Sadie

Occult Regulation Office: A Mature Wizarding World Anthology

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She wasn't offended in the slightest that the parents didn't want her around their kid- after all, she was a purple haired stranger who they had never seen before. If she had kids, she would be hesitant at first as well. Emory coming to her defense stirred something within her gut and she couldn't help a grin in his direction. He was really an amazing man in his own right. Too bad he couldn't get over his own inner demons. Then again, that's why they were all in this group, was it not? Each member having their own personal tragedy- some more than others. Zara definitely hadn't gotten past what had happened to her mother. For a stranger to take away a child's parent with no rhyme or reason...It just didn't make any sense to her.

As the man spoke, Zara surveyed the room some more. His personal story wasn't really much interest to her. That is, until he mentioned his wife's ownership of the house. She quirked a brow and glanced back at the woman. With a breath she allowed herself a glimpse into the Muggle's mind-and was quickly surprised by what she found. The woman absolutely loathed her husband and was only considering demolishing the house because he wanted the land. She wanted the house to continue standing in all it's glory. She bounced herself into the man's head and took a staggering breath; he was absolutely vile. He was money and power hungry and didn't care in the slightest about how he made anyone feel, his own family included. Zara couldn't stand that much negativity. She quickly pulled herself away from his mind and she wobbled back a bit on her heels. The man's mind made her feel drained.

The tour soon began and she allowed herself to lean on Emory as her energy slowly returned to normal. It was just about there when the Butler had to leave hastily for a phone call. Seeing him hurry off, she nodded at Emory's suggestion. With a small squeeze of his hand, she allowed him to lead them away from the group. Zara's breathing only grew more heavy once they entered the seance room. Her hand was still in Emory's as she reached up to place her free hand against her chest. She shook her head slightly. "These people...They're not happy at all, Emory...This place is toxic.."

Hearing the screaming of the woman, she rose a brow and glanced at Nickie. She didn't agree with the girl's enjoyment. No matter what the status of the family, any kind of strife was never a good occurrence. Zara took another quick breath. "They can't be spatting like that in here...It'll just add more negative thoughts into this place." Straightening slightly, she closed her eyes and squeezed Emory's hand to center herself. It had taken her a lot of training to be able to read people who were not in her immediate vicinity. Reaching out with her mind, she heard the inner sadness of the daughter, then the inner panic of the mother. Zara cleared her throat once more and reached out to the father.

Her mind reached into his just as the curtain lifted his feet from the floor. She could feel his terror and it flooded her mind. Crying out, she started to choke as she could sense him dying. Her body wobbled and she hit the floor with a sob as she felt the last thought leave the man's mind. Letting her head drop, she sobbed as her own hand wrapped around her throat in pain. She was only able to squeak out her statement. "The father.."

Occult Regulation Office: A Mature Wizarding World Anthology

@Sailorsadie

Boy, I am liking Zara

@Lauder

Good! I'm glad! Haha

Occult Regulation Office: A Mature Wizarding World Anthology

<Snipped quote by Sailorsadie>

Correct. When a bunch of college kids wander off, it's easier to assume there off making out somewhere (which I imagine happens a fair bit in an attraction like the Winchester House) which in turn gives the team better cover to investigate.

@BrutalBx

And easier for others around them to be a lot less tense. Easier for Zara to work her magic.

Occult Regulation Office: A Mature Wizarding World Anthology

<Snipped quote by Sailorsadie>

Love it.

I was writing that post up and I thought to myself "Right now, everyone thinks Emory is a literal stick in the mud. Let's show that he can have some fun. Why not pretend to be a dumb college kid, that always works!" Bit of that signature levity these types of stories need.

@BrutalBx

And also more relatable! Easier to ignore a dumb college kid than members of a secret organization!

Occult Regulation Office: A Mature Wizarding World Anthology

<Snipped quote by Sailorsadie>

DAMN you work fast! Nice post.

Yeah, I'm trying to take established real world mysteries and put a new spin on them. Of course I'll take some artistic liberties but the whole idea of the ORO is to investigate happenings within the real, human world.

@BrutalBx

Haha thanks, I actually type about 70 words a minute. Only reason I know that is cause I had to do a typing test for my new job. Haha. That, and I'm a very visual person. So once I read a post, I automatically picture myself in that situation as the character and I'm able to quickly establish what I'm going to write.

Occult Regulation Office: A Mature Wizarding World Anthology

<Snipped quote by Lauder>

Exactly.

@BrutalBx

I actually LOVE that you chose this case. I'm a mystery buff, and an avid watcher of Unsolved Mysteries. This case was actually featured in an episode and I was mesmerized by the house ever since.

Occult Regulation Office: A Mature Wizarding World Anthology

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Zara had busied herself with studying the outside of the house. It was absolutely huge and definitely not lacking in character. She could see herself residing in a place like this if she were no longer a Regulator. However, once in, there was really only one true way to get out. Her eyes looked over at Florian and Bunny before her brow raised slightly. Before she could say much, she caught the look between Nickie and Florian as well. The girl tilted her head and tiptoed through their thoughts. A small grin pulled at her lips as she saw the connection between Nickie and Florian. "Well...Now how did I miss out on that one?" She glanced back to Nickie and gave her a small wink. "Kudos to you, cuz."

Before either could state a reply, they started making their way to the front of the house. Zara could feel the tension in the air grow denser with each step they took. With a shaky breath, she muttered slightly. "Something spooky this way comes..." She couldn't think too much of in when Emory's arm draped neatly over her shoulder, drawing her in. It was time to put on the persona of a chilled out college student. Easy enough. Leaning into him, she wrapped an arm lightly around his waist and allowed her fingers to play with the hem of his shirt. The door was soon answered and she smiled brightly as Emory spoke.

They were led inside and Zara added a little bounce to her step. She could hear all sorts of whispers throughout the house- there was plenty of time to get to those later. Her eyes took in everything they passed and it all amazed her. The lady who built this house was extremely kooky- and Zara absolutely loved it. There was a time in life when she imagined having a simple life. A husband, kids, sanity...It was all out of reach for her now. Her life belonged to the mission and she never knew which day would be her last. Might as well enjoy every last one of them.

When they reached what she had assumed to be the sitting room, her eyes took in the small family that was waiting as well. Zara took a shaky breath as she looked at the little girl who seemed to be awfully uncomfortable in such a setting. She cleared her throat and placed a chaste kiss to Emory's cheek before disengaging herself from his arm. With a grin, she sat down near the girl and leaned over, resting her elbows on her knees. Zara blew out a breath and winked at the girl. "Hi, there. I'm Holly." She was received with a toothy grin before hearing a clearing of the throat from the mother. Raising a brow at the woman, Zara glanced back at the little girl and gave another wink, earning yet another sheepish grin. She stood and moved back over to Emory as she lowered her voice. "Someone's a little touchy."

Setbacks - Story of a High School Mafia

Let's do this!!

Occult Regulation Office: A Mature Wizarding World Anthology

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Raising a brow as Athos slipped his way back into the room, she smirked to herself at their interaction. She could feel the unease practically rolling off of Felix and it almost made Zara giddy. Not that she was teasing her best friend or wanted to see him upset, that is. She knew how long the two had had feelings for each other and she was just so very glad that they were interacting even more than usual. It wouldn't be long before the two were all over each other and Zara would be the third wheel. Normal people would be upset by thinking of themselves as the sidecar; Zara was enormously happy that her bestie was going to finally get some action.

And then it was time to say goodbye. Her smile soon vanished at the very thought of the majority of her favorite people being separated from her. She cleared her throat and gave a short nod to Felix. It was time for strictly business. Didn't mean her heart didn't break a little each time they went onto a case. Never knew when it'd be the last time she'd ever see him. Clearing her throat once more, a gentle smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. She lowered her voice towards Felix. "You know I won't say die well. You better get your arse back here alive."

Watching him off, she took a shaky breath before taking back full control of her emotions. She turned her head in response to her name coming from Emory. Listening to his directions, she nodded shortly and grinned. "No worries. You could be better with people too if you tried, cuz. You have such a majestic smile and an amazing bone structure. Could learn to use that to your advantage."

He wouldn't know. He could never know. Anytime she tried to take a peek all she saw was his ex wife. How could she ever compete with that? And she knew he often related her to Daisy. His memories made her queasy each time she stuck her toe in them. Emory would never be able to see her, for who she was, if he continued to compare her to Daisy. The thought made her upset.

The house soon landed at its next Destination. As they headed towards the exit, she stood up on her toes and placed a kiss to the Caretaker's cheek. "No stealing my chips while I'm gone, eh?" She gave him a small wink before practically hopping out of the house. It had been a good while since she they had been on a case. She was more than ready for this next one.

Bunny soon started to explain the house, causing Zara's brows to furrow. "One hundred and sixty one rooms? The lady may be crazier than I am. And that's saying something." She propped her hands on her hips and looked around them. With a nod of her head, she took a deep clearing breath. "I'll find the entrances if we can get close enough to the caretakers. Try to weasel my way into their hearts. Or their heads. Whichever comes first."

St. Fortuna's Academy for the Higher Arts

I'm at work at the moment, will post my follow up in about...Oh...7 hours.