way he had spoken to her, before following him. When he snapped at her to seal the door, Liadán produced her wand and did just as she was told to do.

"Nasty temper you have there, Mr. Tawse," she commented coolly. "I would assume that the ministry would have been working on that with you." Liadán knew that he had to have been mistaken about her reasons for wanting to talk with him. Had he guessed it was all in relation to Christian, then surely he wouldn't be having such a tantrum.

"I believe you've misunderstood my intentions," Liadán told him, all levity aside. She settled herself into a chair, primly crossing her ankles and being sure to mind her posture. Tilting her childlike face up at him, Liadán wondered whether or not attempting to use what little charm she had would even be useful. She highly doubted that it would be, and as such decided that honesty and remaining calm and getting straight to the point was likely the best course of action to follow given the circumstances.

Though it was incredibly rude to do so in his own establishment, she motioned for him to sit down. "This has nothing to do with the things that I have now realized I ought not to have mentioned upstairs. I sincerely apologize for my lack of discretion. At times I speak without thinking, especially when I am flustered, as I often seem to be in your company. Perhaps we can share the blame, then, as you are the one who decided to push my buttons." What he should have done, Liadán thought, was immediately give in to her request.

"I have come to talk to you about Chr-" Liadán cut herself off, realizing using his first name would make her seem too familiar, perhaps even too fond of him given the situation at hand. "Mr. Colburn," she finished. "As I'm sure you know, he and I had a nice little chat the other week. It was very nice to discover the reason for his behavior toward to me, though I must admit that I am not very fond of the predicament he finds himself to be in. It has been brought to my attention, Mr. Tawse, that you are using Mr. Colburn as your own little puppet. Now, I will admit that I do not know all of the details, and I am sure that the both of you likely would agree that they are not any of my business. That is very likely true, as I am not involved in whatever midnight capers you have been organizing."

Smoothing her dress out a bit, she dropped her gaze just for a moment before focusing again on his eyes. "However, I must admit that I am not very fond of the idea of him being treated as a pawn in whatever game you are playing." Liadán wanted to go on, to order him to stop. But this was just enough information for him to have at the moment, perhaps enough to calm him down and let him explain himself. Then she could decided where to go next, and which way would be the best way to go about liberating Christian from the clutches of a want-to-be evil mastermind.

The moment Liadán had asked about Chris, Cinaed had lost all interest in playing games with the woman.  Every ounce of coy humor had slipped from his features and he paced the width of the meeting room impatiently as he waited for Liadán to follow him.  He knew Liadán and Chris were friendly; he was aware that Chris seemed to watch the woman a little longer than most on those few occasions that she'd visited the Black Chimaera.  However, he was also well aware of Liadán's high criteria for her companions.  On several occasions, Cinaed had tried to convince Chris he was wasting his time on her.  So, Cinaed was surprised that Chris' confession had sent Liadán running to his defense. 

"Don't lecture me!"  Cinaed warned Liadán, pausing in his pacing of the room to turn towards her.  How dare she criticize him for his temper?  "I don't bloody care what your intentions were.  If you really understood what Christian was doing I would have thought you'd show more discretion!  Do you have any idea what they'd do to him at the Ministry if they discovered he associated with me?"  Potentially, they'd arrest him.  They might even interrogate him - if they got authorization to use veritaserum or legilimency on him, it could be devastating.  Chris had played a key roll in the abduction of the Katz woman and the murder of the doctor who Cinaed impersonated when imperiousing the Auror.  During both endeavors, Chris' role had been confined to the background - but that'd make little difference if he were fed veriteserum.  Course, they weren't at the Ministry.  And, yes, Cinaed knew for a fact that none of the men back in the pub room were at all involved with the Ministry or its employees.  But, there was no way Liadán could have verified that in the few seconds it took for her to find him and approach him. 

Liadan took a seat and, out of principle, Cinaed remained standing after he was beckoned to another chair.  Finally, he turned and, after running his hands through his hair, he slowly lowered himself into one of the armchairs.  "As far as any of the blokes in there know, Chris has grown weary of the questionable crowd of Knockturn and has moved on.  There are quite a few of the pub's usual clientele who are not very fond of him these days.  They think he's a traitor who's finally lived up to his halfblood status and has sold out to the Ministry.  For Chris' sake, I have no desire to correct their assumptions." 

So - is that what this was about?  She thought Chris was playing the role of his pawn.  Was her question one of earnest concern?  Or jealousy?  He arched a curious eyebrow in her direction, before shaking his head impatiently.  "I'm not having him do anything he hasn't volunteered for," Cinead offered.  Why was he having to defend his actions to this woman?  "If he's playing the roll of pawn, it's because he's chosen to play it.  Perhaps he should be the one your flapping your lips at." 

And, what was she hoping would happen now?  He couldn't exactly suddenly change his opinion.  "He has a job interview with Raynor in the Auror office in three weeks.  Suddenly deciding he changed his mind would raise suspicions in itself."

"I highly doubt it would take much digging to discover that he had associations with you, Mr. Tawse." She was not fond of how he was talking to her, either. Liadán had to literally bite her lip to refrain from snapping at him. She wanted to warn him against using such a tone with her, but it would only make matters worse. It was very important for her to keep her wits about her, and not let the situation at hand nettle her. After all, it was just Christian, wasn't it? It was just a boy she had been friends with in school. There was nothing more to it than that. "Besides," Liadán began, not really thinking through what she was about to say, "I've dealt with the ministry off and on for quite some time. They're really much more bark than bite. Really, Tawse, I've never known you to tuck your tail between your legs over something as powerless as a Ministry employee. They've done the worst to you that could be done, and now you've figured out how to outsmart them."

Trecherous halfblood? People thought so lowly of Christian? And Cináed saw no reason to correct them? Liadán knew it wasn't her place to say anything about it either, but Christian was not a traitor. He was, in all honesty, the only person of lesser blood status that she did not think deserved to be euthanized.

"I would discuss this with Mr. Colburn if he had not decided to avoid me on account of my doing business with you. I do not intend to jeopardize him further." At least not without an invitation. If she happened to run into him in public or if he happened to invite her to talk, perhaps she would. Christian likely would not, though. He had ignored her on the street to maintain his cover, so reaching out to her would likely be an even worse route to take. Besides, as far as Liadán was concerned it didn't matter if Christian was supposedly volunteering. He was doing the bidding of someone else, volunteer or not, and she still associated him as the boy she knew in Hogwarts. Liadán had always been under the impression that Christian was someone who rarely made his own decisions. Then again, anyone that she had ever used in the past was always associated with mindless goons in her mind. It was an incredible flaw. Though not quite as harmful as the arrogance she was currently displaying.

As she thought over her next course of attack, Liadán smoothed out her dress and patted her hair. She kept her gaze fixed on Cináed as she did so, hoping that he did not think his logic was going to cause her to back down. Certainly it was fallible. He had to be fallible, because Liadán refused to admit she might be wrong. "I very highly doubt it would be quite so suspicious, Mr. Tawse. I am quite certain that after the reality of the job set in that it would be very likely that a person would back down before the final interview. A job like that isn't one to be taken lightly. He would more than likely not be the first to back out at the last minute. Better for him to back out before he gets in too deep, than to be in so deep he cannot turn back if he wants to."

"I want you to ask him to carefully reconsider. I am aware of how beneficial this would be to you, but sometimes we must grow up and realize that the world does not revolve around ourselves, mustn't we? And, regardless of the fact that thus far our business relationship has been quite satisfactory, and you have yet to personally offend or anger me, I do not trust that you would not hang him out to dry. Christian is not a person to be used and discarded. He is, as much as I may hate to admit it, a person who deserves better than that. There are very few people in this world that I esteem highly enough to go out of my way to..." Liadán trailed off, not wanting to use the word protect. Still, that was what she felt like she was doing. "Well, I am certain you see my point, Mr. Tawse."

"Had" Cinaed repeated, impatiently.  It seemed so transparent to him - why wasn't she seeing the bigger picture?  Neither he nor Chris were idiots - they knew they couldn't rewrite history.  If someone dug, they'd find evidence he and Chris were acquaintances.  "Which is precisely why I think Chris shouldn't attempt to hide that fact.  He doesn't want to confess he knows me; I think hiding it would be foolish.  If they don't know already, they'll find out." 

Which - all so wasn't the point he was trying to make here.  "He has moved on.  Seen the error in his ways.  Even betraying us.  And has done so for months now.  The blokes out there don't think he's trustworthy - its in Chris' best interest if we let everyone assume that."  So, when Lia had come in here yelling about Chris, Cinaed was obligated to sound offended.  "They've done the worst to me?"  Cinaed stared across at Liadan, incredulously.  Granted, they didn't know each other but, really - she ought to know better than to make such a comment to him.  "The Ministry locked my father up, let the dementors steal his soul and let him die and rot in that place.  Trust me, there's plenty those bastards are willing to do to someone they don't like." 

Not all of us hide so primly behind our perception of neutrality.

"It's your choice," Cinaed said casually, pushing himself to his feet as Liadan declared her intentions to avoid 'jeopardizing' Chris further.  He pushed himself to his feet with a shake of his head, moving to one of the sideboards to fix himself a fresh drink.  "Merlin, I don't know what he sees in you.  Does your mouth run this much around him, too, or am I just unlucky?"  Sure, she was well-bred and attractive and - well, weren't most people intrigued by fruit that was harder to harvest?  But, it was times like these when Cinaed was reminded how high maintenance this woman was. 

No - perhaps, backing out of such a job was easier than Cinaed had assumed.  However, he had no intentions of telling Chris that.  Backing out of the position might not look too suspicious for Chris - until someone considered the bigger picture.  "Chris declines the position only to start associating with the likes of Knockturn Alley, again.  You don't think that'd raise some questions?"  For himself as well as Chris.  And, quite possibly, more for himself.  But, in the end, Chris was too close to just turn back.  One didn't gain anything by not taking any risks.  And - Liadan should have known how pointless her request was.

"No," he said, bluntly, taking a sip of his drink.  "Chris asked what he could do, I told him and now he's where he's at.  With any luck, he won't just be used and discarded.  If he does his job right, there's no telling how long he'll be useful for.  And, really, what better could he deserve?  He's playing an integral part of revolutionizing our society and winning wizarding liberation.  What more could he really, truly, hope for?  Could any of us hope for?"

"My father died in that place, too," Liadán reminded him. She had never been very close to her father, though. His death had been something more of an inconvenience than a crippling blow. She had been saddled with more responsibility than she wanted and had been the one expected to grow up and take care of the family business because of it. Liadán had thought there would be more in her life than the farm, but when she had realized her fate was sealed, she had thrown herself into it whole heartedly and turned the entire business around. She had worked hard to turn the entire reputation of her family name around, too. "The ministry won't rest until everyone who is related to anyone with a bad reputation is locked away. They hate us for our purity, and persecute us for it. Whether a person has done something wrong or not, they hate us." Liadán had not anything wrong- at least, nothing they could trace. She often tip-toed around the law, but that was different than outwardly breaking it.

She was going to continue on her little rant when Mr. Tawse claimed he had no idea what Christian saw in her. Liadán was a little put off by that. She was not accustomed to others saying such things about her. "Surely you have seen it as well, Mr. Tawse. Perhaps it is just jealousy that provokes you to say such a thing. Though, I must assure you, there is nothing to be jealous about. Christian and I were friends throughout school, and like you, I have seen his redeeming qualities. And, considering he has been avoiding me like the plague, I do not know if he as unlucky as you are, or not." Liadán wanted to hex him at the comment, really. She fingered the wand that was tucked away as she contemplated it, but decided against it. Personal insults did not warrant a full out attack on a man she had no problems with before, and hoped to have no problems with in the future.

"I admit that I do support the cause you are trying to promote," she began, hoping to change the subject tone that was much less sensitive. "I think it is a good thing, even if I do not one hundred percent agree with the way you are going about it. This means something to you, it means something to me, and it means something to Christian... Though, when you think about it, is it really Christian's battle?  His integral role, as you call it, could easily be done by anybody else. Someone with a reason to try to fight. He is tainted, and he will always be tainted, regardless of the things he may do for the greater good." It was also incredibly convenient for Cináed to allow someone like that do the risky part of the job. The logisitics could not be argued, and Liadán knew that. Christian wanted to help, wanted to play with the big dogs, wanted to be a part of something that mattered. After it was all said and done, though, where would he be? Right back at square one.

"If the both of you are set on this, I know there is little to be done to change your mind. Christian, however, I have found to be easily led. If I discover that this was all your doing, and that you allow him to hurt or to suffer you will not like who I become, Mr. Tawse. For the most part I keep myself out of such disgusting business. I work hard to preserve a spotless reputation and to keep my nose clean. With a family history such as mine, it is a necessary part of running a successful business and continuing to make money. Even so, I do have a few scruples left. I am not ridiculously loyal- I know where to draw the line. However, I find it pertinent to the situation that you should know Christian was my lapdog first."

It did not matter to Liadán that her game with Christian had ended upon graduation. He had helped her to maintain perfect grades, and at that point, he had been rendered useless to her. She had gotten swept up into business and society then, and had not seen him except for random dealings with Cináed and that run in when she had been in Muggle London. Still, the idea that he had gone to Tawse bothered her. Although she had real problems with the man, she tought him inferior to herself. But who didn't Liadán find inferior? "I will have him quit this stupid game of yours if things go awry," she added, inspecting her nails in a disinterested manner. "Someone needs to keep an eye on him to makes ure that he isn't chewed up and spat back out to be devoured by the scavengers that you consider to be friends. I will intervene, and if I am forced to intervene, you can be certain that you will not like my methods."

"Yes.  So you should know - to some extent - that there's worse they can do.  And, are willing to do.  Though, I realize, you lack the personal experience to understand what we're really talking about - but you might as well take my word for it."  It would certainly make this conversation much easier.  She may have been aware of her father dying in that place but it was a long way from that to knowing what a year in those cells felt like.  Listening to the screams, loosing all concept of the passage of time.  Her understanding of what the Ministry would do was where his was eleven years ago - when he'd take regular trips with his mother to visit his father.  She knew, but she didn't know.  Not really. 

With his drink in hand, Cinead began to pace the room, slowly shaking his head.  Everything she said was true - the Ministry hated them for what they were.  The Ministry wanted to see them crushed.  She, clearly, understood that!  So, why couldn't she understand what it was he was doing here.  Why it was he was asking Christian to do what he was doing?  It hadn't been a mindless whim - the pair of them had been planning and calculating for months. 

"Yes - they hate us!"  He repeated, stopping in his tracks to turn back to her.  "They'd rather secure 'equal rights' for beasts and halfbreeds like werewolves than treat us with the respect we deserve.  Which is exactly why we're trying to crush them - from both the inside and the outside.  You seem to be under the delusion that I tossed Christian in the Ministry because I thought him disposable.  A pawn to send out with a first wave.  You're wrong.  I sent him because I knew I could trust him.  Because I knew he had a background that would help him be successful.  And, because, he's smarter than most of the men loyal to what we're doing.  I sent him because there he's the best man for the job." 

Confusion clouded Cinaed's features and he took a sip of his drink.  "How is this not Christian's battle as well?" he asked when the edge of glass left his mouth.  In the eyes of the average purist, yes, Christian was tainted.  "It's strange how those that would so quickly write him off as tainted are the very ones who, ten years ago, were willing to lay their lives down for another wizard just as tainted as he is."  How quickly it seemed the average wizard forgot Lord Voldemort was, himself, a halfblood.  "And isn't he exactly why we are doing this?  His pureblood father spoiled generations of solid pureblood status for a filthy, low-bred muggle and it's Christian who must carry the damage.  He is the victim of the Ministry's pro-muggle agenda.  He has more right than either of us to want to fight.  And, I applaud him for having the courage to see beyond the Ministry's propaganda."

He moved towards Liadan, setting his glass on a table as he leaned slightly towards her.  "You seem to be under the impression that I simply cast Christian to the wolves without a second thought.  Let me clarify for you.  Christian is not my lapdog.  He has been one of my best mates since getting released from Azkaban.  He volunteered to help me and he volunteered for the position he is in.  I encouraged him to get a job at the Ministry - as a low-end courier, figuring he might be able to sniff out useful information.  It was his idea to apply for the Auror office.  I haven't given your reputation or family history a second thought - I couldn't care less about it.  This arrangement was between Christian and myself." 

Slowly Cinaed shook his head before picking up his glass, again.  After a sip, he offered more casually: "Christian might have been your lapdog in school but when you cast people aside because you think them beneath you, they tend to find new companions.  And, really, this turn of events can only be in his best interest - I've encouraged him to use his position to find female companionship within the Ministry.  He might as well have fun while he's at it.  And, trust me, I certainly won't need you intervening.  I'm fully confident of Christian's capabilities." 

"Unless you expect him to gain some sort of power, I highly doubt that one man in that army is going to cause very much trouble. The idea, I do not deny, is a brilliant one. But you need more than one person. And although I do agree that Christian is likely one of the most intelligent and competent men that you associate with, you cannot blame me for jumping to the worst conclusions. You are not a man that a person thinks of as having any sort of capacity for compassion. I understand the need to do what it takes to get things done, consequences or people in the way be damned."

And there it was again, Cináed's infallible logic. Liadán did not like being proven wrong, but it seemed her haste in tackling this issue was doing just that- over and over again. "But who will appreciate him for what he has done? While he is in the background, doing the dirty work, everyone who should be supporting him will be doing nothing more than sneering at him. And if he needs or wants companionship, there are better places to find it than within those walls. A true professional would not mix business with pleasure, though that lesson seems to have been lost on you."

The truth of the matter was that those idiotic women in the ministry who were fighting for what theyc onsidered to be the "greater good" were not good enough for Christian in Liadán's eyes. Those women would surely take for granted the more subtle aspects of his personality, or would think of him as nothing more than a pushover. He was a pushover, but he allowed himself to be pushed around. There was a difference, wasn't there? But then again, why did it matter. She could really offer nothing better. None of the women she associated with would really be interested in him. "Certainly there has to be someone better than what the ministry has to offer him, anyway. Between the two of us we have to know a quite, demure, pureblooded witch that would make a nice little match for Christian." And hopefully a witch who would be easily written off. "Someone who would offer him a chance to redeem himself and his offspring."

"And I do not now, nor have I ever thought of Christian as being beneath me. He and I always got along very well, and I always found his company to be very enjoyable. In school he was likely one of the few people I would have considered to be a friend." Probably because Liadán never considered him the sort to stab her in the back or to take advantage of her. People like that were hard to find in high society. Although she loved Lotte and Melly, she knew that the two of them would have no qualms about getting rid of her if it would benefit them.

Sighing loudly, Liadán pressed a hand against her forehead and peered up at Cináed with her most innocent, pitiful gaze. She knew he wasn't the sort to fall for such a show, but it was probably the most genuinely ashamed and bashful look she had ever managed. "I seem to have attacked this matter with far too much haste," she commented quietly. "I am not one to cause myself any hassle or worry over someone else, but I was under the misconception that Christian was incapable of taking care of himself. I trust, Mr. Tawse, that this little... misunderstanding will remain just between us?" Yes, it was much better if Christian had no idea she was trying to fight a battle for him that he apparently did not want to be fought. "I trust, given the sensitive nature, that I have little to worry about on that front."

Cinaed arched an eyebrow, peering curiously at the woman, shrugging his shoulders casually.  "Who's to say he won't gain any power?" he asked.  Who knew the possibilities that lay before the young man?  Sure, Cinaed didn't expect him to rise to Department Head or Minister of Magic in the next year or two - or even in the span of five years.  Nor were they expecting some massive Ministry revolt to come from this. 

"It's all about knowing the smaller details - the warning.  Maybe he gets wind that the Aurors are planning to intercept a meeting and we get just enough warning to disband?  Or, we discover the whereabouts about a key witness?  There's value in information - information is what a man in Chris' position can provide us." 

She was, indeed, correct on one front: Cinaed couldn't blame her for jumping to the worst conclusions.  Her reasons for doing so, however, were another matter entirely.  Cinaed's expression darkened and, when he rounded on Liadan again, his anger was etched plainly across his face.  "No capacity for compassion?"  Who was she to accuse him of such things?  He had the utmost respect for his fellow Knockturn residents - he'd provided many a fresh ex-Azzie with free room and board until they had found their footing. 

Cinaed glared at the woman sitting in the couch.  "How dare you?  Who are you to pass such judgment on me?  Shy do you think I'm doing what I'm doing?  I get no personal gain from it.  There you sit, primly in the background, taking care to keep your fingers from getting dirty.  While, I'm the one putting my ass and my freedom on the line, working so that one day we'll be able to live freely.  And I do so willingly - the most I would ever ask of you is to not insult me that way." 

He turned and stalked away towards the sideboard, refreshening his drink.  "Why Christian has any interest in you is beyond me," he said, shaking his head.  If you're done attempting to charm me-"  The sarcasm thick in his voice.  It was questionable whether Liadan could charm a satyr.  "- you know the way out."

Liadán was not certain that she had ever seen Mr. Tawse angry before, or even really close to anger. It was most certainly a very unsettling feeling as his expression grew dark, and he glared at her. Then again, who was Cináed Tawse to look at her or speak to her in such a way? He was a convict, a wandless and therefore completely useless and helpless individual. Still, she did not feel comfortable as he decided to point out her own faults. Her body grew rigid as he criticized her, and slowly Liadán rose to her feet.

"In the background?" she asked. "You say that as though I have something to do with this, and that I would wish to take no part in whatever it is you are up to or that you are planning. In case you have forgotten, Mr. Tawse, I have not been asked to lend a hand to anything. Why should I compromise what I have worked so hard to gain when no one seems to want or need my help? What help could I possibly give if I did have blood on my hands?"

"And no one would risk themselves for no personal gain. Whether you get immediate retribution or not, I refuse to believe anyone to be so selfless. You fight for your own freedom along with everyone else's. Perhaps if you bothered to inquire once in a while you could find an ally in people you would not normally expect. I am not near as innocent as I make myself out to be, which is something that I know that you are well aware of. What would you have me do? What aid would you have me to give to further this cause? I am just as sick and tired of being discriminated against as you are."

"At least you have done something in the past to warrant the ministry nosing into your life on a regular basis. I have done nothing. Do not sit there and lecture me as though I couldn't possibly fathom or understand the severity of this situation or assume that I am too self absorbed to fight for something that I also find to be a grave injustice. You are just as guilty as I am of making inappropriate and inaccurate judges in character."

Standing up, Liadán walked to where he was now standing, and looked up at him with a scowl. "And it would benefit you, Mr. Tawse, to remember how useful I can be as an ally- or how dangerous I can be as an enemy. Contrary to popular belief, I am not all bark and no bite."

"As it seems that this has been a pointless visit, and neither of us is going to make any forward progress considering our levels of personal offense, you are right in stating it is time that I leave. Feel free call me on my bluff if you think I am doing nothing more than blowing smoke. I would be more than happy to prove to you that I am a fully capable witch. I just hope when you decide to cash in on this little interaction, that you do it in a way that you will not regret."

Bloody hell, the woman on the couch was fecking confusing.  One minute she was complaining about what he was having Chris do, now she was griping that Cinaed hadn't asked her to help as well?  From his place at the sidebar, Cinaed turned to look at Liadan, slowly shaking his head.  Was she now saying she wanted to get involved?  Was this her way of asking to be involved?  "As a reminder," he said.  Cinaed was, quite clearly, making an attempt to wrench the angry bite from his voice.  The result was neither free of anger nor bite, but it was at least quieter.  And more monotone.  "You had nothing to do with this until you came waltzing in here and shoving your nose in where it was not invited.  I never expected you to dare compromise your situation which is why I never asked." 

"I don't expect everyone to fight," he also pointed out.  "It would do no good to have everyone bloody their hands.  But, I would think the least I could ask is to have enough support from those content to sit comfortably on the sidelines to not have what I have accomplished and what I am doing so carelessly tossed to the side.  I'm well aware you don't think much of me.  And, it hardly matters, considering you don't think much of anyone.  But, I'd like to think that if you really care about your freedom as well as mine that you'd atleast have the bloody courtesy of respecting me.  But, it appears that would be asking too much." 

Oh ho - so now Liadan was wanting to get involved?  Cinaed chuckled with disbelief and shook his head.  He wished she would stop these bloody mind games - they were annoying.  "Just ... what the feck do you want, woman?  I mean, really?  If you're here because you want to help me or Chris -" Whether it was helping him or Chris, really, didn't matter.  The WBA had never been his, he'd simply just stepped up to offer some guidance since no one else had.  "Just come out and say it.  But, don't come waltzing in here throwing insulting accusations at me."

She was standing, now.  Cinead downed his drink and set the glass on the countertop so his hands were free to rub his face.  "I do not for a second believe you are all talk and no action.  But, it's up to you what you want to do next.  I was never that good at Divination and I certainly am no legilimens.  If you want to help, just come out and say it.  But, if you're hoping you can toy with me in the hopes of my running after you, begging you to help it's not going to happen.  It's entirely up to you."

"You're right, Mr. Tawse," Liadán said quietly, dropping her gaze from his. "I should be supporting what you are doing. And really, it is none of my business what Christian is or isn't doing for the cause. In fact, I would probably have been better off without having any knowledge of anything that is going on. And I did not intend to ask to be involved. Nor do I expect you to chase after me. Though I do not know you very well, I do not peg you as the sort of person to chase after to beg anything from anybody, least of all from me." She fell silent again, smoothing out her dress as she tried to consider what move to make next.

Cináed was correct. She was making no sense. She came barging in, intending to yell at him over Christian. Then it had turned into a squabble over why he had not asked her to help to begin with, and his intentions in general. It was not like Liadán to be so unpredictable. She didn't understand her own actions, so explaining them to Cináed wasn't going to be an easy task. In fact, the only explanation she could think of was the most unfathomable one of all and Liadán refused to even seriously consider it. It was Christian Colburn, a half-blood and now a ministry employee. He was everything she was raised to hate. There was no way..

"Please, forgive my intrustion and accept my sincerest apologies. I realize I have overstepped my boundaries by quite a bit throughout this entire conversation. I cannot even explain what possessed me to say half of things that I have. While I would like to be of some help, I am not certain exactly what I could do. I have a wide range of talents and abilites, but I do not know that I would not be any good at bloodying my hands. What little I could offer would be funding, though I am not even certain that you need that."

She sighed quietly, and finally turned her gaze back up to him again. "If you think of anything that my particular expertise would be helpful with, I would be more than willing to lend a helping hand. I can be useful for more than creature related issues. I happen to be very nasty with a wand when need be. I just am not certain how well I would be received by your other associates. It seems that quite a few people in our society are less than fond of me..."

"Well, I suppose I should be going now as you have business to conduct. I trust that we can put this little altercation behind us..." She trailed off, pondering whether or not she should ask him not to mention it to Christian. Liadán did not want him to know she was butting into his business and trying to protect him. He should be able to protect himself, anyway. "I hope you have a good afternoon and evening, Mr. Tawse. I should be getting home. Please, feel free to send for me if you need anything. Or... Or if Christian needs anything. I would like to help him, too, if I could." Liadán then gave him a soft, oddly sincere smile before showing herself out of the room and out of Cináed's pub.