Rollo Winner
Ministry of Magic
Dragon Research and Restraint Control of Magical Creatures
The scene ends badly as you can imagine in a cavalcade of anger and fear.[on:In Plain View][of:All]
Posts: 83
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Post by Rollo Winner on Dec 22, 2008 1:38:21 GMT -5
Rollo was nervous to say the least. It wasn’t that it was his first day in his new department or that the look of his new office, because it was an office and not in fact just a desk in a room with other desks, was extremely tidy like his flat which made him uncomfortable because his work areas were usually messy. No all of that had little to no impact on his current mood and in about 2 minutes he was going to go for his bottom desk drawer for glasses and his liquor. It wasn’t that he was nerve wrecked over the first day but more that his father would be here eventually to criticize him. Rollo would have been fine with this if per say his father would have just swung by his apartment as he suggested or even a bar after work but his father wanting to see his new office had insisted that he would come see him at some point during the day. This annoyed Rollo because Darrin would stay and criticize instead of just coming for lunch as he said. What was most bothersome would be that Darrin would talk about this would hopefully eventually land him a spot as an auror-in-training. Rollo did enjoy his new office but he couldn’t get his mind off of how much he did not want to see his father. He had transferred to get away from seeing him continuously in the Wizengamot hearings for werewolf cases. Which, believe it or not, there were quite a few of all of which varied but mostly consisted of Rollo having to relocate people. This was even more annoying considering a majority of them would either attack him or become repeat offenders. Shaking his head at the mere thought of the hellish department Rollo reached into his desk and finally removed the bottle of liquor and two glasses. His father would want some to most likely and he knew that the man would not scold Rollo for drinking on the job or at least he didn’t think so. Pouring the contents into one of the glasses Rollo quickly took a shot and instantly forgot about the painful memories that were his prior department. Rollo lit a cigarette and pulled the ash tray close to him. They had yet to give him anything for the day to do so Rollo, after an initial tour of the office, spent the latter part of the morning making his new office a place in which he could actually work. This of course meant smoke proofing the room so he could smoke, straightening up the lighting, and decorating the ceiling with the small amount of paint and brushes he had brought along with him. Instead of the plain white ceiling he now had one with a meadow and a bird flying across it. He preferred this because it gave himself something calming to look at. All Rollo needed now was the paperwork. It wasn’t that he let it build up but more his anal tendencies that caused him to make triplicate forms of everything when he only ever needed one. Sighing Rollo stood up and began to pace back and forth in the office smoking as he waited for his father to arrive. Rollo knew that he must look foolish at the moment but didn’t care he just wanted this all done and over with. Taking a drag he finished the cigarette and stubbed it in the ashtray. As the cigarette’s life was ending Rollo turned his head and heard a knock. “Come in and close it behind you.” Rollo didn’t yell it was in his usual soft spoken tone but it was hearable and as the knob turned he waited to here his father’s booming voice stabbing his ears like daggers. God how he wished he had a way out of this. Lighting another cigarette Rollo sat in his chair and waited for who he thought was his father to enter. Closed-Drew
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Dec 22, 2008 2:36:28 GMT -5
Drew was sure he hadn't signed up for this. While he was fully aware that he couldn't always be in the middle of major battles, tracking down Dark Wizards, fighting against injustices and protecting innocents, he hadn't expected the mundane paperwork that he was expected to do nor the ridiculous errands some of the senior Aurors sent him on.
It was this last part that bothered him the most. He knew that as the new kid he was bound to be the butt of many office jokes, but couldn't see any way of escaping it. He either had to go on the wild goose chases or be seen as a guy who wasn't a team player. He was either the dorky new kid or the guy who couldn't take a joke.
So he played the game. His latest nonsensical errand was delivering a message to the Ministry department in charge of magical creatures. Supposedly there was an pod of umgubular slashkilters living in central Wales that the senior Aurors insisted the Creatures Department needed to know about. Aside from the fact that Drew knew Slashkilters weren't real, the fact that he was being sent to the new guy working on dragons told the former Ravenclaw that maybe he wasn't the only fresh meat being given a hard time. The realization did little to comfort him and as he knocked on the man's door, he was dreading the message he was supposed to be delivering.
“Come in and close it behind you,” the voice on the other side answered and Drew did as he was asked, scrunching his nose at the smell of smoke when he entered. He didn't think he'd ever get used to the amount of smoking that went on in Europe.
"Uh... Mister Winner?" he started, feeling more nervous by the second. He handed over the manilla envelope that was apparently part of the report on the "dark creatures" that had been discovered. "I've... uh... got a report for you to look over... on a group of... slashkilters... in Wales..."
Dang, he sounded stupid. He just hoped the man behind the desk wouldn't yell at him for being such an idiot.
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Rollo Winner
Ministry of Magic
Dragon Research and Restraint Control of Magical Creatures
The scene ends badly as you can imagine in a cavalcade of anger and fear.[on:In Plain View][of:All]
Posts: 83
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Post by Rollo Winner on Dec 22, 2008 3:15:16 GMT -5
Rollo was a tad bit surprised to see the boy that appeared at his office door. Well he shouldn't call him a boy after all he seemed to be old enough to work here but Rollo knew he was young. Which is why he was so uneasy and furthermore why the boy was approaching him so hesitantly. His arms were scarred badly he knew but the large gash that was imprinted on his chest wasn't visible at all so he saw no reason for the boy to be afraid of him. Rollo at the moment wished he had a window to open and that the ministry wasn't underground. Sighing though at this he motioned for the boy to take a chair and poured himself another shot. Rollo was going to need it before he even opened his mouth about what the boy had brought him. Looking at him he searched his mind for a name and then placed the face and where he remembered him from. Rollo may have been anti-social and odd at Hogwarts but he always remembered those who he had seen from his own house. If the boy had been anything other then a Ravenclaw he wouldn't have even been able to begin to know who he was. Searching his mind Rollo remembered at least the last name and pegged it as Thorton. He would know the rest in due time but for now that was all he needed to know. Inhaling a drag from his cigarette he poured the Thorton a glass and pushed it towards him. Rollo gave him a small smile with the motion.
"Please call me Rollo or Roll if you prefer everyone else around this god forsaken place does. Sit and have a drink with me they sent you so I'll keep you for a while."
Rollo finished his cigarette and sat down picking up the envelope and opening it to see its contents. Rollo rolled his eyes at the first two pages which were phony forms that weren't even supposed to go to his department and then a third page. Waving his wand he triplicated the forms and spread them around his desk because if he had to put up with this at least he would use it to make the new office feel a bit more at home. Getting to the third sheet though Rollo wanted to punch whoever had sent the boy in the face. It was a simple short note explaining that it was all just hazing or something of that sort. Rollo grabbed a quill from his inkwell and paused wondering if his next move was wise but the decided not to care. With a steady hand Rollo wrote a return note.
"Kindly do not waste my time with this tom foolery. If I wanted to deal with errand boys I'd still be one over at werewolf support services. Now piss off."
Rollo being in the mood he was knowing that his father would be here soon added a little personal touch to the note. Signing it with love and his last name he took special care to put a heart over the i in Winner. Granted he wasn't doing much in the office but he didn't need this type of thing now and the could surely be using the Thorton boy for other and better things for that matter. Placing the piece of paper in the envelope Rollo handed it back over to him. Quirking a brow he looked up at the bird that he had now named Bruno and let out a small sigh of relief.
"Feel free to read it Mr. Thorton and tell them if they continue this I'll make sure they'll be hearing from more then a few Wizengamot members you have much better things to be doing with your time and frankly I have much better things to do with mine. If I intended to deal with this kind of behavior I would have kept on working with werewolves."
Rollo's voice, he knew, was monotone as he was speaking in his usual work voice. He found no enjoyment in the job nor conversing with those who wasted his time like those fools had. This just reaffirmed why Rollo had failed his Potion's N.E.W.T. on purpose. Rollo turned and looked at the clock and knew his father would be arriving soon. It was then though as if a light bulb went off in his head that Rollo knew how he could put the young Thornton to use.
"Seeing as what time it is Mr. Thornton feel free to make yourself at home in my office. I'll expect you to eat lunch with me now I'll provide the food feel no need to worry about it but I could use the company and feel free to tell my father any issues you may have should you feel the need. Hopefully you won't mind me using you to scare him off though? If I wanted a pounding headache before tomorrow morning I would have started drinking when I woke up. Also at least drink what I poured you so I don't feel like too much of a drunk."
With that being said Rollo pulled what most would describe as a potato sack from his bottom desk drawer. From it he drew multiple sandwiches and various chocolates from the bag placing them on the table. Downing a shot and pouring himself another Rollo ripped away the cellophane from one of the sandwiches and began to eat. Motioning towards the pile Rollo hoped the boy would get the idea that he could take what he wanted.
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Dec 22, 2008 14:54:14 GMT -5
"Uh... no thanks," Drew answered sheepishly, not wanting to be anti-social, but he could smell the alcohol and Drew didn't drink. "I should probably get back to the office anyway." He really wasn't sure what for since they'd only send him out for sandwiches and tea when he got there.
Drew watched with a small smirk as the man shuffled the bogus forms, alittle curious as to what was actually on them. Allegra had tried to convince him that they were only messing with him because they saw promise, but Drew still wasn't sure about that. When Rollo gave the answering note back, Drew glanced at it and winced. He really didn't want to cause problems. The guys in the Auror office would just laugh at the threat anyway and then never respect him if he went over their head just because he couldn't handle a little hazing.
"Maybe I'll just tell them you gave it all the attention it deserved," Drew answered, perking up at the offer of the sandwiches. "And... perhaps you needed my assitance on the matter?" he added, finally taking the offered seat. If the guy would let him kill a couple of hours in his office, then the guys upstairs would have to fetch their own lunch... or send Tristan.
"I'm sorry about the papers though," he said, thankfully taking a sandwich but leaving the glass untouched. "Last week they filled my locker with pixies and I had to spend all morning trying to round them up. You were in Ravenclaw, weren't you? A couple of years ahead of my sister I think." Okay, so he was being random, but it was just so good to be free for a little bit.
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Rollo Winner
Ministry of Magic
Dragon Research and Restraint Control of Magical Creatures
The scene ends badly as you can imagine in a cavalcade of anger and fear.[on:In Plain View][of:All]
Posts: 83
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Post by Rollo Winner on Dec 22, 2008 17:15:00 GMT -5
Rollo couldn't help but shake his head at the boys hopefulness. It was sincere and almost inspired him to be the same way but unfortunately that just wasn't possible anymore. Sighing he took the drink from the boy and downed it himself in one quick motion. He couldn't hold it against him Rollo had simply hoped that it would loosen the boy up. His nervousness was evident it worried Rollo that he was project himself as a intimidating figure or at least a pissy drunk. With that thought his expression softened a bit and he shook his head at the boys youthful approach to the hazing. Rollo remembered he had had the same attitude at one time and all it had ended in was him getting walked all over. Which of course lead to his scar laden body and he did not want to see the same happen to this boy. Shaking his head he took another bite of his sandwich and wondered if he should talk to the boy about the large mistake he was most likely making. Rollo didn't want to be "that guy" but after all it was the boys body that was at stake and possibly his well being. Rollo was torn between the two sides but decided that he mine as well be cautious and warn the boy some how. Taking a bite out of his sandwich Rollo followed this by a shot and proceeded to try and warn the boy.
"Look I know they call it hazing and you aren't phased by it and this, that, and the other thing but just don't let them walk all over you and stand up for yourself. They can't bloody yell at you for having some dignity I found this out the hard way trust me. Although please deliver the note I'm sick of being the one that everyone sends there office younglings to."
He took in his next words and realized that the boy managed to recognize him but that wasn't a surprise as he seemed observant. If enough people pass through the common room you were bound to figure out who they were or in fact if they happened to be in the same bedroom. Allegra though Rollo turned it over in his head and put a name to the face letting out an internal sigh as he did. He remembered the girl quite well as she was one of the few at Hogwarts, had he had the courage, that Rollo would have asked if they could spare a few hours for him to paint a portrait. Her physical features were stunning but he knew nothing other then that. Well he took notice that she also never seemed to join in on the finger pointing at Rollo; which seemed to be somewhat of a house past time by the time he was in his fourth year for the girls. It wasn't that good kind of finger pointing it was the bad kind. He kept to himself but was noticeable because he played Quidditch which of course was only because of his father's insistence on the matter. That was a bit of a lie he knew it because he himself enjoyed the sport somewhat. That was the end of him though he was Rollo Winner that odd Ravenclaw boy who didn't say much, painted, and didn't have any friends. Rollo, in the end, didn't mind it for the most part and could honestly say he was happy with his experience at Hogwarts. Turning his attention back to the boy he realized he could still not recall his name. Opening the bottom drawer once more he extracted a water bottle and threw it at him. It was his hang over water but he could always get more and right now the boy was without drink.
"You have no need to apologize Mr. Thornton I personally have never seen the appeal in "hazing" as they call it because in the end it doesn't prepare you for anything in the field. All it did was wast my time and get me stuck with all the court cases and field work both things are not tasks you want in the department. The court cases are boring and I have to see my father to boot and the field work well....you can see some of its handiwork for yourself on my arms."
The scars weren't a point of personal pride but they were the only real warning he could give to the boy. The Ministry was a fierce place to work no matter what the department and Rollo wasn't to sure if he understood the severity of it all yet. It was something he noticed with the people fresh out of Hogwarts and what he had seen with the Aurors in training was that their mentors so to speak weren't exactly hitting them with the truth. They thought that they once in the field would just be able to prance around, fight bad guys, and their would be no consequences that they'd walk away from it all unharmed and everyone would make it out alive. Dark wizards didn't aim to stun they aimed to kill a majority of the time. Rollo though was in no mood to darken the room with his tales of warning. Pouring himself another glass he couldn't help but think if the boy didn't drink now he would be in a few years. Rollo knew that was what he had told himself before but now things were different. Putting on a smile he turned back to his colleague and addressed his earlier statements.
"Yes Mr. Thorton I was in fact a Ravenclaw although I wasn't that many years ahead of your sister. You're making me sound so old I'm only 22 it hasn't been that long I mean what 4 years at the most? Also if you don't mind me asking I never caught your first name I do dread calling you Mr. Thorton."
This of course was the truth and he chuckled at it and gave the boy a warm smile. It was the most he could do at this point. Ripping open another sandwich he began to think about what to say next. Rollo had never been one for conversation before and he was about to say something to that effect but then a knock on his door came and a grave look came over his face.
"Do me a favor mate this is my father. Smile, call him sir, just agree with whatever I bloody say, and god willing I'll be able to get rid of him quickly."
Rising up from his desk he exchanged bottles quickly placing his current one in the bottom shelf with another bottle of water. Taking a bite of his sandwich and approached the door. Swallowing he inhaled deeply and turned the door knob and opened it.
"Hello father."
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Dec 22, 2008 18:28:46 GMT -5
Drew shrugged the lecture off, figuring he was just taking the same lumps that everyone did. He had gone through it at school as a firstie and felt like he had gotten through Hogwarts just fine. He had no problem going through the initiation process here if it led to similar success in the end. He supposed he just held a different sort of view about the whole process. He was desperately wanting a field work assignment and was hoping that if he played the game a little longer and proved he could do anything they threw at him, he'd eventually get to see some action.
Still, he tucked the note in his breast pocket, planning on delivering it, but doubting that Winner would be the reciepient of anymore fake creature sightings. It was Drew they were messing with in the end, not the guy sitting behind the desk. They were more apt to find some other patsy next time.
He caught the water gratefully, answering with a thanks as he popped the top off. His attention was drawn to the man's scars and Drew couldn't help but think that he had a few of his own. Nothing quite as impressive or noticable as Rollo's though.
"It's Drew," he told the man with an easy smile, not sure how he had made the other guy feel old. A couple of years older than Allegra meant only a four years older than he was and that wasn't a whole lot. They probably knew a few of the same people when it came down to it.
Another knock on the door sounded and Drew was pretty sure this was his cue to say his thanks for the sandwich and make his exit. Instead, the man made it sound like he'd rather Drew stay. Drew had no problem putting on his best society manners and helping the guy out so when he opened the door, Drew got to his feet as well, keeping to the back until the older Winner had made his entrance.
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Rollo Winner
Ministry of Magic
Dragon Research and Restraint Control of Magical Creatures
The scene ends badly as you can imagine in a cavalcade of anger and fear.[on:In Plain View][of:All]
Posts: 83
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Post by Rollo Winner on Dec 22, 2008 19:53:12 GMT -5
Particular lyrics came to Rollo's mind as he stood in front of his office door. It was a song from a band called The Postal Service and as the song sang he in fact would block the door like a goalie tending the net in the third quarter of a tied-game rivalry. He knew Drew was dismissive but gathered that with time he would learn that this business was not one to be taken lightly but he wasn't about to go on about this with his father at the door way. As his father attempted to enter Rollo put on his best face and stood at the door. He would tell his father who was looking extremely put out a simple lie it was nothing big and since Drew was here and he had agreed it would go smoothly or so he hoped. His father's booming voice and the lecture he would give him were no where near welcome at the moment. Turning to Drew he gave him a quick wink and hoped that his full name was Andrew. His father was a proper person and expected full names along with whatever else came along those lines.
"Hello father this is Andrew Thorton he's an auror in training."
"Very good my boy get acclimated with the people in the department so you know who'll be working with when you transfer very good.
Rollo shook his head at his father's statement and looked at Andrew with a some what hopeless look on his face. He wished he could disappear from the scene to avoid his father and the pushing of his dreams on him but knew that the man would insist on doing this regardless.
"Not exactly father they sent him down to have me give him a talk about werewolves and the best way not to end up as one of their scratch posts."
"Right they are to do so son you killed one of the beasts after all. Listen to my son here he knows what he's talking about when it comes to those filthy werewolves taken on more then a few of them. Andrew it was a pleasure to meet you I'll let you and my son get back to your business here. Try to swing by for dinner tonight boy your mother misses you."
"I'll do my best dad have a good day."
Closing the door as his father left he punched the filling cabinet on his way back to his desk. The dent it left was no were near the size of how angry he was with all the things the man had just said. Sitting down at his desk he motioned for Drew to sit again and opened up the drawer bring back out the bottle and the glass. He quickly poured two shots and knocked them back quickly and with ease as he poured the third he looked up at Drew.
"I'm assuming your full name is Andrew, I don't do nicknames I'm sorry but it's a personal habit I have. I apologize Andrew for my father's inconsiderate, biased, AND OVERALL IGNORANT COMMENTS."
Rollo shouted the last part being extremely pleased with himself for sound proofing the room earlier that day. He waved his wand fixing the filing cabinet and in one fluid motion did the third shot with his other hand. He felt a need to explain to Andrew why exactly he had reacted the way he did. After all the boy right now had to be startled and somewhat disturbed by the younger Winner's behavior due to the behavior of the older who had just left the office door.
"My father Andrew is what you would call old school in the sense of his ideas about werewolves, giants, and lets not forget half-bloods and muggle borns. I did not kill the werewolf in question by choice I did so in self defense because of a blunder I made because I was in a hurry and had I not feared he would take my life I would not have taken his but after he decided to give me this lovely memento to add to my collection on my chest and midsection I felt inclined that his next swipe at me would not be so gracious shall we say."
At this point Rollo removed his shirt and ran his hand across the then wound and now scar underlining his tattoo. It stuck out like a sore thumb among the rest as it made them all look like cat scratches. Placing his shirt back on quickly he continued with his speech this time with less fire and a much more depressed voice.
"Ignore also that auror bit it's his little fantasy about me. It was his pre-destined path for me and I've never known how to say no to my father so I did what I could to not end up where you are now. Do you know Andrew how hard it is to sabotage a potion N.E.W.T. because let me tell you the way they watch you like a hawk it's nearly impossible. I manage though and due to my lack of foresight I ended up here. I wanted to be an artist, I hoped he'd give up after I failed but he didn't. I don't want to be the hero, I don't want to be known as an auror to garner fame to my name. I'm more of the secretive type you know doing the whole good deeds in the dark for myself really and not anyone else. That's the only reason I tolerated my post in the werewolf department for such a long time. Slowly doing good for the people who need it most and aren't recognized even as people. I could do the whole fighting dark forces thing but it'd have to be low key."
Rollo searched for words to put his point in context as he packed away the spare sandwiches and lit another cigarette. A light bulb went on quickly and he looked into Drew's eyes again.
"The best example I can give you is the Order of the Phoenix. Something like that I could get into as long as I'm helping and no one knows I'm involved. I'm low key Andrew I really prefer to not be bothered or thanked or rewarded do you get what I'm saying? I like doing things because I like doing them and not because I'm cashing a paycheck because of it. I could only do that for art but only because I could do that forever and never get tired of it....I'm sorry my mind was wandering forget what I said there the key point is I'm sorry about my father I have no intentions on becoming an auror, and please help yourself to some chocolate I don't eat much and it's new but I'm afraid it'll go to waste."
Rollo leaned back and stared at Bruno who was now flying in circles on the ceiling and decided that later he would give him some friends.
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Dec 22, 2008 20:54:35 GMT -5
"Pleased to make your aquaintance, Mr. Winner," Drew greeted the man, offering a handshake as he was introduced. It didn't seem like the man was into chit-chat and almost as soon as he had come in, he was gone again. "Pleasure to meet you as well, sir." He made a mental note to call his dad when he got home. Every so often he had moments where he really appreciated his own parents. Even when his mom had tried to talk him out of the Academy, he knew it was only because she was worried and that she really was quite proud of him.
Yes, his full name was Andrew, but only a few people actually called him that. He prefered Drew... but wasn't about to say anything after the young man's outburst. Drew took a step back and his hand found his way to his pocket where his wand was kept. It didn't stay there long as Rollo's wand was brought out, but Drew didn't raise his immediately, trusting his gut for the time being and his reflexes if his gut was wrong. The man across the room was not going to raise his wand in anger. Drew relaxed a little as Rollo fixed the cabinet and seemed to calm down a little.
He kept quiet during the monologue, noting with interest the werewolf scars, but not finding them overly shocking. He was more interested in the Potions story, thinking that it wasn't all that hard to fail a NEWT if you really wanted to. All you had to do was do it all wrong. People did it all the time without meaning to and the Ravenclaw figured it would be all the easier to do it on purpose... unless he meant sabatoging someone else's. That was nearly impossible.
But he didn't get a chance to ask about that or the scars. Rollo brought up another topic which Drew found to be even more interesting. Did the man know? Was he trying to get information, or was he just talking? Was he trying to draw out information or was he serious? Drew's expression did nothing to reveal his thoughts, the only movement in his face being the slight nose twitch at the re-appearance of the cigarettes.
"The Order of the Phoenix? Never heard of it," he lied. It was in no curriculum he had learned and didn't appear in the more standard books, but he had read plenty of non-standard texts, Prophet archives, and private papers from Raynor's office. He knew exactly what the Order was, why it had come into existance, and who had been responsible for the organization.
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Rollo Winner
Ministry of Magic
Dragon Research and Restraint Control of Magical Creatures
The scene ends badly as you can imagine in a cavalcade of anger and fear.[on:In Plain View][of:All]
Posts: 83
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Post by Rollo Winner on Dec 23, 2008 0:45:46 GMT -5
Rollo noticed the tension that his office was stricken with and sighed at himself. He usually didn't get that angry but his father had said some stupid stupid things in front of the young auror to be. It wasn't something that comforted him seeing as a good amount of his father's friends in the Wizengamot had the same line of thinking. It was just another reason that he wanted out of this building and to just begin painting. He knew it wasn't happening though as he had yet to have enough money to stand on his own two feet although living on the street was looking quite appealing to him at this point. Looking over at Andrew he realized that he must have put the boy on edge by his speech and even more by his actions after his father left. Shaking his head he opened his own water bottle and drank some of it. It was sobering to an extent and as he finished the rest of his cigarette he turned his attention to Andrew.
"Andrew calm down you've got nothing to worry about from me. I'm not drunk for one and even if I was I'm harmless for the most part unless you are the target of my agression. My father is.....I'm just not to sure what to even say what he is anymore."
The thoughts clouded his head and as he attempted to work them out he heard Andrew's questions and cracked a smile. Rollo chuckled softly at the boys question and knew that it wasn't standard teachings in schools to go over such things. Rollo read though at Hogwarts actually using the library for things other then homework and snogging which were in fact the top two things that happened there. They had been a pain in the ministries side during the last war just because the ministry took an ignore it and it will go away approach at first. Rollo stopped in his thoughts and turned his attention back to Andrew though as he knew that the boy was most likely expecting an answer. He would not get one from Rollo Winner on this particular subject.
"That Andrew is not something I would discuss here despite the fact that I know my door is locked and no one outside can hear a word we say. If you want to do your own research on it feel free but I've already got enough on my plate to worry about with getting acclimated to this department. I don't think you'd let anything slip but talking about the Order in the ministry is frowned upon despite this organizations vast and numerous bungles. If you're interested go research. I'm sure they'd be more then obliged to let you use the library at Hogwarts if you said it was to study for your auror training. I know they made an exception for me when I started here as you will find out you do virtually nothing during your first six monthes or if they deem you "trained" sooner so it's better to spend some time studying the subjects yourself. Also no matter what carry a lunar calendar with you even if you aren't in the business of werewolves. Call it paranoia but I feel better walking the streets knowing that it's not a full moon."
The last bit was the truth there was a point and time after his first six monthes of field training that Rollo was seeing werewolves down every alleyway and around every corner. Sighing he stood up to stretch and noticed as a manilla envolope was slid underneath the door. Picking it up he tore it open and checked its contents letting out a loud groan after he read it. Throwing down the papers on his desk he checked the time on it and thanked Merlin it was later today. He was going to need to change into robes for this and of course drag himself down there.
"Also know you'll get sick of Wizengamot hearings after your fifth one. All very monotone and boring and apparently you can't escape them even if you transfer into a department for magical creatures that aren't humans at least a majority of the month. Dragon expert needed my arse."
Shaking his head he took another swig of water and wished that this day would end much sooner then later. Although he had enjoyed the company of Andrew quite a bit. Still and all though Rollo was not a people person.
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Dec 23, 2008 1:08:05 GMT -5
He didn't care to be talked down to and the use of his full name only intensified the feeling. Drew felt he was actually quite calm given the fact that he was in a small enclosed space with a man who was drinking and punching out office furniture. If Drew had not been calm, Mr. Rollo Winner would have had more to worry about than a dented file cabinet.
"The campus is tightly closed since the Deva invasion a couple of years ago," Drew said, knowing that even with his close connections to those in the Administrative office, it was doubtful he could get in. He had already tried to no avail. Besides, he knew his "Auror training" would hardly fly with Raynor. She knew he had already read everything that was available... and then some.
Instead, Drew took the vague answer to mean that the guy really didn't know as much about the Order as he let on. And while he decided that he'd make up his own mind about the Wizengamot hearings, there was something else that Rollo said that caught his attention.
"You're a dragon expert," he said, moastly reminding himself of the title he had seen earlier. "You have to be really good at wandwork for that, right?" He was actually hoping the contrary, but from everything he had learned in Davenport's class, it didn't seem very likely that you could manage the huge beasts without casting any spells.
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Rollo Winner
Ministry of Magic
Dragon Research and Restraint Control of Magical Creatures
The scene ends badly as you can imagine in a cavalcade of anger and fear.[on:In Plain View][of:All]
Posts: 83
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Post by Rollo Winner on Dec 23, 2008 2:04:38 GMT -5
It had slipped his mind that the invasion had occurred. This though was probably something else that he had heard and dismissed as the matter had been resolved by the time it reached his ears or he could have been laying in St. Mongos at the time. He wasn't absolutely sure on either count so he just preferred to assume that he forgot instead of a hospital visit.
"That slipped my mind I'm sorry. If you'd really be interested I have some reading material stashed away at my apartment about it but as I said I'd much rather not talk about it here. The Ministry has always frowned upon anything that has made it look bad and while I'd like to think that's changed I doubt that this is the case. If you'd care to meet at some other time to talk about it also that'd be fine just not here. As much as I'd love to get fired I don't have enough money to pay the rent for this month and I've got two pianos and quite a few paintings that I'd have no place to put.
Hoping he hadn't sounded to firm Rollo shrugged it off and listen to the boy show interest in his current position. Rollo chuckled slightly at the boys question. It wasn't a mocking chuckle but just at him being an expert. He could never bring himself to call himself that but he supposed he just had unknowingly. The boy asked totally logical questions and he deserved an answer after all he had been putting up with Rollo this whole time. Sighing he faced the boy and smiled and spoke honestly to both of his questions.
"I guess you could call me that if you'd like it's what they do around the office although I don't like to think I'm an expert in anything. I've always had interest in magical creatures and I'd like to think I wouldn't spend too much time on one to be considered an expert in its field. I know it sounds stupid but I prefer to vary my interests in this field as it all is quite fascinating. Yes you have to be amazingly accurate and skilled with wand work but really your reflexes are far more important, in my opinion anyway, especially if not in large numbers and they can concentrate their attack. Wand work is crucial though but you could say that with any magical creature that's the case. Just because they aren't large like dragons doesn't mean some don't pack just as big of a punch."
Rollo felt like he was lecturing now and instructing the boy. Shaking his head he took his seat again from his standing position and gathered himself before he spoke again. Coming off as stuck up prat wasn't his intention in the least and Rollo didn't want the boys impression of him to be exactly that.
"I'm sorry if I've been a bit uptight today Andrew it's just that these past few weeks have been tough to say the least. Regardless I owe you one for helping me out with my father so if you ever need anything feel free to let me know or ask I'm always here and as long as it doesn't involve some sort of social situation mind you. That's my one stipulation no parties, no blind dates no matter how badly your great aunt Betsy needs one, and no weddings unless there is an open bar although I doubt you'd call on me for any of those situations so I think I'm safe to assume that I am in the clear there."
Smiling at his best attempt to make light of the situation he feared he failed and explained just in case.
"In case you haven't noticed Andrew I have the social graces and aptitude of a teaspoon and that's me being gracious when I say that about myself. I'm probably far worse off then that."
This was not far from the truth at all as he full well knew and hoped that Andrew would understand it also.
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Dec 24, 2008 0:18:34 GMT -5
It was a bit difficult for Drew to forget the invasion, but he figured that it probably had a lot to do with being smack dab in the middle of it. He had witnessed the suffering of his fellow students, had experienced his own pain, but the worst had been the inability to help Felicity when she was being tortured. Nope... not about to forget the incident easily, but he really couldn't blame someone else when they hadn't been there.
Drew was a bit curious about the "reading material" Rollo had stashed away, but was pretty sure they were child's play compared to the papers and notes he had gotten from Raynor. Still, it might be a good idea to check it out, just to see exactly where this guy's loyalties lay. Rollo had already called out his own father for being anti-muggle, but that might not mean anything. And then the comment on the Order? Maybe there was something here that Drew could follow up on.
But play it cool for now. He was discovering that sometimes... just sometimes... it really helped to be young, slightly naive, and not taken very seriously. No one ever suspected he was a key player in an organization that planned to take down the Deva.
For now, he wanted to hear more about dragons and really, big magical creatures in general. He had a pretty good wealth of knowledge from Davenport's classes (the woman was a bat, but she sure knew her stuff), but he knew the classwork was hardly the same as actually being out there in the field. Unfortunately, the information he was being given, while not a surprise, was not what he wanted to hear. The wandwork was essential so that meant they'd just have to work harder.
He had to laugh at Rollo's apology. A lack of social graces only really bothered Drew when people who didn't have them, tried to put them on. It just didn't work and ended up sounding ridiculous. Drew would much rather spend time with someone like Nic who had absolutely no grace yet embraced it, than he would Alfonz Jedynak who used his manners like a white guy trying out chopsticks for the first time.
"Great-aunt Abigail. Betsy would be my grandmother and she'd kill you for calling her that. Besides, I think you're way to young for either of them," Drew commented with a slightly crooked smile. "Naw, it's cool. You don't owe me anything. I think I owe you for letting me hang here for a little bit instead of sending me back to my own department."
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Rollo Winner
Ministry of Magic
Dragon Research and Restraint Control of Magical Creatures
The scene ends badly as you can imagine in a cavalcade of anger and fear.[on:In Plain View][of:All]
Posts: 83
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Post by Rollo Winner on Dec 25, 2008 1:03:34 GMT -5
Rollo allowed himself as small grin as Andrew laughed. It wasn't every day that he managed such a thing as making a fellow human being laugh. It was rare that Rollo brought joy to others and when he managed to do so he relished those moments. Chuckling at Andrew's comments he couldn't help but feel that maybe he had gained a friend that day and if this was the case it was in fact his first. Regardless of all that though he liked the young Thorton boy and wouldn't mind seeing him around the office. Rollo knew now that he wasn't going to over strain himself here though. Sighing he leaned back in his chair and opened a drawer removing a small pouch. Placing the pouch on his desk he pushed it towards Andrew and motioned for him to take it.
"Well then send her my apologies and if you insist I'm too young refrain from setting me up with any of your relatives that are my age. Unless of course you truly hate them or think it would be a roaring good joke and if that is the case then feel free. You owe me nothing Andrew if anything I owe you for saving me from two hours of god only knows what. My father is a brilliant man when it comes to some things and was a good father up until the time I turned 15 but if you didn't notice he's a bit of a pompous ass who thinks a bit too highly of our bloodline. A small token of my gratitude though they're eggshells from a Chinese Fireball very good for potions from what I've been told. Not the easiest thing to get either but I stumbled across them during my field test to get into this department."
Rollo did not think of this field test fondly. It had only been days after the wound on his chest was created and he had to deal with a very large nest guarding Chinese Fireball female. This too wouldn't have been that bad had the eggs not hatched in the middle of the ordeal and the senior member along with him panicked at the sight of six dragons despite the fact that five had just been born.This was the story of Rollo's life though so it didn't surprise him. He had swiped the shells in the aftermath knowing they'd fetch him a good amount of coin in Diagon Alley as they sold high there but it was better if Andrew had them after all the whole Potion thing was vital to being an Auror apparently. Although now the field test seemed like a bit of waste in which he hadn't gained anything but lost a brand new pair of sneakers. Turning Rollo checked the time and sighed as he saw another envelope slide underneath the door. Standing he walked over and picked up the envelope, ripped it open, and began analyzing its contents. A look of horror spread over Rollo's face as he did this and grabbing his wand he spoke hurriedly to Andrew.
"Well Andrew as much as I'd love to stay and chat I must be going. Some fool has managed to get a Ukrainian Iron Belly all the way to the border meaning I must be the one to go and attempt to stop it from entering our domain. Feel free to drop by anytime if you care to talk or just want to eat lunch again. I'm usually free if I'm in the office to do lunch seeing as I usually eat alone so once again swing by anytime. Also should I not see you before you garner your first field assignment as you so desire congratulations in advance and please don't get yourself killed I do rather enjoy talking to you. God speed."
Rollo knew he would be seeing him around but for now he had to go and attempt to settle this ordeal. Darting out of the office Rollo backpedaled for a brief second and shouted back to Andrew.
"PLEASE CLOSE THE DOOR BEHIND YOU IT'LL LOCK ITSELF. THANK YOU!"
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Drew Thornton
Ministry of Magic
Auror-in-Training
I didn't do it and you can't prove otherwise...
Posts: 14,114
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Post by Drew Thornton on Dec 26, 2008 2:54:24 GMT -5
It was a rather abrupt ending to a somewhat strange meeting, but Drew didn't think Rollo was all that bad of a guy. No, he wouldn't be setting up his new friend on a date with Allegra any time soon, but Rollo seemed to be a cool person to hang out with.
Drew didn't even have time to decline the gift before the man got up and rushed out. He knew the shells were expensive and had a feeling that Rollo could probably use the cash more than he could use the eggs. Still, he didn't want to leave them out in the open. He took the small package and tucked it into his pocket, appreciating the gesture, but planning on giving them back the next time he saw Rollo. After making sure that he cleaned up the last of any mess he made from the impromptu lunch, he exited the office, and with one final glance back, closed the door behind him.
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