A Matter of... Exoneration

[Gerard Waine]

November 1st, 2007

The foul odor of the working class hung in the air like a contagious disease. The carriers of the fatal illness swarmed the building with shabby attire and disgustingly cheerful dispositions. It was a good thing that Mr. Waine had forgone his luncheon, least it would have soiled already grimy floors.

His “wife” had naturally been devastated when he told her he would not be joining her this afternoon, all simpering one hundred and fifteen pounds of her; a bulk of mindless dead weight and wasted air. The woman wanted a baby, wanted to raise a “little Waine” together. The foolish girl actually held notions that he married her out of love rather than her social standing. Naïve little twit.

Stepping into the lift, Gerard adjusted the already pristine top of his dress robes. Making sure his tie was just right. Steel gray eyes glanced into a small looking glass, observing the tall figure that so many women had idolized – and still did. Some would say the graying hair gave him a more mature appearance. Such comments were for the deficient. It was a flaw; a hated weakness, one that he was constantly in a losing battle against. Drawing away from the image, those same eyes glanced at the reflection of the other man in the lift, bringing a sneer to his lips. The excuse of a creature lowered his gaze and gave Waine a generous girth when the Aristocrat reached his level – as she should have.

One last adjustment, a quick stroll down the hall, and a dazzling smile for the Undersecretary sitting in her office before the Minister’s. An elegant flourishing bow later -- and an enchanting compliment on the hideous tent she was wearing -- and the flattered woman hurried to inform the Minster that he had arrived. The faintest bloom warmed her cheeks as she disappeared. Despicable, the woman had no dignity. But such forms of flattery had its uses. Even if it meant charming such a whale. Sometimes such was necessary when you had larger plans in mind. And the little scheme he had cooking was worth the agony.

When the woman returned, Gerard gave her chubby hand a kiss, almost choking on the overwhelming amount of perfume she had smothered herself in.

When he entered the hall beyond, Waine allowed himself a shudder of disgust. There was enough time to wipe his mouth with a cloth and run a hand through those imperfect gray hairs before rapping on the door. A polite but established knock; a gentleman’s knock. The Minister would hopefully be informed of him already if the beached whale out there was competent, but the knock was a courtesy to a “superior.” And Gerard Waine was always courteous.

[Wallace Thornbrush]

The Minister of Magic slowly wandered around his large office clutching to his cane. He was awaiting a meeting he was sure would be quite interesting. The man seemd like he knew exactly what he wanted, and exactly how to help the Minister. Don't be fooled the man wasn't exactly corrupt, corrupt insinuated that he wasn't helping the country at all. No that was just incorrect, he kept to his duties, but he was sure to make sure he had no way of falling off his pedastool. Looking towards the fake window that shone false sunlight into the room, he smiled. Today was bound to be interesting.

He slowly made his way back towards his desk. He really was never really one to be called nimble, but age was begining to get to him. Sitting down rather roughly in his chair he let out a breath of air. It wasn't exactly the easiest life. Waving his wand the fire lightly ignited. He would have to appear the highest of class for this one, and thats exactly what he would be.

It was taking some time for the man to arrive, and he needed to keep his mind clear. So it was now that he looked over the work that sat on his desk. Mostly it was paperwork needing to be read over and signed, nothing of real intrest. He sighed as he signed this and read over that. He looked crudly over a parchment from Hogwarts, throwing it at the bottom of the stack. He had the Headmistress really didn't have the best relationship. He still remembered the horrific experience of her taunting a portrait with a flame. Sighing he sat back resting, waiting for a knock at the door.

Wallace looked up in disgust as his obese Undersecretary strolled in. "What do you want Evaline?" he said in a bit of a sneer, he really needed a new Undersecretary. "Sir there is a handsome man named, Gerard Waine waiting for you, said you had a meeting?"
He stood looking at her cruely. "Did you not write it in the book Evaline, no don't answer, I'm sure you forgot. Just go send him in."

The blush on that woman was enough to make any man shudder. Sighing he shook his head, there would be better choices soon enough. Wabbeling to the other side of the desk he prepared to greet the other man. Hearing a knock he nodded, with this man behind him he was sure he would be secure for a long time. "Come in Mr. Waine."

[Gerard Waine]

Allowing himself into the generously spaced -- if quaint -- office, Gerard maintained the image of a bored aristocrat as his eyes swept briefly over the truly boring items that adorned the room. The Minister should have hired a better decorator, Waine had a few names he could give the other man. Someone of such "authority" should not suffer indulging in such complete and utter trash.

As his eyes landed on the Minister, he gave the man's appearance a quick flicker of an eye. A gesture that could be taken as simple recognition, but in which he quickly condemned the choice apparel. Though, in actuality, it was not a far cry from being in good taste. The aging man might be foolish in his beliefs, but he did know how to dress.

"Minister," he greeted, gaze now solely rested on the man's face. "You look as healthy as ever. I trust everything is well?" The normal pleasantries. Waine had to keep from sneering at the sight of the cane.

Oh, the Minister held a smidgen of Mr. Waine's respect, which was more than most could say. The man successfully ruled over the British Ministry and managed to keep the slut that governed Hogwarts at bay. He had once seen the Headmistress at a social function... he still hadn't fully recovered from the sight of her in the gown. But yes, Wallace Thornbrush was an excellent man of business. Which of course, was one of the few reasons he dealt with the man.

And of course, this was not entirely a social call. Waine was simply itching to get past the formalities and into the thicket of his motives. But the formalities had to be observed. He was, of course, a gentleman.

[Wallace Thornbrush]

Wallace nodded looking over the man with a keen eye few could claim. "Yes, yes Mr. Waine," he said limping back around his desk. "As well as it can be ruling this country. Many pests if you know what I mean, and there is of course my leg, but that isn't what we are here to talk about is it?" Yes the man was well aware of what was going on and he knew the man wanted nothing more than bussiness... that is of course why he allowed the meeting.

"I suggest you get straight to your case, I am a busy man, it takes a lot to run this country. From what I was told, you would like to speak to me about one of my aurors. I would ask why you didn't go to the department head, but I can see you are an aristocrat, and of course I wouldn't expect you to lower yourself, that is again why I have allowed you to come and speak with me. It is not everyday that I meet with just anyone." He knew the man had power of his own, but the Minister held supreme and he liked to make sure everyone was well aware of that.

He folded his hands looking around his serene room. It of course was not the best office in the world, but he liked it, because it was never changing. With the position he sat in the world was ever changing and it was good to have something to hold on to. He looked towards the far corner at an the slightly burnt potrait, after the incident it had been moved specifically to his office to protect it from the hands of that... well witch.

[Gerard Waine]

"Yes, of course. We wouldn't want to keep the Minister of one of the most affluent Ministries of Magic from his demanding career," Waine acquiesced considerately; respectfully. The old prune obvious did not have any social skills. Politics were another aspect of Government, and in all retrospects, Gerard was a politician for the Ministry's welfare. The decrepit man actually believed he held real power. How charming.

But, Waine -- grudgingly -- did need this man almost as much as he needed Gerard's yearly donation. A good business man, as he had said, if a blind-sighted one to the finer points of ruling. But he did keep well informed. He had informed very few of his intentions, but word had flew among the insignificant faster than flies swarming over rotting meat. It also meant that the man lowered himself to speaking with commoners. No matter, not everyone could keep to the expected standards.

But he did have other points. The words used against Waine could have been taken mockingly, even sarcastically. But it was a very thin line. Publicly, he would of course take them literally.

"I found this to be a matter of higher concern than a mere department head, Minister Thornbrush," he responded conversationally, picking up a goblet on display near by and studying it. "But I do appreciate you granting me this audience." A well designed piece, if of cheap origins. Something within the Ministry's budget, most likely. His yearly charity couldn't save them completely after all.

"I believe the name Devin Brady should ring a bell to you?" He asked suddenly, innocently. "Upstanding auror, best of his day some say; completely committed to what he does. Many dedicated years of service and, I believe he is quite decorated?, no matter, I haven't paid that much attention to aurors in formal uniform." Oh, how difficult it was resisting to smirk. His little political party knew the name well enough. And it would benefit them greatly if he was suddenly out of the job. "But it seems he might have been an auror for a bit too long, the job might be getting to his head."

He placed the goblet back where he had found the meager trinket. Letting the information hang in the air for a moment. "He attacked a young man quite publicly in Diagon Alley the other day. Apparently he has also been forcing intentions on the boy's younger sister. I was among a few witnesses." Those never-emotional eyes found the Minister's. "I am loyal to my country, Sir. I simply wanted to be sure that the Ministry was prepared for the press' repercussions at such behavior. The boy was a pureblood. I am merely a concerned citizen."

[Wallace Thornbrush]

Wallace watched the man with wary eyes. In all honesty he was never really too fond of people. He hadn't had many friends at school, and really little social skills, just a good actor. He cared not for what people thought of him, or what they wanted, just what he could get for him. It was really a suprise to many he wasn't a Slytherin. The man was examining his room, and from his look he seemed... well just barely satisfied.

It was then that things began to pick up. He mentioned the name of his best auror, a man he hadn't really met other than a sparce occasion, but a respectable man and well liked. It really didn't take Wallace long to think over the various good things he had heard about the man, and he was actually thinking the man was going to recommend a promotion. He rarely dealt with those things, they were a department thing, but if the man thought so highly of h-" but that was where it stopped. He felt as if he was an auror too long, and it was getting to his head? That rarely occured, of course everyone remembered old Mad Eye Moody, but he hadn't heard of a real loon since, and Brady was still young yet.

"A young man in public you say? And a pureblood?" he scratched his chin thinking about it. That didn't seem like the acts of an auror. "And yuou say it was not only that, but that he he had intentions for the boys younger sister?" Was he hearing this correctly? The noble auror acting like such, there was no way. This could not be happening. "What would you suggest I do? I assume you would like his suspended till we research the matter." Should he just fire him on the spot, there was really no way he would get out of this one was there. This would leak all over the press, leave an ink mark all over the Ministry. If he released him, the man would no longer be there fault and action would have been taken.

[Gerard Waine]

Just as he presumed. The Minister understood the circumstances, just as he had hoped he would. Much of this had rode on the Minister's... political integrity, as it were. The Deva -- the name of the political party had recently released -- was not a small matter in the current news. And now, once news of this little ... encounter ... between an auror and pureblood boy? The press naturally, would blow it out of proportion. Though not without a good deal of coin passed to them under the table. No need to say where that would come from. The barest turn-up of the corners of his lips this time. He could see the headline clearly, "Ministry Jumping the Wand; Every Pureblood a Suspect." So very precious.

The Minister was an honorable man. He would do what was best for his government. It was a very good thing that Gerard Waine held no such morals. And now for the subtle blackmail. If only he could tell the Minister that was what this really was.

"I simply want what you want, Sir --" That honorary title gave Waine the urge to shudder every time he used it. "-- What is best for my country." Ah, yes. But he highly doubted that what he thought and what this Ministry Official thought was best for their country was not one in the same. After all, he was sure there were a number of Muggle-Borns running wild in this very building.

"Such an excellent auror, probably in the wrong place at the wrong time. A personal dispute made public. If this were as simply as letting the man off with a bit of a vacation while the mess was mucked up, I would advise doing so." The pleasant tone he was using always left him with the urge to hurl. "But the press... the only reason why this hasn't made headline news is because I am pulling strings to keep it at bay." More like the other way around, should this meeting turn sour.

And that left the real question, the real problem. To let this go down on the Ministry's shoulders and have the government suffer the shifting and grumbling from the commoners? Or let it go down on Brady's? Where the man would suffer a scar to his name, but an embarrassment he could live with if the country survived? Which one would the Minister of Magic, head honcho already on precarious ground with his people, he wondered?

"As much as it grieves me to say... a more permanent holiday may be in order to rectify this," he stated solemnly.

[Wallace Thornbrush]

This conversation was already turning sour, and he was begining to get a bit fed up, unfortunetly though it was all true. He was putting up a huge act and the Minister could tell, you don't get this far in politics without being able to a read person. The man in front of him knew politics, well basic politics, and he knew exactly what he had walked into now, blackmail. As soon as he began mentioning the press he should have known. He internally scoffed as he began to speak about how he only wanted what was best for his country, that was all bull. The man might have an idea for what was best for the country, but not what was really good for it. He was probably mixed up with the pureblood biggots.

But the press... the only reason why this hasn't made headline news is because I am pulling strings to keep it at bay.

He was right, and now it was about to turn tragic. If it had been just any employee it would have been one thing, but now he knew he was being cornered into firing his best auror. And though it seemed he might have had to anyway, this man was getting him kicked as soon as possible. Of course he didn't want to leave a big stain on the mans name, he would be a marked man, but he couldn't leave a bigger one on the Ministry, and that was the truth. It would be tragic sending such a talent to the dumps, he would probably never be hired again, living on the streets. Well maybe not the streets he was a pureblood if he wasn't mistaken.

As much as it grieves me to say... a more permanent holiday may be in order to rectify this.

"So what you want me to say is yes, I will just throw my best auror on the streets. You know I'm not suprised, actually a little ashamed, that you are blackmailing me. I should have sniffed it from a mile away." The older man paused standing up once more. "And what am I to get from this? The aurors are already in the dumps, hardly an compitent ones these days, and I'm about to throw my best for what? I hope you have some sort of offer?"

He paused looking at the man, moving towards the door, limping quickly. Brady was in today, and sadly enough today would be his last. "Evaline, get me Devin Brady, he's an auror and I need to see him in my office. Let me know when he gets here." He closed the door and looked back at the man, "Now back to your offer."

((I figure, I'll get this out of the way and bring Brady in. That way its in post, and I don't have to post it myself.))

[Gerard Waine]

Was his offer not painstakingly clear? What a pity. Just when he was beginning to have hope that the Minister was a far more clever man than he originally gave him credit for, the insufferable idiot went and pulled such a scarring mistake. To think the man believed he was in control, here. But then, of course, he did not know who Gerard Waine was. No really. He had no idea at all of the force that planned to take over this measly world and its excuse of a government. He might think he did, but he was so obviously clueless. Such a waste. Luckily, his "political party" would soon show this man just who held the winning cards. Soon, very soon.

So, he smiled his most elegant smile and gave a bow of his head. The Minister understood the consequences and would follow through with the demands that was obvious enough. However, we couldn't have his image of Waine completely demolished, now could we.

"Blackmail, Minister?" He asked still keeping conversation, "I would rather think of it as an intelligent business transaction." And well, at least the man knew what he was doing. Yes, Waine wanted him to throw out his best auror. Yes, he knew where that would leave the Law Enforcement. And yes. he was quite pleased about that knowledge. But he couldn't very well say that, now could he.

"Now back to your offer."

Ah, well, might as well humor the man. There wasn't much time left for him where he would be able to make such demands; the old foul creature.

Waine adjusted his tie again after catching sight of it in a mirror. "My offer? It is quite simple. Losing such an asset is a horrible ordeal. I will pay you a generous compensation to put into the auror-training-program in order to pop out others to match his standard. I will also, of course, make sure the press does not lower the Ministry's image, perhaps even give it a little lime-light." Instead of the other way around. The last bit was left unsaid, but the meaning was clearly there.

And just as Waine was not above Blackmail, he was not above bribing. He held no such pretense for foolish morals.

[Wallace Thornbrush]

"I know you are not a stupid man, however, if you think I will just bend to your very whim then I am clearly mistaken. I made it to Minister of Magic not only through hard work, but smart political moves." He looked at the man with a gleam of pride. "Because you see Mr. Waine the thing is, that by throwing out Brady, I am doing more than just lowering the standard, I am leaving the Ministry vulnerable. We both are well aware of that. And I am sure you are also well aware that you don't just make an auror like Brady, it is more than just training. So really your offer doesn't work for me."

He smiled devilishly as he eyed the other man. "You see Mr. Waine, the thing is, I believe there are better offers to be made. I am of course a man of the people, and do my best to help the country, but I make sure to help myself first. I like to secure myself in power. I am, well aware that you are a powerful man. Aware that you have connections and can pull strings. Don't be fooled though, when you think I have no connections. I know people as well, and even without your support, I have support of many other... just like you." Pausing a second he slowly began to pace, relying heavily on the cane.

"The press is of course a wonderful thing. They however can be easily tricked. For instance, I am known for being a frail old man, always clutching to my cane." He stopped and straightened up taking a few steps. "However I do not in fact need it. It is nice to have, a good precaussino, but it also allows me to look weaker than I am. Somewhat like the Ministry. I could of course let the Ministry be tarnished, because when it really comes down to it, with my help Brady could become a great asset. And with that support will rally. Now give me what I want, and you can have what you want."

[Gerard Waine]

For the briefest of moments, a glitch in time, the contour of Gerard Waine's face darkened with his scowl; showing a bit of the man that lurk restlessly behind the aristocratic mask of courtesy. Muscles tightened, contracting into something quite hideously menacing. If the aristo had glanced at his reflection then, he might have had a heart-attack at what he saw. But it fled from his expression as quickly as it arrived, the muscles reflexively relaxing at even the slightest hint of showing true emotion. For that nanosecond, his face actually matched his eyes.

The one this Waine hated most -- other than middle-class muggle-borns -- was being beaten at his own game. You could play it, but only as long as you lost. Having someone match him stroke for stroke, it was inexplicably aggravating.

If there had not been goals other than his involved, he would have stalked out of the door, taking his money and influences beyond the Ministry with him. And then he would have reveled in the glory of watching this pathetic fool come crawling to him. But that was not the case. There were -- other -- powers at work here and it was the Deva that wanted this auror removed -- or were they still calling themselves the Elevens' in public? No matter. When it came down to it, now, and the days to come, they actually needed the Minister's cooperation. Which meant, however seething it would be, Waine had to actually meet some of his return demands.

It was a good thing he was a loyal business partner, or he would have surely let his little Friends find their own way through politics due to this disgraceful aspect.

"I see," he stated simply; the act up and directly down to business. "I see we are at a point of agreement then. An equal business offer," a small pause, "in the eyes of the beholder. Seeing such a black mark removed from the aurors would bring me great personal satisfaction. I will agree to your terms, give you what you want."

[Wallace Thornbrush]

He smiled as the man realized his defeat. It was his job of course to be good at games like this, isn't that what politics was. Well of course it was, the game had once been pure just like all others, but then people realized how much easier the game could be. It was just like the recent quidditch scandal, with certain potions being used to up a players skills. Looking the man over he nodded, another ally was truly just what he needed.

"I am glad we have come to an agreement Mr. Waine. All I want from you, is your support. No matter what happens in the coming years, I want to stay in power, and I want to make sure I have a voice. I won't be one of your little puppets." He returned to behind his desk and sat down. "As long as you assure me, that I will keep my place, then we have an agreement. I will let Mr. Brady know what has to be done as soon as he arrives, which I am sure will be any minute now."

Sitting back he waited, it only took a few minutes for a knock to ring from the other side of the door. "Send him in," called the Minister. It was a bit tragic, throwing the poor man out the door. But it had to be done, if it wasn't then he would be weakened. The only loss now would be for the Ministry. As the door opened the Minister stood, he frowned as he looked at the man in front of him. "Ah Mr. Brady, please take a seat," he said as he jestured to the chair next to Mr. Waine. "I believe we need to have a little chat."

[Devin Brady]

Devin Brady had only just walked into the London office, when he was notified that the Minister wanted to talk to him. While Brady was one of the more qualified, and valued aurors, he was not always found in the London office. He was actually working between the two offices of London, and Hogsmeade. This was of course because as much as he was needed there, he was too valuable for the London office to give away. In either case he did his best work where he was found, and wouldn't actually be suprised if this meeting was to give him a desk job or something of the sort.

He smiled as he put his stuff in his cubicle and made his way towards the lift. It actually suprised Devin that he was getting odd looks, it wouldn't be the first time, but he really hadn't done anything. He shrugged as he entered the lift and straightened himself up, not really needing to work hard when it came down to it. He was after all, well dressed whenever he entered work. He looked in to the shiny metal as he checked his teeth. In all honesty, he dreamed of a more laid back job. A professor would allow him to dress down a bit, and get some relaxation that he truly diserved.

That wasn't important now though, as he found himself alone in the elevator as it reached its final stop. Nodding brightly to the plump woman sitting behind the first desk, he spoke, "I'm Devin Brady, the Minister wants to see me." The woman just frowned as she knocked on the door, and waited till she heard a few words he wasn't quite able to understand. After she confirmed she waved him through.

As soon as he entered he realized this was not the meeting he had expected. The Minister wasn't alone, and he was pretty sure he had seen this man before, where he did not know. The man before him frowned as he spoke, Ah Mr. Brady, please take a seat. I believe we need to have a little chat.

He took the seat looking between the two as he noticed something was not right. His Occulemency walls were immedietly reinforced as he looked the Minister in the eyes. "Whats this meeting about," spoke the Irishman in a well trained voice, laced with elegance.

[Gerard Waine]

Nor will Gerard Oswin Waine be a puppet to Wallace Thornbrush, the aristocrat countered mentally as he bowed formally to the other man, accepting the terms of agreement. But he doubted that was what the man meant. So, he was a good Minister after all. One's own safety before the lowly people that sever under it. Perhaps working with this man wouldn't be so bad... as long as he remained so cooperative.

"Then it seems that we have reached an agreement," Waine concluded. He would have liked to have left before the auror came in, but this was not completely an unsavory arrangement. He did not fear the wrath of someone at such lowly status; no matter how good with a wand that person may be. For after all, he was an untouchable, protected in a shroud of public security. Ah, it was good to be a wealthy man of such a reputable quality.

When Brady walked in and the Minister gestured to the chair near himself, a brief flash of contempt flickered in those gray eyes before Gerard retreated a couple of steps, giving them amble room. As mentioned, he did not fear the pathetic auror, but nor was he going to allow himself be contaminated by the working-class' presence. One of those creatures had not come within hands reach of him for years unless they had a camera strapped around their neck and a Daily Prophet ID in their pocket. He sure wasn't going to break such a superb record for a soon-to-be ex-Ministry lapdog.

A faint smile, just viable, illuminated the "gentleman's" lips. One could not say that he didn't loved what he did.

[Wallace Thornbrush]

"I see you are getting straight to the point," sighed the old Minister, letting a few ragged breaths out. Acting once again, it would always be key. It was only acting in a sense, he did feel for the man, and he was tired. But he just made things a little well, exaggerated. He looked back towards Waine as he took a step back, a gleam flashing in his eyes. The Minister might have signed his death wish with this man. Waving his wand he looked up at Devin. "Mr. Brady, would you care for some tea?" he said offering the freshly conjured pot.

He stood walking towards his old bookshelf. He would have to make this conversation, more friendly, more sincere. Taking a book he put on a weak smile, "You see Mr. Brady, me and Mr. Waine here were just having a chat. And from what he told me, we have a bit of a problem. You see Mr. Waine here actually witnessed something I thought could never occur. From what he told me, you attacked a boy completely unprovoked," he paused, looking at the man before him. "And though I doubt it was completely unprovoked, we just cannot allow this to go unpunished. Understand I am a fair man, but you put the Ministry in jeopardy. Not only was he a young man, but he was a public figure, and a pureblood. You know I don't follow any of that pureblood mumbojumbo, but politically, the purebloods are the stronger half. They hold a lot of power, and I can't sacrafice what they do for the Ministry."

He looked at Devin one more time before turning his back. "Mr. Brady, we are going to have to let you go. I know it sounds outrageous, but this is the best choice for all parties. You did something wrong, and the Ministry isn't at its best, so there is no way we can suffer such an attack. I think you best pack your things and leave. You will get a compensation fee, but your career here is definitly over."