[center][b]1st December, 1999 – Aldenberg Manor
Ronan Findley[/b][/center]

A wry, apologetic smile touched his lips as he glanced over at Albert. “Sorry, my friend,” he said sincerely, before tallying up those that had spoken against it and those that had spoken for it. “It appears that investigating the possibility is inevitable – democracy, you know?”

Ronan wasn't at all unhappy with the result, shifting in his seat slightly and tapping his wand against the desk. Another spy, one to take the spot his absence had left and Siobhan's brother could never quite fill completely, would be a welcome asset to The Ashes, if dangerous. One could never tell which side a man was on, especially one volunteering his services as a spy. They could be a double agent, a triple agent, a traitor.

“I will discuss the other matters when we all return from the... retrieval mission.” Standing, but keeping most of his weight balanced on the table, he nodded to Kyle McCarthy. “You keep watch for a possible trap – check [i]all[/i] of the nooks and crannies for Death Eaters – and take anything or anyone you need to help. The last thing we need is to be ambushed.”

“Eric. Siobhan,” Ronan continued, nodding to each of the named members. “You're leading diplomacy. Jia will be with you for the rougher aspects – if he doesn't comply, it's your job to subdue him. I'm sure you'll be satisfied with that.” He grinned. Jia wasn't his favourite person in the world – she was a Muggleborn pushing for technology to be used more frequently by The Ashes, while he and Albert were dead set against it – but a small part of him respected people who were willing to do whatever they had to. She was one. 

“Anyone else, go with whomever you please and, more importantly, [i]be useful[/i].” He eyed David suspiciously, as if he was going to set himself or someone else on fire.