Collab between McHaggis and I **2nd of December, 1999** Aldenberg Manor was suspiciously quiet, for the base of operations for what would be a dangerous, possibly fatal rendezvous with an as of yet unknown Death Eater. The ‘spy’ would either be useful, or damn the entire resistance. _It’ll be fine,_ Siobhan reckoned against her better judgement as she carefully strapped her wand holster to her leg and flung a lighter winter’s cloak over her shoulders. Being a part of the away team for a mission as crucial as this was a rare occurrence, mostly because Ronan hated the possibility of being down a mediwitch if things were to go south. That she was actually permitted to go was nothing short of a miracle, the results of months of nagging. The plan was simple: the main strike force would Apparate in, each to a different street for maximum security-slash-paranoia. Then, they had to deal with whatever awaited them be it a repenting Death Eater willing to share secrets and information or one who just wanted to turn in the heads of a few members of the Ashes for some extra kudos from Voldemort. There was so much that could go wrong, for such a simple run, but Siobhan prided herself on being an optimist and an optimistic mindset she would force herself into even though her stomach was churning with nervous butterflies. Eric walked into the room, and greeted Siobhan, who was geared up and ready for the possibility – the inevitability, the more wary members of the organization felt – of a battle. He put on a light cloak himself, standing next to her. “Has Kyle reported in with the results of his reconnaissance yet?” he asked her. _It’d be a shame if we find out this is a trap,_ Eric thought. A spy could truly be useful, and a nice, friendly chat wouldn’t bother Eric one bit either. Siobhan smoothed down the front of her robes. “By Patronus, yeah. If I remember correctly – which I do, of course, because it’s important – there was no sign of any dark activity in the area. No ambush in sight; however, it would be a pretty poor ambush if they _were_ seen, right?” Eric nodded, tempted to laugh, but preventing it due to the weight of the situation. “A poor ambush, indeed. I suppose we’ll have to be extremely careful, even if everything looks clear. We can’t be too sure, although I’d love for this to be nothing more than a chat,” Eric agreed. “You know where you’re Apparating to? I’d hate to have to fix up a splinching,” Siobhan asked, and was answered almost immediately with a nod. “Good. I believe Kyle’s still out scouting. We can never be too careful these days, you know? I’ll be fetching him before heading down to the cafe. Could always use another strong fighter to defend our backs while we whip out the ol’ Diplomacy.” Eric nodded again. “I just hope that Jia doesn’t get too uh– _carried away._ If this turns out to be a legitimate turncoat, it’d be a damn shame if we ruined it by being overly aggressive.” “You mean hitting the guy with a wee avada keda-vy?” Siobhan asked, without even the barest hint of humour. This time Eric couldn’t help but laugh, unable to stay serious despite the mood the situation had blown over Aldenberg Manor. “Hey! I’m being serious here!” Eric hastily stifled his laughter. “No, you’re right. I definitely wouldn’t put it past her, I’m afraid.” Eric paused, before continuing, with the slightest hint of a laugh sneaking its way back into his voice: “_Wee avada keda-vy? Really?_” Siobhan sniffed, chin tilted upwards in a perfect picture of pureblood superiority – almost as if she wouldn’t lower herself to dignify the question with a response. As she walked to the door of the manor, however, she stared at Eric with the corners of her lips turned downwards. “I trust my allies, Eric,” she said carefully. “Right up until the moment they send a curse at my back.” Eric paused, realizing something. “Speaking of our allies, where has Jia gone?” he questioned, although not expecting Siobhan to be able to answer. _Jia was likely preparing for a war, not a diplomacy mission,_ Eric suspected. “Getting ready,” Siobhan replied with a shrug. “If things _do_ take a turn for the worse, she’s the one I want there, ready to do what needs to be done, even if it is… excessive.” The witch decided that was the best time to take her leave, marching outside to the edge of the wards through sodden grass and mud that sucked on her shoes. The moment she felt the wave of magic pass over her – the empty, unprotected feeling – she disappeared with a violent crack. Eric followed her out, closing the door behind him. He wielded his wand – for all he knew, there might be a Death Eater staring him in the face the second he arrives in London – and as he passed the magical border separating the manor from the rest of the world, he shuddered. After being in a place of such concentrated magic for a while, walking back into the ordinary air never failed to feel incredibly odd. Deciding to exit with style – regardless of the fact that he had no audience to be fancy for – he spun on the spot, his cloak trailing behind him, and vanished with a satisfying crack, much like Siobhan had done just moments prior.

Collab McHaggis/Kirah/(and one line from Master) *December 2nd, 1999 - Tottenham Court Road* Siobhan appeared in a dank alleyway on Tottenham Court Road with a soft crack, inhaling sharply. It didn’t matter how many times she Apparated -- it never got any more comfortable, despite what her old instructor had said. Each time made her remember her first few splinchings, and those were dire. Now, she only had to find Kyle... Kyle had his wand at the ready as Siobhan apparated in. He lowered it as he recognized her. “News?” His voice was a bit tense, and he was currently disguised as a muggle via polyjuice potion. Siobhan whirled around, the voice having come from a direction she was not expecting (though really, she shouldn’t have been expecting anything). Eyes narrowing for a split-second, she eventually nodded – it seemed like it was Kyle. Hopefully. “World War Three starts now,” she replied dryly, feeling as stupid as the code phrase sounded. Still, she couldn’t help but continue, in a nervous, high-pitched voice, “Or, in about three minutes once everyone gets here. Countdown until the end of the world. _Spooky._” Kyle couldn’t help but smile. “It’s most likely that our contact is already in there. There are no other people inside the cafe right now, including the barista.” Kyle caught Siobhan up on what he had seen so far. “So there’s no Muggles around to - you know - be subject to the Imperius,” Siobhan asked urgently, peering around the corner of the wall to view the cafe’s front. “Or hostages. That’s a relief, at least - should make it easier to kidnap him.” Kyle nodded. “I think he sent them away. I can’t decide if that makes me trust him more or less.” “I don’t think you can *have* less than zero-percent trust in a person.” Siobhan rubbed at her stomach, assuring herself that no, she hadn’t splinched herself, those were just nervous butterflies. She knew intellectually that there were spies on their side - her own brother was sort-of one - but the thought of establishing contact with one… rubbed her the wrong way, though she had been all for it at the meeting. “I can try.” Kyle wanted to reach out. He recognized the nervous tick of Siobhan’s. He wanted to comfort his oldest friend, but now was the wrong time. Siobhan nodded as she observed the street from their semi-hidden position, not that she would see any of the others. Each of the field team had a different point to Apparate into - less chance of collisions and little noise - and it was doubtful she would be able to see them. They would have to make the first move out into the open by the cafe, but not yet. “So… here’s hoping we don’t get captured?” A frown reappeared on Kyle’s face. That wasn’t an option for him. The polyjuice would only last an hour, and he had already been here long enough that if they were delayed too long his disguise would drop. Capture meant death for Kyle, or worse the Imperius curse Siobhan flashed him a quick, reassuring smile before his frown could deepen *too* much. “Don’t worry! We have David on our side, shielding us from harm. Plus, if your sister shows up, I’m sure my stupid brother’ll be in tow.” “I don’t want to know what would happen if David met Maggie.” Kyle shook his head imagining the ridiculousness. His frown disappeared at the thought. “Hopefully your brother doesn’t reveal himself.” Kyle was thankful for Alistair’s sacrifice. “Everyone should be here.” Siobhan reached over and tugged on Kyle’s sleeve in the direction of the street. “Let’s go, then. Show ourselves. Target practice for any Death Eaters on the rooftop but-- yeah.” She stepped out into the open, directly across from the specified cafe, and shifted from side to side awkwardly in the middle of the street. With any luck the others would appear soon, and they could all death-march into the quaint little establishment. Kyle gave Siobhan a glance and then walked into the cafe. His heart pounded in his ears. It didn’t matter how many times he was in a fight it always made him nervous, especially if Siobhan was anywhere near said fight. He glanced at the only person in the cafe with his peripheral vision, but made his way to the counter. This was a test. He looked around as if looking for the barista and then reached out and pressed the small bell on the counter repeatedly as if hoping someone would answer. As it turned out, someone did. “The cafe is closed, my friend,” a voice behind them said.

Collab: McHaggis/Kirah/TheMaster99 **2nd of December, 1999 - Luchino Cafe, Tottenham Court Road** Almost immediately after the man spoke to them, Eric entered the cafe, followed by everyone else who was coming inside – the rest were performing overwatch. Kyle and Siobhan had just turned around to face Luther. If he had any plans to attack them, he probably would have done it while their backs were turned. Promising start. Siobhan glanced warily at the man and, in true Gryffindor fashion, stepped out in front of Kyle, protectively. Kyle didn’t look too pleased about that, but he was ready to protect Siobhan if he had to. Everyone looked at each other, and after a few seconds, Eric broke the silence. “Hello,” he addressed Luther. Luther turned, having been looking at the others. _He looks surprisingly friendly, considering he has no idea who I am,_ Luther thought. “Hello,” he replied. If it were even possible, Siobhan’s eyebrow climbed higher on her forehead in an expression of, ‘*really, is this how they handle diplomacy in the Ministry?*’ Inevitably, she asked with characteristic bluntness – only barely remembering to use something resembling a secret code – “Are you our inside man?” Luther looked back to her. “Well, if you are that which comes after the phoenix, then yes I am.” It might seem silly, but although he was certain he hadn’t been followed, you can never be _too_ sure. “Yes, that’s us,” Siobhan said quickly, barely covering a half-snort. “Can we stop speaking in tongues now, though? It’s _seriously_ lame.” Luther paused for a moment, before replying. “I’d have thought you would appreciate what little secrecy we can manage. However, if that’s how you want it, then that is fine. So, shall we get down to business?” He walked behind the counter and poured himself a cup of tea. He’d have flown it over to him, but he certainly didn’t expect that his company would trust him with a wand at this stage. “I’ll take good old honesty and integrity over illusions and half-truths any day of the week,” Siobhan grumbled, leaning against the silvery glass cabinet housing a host of dull, disinteresting cakes and other assorted desserts. “I’m Siobhan MacFusty. Undesirable Number #13.” Luther looked up from his tea. He nodded, having memorized the Undesirable list ages ago. “I’m Luther. Luther Cunningham.” He picked up his tea and sat in a booth, looking up at the group in an invitation to sit. Siobhan peered over at Kyle for a moment, as if waiting for his approval. She didn’t trust herself to assess the dangers of the situation herself and, despite her initial distrust for the turncoat in front of her, there were no alarm bells ringing in her head warning her of an impending *avada kedavra* or anything of the sort. Kyle clearly didn’t trust the man. If he turned coat once, no reason he wouldn’t do it twice, but if he had something, anything that could be helpful at this point Kyle would take it. He frowned, but that wasn’t too unusual. A slight nod to Siobhan suggested that, at least for now, he’d take this man at face value. Eric, having stayed out of the conversation since starting it, made the first move and sat down across from Luther. _If he was going to attack us he would have done it already,_ Eric concluded. “So, I guess something kind of obvious should get cleared up. What is your rank in the Death Eaters? If you’re a nobody in Voldemort’s eyes then we have no use for you, you’ll understand.” Siobhan quietly took a seat, folding her hands in her lap and straightening her posture. “Not *no* use,” she clarified, allowing a brief half-smile at Eric. “But as a spy in such a case? Not so much.” Luther nodded. “Understandable.” He paused a moment, before continuing. “I’m near the top. Bellatrix, Rodolphus, and the like? I’m one of them.” Another pause. “Well, probably a _bit_ lower than them now,” he amended, looking distracted for a moment. “But for your purposes, more than good enough I suspect.” “We’re too exposed here. We need to move.” Kyle said, his eyes focused on the windows. “Agreed.” Siobhan brushed her hair out of her eyes, before continuing. “No offense, mate, but you do look like a Death Eater. Not really the sort to go gallivanting around with known enemies of the Dark Lord.” Luther nodded. He glanced at the window for a moment, and to his horror he saw a dark figure approaching the door. A Muggle would have already turned around. This person was the _last_ person he wanted to see here. A Death Eater. “Christ,” Luther muttered. “We have a visitor, I’m afraid. What the hell is he doing here?” Luther looked at each of the Ashes in turn, hoping that the dismay in his eyes could save him. Discreetly, Siobhan drew her wand under the table. “Kyle,” she said, tilting her head at the door. “I’ll keep watch on our possible-ally or possible-enemy here. I’m not half bad at a body-bind.” The last part was meant to be threatening to Luther, even though she had a hunch that it really wasn’t his fault. Kyle gave a small nod to Siobhan and let his wand drop out of his sleeve. He moved to the door. The Death Eater realized what was happening inside, and quickly drew his wand. _Curse my luck,_ he thought. _I just wanted some tea before heading home, and now this! There’s three of those filthy Ashes, and I’m just one man!_ He backed himself to the wall, realizing at the same time something that might just save his life. _Was that Luther I saw?_ he thought, optimistically. _What on Earth is he doing in there?_ He pointed his wand at the window, which immediately fell apart into fragments. Kyle’s wand hand shot up and under his breath he murmured _Sectusempra_ at the Death Eater. It was one of the ones Kyle was good at, from entirely too much time trying to perfect it. The spell grazed by the Death Eater, who was suddenly glad that he had hid himself just out of view from the window. He turned, pointing his wand at his attacker. “_Sectusempra,_” he murmured, returning the favor. Siobhan instinctively whipped around and scrambled to her feet in one fluid movement, pulling her wand away from where it was trained on Luther to cast a _Protego_ that separated her, Eric and the Death Eater turncoat from the action. Shield charms erupted from all around the group, presumably David and Albert's work, and the chaos of both sides of the battlefield ensured that the Death Eater couldn't Disapparate without fatally splinching himself. Upon realising that she had forgotten about Luther for a split-second – one too long if he had been a real enemy – she scowled, backing up so as to keep him in her peripheral vision. It wasn’t even a thought and Kyle had his own Protego up protecting him from the curse. Too many trick and traps from Maggie had his reflexes for that spell mastered beyond many. He hadn’t even need raise his wand for it. Kyle cast another spell, this time with a bit more thought. If the Death Eater was hurt, or didn’t return to base that’d be suspicious, which of course is why Eric was with the group. _Expeliarmus_ Kyle cast silently. The Death Eater nearly laughed as he deflected the spell with his wand. _Expeliarmus! Are those fools training a bunch of cowards?_ he thought. Coward or not however, he wasn’t going to be able to make any progress alone. Then he remembered that he saw – or, at least he _thought_ he saw – Luther in the cafe. _I have no idea why he’s in there,_ he thought, _but if there’s one thing that is certain about him, it’s that he is loyal. He’ll help me, surely!_ Hiding back behind the wall, he yelled into the cafe, “Luther! Why are you just sitting there? Do something!” Luther looked up with a grave expression on his face. He exchanged a glance with Siobhan, then looked back at the window. He said nothing, but he knew what he had to do. A moment passed. Then another one. _Why isn’t he doing anything?_ the Death Eater wondered. _Fine then, I’ll just do it myself._ He steeled himself for what he was about to do, then popped out around the corner, the incantation already on his lips. “_AVADA–_” But the spell was never to be cast, for Luther had drawn his wand the moment the Death Eater was visible. “_Stupefy!_” he shouted. The Death Eater looked into his eyes as he fell over, the hatred practically radiating from his eyes. Kyle irritated that this whole fight could quite easily be a set up cast _Petrificus Totalus_ on the turn coat. “We need to move now.” He hissed out at Siobhan and Eric as Luther dropped like a rock. Eric nodded, surprised by what he had just witnessed. “Should I Obliviate him?” Eric asked, addressing nobody in particular. Siobhan shook her head minutely. Eric nodded again, and then turned his attention to the shattered window, which reassembled itself with a wave of his wand. After the window was back in place, he sheathed his wand and walked back inside the cafe. “We’re ready to go, I reckon,” he said, addressing Kyle. Siobhan frowned pensively, her brows furrowing in obvious confusion. “This Luther Cunningham seemed alright to me,” she noted, reaching down to drag Luther’s still body up and drape his left arm over her shoulder. Just for good measure, she poked him in the stomach to make sure he truly was unresponsive. The last thing she wanted was to splinch herself because he’d somehow avoided paralysis and separated himself from her mid-Apparition… There were some nasty cases of that in St. Mungos. “Can one of you get that other Death Eater? He looks like a newbie, but Ronan might want to speak with him. Before the _Obliviate_.” The mediwitch shuddered. She wasn’t one for the rough techniques the Ashes’ sort-of leader preferred to use. “If anyone was caught in the glass, see me once we’re at the safehouse.” With that, she smiled slightly at Eric and grinned at Kyle before disappearing with a slightly heavy crack. Just as he was getting ready to Apparate, Eric remembered something. “Oh, we should probably go get Albert, aye?” He walked out the cafe, and scoured the rooftops for Albert and David. After a few seconds of scanning he found them. He cast a Patronus – his was a monkey – and sent it to them. The monkey climbed it’s way up the building with impossible speed, and poked Albert in the shoulder obnoxiously – or pretended to, since it couldn’t _actually_ touch him – then pointed at Eric, who gave him a courteous wave, then disappeared. Kyle picked up the unconscious body of the unknown Death Eater he Disapparated with him to the agreed bolt hole. Once there Kyle dropped him unceremoniously onto the floor.