Post by Admin on Aug 14, 2020 23:18:30 GMT
A Friendly Reminder (Valentine, Seth) (Seth's Home)
(OOC: Combined threads from the previous site.)
DAVID VALENTINE
David Valentine, a man long removed from the world, apparated onto the sidewalk outside a large house. The house wasn't important at the moment. What was important was his surroundings; Scotland and a Muggle neighborhood at that. He shivered a bit, but not from cold. It was more from the thought of living so clustered together with the worst the world had to offer. He took his wand out and cracked it like a whip. The streetlights went out, plunging his world into darkness. It's what he preferred after all.
With his ocular senses not being assaulted by the blinding light of the street lights Muggles liked so much, Valentine could focus. The first thing he noticed was the air. He took a deep breath of nighttime air. It was warmer and a bit damper than he'd been used to. He'd spent the last six months gathering himself. He needed some time to himself after all that with Tia, Brennen, the Core. Those guys were so uppity, it disgusted him. Yet here he was outside the house of one such person. He seemed the perfect Muggle home. A two story square home with white siding and blue shudders. The door was painted a similar color blue as the shudders. The bright green grass was trimmed neatly and the bushes formed a neat "U" shaped barrier in front and were all trimmed to the same exact height. All in all, it was the perfect Muggle household except it wasn't.
The home belonged to Seth Wright former Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic and soon to be Minister of Magic himself. What a joke, Valentine thought. He took a step forward and stopped. Then he put his wand out and slowly rocked forward on the balls of his feet. His wand reached a point where he could feel the magical energy crackling. A ward? He has some sense. Valentine cocked his head to the left and worked a little magic with his wand. After a few moment, he was able to step through while leaving the ward unbroken. Needs some work. Valentine was able to make it the rest of the way to the door without incident. Waving his wand the door unlocked and swung inward. He turned back to the street and cracked his wand once more, signaling the street lamps that they could turn back on.
Entering the house was like stepping into a flashback. He remembered coming here years ago when Tia was still a baby. This is where he found William Andreas and cursed him. He would eventually die from that curse eight years later. For now, he just took a seat in the darkest corner of the living room and waited, silently and still for the Minister of Magic, Seth Wright, to come home
SETH WRIGHT
Seth smiled as he watched the guards leave him to find a place to watch from unseen. He had just went through a possible career ending session. They had found out very little and that Seth had to admit was unnerving. Fixer had gotten to Seth despite the protection. He had been held for twelve hours in which Fixer had gotten three key pages of a codebook that could destroy any protection his god-daughter Tia Andreas had. The new Minister looked in the direction that the guards had went. He was not kidding himself about the reason for Arianna assigning them. He could not be cleared as Fixer had insured that the mind-dive had failed. The guards had two sets of orders most likely. The first was to insure that Seth never was taken again. The other was gather intel on Seth. His face lite up as he realized that nobody outside a select few even knew the place he headed to now. A Caretaker safe house that Seth had not been to in almost fifteen years. He owned the property but who would look for the Minister of Magic there.
As Seth saw the house he remembered the other business he had just dealt with. Dempsey had been a relief to see. After their talk, Seth had been glad he had chosen the man as the next Head of Law Enforcement. Seth had ordered protection for both Dempsey and the man's family. He had left Dempsey with just one order, Find the Leaks and Plug Them! Seth grinned as he realized that Dempsey would realize Seth hoped that Seth no longer cared how.
He stopped just as he unlocked the door. Seth felt that something was not right and pulled his wand. Entering, Seth was unsure of what had him on high alert but he was not taking any chances. Scanning the room with his wand, it revealed something or somebody in the darkest shadows of the room.
Seth gave a sly grin as he kept his wand pointed in that direction as he said, “Whoever you are, show yourself or die in the dark! You have to the count of three. One, Two,” Seth never got to the count of Three as....
DAVID VALENTINE
Valentine stayed perfectly still as Seth entered his home. Not even breathing as Seth scanned the room in search for someone whom he didn't expect. His wand held firmly in his hand, Valentine was expecting a fight. He didn't expect what came next though. He didn't expect a warning. Seth had gone soft without him around. For shame.
With a flick of his wrist, "Expelliarmus!" Seth's wand flew up into the air. Seth would watch as it arced towards the unseen assailant in the corner of the room. A hand lifted up from the shadows to catch it in midair. A hoarse laugh, short but noticeable, escaped his mouth. "You should know by now Seth. You can't kill in the dark that which thrives there. You can't kill a Shadow!" David Valentine stood up adding lift to the upper half of his body from chest to hair. The lower half still bathed in darkness. There wasn't much light, but the moon shown through the windows casting an unholy likeness onto his face. Surely by now, Seth recognized the man before him. A man six months gone and thought dead by many who knew him.
"Did you miss me?" A smirk graced his face. In truth, it was slightly rough speaking so much at one time. For the past six months, Val had been silent and speaking only when necessary, nothing more.
SETH WRIGHT
Seth was shocked as his wand went into the air. He realized that he should have just dropped the person. The Minister had just sent the warning as he had been unsure if it had been an enemy or a friend who had been checking on him.
As he had listened to the laugh and heard the words, Seth gave a sly grin while inwardly he cringed. Seth was far from in any way ready to handle the man that's name screamed in his head, “David Valentine!”. The man who Seth had every reason to kill. The only dark wizard that had slipped through every net, Seth had set for him. Now the man had come to face him and Seth was unsure just what he wanted to do. His hand went for his pocket that held the Caretaker Globe as he had been trained to do. He stopped it just inched from activation. This was personal and though his head was spinning and throbbing like mad, Seth had decided to deal with Shadow on his own.
He grinned as he decided to get a wand that he had saved just for this purpose. He said as he eased into the hall, “Hello David, Decided to turn yourself in? Just let me get paper and quill so I can take your statement...” What happened next, Seth was unsure as he opened the drawer...
(OOC: Combined threads from the previous site.)
DAVID VALENTINE
David Valentine, a man long removed from the world, apparated onto the sidewalk outside a large house. The house wasn't important at the moment. What was important was his surroundings; Scotland and a Muggle neighborhood at that. He shivered a bit, but not from cold. It was more from the thought of living so clustered together with the worst the world had to offer. He took his wand out and cracked it like a whip. The streetlights went out, plunging his world into darkness. It's what he preferred after all.
With his ocular senses not being assaulted by the blinding light of the street lights Muggles liked so much, Valentine could focus. The first thing he noticed was the air. He took a deep breath of nighttime air. It was warmer and a bit damper than he'd been used to. He'd spent the last six months gathering himself. He needed some time to himself after all that with Tia, Brennen, the Core. Those guys were so uppity, it disgusted him. Yet here he was outside the house of one such person. He seemed the perfect Muggle home. A two story square home with white siding and blue shudders. The door was painted a similar color blue as the shudders. The bright green grass was trimmed neatly and the bushes formed a neat "U" shaped barrier in front and were all trimmed to the same exact height. All in all, it was the perfect Muggle household except it wasn't.
The home belonged to Seth Wright former Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic and soon to be Minister of Magic himself. What a joke, Valentine thought. He took a step forward and stopped. Then he put his wand out and slowly rocked forward on the balls of his feet. His wand reached a point where he could feel the magical energy crackling. A ward? He has some sense. Valentine cocked his head to the left and worked a little magic with his wand. After a few moment, he was able to step through while leaving the ward unbroken. Needs some work. Valentine was able to make it the rest of the way to the door without incident. Waving his wand the door unlocked and swung inward. He turned back to the street and cracked his wand once more, signaling the street lamps that they could turn back on.
Entering the house was like stepping into a flashback. He remembered coming here years ago when Tia was still a baby. This is where he found William Andreas and cursed him. He would eventually die from that curse eight years later. For now, he just took a seat in the darkest corner of the living room and waited, silently and still for the Minister of Magic, Seth Wright, to come home
SETH WRIGHT
Seth smiled as he watched the guards leave him to find a place to watch from unseen. He had just went through a possible career ending session. They had found out very little and that Seth had to admit was unnerving. Fixer had gotten to Seth despite the protection. He had been held for twelve hours in which Fixer had gotten three key pages of a codebook that could destroy any protection his god-daughter Tia Andreas had. The new Minister looked in the direction that the guards had went. He was not kidding himself about the reason for Arianna assigning them. He could not be cleared as Fixer had insured that the mind-dive had failed. The guards had two sets of orders most likely. The first was to insure that Seth never was taken again. The other was gather intel on Seth. His face lite up as he realized that nobody outside a select few even knew the place he headed to now. A Caretaker safe house that Seth had not been to in almost fifteen years. He owned the property but who would look for the Minister of Magic there.
As Seth saw the house he remembered the other business he had just dealt with. Dempsey had been a relief to see. After their talk, Seth had been glad he had chosen the man as the next Head of Law Enforcement. Seth had ordered protection for both Dempsey and the man's family. He had left Dempsey with just one order, Find the Leaks and Plug Them! Seth grinned as he realized that Dempsey would realize Seth hoped that Seth no longer cared how.
He stopped just as he unlocked the door. Seth felt that something was not right and pulled his wand. Entering, Seth was unsure of what had him on high alert but he was not taking any chances. Scanning the room with his wand, it revealed something or somebody in the darkest shadows of the room.
Seth gave a sly grin as he kept his wand pointed in that direction as he said, “Whoever you are, show yourself or die in the dark! You have to the count of three. One, Two,” Seth never got to the count of Three as....
DAVID VALENTINE
Valentine stayed perfectly still as Seth entered his home. Not even breathing as Seth scanned the room in search for someone whom he didn't expect. His wand held firmly in his hand, Valentine was expecting a fight. He didn't expect what came next though. He didn't expect a warning. Seth had gone soft without him around. For shame.
Seth gave a sly grin as he kept his wand pointed in that direction as he said, “Whoever you are, show yourself or die in the dark! You have to the count of three. One, Two,” Seth never got to the count of Three as....
With a flick of his wrist, "Expelliarmus!" Seth's wand flew up into the air. Seth would watch as it arced towards the unseen assailant in the corner of the room. A hand lifted up from the shadows to catch it in midair. A hoarse laugh, short but noticeable, escaped his mouth. "You should know by now Seth. You can't kill in the dark that which thrives there. You can't kill a Shadow!" David Valentine stood up adding lift to the upper half of his body from chest to hair. The lower half still bathed in darkness. There wasn't much light, but the moon shown through the windows casting an unholy likeness onto his face. Surely by now, Seth recognized the man before him. A man six months gone and thought dead by many who knew him.
"Did you miss me?" A smirk graced his face. In truth, it was slightly rough speaking so much at one time. For the past six months, Val had been silent and speaking only when necessary, nothing more.
SETH WRIGHT
With a flick of his wrist, "Expelliarmus!" Seth's wand flew up into the air. Seth would watch as it arced towards the unseen assailant in the corner of the room. A hand lifted up from the shadows to catch it in midair.
Seth was shocked as his wand went into the air. He realized that he should have just dropped the person. The Minister had just sent the warning as he had been unsure if it had been an enemy or a friend who had been checking on him.
A hoarse laugh, short but noticeable, escaped his mouth. "You should know by now Seth. You can't kill in the dark that which thrives there. You can't kill a Shadow!"
As he had listened to the laugh and heard the words, Seth gave a sly grin while inwardly he cringed. Seth was far from in any way ready to handle the man that's name screamed in his head, “David Valentine!”. The man who Seth had every reason to kill. The only dark wizard that had slipped through every net, Seth had set for him. Now the man had come to face him and Seth was unsure just what he wanted to do. His hand went for his pocket that held the Caretaker Globe as he had been trained to do. He stopped it just inched from activation. This was personal and though his head was spinning and throbbing like mad, Seth had decided to deal with Shadow on his own.
He grinned as he decided to get a wand that he had saved just for this purpose. He said as he eased into the hall, “Hello David, Decided to turn yourself in? Just let me get paper and quill so I can take your statement...” What happened next, Seth was unsure as he opened the drawer...
"Did you miss me?" A smirk graced his face. In truth, it was slightly rough speaking so much at one time.
Seth said still wondering how he had gotten so rusty, “I've been too busy to even notice that you were gone David. You are just not on the top of my list anymore. That spot has been filled by the man known as Fixer.”
Seth knew that he had to unnerve Shadow and keep the man talking. Smiling as he said, “Don't worry David, you are still on my list...I think at number ten or is it twenty? There are just others that have shown me how unimportant you really are. In fact, you have actually helped in strengthen Tia. So go back into the shadows David and I will come for you when I believe you are worth my time.” Seth watched and hoped David ego would cause the man be furious. He hoped Shadow would admit some of what Khalid and he had order done. Seth wanted to link Fixer to both Shadow and Khalid. Thanks to the failed mind-dive, three key pages of the code book were in Fixer's hands with no idea of who had paid for that information.
DAVID VALENTINE
"Are you looking for this, Minister?" David held a third wand in his hand and twirled it about. "What do you think I am, a fool? I knew you'd have a spare wand or two around the house. I'd do the same if I were in your position." Valentine cracked his neck and stuck both the man's wands in his jacket pocket. "I think I'll just keep them safe. Wouldn't want them to break now, would we?" He smirked and continued on with his stare.
Valentine made a tutting sound with his mouth before continuing. "Now now Seth, we both know that isn't true. It's not nice to lie. See, I found this little scrap of paper while I was rummaging through your drawers. It's a list of names and you know what this list says? I'm sure you know, but I take a perverse pleasure in telling you myself. It tells me that I'm number one. It's so nice to know I'm your number one so there's no need to lie to me."
Smiling, he took a seat and gestured to the chair across from him. "We're probably going to be here a while so we might as well get comfortable. We have a lot to talk about."
SETH WRIGHT
Seth heard Shadow and inwardly cringed as he saw the spare wand in David’s hand. He indeed needed a booster course as his number one target had gotten the drop on him.
Seth wondered if he should notify the guards outside but decided against it. The new Minister had study the Shadow for a lot of years. The man before him always had a trump card. Seth had tried several traps for him and David had beaten every one. Inwardly, Seth was worried because Shadow never showed his involvement unless the person he was visiting already was marked for death. Seth smiled as he remember that only few times had Shadow made an exception.
Seth laughed as he said, “David, what Fixer did not get you want Khalid paid for? Khalid needed to send his errand boy instead of coming himself?”He need to link the three men but deep down knew that Shadow would be unlikely to admit Khalid’s involvement.
Seth smiled as he said, “That must be an old list. Unless of course, Fixer was on orders from you? You see David, Fixer did one thing that you have never done.”
Seth shook his head as he said as he went towards the window, “I think not David. We won’t be here very long. Plus what do we have to discuss unless you are turning yourself in?”
DAVID VALENTINE
"You're trying to fit pieces together that were never meant to fit, Seth. Whoever this Fixer is, I don't know him and I've never met him. Although I can guarantee you that he's nowhere near my league. You're getting sloppy, maybe I shouldn't have left for so long." Valentine reached into the pocket of his coat and pulled out a pack off cigarettes. An unfortunate havit he'd picked up while on his little walkabout in Russia. There wasn't much to do but drink and smoke. He hated the habit with a passion, but it dead lend a certain gravitas to his demeanor.
"And what might that be, eh? This Fixer has really got your knickers in a twist. I really should introduce myself at some point, don't you think? Would you like that Seth? For your enemies to gang up on you?" Valentine's voice left little to chance. It said that he didn't know who the Fixer was but in his mind, Val knew. He knew all to well the man that worked for his father Khalid. Perhaps he should deal with that soon.
Valentine chuckled and took along drag on the cigarette. "We both know that isn't happening so let's drop the game. My only reason for being here was to let you know I was back and to catch up on what I missed. How's Tia? The Core? That bone headed Hit Wizard, uh, what was his name? I always forget the riffraff."
SETH WRIGHT
Seth smiled as he tried another approach.
The new minister of magic had to get his head back in the game. Seth knew that Valentine was here for a reason. The problem was that Seth Wright had to figure out what it was if not to get the rest of the Caretakers’ codebook. He also needed to insure those he cared about were protected, especially his god daughter Tia and his cousin and namesake Seth Lucas Wright.
Seth seemed to be ignoring David but he was actually all too aware of the man. Shadow had a lot to answer for but mostly the Minister wanted to shake him as bad as Valentine had Tia Andreas.
Seth still inwardly cringed at remembering that this thorn in his side had held the young princess of Egypt for two days right before her fourth year only to then release her with only gabs in her memory. Seth grew angry at the memory of this dark wizard of laying in wait at the Shrieking Shack for both Brennan and Luke. Bren had been held by Shadow for a month and young Luke was different as well.
Seth said, “Why David, I thought you liked games? You played them enough with Tia. As for they are doing, why would I tell you?”
He had a feeling that Shadow had planned this trip down to the smallest detail including any guards that were there. He looked out the window towards where he knew they were suppose to be and saw nothing. It caused Seth to wonder if Shadow had actually come alone. Just as he turned to head for the door, there was a knock.
DAVID VALENTINE
"Of course I like games. Who doesn't like games, Seth? Maybe you but you're no fun. You should quit being such a stick in the mud. I liked you better when you weren't Minister." Valentine leaned back in the chair and crossed his legs. Taking a long draw off the cigarette, he looked at the cherry end that was growing to be long. "Do you have an ashtray? No? Alright then." Val tapped his cigarette to deposit the ash on the carpet.
Valentine sat up quickly and pointed his wand at Seth. "Let's see who is at the door, shall we?" Valentine walked over to the door, pushing Seth into a chair on his way there. Peering down through the peep hole, Valentine noticed is was an older female, maybe in her late 50s or early 60s.
"Ahh, looks like Ms.Thompson come for a late night visit. Are you and her an item, Seth? She's way too old for you." He opened the door. "Ahh, Ms.Thompson. Come on in. Seth has told me so much about you."
"Has he? Well who are you, young man? I've only come to borrow some sugar for cookies. I've run out." She walked inside and noticed Seth sitting down. "Seth, how are you dearie? Your friend is very nice."
"Would you like to sit down, Ms.Thompson?"
"Oh, I really couldn't stay. I don't want to interrupt."
"I insist." David said politely and helped Ms. Thompson into a seat. "Now, where were we Seth?"
SETH WRIGHT
Seth said calmly, though inwardly fuming, “Not your kind of games. David, why are you here?” He smiled as he said, “What does me being Minister have to do with this?” Seth did wonder though if Valentine had already began again with his games concerning The Core.
Seth inwardly cringed as the ash fell as he said, “I don’t smoke.” He had actually quit smoking the day before.
Seth slowly nodded as he said, “Shadow, there is no need for your wand. I will send them away.” His answer came when Shadow pushed him into a chair. The Minister prayed that it was one or more of the guards and not an innocent Muggle.
Seth inwardly shook as he heard the name and realized that somehow Valentine knew of Ms. Thompson. He knew the situation was about to get complicated as Ms. Thompson was a Muggle. He looked at the wand and said, “David, put the wand in your pocket. She is no threat to you.”
Seth had to think fast and so he said, “William is one of my co-worker.”
Seth said still wondering how he had gotten so rusty, “I've been too busy to even notice that you were gone David. You are just not on the top of my list anymore. That spot has been filled by the man known as Fixer.”
Seth knew that he had to unnerve Shadow and keep the man talking. Smiling as he said, “Don't worry David, you are still on my list...I think at number ten or is it twenty? There are just others that have shown me how unimportant you really are. In fact, you have actually helped in strengthen Tia. So go back into the shadows David and I will come for you when I believe you are worth my time.” Seth watched and hoped David ego would cause the man be furious. He hoped Shadow would admit some of what Khalid and he had order done. Seth wanted to link Fixer to both Shadow and Khalid. Thanks to the failed mind-dive, three key pages of the code book were in Fixer's hands with no idea of who had paid for that information.
DAVID VALENTINE
He said as he eased into the hall, “Hello David, Decided to turn yourself in? Just let me get paper and quill so I can take your statement...” What happened next, Seth was unsure as he opened the drawer...
"Are you looking for this, Minister?" David held a third wand in his hand and twirled it about. "What do you think I am, a fool? I knew you'd have a spare wand or two around the house. I'd do the same if I were in your position." Valentine cracked his neck and stuck both the man's wands in his jacket pocket. "I think I'll just keep them safe. Wouldn't want them to break now, would we?" He smirked and continued on with his stare.
Smiling as he said, “Don't worry David, you are still on my list...I think at number ten or is it twenty? There are just others that have shown me how unimportant you really are. In fact, you have actually helped in strengthen Tia. So go back into the shadows David and I will come for you when I believe you are worth my time.”
Valentine made a tutting sound with his mouth before continuing. "Now now Seth, we both know that isn't true. It's not nice to lie. See, I found this little scrap of paper while I was rummaging through your drawers. It's a list of names and you know what this list says? I'm sure you know, but I take a perverse pleasure in telling you myself. It tells me that I'm number one. It's so nice to know I'm your number one so there's no need to lie to me."
Smiling, he took a seat and gestured to the chair across from him. "We're probably going to be here a while so we might as well get comfortable. We have a lot to talk about."
SETH WRIGHT
"Are you looking for this, Minister?" David held a third wand in his hand and twirled it about.
Seth heard Shadow and inwardly cringed as he saw the spare wand in David’s hand. He indeed needed a booster course as his number one target had gotten the drop on him.
"What do you think I am, a fool? I knew you'd have a spare wand or two around the house. I'd do the same if I were in your position." Valentine cracked his neck and stuck both the man's wands in his jacket pocket.
Seth wondered if he should notify the guards outside but decided against it. The new Minister had study the Shadow for a lot of years. The man before him always had a trump card. Seth had tried several traps for him and David had beaten every one. Inwardly, Seth was worried because Shadow never showed his involvement unless the person he was visiting already was marked for death. Seth smiled as he remember that only few times had Shadow made an exception.
"I think I'll just keep them safe. Wouldn't want them to break now, would we?" He smirked and continued on with his stare.
Seth laughed as he said, “David, what Fixer did not get you want Khalid paid for? Khalid needed to send his errand boy instead of coming himself?”He need to link the three men but deep down knew that Shadow would be unlikely to admit Khalid’s involvement.
Valentine made a tooting sound with his mouth before continuing. "Now now Seth, we both know that isn't true. It's not nice to lie. See, I found this little scrap of paper while I was rummaging through your drawers. It's a list of names and you know what this list says? I'm sure you know, but I take a perverse pleasure in telling you myself. It tells me that I'm number one. It's so nice to know I'm your number one so there's no need to lie to me."
Seth smiled as he said, “That must be an old list. Unless of course, Fixer was on orders from you? You see David, Fixer did one thing that you have never done.”
Smiling, he took a seat and gestured to the chair across from him. "We're probably going to be here a while so we might as well get comfortable. We have a lot to talk about."
Seth shook his head as he said as he went towards the window, “I think not David. We won’t be here very long. Plus what do we have to discuss unless you are turning yourself in?”
DAVID VALENTINE
Seth laughed as he said, “David, what Fixer did not get you want Khalid paid for? Khalid needed to send his errand boy instead of coming himself?”He need to link the three men but deep down knew that Shadow would be unlikely to admit Khalid’s involvement.
"You're trying to fit pieces together that were never meant to fit, Seth. Whoever this Fixer is, I don't know him and I've never met him. Although I can guarantee you that he's nowhere near my league. You're getting sloppy, maybe I shouldn't have left for so long." Valentine reached into the pocket of his coat and pulled out a pack off cigarettes. An unfortunate havit he'd picked up while on his little walkabout in Russia. There wasn't much to do but drink and smoke. He hated the habit with a passion, but it dead lend a certain gravitas to his demeanor.
Seth smiled as he said, “That must be an old list. Unless of course, Fixer was on orders from you? You see David, Fixer did one thing that you have never done.”
"And what might that be, eh? This Fixer has really got your knickers in a twist. I really should introduce myself at some point, don't you think? Would you like that Seth? For your enemies to gang up on you?" Valentine's voice left little to chance. It said that he didn't know who the Fixer was but in his mind, Val knew. He knew all to well the man that worked for his father Khalid. Perhaps he should deal with that soon.
Seth shook his head as he said as he went towards the window, “I think not David. We won’t be here very long. Plus what do we have to discuss unless you are turning yourself in?”
Valentine chuckled and took along drag on the cigarette. "We both know that isn't happening so let's drop the game. My only reason for being here was to let you know I was back and to catch up on what I missed. How's Tia? The Core? That bone headed Hit Wizard, uh, what was his name? I always forget the riffraff."
SETH WRIGHT
You're trying to fit pieces together that were never meant to fit, Seth. Whoever this Fixer is, I don't know him and I've never met him. Although I can guarantee you that he's nowhere near my league. You're getting sloppy, maybe I shouldn't have left for so long." Valentine reached into the pocket of his coat and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. An unfortunate habit he'd picked up while on his little walkabout in Russia. There wasn't much to do but drink and smoke. He hated the habit with a passion, but it dead lend a certain gravitas to his demeanor.
Seth smiled as he tried another approach.
"And what might that be, eh? This Fixer has really got your knickers in a twist. I really should introduce myself at some point, don't you think? Would you like that Seth? For your enemies to gang up on you?" Valentine's voice left little to chance. It said that he didn't know who the Fixer was but in his mind, Val knew. He knew all to well the man that worked for his father Khalid. Perhaps he should deal with that soon.
The new minister of magic had to get his head back in the game. Seth knew that Valentine was here for a reason. The problem was that Seth Wright had to figure out what it was if not to get the rest of the Caretakers’ codebook. He also needed to insure those he cared about were protected, especially his god daughter Tia and his cousin and namesake Seth Lucas Wright.
Seth seemed to be ignoring David but he was actually all too aware of the man. Shadow had a lot to answer for but mostly the Minister wanted to shake him as bad as Valentine had Tia Andreas.
Valentine chuckled and took along drag on the cigarette. "We both know that isn't happening so let's drop the game. My only reason for being here was to let you know I was back and to catch up on what I missed. How's Tia? The Core? That bone headed Hit Wizard, uh, what was his name? I always forget the riffraff."
Seth still inwardly cringed at remembering that this thorn in his side had held the young princess of Egypt for two days right before her fourth year only to then release her with only gabs in her memory. Seth grew angry at the memory of this dark wizard of laying in wait at the Shrieking Shack for both Brennan and Luke. Bren had been held by Shadow for a month and young Luke was different as well.
Seth said, “Why David, I thought you liked games? You played them enough with Tia. As for they are doing, why would I tell you?”
He had a feeling that Shadow had planned this trip down to the smallest detail including any guards that were there. He looked out the window towards where he knew they were suppose to be and saw nothing. It caused Seth to wonder if Shadow had actually come alone. Just as he turned to head for the door, there was a knock.
DAVID VALENTINE
Seth said, “Why David, I thought you liked games? You played them enough with Tia. As for they are doing, why would I tell you?”
"Of course I like games. Who doesn't like games, Seth? Maybe you but you're no fun. You should quit being such a stick in the mud. I liked you better when you weren't Minister." Valentine leaned back in the chair and crossed his legs. Taking a long draw off the cigarette, he looked at the cherry end that was growing to be long. "Do you have an ashtray? No? Alright then." Val tapped his cigarette to deposit the ash on the carpet.
Just as he turned to head for the door, there was a knock.
Valentine sat up quickly and pointed his wand at Seth. "Let's see who is at the door, shall we?" Valentine walked over to the door, pushing Seth into a chair on his way there. Peering down through the peep hole, Valentine noticed is was an older female, maybe in her late 50s or early 60s.
"Ahh, looks like Ms.Thompson come for a late night visit. Are you and her an item, Seth? She's way too old for you." He opened the door. "Ahh, Ms.Thompson. Come on in. Seth has told me so much about you."
"Has he? Well who are you, young man? I've only come to borrow some sugar for cookies. I've run out." She walked inside and noticed Seth sitting down. "Seth, how are you dearie? Your friend is very nice."
"Would you like to sit down, Ms.Thompson?"
"Oh, I really couldn't stay. I don't want to interrupt."
"I insist." David said politely and helped Ms. Thompson into a seat. "Now, where were we Seth?"
SETH WRIGHT
"Of course I like games. Who doesn't like games, Seth? Maybe you but you're no fun. You should quit being such a stick in the mud. I liked you better when you weren't Minister." Valentine leaned back in the chair and crossed his legs. Taking a long draw off the cigarette, he looked at the cherry end that was growing to be long.
Seth said calmly, though inwardly fuming, “Not your kind of games. David, why are you here?” He smiled as he said, “What does me being Minister have to do with this?” Seth did wonder though if Valentine had already began again with his games concerning The Core.
"Do you have an ashtray? No? Alright then." Val tapped his cigarette to deposit the ash on the carpet.
Seth inwardly cringed as the ash fell as he said, “I don’t smoke.” He had actually quit smoking the day before.
Valentine sat up quickly and pointed his wand at Seth. "Let's see who is at the door, shall we?" Valentine walked over to the door, pushing Seth into a chair on his way there.
Seth slowly nodded as he said, “Shadow, there is no need for your wand. I will send them away.” His answer came when Shadow pushed him into a chair. The Minister prayed that it was one or more of the guards and not an innocent Muggle.
"Ahh, looks like Ms. Thompson come for a late night visit. Are you and her an item, Seth? She's way too old for you." He opened the door. "Ahh, Ms.Thompson. Come on in. Seth has told me so much about you."
Seth inwardly shook as he heard the name and realized that somehow Valentine knew of Ms. Thompson. He knew the situation was about to get complicated as Ms. Thompson was a Muggle. He looked at the wand and said, “David, put the wand in your pocket. She is no threat to you.”
"Has he? Well who are you, young man? I've only come to borrow some sugar for cookies. I've run out." She walked inside and noticed Seth sitting down. "Seth, how are you dearie? Your friend is very nice."
Seth had to think fast and so he said, “William is one of my co-worker.”
"Would you like to sit down, Ms.Thompson?"
"Oh, I really couldn't stay. I don't want to interrupt."
"I insist." David said politely and helped Ms.Thompson into a seat. "Now, where were we Seth?"[
quote]
Seth listened and watched as the woman from next door became Shadow’s leverage. The old Auror turned Minister of Magic understood David’s message all too clearly. He tried to smile as he said, “I believe we were about to talk but you know company policy. Get Ms. Thompson some sugar and then we will talk, you have my word.” He needed to get Shadow to release the woman alive as the dark wizard had a habit of killing witnesses.
DAVID VALENTINE
"It makes my games that much more fun. Now that I have the Minister breathing down my neck, maybe I'll have a real challenge for once." David smiled.
"Oh, I really couldn't stay. I don't want to interrupt."
"I insist." David said politely and helped Ms.Thompson into a seat. "Now, where were we Seth?"[
quote]
Seth listened and watched as the woman from next door became Shadow’s leverage. The old Auror turned Minister of Magic understood David’s message all too clearly. He tried to smile as he said, “I believe we were about to talk but you know company policy. Get Ms. Thompson some sugar and then we will talk, you have my word.” He needed to get Shadow to release the woman alive as the dark wizard had a habit of killing witnesses.
DAVID VALENTINE
Seth said calmly, though inwardly fuming, “Not your kind of games. David, why are you here?” He smiled as he said, “What does me being Minister have to do with this?” Seth did wonder though if Valentine had already began again with his games concerning The Core.
"It makes my games that much more fun. Now that I have the Minister breathing down my neck, maybe I'll have a real challenge for once." David smiled.
Seth listened and watched as the woman from next door became Shadow’s leverage. The old Auror turned Minister of Magic understood David’s message all too clearly. He tried to smile as he said, “I believe we were about to talk but you know company policy. Get Ms. Thompson some sugar and then we will talk, you have my word.” He needed to get Shadow to release the woman alive as the dark wizard had a habit of killing witnesses.
"I am aware of company policy. However, I would need to actually work for the company to be held under that policy." He turned to Ms. Thompson. "You see. I'm sort of an independent contractor. I don't really work for Seth. If anything I work against him, but we've been friends for oh so long. Isn't that right, Seth?"
Valentine looked at his watch as it beeped. "Oh look at the time. Things are about to get interesting."
"Excuse me dear, I really can't stay that long. I have to make a lot of cookies for my grandson. Tomorrow is his birthday party and he's requested his favorite snickerdoodles." Valentine smiled.
"Oh, isn't that sweet. A birthday party for her grandson." Valentine looked to Seth. "We don't want her grandson to be disappointed, now do we Seth. I'll get the-" The doorbell rang and then opened moments later.
"Mr.Minister? Is everything alright? Xander thought he might have heard something." The two guards stepped in, closing the door behind them. The second guard, Xander, waved his wand and disarmed the first guard.
"Sorry, Erebos." Valentine stood up, wand at the ready.
"Seth, how much do you like this man?" Before waiting for Seth to answer, Valentine whipped his wand and a wound opened on the man's chest from left shoulder to right hip. He whipped his wand again and a similar wound opened opposite the first forming an X. Blood gurgled from the man's mouth and he fell to his knees. Val removed a knife from his pocket and stabbed the man in the throat.
Ms. Thompson jumped and made a small sound, but Val turned to her and lifted her with his wand. He pulled Seth's want from his jacket and silenced her. Her mouth moved as she tried to scream or speak and she struggled against the invisible bonds keeping her suspended in the air, but it was no use. She was his leverage. His man, Xander, pointed his wand at Seth. "Well, ready to talk Seth?"
SETH WRIGHT
Seth smiled as he realized what David’s words meant. “So David, why not leave it just between us. Stop your head games with the Core, especially Tia. She no longer remembers, if she ever did. Leave it between us and so will I.”, Seth said in hopes to end whatever Shadow had planned for Tia and The Core.
Seth just nodded. He understood what David was hinting at. Where Seth had always been by the book, David was not going to allow those rules to apply. Now Seth was understanding Shadow’s intentions. The man planned on using those policies to insure that Seth played Shadow’s game by Shadow’s rules. One of the policies that bound Seth as tightly as if Shadow had magically bound him to the chair, was a policy that considered Ms. Thompson or any non-magically person as an innocent. That tied Seth’s hands as far as what steps he could take. He could not say or do anything that would knowingly endanger the woman.
Seth smiled as he said, “What do you have another appointment? We can always continue this later this week, possibly my office?”
Seth once again nodded as the doorbell rang. He realized that if that was his guards, Seth could not warn them without Shadow killing Ms. Thompson. Seth said as he stood up, “I will get the door while you two go and get the sugar.” Turning towards David as he asked, “Unless you want to get the door and I get the sugar?”
Seth smiled as he said, “I am fine, Ms. Thompson just came over to get some sugar...” Seth stopped as he tried to keep the woman from seeing the magic. She was his first priority. He would deal with Xander later for his betrayal. Xander had been on the Council protection squad for years and was trusted. Erebos was newly picked and so much like Brennan.
Seth cringed as he watched Erebos be killed and knew that Ms. Thompson had indeed saw. She would already need pieces of her memory erased, so the only way to protect her now was to try and keep her calm and useful to Shadow.
Seth said trying to keep his anger contained, “You need her alive Shadow, so I doubt if those bonds are the tightening type? Don’t worry I will insure she remembers none of this so she is no threat to you. Put her in the chair gently and asleep, then we will talk. You know if she dies, you will get nothing. But yes Shadow, you made your point. Though how Xander much longer will he be useful to you now that he is seen for the traitor he is?”
"I am aware of company policy. However, I would need to actually work for the company to be held under that policy." He turned to Ms. Thompson. "You see. I'm sort of an independent contractor. I don't really work for Seth. If anything I work against him, but we've been friends for oh so long. Isn't that right, Seth?"
Valentine looked at his watch as it beeped. "Oh look at the time. Things are about to get interesting."
"Excuse me dear, I really can't stay that long. I have to make a lot of cookies for my grandson. Tomorrow is his birthday party and he's requested his favorite snickerdoodles." Valentine smiled.
"Oh, isn't that sweet. A birthday party for her grandson." Valentine looked to Seth. "We don't want her grandson to be disappointed, now do we Seth. I'll get the-" The doorbell rang and then opened moments later.
"Mr.Minister? Is everything alright? Xander thought he might have heard something." The two guards stepped in, closing the door behind them. The second guard, Xander, waved his wand and disarmed the first guard.
"Sorry, Erebos." Valentine stood up, wand at the ready.
"Seth, how much do you like this man?" Before waiting for Seth to answer, Valentine whipped his wand and a wound opened on the man's chest from left shoulder to right hip. He whipped his wand again and a similar wound opened opposite the first forming an X. Blood gurgled from the man's mouth and he fell to his knees. Val removed a knife from his pocket and stabbed the man in the throat.
Ms. Thompson jumped and made a small sound, but Val turned to her and lifted her with his wand. He pulled Seth's want from his jacket and silenced her. Her mouth moved as she tried to scream or speak and she struggled against the invisible bonds keeping her suspended in the air, but it was no use. She was his leverage. His man, Xander, pointed his wand at Seth. "Well, ready to talk Seth?"
SETH WRIGHT
It makes my games that much more fun. Now that I have the Minister breathing down my neck, maybe I'll have a real challenge for once." David smiled.
Seth smiled as he realized what David’s words meant. “So David, why not leave it just between us. Stop your head games with the Core, especially Tia. She no longer remembers, if she ever did. Leave it between us and so will I.”, Seth said in hopes to end whatever Shadow had planned for Tia and The Core.
"I am aware of company policy. However, I would need to actually work for the company to be held under that policy." He turned to Ms. Thompson. "You see. I'm sort of an independent contractor. I don't really work for Seth. If anything I work against him, but we've been friends for oh so long. Isn't that right, Seth?"
Seth just nodded. He understood what David was hinting at. Where Seth had always been by the book, David was not going to allow those rules to apply. Now Seth was understanding Shadow’s intentions. The man planned on using those policies to insure that Seth played Shadow’s game by Shadow’s rules. One of the policies that bound Seth as tightly as if Shadow had magically bound him to the chair, was a policy that considered Ms. Thompson or any non-magically person as an innocent. That tied Seth’s hands as far as what steps he could take. He could not say or do anything that would knowingly endanger the woman.
Valentine looked at his watch as it beeped. "Oh look at the time. Things are about to get interesting."
Seth smiled as he said, “What do you have another appointment? We can always continue this later this week, possibly my office?”
"Excuse me dear, I really can't stay that long. I have to make a lot of cookies for my grandson. Tomorrow is his birthday party and he's requested his favorite snickerdoodles." Valentine smiled.
"Oh, isn't that sweet. A birthday party for her grandson." Valentine looked to Seth. "We don't want her grandson to be disappointed, now do we Seth. I'll get the-" The doorbell rang and then opened moments later.
"Oh, isn't that sweet. A birthday party for her grandson." Valentine looked to Seth. "We don't want her grandson to be disappointed, now do we Seth. I'll get the-" The doorbell rang and then opened moments later.
Seth once again nodded as the doorbell rang. He realized that if that was his guards, Seth could not warn them without Shadow killing Ms. Thompson. Seth said as he stood up, “I will get the door while you two go and get the sugar.” Turning towards David as he asked, “Unless you want to get the door and I get the sugar?”
"Mr. Minister? Is everything alright? Xander thought he might have heard something." The two guards stepped in, closing the door behind them. The second guard, Xander, waved his wand and disarmed the first guard.
"Sorry, Erebos." Valentine stood up, wand at the ready.
"Sorry, Erebos." Valentine stood up, wand at the ready.
Seth smiled as he said, “I am fine, Ms. Thompson just came over to get some sugar...” Seth stopped as he tried to keep the woman from seeing the magic. She was his first priority. He would deal with Xander later for his betrayal. Xander had been on the Council protection squad for years and was trusted. Erebos was newly picked and so much like Brennan.
"Seth, how much do you like this man?" Before waiting for Seth to answer, Valentine whipped his wand and a wound opened on the man's chest from left shoulder to right hip. He whipped his wand again and a similar wound opened opposite the first forming an X. Blood gurgled from the man's mouth and he fell to his knees. Val removed a knife from his pocket and stabbed the man in the throat.
Seth cringed as he watched Erebos be killed and knew that Ms. Thompson had indeed saw. She would already need pieces of her memory erased, so the only way to protect her now was to try and keep her calm and useful to Shadow.
Ms. Thompson jumped and made a small sound, but Val turned to her and lifted her with his wand. He pulled Seth's wand from his jacket and silenced her. Her mouth moved as she tried to scream or speak and she struggled against the invisible bonds keeping her suspended in the air, but it was no use. She was his leverage. His man, Xander, pointed his wand at Seth. "Well, ready to talk Seth?"
Seth said trying to keep his anger contained, “You need her alive Shadow, so I doubt if those bonds are the tightening type? Don’t worry I will insure she remembers none of this so she is no threat to you. Put her in the chair gently and asleep, then we will talk. You know if she dies, you will get nothing. But yes Shadow, you made your point. Though how Xander much longer will he be useful to you now that he is seen for the traitor he is?”