"Take Callaghan... doing some damage might be good as well," Ronan said.

Shite...

Externally, Drew remained impassive. Internally, though, he was less than happy. All three people going on this mission were people he had avoided to some degree for varying reasons. He regarded Luther with guarded caution. The man still had the dark mark, and even though he had provided invaluable information, Drew had learned it paid to be careful with people whose allegiance was suspect. On the other hand, Drew had neglected to speak much with Kyle before hand - he remembered maybe one or two conversations they had had with each other, and no more. Kyle seemed amiable enough, but it would still be awkward when Luther and Blake inevitably left them to their devices. And Blake... Drew didn't even know where to begin with her. The woman was a spy, so she had all the problems Luther had, but in addition she was impulsive, crazy, and he was almost certain she had set fire to one of his runic traps once. Drew grimaced. The flaming protego had been quite the surprise, and it had gotten the job done... but he didn't want another incident like that.

It would be an awkward job. But Drew dealt with it like he dealt with everything else: he got over it.

He didn't have questions for Ronan; he felt they would be better directed at Kyle, who actually knew the house, and Luther, who apparently had the information for both jobs. Turning over to Kyle, Drew held his tongue for a moment; talking bluntly about Kyle's former childhood home might not set the best impression for him. But, again: the job. He needed to know as much as could. He'd be damned before a mission failed because of a failure to communicate.

"Kyle. Haven't talked in a while, eh?" Drew said with a grin, though perhaps a bit forced. The grin quickly faded as Drew went into tactics mode. "I'll just cut right to it, I think we need to talk about this mission of ours. Targets of Opportunity, routes, entrances, our escape plan, all that stuff. Anything important come to mind off the bat?"

Sure, he was putting Kyle on the spot. But Ronan said the mission was now, and Drew hated going on a mission with no plan.

Luther Cunningham

Luther took his cue, opening his mouth to speak. But just before he was able to get a word out…

"Do you want both us Mediwitches on one mission, or do you want one of us to head along to McCarthy Manor as well?"

“Kyle. Haven't talked in a while, eh?"

Not expecting anyone else to talk – to him, it seemed quite clear that Ronan had wanted Luther to fill them in with what he knew, but maybe they hadn’t picked up on him. Or maybe they didn’t like him. He shook his head slightly. The Ashes seem to do this a lot during their meetings, don’t take it personally you dolt, he scolded himself.

After Drew had finished speaking, Luther spoke, interrupting anyone else who happened to speak, “As Ronan said, the Death Eaters have been hunting this man down for a while. I don’t quite know why the Dark Lord is so interested in him, but I have found that the Death Eaters have narrowed the search down to the county of Bristol. From what I’ve gathered they mean to make a final surge towards him soon, with a lot of manpower. If he is to be collected by us then we will need to find him, and secure him, with haste.”

Luther paused briefly to let this sink in, although from the sounds of it – ”Lots of things that need to be done now, as in, right now – in the present,” – Ronan had already gathered most of the information Luther had acquired. Damn – how am I supposed to be a useful spy if Ronan knows most of my intel before I even say it? He frowned very slightly at the thought.

“As for the captured operative, I hope Kyle and Drew don’t mind a few harmless spells if they have to be chased out – it would be mildly suspicious for two Death Eaters to walk in unannounced, then just walk out the moment an explosion is heard. We’ll have to at least look like we’re helping to stop you the best that we can,” Luther finished. Although anything that hits Kyle might be slightly not-so-unharmful, Luther thought.

Kyle - The meeting room - 10:15am

from McCarthy Manor

Everything went hot and there was a rushing sound. Kyle had been paying close attention, expecting a mission, but not one to the house. Almost by instinct he reached out to reassure himself that Siobhan was still there. There was no reason for her to be going to the house. She’d be safe.

Someone was talking. Callaghan. He wanted to know tactical stuff. Then Luther spoke. Kyle could feel his fist throb just a bit. “I haven’t been to the manor since I was 16, but I can tell you what was there then.” He finally said once everyone had stopped talking again. His voice was even, calm, measured. That was the only way to not scream. To not yell at Ronan. Someone was in danger. Kyle reminded himself. Someone was near her. Within her grasp, and he could save them. Take away a plaything from her.

“There’s the obvious wards. Two main entrances. One in the direct front.” Kyle closed his eyes seeing the building that haunted his memory. “The other is a side entrance mostly used by the staff. The layout of the rooms are not straightforward. It is most likely that the missing operative will be held in the basement. That place is a maze. I spent enough time down there though that I can find my way through it.”

Kyle at this point turned to Ronan. “Who do they have?”

10:21 AM

Drew Callaghan wasted no time. They were dismissed, and he had a job to do. Making his way back to his work room, he thought of what would be best suited for the mission.

A stealth mission, so I'm mostly going to need contingency runes. Four protego maximas, with repelling and strengthening charms. That should give us some time. One or two offensive spells - either Diffindo or Bombarda. Diffindo is quiet, stealthy, but we won't know if we're discovered. Bombarda... loud, so it'll blow our cover. But if anyone runs into it, our cover is blown anyway. Bombarda it is. But, to do damage, I'll need something big. I don't know what will be of value in there, and I'd like to get as much damage in as with few runes as possible. I wonder... I've been working on those runes to hold dark spells. Perhaps... Fiendfyre? If I asked Ronan, he could do it...

Drew smiled to himself. Fiendfyre it is. That'll do quite nicely indeed.

He had six hours to prepare, and he'd need all the time he could get.

---

1:34 PM

Drew knocked on the door to the meeting room, then stepped inside. He was relieved to find Ronan still there, perhaps lost in his thoughts or looking over plans. He cleared his throat.

“Mr. Findley-Barr? I had request to make of you, something to help with the mission at McCarthy Manor,” Callahan said respectfully.

Tiredly, Ronan looked up from the tome of dark magic the manor’s resident librarian had procured for him and stretched, something audibly cracking as he did so. “What do you need, Callaghan?”

Drew pulled out the two pieces of carved stone that contained the dark runes. “Could I ask you to cast Fiendfyre onto both of these runes?”

The spymaster frowned, brows furrowing as if wracking his brain for anything about Ancient Runes. “Fiendfyre in a rune would be… destructive, possibly even more so than the spell on its own without a wizard to control it. What do you plan to use them for?”

“I plan to use it to cause some damage, like you suggested earlier,” Callaghan said with a lopsided grin. “It’ll be a good distraction for when we’re leaving, it’ll cover our tracks, and it’ll leave the Death Eaters wondering if Mia died or escaped. Not to mention possibly destroying one of their hideouts. I think it’s an opportunity to deal a serious blow to the bastards.”

Ronan nodded in understanding. “Might want to tell your distraction – Blake and Cunningham – about this plan. Don’t want them to stick around while the place is blowing up, which might be a tad suspicious… Unless you plan to put it on a longer timer..?” Nevertheless, he took both of the runes and, with a wave of his wand, pushed the hefty oak desk to the very corner of the room along with all the very inflammable papers.

“I’ll be sure to tell them,” Drew said, watching Ronan work with fascination. He stepped back to give the spymaster some room.

Setting down the two runes in the centre of the meeting room, Ronan gestured for the saboteur to move back against the edge, drawing his wand and pointing it at the stones. With a steady breath and a pained grimace, he cast it, and initially it seemed that nothing happened.

Then, like a slow caress, the flame trickled out of the tip of his wand, then grew larger, more potent in the space of a few seconds. Hot enough to melt flesh like butter and sear bone to charcoal, but perfectly contained. Ronan didn’t even blink as the flame snarled at him, instead directing it to force itself into the vessels.

And it did, like pillars straight from Muggle Hell. Ronan cared little about the decrepit carpets as they were scorched under the heat, already worn down from years of rebels walking through its halls.

All of a sudden, it was over. The Fiendfyre reared back and Ronan continued to swipe and swipe with his wand until there was nothing left of it but the smell of smoke.

“How’s that? I’m not one for charging runes…”

Drew approached the runic traps, testing the contained magic with a few controlled gestures of his wand. He nodded in approval. “Perfect. The spell is contained, ready to be released with the right trigger. I’ll set a decently long timer, but it can’t be too long. I don’t want to risk the Death Eater’s finding it and disabling the traps.”

Placing the runes into his bag, which seemed to gobble them up readily, Drew stood up and gave a casual salute. “Thank you, Ronan. See you after the mission.”

---

3:50 PM

Drew Callaghan strode into the entrance hall, checking over the gear he was bringing. He had his pouch filled with traps, enchanted to hold more than its size indicated, and resistant to spells and jostling. His clothing emphasized speed and mobility. Rather than the long flowing robes usually preferred by wizards, he wore a tight-fitting dragonhide tunic and pants.

All in all, Callaghan was prepared. He looked for his team. “Blake? Luther? Kyle? I have to say something.”

@McHaggis

After the meeting was over, Alora went to speak with Ronan. As she had felt during the meeting, there was something she needed to talk to him about. Something was bugging her. She wasn’t sure what it was, yet, but she knew it needed to be said. She knocked on the door to Ronan’s office and waited.

After a fairly long pause truncated by the shuffling of papers and the slamming of a heavy tome, then the sound of a slow limp approaching, the door opened, Ronan hanging on the frame somewhat heavily. “Yes?”

“It’s Alora sir… I mentioned I wanted to speak with you at the meeting, if you remember,” she said, looking at him. She was all too aware of his medical situation, but had no cure for him. “May I come in?”

“Of course, of course,” he said, moving over to make room while simultaneously scanning the hallway behind her in an overly-paranoid gesture. Ronan didn’t sit down, perhaps due to misplaced manners or plain stoicism. With the flick of his wand, the door closed itself quietly. “What was it you wanted to talk about?”

“I’m not quite sure myself… as you are aware of how I get sometimes, but something, just… something… needs to be said.. and I…” Alora paused, and slumped over in her chair a bit. It was not a feeling she knew well, but, it had happened only once before. Suddenly she sat back up and looked straight at Ronan.

“Ronan… Rosaline Hall… it will fall,” she said looking at him.

Ronan looked distinctly unruffled by the ill omen. “Hopefully not while we’re inside it,” he quipped.

“Of that… I am unsure, or when… but it will happen Ronan. That… is all I know,” Alora said and sighed. She straightened up again. It had been a while since she had one of those horrible visions, but this one was strong.

At a snail’s pace, Ronan returned to his desk and picked up his dainty floral teacup, staring up at the ceiling as if waiting for some divine guidance. “Alora, I do not pretend to know anything about Divination,” he said slowly. “But. That doesn’t mean I don’t believe you, or that I’m one of those sticks in the mud who say that prophecies only have power if you have faith in them. Still, I need to know what you saw. Describe it to me.”

He took a sip of tea.

Alora paused to focus on what she had seen. “Death eaters and… Inferi… not too sure about those… but the dead. Everything… burning. Screaming. You-Know-Who on the outside, you on the inside..."

Ronan interrupted quickly, “That’s enough. I have no real desire to be reminded of my mortality – even if it seems to be coming quicker than expected.” A wry smile decorated his face as if he was again taking it lightly, and he stretched his stiff leg – the one only partially transformed by the curse. “Though I’m glad it’s looking like it won’t be slow and boring like this is.”

Alora nodded. “I do apologize… not that I have much control of what I saw.” She frowned a bit and rubbed her temples. “Is there anything else you need before I go to get ready?” She paused. “I won’t leave this time, not over this.”

“Don’t tell the others, please.”

“No worries there. I have no intention of letting them know what I see,” she said.

“And–” Ronan rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. “You do Tarot readings, yes?”

“Occasionally. Why do you ask?” She said softly. Her hand instinctively went to the pocket in which her cards were located.

Ronan looked out the window at the pond outside rather than at Alora. “I like to know if things are going to plan – or if they’re not. I figure having a few vague readings wouldn’t hurt.” Then he continued after another shaky sip of tea, “I’d also like to have an idea of how much danger our people are in. Which ones are more likely to… prematurely kick the bucket, to use such an odd Muggle term.”

Alora frowned a bit. “Another time perhaps. This morning has been more morbid than usual… and well… I will tell you one thing. You won’t lose Siobhan or Kyle. Something is tying them together.”

Ronan snorted. Loudly. Though to his credit he did try to hide it. “Yes, I do have eyes. ‘Young love’ and all that. MacFusty isn’t subtle – though, neither is her brother.”

“I mean they will not ‘prematurely kick the bucket’ as you said. And I am aware of Alistair’s unsubtly… all too well,” Alora said with a frown.

Ronan blinked in surprise, almost relief, and then cringed. “Yes. Sorry about that.” Another sip of tea. Perhaps a nervous quirk? “I won’t keep you any longer.”

“I will see you after the mission then.”

“Good luck, Miss Caldwell.”

“Thank you,” Alora said and exited Ronan’s office. She sighed to herself and went to the library first. She needed to look up something.

David Howell....The name kept ringing in Viktor's head as he strolled down the dusted, winding hallways of the headquarters, no sound accompanying him aside from the creaking of the old floorboards beneath his feet, each step seemed to be supplemented by twenty-pound weights as thoughts of the meeting ran through his mind.

Books he could find; scrolls and artifacts likewise. But people -- people were much different, much more elusive than they wanted to be. You can't make an antique move or think, not without magic anyways. Simply put it somewhere different. But people were instinctive and paranoid with an irritatingly high amount of self-preservation. Viktor could respect that, if only slightly, having been in a similar situation a few years ago.

Turning a final corner, the expansive two-story library of Rosaline Hall came into sight, marvelous and austere. The library itself belonged to no member of the Ashes formally, but it might as well have been Viktor's, given the amount of time and attention he devoted to it. Always something new to learn or find out about -- just had to know where to look.

As he turned the corner, he would spot Alora Caldwell coming around the opposite corner to the library. She gave a small suprised look before seeming to compose herself. "Hello Viktor. Should have figured you would also be headed to the library," she said. She brushed back a lock of her hair and gave him a small smile.

"Getting that predictable, aren't I? Though I can't say I'm shocked to see you here either, Ms. Caldwell." Viktor replied with a half-smile of his own, his posture instantly adopting an almost elegant swagger to it as he planted both hands in the pockets of his longcoat, eyes briefly darting towards the library entrance.

"Doesn't do much good standing outside. After you." He beckoned politely with the wave of a single hand in the direction of the door before letting his eyes fall back on her.

"What a gentleman," she said and smiled, her eyes lighting up a bit. It was a rare sight to see, since Alora did keep mostly to herself. She walked into the library before Viktor and paused inside. "Do you happen to know what happened to the book I was looking for yesterday? The one about mysterious magical maladys? I think I want to look it over once again before this mission," she said, turning to look at him.

"I try to be." Viktor replied in a slightly playful tone before following in behind, breathing in the scent of the library. His library. Some would look at it and think only of the dust and grime that seemed to encapsulate the entire manor. But Viktor felt something different. He saw beyond the dust and scatter, and saw what lie beneath it. Age-old books with their leather covers and bindings stored away on the impossibly tall shelves; scrolls and parchments locked away in their secure cabinets. The room was home to him....it took him back to his childhood spent in his uncle's home, flipping through whatever book he could get his hands on.

"Hm? Oh, yes, I know the one. I'll retrieve it for you." Viktor added on in a conversational manner before an abrupt crack signaled his Disapparation, no doubt to look through the deeper reaches of the library.

"There you are..." His voice, now distant, rang across the room before he appeared once again beside Alora, a rather victorious expression across his features as he held out a single book to her.

"I believe this is what you're looking for." He stated matter-of-factly with a soft smile. He was one of those types...always seeming to smile or generally get along with others. Yet there was something in his eyes...as though he was keeping something hidden, yet no one could piece together what.

Alora took the book from him, and gently ran her hand over it and opened it. She looked through for a moment before closing the book again. "Yes, this is the one. Thank you. I swear, you must keep better tabs on what I read than I do. But you do spend so much time in here, that I'm honestly not suprised. I guess I've come to rely on you when I need a book," she said softly. However, for all the time she had spent in the library, Viktor would have noted how little Alora talked about herself. Her revolation today about knowing the McCarthy Manor was certainly new to him. She was probably just as secretive as him at times.

"So, you are going on the mission as well, correct? I hope you don't get injured... or I might think you are doing it just to get close to either Erin or I," she said, with maybe a hint of teasing in her voice. That seemed unusual for Alora.

"Though to be serious, I do wish you the best... I have never heard of this David Howell we're going after, but if You-Know-Who wants him so badly, there must be a reason," she added, the teasing note gone.

"I tend to have an advantage in those matters." Viktor replied, motioning to his temple with his first two fingers, the small smile never seeming to leave his visage.

"As for your attentions, Ms. Caldwell, I should hope injury is not the only way to earn your notice." He continued on in an equally-as-playful tone, though he did note the rarity in which she used one. The Mediwitch was perhaps as aloof and secretive as one could get. Even by his standards.

"I appreciate your concern, and I am quite aware the risk is....hefty. But I've survived up until now. The odds are...in my favor, I like to hope." He said on her final point, crossing both arms behind his back.

Alora blushed a bit at what he said and looked away shyly for a moment. However, she soon was back in what appeared to be serious mode. "If you're ever curious, you can ask," she said. She put a hand over her pocket before putting it back over the back. She seemed to pause for a moment.

"Ah, do you have a good book on Devination? Specifically tarot," she said. She furred her brows in thought.

"Tarot cards....a bit more vague than crystal balls or tea leaves, but I might have something." Viktor responded on an inquisitive tone before half-walking, half-jogging across the library instead of Apparating, disappearing behind a row of shelves . The next few minutes were the assorted sounds of hurried footsteps, ruffling books, and the occasional mumble before Viktor once more reappeared, a significantly older and larger book tucked under his arm.

"Closest I could find was: Omens, Oracles & the Goat. Bathilda Bagshot...as good a historian as any." Viktor described simply, handing her the book with a slight tilt of his head.

Alora took the book and accidentally, or on purpose, brushed his fingers. "Thank you. I am aware Tarot is vague, but... well, I have my reasons," she said, and tucked the book on top of the other. "I should probably go get ready now. I will see you closer to mission time I surmise," she said.

"Indeed you shall." Viktor replied simply with a coy smile before raising his arm to his brow in a casual two-fingered salute, which she returned before leaving.

Viktor watched her depart with a slightly raised eyebrow. How curious this one was....an enigma. Pushing the thoughts to the back of his mind, Viktor eased himself into one of the chairs scattered about the library, running a hand through his hair as he awaited the mission's approach - a slight sense of dread building up within him.

Luther Cunningham & Kyle McCarthy – Rosaline Hall – Entrance Hall
3:20 PM

Immediately after the meeting, Luther reported on every scrap of information that he had regarding David Howell to Ronan. He suspected that Ronan may already have known a fair amount of it, but at least some of it had to be useful. Hopefully.

Afterwards, Luther entered the entrance hall, and fought the urge to groan when he saw Kyle standing, facing the window with his arms crossed. But he had anticipated this – in fact, that was why he was here. Despite the… disagreement between them, they would need to cooperate for this mission to be a success. And he was sure Kyle would have some information that might help to accomplish that.

“Hello, McCarthy,” Luther greeted, keeping his voice from being overly firm or cold. He approached him, standing at his side, keeping his eyes focused on the nature outside the window. Kyle gave the smallest of nods in response, his shoulders tense and the frown that Luther could now see deepening. “Look, I know we haven’t been, and I suppose aren’t, the best of friends. So I guess we should just cut to the chase, and make this easier for us both. Your sister–oh grow up, like it or not she is your sister, get used to it–”

“How much time have you actually spent around her?” Kyle interrupted, even more tense at the mention of his sister, yet his voice surprisingly calm.

“Not a whole lot, but that’s already more than I’d prefer; that’s something I think we can both agree on, for once,” Luther responded, equally calm in spite of the interruption. Kyle nodded in agreement, which Luther took as a sign that he could continue.

“As I was saying, your sister is going to be hell enough to deal with long enough for you and Callaghan to find Mia and get her out. And if you two fail to do so undetected – and let’s face it, I suspect this is going to wind up being more likely than not – Blake and I can’t exactly dismiss the disruption as nothing, nor can we just leave as soon as that happens. Regardless of our differences I’ll certainly use nothing more than prank hexes against you, or simply ‘miss’, and I’m sure Blake will do the same. I guess what I’m trying to say is,” Luther paused to face Kyle, “are you ready to face her? And is there anything that Blake and I can do that might make this easier for all of us?” putting heavy emphasis on ‘all of us’ – he really meant Kyle alone, whether or not it was interpreted as such.

“I appreciate that and shall return the favor.” Kyle said no more at first, and Luther suspected that he was avoiding the other half of his question completely, until he turned and continued, “You know as well as almost anyone in this building how dangerous she can be. Don’t underestimate her, and if she and I end up in the same room, don’t get in the way.” Kyle’s face said it all, really; the grim determination in his eyes told far more than his words ever could. Luther nodded. “She’d probably tell us to do the same thing anyway. Although she’d be more than happy to fight three-on-one with just about anyone else, I think it’s fair to say that an exception would–will–be made for you,” Luther replied. He didn’t know an awful lot about Maggie, in truth, but he knew enough to say this with near-certainty.

Luther was silent for a while, letting that part of the conversation fade. Eventually he looked up from the window. “So, there is still plenty that needs to be sorted out…”

3:48 PM

Nearly a half hour later, they had finally agreed on a way to go about things that might just work. Luther and Blake will come to ‘interrogate’ Mia – Luther knows French, and if Mia played her cards right then Maggie won’t know she speaks English at all. Blake is there to rough her up if she doesn’t cooperate; if Maggie is suspicious, then ‘they are there on orders from the Dark Lord.’ At this point Luther will signal that they are in by closing the shades, and Callaghan will sneak upstairs while they are all in the basement, to fulfill his job as a distraction. Blake will distract Maggie, as best she can. Hopefully Maggie will eventually leave them alone when she realizes that everything will be done in French (and Alistair will be present to ‘keep an eye on them’), but if not then Callaghan will set off the distraction, and Kyle would sneak into the basement around Maggie and anyone else going to investigate the noise. Kyle would get Mia out. If needed a mock fight would happen between him, Luther and Blake. As soon as possible, they will pretend to chase them before the delay on the Fiendfyre runes expire, destroying the manor. Kyle and co. will Apparate back to Rosaline Hall, while Luther and Blake will remain with Maggie at their own discretion; they will suggest not telling the Dark Lord of their embarrassing failure, but will go with her if she insists. They will return to Rosaline Hall as soon as they are safe to do so without suspicion, and the party as a whole will be debriefed. ...Of course, this is a fairly complicated plan with several opportunities where things could go wrong, but if everything goes right then it will be a resounding success.

Pleased with what they’ve come up with, Luther leaves Kyle to his devices while they wait for the others to show up.

Kyle McCarthy - Rosline Manor, Entry way - 3:57pm
With Siobhan (@McHaggis) and at the very end Callaghan (@xCRAZYxFACEx)

Luther walked away, Kyle wasn’t sure why, it was almost four. He shook his head, letting his thoughts, for a moment drift to Mia. Alone with Maggie. No good. He frowned out the window again, and then looked over to Siobhan.

She had been sombre and silent as Luther spoke about the other mission the group would be undertaking but smiled as the spy walked away, all white teeth and no humour. At Kyle’s glance she brightened, moving over to link arms with him (as she often did) and guide him away to one of the small alcoves of the entrance hall where they could talk quietly.

“Looks like we’re not on the same team, eh?” She sounded almost, sad about that. Kyle himself was thankful. If she were at the mansion, he’d worry about her too much. Maggie knew she was a weak point for him.

“Yes,” He tried to sound sombre. “Maybe next time, but it sounds like both of these missions are critical, and need to be taken care of as soon as possible.”

“Now you’re channelling your inner Ronan.” A sigh. “I don’t have to like it – but it just seems so... unfair to make you go along. McCarthy Manor...”

“I know the place the best.” His voice was tight, he did not want to go there, but it was necessary. Of course only a few people in the group knew the manor, but none as well as he did. Mia needed them, Merlin knew the girl wouldn’t be able to get out on her own, especially if it meant attacking someone. Idiot girl.

Siobhan smoothed out the front of Kyle’s robes absently. “You know, I bet if I went and made doe eyes at the bossman he’d let me tag along – balance the numbers up a bit. Plus, my brother’s probably skulking about there anyway. I should be goin’ too.”

“Alistair knows me Siobhan, he’ll not actively get in my way.” Unless Maggie ordered him to. “He and I get along... as well as we can.”

It was true, and Siobhan knew it. He could see it in the furrow of her brows, the sharp release of breath. “Yeah. That’s probably true. What was it he said? Yes, the ‘brother-in-law he actually liked’.”

Kyle was thankful for his dark skin and the poor lighting in the alcove. He wondered how much of that was Alistair hoping to marry Maggie, and how much was him hoping Siobhan and he would hook up. “Well that’s, I guess, nice of him to say.” Kyle shook his head bemused.

Siobhan observed him for a moment, then a grin broke out across her face. “Yeah.” It wavered, and the witch quickly looked away.

Kyle started to reach for Siobhan, but then let his hand raise up to his head and rub the back of his neck to disguise the move.

“Kyle, when you’re out there… just-”

“Blake? Luther? Kyle? I have to say something.” Callaghan’s voice echoed from the hall cutting Siobhan off.

Siobhan shot a glare in that direction, bristling like an angry cat before turning back to stare at Kyle. It was serious. “Don’t be a big damn hero, okay? Stay safe.” Kyle nodded, and stepped out into the hall to join Callaghan, giving Siobhan one last look before talking to Callaghan. Leaning on the corner of the wall with her hand on her hip, she called out, “Being a big damn hero’s my job.”

He gave her a small smile, and then turned to Callaghan. “What is it?”

The meeting had gone as Kate had anticipated, quite quickly. It seemed that the very moment she stepped foot into the room, being motioned to wait by Ronan himself as he didn't want to repeat himself (understandably), everyone was up and shuffling about, getting themselves ready and making preparations as to what was to come. And that's what had Kate's insides twisting themselves into very uncomfortable knots. She was being sent on a mission too; paired up with Alberta, of all people, and going to Bristol - wherever that was.

It wasn't as though going with Alberta was a bad thing; Kate had nothing but the utmost respect for the hardened woman... but it was just that. Bertha was hardened (yet somehow compassionate), experienced and altogether intimidating for a person like Kate. She was an exceptional duelist, perhaps the best defender she had ever seen and Kate had definitely seen her fair share of wands. That was how she came about knowing someone, by examining their wand. It was the wand that chose the wizard, becoming an extension of not just their magical capabilities, but who they were as a person. Very few people realized that anymore, deeming their wands as nothing more than tools, but Kate knew better.

There was so much to the meeting, so much that Kate was able to pick up on between the bits of conversation she did manage to hear that it was all a blur - coupled by the growing feeling of anxiousness that nearly had each and every sound afterwards nothing more than a dull buzzing sound. She was going to be sick.

She kept her feet planted within the room, unable to move even if she wanted to for the time being, watching those within the meeting room pass her by as they went about their business leaving only her and Ronan for a few short moments.

She half expected him to say something to her, that by him putting up a finger to his lips signaling for her to wait meant that perhaps there was something that he wished to discuss but when the silence continued to buzz on, Kate figured that it would probably be best to leave him to his work rather than interrupt with the questions she had about what it was that they were to do later that day. Clearly, she had been wrong and he had nothing to say to her.

A bright blush crept over her cheeks as she tucked the book she had been holding tighter to her chest, willing her legs to move her to the exit, keeping her eyes down. Across the threshold, she paused and took a simple look back over her shoulder at their ever so sombre leader. Her head tilted to the side in a curious manner as she (by complete accident) let her thoughts take over her movements of getting out of the room.

There was so much to him, and yet, she hardly knew anything. She doubted that anyone knew much of their leader and perhaps that was the way he liked things. She very well could have pinned it on her curious nature, but she didn't want to be just anyone. She wanted to know him. Perhaps, that way, she might be able to help him.

Without even realizing it, she blew out a soft sigh as she collected herself once more and left the threshold of the meeting room, her feet carrying her to the one place she could walk to from anywhere within the Manor blindfolded.

The library.

---

Kate had taken her time in getting to the library, wanting to shake off what she absolutely knew to be the look of naivety and anxiety on her face. Everyone within the Ashes was reasonably seasoned in these sort of things - missions - whereas Kate was very much always the 'behind the scenes' type of girl. She didn't want to come across that way, not when Ronan was putting his trust in her enough to send her into a situation that he even described as 'walking in blind.' This was her chance to prove herself that she belonged in the Ashes just as much as anyone else. And the thought was terrifying.

She managed to shake off her nerves by walking the subtle paths of the gardens out back, taking her time by admiring the flowers that grew there and the serenity that the lake in it's center brought. Before she knew it, an hour had passed, and if Viktor was ever going to get his book back, she knew she had to head back.

Walking towards the entrance of the library that was just in sight, Kate passed Alora who looked to have just been in the library, as she was holding a book just the same as Kate was. Kate offered a soft smile of 'hello' to her as they passed one another by and continued on into the library, heading towards the main desk though she didn't know why she bothered. Viktor was almost never behind it - not one to play by the 'typical' rules. But at least it put her out in the open where he would be able to spot her... whatever isle he had gotten himself lost in this time.

"Can I help you, Ms. Ollivander?" The Librarian's silky voice rolled out of nowhere as he strolled out into the main area mere feet from her. Viktor wore a curious expression on his face, a single brow raised inquisitively, his eyes appearing to search her; trying to read her like an old manuscript. He toyed with his wand deftly between his fingers, a simple gesture to pass the time, most likely, though otherwise appeared focused on her.

Kate startled slightly at his voice, but her mind quickly came to terms on who it was before she turned her body to look over at the librarian. She gave Viktor a soft, shy smile and nodded her head a few times, releasing the book she had held to her chest and handed it out towards him.

"Yes, I just wanted to get this back to you."

Taking the book in a single hand, Viktor's eyes darted down to the front cover for a fraction of a second before looking back up at Kate. "Hm....It's only been a day, Ms. Ollivander. Read through it that quickly?" He asked with an amused smirk, tucking the book underneath his arm while the other hand went to his coat, hiding his wand somewhere inside it.

Kate let out a quiet, almost nervous sounding laugh as she reached her hand up to tuck a lock of her brown hair behind her ear, seeming to not know what to do with her hand now that it wasn't holding onto a book.

[color=darkkhaki]"Heh, I uh, I have a lot of... time... on my hands?" she said, though it came out as more of a question, sounding somewhat unsure of her answer. [color=darkkhaki]"You know, to uh, read."[/i] she then added on, sounding a little more confident as she was able to clarify what she meant before, though that didn't make it any less awkward.

"I can respect a speed reader when I see one." Viktor replied with a continued half-smile, turning to return the book to its proper place.

Though his back was turned to her, he continued speaking, "So, apparently you and I will be working together - looking for this 'David Howell' fellow. Not sure what use Alberta could have for a wand-maker and librarian....but I suppose we'll figure that out soon enough...What are your thoughts?" He asked in a curious tone, disappearing behind one of the many shelves, the obvious sound of books fumbling signaling his attempt to replace the book.

"I... pardon?" Kate blinked a couple times, taking note that she had left her lips parted slightly and closed them back up as she tilted her head to watch Viktor from behind. It seemed that she wasn't the only one that was having doubts as to what she would be useful for out there - she hadn't been expecting that. Nor was she expecting to be asked about it so upfront. "Oh! Um..." She paused to cross her arms over her chest and let her hip rest against the high front counter of the library. "I um... I think that whatever Ronan has planned, he wouldn't do so without thinking it over properly first. I... I trust him, and I trust he has a plan. For both of us."

"That's the base answer, Ms. Ollivander." Viktor replied, his head appearing from behind the shelf to eye her. Though his words may have had a disappointed connotation to them, his tone was nothing less than conversational.

"Dig a little deeper. Ask the questions everyone thinks but never asks, look for hints, subtleties in the words. You'll usually be surprised at what you find." He added with a small wink and a smile before disappearing once more.

Quirking an eyebrow, though nodding her head a few times to indicate that she not only understood what he was saying to her, but agreed as well, Kate gently pushed herself off from leaning against the front desk to cross over to the bookshelves that Viktor had disappeared behind.

"So, um... what about you?" Kate asked, finding that once again, her curiosity was getting the better of her, forgoing her shy behavior and driving her to find out more about the people that she had been living with for the past year. She knew she wouldn't be getting any answers about Ronan or anyone else anytime soon, but she could start with Viktor. "Everyone thinks you're just a simple librarian, but I'm willing to bet that there is more to you than that, isn't there? Hints, subtleties and all..."

Letting out a contemplative sigh, Viktor eyed Kate curiously, though couldn't help as another smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "There's more to all of us, isn't there? No one is what they seem. At least not truly. As for meg, I like to envision myself as a...collector, a purveyor of things and objects. Certain things shouldn't be allowed into the hands of Death Eaters. That's where I come in." He explained, albeit slightly vaguely.

"But I can't give you too many hints, now can I? That would ruin the game." He added, planting both hands, now free, into his coat pockets with a rather pleased expression.

Kate let out a soft laugh, unable to help the slight blush that crept across her cheeks as her eyes looked away from Viktor and to the space of the floor between them. It wasn't the sort of response she was expecting, but it was better than nothing. She crossed her arms back across her chest, holding tightly as though she were attempting to give herself a hug simply for the sheer satisfaction of comfort before she brought her eyes to look back up at the librarian.

"Yes, I suppose so." she agreed, nodding her head a few times before letting her gaze fall back down to the floor. She shifted her weight awkwardly from one leg to the other as a multitude of other thoughts now began to fill her mind, though none were relevant enough to bring up with Viktor. At least, not right now. Well... there might have just been one thought...

"So, I um... I was wondering..." Kate once more forced her eyes back up to Viktor, freeing her right hand to tuck a loose strand of her hair behind her ear as she swallowed, trying to find her words. "Back at Hogwarts, there was an, um, restricted section in the library; one that was accessible only to the staff and a few select students for, ah, justifiable reasons..." She shifted her weight again and tucked the strand of hair back behind her ear that didn't want to stay in place. "Is there anything like that here? In this library? I um... I've read a lot of what you have... not for just personal entertainment but research and, well... I was wondering if you might have anything that... isn't exactly open to just anyone here?".

"You're looking for books on the Dark Arts." Viktor replied, phrased more as a statement than an inquiry.

He eyed the young woman curiously, as though attempting to read past her expression, into her thoughts, her motives, as though he was reading her mind.

"We try not go keep many books on the Dark Arts here, if we can. Take it as a....personal statement against the Dark Lord's regime." Viktor replied, though his fixed gaze on her was...slightly wary.

"You've come to me before on self-made spells, Ms. Ollivander, a rare craft. I should wonder why you'd be interested in a Restricted Section." He added coyly with a smirk, though that look in his eyes never left.

"Well... not Dark Arts... exactly." Kate replied, feeling her face growing rather hot. The topic of Viktor's gift as a Legilimens had been whispered through the halls, though there wasn't any concrete proof that he was one, not that she spent much time talking with others about those who lived within the manor. Still though, Kate had to wonder by the way he was looking at her, scrutinizing, voicing her thoughts, however vague. "I... I wasn't able to really find anything, um, relevant in the book you gave me about self-made spells. I was hoping that... that there might be something on self-made curses instead?"

"Curses, eh? You don't seem the Cursing type. Then again.....the best ones don't." Viktor replied with a somewhat more joking look in his eyes before turning with a small flourish towards the deeper confines of the library, motioning with a single hand for her to follow behind.

"I tend not to keep a 'Restricted Section' here, and most of the....especially dark volumes are kept in Ronan's inventory, but I have a few things here that might be worth looking at. I warn you, though, Ms. Ollivander...Curses are specifically Dark Magic. I am loath to think of the long-term consequences of using your own custom Curses." The Librarian warned in a suddenly serious tone before motioning to a more sparsely filled shelf and planting both hands in his coat pockets.

Nearly tripping over her own two feet as her body seemed to move to follow Viktor on impulse, her mind had been playing 'catchup' and just a fraction too late. She recovered quickly, however. Physically it was nothing more than a slight stumble, not even noticeable unless someone was really looking and thankfully Viktor had his back to her. She followed after quickly, managing to catch up, able to cross a fair amount of distance in a short amount of time despite the heels on her feet.

"Oh! Oh no! Not for me!" Kate was quick to reply, a genuine tone of surprise coming from her, seemingly surprised herself that someone would even think she would be capable of looking into something as dark as curses. [color=darkkhaki]"No, no charms are my thing. Charms are good, nothing like... like that" Sighing to herself, realizing now that she wasn't making a bit of sense, she started over. "I simply wanted to research them, find out how they are made, and how... how they can be... cured..." Her voice was betraying her. Despite how much she wanted to keep what she was up to a secret, she was a terrible, terrible liar. And she wasn't even lying. She couldn't even bring herself to do so, but the allusiveness of her words might as well have spelt out what she was really up to on her forehead.

"Curing curses? You have ambition, Ms. Ollivander....perhaps Slytherin would have suited you." Viktor replied in a bemused manner, crossing one leg over the other.

"You can look at what you can, but I'm afraid the road to curing Curses is a long and toilsome one. If anyone could have done it before -- before all this, it could have been Dumbledore." Viktor added in a more sombre tone, speaking the late Headmaster's name with a sort of hushed reverence.

Kate couldn't help the nervous laugh that came up through her throat. While she had many friends who came from the Slytherin house, she knew for certain that it was not a place she would have been able to thrive very well.

"Oh, no, Ravenclaw suited me just fine. Everyone in my family came from Ravenclaw, my father, he-" Kate cut herself off short, a shooting pain coursing up through her chest and to her heart at the recollection of her father. He was gone, as well as the rest of her family, grandfather included. She had failed to protect the wand shop when it had been under siege from The Dark Lord's followers and when she awoke, Garrick was gone... and so was everyone else. That had been over a year ago, and still nothing. In all reality, they were probably dead. That thought had Kate swallowing a forming lump in her throat, giving herself a moment before she looked back to Viktor. "You, uh, you said you might have something?" she asked quietly, now wanting to focus on the topic at hand.

Eying Kate curiously as she appeared to go lost in thought, Viktor quirked his eyebrow briefly but otherwise said nothing, merely motioning towards the same shelf. "Look to your heart's content. See if there's something that might interest you. As for myself...I'm less of a combatant, so Curses never really piqued my interest so to speak, ergo I cannot exactly recommend a book." He added with a roll of his eyes at his own shortcoming.

Nodding her head a few times to let him know that she understood, Kate brushed past him to take a look at the old tomes on the shelves in which he had led her to. He was right, of course, there wasn't very much, but it was better than nothing. She turned her head to look back at him, a flicker of a smile turning up the corners of her lips.

"Thank you, Viktor. I'll let you know if I find something worth checking out."

"Take your time, Katherine." The Librarian added on a final note, using her first name (or at least, the lengthened version of it) for what seemed to be the very first time before he strolled off towards the main area of the library, leaving her to search in peace.

((Collab with @Kirah))
Rosline Manor, Entry way, 3:57 PM

---

“What is it?” Kyle asked.

Drew pulled out the two pieces of carved stone from his bag. “These are runic traps that are currently holding Fiendfyre, courtesy of Ronan. I was thinking of using them at the manor, if that would be alright with you. After all, Ronan did ask me to cause some damage, and there’s nothing much more deadly than magical fire.” Even if his request seemed a bit extreme and out of the blue, Callaghan paid it no mind. He simply wanted to do his job as well as possible.

“Blow up the manor?” Kyle raised an eyebrow.

Drew shrugged. “More or less. And it might lead the Death Eaters to think we killed Mia rather than rescue her. It might get them off her trail.”

“I am all for that place being burned to the ground, and any extra possibilities that it leaves is just perfect too.” Kyle nodded. “Burn it.” There was fire in his voice as he said it.

“Gladly,” Drew responded with a smirk. “Now I just gotta let Luther and Blake know to get out of the manor before it goes up in flames.”

“That’s probably for the best.”

~reserved~