Leave it to a Retired Birdbrain... (Closed.)

[Jacob Corrion]

(Closed to Mr. Thornton, Deputy Raynor and myself.)

...to use an owl to get his attention. Merlin the ruddy bird just wouldn't leave him alone. He had rounds to do by day and reports to write by night, the last thing he wanted was another interruption.. He gave the bird a handful of kudos though, six hours and it still wouldn't leave. A most impressive feat. It had done just about everything it could from swooping to perching to pecking to get his attention and he'd ignored it all to the best of his ability. Pecking does still sting sadly.

The last straw came when the bird made off with his hat. And, thus after finally retrieving both hat and attached letter he began reading the rather nicely timed conundrum that he was being requested for. So, the Rookie wanted a favor, he felt he could live with that, though he knew if anything she was the one probably owing a few favors not he. But, who kept track of the past? That was an archivist's job. Completely different department and they both knew it.

So, there he was, knocking on the second floor office door, the occasional bleeding peck mark deciding to remind him of its presence by occasionally pooling a drop of blood. Ruddy bird indeed. He should've known only an aurors bird would be that ruddy persistent at anything. Aurors, or Thorne's bird which seemed to vary each week. Perhaps this could keep the pompous, high horsed, vendetta listed man off his back for a bit.

One couldn't exactly bellow with eyes in the corner could they?

[Tamis Raynor]

No sooner had fist meet wood did the door creak open to reveal the office of the birds owner. The inside of which, was quite amusing. But only to one who was in on the joke. But any auror whom had tried to use one of the many 'dark detectors' lining the walls would be in on it. They were completely and utterly useless, but always seemed to impress the students. Or at least caught their interests.

Behind her desk, lounging comfortably in her plushy chair, was none other than the Rookie herself. And cozily perched on her shoulder? Well, none other than Corrion's current bane. It gave a satisfied "hoot" at the sight of him. Did its eyes flash with contempt? No. Impossible. But the corners of Tamis' mouth pulled as if swallowing a laugh. She reached up and patted Aramis on the head. A dear amount of gold had been payed to keep the bird, but he had proved worth it over the years. This just one of the examples.

Her throat cleared at the sight of the many pecks and scratches that accompanied Corrion's arrival. A hand scratched at the side of her nose to hide the creeping smile. Well, it was the man's own fault. He should have read the message and been done with it.

"Its been a long time, Corrion. But we do have to make this quick, I have a baby to get back to."

It was true enough. Was she enjoying this? Yes. But it was friendly enough. Old bantering. Well, friendly on her end. The auror looked like he had just swallowed a basket full of lemons.

[Jacob Corrion]

As the door eased open his eyes met first with, not the woman, oh no, they met with the bird perched on her shoulder. The ruddy monstrous attack bird, thats what it was. Death glares shot from his eyes, ones that still held power if the one they targeted was actually intimidated. The problem was, unless you were a hippogriff you couldn't intimidate an owl. And even then such proved a challenge.

When he finally met eyes with the woman he knew behind that emotionless face was laughter, snickering laughter. This was a fine hell of a way to get payback for the nickname. The one he would continue using. "Your bird...has to be the most persistent bundle of feathers in Scotland...and probably from here to London. Now then Rookie, you said a favor. My answer depends on the details, and, if you can convince me your favor is worth my time." Corrion stated, noting the pair of chairs in front of the woman's desk but sitting in neither. He had too much pride and not enough sleep to sit. If he sat, he'd never get up again.

Could that have possibly been a respectful response from the auror? Respectful given his day had began on a firewhiskey and three hours sleep? Impossible. "Your bird needs manners..." He muttered as an after thought to it all.

[Tamis Raynor]

Eyelids slowly sheathed two bright yellow eyes under the surveillance of the man's death glare; then opened again just as dilatorily. But whenever it thought the man was not looking, he ruffled his feathers. His best way of sticking his tongue out at the man.

Aramis' current perch had similar emotions. One that was not adjusted to being around her, or could not map out others in the blink of an eye would take her currently blank expression as indifferent. Perhaps even boredom. But she was grinding her teeth inside. If her aura didn't read 'irritation', she might have fooled the seasoned auror before her. Might. Rookie. That nickname would follow her to the grave inside the auror ranks. And it was all due to the man before her.

The hand continued to scratch Aramis under the chin. They yellow eyes closed leisurely in response.

"I'm inclined to disagree. I rather like my bird's manners. His persistence has given me what I wanted many times. As you have kindly witnessed." She paused, examining his cuts and scraps, "though you might want to get those battle scars disinfected. Merlin alone knows what he's been eating."

All right, bantering done with for the moment. There was business to take care of after all. "My favor is simple. That you put up with a fifth year student follow you around and asking an annoying amount of questions for the next few weeks. His name is Andrew Thornton. A rather bright Ravenclaw with an uncanny disposition for getting into trouble. He's wanted to be a Dark Wizard Catcher since his first year. And your incitive? Personally overseeing what might be an addition to the force once he graduates with an actual brain to him."

There was another reason of course, but she would pull that wild card out of her hand only if she had to.

[Jacob Corrion]

It was a standard way to get to a point with another auror, be they retired or not, to push a button. After all, one always had to be pushed or prodded somehow to do just about anything. His hand subconsciously went to one of the many peck wounds on the top of his head: Battle Scars indeed and the woman before him did have a point, owl's while reliable were not known for their good hygiene.

"Noted. Now, your saying I'm supposed to take an...interested pupil..." It was clear he was suspicous about the boy's true interest. "...under my cloak and daggered wing and shift all my priorities around to ensure his protection just so he can get a small taste of an Aurors world? Though if the amount of interest is as good as you claim, I'm open to assume he's capable of at least minimally defending himself and that he's not some flunk out who won't pass his O.W.L.'s." The auror's voice replied, slight agitation at the sudden, unexpected, unwanted, but well within both his power to do, and probable orders favor.

And Merlin knew Cody would order him to do it on the grounds of public relations. He could only prolong this so long. It seemed whether he liked it or not, he was in a corner with one way out. And he hated corners.

This was one of the reasons he HATED his job.

[Tamis Raynor]

Aurors were not stupid. At least, not most of the time. Therefore, Tamis made no mention of the more political side of this arrangement. There was not a need. Aurors were fighters, not talkers, but their job entailed -- demanded-- that they be politically aware. Cody, would, of course, encourage a display of diplomacy between Hogwarts and the Ministry. How would it look to the public if he turned down the offer? More importantly, how would it look to the public if a Ministry worker, particularly from a Department of currently great displeasure, was helping a student. Having a visibly constructive presence at Hogwarts?

But Raynor played her own games. Not all of which crossed paths with the head honchos at the Ministry.

"If you are wondering if I plan to use this interesting pupil to try and spy on the Ministry's ongoings, you are quite right Corrion. I will not lie to you about that part. So lets drop the suggestive pleasantries. However, I would also like to point out the boy is not aware of that fact and my plans are futile at best."

Let him simmer on that for a while. The Deputy and once-fellow of the man before her kept her expression blissfully blank. A talent most of her previous profession learned. It was handy.

"And yes, you are correct. On your assumptions at least. There will be no need to shift your priorities. Mr. Thornton will find a way to be amiable to you. When that boy wants something, he is set on getting it. He'll follow you like a lost puppy, but will make sure to keep himself from being too much of a bother for the privilege of continuing to do so. But yes, he is not a Ravenclaw just in name. I know he has taken some crude attempts at more advanced Defensive Magic and can create a rather promising patronus. Brilliant in just about every one of his classes."

Just what was Raynors intentions here? Yes, for the most part, it genuinely came off as her wanting to help out one of her students. Which was very much the case. With how much Drew nagged at her for information, she had come to see it as her duty to make sure he reached his dream job. But never let it be said that she did not use a situation to her advantage. As long as it did not put thus student in danger. But these circumstances put him in anything but.

[Jacob Corrion]

Thus with both showing full, or, almost full hands, Jacob found himself realizing he would have been doing this form the beginning. If he hadn't shown the woman would have gone straight above him. Cody would have questioned him, and he couldn't rightly say the demon bird never found him, could he? Merlin quite a conundrum, and it was one that had no way out but acceptance. Much like the Death Eaters of old, you either served, or died. He'd seen too many of those cases for his liking.

Politics and Law Enforcement, Politics and anything were better off not mixed with anything put politics. But politicians never learned, and that is what brought this upon him. "We both realize by this point that I have no choice but to accept your offer. His, credentials, I suppose they are befitting such a title seem adequate enough. Although, again the fact that I have no real choice, only makes this harder a favor to stomach." He paused, allowing his eyes to send another death glare at the bird.

"The way I figure it, we had an agreement before I cam through that door." Corrion continued, his eyes taking the briefest of moments to actually scan the office. The woman, even for a retired auror, and Ravenclaw alumnus, seemed too calm and collected. Then again the whole battle here was on her terms, no terms no deal, no deal, no break from Cody. Talk about a Full House hand with an ace in the hole...bluh-dee Merlin.

Corrion's demeanor, while the facaded surface barely showed it, was rocky, cautious. After all, an auror of his caliber should have been able to prevent himself from getting this deep under, he had to stop his decent somehow before it got worse. And Merlin if he didn't he knew it would get worse. Being a chaperon to some brat (who could very well be an Eleven for all either of them knew) was not very high on his to do list. In fact, before now...it hadn't been on there at all.

No one knew anything about the Eleven's, who they were, anything. And if they were linked to the Thorne murder, then the prime charges were no longer vandalism and defacing public property...

Oh yes, stakes WERE high.

"So, when do I have the honour of meeting this...star pupil..?" Best get the ball rolling now, he still had far more than this unarranged meeting on his to do list.

[Tamis Raynor]

"No, Corrion, you do have a choice." Her lips pursed, the first actual emotion that Raynor had allowed herself to betray for a good ten minutes. "It is a favor. As much as for myself as the boy. I wanted you to be aware of the possible... relations... that might surround this. If I wanted to force you into something, I might as well would have gone to Thorne. It is a favor, and if you don't want to do it then I fear the only one at a loss is the boy."

Granted, this arrangement would benefit her and more importantly, Hogwarts. However, Tamis was not without some respect for the man before her. He had been a full blown aruor before she arrived on the force. Despite the advantages, she was not going to coax him into a feeling of security at an old acquaintanceship just to snap the bear trap on his foot.

Seemed too calm and collective indeed. It was an outward show. Inside her mind was racing.

"If you say no, this confrontation never happened. The only damage done will be myself having to break the news to Drew. As an ex-comrade, you had a right to know my intentions. Just don't make a hasty decision. At least meet him first."

Star pupil? Perhaps she should tell him that that same student was the majority reasoning as to why her hair was graying? No, if he did agree, he would have the honor of finding that out on his own.

"When? I'm not sure. You would have to ask him."

[Jacob Corrion]

He had a choice? Like hell he had a choice, if he didn't accept it here Cody would somehow get word about it and he'd order him to take the favor. Oh no, while the judgment call was his, the over all orders and assignments came from above him. And those were things even the Deputy of Hogwarts couldn't fiddle around with ease. "I've got no quarrel taking the boy under my wing, my quarrel is with my instincts, with myself. The times are not the safest. We know some of the slipped through the cracks after ... His ... defeat." He paused again to allow his thoughts to form.

"I know you as an auror, you were on assignments few other fresh trainees could get their hands on because you were that good, and it was all uphill from there. I trust your instinct on the boy, what I worry more about is who he associates with. Who he might know here, that might be a...Merlin...how do i put this nicely? An unintentional risk." He paused again. "I'm just not sure if I can risk another fiasco with the Thorne murder going unsolved...that was supposed to be my collar." He voiced, his wall of falsified emotion beginning to crumble.

He was able to voice his concerns to her without as much of a barrier, seeing as she knew the trade he was in. There was no problem with showing another auror, a retired auror, fear. Showing the public, Merlin that was another story entirely. Still, perhaps this, favor, would show the public a thing or two, like the Department wasn't all hotheaded, gung-ho over zealous cowboys...

"My decision, will be made after I meet the boy, after all, his impression would be better made by himself than what you can tell me and I in turn infer. I'll assume that owl of yours won't attack him?" Corrion finally concluded, taking a massive topic re-direct back to the initial point.

(I shall not GMod the Deputy, If Mr. Thornton wishes to make his own entrance for reasons unknown, I have no objections.)

[Tamis Raynor]

So, the Ministry was afraid. Raynor listened in silence, allowing the man to express himself without dealing with her butting in or interrupting her. At least they were not ignoring the situation. With regret, Tamis could not say that she had not been one of the ones who laughed at the concept that Who-Know-Who returned. She, along with the Ministry it seemed, had learned that being paranoid was not a horrid idea.

But the fact that the Ministry was in a state of unease worried her more. The man before her was presuming that Drew could be an eleven before he had even met the boy. Making the assumption that it was a possibility. Was that part of the reason the Ministry was so set in staying at Hogwarts? Would every student be considered an eleven simply for being under the age of seventeen? Just like in the times of Who-Know-Who's wars. Families had been consider accomplices for being Pureblood. Now it would get more selective; students who came from pureblood families. Namely Slytherins. It made her stomach turn.

No, she was not going to bite Corrion's head off for suggesting the idea. Not going to tell him that she was 100% positive he was not an eleven. That would only bring on questions she could not answer. Best to stay as civil as possible.

"You are an auror, Corrion. However much you flatter me about my skill, you are one of the best I've met. With so many years as such under your belt, your entitled to be somewhat... cautious... though I do not think you have to worry about Drew. But my opinion is, of course, biased."

Letting the subject drop there, the woman smiled at him. A hand stroked Aramis once more, whom gave it a friendly and playful nip. Enough to be felt, but not enough to do any harm or draw blood. The beast still had not taken his eyes off the auror.

"Aramis? Attack Mr. Thornton? No, I think not. But Aramis is a very old, ex-auror messenger bird. He's had his workout for the day. Something simpler should work." With that, the Deputy pulled out her wand, "Expecto Patronum!"

A silver dog, with too many similarities to a golden retriever, shoot out the end of her wand. It darted around the auror and through the door, not loosing pace as it did.

"He's a lot easier to bring it," she explained, "He should be here shortly."

[Drew Thornton]

Drew had been expecting the apperance of the dog, but it was still somewhat of a surprise... especially to the group of friends he was hanging out with at the time. It was so tempting to just give the canine a good rub (especially with Raynor not around) and he probably would have if she hadn't been just a bunch of mist and magic.

With a quick, "Gotta go. See you guys later," he sprinted up to the second floor, took a deep breath and knocked.

[Jacob Corrion]

The Ministry, afraid? Perhaps not the higher-up politicians like Thorne or Scrimgoure or half the Wizengamot members, but the veteran aurors and case walkers could see the writing, and they knew what to be afraid of. They knew they couldn't trust anyone, including those they knew. They'd learned that lesson from the first war. It was a lesson long forgotten by most as new friendships came and went, secrets left hidden behind everyone's eyes.

Perhaps that was Corrion's problem, he held no secrets. He belonged to no higher Order's, he held no high degrees, wasn't in any secret organization, he was an Auror, and a Case Walker, his path ended there. There was nothing to show for his effort except people in Azkaban and failures roaming the streets. Perhaps that was why he saw the writing, and perhaps that was also why he was so cautious.

Perhaps, but it is open to debate. "As bias as it may be Raynor, I still trust it, because unlike my higher-ups, I know where your loyalties last laid. And I am fairly certain no mortal or spiritual being could shift them." The day Corrion called someone by the first name would be the day he quit the force (probably in the next seven or so years) or when he got married (is such possible?).

As the woman chose a different for of messenger service for this run he was most perplexed. Each person's patronus was unique to them in appearance and rarely did it change, but to use the method as a courier pigeon seemed, well, absurd. But to attach a meaning only few would know to it, Merlin it was genius, and alot harder to trace than owls.

"And so student surpasses teacher. I'm impressed." Corrion stated after a long moment of bewildered, not to mention odd silence. It was shortly after he spoke that a knock resounded off the door.

"Mr. Thornton I presume?"

[Drew Thornton]

Drew entered the room, not even waiting for Raynor to call him in. He was a familiar visitor to the Deputy's office and usually entered and made himself at home. The knock was mostly for the Auror's sake and they both knew it.

As he stepped inside, he took a stance behind his regular chair instead of slouching into it as he normally would. His posture was hardly ramrod straight, but it did show that he was taking this particular meeting and hopefully the resulting assignment seriously.

"Professor Raynor," he greeted, smiling a bit so she wouldn't think he had gotten totally lost in the formalities of the situation. He turned to the man, looking into his eyes and offering a firm handshake as his father had taught him to do. "I'm Drew Thornton. Nice to meet you."

[Tamis Raynor]

It was simply to say that Raynor was at a complete loss of words. Aurors -- retired, current, or otherwise -- always seemed to hold a bond with each other, even if they barely knew one another or had been friends for years. They had all seen the same kind of hardships. Knew what the world was capable as they see, or had seen, it on a daily basis. It was the one reason of how she held so many connections with the Ministry today. Aurors loyalty was to each other before the Minister.

She decided not to answer to that, however, there was something that he said that she could pick on. "You called me Raynor," she stated, bemused, "I think that is the first name you've ever used my name."

A slip on his part, or perhaps finally recognizing her as something other than a greenie? Probably the former.

The patronus, at least had the effect she had been hoping for. But before she could open her mouth to answer his compliment, or his question, Drew knocked, and after a delayed moment entered. Oh, dear Merlin. She waited for the worst. But then, he simply walked into the room, addressed her politely, and then introduced himself to Corrion. Thank Merlin's beard.

A return of the small hint of a smile and then she smirked at the auror. "I think he just answered your question for himself, Corrion."

[Jacob Corrion]

Aurors did indeed have a bond, as did any other department in the Ministry. However, their bond was higher, and to a much narrower degree, that being you never leave one behind. Either the team grew or no one grew, and it was this dedication to eachother that made the older, more seemingly archaic force a still formidable and fighting one.

And it was funny really, her name to him was still a fickle and unimportant thing. She would always be the rookie, but it had taken him these moments of long overdue conversation for him to realize this was his domain upon which he was intruding. Respect was still deserved and thus would be given. To both her, and the newly arrived boy.

The Ravenclaw's posture told alot, whether or not he realized it. The way hes tood shoing he knew whatever it was for it was important, and beyod that, that Corrion held some sort of authority. He now had a strange inkling this whole situation had not been of the Rookie's doing at all, but again, a student surpassing the teacher. Merlin, Ravenclaw was still a bright house. Bright, but at the same time somewhat dimmer in common sense.

"Quite. Well Mr. Thornton, seeing as I am left to assume you already know why you're here, I must ask as to whether you agreed to this or if it was your idea. As, it seems that I hold a losing hand in this little mental game of cards."