Walking through Knockturn was always an experience.  Between the hags that screeched and scowls from the dark corners and all sorts of characters that mulled through the streets, Archer could just see criminal after criminal.  Perhaps not in the big ways that some were, but criminals nonetheless.  It wasn’t his job to jump down the throats of every resident of the alley though, and over the years had learned the tried and true method of leave and let alone and you will be granted the same courtesy. 

It didn’t mean that people weren’t suspicious of him, however.  Even in street clothes, Archer was clearly too clean cut to be a resident of this alley, and it didn’t help that his only suitable footwear were his standard issue auror boots.  He kept his badge in his wallet though, and did not openly identify himself with the corps, even wearing a standard set of black robes that any member of wizarding society could own.  He was just a nameless face in the crowd, even if he hovered above most everyone else; he was still fairly nondescript today.

He needed to be if he wanted to get into the Cloak and Dirk without drawing too much attention to himself.  He would have apparated, but it would attract even more attention to himself and alerted people that he was looking to the underworld for some services.  Now, he knew the owner of this establishment, had been here many times in his heyday, usually for nothing more than a little bit of information retrieval, or trying to locate something – like the boss.

But now, he was really trying to avoid having any trouble with anyone and wanted to keep everything as low-key as possible.  So, when he arrived at the old face of the building, a familiar sight to the auror who had travelled down these roads one too many times, Archer looked around to make sure he was not being followed or watched – it did not appear he was on any more than a curiosity level, and he opened the door to the building. 

Almost immediately upon entry the raven cawed at him, hopping closer to the entry way on its perch and looked at him with those marble-like eyes.  Archer was well aware of what he had to do and reached out a hand to touch it – though he was not a particular fan of birds – always thought they were a bit freaky.  They had those strange tongues that he didn’t really know what they were for and this one breathed fire – something he had learned all too well in his younger years, breezing past it before having to roll on the ground to put out the fire at the seat of his robes.

He had learned, however, and when the bird seemed satisfied with the few pats on the head, Archer brushed through and toward the familiar desk of the familiar person he sought.  Now, he had just encountered her husband a few days ago, and having taken the first steps he needed to take, Archer was ready to approach the next part of his investigation, getting some files from a… less… revised and edited source.  He knew she would have information on people that the Ministry could only dream of having, and it wasn’t as though Archer didn’t think there was a way to get it – but it would be much easier to have a woman like her on his side than getting his hands dirty and taking up the time he didn’t have.

“Good Afternoon, Aurora,” he greeted professionally, “Glad to see your bird has learned some manners,” he gave a small, joking smirk, hoping that it would make everything go far more smoothly if he attacked this situation with a little more tact and friendly behavior than he had used on her husband.  “I’m glad to see a return to the Cloak and Dirk.”

It was like old times again. Aurora was seated behind her desk, flipping through information that her contacts were bringing in. It was a nice and tidy little system, that kept Aurora out of the line of fire. Jason enjoyed that part of her plan. Though deep down, they hoped Aurora would never ever have a need to return to her old profession. While the bounty hunter part of the job was gone, Aurora wasn’t naďve to think she would just sit behind her desk. She would still need to hunt down a lead or verify a rumor.  It was part of the job. Her articles were merely a cover for what she was really doing.

She was greatly relieved when she reopened the C&D to find that during the Second War, it went relatively untouched. After a very though sweep with Thalia and her new beau, Pan, Aurora was satisfied there were no bugs or unwanted hexes lingering.   With that, she began cleaning out her files and updating the few that were still relevant. It was a long and tedious process. She could most likely do it at Bannochdaen in the library with Jason’s help. However, there was more to her checking on the Cloak and Dirk than sorting information and updating her dark wizards’ files. Knockturn Alley was still the information hub to the Dark Side. With all the grumblings that were sounding like the precursor to the Second War, Aurora wanted to be nearby to hear any plans so she could alert the Aurors.

Aurora looked up Janus’s caw. There was a visitor to her business. She wasn’t open officially, so she was a little surprised at a visitor. Cautiously she pulled her wand and waited. Fortunately she made sure to reinforce the charms on the building that only allowed a select number of wands to work inside. Sadly half of the list were no longer in use after the Second War. A fact that greatly saddened Aurora. They had lost so many in the Second War and The Azkaban Uprising. It seemed fate was bent on taking more with the impending conflict, the storm that was slowly gathering. Aurora only hoped she was still as effective as she once was with her information.

“Good Afternoon, Aurora,”

Aurora merely arched an eyebrow at Archer Radley. Of all the people she was expecting, he was a bit of a surprise. Aurora gave a nod as she put her wand back on her desk. She gave him a once over. He certainly has filled out over the years. She remembered when he or Tamis would darken her doorstep for information or in Tamis’ case a place to vent about Jason MacDonell. After the Second War, they would come to Avalon for training or escape. Rory was most Aurors’ favorite person to gripe too. She was a warrior like most of them, dealt with the same people that they did. The icing was she was also seeing Jason MacDonell and a few thought she could convince him to lighten up. A thought that still made Aurora chuckle. No one could dissuade Jason when his mind was set on something, unless it a certain eight year old red head named Jack or a four year brunette that answered to Alex.

“It has been a while, Radley lad.” Aurora greeted gently, “I thought you were buried underneath the mounds of paperwork in the Ministry.”

“Glad to see your bird has learned some manners,”

That remark definitely made Rory smirk. Yes she remembered the first time Radley had ignored Janus. He was focused on a case at the time and was only a little over 20 at the time. Janus took great exception to the snub and for the first time, blew flames at a non dark wizard for the first and last time. Rory and Robin had a very hard time suppressing their chuckles at the mishap, but fortunately they succeed. Robin had helped Radley out while Rory gave Janus a stern lecture. Janus didn’t acknowledge her for the next two days.

“He might say the same about you. After all, no one likes to be ignored.” Aurora stated as she sat down and motioned to the seat across from her. Quickly, she tidied her desk up as she waited for Radley. His whole posture screamed he was not here for a social call. He was trying though to be at ease. However there was something off about it.

“I’m glad to see a return to the Cloak and Dirk.”  

“I am glad that someone is. I, however, am not.” Aurora stated bluntly, “But with everything going on, I need to help anyway I can. I tried to stay away and look at what happened. If I was here, sorting through all of this, Gawain Robards might still be here.”

Aurora brushed aside the remorse. She needed to focus on the task at hand. Quickly, she recalled her father’s teachings.  She pinned Archer with a strong gaze as she sized him up again. She was part of the Old Guard now. It was up to this new generation to defend the world. Rory would help any way she could, but protecting her family was first. Refocusing on Archer, she decided to skip the niceties and get straight to the point.

“Why are you really here, Radley?” Aurora asked, “You would have come to Bannochdaen if this was a real social call.” 

Clearly Archer was not an expected guest, and he did not think he would be.  His business here had ended long ago, when the doors shut – seemingly for good – but because they were opening again, and he had heard from multiple sources that it was indeed, Aurora MacDonell coming back, he could not help but need to check this out.  It would be so helpful to have a contact in the alley that he could really trust – that was connected to one of the best wizards of the day and one of the few graced with the title warlock.  It was clearly in the family to be a strong personality with a lot of honor and pride, he could only think how intensely his children would focus on their careers. 

It always surprised him how differently he had turned out from his parents, seeking the highest position he could and trying harder than anyone ever had – most of them had gone through as average at best, but it appeared that Leola’s children were not going to settle for just anything.  As an auror, he certainly took up a banner of justice and protection and took it very seriously – he certainly wouldn’t have been going to an information dealer if he was not.  He had faith in this dealer, however, and hoped that she would give him exactly what he needed. 

“Even bureaucrats come out from under the paper on Sundays, Aurora,” Archer smirked, “though, no rest for the wicked, as they say.”  It was true, his job was endless and even on a designated day off, here he was, doing his job.  He didn’t want to waste the time and if something happened feel the guilt of knowing he had been sitting on his arse.  The one thing he did manage was sleeping in until eight, a rare feat, but other than that, he started on his day, first to the office – despite its being nearly empty, and then down to the Alley. 

The conversation continued down a more casual manner, talking about the bird, which made him chuckle softly.  “Point taken, and never forgotten, mind you.”  Certainly true, since he had to thank Robin for helping to stomp out his cloak, but it had been completely ridiculous.  Who knew a bird could be so touchy? 

Apparently, it was not the only touchy thing in the room and once the subject of being back at the C&D was broached, Aurora’s smile turned into a thin line, explaining her reasoning and displeasure for reopening its doors.  Archer could not complain, but he supposed he understood.  He had never thought there would be something so pressing as some of the old cases that came across his desk, something that could potentially involve another charismatic movement that would easily sway the weak-willed and feeble-minded into doing its dirty work. 

She was giving herself too much responsibility though, and Archer shook his head.  “Thinking that way will only kill you faster, Aurora.”  Of course they all blamed themselves a little, not having seen it coming, not being there in time, not being able to do anything, and suspect number one hanging about in that office on the same day, eliminating their ability to directly connect him until more evidence surfaced.  Archer was trying to look for anything, even outside the realm of possibilities he had considered before at this point – anything was better than nothing.

Getting the transacted mail to and from Azkaban was a first step, but now it was getting into the Prophet and finding the people he was looking for.  He knew they were in this Alley, it was obvious, but they were deep underground, and it would take another snake to push them out of their hole.  It seemed Aurora was just as perceptive as her husband was and basically told him to cut the bull and get down to the meat of it – something he could definitely respect.

“I’m looking for some information, and I know you are good for that from time to time.  There are a few people I’m interested in down here and it would help a very important current investigation along.”  He hoped that would be incentive enough, though somehow, felt like there would be a qualifier in there somewhere… a man could dream though.

Aurora always secretly liked Archer. He could be witty when the need suited him. Focused and determined to prove himself even still as he has filled out his Auror robes. With her own past as it was, she could empathize.  He also learned from his mistake. Janus, while not the most vicious of his kind, just didn’t like to be ignored unless he was on a mission. There were only two times he took to it, when the person was angry or grieving. Then he kept his distance.

No, she wasn’t pleased by her own selfishness in hoping she would never be needed as an information broker again. Remorse was a trait she kept under wraps usually. She didn’t see it as a liability as some in her profession did. In fact, her father would say it’s what helped to keep one’s humanity at times. After years of hunting dark beings, Aurora could easily agree.  Mentally, she shook herself and refocused on Archer.

“I’m looking for some information, and I know you are good for that from time to time.  There are a few people I’m interested in down here and it would help a very important current investigation along.”

She had a feeling he wanted information. It wasn’t a hard deduction to make. She was surprised that Tamis didn’t accompany him though. Tamis knew better than anyone how Aurora tended to operate. Especially when one wants something from the deep underground. It was a dangerous place, not for the faint of heart or those who walked the straight and narrow.  No, the Underground requires one to play by their rules and can win big. While she liked Archer, he wasn’t a warrior or a rogue. He was a lawman who respected and upheld the law. There was a big difference.

Aurora shifted through her papers, “If you are looking for the Anti-muggle group, I have a little bit on them. I am waiting on an informant to bring me some names. What exactly are you looking for?”

Byron was an old friend from when Aurora lived in Cain’s court. As a vampire, he could easily walk the underground and get what she needed without much hassle. Plus Cain had offered to help in any way he could. He would be a very interesting player. After all, the group might be tempted to requite Cain as an ally. What better way to attack muggles than releasing a very experienced vampire into their midst. It might be too tempting to pass up. However, Aurora wanted to check the wisdom of it with Jason first.

“This is a dangerous game, Auror Radley. It will require a very sharp mind and the ability to strategize. Think you are up to the challenge?” Aurora stated softly, “You should remember that one must prove themselves before I share my Dark Wizards’ files.”

Aurora wasn’t against helping Archer. In fact, she was more than willing to. However, she was not about to hand over potentially lethal information to the man which he could be killed by. Not only would it cause Tamis pain, but they would lose a strong fighter if this conflict broke out into another war.  Neither one was an option in Aurora’s mind.  So she wanted patiently for Archer’s answers. Either way, she was going to give him a little light night reading.

Archer raised his eyebrows.  Aurora MacDonell had never been one to hold back and certainly wasn’t doing so now.  She jumped to quite the conclusion and just because it was right did not mean it put Archer at ease.  Quite the contrary, it made him slightly wary of what was going on.  Was the talk so big down in the Alley?  Would it be escalating if it was well-known?  He knew Aurora had her ways of getting things done and getting information as well as anyone, but to specifically target them as anti-muggle and defined as a group, he just… his jaw set and he nodded slowly. 

“When do you expect this informant to be back?” That was probably enough of a confirmation that she guessed exactly what he was looking for.  He didn’t particularly care who this person was or what they were doing to get the information, if Archer didn’t know; he didn’t have to do anything about it.  Even within his respect for the law and his duty to uphold it, he was also aware that sometimes things had to be sacrificed, and if someone seedy was getting him what he needed, he would overlook it.  It was basically making the plea bargain before they even got into the interrogation room. 

She asked the question he anticipated though – the question he was asked time and time again.  People knew him for his staunch upholding of the law, his beliefs about justice – but he also believed that things had to be done and he was going to do them as best he could with still upholding those staunchly in place ideals.  So her warning was not taken lightly, but it was also taken with a grain of salt – he was trained to fight and track dark wizards, at times by her own husband, so he was fairly ready to take up what he could. 

“I am always up to a challenge, Aurora,” Archer quirked a bit of a smirk.  It was perhaps not the best thing to joke about, but it was true enough.  He had taken up many challenges recently, both professional and personal, so what was one more?  If it was going to result in something good – like he viewed most challenges he took up would – he would struggle through it for a bit. 

It appeared he was going to have to struggle through this one a little more than usual though, and quirked his eyebrows.  Prove himself?  What was that supposed to mean.  Didn't he have 17 years of service under his belt and numerous closed cases?  It was an odd suggestion, but he would take it up.  She was a good humored woman, surely she would enjoy him poking a bit of fun before the real serious business got put down, then he would hoist up the serious pants too, but for now…“If you want to see my battle scars, Aurora, I’m more than willing to share.” 

“When do you expect this informant to be back?”

Aurora shrugged her shoulder at that, “Good information takes time. This contact is very thorough. Plus it won’t be until after the sun goes down. He has quite an aversion to the sun.”

Aurora hoped that Archer took the hint. If she could get the names of those involved, she was not going to hand it out here in the Alley. Something that sensitive would be better suited to either Avalon or Bannochdaen. Tapping a finger on her desk, she measured up Archer.  She also didn’t want to waste her time on something he already had.

“What exactly are you looking for, Radley? Besides the names, what else do you need?” Aurora stated blandly, “I don’t like wasting time on what is already known.”

“I am always up to a challenge, Aurora,”

“I never doubt that, Radley. The real question is do you understand what you are up against?” Aurora asked, “Do you have the why to achieve the how?”

That was the key. Groups like Death Eaters and this new one were not to be underestimated in any way. That was more deadly than most would think. Lord Voldemort might be dead but his ideas were being passed on.  In the end, they were fighting against an idea. That was the hardest battle one could fight. Aurora picked up her wand and summoned one of her most lent out book.  The book, The Art of War flew into her hand.

“If you want to see my battle scars, Aurora, I’m more than willing to share.” 

Aurora smirked mischeively and she tossed the book at Radley, “Sorry, dear, but I’m only interested in one man’s battle scars. Nice try though.  Here read this. It might help you with your cases and Tamis. After all, she read it too when she first came to me.”

Fair enough.  Archer would have to wait on it.  A number of residents of the Alley only came out at night, but Archer could guess that only one kind would be getting information strictly when the sun went down.  Whatever, he wasn’t concerned with that, typically, he could expect Aurora to keep a very strict eye on who she was dealing with – the last thing she wanted was negative publicity and the tracks of the aurors on her people.  He doubted there was anything to worry about with a vampire right now – probably the least problematic thing he had come across in quite a while. 

And then, of course, was the blunter question.  What he wanted, specifically.  Well, it couldn’t hurt.  He just didn’t want to give away too much.  It would compromise him; put him in direct violation of a total confidentiality order.  It was a tricky ground to maneuver, but Archer was up for it.  Shrugging his shoulders a bit, the Auror mulled his mouth in thought.  “The names would be a start.  And some information on a location – The Black Chimera.  Inhabitants, regular frequenters, patterns of business – documented and otherwise.  It’s owner, Cinead Tawse is also of supreme interest to the office.” 

For more than one reason, he reminded himself.  It was not directly related to him as of yet, but Tamis was obsessed, and he wanted to cover all the ground possible.  He wanted to look into it, put it in the file for better or worse.  He would make this investigation take up its own filing cabinet if he had to.  He hated organizing, but cases like these involved a lot of it and he was going to take pleasure in chronicling every step to a clear and clean conviction. 

And through that chronicling he was getting a good idea of what was going on.  He knew the group was inexperienced, but they were gutsy, and the combination was clearly lethal.  Their profile targeted them as young and angry – something Tawse certainly was – and many of his colleagues were also falling under that category.  “I am getting there,” he answered honestly, “but they’re an insular group.  Getting as much information as I can will help in forming a further plan of action.” 

It would also help him actually figure out what members to take out first, who to exploit and then who to eliminate.  There was none of that without the parties involved, however, and their location.  He suspected it, but could not prove it.  They had a man on the inside, but he had his suspicions about him too. 

He started to feel good about the whole thing, especially when a book flew through the air, hoping that it was perhaps a compilation of information she had so far that would be added to as time went on, but as she smirked at him, and tossed the book, Archer caught it and turned it over in his hands.  The Art of War?  His eyebrows creased in confusion as his mouth smoothed into a small line.  Not exactly what he thought he was going to receive.

Looking up at Aurora, she was smirking – clearly the good humor he anticipated – she mentioned help with Tamis though, and he laughed softly at the implication.  “Putting my reading glasses to good use, MacDonells.” He recalled all the letters he was pouring over and everything else he was looking into.  He would be lucky he didn’t need to upgrade to full time eyewear after this, he hoped to Merlin this would not be the case.  “Think by the time I finish this you can have what I need?” he turned the book over in his hands, hoping the answer would be yes. 

“The names would be a start.  And some information on a location – The Black Chimera.  Inhabitants, regular frequenters, patterns of business – documented and otherwise.  It’s owner, Cinead Tawse is also of supreme interest to the office.” 

 Aurora jotted that down with a frown. She supposed it was a start. However, it seemed quite narrow in the scoop of things. Especially the rumors she was getting on her desk. If this group was as anti-muggle as they like to be portrayed, then he should be looking at unsolved murders or missing persons being handled by the Muggle police. Aurora looked up at Archer to see if he had anything to add.

“Did you take a look at suspicious cases in Scotland Yard’s files? Byron brought me several rumors about suspicious suicides in the surrounding area. Ones where the people were not known to be depressed or fit the profile of a suicide risk.” Aurora pointed out seriously, “I’m sure you have checked with other countries for any Muggle-born hate crimes, but how about any suspicious muggle ones?”

Aurora leaned back in her chair. Her mind was turning with different angles and places to send her other contacts to. They were just waiting for her to give the words. After all, Aurora paid quite generously for verified information. Chances are this group had been gathering steam for some time. They would have practiced on easier targets before doing something so public.  The trick was finding the starting point. Once Archer located the earliest incident, he would be near the main headquarters of the group.

“Look for the earliest incidents. That will be a starting point. They would have attacked close to their comfort zone the first time before branching out.” Aurora stated, “Perhaps that would lead you to the ring leader’s homes.”

“I am getting there, but they’re an insular group.  Getting as much information as I can will help in forming a further plan of action.” 

“Then I will try to help as best I can.” Aurora offered with a shrug, “If I can’t, then a dear friend of mine will. While I have reopened the Cloak and Dirk, I will only be overseeing its operations. I have a feeling Jason will be keeping me close to home for a while.”

Now that she was sure, she needed to tell Jason. She wasn’t sure how he was going to take it.  It was going to be an interesting time that was for sure.  Her only concern was how stubborn her husband was going to be come.

“Putting my reading glasses to good use, MacDonell? Think by the time I finish this you can have what I need?”

Aurora gave him a baleful look. Of course, she would have something by then. She also hoped that by then Archer would have a better strategy in place. After all, the information can only help if the plan was right. Archer was going to be dancing with a dangerous foe. She could only hope he was up to the challenge. If not, she didn’t want to think of the consequences, especially if the result became fatal.
 
“I will. I hope you have a strategy by then. You’ll be no good to anyone dead, especially Tamis.” Aurora stated bluntly, “Which speaking of which, how is that going?”

Archer had cruised over muggle reports, but he hadn’t come up with anything like that.  Frowning slightly, he did not know what to make of it, but supposed he was already in the way of looking into whatever he could, why not grab more files while he was at it?  Clearly he only needed one day off this month, and it would be a short one anyway.  Christmas Day with his family was always something he took pleasure in getting out of in any way he could, so a good excuse like a serious investigation could get that done. 

Perhaps it was just he did not appreciate being told how to do his job from someone who was not part of his ranks.  He had come here to get information, not a lecture, but he set his jaw and nodded, feeling as though it was good advice and he was letting some of his pride get in the way.  After all, MacDonell had reaffirmed some of Archer’s suspicions about his investigative techniques and here he was getting a wealth of suggestions that it did not seem like either of them had suggested.  Perhaps it was just the outsider’s perspective. 

It was a true enough and she was right to offer the advice for information seeking – that was what she did, after all.  He reminded himself of that fact, information brokers knew where to find it and he would have to file some intensive paperwork to get those muggle files into the ministry.  He’d also have to keep them away from the misuse of muggle artifacts area – those people were so peculiar… Frowning softly, he raised his eyebrows as she suggested she was not the one who was going to be doing the work.

Interesting, but not highly out of the ordinary – it did not concern him, he was sure, just that someone was doing it.  Overseer or not, she gave the orders and he had to be on her good side, that was about it.  “Excellent,” he responded easily, “I will be looking into everything you’re suggesting.”  It was another lead, anything he could do to deliver as much information as he could, he’d be looking into it.  Eleor had said something about a muggle being murdered – perhaps he’d talk to him after getting the files. 

Of course, her bluntness was surprising to him, particularly when she noted he would be of no use dead.  Perhaps as a result of frequent encounters with death, Archer could not help but smirk.  “I’m well aware,” he noted.  He couldn’t help but smile – morbid, but true, and shook his head.  Everyone was interested in he and Tamis.  Did MacDonell tell her or was it Tamis herself?  He supposed it did not matter, she knew about it and clearly wanted to ask. 

“It is going well,” he responded simply, “She is a handful, but I have never been one to shirk on a challenge.”  It was a well-known fact, Archer sunk his teeth into something and then didn’t let go until it was done.  It made him a good investigator and, for the most part, a good man.  He was not sure he would ever really get his teeth out of this one though.  “We are working very hard to get some ground on this matter.”  Bring it back to the case, and that would make things remarkably less awkward. 

“It’s been of… personal interest… to her,” he added, knowing full well that he was not going to explain how she was obsessed with putting Tawse in jail and the victimization of several of her close friends and associates.  “I’ve been looking at a muggle coffee shop and one of its employees who also passed away, though his death was ruled an accident.  Fell asleep with a cigarette, but it was the last place a victim was seen before her disappearance."  He mulled for a moment and nodded, "I suppose some other muggles might fit a similar pattern. I will have to look."

Aurora watched as Archer read over the Muggle reports. If she didn’t think it was significant then she wouldn’t have bothered telling him about it. Also, she wanted to give him another perspective. After all, when one was stumped or needed a lead, that usually also meant one needed to see things from a different angle. However she was done lecturing Radley for the time. She gave him what he needed for now. She hoped after the New Year celebrations she would have more.

Which brought her to her next thought. She really needed to insist that Tamis come to Bannochdaen for the New Year. If she knew her dear friend, she would try to word the holiday away….again. Sizing up Archer, she figured he would be up to the challenge.  Tamis needed a good man to help her save herself from herself.

   “Excellent, I will be looking into everything you’re suggesting.”

“Just not all at once. Rest and relaxation are just as important, Radley.” Aurora pointed out. If one worked all the time, one will start to lose their focus. She didn’t want Radley or Tamis to do that. There was a war coming and they were going to be needed for it.

“It is going well. She is a handful, but I have never been one to shirk on a challenge. We are working very hard to get some ground on this matter.”

“She always will be. You’ll be good for her. Behind every great woman or man is someone who supports them in some way loves them.” Aurora remarked with a shrug, “I will state this once and only once.  Hurt her and you’ll wish Jason got to you first.”

Aurora let his mind try to figure out what she was capable of. Between her and Jason, it was quite a bit. They never used the knowledge, unless their family or home was threatened. In fact if any of these wannabe Death Eaters tried anything, she truly pitied them. They wouldn’t know what hit them or who got them first. Jason might be the faster draw, but Aurora was sneakier about her casting.

“It’s been of… personal interest… to her. I’ve been looking at a muggle coffee shop and one of its employees who also passed away, though his death was ruled an accident.  Fell asleep with a cigarette, but it was the last place a victim was seen before her disappearance. I suppose some other muggles might fit a similar pattern. I will have to look."

 “Talk to the medical examiner personally if you can. He is a Squib, I believe. That way you won’t have to deal with any muggle paperwork.” Aurora suggested gently, “Now I hope Tamis and you can come to Bannochdaen on Janurary 1st to join us in a New Year’s feast. If Tamis is determined about a case, she will be in the office during the holidays. A break might do you two some good. And I might have some information by then.”

“Rest and Relaxation?  I’m not familiar with this concept,” Archer laughed softly and grinned.  He knew Aurora would understand what he was talking about.  Sure, Archer got his odd night off and definitely spent it, more than usually, sleeping, but now he was working so much that if he wanted to take time off, he found something productive to do during it – like read case files in bed or sit up with a cup of coffee and think for most of the night.  It was just how he was starting to operate.  A lot of Tamis’ bad habits were rubbing off on him, including the nearly sleepless nights. 

Generally, it gave them some good, solid time to talk to one another, but Archer was finding it harder and harder to just lay down and pass out like he used to.  It took him at least a half of an hour of turning and tossing if he wanted to sleep and that was only if he was exhausted.  Maybe it was just the case – it made him anxious, knowing there was only a certain amount of time before they struck again.  It made sleeping harder, wasting time that could be spent being productive.

He could understand the warning for relaxing, but then the threat came up.  Archer did not understand why everyone had to threaten him!  Did they really think that he was the type of man to do that to a woman?  Sure, in his younger days he wasn’t the most considerate boyfriend, but he had grown up a lot.  And he really appreciated Tamis as his partner professionally and personally, he really couldn’t afford to muck it up.  If only other people would concede that he was invested in the relationship on more than a ‘because I’ll kill you,’ level. 

Rather than voice this mental rant, Archer sighed and nodded clearly, approaching this situation like one would approach talking to a significant figure’s family.  He did not wish to insult or challenge, he just wished to smooth things over and prove rather than talk.  There wasn’t much strength in words unless the actions were there to back them up.  He was certain the actions were there so far, but he would just leave it for everyone to decide later.  He was confident he did not have to worry about what would happen to him – he had no intention of hurting anyone. 

What would help everyone, in fact, would be that information.  He was hoping it could be here sooner than the first of January though.  With his newly developed bouts of insomnia, he would finish this book in days, still turning it over in his hands.  An invitation to another family style event?  It could have made Archer cringe if he were not practicing the poker face MacDonell warned him about. 

“I’ll see what I can do,” Archer responded without commitment to the idea, “if duty calls – well, you understand,” he smiled a bit.  “I will do my best to ensure we’re out of the office though.”  He would try; propose that they go, if she said no he didn’t have to push the envelope too hard.  After all, it would end up feeling awkward, Archer felt like it’d be a bit of an exposition for them, an observational exercise for the rest of them.  “I appreciate the invitation though,” he added, “if we do have the time, I’m sure we will at least drop by.” 

That matter attended to, Archer went back to the medical examiner.  "A squib?  Good. I'll have to ask for an interview without some of the hassle."  It was so much easier dealing with people even vaguely aware of magic.  Even Dr. Bombay with her dead bodies, at least she could relate things in something of an understandable way.  "Hopefully  he'll have dealt with some of the other cases as well, and I can get as much as I can out of it."  It was an honest hope, though a doubtful one.  He was just hoping luck was on his side these days.  He could really use some of it.