To Weave Ones Way (Alfonz)

[Devin Brady]

Devin weaved his way through the loud rambuncious alley. It had been a while since he had had a day off, let alone spent it in Diagon Alley. Mostly he spent his free time in Hogsmeade, much quieter, much simpilar, much more his style. Today however, he found himself wandering the crowded streets, quickly and quietly. It was early afternoon, and he felt the need to get out of his stuffy apartment at the end of the long street. It was rough rent around here, but it worked well to be in London, at least it did when he was stationed there year round. These days he found himself spending more time in the Hogsmeade office, and at Hogwarts then anywhere else.

He had begun to think about getting a small flat in muggle London, and maybe buying a small cottage in Hogsmeade. There was no point, in paying so much to travel every day, nor was it really worth it. He quite enjoyed the atmosphere there, well at least when he wasn't working. It was a tad bit quite for Devin. In his career, he had known little more than top cases. More recently he had agreed to move around where they needed him, mostly to avoid a desk job. It seemed that really all it led him was to Hogsmeade, and there alone.

He continued to duck and dodge, busy customers hustling down the street, as he lightly made way towards the Leaky Cauldron. There he figured he could quietly enjoy his coffee, and the paper. The paper was of course currently clutched in his hand, that was by pure luck though, he had nearly lost it at least twice. These were days he was glad to be dressed down. A light traveling cloak sat lightly over his grey sweater vest, under which he wore a white button down sleeves rolled up. Along with the muggle jeans he sported, he seemed to almost stand out. He heard a scream behind him, as he turned quickly to look. Sadly it was nothing more than a woman spilling some knuts. He laughed a little making his way back around, only to slam full force into a man of similar height to him. Only an inch or so taller.

[alfonztytusjedynak]

Walking out of Wendelring, Alfonz sniffed the air. It was crisp and somewhat bitter. Ah, how he did love the colder autumn months. Now if it were just under better circumstances. His mother had sent him an owl the day before, something about his father being ill and they needed certain potions ingredients that they didn’t have at the house. His father refused to go to the hospital unless someone forced him, it was just the way he was.

Alfonz sighed irritably. When was it his job to get the ingredients? And during the busiest time of the day, what was that? Alfonz shook his head and started walking toward the Apothecary. On his way there, however, loads of people stood in his way. The further he walked, the more irritated he became with how many people stood between him and the store. Bloody hell, what is going on today? He cursed to himself, briefly spotting the Leaky Calderon. He wished he had a drink at the moment with the way the day was going, but he kept his priorities straight. All he needed was his father to become more ill because he decided to stop for a drink.

Almost there he rounded a corner, only to be stopped by what seemed like a million more people in his way. Brilliant, he stated sarcastically to himself. Moving was no longer an option, and going back wasn’t either so Alfonz just stood in one spot becoming more and more agitated. Finally, as the crowd began to clear and a path created another man ran right into the back of him.

“Do you mind?” Alfonz quickly snapped not even caring to see who was behind him as he turned around. Idiot, Alfonz scoffed. This was a day from hell, and the devil’s minions were now trying his patience. It was going to be a long day.

[Devin Brady]

There was little Devin could do about the collision, to tell the truth it was purely an unlucky accident. Then again he probably could have avoided it by not turning at every scream, he wasn't on duty. And he could have looked before he turned into the man, but there really should never have been a hold up in traffic to begin. The day was ridiculously packed. He sighed, really Devin wasn't one to pass the blame onto any one of then himself, but he rarely did make mistakes. He suppose this one was. Regaining his barings he began to open his mouth, but was quickly cut off by a rather rude response from the man.

Do you mind?

This man did not deserve an apoligy. No he would not respect someone who would snap at an accident like this. "Yes I do mind, sir," growled Devin calmly.

Devin was really a respectable man. He did his job well, worked hard, and made sure to be polite to everyone he came across. This however was uncalled for. As he finally made it all the way around he found himself looking at a young man. He was much younger, probably early 20's if not younger, around the same height and of an athletic build. There was something about this boy, his dark hair falling in his face, the dark tone of his skin. Then it hit him, he knew who the boy was. He was the new keeper for the Grodzisk Goblins, Alfonz Jedynak.

He looked the man in the eyes, standing strong. He could tell just from apperance the boy was an intimidater, but Devin was never known to be one taken by intimidation. Really he couldn't think of one thing that truly scared him, well other than faliure, but that was a different story. And truly he wasn't scared of faliure on his own part, though he wasn't fond of it. He was scared for what his faliures would mean for others around him.

[alfonztytusjedynak]

Keeping his patience level, Alfonz tried not to lose it. There was only so many that would ever stand up to him, and this man just had to be one of them. The day was to be one of many that Alfonz would probably wish to forget. He never knew of course why until really bad things happened, but he always had that feeling right before they did. Did he have time for such an encounter today? When didn’t he, was more the question that should be asked.

“And what, by chance, do you mind, my kind sir?” Alfonz asked with a bitter tone. “that I was shamelessly minding my own business when your competence decided that it should be elsewhere as you walk into people?” Yes, it was going to be one of those days that Alfonz would never forget. But he kept his calm. All he needed was assault charges or something on him when all he was out to do was buy ingredients for his mother’s potion.

Alfonz stood back slightly. Who do you think you are? Alfonz asked himself as he looked the man over. Not someone he had ever met before, though he tried not to meet such people. Noticing that the man was older, Alfonz almost wondered if the man was senile, at least then it would explain some of his lack of....is there even a word for everything this man was lacking? Alfonz wondered.

[Devin Brady]

Looking around him the elder man laughed, shaking his head. It might be shocking to some that he had actually laughed in the boys face. In fact some would call it pure stupidity, but he didn't care what others thought. No most people would automatically assume that the man who was now in his mid-30's was past his prime. That was not in fact anywhere near the case. Devin was no slower than he had been when he was just out of school. He was just as fast, just as agile, and twice as smart. He could probably side step a muggle bullet if it was shot at him, well depending on range, he was still human. He kept his cool head, as he did in almost all situations, that was what made him so much better than everyone else, he could think on his feet.

"That is what I mind, sir." He would show no signs of superiority, that was really not like him. Devin would continue to show the respect the boy was not showing him. "What I mind sir is the pure disrespect you are showing me, not as your elder, but the respect you should be showing every wizard. Now I would apoligize, but you have shown know real reason to."

Well you could really not blame the man for showing the younger complete respect, he was still treating him better than he was being treated. And in all honesty, he could tell from the very way the boy acted, that he was in fact a hot head. It only took so much to push him over the edge. And as soon as he was pushed over the edge, he would be shut down. It had really been a good while since he had been in a situation like this. Well really the last exchange of words like this was with Raynor, but he was directly attacked, and the situation all togther was different.

[alfonztytusjedynak]

Well said, Alfonz thought to him looking at the older man. Aflonz could purly see that he wasn’t as idiotic as he once thought he was. Still there was no use for the man as he could see, and this arguing was not doing anything for Alfonz.

“I need not your apologies, sir” Alfonz said. “In fact, I should be giving you mine. How rude of me it was to stand in your way, after all.” He couldn’t help but continue to be smart. Who was this old man who decided to play around and not back down? There was nothing to be won on his side? Course….then again, nor was there anything on Alfonz’ side to be won.

“Is there anything I can do to show you my sincerest regrets,” Alfonz smirked. This man was ridiculous, but where was this actually going standing out in the middle of the street. The man had the paper in his hand, and looking over his clothing Alfonz noted his muggle jeans. Half-blood? Alfonz wondered, however, based on the way the man acted and was able to fend himself, he dared to go against the assumption.

[Devin Brady]

The boy was lucky, to tell the truth he was more than lucky. If Devin hadn't kept himself in line as well as he did a fight would already easily have broken out. To tell the truth his biggest weaknesses, and his easiest instigations were merely a quick thought away. But Devin was responsible and he knew right from wrong, and searching through someones thoughts in general was wrong, to start a fight well that was just packing it on. He couldn't help but get a little upset at the boys continuous disrespect, who wouldn't? But he showed nothign as he stared him, a flash of power surging through his eyes. The boy was really just playing with fire, and he was actually suprised at how insulant he could truly be.

"Sarcasm isn't a virtue, you should learn that. From the way you act though, its as if you were raised by animals." He took a step away from the boy turning his back on him to think. That was disrespect, that was the epidimy of disrespect. "You see," he said turning back to him, "It's just impolite to use sarcasm. And I'm done being polite, if you want to be a savage, thats your own choice. I'd say your parents had taught you better than that, apparently not."

He sighed looking him over once more. "Lets hope you don't have any siblings, I would hate to see what they are like."

[alfonztytusjedynak]

Alfonz’ eyebrows arched. It was one thing to talk about his parents, but his sibling?

“Then it’s a good thing you have no idea whom my family is, because you’d be highly incorrect with your assumptions, sir.”

He was pressing buttons that Alfonz never even knew he had. If there was one place another didn’t tread, it was anywhere that included his sister. Even bordering it rose Alfonz’ temper something fierce. Rage flowed throughout his veins and he found himself clenching his wand that his hand was resting upon in his pocket.

“And may I ask, what do you do for a living that has you so willing to talk about others in the way you have?”

Alfonz figured that talking about one the person you’re in conversation with was one thing, but talking about others whom were not even around to defend themselves was another. The smarter side of Alfonz told him to leave this man, turn back and walk away. However, the animal side that the man had talked about Alfonz having told him to defend what honor he had left. He left it at that, and just remained as calm as he could muster until the man could answer his questions.

[Devin Brady]

Devin shook his head as he looked at the boy. "This has nothing to do with professions, Mr. Jedynak, nothing at all. I was merely pointing out that if you had siblings anything like yourself, the world was a lot worse off than I assumed." He realized that he had hit a sore point, and really he didn't know what made him keep pushing. To tell the truth, it was a little out of his nature. Maybe it was purely to put him in his place, for being ignorant, whatever it was kept fueled him. "Who knows we could be plesantly suprised," he sneered.

Truly he knew that a person should never be based off their family. Sirius Black was a perfect example. During both the first and well the begining of the second, he proved he was different then his family. Of course, there were thousands of examples, but that one shot into his mind. "I think you should remove your hand from your wand, its not a good choice," he said calmly while starring him in the eyes. He was almost daring him, though it was enough to say, he had never once glanced towards the boys pocket. In fact, he merely could tell by how tense he had gotten.

He knew the boy was getting more and more upset as he kept going. But to tell the truth, as long as he didn't throw the first spell, it was really his duty to take the boy down, even when not on duty. Of course he wasn't going to bring him in, he just wanted the boy to learn his place. Learn that being a bully wasn't smart, because sometimes you bark up the wrong tree.

[alfonztytusjedynak]

Quite startled by the fact the man knew his name, Alfonz gather himself also remembering how unfortunate how well known his name was becoming. He took his hands out of his pockets and smiled. Don't do anything stupid Alfonz, he told himself. "Well, you never know." It's all he could state. This man would never know his sister, nor would Alfonz ever let him. He didn't know how he'd prevent such a thing, but if he ever found out...well, there may be use for his wand yet.

"And to think, I may even have children one day myself. Now, according to you, wouldn't that be a shame?" He asked him still as smart as ever. This man was pissing him off, but Alfonz could see that he was a lot more intelligent than Alfonz would have ever thought, even after reanalyzing him. Though, he had one more button he could try and press with this man. "Course, you seem to know about families that are animals....you must have been one of those special exceptions you were alluding to. To make you, your parents must have been the worst."

Alfonz had no backing, but he didn't back down. He wasn't going to do anything stupid, especially in the crowded streets of Diagon. All he needed was something to get him into jail, or worse. You'll never see Celina again if you do, he said to himself.

"Now, if you'll excuse me. I feel no need for us to continue this conversation." Alfonz then started walking, trying to get around the man to get to the store he was originally planning to go to.

[Devin Brady]

Devin smiled lightly, he knew exactly what the boy was doing. He was trying to turn it on to him, and that was just unexceptable. Again keeping his cool head he looked at the boy. "You see its funny you say that. I really didn't know my parents too well. Died at a young age you see, and to tell you the truth, I don't think its worth going into more detail. All I merely have to say is my family have been in a good line of work for years, and I'm proud of what I come from." He looked as the boy turned away, he was leaving, but he was still sarcastic as ever.

Really to tell the truth he had absolutely no clue what pushed him to do what he did next. And really it was just a random shot in the dark, maybe a little educated by how over protective he seemed. He looked at him quietly moving away a smile coming to his face. "Tell your sister I said hi." He really wasn't even sure if he had a sister. He could have 8 siblings, he would have never known. But he was almost positive that it would hit the mark. And honestly he didn't know why he wanted this so badly, why he was building up with adreniline and rage.

He was ready for a fight, and he was ready to defend himself in anyway possible. What was he doing, he was risking his job, for absolutly no reason. His reasoning was to show up a boy. Was that really what he wanted. He didn't know, but all he could do was stand and wait, his hand directly over where his wand sat hidden.

[alfonztytusjedynak]

Alfonz stopped dead at the mention of his sister. This old man, dared even suggest the idea of him even mentioning him to her. How absurd! Don't do it Alfonz! You'll never see her again, his intelligent side screamed for him to listen but it was too late. He couldn't even stand the thought of this man getting near his sister.

"Sir, my sister, is much to young for an old man like you!" Alfonz yelled back toward where he had just come from, his back facing the man.

In an instant he turned, pulled his wand, and exclaimed, "Petrificus Totalus!" Shooting a paralysis charm through the crowded street barely missing everyone and going directly at his target.

He wasn't after hurting the man, just making him shut up. No one talked about his sister in the way he did, no one.

[Devin Brady]

((That wasn't how I meant it, but thats okay... he's a gentlemen jeez))

He watched slowly as the boy stopped and spoke, adreniline rushing through his blood. This was what Devin was made for, what he was good at. He couldn't help, but aniticipate the fight to come. It had been months since he was in anything even close to a real fight. That wasn't counting the practice he got in with the other auros, but they hardly counted. No one really wanted to fight there, just get it over with.

Sir, my sister, is much to young for an old man like you!

The boy quickly pulled his wand, and yelled the words Devin was well aware were coming, "Petrificus Totalus!" As it whizzed its way through the crowd he smiled. With a wave of his wand a shield charm was raised, sending the spell safely into a building. He looked at the boy taking up a dueling stance as the people from the area between them cleared out. They were left in more of a semicircle now, a building on their left, people surronding the rest.

Raising his wand, Devin made a quick few wand movements, sending out, the Leg Locking Jinx, followed by a stunner and Expelliamus. There wasn't a whole lot of power within the spells, but enough. He really wasn't looking to harm the boy, just show him to mind his manners and who he tried to push around. It was no doubt the boy really wasn't expecting an auror, and clearly not an auror like Devin Brady. It seems appearances are a lot less than they seem.

[alfonztytusjedynak]

((I know, but you have to think of how your words can be taken....by an animal ))

As soon as the crowd cleared Alfonz already in a dueling stance looked at the man and dared him to try anything, unsure of who he was really up against. The older man seemed to be amused at Alfonz' efforts, and that only made Alfonz more pissed. Just looking at the man made the twenty one year old's blood boil. How could that man even think, or say, anything about his fifteen year old sister? Alfonz had to defend her honnor. He was a prime example of what he was trying to keep away from her. In all of his life there wouuld only be one person who truly would understand his sister, or be able to get near her, and that was him.

Unfortunately, what by now the other man knew was his weakness. However, Alfonz didn't care to realize nor acknowledge this. It was already said and done by Alfonz' reactions and now, wand work. When his spell was disabled, he barely flinched. His mind was to clouded with anger to care. Care about anything but trying to defeat this man. But what he didn't know would eventually have him on his knees.

The older man's wand moved without any sound. Instantly, Alfonz' eyes grew wide with realization. He was using unspoken charms and Alfonz had exactly no clue what was coming his way. He had to act quickly, not having much time to think he threw a protection spell. "Protego!" Hoping it would stop and reflect the charm, unaware that the man had thrown three of them. Without warning Alfonz was on his knees, legs locked and wand flying from the Expelliamus charm. His wand landing only a few feet away from him, he tried to drag himself over to it, figuring that his charm was too late, unknowing of the third that he never felt.

[Devin Brady]

Devin could see the anger building in the boy as he took a dueling opposite him. He knew he had found the boys weak spot, but he would stay as classy as possible. The fight really wasn't that personal, and no need to make it so. He would teach him to honor those around him, and that did not include taunting those you fight. He did however wonder, if it was worth pointing out some tips. Would that seem to much like a taunt? He decided against it, the boy would never listen anyway.

A smile crept to his face as he watched Alfonz's eyes grow. He realised what he was up against now. He had no doubt the boy was intellegant, his ignorance was purely making that intellegance blind. Returning to a straight face, he took a defensive stance. There of course the possibility of a spell deflecting towards him. And of course that was exactly what happened. He had only a split second to duck as the red jet shot roughly over his head. He really had to be thankful he wasn't a washed up old man like many others his age. Looking the boy over he shook his head, the grin coming back. He was on his knees now, wand a few feet away, and it was obvious that he hadn't been able to take all three spells.

His reaction to such was much different then most others though. With a wave of his wand, the boys wand flew to his hand. Of course many others would have pocketed the wand, he did not he tossed it to the boy, waving his wand once more. This of course removed the Leg Locking Jinx. It would be up to the boy now, if this fight would continue. He could of course be smart, swallow his pride, or he could continue to be beaten. "My name is Devin Brady, and I'm an auror, to answer your question before."