Post by Admin on Aug 24, 2020 18:46:12 GMT
A Change in Power by Order of Wizengamot! Part 2 (Seth Wright's Office)
(OOC: Combined threads from the previous site)
RICHARD GREENE
“We do know good food Seth,” Max smiled as he added. “Only problem is we do not always get to taste it.” He did not know if Pip knew how Seth really felt about her, but she was always bring him something to keep up his strength, as she put it, and most of the time he was the only one who received any of the special food.
The thought Seth had just given hit Maxwell unprepared. He had not noticed Pippin limping anymore than before. According to her, the injury she had received as a child of eight, and had been unsuccessfully treated at a Muggle hospital, never hurt her. He was going to have to check into it. He was mainly a Psy-Healer but was also part of the medical team of the group which helped keep everyone in shape. If a member had a medical problem which could hamper their performance, he was honor bound to tell Arianna. He hoped he did not find anything.
Maxwell nodded. “Seth, I always believed you have grieved for Sabrina much too long. At some point you have to start again with acceptance at what happened and also a new life. Pip would be fantastic for you, although you need to take it slow with her…. She is a real lady … she will be thrilled with the attention … but she is also one for being careful her life does not intrude on someone else’s…. when she lost her husband she continued with her life and made sure no one else could get close, for fear of having someone else die because of her.” Maxwell probably was breaking some doctor/patient rule of thumb, but Seth and Pip would be good for each other. Pip was slowing getting over the feeling it had been her fault her husband had been killed like he had been.
Arianna nodded and motioned for Richard to take a seat, near the wall. He was on guard duty at the moment. Even though the place was as secure as possible, Ari took no chances. There had been too many disappearances from this very office.
Richard smiled at Arianna and went to the place she had indicated. It was in a row of chairs against the far wall. He had an excellent view of everything in the room. When Brennan arrived he would be able to relax a bit, and turn the security of the meeting over to his partner.
Richard nodded noticing Arianna had not moved. “She is clearing your schedule as we speak for the next 48 hours.” Richard only nodded again when he saw the questioning look on Seth’s face on why a complete 48 hours had been ordered by Arianna. It was going to be a long couple of days.
Richard almost jumped out of his seat. He did recognize the plant. Turning to the others he put his finger to his lip, to ask for quiet …. Walked up to Seth …. Took the plant and said a sealing spell around it. Then he put it on the desk and said to Arianna, “Do you remember this plant … the last time I saw one was in Egypt at the Witch and Warlock Botanical Gardens Expo?
Nodding slowly Ari, motioned for Richard to get rid of the plant and then turned to Seth and asked, “Boss, the plant is a crystal in the truest sense of the word. A crystal draws light and energy in, as you know. It also magnifies energy, in this case a listening device.” Turning to Saying to Richard as he was leaving with the plant, “Richard tell the secretary she can leave for the day, and then put a lock down on her desk. I will have Brennan check it out later.” Turning back to Seth, as Richard walked out of the room, closing the door behind him, she said, “Seth, we may have just found one of the leaks in this office. I want a full written report on what you know about the girl. Give it to Richard or Brennan when you can. Until then your secretary is on vacation, understood?”
Richard had just reentered the office when he heard Arianna tell Seth about the mind-dive. He walked over to his friend’s chair. None of them liked mind-dives because it opened up your very soul to the one diving. Richard had both been the receiver and the giver of mind-diving and knew firsthand how scary it was. There were no secrets when your mind was opened that way. Once the person diving started, the other person, unless they were very skilled in the process, could not stop the depth of the dive. Richard knew Seth was not skilled and had never had the training needed to stop a diver. He was ready to give his support if his friend needed it.
Richard stared at Arianna. A level six mind dive meant Seth would be turning over physical control of his body. He knew Maxwell would be doing the mind-dive and with Lance there, they would be able to keep track of what was going on, but if during the dive Seth panicked there could be real trouble. Taking one more step closer to Seth, he put his hand on the man’s shoulder.
Walking back to his seat, Richard tried to accept what Arianna was doing. Something had set her nerves on edge, for her to treat her second in command through what virtually was a complete psyche evaluation.
Richard rubbed the back of his neck. He knew Air was not setting anyone up for failure, but for some reason she was worried about what might be found. Allowing Seth to have an advocate meant Air expected him to be unconscious or drugged somewhere along the line. This could only happen if they found something which would not be corrected immediately or if Seth became violent, which was totally against his nature. If his talk with his advocate was not being recorded he would be able to have someone to talk about his fears with, but it also made it possibly necessary to question his advocate, which for the advocate could also require a Caretaker physical, which unless it was an emergency dive, was done before anyone submitted to the dive, and a mind-dive equal to the original person. It would not be an easy thing for one of the other caretakers to agree to take the position.
Arianna would never force the chosen person to agree. They would be formally asked by the person being examined and would formally agree in the presence of Arianna. This way there could be no misunderstandings later.
Richard’s eyes were on Seth. Arianna was telling him, if he refused to follow her mandates then he was out of the Caretaker Group. They would do a mind-wipe on him which was pretty straight forward, but could take away other memories also. One man, who had not been part of the group, had submitted to a mind-wipe because of an experience he had with the Dark Wizards. The experience had become so painful; the man was becoming mentally unbalanced. He eventually returned to what his friends said, was his old self, but he had to be taught how to walk, and feed himself again after the wipe.
Maxwell was having a difficult time. Seth was his friend, but he knew when he had signed on with the Caretakers, this day would come. A day when he would need to deal with a breach of security which would require him to not be working for the person being examined but for the Caretaker group as a whole.
He was picking up on Seth’s thoughts and the man was reeling. He wanted Air to do the mind-dive although he was scared of what might be found, which even he was unaware of consciously. He was scared he would lose his place in the Caretakers, a place which was a large part of his existence. He was scared he was going to lose the friendships he had made. Max knew the members would still be his friends but there would be a large hole in the conversations and in the meetings.
Maxwell could not even tell him it was going to all work out, because he was now on duty as far as Seth was concerned. Seth was not just a friend; he was a subject of an investigation. Maxwell would have to put a little distance between them until it was resolved. He knew, or at least he hoped, Seth would understand.
Richard was ready to jump in-between Air and Sherlock. His partner had just accomplished a major breach of conduct and security. No one who was not a part of the Caretakers was physically allowed in the tunnel, let alone shown where it was. Arianna was going to take Brennan for an unpleasant ride through the rules.
You could have heard an Owl’s feather hit the floor; the silence was so thick in the room. Everyone waited to see what Arianna was going to do. Her rules of security had been broken by her main security officer.
Richard swallowed hard and looked down at the floor. He had noticed the set of Arianna’s shoulders and the no-nonsense smile mask she had put on her face. She was not going t scream, but Brennan was in for a rough time. If Tia had not been there, they all would have heard her going up one side of Sherlock and down the other with words and tone of voice, which could make the strongest man cringe and beg for mercy.
Arianna pinned him to the wall with her stare. “I do not want you to do anything Mr. Dawson, except to take a seat by Richard. I said we would talk later… later means not now.” She kept the stare up and added a deadly smile until Brennan started to walk toward the row of chairs along the back wall.
Richard raised his head and watched as Brennan made slow progress to a seat near him. He had heard Max’s queue to be quiet and had seen Seth’s raised eyebrows. To these he added his own un-verbalized expression of wonder. Brennan knew better. He hoped he had not just lost a partner.
(OOC: Combined threads from the previous site)
RICHARD GREENE
Seth smiled as he said with a chuckle, “Max, you guys just don't know good food when you taste it.” He had gained a little weight with her cooking. Seth just worried about her. Pip was easy to talk to and reminded him a lot of Sabrina. He just was worried that she was putting too much strain on her leg as he had been noticing her limp more and the pain in her eyes.
“We do know good food Seth,” Max smiled as he added. “Only problem is we do not always get to taste it.” He did not know if Pip knew how Seth really felt about her, but she was always bring him something to keep up his strength, as she put it, and most of the time he was the only one who received any of the special food.
Thinking, “Maybe I should talk to Lance about checking to see if he can do anything without Arianna having to be told?” Seth knew that Pip was afraid that she might be pulled from the field, shaking his head as he thought about waiting until he was sure that Lance would not inform Air.
The thought Seth had just given hit Maxwell unprepared. He had not noticed Pippin limping anymore than before. According to her, the injury she had received as a child of eight, and had been unsuccessfully treated at a Muggle hospital, never hurt her. He was going to have to check into it. He was mainly a Psy-Healer but was also part of the medical team of the group which helped keep everyone in shape. If a member had a medical problem which could hamper their performance, he was honor bound to tell Arianna. He hoped he did not find anything.
(Maxwell) “Beside thinking you need, more rest, fresh air and nourishment, she has suggested setting up a special perimeter guard.”
Seth smiled until he heard about the perimeter guard.
Max shook his head and added, “Air talked her out of it, so don’t worry.”
The New Minister smiled as he said, “Max, you probably know how I feel about Pip? I have not felt that way about anybody since Sabrina's murder. I swore than that I would never allow myself to put somebody in...Well we both know I have...enemies...I am worried about...them...finding out about...” Seth stopped as he was unsure of just what he was scared of as even Pippen had no idea of his feelings. Seth had vowed never to allow his enemies to do to another person what they had done to his wife and son, just to get to him. The strange thing was his wife's body had been found but not his son's.
Seth smiled until he heard about the perimeter guard.
Max shook his head and added, “Air talked her out of it, so don’t worry.”
The New Minister smiled as he said, “Max, you probably know how I feel about Pip? I have not felt that way about anybody since Sabrina's murder. I swore than that I would never allow myself to put somebody in...Well we both know I have...enemies...I am worried about...them...finding out about...” Seth stopped as he was unsure of just what he was scared of as even Pippen had no idea of his feelings. Seth had vowed never to allow his enemies to do to another person what they had done to his wife and son, just to get to him. The strange thing was his wife's body had been found but not his son's.
Maxwell nodded. “Seth, I always believed you have grieved for Sabrina much too long. At some point you have to start again with acceptance at what happened and also a new life. Pip would be fantastic for you, although you need to take it slow with her…. She is a real lady … she will be thrilled with the attention … but she is also one for being careful her life does not intrude on someone else’s…. when she lost her husband she continued with her life and made sure no one else could get close, for fear of having someone else die because of her.” Maxwell probably was breaking some doctor/patient rule of thumb, but Seth and Pip would be good for each other. Pip was slowing getting over the feeling it had been her fault her husband had been killed like he had been.
(Seth) “How did my god-daughter's sessions go?” …
“Now is not the time, Boss, too many people arriving. How about a session later…
Seth nodded. ….
The little man said, “She is here.” (Arianna) … “Hello Boss and Healer, sit back down, gentlemen. Sorry I am late, ….”
Richard knocked …. “Come in Caretaker… Welcome.”
Seth smiled as he asked Air, “I guess it is a full meeting of the minds, then?” ….
“Now is not the time, Boss, too many people arriving. How about a session later…
Seth nodded. ….
The little man said, “She is here.” (Arianna) … “Hello Boss and Healer, sit back down, gentlemen. Sorry I am late, ….”
Richard knocked …. “Come in Caretaker… Welcome.”
Seth smiled as he asked Air, “I guess it is a full meeting of the minds, then?” ….
Arianna nodded and motioned for Richard to take a seat, near the wall. He was on guard duty at the moment. Even though the place was as secure as possible, Ari took no chances. There had been too many disappearances from this very office.
Richard smiled at Arianna and went to the place she had indicated. It was in a row of chairs against the far wall. He had an excellent view of everything in the room. When Brennan arrived he would be able to relax a bit, and turn the security of the meeting over to his partner.
Realizing that his meetings for the day had to be canceled, Seth said quietly, “I will need to free today's schedule unless you already gave the girl at the desk an excuse as she probably has me booked solid?”
Richard nodded noticing Arianna had not moved. “She is clearing your schedule as we speak for the next 48 hours.” Richard only nodded again when he saw the questioning look on Seth’s face on why a complete 48 hours had been ordered by Arianna. It was going to be a long couple of days.
Seth smiled at Richard as he pulled a very weird plant from the window. Handing it to Richard as he said, “Maybe you know something about this thing? It looks like a crystal to me but the girl at the front desk swears that it is real...She handed it to me when I walked in. I was thinking of giving it to Auntie?”
Richard almost jumped out of his seat. He did recognize the plant. Turning to the others he put his finger to his lip, to ask for quiet …. Walked up to Seth …. Took the plant and said a sealing spell around it. Then he put it on the desk and said to Arianna, “Do you remember this plant … the last time I saw one was in Egypt at the Witch and Warlock Botanical Gardens Expo?
Nodding slowly Ari, motioned for Richard to get rid of the plant and then turned to Seth and asked, “Boss, the plant is a crystal in the truest sense of the word. A crystal draws light and energy in, as you know. It also magnifies energy, in this case a listening device.” Turning to Saying to Richard as he was leaving with the plant, “Richard tell the secretary she can leave for the day, and then put a lock down on her desk. I will have Brennan check it out later.” Turning back to Seth, as Richard walked out of the room, closing the door behind him, she said, “Seth, we may have just found one of the leaks in this office. I want a full written report on what you know about the girl. Give it to Richard or Brennan when you can. Until then your secretary is on vacation, understood?”
… Turning to the portrait, she said, “Could you please ask Brennan Dawson to join us here immediately. Thank you.” …
Air turned in her seat and handed Richard the note, (Seth had given her out of his desk)….
The first thing which hit Richard was the fact there had to be a leak somewhere high up in the Ministry. The writer knew too much information which had not been made public, or even gone too far through the Ministry itself. Richard was going to be busy tracking down the leak and how information was traveling……
(Maxwell) “Air, while we are waiting for Sherlock, I think it would be the perfect time for you to explain to Seth what is in the works for safety measures.” …..
(Arianna) …. “Very well Max … Seth you know we all trust you, if we did not then you would not be in the position you are in… but you also must admit we have a leak … and you are in danger, so,”
Now Seth was really worried as he had heard Air start this way before and the last time it had been Sherlock that was on the receiving end. Frowning as he knew what was coming.
…. Continuing she said, “I am officially ordering a complete medical workup on you. This will include all of the regular medical tests, plus a Caretaker physical.”
Seth smiled as he said, “Understandable.”
Looking Seth straight in the eyes she added, “I am also adding a mind-dive level five minimum.”
Air turned in her seat and handed Richard the note, (Seth had given her out of his desk)….
The first thing which hit Richard was the fact there had to be a leak somewhere high up in the Ministry. The writer knew too much information which had not been made public, or even gone too far through the Ministry itself. Richard was going to be busy tracking down the leak and how information was traveling……
(Maxwell) “Air, while we are waiting for Sherlock, I think it would be the perfect time for you to explain to Seth what is in the works for safety measures.” …..
(Arianna) …. “Very well Max … Seth you know we all trust you, if we did not then you would not be in the position you are in… but you also must admit we have a leak … and you are in danger, so,”
Now Seth was really worried as he had heard Air start this way before and the last time it had been Sherlock that was on the receiving end. Frowning as he knew what was coming.
…. Continuing she said, “I am officially ordering a complete medical workup on you. This will include all of the regular medical tests, plus a Caretaker physical.”
Seth smiled as he said, “Understandable.”
Looking Seth straight in the eyes she added, “I am also adding a mind-dive level five minimum.”
Richard had just reentered the office when he heard Arianna tell Seth about the mind-dive. He walked over to his friend’s chair. None of them liked mind-dives because it opened up your very soul to the one diving. Richard had both been the receiver and the giver of mind-diving and knew firsthand how scary it was. There were no secrets when your mind was opened that way. Once the person diving started, the other person, unless they were very skilled in the process, could not stop the depth of the dive. Richard knew Seth was not skilled and had never had the training needed to stop a diver. He was ready to give his support if his friend needed it.
Seth tried to hide his terror as he asked, “And if I refuse the mind-dive? Or ask that it go no lower than level three?” … “It has to get back to whoever is sending those threats that I was forced.” ….
…. She did not react when Seth was able to hold the connection for only 47 seconds … the man was hiding something …..something to do with the group.
…. “Seth Wright, you know I very rarely repeat myself, but in your case I will. At the end of this meeting you will be escorted to St. Mungo’s Hospital complex and in the special clinic area for the Caretakers you will be given a full Caretaker physical along with a Mind Dive procedure to Level five using minimum restraints. If it is deemed necessary I am giving my permission to have the Mind Dive proceed to Level 6. This will require a minimum of 24 hours.”
…. She did not react when Seth was able to hold the connection for only 47 seconds … the man was hiding something …..something to do with the group.
…. “Seth Wright, you know I very rarely repeat myself, but in your case I will. At the end of this meeting you will be escorted to St. Mungo’s Hospital complex and in the special clinic area for the Caretakers you will be given a full Caretaker physical along with a Mind Dive procedure to Level five using minimum restraints. If it is deemed necessary I am giving my permission to have the Mind Dive proceed to Level 6. This will require a minimum of 24 hours.”
Richard stared at Arianna. A level six mind dive meant Seth would be turning over physical control of his body. He knew Maxwell would be doing the mind-dive and with Lance there, they would be able to keep track of what was going on, but if during the dive Seth panicked there could be real trouble. Taking one more step closer to Seth, he put his hand on the man’s shoulder.
Walking back to his seat, Richard tried to accept what Arianna was doing. Something had set her nerves on edge, for her to treat her second in command through what virtually was a complete psyche evaluation.
(Ari to Richard) “Caretaker you are now on official watch duty. You have heard what I have said to Boss. He is to remain under light guard the whole time at the Clinic area. He is to see no one other than those in the building. You may use Brennan and Martin, if you like for relief watchers or if business calls you away. Understood?” …
(Richard) “Yes Air I understand.” It was the only thing he could say. …
(Arianna) “Seth look at me … this is going to be hard I know, but it has to be done …. I would expect it to be done to me if it was deemed necessary. … I will allow you to choose one other Caretaker member to be present during the time you are being examined. This person will act as your advocate if something should happen, or if you just need someone to talk to. … I will even agree to not have your conversations between you and your advocate recorded. But Seth do not put your advocate in jeopardy of possibly having to be examined also.”
(Richard) “Yes Air I understand.” It was the only thing he could say. …
(Arianna) “Seth look at me … this is going to be hard I know, but it has to be done …. I would expect it to be done to me if it was deemed necessary. … I will allow you to choose one other Caretaker member to be present during the time you are being examined. This person will act as your advocate if something should happen, or if you just need someone to talk to. … I will even agree to not have your conversations between you and your advocate recorded. But Seth do not put your advocate in jeopardy of possibly having to be examined also.”
Richard rubbed the back of his neck. He knew Air was not setting anyone up for failure, but for some reason she was worried about what might be found. Allowing Seth to have an advocate meant Air expected him to be unconscious or drugged somewhere along the line. This could only happen if they found something which would not be corrected immediately or if Seth became violent, which was totally against his nature. If his talk with his advocate was not being recorded he would be able to have someone to talk about his fears with, but it also made it possibly necessary to question his advocate, which for the advocate could also require a Caretaker physical, which unless it was an emergency dive, was done before anyone submitted to the dive, and a mind-dive equal to the original person. It would not be an easy thing for one of the other caretakers to agree to take the position.
Arianna would never force the chosen person to agree. They would be formally asked by the person being examined and would formally agree in the presence of Arianna. This way there could be no misunderstandings later.
Seth’s face had taken on an almost numb look. Air knew he was having a hard time processing what was going to happen. In all the years she had known Seth Wright, she had never contemplated she would have to do this check on him. Finishing she said, “As far as refusing goes I will give this order: If at any time during the exemption process you refuse to proceed with any suggestion by Maxwell or Lance, you will be immediately confined and I will be notified. I will come and talk to you but there will be an excellent chance we would submit you to a mind-wipe of all Caretaker information. We would try our utmost to keep it to that information, but you know the process is not fool-proof.”
Air sat back in her chair again and said, “Make your decision Boss. This is an all or nothing order.”
Air sat back in her chair again and said, “Make your decision Boss. This is an all or nothing order.”
Richard’s eyes were on Seth. Arianna was telling him, if he refused to follow her mandates then he was out of the Caretaker Group. They would do a mind-wipe on him which was pretty straight forward, but could take away other memories also. One man, who had not been part of the group, had submitted to a mind-wipe because of an experience he had with the Dark Wizards. The experience had become so painful; the man was becoming mentally unbalanced. He eventually returned to what his friends said, was his old self, but he had to be taught how to walk, and feed himself again after the wipe.
Maxwell watched Seth’s face to see how he would react to the news.
Maxwell was having a difficult time. Seth was his friend, but he knew when he had signed on with the Caretakers, this day would come. A day when he would need to deal with a breach of security which would require him to not be working for the person being examined but for the Caretaker group as a whole.
He was picking up on Seth’s thoughts and the man was reeling. He wanted Air to do the mind-dive although he was scared of what might be found, which even he was unaware of consciously. He was scared he would lose his place in the Caretakers, a place which was a large part of his existence. He was scared he was going to lose the friendships he had made. Max knew the members would still be his friends but there would be a large hole in the conversations and in the meetings.
Maxwell could not even tell him it was going to all work out, because he was now on duty as far as Seth was concerned. Seth was not just a friend; he was a subject of an investigation. Maxwell would have to put a little distance between them until it was resolved. He knew, or at least he hoped, Seth would understand.
(Little man talking about Brennan) "He is walking in also I think he has a sweet little tag-along? She was following trying not to be seen."
Brennan entered through the secret entrance holding Tia's hand.
… Brennan had been found at Charitee’s Charms, a small café in Diagon Alley. ….
Arianna saw Seth and Maxwell stand up; then she noticed Richard stand and they were all looking toward the door to the secret tunnel.
Brennan entered through the secret entrance holding Tia's hand.
… Brennan had been found at Charitee’s Charms, a small café in Diagon Alley. ….
Arianna saw Seth and Maxwell stand up; then she noticed Richard stand and they were all looking toward the door to the secret tunnel.
Richard was ready to jump in-between Air and Sherlock. His partner had just accomplished a major breach of conduct and security. No one who was not a part of the Caretakers was physically allowed in the tunnel, let alone shown where it was. Arianna was going to take Brennan for an unpleasant ride through the rules.
…. Brennan entered with Tia. It was a breach of security which Arianna would be forced to not overlook. …. the secret tunnel which would now have to be abandoned and reconstructed somewhere else. …..
She turned to see Brennan and Tia standing just inside the entrance. Rising she motioned for the men to sit down.
She turned to see Brennan and Tia standing just inside the entrance. Rising she motioned for the men to sit down.
You could have heard an Owl’s feather hit the floor; the silence was so thick in the room. Everyone waited to see what Arianna was going to do. Her rules of security had been broken by her main security officer.
Seth was just trying to come to terms with his immediate future, when Brennan Dawson, Sherlock, entered through the door leading to the private tunnel followed by Tia, his god-daughter. He shot a glance toward Brennan then started to walk toward Tia to give her a hug. …
Before he even got two steps, Air waved him back to his seat.
Before he even got two steps, Air waved him back to his seat.
Richard swallowed hard and looked down at the floor. He had noticed the set of Arianna’s shoulders and the no-nonsense smile mask she had put on her face. She was not going t scream, but Brennan was in for a rough time. If Tia had not been there, they all would have heard her going up one side of Sherlock and down the other with words and tone of voice, which could make the strongest man cringe and beg for mercy.
Walking over to the two new arrivals she nodded to Tia adding “Tia, welcome.” Turning back to Brennan she said, “Have a seat, Mr. Dawson. We will talk later.” She tried not to sound too stern, but she knew Brennan had gotten the idea she was not happy.
Seth tried to put a smile on his face, so Tia would understand everything would be alright.
Tia just nodded as she tried to follow Brennan.
(Brennan) With a look of defeat he said, "Sorry, she is getting good though…. Did not see her until the tunnel. Want me to send her back with an escort of Aurors?"
Tia got a look of stubbornness on her face as Bren tried to get her to understand why she should not have come. Turning to the others in the room, Bren said, "Tia stop being stubborn! I told you if it has to do with you, I will tell you. You leaving school is dangerous and your aunt is going to have my hide."
Seth tried to put a smile on his face, so Tia would understand everything would be alright.
Tia just nodded as she tried to follow Brennan.
(Brennan) With a look of defeat he said, "Sorry, she is getting good though…. Did not see her until the tunnel. Want me to send her back with an escort of Aurors?"
Tia got a look of stubbornness on her face as Bren tried to get her to understand why she should not have come. Turning to the others in the room, Bren said, "Tia stop being stubborn! I told you if it has to do with you, I will tell you. You leaving school is dangerous and your aunt is going to have my hide."
Arianna pinned him to the wall with her stare. “I do not want you to do anything Mr. Dawson, except to take a seat by Richard. I said we would talk later… later means not now.” She kept the stare up and added a deadly smile until Brennan started to walk toward the row of chairs along the back wall.
“Brennan,” Maxwell said with a shake of his head, indicating Brennan should not say anything else. “Tia will be fine. Richard has a note we need you to check out..” Maxwell half smiled and motioned toward a chair near Richard with his head. Turning back to Arianna and Tia, he listened.
As Brennan walked by his desk headed to the seat on the other side of Richard, Seth briefly raised his eye brows asking why he even contemplated bringing Tia down the tunnel. He received no reply. Brennan must be lost in his own thoughts. Seth turned back to Tia.
As Brennan walked by his desk headed to the seat on the other side of Richard, Seth briefly raised his eye brows asking why he even contemplated bringing Tia down the tunnel. He received no reply. Brennan must be lost in his own thoughts. Seth turned back to Tia.
Richard raised his head and watched as Brennan made slow progress to a seat near him. He had heard Max’s queue to be quiet and had seen Seth’s raised eyebrows. To these he added his own un-verbalized expression of wonder. Brennan knew better. He hoped he had not just lost a partner.
Tia got worried that she had gotten her friend in big trouble so she said with a stubborn look on her face, “Don't blame Bren! When he spotted me, he tried to signal to somebody for what he called, 'Pick-up'...I took his ball and said I would stay outside the entrance unless he took me through with him!”
Ari stuck her hand out to retrieve Brennan’s message ball, it was what the Caretaker’s used to signal each other and to send messages. Tia put it in her hand and Air turned and tossed it to Brennan. She now had to talk to him about bringing Tia through the tunnels but also about allowing a 15 year old to take is messaging device. It was not like Brennan to be that lax; maybe it was time to have him go through another round of Caretaker advanced training. [q/uote]
“Tia you need to understand, what Mr. Dawson has just allowed to happen, has put everyone in this office in danger.” Arianna wondered if it would do any good to explain to this head strong teenager. “It is a serious breach of security rules which have been established over a long period of time. I am not saying you would tell but when security is broken someone needs to take the blame.” Arianna looked over to where Brennan was sitting, head bent down. He looked like a small boy, waiting to go into the schools headmasters’ office for punishment he knew he had coming. “I will deal with Mr. Dawson later.”
All eyes went to Tia when she mentioned “my friend”. Someone was contacting her again …. When she used the words “my friend” it meant the Protector, the one who protected the shield of the Dark One. Richard was the first to ask, “Tia, your friend told you Brennan was going to be called to this office today?” Looking at Ari, he realized she had caught onto the fact also, that either her office was bugged or someone was finding out information somehow long before it was known outside of a very few select few. As far as he knew until about three hours ago, only Ari, Seth and he knew a meeting was even going to happen. He was going to have to do a major search of all the rooms they had been in and all the people they came in contact with would have to have their movements checked for the past three hours. He nodded to let her know he was on it.
Maxwell turned his head and starred at nothing in particular behind Seth’s desk. He was listening to Tia’s thoughts, something he normally would have asked permission to do, but under the circumstances he rationalized it was necessary. He was not disappointed. He confirmed it had been the Protector who had contacted her. One other thing stood out. Apparently Seth had received his message and had woken up when it was being delivered. Seth had said nothing about seeing the Protector in his home. It looked like Seth was in major trouble and he was about to have to find that trouble and report it to Arianna. Sometimes his job was hard on his nerves.
Turning around he asked, “Tia, you are not telling us everything, are you…. you need to tell us all you know or maybe someone here will be in more trouble than necessary.” He was not sure what else had been said to the girl, but he needed to play on the fact she knew Brennan was in deep trouble. He emphasized what he was trying to make her believe by looking over in Brennan’s direction.
Richard held out his hand and stopped Brennan from getting up and going to “rescue” Tia. His partner was brilliant at digging out information from other pieces of information, but he never had learned to read Arianna. Richard could barely do it, and he had a lot of practice and concentrated on the feat often. Brennan wanted to “save” Tia from Arianna, which was not necessary. Arianna had to come across as being stern to the girl or she would never accept her authority in the future, and it was absolutely imperative she accepted that authority, for safety reasons. Arianna was eventually going to be head of the adult part of her council, if Tia followed her destiny and chose the future lay at her feet.
Arianna let a smile continue to curve the corner of her lips, “Tarik knows about the organization, Tia.” She paused letting the smile grow a little bigger, “He has just not decided yet to join us. He has difficulty accepting the idea; I would be in total control over what he did as far as the Caretakers were concerned. Until he accepts that fact, he will not be joining the group.” You can ask him about us if you like, but make sure you are the only two in the room… or better yet, go for a walk in the field and ask him.” She raised her eyebrows asking silently if the girl understood what she was saying concerning security.
Max got up out of his chair and walked over to where Tia and Air were sitting. He knelt down on one knee in front of Tia’s chair and tried to find the words she needed for comfort. “Tia, I am going to let you in on a not something which most adults will not admit to themselves. Everyone uses everyone in this world as some time or another. Sometimes it is a good use as in for love and friendship so they are not alone. That use can be for information to help others or to hurt others. What you may think is good, because of your experiences or how you have been taught, others may think of as a bad idea. This can run both ways also because there may be a time when you think something is bad or dangerous and the other person has been taught it is good. “ Max smiled because he could tell Tia was trying to decipher what he had just said, so he kept going. “How do you decide? If what is happening is hurting someone just to hurt them it is bad; if what is happening will cause damage to someone elses property because of anger it is bad; if what is happening is being done to control another person and take away their free will it is bad…. There are other examples I can give you. I will add one of the toughest ideas for adults to figure out. There are always gray areas …. Nothing is every completely black and white.. You think about this Tia and next time we have a chance to talk we will talk on the subject more.” Max got back up, kissed Tia on the forehead and walked back to his seat, smiling at Seth’s look as he sat down.
Richard remembered the night Marco’s body had been found. He had spent days without stopping to eat or sleep trying to find the people who had taken the young man’s life. It had been Arianna who had ordered him to take 24 hours, talk with Maxwell, eat and get some sleep, even if he had to induce the sleep through magic, or in a Muggle way. She had told him if he did not she would forcible have him fed and knocked out. He had believed her and done what she said. At the end of the 24 hours the panic was gone and even though he never stopped looking he put the whole thing into perspective. He would never stop looking be he added it to his already lengthy list of “need to finds”.
Richard was not sure anyone else had caught Seth’s cringe. If he had not been looking up from where he was trying to quietly tell Brennan about the note he was going to need to decipher, he would have not caught the movement himself. More and more he was not looking forward to taking Seth to St. Mungo’s complex. Air was asking for a hard job this time. He tried to send a small smile of reassurance to Seth, but he knew it had not registered with the man. Seth was scared.
Max’s eyes shot toward Seth. Tia knew Seth was holding something back. The girl was becoming more perceptive every day. Max thought in Seth’s direction, “Seth what are you hiding. You know when we do the mind-dive we are going to find out. Is that where you want us to find what is going on in your head. ….. You are my long time friend…. Please do not make me have to report you to Air. … I will do it because the Group requires it …. but it will hurt, my friend.”
Richard realized what Arianna was doing. The more they figured out that Seth was keeping secrets the worse it would be if Tia stayed and found out what was about to happen to her god-father. He was in for a rough 24 hours, possibly longer because of the test’s and the added level of approved Mind-diving.
Arianna could not let the girl stay. With any luck on their part, Tia would decide to leave on her own. He was not fooled though, she would be hounding any of the people she saw here, who were confirmed as part of the group, with questions.
With a broad smile on his face, Max turned in his chair and said to the young Princess, “That is a very wise decision Princess. I am extremely proud of you. You have taken on the added responsibility as leader of the Core with wisdom.”
“I add my approval to that statement,” Richard said, “You have come a long way Princess. I promise we will continue our talks and maybe we can even branch out a bit and include some of the Core in the exchange. I look forward to seeing your choices.” Richard could not erase the smile on his face. The young woman sitting near Ari was a far cry for the scared child of not very long ago.
Turning to Richard, Arianna formally asked, “Richard would you agree to be my second at a very important meeting with the Tia and her second Landon?” She received a nod. Turning back to Tia, she said, “Done then. “ and held out her hand receiving a strong shake in return.
When they were safely through the hidden door Arianna turned and walked back to her chair, sitting down harder than she normally did. Saying to no one in particular, “That was hard. That young man is going to drive me to drink something stronger than Butterbeer someday.” Straightening up in the chair she said, “Ok where were we…..?”
PIPPIN ENGLISH
Pippin English, comfortably rested her arm on Martins as he lead her through the maze of hallways of the Ministry. She did not need the escort because she had traveled the route many times before. Entering with her arm in Martin Kildare’s, Highly qualified Auror, would help her image of being trusted in the halls. She had him purposely lead her down some of the halls with open grouping of desks. So she could meet and greet as she went.
Martin stood up straight and tall. Pippen had asked him to lead her into the enclave of hallways, steps, ramps and open areas filled with desks of the Ministry of Magic. She was known as Auntie in the Ministry as well as the Caretaker Group. He held in his hands two plates of all types of cookies and candies. It was amazing watching her thread her way to this desk or that, talking to some of the people with a huge smile on her face. Sometimes she would take one of the plates with her and let a person choose one of the treats. Other times she would dole out hugs and kisses on the cheeks or even pats on the arms or back of this person or that person.
Each time she would come back to him, but her arm around the crook of his and smile confidently. Once she even said, “That was very interesting news.” But normally she just had him lead her closer to the Ministers office, which was now Seth’s.
It had taken them a good hour to walk what would have normally been a straight through journey of about ten minutes. When they reached the receptions office, they both looked around, because no one was there, which was very strange. The Minister of Magic had a secretary/receptionist on duty for at least twelve hours, seven days a week. Where was she now?
Martin stood patient as Pippin walked over to a mirror and re-set the few strands of hair which had come loose from her crown of hair fashioned in a bun. She also checked her clothes to make sure they were straight. She turned to him and took the bottom plate which she had not allowed anyone to remove even the smallest piece and said, “Ready?” Martin nodded and they walked into the room.
"Hello everyone," Pippin said with a smile. As she walked toward Seth's desk she nodded to Arianna, and waved to Richard and Max. When she reached Seth's desk she smiled marrily, put the plate down and uuwrapped it. "Made these for you Boss, very special ... I think you will like them. The have cinimon in them and it will be up to you to see if you can figure out the other major spice." Carefully she removed three of the cookies and put them on a napkin then passed them out to her other friends.
Martin, walked over and kissed his mother-in-law on the cheek, and shook Richard and Max's hands then settled into a chair one over from his mother-in-law. "Did we miss anything?" he asked watching Pippen walk around the room. She worked any room she walked into. He saw Richard show her a note and Maxwell pointed to the hidden door to the tunnel.
As Pippen walked back toward Seth's desk, she had shaken her head in a sad way, but reaching Seth's desk she had a sunny smile again on her face. Her eyes questioned why he had not touched anything on the plate. Usually he grabbed a handful and munched on them while they talked. Just as carefuly as before she removed a couple of the cookies and placed them on a napkin from a pocket in her dress she watched him carefully and she gave him the information she had gathered on their walk to the office, "Boss, you should get out and know your people. You need to let Lawarance in the State Department office have a little time off, even though he would never ask for it because they just had triplets and he is having a difficult time, because his wife did not come through it well; also Jamerson is making a trip to France to visit his mother, so if you still need to get that packet to the Ministry office there, he would be a great courer; Margaret in Finance needs to be watched, that outfit she had on cost too much for what she makes and..." Pippin stopped and looked around the room She looked at Martin with questioning eyes.
Martin had slowly felt the rooms heavy atmosphere slowly seep into his brain. Looking at Arianna he asked, "Mother, what has happened?"
Ari smiled at her son-in-law and lightly touched his arm with her hand for just a moment. "To begin with, the receptionist delivered a crystal plant to Seth this morning, like the one in Egypt. Richard put a barrier around it and put it back out into the outer reception room. If you could check it out later, son I would appreciate it."
Martin smiled and nodded. It had been a while since he worked with one of thoes pesky plants.
"Brennan will be busy deciphering a note, Seth received this morning on his pillow by the Protector." Martin and Arianna's eyes both flew to Seth's desk when they heard the intake of Pippin's breath and saw her take a small step closer to his chair. H er eyes were looking at Seth.
Martin noticed Richard had held up a piece of parchment. He looked back to Seth and asked, "What time did you receive the note .... or I should ask when did you first notice the note?"
"Oh and Mr. Dawson decided to bring Tia through the secret tunnel. At the present time he is taking her back through the tunnel and turning her over to two Auror's who will return her to the school... He will be permanently closing down the other end, which if you do not mind double checking I would appreciate it. After the tunnel has been dismantled then we will replace the door at this end. The auxiliary tunnel will have to be used for a while for speed, but I would preferr apparation for the most part for travel. I want to teach Brennan a good lesson about this because I cannot have this large a breach in security... and I want him to remember it. When he returns, please, just follow my lead."
When Arianna called Sherlock, Mr. Dawson, Martin had done a double take. She was mad but it was understandable. She had been running the Caretaker Group as it evolved, for the last seventy-five years and she ran a tight group. When she had first proposed Brennan for a member, there had been a discussion on the fact he may be too young and inexperienced to take on the duties he would be required to carry out, but Ari was determined to give him a chance.. She had paired him with Richard who had the experience he would need to know about. The pairing so far had done very well. Martin nodded.
Arieana was still mad, Richard realized. Brennan had made a very bad choice and now he might not have a partner for a while. He was sure he could keep Ari from totally putting out of the group, but he did not have much hope of Brennan being able to live a normal life for a while.
"Now for the next part, which concerns Seth." Martin watched Arianna stand up with worry clouding his eyes. Arianna took a couple of steps which put her directly in front of Seth's desk. "We are going to do this by the book, so Seth Wright please stand. Richard you will be head of security for this testing so please join me here." Seth slowly stood, looking straight forward and Richard rose and walked to the desk and took a position next to Arianna.
Pippin who had not moved from the back corner of the desk, looked at Arianna, Richard and Seth, then she went to sit down. Something was up. She was surprised when Air stopped her and said, "Pippin this also concerns you. Please stay." Arianna was betting there was only one person Seth would choose. She had noticed the special interest at least on Seth's part. She had not been around Pippin much lately to be able to judge how she would react to added attention by Seth. Pippin returned to her original spot about two feet away from Seth. Her eyes were glued to Air.
Seth had not moved his eyes from the stare they held to some point behind Arianna. "Seth Wright earlier you were ordered by me to stand-down from your Caretaker position and duties for a minimum or 24 hours. During that time I have ordered you to have a Class I Caretaker Physical done by Doctor Kilare and a mind-dive to at least level 5 and possibly level 6 done by Doctor Sinclair. These have been ordered because of possible breech of security. I am also allowing you to choose an advocate for that time period. Have you made your choice?"
Seth stood there for a moment still never moving his eyes from the distant point. Slowly he did look at Arianna and said, "Yes, I choose Pippin English." He cringed when he heard the intake of Pippin's breath, but he did not look at her. Maybe she did not want to get involved in the whole process. She could be setting herself up for a possible mind-dive and physical. He was worried and he moved his eyes back to the point on the back wall waiting for her answer.
This had all happened befor Martin and Pippin had arrived at the meeting. Seth was not under arrest, but he was a basic lockdown from communicating with anyone outside the office. Somewhere along the line he would be involved in the security aspict so he listened to all the detail.
Arianna nodded but did not change the blank no-nonsense look on her face: she had been right. Turning to Richard she said, "Caretaker, Boss has choosen Auntie as his advocate, do you have any reservations with this choice?" Receiving a "No" from Richard she told him he could sit down. Turning to Pippin she said, "Pippin English, Seth Wright has chosen you to be his advocate during the test and mind-dive he has been ordered to take."
"Let me explain what this means. You wil go with Boss to the Caretaker Medical Complex at St. Mungo's Hospital where you will remain in lockdown with Mr. Wright, Doctor Sinclair, Doctor Kildare and Professor Greene. The only others allowed in the building will be myself, Mr. Dawson and Auror Kildare." Arianna wanted to make very sure Pippin understood what was about to happen. Continuing she said, "During the twenty-four plus hours, Mr. Wright will undergo a complete Class I Caretaker Physical, which as you know can be a little debilitating for a short time. He will also undergo a mind-dive to a minimum of Level 5. I have given my permission for it to be carried to Level 6 if deemed necessary."
Arianna took a side glance at Seth. He had not moved his eyes. Softening her tone a little she added, "Pippin, as an advocate you will be his voice if anything goes wrong. You will not have your conversations recorded, but I reserve the right to question you at any time on what Seth has said and depending on your answer, I could require you to also have a mind-dive done. This is serious Auntie." Knowing Seth could hear every word she said she added, "We expect to find something Auntie.... just not sure what." Ari again glanced at Seth, who's face had turned a shade whiter, but he had not moved. "What is your answer to the request, Pippen English?" All Arianna could do was wait to see
Pippin slowly let the information seep in. Seth was being put on Lock-down and had basicly had all his responsibilities with the Caretakers removed and put on hold. He had choosen her to go through this with him. She would of course, but she had to know his reason. She took the two remaining steps which would place her right beside Seth, and slowly reached out to touch his arm. In a quiet voice she said, "Seth," he did not look at her so she tried again. "Seth look at me please. "
Seth took a deep breath and looked at Arianna for permission to talk with Pip, with mixed feeling on whether he wanted her to say it was alright. Ariann motioned in Pip's direction so with lead feet he pivoted the quarter turn which allowed him to look at her, but he was having major trouble looking into her eyes. He was in real trouble, and under the worse case scenario he could be a discarded man in the very near future. He was asking her to have confidence in him, but was unsure if she would allow herself to get involved.
The look on Seth's face tore at Pippin's heart . His eyes held pain and a pleading, but his body was on full guard to take a hit. Pippen took his hand in hers and asked, "Seth, I would know why you have not requested one of the gentlemen ot go through this with you. Why do you want me .... I may not be right for this."
Seth looked down at his hand in Pip's and rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb. From the corner of his eye he saw Arianna walk back to where Richard was sitting. She was giving him some privacy. Mentally Seth made himself focus on looking Pippin directly in the eyes. Clearing his throat he said, "Auntie..." Stopping he started again, "Pippin ..... Pip I know this is a big favor to ask of you. I need your help." Stopping again he rubbed his face with his free hand, "You ask why you. I will be taken directly from here after the meeting and will be held by people I know, but also people who have all signed on the same dotted line I did, so many years ago. I will basically be turning my future over to them and when they find something they will have very few choices on what they can do with me."
Seth looked away for a moment then took another breath and looked back into Pip's eyes. When he had looked away she had grabbed his hand tighter. "The others are going to be needed to protect the Core and carry on with their present jobs.... not that you are not important its just ...Pip we have known each other for quite a few years now and I have come to rely on your perception and your abilities, I need you to be available to use what you know to help me, I ...." Seth had not been doing this like he wanted to. He looked again around the room. Air was still talking to Richard at the back of the room. Martin was sitting with Max discussing something on a piece of paper.
It was now or never. Turning back to Pip he said in a very quiet voice, "Pip, I am scared of what they are going to find, and I know they are going to find something with the mind-dive, I am just not sure how much. Over the past couple of weeks I have been losing hours during the day. It started with an hour here and there, and today I lost a lot longer amount of time. Pip, I ..." Seth stopped and then with determination, he finished, "Pippin English, I love you. I wanted to do this differently over dinner or maybe a ride on the water of the Lock, but I do not have the time left. Please Pip ... help me. I will not ask for any promises from you.... I won't ask you to declare your love back to me, I won't ..."
Seth did not have a chance to say anymore because Pippin placed the fingers of her hand lightly on Seth's lips and smiled at him. "Seth Wright ... I am glad you have finally declared yourself.... I have been waiting for so long.... I do not know what kind of trouble you have gotten yourself into, but I love you also. We will get through this together." Pippin squeezed Seth's hand and then turned toward the room. "Air, I think I am ready to give my answer now."
Air got up and said one more thing to Richard then walked back to the desk. Before she had gotten there, Pippin and Seth had walked around to the front of the desk, still hand clasped. Air said, "Pippen English, what is your answer. Do you agree to be Seth Wrights advocate in the upcoming examination?" Air smiled because she knew what the answer was going to be.
Pippin hooked her arm in Seth's and replied, "Yes, I will agree to be his advocate." Smiling at Seth who was staring at her, she asked, "So where do we go from here?"
"Appointment declared." Smiling she said, "Pippen, go talk to Richard. He will be in charge of security so it will be up to him on what you can take with you and what free time you will have with Seth. Thank you Pip." Pippen started back to where Richard was sitting near the wall. Seth motioned toward his desk and followed Pippen to Richard's spot. Arianna shook her head and went behind the desk which Seth had just vacated. Looking toward the back wall she saw that Pippen had taken a seat next to Richard and Seth stood beside her with his hand laying gently on her shoulder. Pippen was listening intently. In the front row, Martin was talking to Maxwell. She quietly cleared her thoughts while looking at the two men.
Maxwell had been making notes and answering some questions for Martin, while trying to monitor Seth's blood pressure and well being. There was fear and worry but it was all wrapped up in love for Pippin. He smiled staying out to the conversation. This was between those two. When Air cleared her throat both men looked at her and saw the question in her eyes. Maxwell nodded and Martin smiled. Seth was all right now.
Air made herself comfortable in the chair behind te desk. Just as she was about to check her message ball to see if any of the other Caretaker Group had checked in, Brennan came through the secret door to the tunnel. Now it was time to take care of one other problem.
"Mr. Dawson, could you please join me here for a moment." As Brennan made his way to the desk, she turned to Martin and said, "Martin could you join us also please." Brennan looked worried, "Good," Arianna thought
(OOC: I have permission to say what Seth did in this post from Barbie)
TIA ANDREAS
Tia stood up straight.. She needed to prove she could take the blame for actions where she thought she had caused a problem. “I am the one that broke the rules. I am the one that is to blame not Bren. I won't have anybody else take my fall, especially Brennan. You married an Andreas and should know our family's motto?”
Tia shook her head as she said with the strongest voice she could, “No! I am responsible not Bren! And anyways the little man saw me and could have told Bren even before we left Charitee's. He didn't and even commented on how sneaky I had become. The man had even given me some pointers.”
Tia shook her head as she answered, “No, yesterday around eight a.m. That was why I was wondering why it took thirty-six hours? If godfather became Minister yesterday and Bren was needed, why didn't the little man wait until today?”
Tia watched her godfather pull out his appointment book and started writing down something. The young Slytherin noticed that Seth was shaking his head and looking at Dr. Sinclair extremely worried. She was glad that her journal was in her pocket and had a list of everything that she did every day.
Tia looked at Bren and then her godfather getting worried as she read her godfather's body language. Something was not right as it seemed that it was Seth that was in trouble as she had never seen him so nervous. Getting up and going to stand by him she said knowing the adults were not going to like it, “I don't reveal secrets and my friend told me things that I have no right repeating. Not without his permission first!”
Her hand went to the pocket with her journal while her other hand went to her medallion. “What did my friend mean when he got angry that Seth disappeared from one a.m. To one p.m.? I can't believe that my friend had been following my godfather all day yesterday. Why? At least my journal has a record of what my friend told me.”, Tia wondered.
Tia started to get the pressure that came when her friend was near and trying to listen in on her thoughts.
Ari stuck her hand out to retrieve Brennan’s message ball, it was what the Caretaker’s used to signal each other and to send messages. Tia put it in her hand and Air turned and tossed it to Brennan. She now had to talk to him about bringing Tia through the tunnels but also about allowing a 15 year old to take is messaging device. It was not like Brennan to be that lax; maybe it was time to have him go through another round of Caretaker advanced training. [q/uote]
“Tia you need to understand, what Mr. Dawson has just allowed to happen, has put everyone in this office in danger.” Arianna wondered if it would do any good to explain to this head strong teenager. “It is a serious breach of security rules which have been established over a long period of time. I am not saying you would tell but when security is broken someone needs to take the blame.” Arianna looked over to where Brennan was sitting, head bent down. He looked like a small boy, waiting to go into the schools headmasters’ office for punishment he knew he had coming. “I will deal with Mr. Dawson later.”
Looking at Dr. Max, Tia said, “I was given forewarning that Bren might be needed at the Ministry and that it concerned me...though why you guys waited almost thirty-six hours, I will never understand? My friend also congratulated me on my god-father's becoming Minister, what did he mean?”
All eyes went to Tia when she mentioned “my friend”. Someone was contacting her again …. When she used the words “my friend” it meant the Protector, the one who protected the shield of the Dark One. Richard was the first to ask, “Tia, your friend told you Brennan was going to be called to this office today?” Looking at Ari, he realized she had caught onto the fact also, that either her office was bugged or someone was finding out information somehow long before it was known outside of a very few select few. As far as he knew until about three hours ago, only Ari, Seth and he knew a meeting was even going to happen. He was going to have to do a major search of all the rooms they had been in and all the people they came in contact with would have to have their movements checked for the past three hours. He nodded to let her know he was on it.
Tia watched Seth and realized that something she had said terrified him. Thinking, “Maybe I shouldn't have said anything? Should I tell them what else Protector had said? About him being sorry that he woke Seth when he visited to deliver his Master's invite?” Tia wasn't going to reveal that as soon as Bren had seen the little old man, she had decided to follow and insure that both Bren and Seth were safe.
Maxwell turned his head and starred at nothing in particular behind Seth’s desk. He was listening to Tia’s thoughts, something he normally would have asked permission to do, but under the circumstances he rationalized it was necessary. He was not disappointed. He confirmed it had been the Protector who had contacted her. One other thing stood out. Apparently Seth had received his message and had woken up when it was being delivered. Seth had said nothing about seeing the Protector in his home. It looked like Seth was in major trouble and he was about to have to find that trouble and report it to Arianna. Sometimes his job was hard on his nerves.
Arianna’s head snapped back, from where she had been looking at Max when Tia was talking to him, to look at Tia. “Tia received information 36 hours ago that Seth had been made Minister of Magic. Not possible because it was not made public until, just about four or five hours ago. Something was wrong with the time frame. ….
Looking at Seth, she realized his secrets, were creating more terror inside of him. ….
Maxwell’s movements drew her attention. The Psy-healer was drumming his fingers on the arm of the chair. She raised her eyebrows slightly in his direction, but only received a signal they would talk later. She signaled back with her eyes, that she understood and turned back to Tia.
Looking at Seth, she realized his secrets, were creating more terror inside of him. ….
Maxwell’s movements drew her attention. The Psy-healer was drumming his fingers on the arm of the chair. She raised her eyebrows slightly in his direction, but only received a signal they would talk later. She signaled back with her eyes, that she understood and turned back to Tia.
Turning around he asked, “Tia, you are not telling us everything, are you…. you need to tell us all you know or maybe someone here will be in more trouble than necessary.” He was not sure what else had been said to the girl, but he needed to play on the fact she knew Brennan was in deep trouble. He emphasized what he was trying to make her believe by looking over in Brennan’s direction.
… As Tia started to follow Brennan to a chair, Arianna put her hand gently on the girls arm and said, “Wait Tia, I need to talk to you before you decide if you want to take a seat. “ Arianna had purposely phrased her question to allow Tia a choice. “
Tia had not let go of Brennan’s arm since they had entered the office. …Arianna did not grip her arm hard, but she realized she had to let go of Brennan’s arm and stay where she was. ….
“Tia look at me, not at Brennan. Following him was not a good idea; you put yourself in danger and possibly Brennan also if he would have had to defend against someone to protect you….. Now that you are here, you and I need to come to an understanding…..”
Tia nodded because she was in perfect agreement with this statement.
Tia had not let go of Brennan’s arm since they had entered the office. …Arianna did not grip her arm hard, but she realized she had to let go of Brennan’s arm and stay where she was. ….
“Tia look at me, not at Brennan. Following him was not a good idea; you put yourself in danger and possibly Brennan also if he would have had to defend against someone to protect you….. Now that you are here, you and I need to come to an understanding…..”
Tia nodded because she was in perfect agreement with this statement.
Richard held out his hand and stopped Brennan from getting up and going to “rescue” Tia. His partner was brilliant at digging out information from other pieces of information, but he never had learned to read Arianna. Richard could barely do it, and he had a lot of practice and concentrated on the feat often. Brennan wanted to “save” Tia from Arianna, which was not necessary. Arianna had to come across as being stern to the girl or she would never accept her authority in the future, and it was absolutely imperative she accepted that authority, for safety reasons. Arianna was eventually going to be head of the adult part of her council, if Tia followed her destiny and chose the future lay at her feet.
(Arianna) “ … First this is only one of the places the Caretaker Group meets. We are not part of the Ministry. I guess you would say we are a security unit on our own…We govern ourselves through a set group of rules using a check and balance system. There are many in the Ministry itself who do not even know we exist.”
…. (Arianna) … “Sit please Tia. The second thing you need to understand is that I am in charge here, I have absolute final say so on what we do and how we do it….Although sometimes some of the members do operate on their own and usually do what I would have done. They know if their actions become a problem they answer to me. If you stay you will not be allowed to talk only listen. Seth is second in command. If you need either of us and cannot find us, talk to Richard as he is third in command.” ….
(Tia) “So this is what you been thinking you been hiding? I hope you tell Tarik soon...Cause he hates secrets as much as I do!
…. (Arianna) … “Sit please Tia. The second thing you need to understand is that I am in charge here, I have absolute final say so on what we do and how we do it….Although sometimes some of the members do operate on their own and usually do what I would have done. They know if their actions become a problem they answer to me. If you stay you will not be allowed to talk only listen. Seth is second in command. If you need either of us and cannot find us, talk to Richard as he is third in command.” ….
(Tia) “So this is what you been thinking you been hiding? I hope you tell Tarik soon...Cause he hates secrets as much as I do!
Arianna let a smile continue to curve the corner of her lips, “Tarik knows about the organization, Tia.” She paused letting the smile grow a little bigger, “He has just not decided yet to join us. He has difficulty accepting the idea; I would be in total control over what he did as far as the Caretakers were concerned. Until he accepts that fact, he will not be joining the group.” You can ask him about us if you like, but make sure you are the only two in the room… or better yet, go for a walk in the field and ask him.” She raised her eyebrows asking silently if the girl understood what she was saying concerning security.
(Tia) “ …. This is the group that father said to trust in his note to me? This is the group that he and Seth joined in America?”
Arianna nodded to each of Tia’s questions. “Your father was one of my best agents. He was fantastic at obtaining information needed and he could get in and out of places which were supposed to be totally locked down. He was a great man, Tia.” She smiled as the girl beamed.
(Tia) “This was the group that my father counted on to protect me and Marcus? Then tell me why when my brother needed back up...You Guys Were No Where To Be Seen?” Trying to calm down as she realized that it was like at Charitee's all over again. The Protector was near enough to link and it scared her as the young Slytherin felt his anger and knew that he had used her to find the tunnel. Staring at Max as if asking if he knew and just what she could do to protect her god-father.
Arianna nodded to each of Tia’s questions. “Your father was one of my best agents. He was fantastic at obtaining information needed and he could get in and out of places which were supposed to be totally locked down. He was a great man, Tia.” She smiled as the girl beamed.
(Tia) “This was the group that my father counted on to protect me and Marcus? Then tell me why when my brother needed back up...You Guys Were No Where To Be Seen?” Trying to calm down as she realized that it was like at Charitee's all over again. The Protector was near enough to link and it scared her as the young Slytherin felt his anger and knew that he had used her to find the tunnel. Staring at Max as if asking if he knew and just what she could do to protect her god-father.
Max got up out of his chair and walked over to where Tia and Air were sitting. He knelt down on one knee in front of Tia’s chair and tried to find the words she needed for comfort. “Tia, I am going to let you in on a not something which most adults will not admit to themselves. Everyone uses everyone in this world as some time or another. Sometimes it is a good use as in for love and friendship so they are not alone. That use can be for information to help others or to hurt others. What you may think is good, because of your experiences or how you have been taught, others may think of as a bad idea. This can run both ways also because there may be a time when you think something is bad or dangerous and the other person has been taught it is good. “ Max smiled because he could tell Tia was trying to decipher what he had just said, so he kept going. “How do you decide? If what is happening is hurting someone just to hurt them it is bad; if what is happening will cause damage to someone elses property because of anger it is bad; if what is happening is being done to control another person and take away their free will it is bad…. There are other examples I can give you. I will add one of the toughest ideas for adults to figure out. There are always gray areas …. Nothing is every completely black and white.. You think about this Tia and next time we have a chance to talk we will talk on the subject more.” Max got back up, kissed Tia on the forehead and walked back to his seat, smiling at Seth’s look as he sat down.
“Tia at the moment without going into too much detail, I will tell you this. Everyone who belongs to this group has their own private lives, with their own private wants and needs. Unless that want of need affects the Caretaker Group, I stay out of the life and only help if I am asked. Your brother did not ask …I am not saying we did not discuss with him possibilities, but the final decision for what he did was his. This is hard for you to understand, Tia but it is the way things are sometimes.”
Richard remembered the night Marco’s body had been found. He had spent days without stopping to eat or sleep trying to find the people who had taken the young man’s life. It had been Arianna who had ordered him to take 24 hours, talk with Maxwell, eat and get some sleep, even if he had to induce the sleep through magic, or in a Muggle way. She had told him if he did not she would forcible have him fed and knocked out. He had believed her and done what she said. At the end of the 24 hours the panic was gone and even though he never stopped looking he put the whole thing into perspective. He would never stop looking be he added it to his already lengthy list of “need to finds”.
(Arianna to Tia) “You may ask any of the member’s questions and I will give them permission to answer you. But Tia if they say they cannot answer your question, you will need to accept that as your answer. The information either does not concern you or is too dangerous for you to know. The members of the group do not keep secrets from each other, because a bit of information which may not be important to them at the time may save someone else’s life later.”
(Maxwell) could have listed at a minimum three times when knowing a small amount of information, which once seemed to have no relevance, had saved him and several others. …He … noticed the girl did get a thoughtful look on her face.
The last statement about not keeping secrets, made Seth cringe, a movement he hoped none of the others had picked up on.
(Maxwell) could have listed at a minimum three times when knowing a small amount of information, which once seemed to have no relevance, had saved him and several others. …He … noticed the girl did get a thoughtful look on her face.
The last statement about not keeping secrets, made Seth cringe, a movement he hoped none of the others had picked up on.
Richard was not sure anyone else had caught Seth’s cringe. If he had not been looking up from where he was trying to quietly tell Brennan about the note he was going to need to decipher, he would have not caught the movement himself. More and more he was not looking forward to taking Seth to St. Mungo’s complex. Air was asking for a hard job this time. He tried to send a small smile of reassurance to Seth, but he knew it had not registered with the man. Seth was scared.
Tia smiled as she said, “I can accept that as long as they don't try to avoid the question...Like saying they forgot to pick something up...Some people are very poor lairs. Don't you agree God-father?” Tia shook her head as she realized that her God-father was keeping things from even these Caretakers.
Max’s eyes shot toward Seth. Tia knew Seth was holding something back. The girl was becoming more perceptive every day. Max thought in Seth’s direction, “Seth what are you hiding. You know when we do the mind-dive we are going to find out. Is that where you want us to find what is going on in your head. ….. You are my long time friend…. Please do not make me have to report you to Air. … I will do it because the Group requires it …. but it will hurt, my friend.”
Looking over to Seth, Air saw the man could not even look at his god-daughter. Apparently Tia knew Seth was keeping secrets and she was trying to remind him that he had told her secrets were dangerous. Air realized it was not going to be a good thing if Tia stayed.
“Third this organization must remain secret from most of the populous. This means no one can be told unless permission has been given by me. There are consequences to telling others,… This would mean Tia, you cannot tell anyone under any conditions. Not any of the Core, not even Landon. After today you will not even be allowed at another meeting until your seventh year at Hogwarts.” Arianna knew Tarik would be having a talk with Tia about her future before she graduated.
“Third this organization must remain secret from most of the populous. This means no one can be told unless permission has been given by me. There are consequences to telling others,… This would mean Tia, you cannot tell anyone under any conditions. Not any of the Core, not even Landon. After today you will not even be allowed at another meeting until your seventh year at Hogwarts.” Arianna knew Tarik would be having a talk with Tia about her future before she graduated.
Richard realized what Arianna was doing. The more they figured out that Seth was keeping secrets the worse it would be if Tia stayed and found out what was about to happen to her god-father. He was in for a rough 24 hours, possibly longer because of the test’s and the added level of approved Mind-diving.
Arianna could not let the girl stay. With any luck on their part, Tia would decide to leave on her own. He was not fooled though, she would be hounding any of the people she saw here, who were confirmed as part of the group, with questions.
Tia turned in her chair and looked at Brannan. She realized he was in a lot of trouble for bringing her here. It was all her fault of course and she would have to try and get him out of trouble. She turned back to Arianna, while she tried to think of something which would make his punishment less. These were grown-ups and she knew punishment as a grown up was harder than if it was for a childhood wrong. Tia wanted to be treated as an adult, but sometimes she had second thoughts.
Tia shook her head as she said, “I am sorry but I have promised the older Core that we would have no more secrets. Like you, the Core is a team and as some very wise trusted friends have told us...If we are to stay that way, then we must trust each other enough and keep nothing back! So if I can't at least inform the older members, I will have no choice but to decline? Though I must request that you consider that the Core have already proven ourselves where information is concerned? As I told Max the Core Trusts Those That Show They Trust Us!”
Tia shook her head as she said, “I am sorry but I have promised the older Core that we would have no more secrets. Like you, the Core is a team and as some very wise trusted friends have told us...If we are to stay that way, then we must trust each other enough and keep nothing back! So if I can't at least inform the older members, I will have no choice but to decline? Though I must request that you consider that the Core have already proven ourselves where information is concerned? As I told Max the Core Trusts Those That Show They Trust Us!”
With a broad smile on his face, Max turned in his chair and said to the young Princess, “That is a very wise decision Princess. I am extremely proud of you. You have taken on the added responsibility as leader of the Core with wisdom.”
“I add my approval to that statement,” Richard said, “You have come a long way Princess. I promise we will continue our talks and maybe we can even branch out a bit and include some of the Core in the exchange. I look forward to seeing your choices.” Richard could not erase the smile on his face. The young woman sitting near Ari was a far cry for the scared child of not very long ago.
(Arianna) “I will accept your decline of my offer to stay Tia. Because you have shown maturity I will also tell you that as soon as I can, probably in about four or five days, I will meet with you as leader of the Caretaker Group and you as leader of The Core. Each of us will be allowed one deputy to attend with us. So choose your deputy and I will be in contact, Agreed?
Tia nodded and said, “I choose Landon, as he is my second in command.”
“Very good,” Air smiled, “I will most likely bring Richard. Your god-father will be too busy for the next few days.
Tia nodded and said, “I choose Landon, as he is my second in command.”
“Very good,” Air smiled, “I will most likely bring Richard. Your god-father will be too busy for the next few days.
Turning to Richard, Arianna formally asked, “Richard would you agree to be my second at a very important meeting with the Tia and her second Landon?” She received a nod. Turning back to Tia, she said, “Done then. “ and held out her hand receiving a strong shake in return.
Bren smiled as he realized that Tia had reminded Air of the pact that was made in the Hospital Wing. She had come along way. He would wait on profiling the note until the issue of Tia had been decided…. the profiler could not risk dealing with the note in front of Tia.
(Arianna) “Mr. Dawson could you join us please. ….Mr. Dawson you will please escort our guest back to the other end of the tunnel. She had decided it would be better to have a meeting later. …When you get to the other end you will summon two Aurors who will escort Tia back to school. Please inform them they must deliver her into the school building, but once that has been accomplished they can return to London. She is free to return to her daily activities of her choice.”
“ When she is safely on her way, you will also permanently barricade the tunnel from any further use. …..Tia, if you do not allow the Aurors to transport you to the school, or you return here without my express permission, you will cancel our arrangement to talk, is that understood?”
When Air had received a nod, she looked at Brennan and said, “Return her immediately, Mr. Dawson, because we still have a lot of ground to cover and I would not want you to miss anything I may have to say to the others, … or to you. Now go and I will see you in a few moments.”
(Arianna) “Mr. Dawson could you join us please. ….Mr. Dawson you will please escort our guest back to the other end of the tunnel. She had decided it would be better to have a meeting later. …When you get to the other end you will summon two Aurors who will escort Tia back to school. Please inform them they must deliver her into the school building, but once that has been accomplished they can return to London. She is free to return to her daily activities of her choice.”
“ When she is safely on her way, you will also permanently barricade the tunnel from any further use. …..Tia, if you do not allow the Aurors to transport you to the school, or you return here without my express permission, you will cancel our arrangement to talk, is that understood?”
When Air had received a nod, she looked at Brennan and said, “Return her immediately, Mr. Dawson, because we still have a lot of ground to cover and I would not want you to miss anything I may have to say to the others, … or to you. Now go and I will see you in a few moments.”
When they were safely through the hidden door Arianna turned and walked back to her chair, sitting down harder than she normally did. Saying to no one in particular, “That was hard. That young man is going to drive me to drink something stronger than Butterbeer someday.” Straightening up in the chair she said, “Ok where were we…..?”
PIPPIN ENGLISH
Pippin English, comfortably rested her arm on Martins as he lead her through the maze of hallways of the Ministry. She did not need the escort because she had traveled the route many times before. Entering with her arm in Martin Kildare’s, Highly qualified Auror, would help her image of being trusted in the halls. She had him purposely lead her down some of the halls with open grouping of desks. So she could meet and greet as she went.
Martin stood up straight and tall. Pippen had asked him to lead her into the enclave of hallways, steps, ramps and open areas filled with desks of the Ministry of Magic. She was known as Auntie in the Ministry as well as the Caretaker Group. He held in his hands two plates of all types of cookies and candies. It was amazing watching her thread her way to this desk or that, talking to some of the people with a huge smile on her face. Sometimes she would take one of the plates with her and let a person choose one of the treats. Other times she would dole out hugs and kisses on the cheeks or even pats on the arms or back of this person or that person.
Each time she would come back to him, but her arm around the crook of his and smile confidently. Once she even said, “That was very interesting news.” But normally she just had him lead her closer to the Ministers office, which was now Seth’s.
It had taken them a good hour to walk what would have normally been a straight through journey of about ten minutes. When they reached the receptions office, they both looked around, because no one was there, which was very strange. The Minister of Magic had a secretary/receptionist on duty for at least twelve hours, seven days a week. Where was she now?
Martin stood patient as Pippin walked over to a mirror and re-set the few strands of hair which had come loose from her crown of hair fashioned in a bun. She also checked her clothes to make sure they were straight. She turned to him and took the bottom plate which she had not allowed anyone to remove even the smallest piece and said, “Ready?” Martin nodded and they walked into the room.
"Hello everyone," Pippin said with a smile. As she walked toward Seth's desk she nodded to Arianna, and waved to Richard and Max. When she reached Seth's desk she smiled marrily, put the plate down and uuwrapped it. "Made these for you Boss, very special ... I think you will like them. The have cinimon in them and it will be up to you to see if you can figure out the other major spice." Carefully she removed three of the cookies and put them on a napkin then passed them out to her other friends.
Martin, walked over and kissed his mother-in-law on the cheek, and shook Richard and Max's hands then settled into a chair one over from his mother-in-law. "Did we miss anything?" he asked watching Pippen walk around the room. She worked any room she walked into. He saw Richard show her a note and Maxwell pointed to the hidden door to the tunnel.
As Pippen walked back toward Seth's desk, she had shaken her head in a sad way, but reaching Seth's desk she had a sunny smile again on her face. Her eyes questioned why he had not touched anything on the plate. Usually he grabbed a handful and munched on them while they talked. Just as carefuly as before she removed a couple of the cookies and placed them on a napkin from a pocket in her dress she watched him carefully and she gave him the information she had gathered on their walk to the office, "Boss, you should get out and know your people. You need to let Lawarance in the State Department office have a little time off, even though he would never ask for it because they just had triplets and he is having a difficult time, because his wife did not come through it well; also Jamerson is making a trip to France to visit his mother, so if you still need to get that packet to the Ministry office there, he would be a great courer; Margaret in Finance needs to be watched, that outfit she had on cost too much for what she makes and..." Pippin stopped and looked around the room She looked at Martin with questioning eyes.
Martin had slowly felt the rooms heavy atmosphere slowly seep into his brain. Looking at Arianna he asked, "Mother, what has happened?"
Ari smiled at her son-in-law and lightly touched his arm with her hand for just a moment. "To begin with, the receptionist delivered a crystal plant to Seth this morning, like the one in Egypt. Richard put a barrier around it and put it back out into the outer reception room. If you could check it out later, son I would appreciate it."
Martin smiled and nodded. It had been a while since he worked with one of thoes pesky plants.
"Brennan will be busy deciphering a note, Seth received this morning on his pillow by the Protector." Martin and Arianna's eyes both flew to Seth's desk when they heard the intake of Pippin's breath and saw her take a small step closer to his chair. H er eyes were looking at Seth.
Martin noticed Richard had held up a piece of parchment. He looked back to Seth and asked, "What time did you receive the note .... or I should ask when did you first notice the note?"
"Oh and Mr. Dawson decided to bring Tia through the secret tunnel. At the present time he is taking her back through the tunnel and turning her over to two Auror's who will return her to the school... He will be permanently closing down the other end, which if you do not mind double checking I would appreciate it. After the tunnel has been dismantled then we will replace the door at this end. The auxiliary tunnel will have to be used for a while for speed, but I would preferr apparation for the most part for travel. I want to teach Brennan a good lesson about this because I cannot have this large a breach in security... and I want him to remember it. When he returns, please, just follow my lead."
When Arianna called Sherlock, Mr. Dawson, Martin had done a double take. She was mad but it was understandable. She had been running the Caretaker Group as it evolved, for the last seventy-five years and she ran a tight group. When she had first proposed Brennan for a member, there had been a discussion on the fact he may be too young and inexperienced to take on the duties he would be required to carry out, but Ari was determined to give him a chance.. She had paired him with Richard who had the experience he would need to know about. The pairing so far had done very well. Martin nodded.
Arieana was still mad, Richard realized. Brennan had made a very bad choice and now he might not have a partner for a while. He was sure he could keep Ari from totally putting out of the group, but he did not have much hope of Brennan being able to live a normal life for a while.
"Now for the next part, which concerns Seth." Martin watched Arianna stand up with worry clouding his eyes. Arianna took a couple of steps which put her directly in front of Seth's desk. "We are going to do this by the book, so Seth Wright please stand. Richard you will be head of security for this testing so please join me here." Seth slowly stood, looking straight forward and Richard rose and walked to the desk and took a position next to Arianna.
Pippin who had not moved from the back corner of the desk, looked at Arianna, Richard and Seth, then she went to sit down. Something was up. She was surprised when Air stopped her and said, "Pippin this also concerns you. Please stay." Arianna was betting there was only one person Seth would choose. She had noticed the special interest at least on Seth's part. She had not been around Pippin much lately to be able to judge how she would react to added attention by Seth. Pippin returned to her original spot about two feet away from Seth. Her eyes were glued to Air.
Slowly she lowered her hands, sat up very straight in her chair and putting on her Administrative face, she said, “Seth Wright, you know I very rarely repeat myself, but in your case I will. At the end of this meeting you will be escorted to St. Mungo’s Hospital complex and in the special clinic area for the Caretakers you will be given a full Caretaker physical along with a Mind Dive procedure to Level five using minimum restraints. If it is deemed necessary I am giving my permission to have the Mind Dive proceed to Level 6. This will require a minimum of 24 hours.”
Arianna watched as the Terror grew on Seth’s face, but she had to stay strong. Turning to Richard she said, “Caretaker you are now on official watch duty. You have heard what I have said to Boss. He is to remain under light guard the whole time at the Clinic area. He is to see no one other than those in the building. You may use Brennan and Martin, if you like for relief watchers of if business calls you away. Understood?”
When she had received Richards acknowledgement she turned back to Seth. “Seth look at me … this is going to be hard I know, but it has to be done …. I would expect it to be done to me if it was deemed necessary.” It would take three of the Caretaker Group to say Air needed to be checked. It had actually happened in the beginning of the Caretaker Groups formation, right after she had lost her husband and her son.
Sitting forward in her chair slightly she continued, “I will allow you to choose one other Caretaker member to be present during the time you are being examined. This person will act as your advocate if something should happen, or if you just need someone to talk to.” Turning quickly to Richard, to make sure he was still listening, then turning back to Seth, she added, “I will even agree to not have your conversations between you and your advocate recorded. But Seth do not put your advocate in jeopardy of possibly having to be examined also.”
Seth’s face had taken on an almost numb look. Air knew he was having a hard time processing what was going to happen. In all the years she had known Seth Wright, she had never contemplated she would have to do this check on him. Finishing she said, “As far as refusing goes I will give this order: If at any time during the examination process you refuse to proceed with any suggestion by Maxwell or Lance, you will be immediately confined and I will be notified. I will come and talk to you but there will be an excellent chance we would submit you to a mind-wipe of all Caretaker information. We would try our utmost to keep it to that information, but you know the process is not fool-proof.”
Air sat back in her chair again and said, “Make your decision Boss. This is an all or nothing order.”
Arianna watched as the Terror grew on Seth’s face, but she had to stay strong. Turning to Richard she said, “Caretaker you are now on official watch duty. You have heard what I have said to Boss. He is to remain under light guard the whole time at the Clinic area. He is to see no one other than those in the building. You may use Brennan and Martin, if you like for relief watchers of if business calls you away. Understood?”
When she had received Richards acknowledgement she turned back to Seth. “Seth look at me … this is going to be hard I know, but it has to be done …. I would expect it to be done to me if it was deemed necessary.” It would take three of the Caretaker Group to say Air needed to be checked. It had actually happened in the beginning of the Caretaker Groups formation, right after she had lost her husband and her son.
Sitting forward in her chair slightly she continued, “I will allow you to choose one other Caretaker member to be present during the time you are being examined. This person will act as your advocate if something should happen, or if you just need someone to talk to.” Turning quickly to Richard, to make sure he was still listening, then turning back to Seth, she added, “I will even agree to not have your conversations between you and your advocate recorded. But Seth do not put your advocate in jeopardy of possibly having to be examined also.”
Seth’s face had taken on an almost numb look. Air knew he was having a hard time processing what was going to happen. In all the years she had known Seth Wright, she had never contemplated she would have to do this check on him. Finishing she said, “As far as refusing goes I will give this order: If at any time during the examination process you refuse to proceed with any suggestion by Maxwell or Lance, you will be immediately confined and I will be notified. I will come and talk to you but there will be an excellent chance we would submit you to a mind-wipe of all Caretaker information. We would try our utmost to keep it to that information, but you know the process is not fool-proof.”
Air sat back in her chair again and said, “Make your decision Boss. This is an all or nothing order.”
Seth had not moved his eyes from the stare they held to some point behind Arianna. "Seth Wright earlier you were ordered by me to stand-down from your Caretaker position and duties for a minimum or 24 hours. During that time I have ordered you to have a Class I Caretaker Physical done by Doctor Kilare and a mind-dive to at least level 5 and possibly level 6 done by Doctor Sinclair. These have been ordered because of possible breech of security. I am also allowing you to choose an advocate for that time period. Have you made your choice?"
Seth stood there for a moment still never moving his eyes from the distant point. Slowly he did look at Arianna and said, "Yes, I choose Pippin English." He cringed when he heard the intake of Pippin's breath, but he did not look at her. Maybe she did not want to get involved in the whole process. She could be setting herself up for a possible mind-dive and physical. He was worried and he moved his eyes back to the point on the back wall waiting for her answer.
This had all happened befor Martin and Pippin had arrived at the meeting. Seth was not under arrest, but he was a basic lockdown from communicating with anyone outside the office. Somewhere along the line he would be involved in the security aspict so he listened to all the detail.
Arianna nodded but did not change the blank no-nonsense look on her face: she had been right. Turning to Richard she said, "Caretaker, Boss has choosen Auntie as his advocate, do you have any reservations with this choice?" Receiving a "No" from Richard she told him he could sit down. Turning to Pippin she said, "Pippin English, Seth Wright has chosen you to be his advocate during the test and mind-dive he has been ordered to take."
"Let me explain what this means. You wil go with Boss to the Caretaker Medical Complex at St. Mungo's Hospital where you will remain in lockdown with Mr. Wright, Doctor Sinclair, Doctor Kildare and Professor Greene. The only others allowed in the building will be myself, Mr. Dawson and Auror Kildare." Arianna wanted to make very sure Pippin understood what was about to happen. Continuing she said, "During the twenty-four plus hours, Mr. Wright will undergo a complete Class I Caretaker Physical, which as you know can be a little debilitating for a short time. He will also undergo a mind-dive to a minimum of Level 5. I have given my permission for it to be carried to Level 6 if deemed necessary."
Arianna took a side glance at Seth. He had not moved his eyes. Softening her tone a little she added, "Pippin, as an advocate you will be his voice if anything goes wrong. You will not have your conversations recorded, but I reserve the right to question you at any time on what Seth has said and depending on your answer, I could require you to also have a mind-dive done. This is serious Auntie." Knowing Seth could hear every word she said she added, "We expect to find something Auntie.... just not sure what." Ari again glanced at Seth, who's face had turned a shade whiter, but he had not moved. "What is your answer to the request, Pippen English?" All Arianna could do was wait to see
Pippin slowly let the information seep in. Seth was being put on Lock-down and had basicly had all his responsibilities with the Caretakers removed and put on hold. He had choosen her to go through this with him. She would of course, but she had to know his reason. She took the two remaining steps which would place her right beside Seth, and slowly reached out to touch his arm. In a quiet voice she said, "Seth," he did not look at her so she tried again. "Seth look at me please. "
Seth took a deep breath and looked at Arianna for permission to talk with Pip, with mixed feeling on whether he wanted her to say it was alright. Ariann motioned in Pip's direction so with lead feet he pivoted the quarter turn which allowed him to look at her, but he was having major trouble looking into her eyes. He was in real trouble, and under the worse case scenario he could be a discarded man in the very near future. He was asking her to have confidence in him, but was unsure if she would allow herself to get involved.
The look on Seth's face tore at Pippin's heart . His eyes held pain and a pleading, but his body was on full guard to take a hit. Pippen took his hand in hers and asked, "Seth, I would know why you have not requested one of the gentlemen ot go through this with you. Why do you want me .... I may not be right for this."
Seth looked down at his hand in Pip's and rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb. From the corner of his eye he saw Arianna walk back to where Richard was sitting. She was giving him some privacy. Mentally Seth made himself focus on looking Pippin directly in the eyes. Clearing his throat he said, "Auntie..." Stopping he started again, "Pippin ..... Pip I know this is a big favor to ask of you. I need your help." Stopping again he rubbed his face with his free hand, "You ask why you. I will be taken directly from here after the meeting and will be held by people I know, but also people who have all signed on the same dotted line I did, so many years ago. I will basically be turning my future over to them and when they find something they will have very few choices on what they can do with me."
Seth looked away for a moment then took another breath and looked back into Pip's eyes. When he had looked away she had grabbed his hand tighter. "The others are going to be needed to protect the Core and carry on with their present jobs.... not that you are not important its just ...Pip we have known each other for quite a few years now and I have come to rely on your perception and your abilities, I need you to be available to use what you know to help me, I ...." Seth had not been doing this like he wanted to. He looked again around the room. Air was still talking to Richard at the back of the room. Martin was sitting with Max discussing something on a piece of paper.
It was now or never. Turning back to Pip he said in a very quiet voice, "Pip, I am scared of what they are going to find, and I know they are going to find something with the mind-dive, I am just not sure how much. Over the past couple of weeks I have been losing hours during the day. It started with an hour here and there, and today I lost a lot longer amount of time. Pip, I ..." Seth stopped and then with determination, he finished, "Pippin English, I love you. I wanted to do this differently over dinner or maybe a ride on the water of the Lock, but I do not have the time left. Please Pip ... help me. I will not ask for any promises from you.... I won't ask you to declare your love back to me, I won't ..."
Seth did not have a chance to say anymore because Pippin placed the fingers of her hand lightly on Seth's lips and smiled at him. "Seth Wright ... I am glad you have finally declared yourself.... I have been waiting for so long.... I do not know what kind of trouble you have gotten yourself into, but I love you also. We will get through this together." Pippin squeezed Seth's hand and then turned toward the room. "Air, I think I am ready to give my answer now."
Air got up and said one more thing to Richard then walked back to the desk. Before she had gotten there, Pippin and Seth had walked around to the front of the desk, still hand clasped. Air said, "Pippen English, what is your answer. Do you agree to be Seth Wrights advocate in the upcoming examination?" Air smiled because she knew what the answer was going to be.
Pippin hooked her arm in Seth's and replied, "Yes, I will agree to be his advocate." Smiling at Seth who was staring at her, she asked, "So where do we go from here?"
"Appointment declared." Smiling she said, "Pippen, go talk to Richard. He will be in charge of security so it will be up to him on what you can take with you and what free time you will have with Seth. Thank you Pip." Pippen started back to where Richard was sitting near the wall. Seth motioned toward his desk and followed Pippen to Richard's spot. Arianna shook her head and went behind the desk which Seth had just vacated. Looking toward the back wall she saw that Pippen had taken a seat next to Richard and Seth stood beside her with his hand laying gently on her shoulder. Pippen was listening intently. In the front row, Martin was talking to Maxwell. She quietly cleared her thoughts while looking at the two men.
Maxwell had been making notes and answering some questions for Martin, while trying to monitor Seth's blood pressure and well being. There was fear and worry but it was all wrapped up in love for Pippin. He smiled staying out to the conversation. This was between those two. When Air cleared her throat both men looked at her and saw the question in her eyes. Maxwell nodded and Martin smiled. Seth was all right now.
Air made herself comfortable in the chair behind te desk. Just as she was about to check her message ball to see if any of the other Caretaker Group had checked in, Brennan came through the secret door to the tunnel. Now it was time to take care of one other problem.
"Mr. Dawson, could you please join me here for a moment." As Brennan made his way to the desk, she turned to Martin and said, "Martin could you join us also please." Brennan looked worried, "Good," Arianna thought
(OOC: I have permission to say what Seth did in this post from Barbie)
TIA ANDREAS
“Tia you need to understand, what Mr. Dawson has just allowed to happen, has put everyone in this office in danger.” Arianna wondered if it would do any good to explain to this head strong teenager. “It is a serious breach of security rules which have been established over a long period of time. I am not saying you would tell but when security is broken someone needs to take the blame.”
Tia stood up straight.. She needed to prove she could take the blame for actions where she thought she had caused a problem. “I am the one that broke the rules. I am the one that is to blame not Bren. I won't have anybody else take my fall, especially Brennan. You married an Andreas and should know our family's motto?”
Arianna looked over to where Brennan was sitting, head bent down. He looked like a small boy, waiting to go into the schools headmasters’ office for punishment he knew he had coming. “I will deal with Mr. Dawson later.”
Tia shook her head as she said with the strongest voice she could, “No! I am responsible not Bren! And anyways the little man saw me and could have told Bren even before we left Charitee's. He didn't and even commented on how sneaky I had become. The man had even given me some pointers.”
Richard was the first to ask, “Tia, your friend told you Brennan was going to be called to this office today?”
Tia shook her head as she answered, “No, yesterday around eight a.m. That was why I was wondering why it took thirty-six hours? If godfather became Minister yesterday and Bren was needed, why didn't the little man wait until today?”
Tia watched her godfather pull out his appointment book and started writing down something. The young Slytherin noticed that Seth was shaking his head and looking at Dr. Sinclair extremely worried. She was glad that her journal was in her pocket and had a list of everything that she did every day.
Turning around he asked, “Tia, you are not telling us everything, are you…. you need to tell us all you know or maybe someone here will be in more trouble than necessary.”
Tia looked at Bren and then her godfather getting worried as she read her godfather's body language. Something was not right as it seemed that it was Seth that was in trouble as she had never seen him so nervous. Getting up and going to stand by him she said knowing the adults were not going to like it, “I don't reveal secrets and my friend told me things that I have no right repeating. Not without his permission first!”
Her hand went to the pocket with her journal while her other hand went to her medallion. “What did my friend mean when he got angry that Seth disappeared from one a.m. To one p.m.? I can't believe that my friend had been following my godfather all day yesterday. Why? At least my journal has a record of what my friend told me.”, Tia wondered.
Tia started to get the pressure that came when her friend was near and trying to listen in on her thoughts.
Arianna let a smile continue to curve the corner of her lips, “Tarik knows about the organization, Tia.” She paused letting the smile grow a little bigger, “He has just not decided yet to join us. He has difficulty
Tia nodded as she said, “He just worries about you, that's what brothers do. I used to not be able to go anywhere without the third degree from Marcus. I still wish he had been able to tell me that he was my big brother. I would have understood his behavior then.”
Tia shook her head as she thought, “He used me to find that tunnel? He is out there and seems furious, Why?” The pressure got worst as she tried to block her friend. She said to him in her thoughts, “This meeting is private, I won't be your master's listening device or your's!” Tia felt her friend's confusion and anger.
Tia heard her friend as he linked with Sinclair, “You are confusing her! I care nothing for this meeting! I want to know what Fixer wanted? Either you will tell me or I Will Get It From The Minister!” Tia shook her head as the pain brought tears to her eyes as she quietly said, “Who's Fixer?”
Tia smiled and said, “Thanks guys. I would not have followed Bren but I got worried about what my friend said especially after what happened this summer, Max. I don't trust my friend's master and I am not at all happy that he is having my godfather watched.”
Turning to Seth, she said, “Godfather, whatever happened at one this morning...Please don't take it on yourself. I understand why you and Samantha kept my identity a secret even from me but once I found out, I wished you guys had come clean as Samantha was a bad lyer. It is easier for me to prepare and know my enemies when those I trust are honest with me. Seth, I am not a little kid anymore and I hate hearing about my family from people who have no right judging them. Godfather whatever you need to deal with, do so but I really think it is time that you came clean about why my dad and you blamed yourselves for a raid that you guys did by the book, don't you?”
Tia smiled as she shook Tarik's sister's hand.
As Tia walked into the secret tunnel, she reached into her pocket and gave Bren her journal.
Bren smiled as he asked, “Tia, you sure? This could get Seth in worse trouble.”
Tia nodded as she said, “Bren, he has no clue and it is scaring him. You saw his face when I mentioned that he has been Minister for thirty-six hours. I think the note and the missing time are two different people. Just do me a favor?”
Bren smiled as he asked, “What favor?”
Tia grinned as she answered just as the Aurors appeared, “Just returned the trust he showed in you, Bren. Don't judge until you have all the facts. Can you guys do that?”
Bren gave the Aurors, their orders. Then giving Tia a hug, Bren whispered, “That is why nobody outside of the ones you saw even know what Arianna has ordered. Everybody else will be told that the Minister is away having a meeting with the British Prime Minister. Cameron is already aware of the story and has taken the steps needed to insure people buy the story. Can you insure no leaks from your side?”
Tia nodded as she walked away with the Aurors.
Bren waited until Tia and her escorts were out of sight. Then used a non-verbal spell to create a cave in that buried the whole tunnel under a ton of mountain. Smiling as he started the long walk to the entrance to the Ministry.
Bren cringed as he waited for Lucas, Neo and Franco to enter before him. Then once they were in, he sealed the door with a Caretaker priority ten seal. Walking up to Arianna, Bren said, “Air, the tunnel is now under a ton of mountain. Tia is on her way back to school. We did not fool her one bit though. She asks that we show her godfather the same trust that he and you showed me. The princess also gave me her journal. Air, the journal records everything which means it contains her conversation with Protector.”
Turning to Seth, Bren said in his best Head of Security voice, “Tia said that you were more upset about the time frame. Why? And maybe you should give Martin what you wrote. It is your schedule as you remember it right?”
Seeing the look of fear in Seth's eyes, Bren smiled as he said to his friend, “Seth, we will figure this out but you have got to trust us and have the same faith that I had back when I was ordered to go through this. Seth, any more notes that we need to see?”
Neo and Franco reached into their pockets and handed two notes to Bren as they said, “These might help as they are from Fixer and we received the first ones sometime after midnight. We were asleep so didn't find out about them until right before we headed for this meeting. That was when Franco received his second one from Fixer. So we chose to bring them.”
ARIANNA
Maxwell swung a quick look at Richard and then at Arianna. His looked finally stopped at Seth's when he said, "That is a very good point Tia. I guarantee it will be something we look into. Right Seth?" Maxwell and Seth's eyes locked for a long time, before Seth broke the eye contact and looked at his desk. "Something was really wrong with the whole situation, but bringing it up in front of Tia was not going to happen…. it was Caretaker Group business."
Richard rubbed the back of his neck and looked at the young girl standing beside Seth's desk. They had all tried to give her a chance to grow up and it seemed she was taking full advantage of it. She was learning to watch what she said and she was learning to value friendships and that others had a right to their privacy. How to explain though the difference between keeping someone's confidance and helping to make sure information needed by the group was there.
"Tia," Richard started, "No one in this office wants you to betray a confidence with a friend, but your friend may not understand information can help. Could you please ask it you can give us the information, then we can discuss ways to help each other." Richard wanted to see if he could get the Protector to help and maybe take part in the conversation.
Richard was making notes as Tia talked. Apparantly there was twelve hours missing and by the growing look on Seth's face, Seth was just starting to realize the fact. If it grow much more, Richard was going to call for Seth to be taken to the hospital long before the end of the meeting.
Arianna could see Tia was starting to not feel well. She looked over to Maxwell and raised her eyebrows. He signaled for her to have Tia return to her seat near her. "Tia, sweetheart, come sit back down here. The guys will all take care of Seth. He will be fine. I promise."
The smile on Arianna's face grew bigger. "Tarik was always the protective one… and I know he loves me. We grew up in a culture where the man was always in charge and was supposed to protect the woman. This protection usually consisted of keeping her closed in and not letting her learn how to survive in this world. I have … let us say branched out. It is hard for him to know I do not need his constant protection, but we will work it out. He loves you Tia and he has worked hard to make sure you have a good childhood. He wants the world for you. Listen to his wisdom and learn from his past, ok?"
Arianna watched Maxwell face because he was intent on watching Tia. She knew Tia trusted Maxwell more to be able to read her, because of their past sessions. Maxwell said gently, "Tia he is frightened you want to leave him behind. He has been told to find out all the information he could from all of us. He feels comfortable with you and knows you are important … so he stays near to get what information he can. You must make him understand you feel uncomfortable with him always trying to break into your thoughts…. only you can do that?" Maxwell smiled at Arianna to let her know it was all right now.
Maxwell closed his eyes for a moment and felt the confusion of the Protector. The man/boy was having a hard time realizing it was not acceptable to Tia to be so close. It was going to be a hard lesson for him to learn.
Arianna could not help but smile. "Yes Tia, I did marry an Andreas, and was happily married… Thomas and I helped establish the family motto of never letting someone else take the fall for something you did. it makes me proud to know you have matured enough to understand the ramifications of the motto. You did break the rules but Tia you are not presently a member of this organization and all the members understand they are responsible if they break the rules or if they allow a non-member to break the rules."
Looking at the portrait on the wall, Arianna received a shrug from the little man sitting in the chair. "Tia our friend in the portrait is a messenger. He has his opinions and is welcome to give them but he has no say-so on what happens in this organization. Again it comes back to the point that Brennan is supposed to be Head of security and the final responsibility falls on him. That is the way this works Tia, it may not seem fair, but it just is.."
Maxwell closed his eyes and put his hand to his temple as if he was resting his head on his hand. Through his thoughts he said, "Gently Protector, I can hear you… Just before last summer break a Fixer took several of the people in this room hostage and asked for information concerning our codebook and other facts. He harmed several of the people bad enough they had to be put in the hospital to recover. He works for who hires him and pays him the most. He is neither good nor bad although I personally think there is better in him than he will allow others to see. He once saved Tia's live when she was very small"
To Tia, Maxwell said, "Fixer is a mercenary who works for the person who pays him the most. Our group has had some dealings with him."
Maxwell thought for a moment and then said to Tia, "We do not trust him either Tia and we are trying to take percussions. It would help if you had the school group do the same thing. Protect yourselves, through the group."
As Brennan made his way to the desk, Arianna welcomed, Lucas, Neo and Franco to enter. Apparently, they had been in the waiting room thinking the secretary had just stepped away from her desk. Richard had checked his message globe and discovered they were there, and then went and invited them into the meeting. "Hello, gentlemen," she said as they entered. "Please have a seat and we will bring you up to speed in a moment. Franco it is good to see you here, but maybe you should not have left the hospital so soon." Receiving a thumbs-up from Neo, she realized Franco was being watched, for medical after effects of his kidnapping.
Martin watched as Brennan tried to square his shoulders and stand up straight walking toward Seth's desk, where Arianna now sat. He would not want to be in the young man's shoes. He was going to have to play this straight up …. Later he could tell the young man how bad he felt. Brennan had put himself in this situation and from what Arianna had discussed with him he was going get treated with Kid gloves…. he had seen Arianna a lot worse with punishment for breaking the rules.
Although she was taking note of each of Brennan's points, she let him get everything out of his system, looked at Martin and asked, "Martin did you get all of Mr. Dawson's concerned noted?"
Martin nodded and answered in a very professional tone, "Yes Air, all have been noted and will be handled when you are done."
"Good," Air said as she sat back in the desk chair and formed a pyramid with her fingers in front of her. She wanted Brennan to squirm a bit…. she wanted to make sure he remembered what he had just done, so there was no chance of it happening again ever. The tunnel he just destroyed had been established seventy-five years earlier, during the very beginning years of the Caretaker Group. Now there was no secure way for the Minister of Magic to get out of the office if he needed to.
After a very long moment, she sat forward and looked into Brennan's eyes. She was proud of him in the respect he did not look away from her penetrating eyes. Finally looking at Martin she said, "Auror please present the charges against Mr. Dawson." Arianna too a quick look around the room and realized everyone had stopped what they were doing and was watching.
Martin took a deep breath, and recited what he and Air had worked out earlier. Turning toward Brennan he said, "Mr. Dawson, known in the Caretaker Group as Sherlock, is being charged with breaking a high-level security code by allowing a non-member free access to the emergency escape tunnel, which was provided for the safety of the Minister of Magic, thus putting this official office in danger. He is also being charged with allowing a non-member into a classified meeting of the Caretaker Group, thus putting the group in danger."
When Martin was finished, Arianna turned to Brennan and said, "How do you plead Mr. Dawson to the charges presented. No explanations will be permitted at this moment; I just need a guilty of not guilty from you." She waited along with everyone else in the room to see if Brennan would be brave enough to own up to what he did.
Bren swallowed hard, tried to stand a little taller, looked Arianna straight in the eyes and said, "Guilty to the first charge. Not Guilty to the second as all I was told was you and Seth needed to see me, Air."
Arianna again relaxed back into the overstuffed office chair. Lacing her fingers in front of her and relaxing her elbows on the arms of the chair, she continued. "Your plea is noted and recorded. I must tell you Mr. Dawson I am extremely disappointed in you. You passed all the Caretaker classes with excellence, I even had enough confidence in you at the time I had you sign to make you Head of my Security, and have you made Head of Security at Hogwarts. Now you have been charged with breaking two of the rules of your own department."
Leaning forward and resting her arms in front of her on the desk, Arianna took each point separately. "As to your not guilty plea on the second charge of allowing a non-member into a classified meeting of the Caretaker Group I will accept your plea with reservations. You will learn Mr. Dawson if you are being called to this office or to my office or to any office by a superior it is considered a meeting . I hope I am very clear on that fact."
"Now to you guilty plea on the first offence, breaking a high-level security code by allowing a non-member free access to the emergency escape tunnel, which was provided for the safety of the Minister of Magic, thus putting this official office in danger, it is also accepted. In case you do not remember reading it in one of your lessons, I will remind you, the tunnel you were just made to destroy because of the breach of protocol, was established seventy-five years ago as protection for the Minister of Magic. It was established after one of the Ministers became trapped in this office and lost his life." Air had to stop for a moment, because it had been her husband, who lost his life.
Slowly she took a breath and continued to look at Brennan, "I have run the Caretaker Group for many years Mr. Dawson, and I pride myself on choosing good and competent people to work for me and to work toward the goals I have established. … Before I pronounce punishment … I have one question I wish answered, and I advise you to think hard on the answer… do you wish to remain a member of the Caretaker Group?"
Bren fought back the anger, which was building in him; anger he knew would only damage his case now, "Air, that same tunnel was how they got Fox out, which meant somebody already knew about it. I planned to request permission to destroy it as I have already begun work on its replacement. Air, though I wish with all my heart to stay a member of the Caretakers..." he stopped finding it hard to stay calm then continuing in what he hoped was an even voice, "You have known from day one that I have always looked at Tia differently than most of you. Where you see her as somebody that we need to shield...I have seen a young girl that has already had to deal with adult problems and who feels that she is being kept in the dark by those she trusts most."
Arianna nodded and looked at Martin who was trying to stay in character as the rough Auror. She noticed the slight upturn of the corners of his mouth. While pretending to think she also surveyed the room and realized everyone else knew Brennan had made some valuable points. They probably would have applauded under other circumstances. Focusing back on Brennan she said, "You have more to say, Mr. Dawson?" and then sat back to listen.
Waiting until Air spoke, Bren continued hoping he was headed in the right direction, because he did not want to lose his job. "Air, what happened this summer proves that at least one, plans on using that to possibly turn Tia into his puppet. I and a couple of others have decided to show total faith in Tia's ability to make good choices with any given information."
Again Ari looked around the room and received nods from Richard and Maxwell. She motioned for Brennan to continue.
With a smile on his face as he remembered how Tia had chosen to decline Air's offer, he said with steadily building confidence, "I think she proved my case about it being time to trust her as she is learning to trust us. Air, I am not saying to tell her everything but if we can't tell her then at least let us be able to come up with something that let her know that it is for her protection that she doesn't get the answer. I saw the terror in her eyes when she grabbed my globe...I needed to know why and figured correctly that if I showed her that I trusted her fully she would do the same."
Handing Max, Tia's journal as he said, "And Air, if I hadn't we would not have that journal. So the decision is yours Air. You pick us to do what we each do best...I am a Profiler and Tia, I profiled a long time ago...so, I ask you...do you Air trust me enough to understand that if I do something...I have reasons that will always have the Caretakers code at it's heart...Which is to prepare Tia for her future while protecting her?"
Arianna sat very still knowing Brennan was waiting for her answer. He made excellent points but she was trying to figure out if she wanted to acknowledge all his points at the moment. sitting forward again she cleared her throat and said, "You have made very valid points Mr. Dawson and I can safely say I agree with you on every one of them, with a few small reservations. Tia has shown more maturity over the past few months than in her last few years at Hogwarts, but she is still a child trying to take on the adult world. You are an adult and thus are required to know the rules and follow them."
Bren answered soberly, "There we can both agree and I will accept your judgment...but Air, Tia takes on the adult world cause her enemies have given her no choice...I am just saying we need to help prepare her better and that means answering her questions, even if all we can tell her is that we can't answer her at that time for...reasons."
"I will take your suggestion under serious advisement. I am now ready to pass judgment. I find you guilty of disobeying security protocol and putting this office in danger. You have said you are looking into another tunnel location which is good, because I can make it part of my ruling. You will locate and establish another tunnel and have it up and running within two weeks…. You will also take the Caretaker Group Advanced Security Course again…. the course is five weeks long, but since you should already know the material, I will give you two weeks also to re-familiarize yourself with all the material, complete all the infield examples and then report to me to be verbally questioned on the material." Arianna looked Brennan in the eyes continuing, "And Mr. Dawson I recommend you learn the rules verbatim."
Brennan looked like he was about to say something, so she held up her hand for continued silence and went on with her judgment, "I am also severing your partnership with Caretaker," before she could continue Richard stood up in the back of the room and said, "Air is that necessary?"
Arianna smiled because Richards's reaction showed her that her original partnership between the two, which Richard had fought against, had established itself on firm ground. Air waved him back down into his seat. "You are now a free agent. You are presently needed in security as back up for Richard and Martin for Seth's time in the hospital but you will have to regain your status as my Head of Security. At Hogwarts nothing has changed." For a moment, she paused and then added, "I cannot have my rules broken Mr. Dawson. For the next two weeks you will be under the close supervision of Auror Kildare the new temporary Head of Security for the Caretaker Group." Arianna did not have to look at Martin's face to know he was trying to tell her he did not want the job. "Is there any part of my judgment you do not understand, Mr. Dawson?"
Bren cringed and turned to look at Richard who was trying to sit with a blank face in the back of the room. Brennan had been partners with him too long to know he was not fighting with his own emotions on the judgment. They had discussed their partnership many times and both had come to the realization it was one of the best things Arianna had done. They complimented each other. Richard was fantastic at finding information and people and Brennan was good at deciphering the information found and getting information from what someone had gone through. Looking back at Arianna and squaring his shoulders he asked in what he hoped was a firm voice, "Only one part of the judgment, I will ask for a total group approval, Air. The reason for the total group vote is I cannot agree that my partnership with Caretaker be severed as he had nothing to do with my personal on the spot judgment call."
Brennan knew the rules well. Arianna did not really run a democracy but she did allow for reasonable questioning of her orders did not include fieldwork. Everyone knew though if the vote did not come out with good explanations behind the results then she would veto the whole thing. On this point, she would let the group decide. "Yes Mr. Dawson I will allow you to take a vote on your partnership with Caretaker."
Arianna waved Martin and Brennan off to the side and counted the heads in the room. There was a quorum present and not tie breaker would be needed. "May I have everyone's attention please… Mr. Dawson has asked for a Group vote on one part of my judgment and I have allowed it as per the rule on the books. The question is: should Mr. Dawson be allowed to retain his partnership with Caretaker? Do I hear any comments on the question…" Air waited for 10 full seconds than said, "All those in favor of the partnership standing as is please raise your hands." Every hand in the room went up. Arianna smiled, saying, "Thank you," and then motioned to Martin and Brennan to stand in front of the desk. To Brennan she said, "Mr. Dawson, it appears you have many friends in the room. … I hope you never disappoint them. The rest of the ruling stands. You are still temporarily relieved as Head of Security for the Caretaker Group and must earn the position back again. …. And before you ask …. earning the position back means making me believe you deserve it.
Bren smiled and nodded approvingly saying, "I always believed Martin was better suited as Head of Caretaker Security as I am a Profiler who goes with my gut...speaking of which...my gut Air tells me that Richard and I were meant to be partners and the team we have formed with Lance and Max was meant to be, there is just a couple more to add and our sub-team will be complete.
Arianna took another deep breath and visibly relaxed. She motioned for Martin to be seated. When Brennan started to follow she said, "Mr. Dawson you have not been excused yet…" When Martin had walked away, and a quick glance around the room had everyone else back to their own jobs, she said, "Sherlock, do not disappoint me in this please. I need you in the Caretaker Group, I need your expertise and your mind." Looking around him she called, "Richard can you join us please."
Richard excused himself from talking with Pippin and Seth. It was going to be hard on both of them but they were going to be fine. Each one of them was trying to out do the other in concern and worry. Richard walked up to the desk and smiled at Brennan, then turned to Arianna and asked, "Air, what can I do for you?"
The partnership was definitely strong, she noticed. Richard had said hello to Brennan before he acknowledged the request. Trying not to allow more than a small smile to take over her face she said, "Are you sure you want to stay connected to Sherlock?" before he could say anything she added, "No don't answer that question …. your hand was raised higher than the others in the vote. Sherlock, I think is ready to return to work. He still has to complete the articles of the judgement so he is going to be very busy for the next two weeks. Use Martin mostly for you backup with Seth. I am going to place him under your watchful eye, he is not only your partner but until he passes the security test he is also your charge. …. " Turning back to Brennan she said, "Sherlock return to your duties …. let Martin know how things are going with the new tunnel and we will meet again in two weeks for your exam and a progress report." Broadening her smile she added, "Now go you two and let's get this meeting started. Brennan I will give you about 20 minutes, to get your thoughts in order concerning the notes."
As Richard and Brennan started toward the back of the room, Arianna noticed Neo and Franco both reach into their pockets…..
Shaking her head, realizing there were more notes, Arianna watched the room as she pulled out her message ball to see where the missing members were. Before she could check, Doctor Lance Kildare walked unceremoniously into the room and straight for Franco. He put his bag down on a chair, opened it and said to Franco, "Open your shirt now….. Do not look at me like that Franco … Maybe you want me to tell Air you left the hospital without a signed release from me … "
Ari looked in the direction of her grandson and asked, "Gentlemen does there seem to be a problem?"
Lance glared at Franco and then turned to Arianna, "No I just forgot to do a simple out the door check on Franco, everything is fine."
Air could always tell when her grandson was lying to her. "Lance, Franco and Maxwell, can you join me here please at the desk." As they started toward the desk, Neo also got up. "No Neo, relax, I do not need you at this time." When the men were standing in front of her she calmly said, "Lance you do not forget to do a necessary test, you are too picky about the rules." Franco and Lance were both squirming a little. Max just stood there smiling. He knew something was up. Air leaned back in her chair and watched the threesome for a very long moment then said, "Let me guess, and please feel free to tell me I am wrong." She held up her hand because it appeared Lance was about to say something, "Tell me after I am done." she said with a smile toward her grandson. "Franco, wanted to be at this meeting so bad, he left the hospital without permission." She realized she hit it on the head when neither Franco or Lance could look her in the eye. "So let's do this formally alright? Doctor Kildare from your actions I gather you must do a final check of Saints vitals …. do you need privacy for it?" Lance shook his head no. "Good then do your check and then I want a signed statement from you that he is fit to return to his duties otherwise return him to the hospital." Turning to Maxwell, "Max, it seems I have never received, to my knowledge, a signed statement from you either about Franco's mental abilities being up to par for his return to work."
"I have three more sessions on the schedule for Franco at the moment, but if Lance says he is physically fit enough, I will give you a paper stating he can return to work, with the stipulation, he makes all of those appointments." Franco did not like talking to Maxwell because he thought it was a waist of time, so there had been several mix-ups in some of the scheduling.
"I think I can guarantee Saint will be at the appointments, can't I Saint?" Air said in Franco's direction. She had a report from Maxwell about the problems of getting Franco to the appointments. The man thought he could work what happened to him at the Hog's Head and then at Khalid's lair afterwards; he figured it showed weakness to have to talk to a Psy-Healer. "In fact, since he has shown lack of judgment today, I think maybe I will strongly recommend an additional two secessions. If there is a problem scheduling, please let me know and I will see if I can personally help work out the times." Air smiled at the three of them and then waved them away.
Franco and Lance went back to where Lance's medical bag sat, and Lance started a check on his vital signs, and how his injuries had healed. Maxwell went back to his chair and continued to jot down notes in his small parchment binder while explaining something to Lucas. Air looked at her globe again. there were only a couple members still absent.
(OOC: Richard, Arianna, Lance and Maxwell are my characters, I had permission and help with the dialogue from Barbie for her characters which were included.)
Arianna let a smile continue to curve the corner of her lips, “Tarik knows about the organization, Tia.” She paused letting the smile grow a little bigger, “He has just not decided yet to join us. He has difficulty accepting the idea; I would be in total control over what he did as far as the Caretakers were concerned. Until he accepts that fact, he will not be joining the group. You can ask him about us if you like, but make sure you are the only two in the room… or better yet, go for a walk in the field and ask him.” She raised her eyebrows asking silently if the girl understood what she was saying concerning security.
Tia nodded as she said, “He just worries about you, that's what brothers do. I used to not be able to go anywhere without the third degree from Marcus. I still wish he had been able to tell me that he was my big brother. I would have understood his behavior then.”
Max got up out of his chair and walked over to where Tia and Air were sitting. He knelt down on one knee in front of Tia’s chair and tried to find the words she needed for comfort. “Tia, I am going to let you in on a not something which most adults will not admit to themselves. Everyone uses everyone in this world as some time or another. Sometimes it is a good use as in for love and friendship so they are not alone. That use can be for information to help others or to hurt others. What you may think is good, because of your experiences or how you have been taught, others may think of as a bad idea. This can run both ways also because there may be a time when you think something is bad or dangerous and the other person has been taught it is good.”
Tia shook her head as she thought, “He used me to find that tunnel? He is out there and seems furious, Why?” The pressure got worst as she tried to block her friend. She said to him in her thoughts, “This meeting is private, I won't be your master's listening device or your's!” Tia felt her friend's confusion and anger.
Max smiled because he could tell Tia was trying to decipher what he had just said, so he kept going. “How do you decide? If what is happening is hurting someone just to hurt them it is bad; if what is happening will cause damage to someone else's property because of anger it is bad; if what is happening is being done to control another person and take away their free will it is bad…. There are other examples I can give you. I will add one of the toughest ideas for adults to figure out. There are always gray areas …. Nothing is every completely black and white.. You think about this Tia and next time we have a chance to talk we will talk on the subject more.” Max got back up, kissed Tia on the forehead and walked back to his seat, smiling at Seth’s look as he sat down.
Tia heard her friend as he linked with Sinclair, “You are confusing her! I care nothing for this meeting! I want to know what Fixer wanted? Either you will tell me or I Will Get It From The Minister!” Tia shook her head as the pain brought tears to her eyes as she quietly said, “Who's Fixer?”
With a broad smile on his face, Max turned in his chair and said to the young Princess, “That is a very wise decision Princess. I am extremely proud of you. You have taken on the added responsibility as leader of the Core with wisdom.”
“I add my approval to that statement,” Richard said, “You have come a long way Princess. I promise we will continue our talks and maybe we can even branch out a bit and include some of the Core in the exchange. I look forward to seeing your choices.” Richard could not erase the smile on his face. The young woman sitting near Ari was a far cry for the scared child of not very long ago.
“I add my approval to that statement,” Richard said, “You have come a long way Princess. I promise we will continue our talks and maybe we can even branch out a bit and include some of the Core in the exchange. I look forward to seeing your choices.” Richard could not erase the smile on his face. The young woman sitting near Ari was a far cry for the scared child of not very long ago.
Tia smiled and said, “Thanks guys. I would not have followed Bren but I got worried about what my friend said especially after what happened this summer, Max. I don't trust my friend's master and I am not at all happy that he is having my godfather watched.”
Turning to Seth, she said, “Godfather, whatever happened at one this morning...Please don't take it on yourself. I understand why you and Samantha kept my identity a secret even from me but once I found out, I wished you guys had come clean as Samantha was a bad lyer. It is easier for me to prepare and know my enemies when those I trust are honest with me. Seth, I am not a little kid anymore and I hate hearing about my family from people who have no right judging them. Godfather whatever you need to deal with, do so but I really think it is time that you came clean about why my dad and you blamed yourselves for a raid that you guys did by the book, don't you?”
Turning to Richard, Arianna formally asked, “Richard would you agree to be my second at a very important meeting with the Tia and her second Landon?” She received a nod. Turning back to Tia, she said, “Done then. “ and held out her hand receiving a strong shake in return.
Tia smiled as she shook Tarik's sister's hand.
When they were safely through the hidden door Arianna turned and walked back to her chair, sitting down harder than she normally did.
As Tia walked into the secret tunnel, she reached into her pocket and gave Bren her journal.
Bren smiled as he asked, “Tia, you sure? This could get Seth in worse trouble.”
Tia nodded as she said, “Bren, he has no clue and it is scaring him. You saw his face when I mentioned that he has been Minister for thirty-six hours. I think the note and the missing time are two different people. Just do me a favor?”
Bren smiled as he asked, “What favor?”
Tia grinned as she answered just as the Aurors appeared, “Just returned the trust he showed in you, Bren. Don't judge until you have all the facts. Can you guys do that?”
Bren gave the Aurors, their orders. Then giving Tia a hug, Bren whispered, “That is why nobody outside of the ones you saw even know what Arianna has ordered. Everybody else will be told that the Minister is away having a meeting with the British Prime Minister. Cameron is already aware of the story and has taken the steps needed to insure people buy the story. Can you insure no leaks from your side?”
Tia nodded as she walked away with the Aurors.
Bren waited until Tia and her escorts were out of sight. Then used a non-verbal spell to create a cave in that buried the whole tunnel under a ton of mountain. Smiling as he started the long walk to the entrance to the Ministry.
Just as she was about to check her message ball to see if any of the other Caretaker Group had checked in, Brennan came through the secret door to the tunnel. Now it was time to take care of one other problem.
"Mr. Dawson, could you please join me here for a moment." As Brennan made his way to the desk, she turned to Martin and said, "Martin could you join us also please." Brennan looked worried, "Good," Arianna thought.
"Mr. Dawson, could you please join me here for a moment." As Brennan made his way to the desk, she turned to Martin and said, "Martin could you join us also please." Brennan looked worried, "Good," Arianna thought.
Bren cringed as he waited for Lucas, Neo and Franco to enter before him. Then once they were in, he sealed the door with a Caretaker priority ten seal. Walking up to Arianna, Bren said, “Air, the tunnel is now under a ton of mountain. Tia is on her way back to school. We did not fool her one bit though. She asks that we show her godfather the same trust that he and you showed me. The princess also gave me her journal. Air, the journal records everything which means it contains her conversation with Protector.”
Turning to Seth, Bren said in his best Head of Security voice, “Tia said that you were more upset about the time frame. Why? And maybe you should give Martin what you wrote. It is your schedule as you remember it right?”
Seeing the look of fear in Seth's eyes, Bren smiled as he said to his friend, “Seth, we will figure this out but you have got to trust us and have the same faith that I had back when I was ordered to go through this. Seth, any more notes that we need to see?”
Neo and Franco reached into their pockets and handed two notes to Bren as they said, “These might help as they are from Fixer and we received the first ones sometime after midnight. We were asleep so didn't find out about them until right before we headed for this meeting. That was when Franco received his second one from Fixer. So we chose to bring them.”
ARIANNA
Richard was the first to ask, "Tia, your friend told you Brennan was going to be called to this office today?
Tia shook her head as she answered, “No, yesterday around eight a.m. That was why I was wondering why it took thirty-six hours? If godfather became Minister yesterday and Bren was needed, why did the little man wait until today?”
Tia watched her godfather pull out his appointment book and started writing down something. The young Slytherin noticed that Seth was shaking his head and looking at Dr. Sinclair extremely worried. She was glad that her journal was in her pocket and had a list of everything that she did every day.
Tia shook her head as she answered, “No, yesterday around eight a.m. That was why I was wondering why it took thirty-six hours? If godfather became Minister yesterday and Bren was needed, why did the little man wait until today?”
Tia watched her godfather pull out his appointment book and started writing down something. The young Slytherin noticed that Seth was shaking his head and looking at Dr. Sinclair extremely worried. She was glad that her journal was in her pocket and had a list of everything that she did every day.
Maxwell swung a quick look at Richard and then at Arianna. His looked finally stopped at Seth's when he said, "That is a very good point Tia. I guarantee it will be something we look into. Right Seth?" Maxwell and Seth's eyes locked for a long time, before Seth broke the eye contact and looked at his desk. "Something was really wrong with the whole situation, but bringing it up in front of Tia was not going to happen…. it was Caretaker Group business."
Turning around he asked, “Tia, you are not telling us everything, are you…. you need to tell us all you know or maybe someone here will be in more trouble than necessary.”
Tia looked at Bren and then her godfather getting worried as she read her godfather's body language. Something was not right as it seemed that it was Seth that was in trouble as she had never seen him so nervous. Getting up and going to stand by him she said knowing the adults were not going to like it, “I don't reveal secrets and my friend told me things that I have no right repeating. Not without his permission first!”
Tia looked at Bren and then her godfather getting worried as she read her godfather's body language. Something was not right as it seemed that it was Seth that was in trouble as she had never seen him so nervous. Getting up and going to stand by him she said knowing the adults were not going to like it, “I don't reveal secrets and my friend told me things that I have no right repeating. Not without his permission first!”
Richard rubbed the back of his neck and looked at the young girl standing beside Seth's desk. They had all tried to give her a chance to grow up and it seemed she was taking full advantage of it. She was learning to watch what she said and she was learning to value friendships and that others had a right to their privacy. How to explain though the difference between keeping someone's confidance and helping to make sure information needed by the group was there.
"Tia," Richard started, "No one in this office wants you to betray a confidence with a friend, but your friend may not understand information can help. Could you please ask it you can give us the information, then we can discuss ways to help each other." Richard wanted to see if he could get the Protector to help and maybe take part in the conversation.
Her hand went to the pocket with her journal while her other hand went to her medallion. “What did my friend mean when he got angry that Seth disappeared from one a.m. To one p.m.? I can't believe that my friend had been following my godfather all day yesterday. Why? At least my journal has a record of what my friend told me.”, Tia wondered.
Richard was making notes as Tia talked. Apparantly there was twelve hours missing and by the growing look on Seth's face, Seth was just starting to realize the fact. If it grow much more, Richard was going to call for Seth to be taken to the hospital long before the end of the meeting.
Tia started to get the pressure that came when her friend was near and trying to listen in on her thoughts.
Arianna could see Tia was starting to not feel well. She looked over to Maxwell and raised her eyebrows. He signaled for her to have Tia return to her seat near her. "Tia, sweetheart, come sit back down here. The guys will all take care of Seth. He will be fine. I promise."
Arianna let a smile continue to curve the corner of her lips, “Tarik knows about the organization, Tia.” She paused letting the smile grow a little bigger, “He has just not decided yet to join us. He has difficulty...Arianna let a smile continue to curve the corner of her lips, “Tarik knows about the organization, Tia.” She paused letting the smile grow a little bigger, “He has just not decided yet to join us. He has difficulty accepting the idea; I would be in total control over what he did as far as the Caretakers were concerned. Until he accepts that fact, he will not be joining the group. You can ask him about us if you like, but make sure you are the only two in the room… or better yet, go for a walk in the field and ask him.” She raised her eyebrows asking silently if the girl understood what she was saying concerning security.
Tia nodded as she said, “He just worries about you, that's what brothers do. I used to not be able to go anywhere without the third degree from Marcus. I still wish he had been able to tell me that he was my big brother. I would have understood his behavior then.”
Tia nodded as she said, “He just worries about you, that's what brothers do. I used to not be able to go anywhere without the third degree from Marcus. I still wish he had been able to tell me that he was my big brother. I would have understood his behavior then.”
The smile on Arianna's face grew bigger. "Tarik was always the protective one… and I know he loves me. We grew up in a culture where the man was always in charge and was supposed to protect the woman. This protection usually consisted of keeping her closed in and not letting her learn how to survive in this world. I have … let us say branched out. It is hard for him to know I do not need his constant protection, but we will work it out. He loves you Tia and he has worked hard to make sure you have a good childhood. He wants the world for you. Listen to his wisdom and learn from his past, ok?"
Max got up out of his chair and walked over to where Tia and Air were sitting. He knelt down on one knee in front of Tia’s chair and tried to find the words she needed for comfort. “Tia, I am going to let you in on … something which most adults will not admit to themselves. Everyone uses everyone in this world as some time or another. Sometimes it is a good use as in for love and friendship so they are not alone. That use can be for information to help others or to hurt others. What you may think is good, because of your experiences or how you have been taught, others may think of as a bad idea. This can run both ways also because there may be a time when you think something is bad or dangerous and the other person has been taught it is good.”
Tia shook her head as she thought, “He used me to find that tunnel? He is out there and seems furious, Why?” The pressure got worst as she tried to block her friend.
Tia shook her head as she thought, “He used me to find that tunnel? He is out there and seems furious, Why?” The pressure got worst as she tried to block her friend.
Arianna watched Maxwell face because he was intent on watching Tia. She knew Tia trusted Maxwell more to be able to read her, because of their past sessions. Maxwell said gently, "Tia he is frightened you want to leave him behind. He has been told to find out all the information he could from all of us. He feels comfortable with you and knows you are important … so he stays near to get what information he can. You must make him understand you feel uncomfortable with him always trying to break into your thoughts…. only you can do that?" Maxwell smiled at Arianna to let her know it was all right now.
She said to him(Protector) in her thoughts, “This meeting is private, I won't be your master's listening device or your's!” Tia felt her friend's confusion and anger.
Maxwell closed his eyes for a moment and felt the confusion of the Protector. The man/boy was having a hard time realizing it was not acceptable to Tia to be so close. It was going to be a hard lesson for him to learn.
Tia stood up straight... She needed to prove she could take the blame for actions where she thought she had caused a problem. “I am the one that broke the rules. I am the one that is to blame not Bren. I will not have anybody else take my fall, especially Brennan. You married an Andreas and should know our family's motto?”
Arianna could not help but smile. "Yes Tia, I did marry an Andreas, and was happily married… Thomas and I helped establish the family motto of never letting someone else take the fall for something you did. it makes me proud to know you have matured enough to understand the ramifications of the motto. You did break the rules but Tia you are not presently a member of this organization and all the members understand they are responsible if they break the rules or if they allow a non-member to break the rules."
Tia shook her head as she said with the strongest voice she could, “No! I am responsible not Bren! And anyways the little man saw me and could have told Bren even before we left Charitee's. He did not and even commented on how sneaky I had become. The man had even given me some pointers.”
Looking at the portrait on the wall, Arianna received a shrug from the little man sitting in the chair. "Tia our friend in the portrait is a messenger. He has his opinions and is welcome to give them but he has no say-so on what happens in this organization. Again it comes back to the point that Brennan is supposed to be Head of security and the final responsibility falls on him. That is the way this works Tia, it may not seem fair, but it just is.."
Tia heard her friend as he linked with Sinclair, “You are confusing her! I care nothing for this meeting! I want to know what Fixer wanted? Either you will tell me or I Will Get It From The Minister!” Tia shook her head as the pain brought tears to her eyes as she quietly said, “Who's Fixer?”
Maxwell closed his eyes and put his hand to his temple as if he was resting his head on his hand. Through his thoughts he said, "Gently Protector, I can hear you… Just before last summer break a Fixer took several of the people in this room hostage and asked for information concerning our codebook and other facts. He harmed several of the people bad enough they had to be put in the hospital to recover. He works for who hires him and pays him the most. He is neither good nor bad although I personally think there is better in him than he will allow others to see. He once saved Tia's live when she was very small"
To Tia, Maxwell said, "Fixer is a mercenary who works for the person who pays him the most. Our group has had some dealings with him."
Tia smiled and said, “Thanks guys. I would not have followed Bren but I got worried about what my friend said especially after what happened this summer, Max. I don't trust my friend's master and I am not at all happy that he is having my godfather watched.”
Maxwell thought for a moment and then said to Tia, "We do not trust him either Tia and we are trying to take percussions. It would help if you had the school group do the same thing. Protect yourselves, through the group."
Air made herself comfortable in the chair behind the desk. Just as she was about to check her message ball to see if any of the other Caretaker Group had checked in, Brennan came through the secret door to the tunnel. Now it was time to take care of one other problem.
"Mr. Dawson, could you please join me here for a moment." As Brennan made his way to the desk, she turned to Martin and said, "Martin could you join us also please." Brennan looked worried, "Good," Arianna thought.
"Mr. Dawson, could you please join me here for a moment." As Brennan made his way to the desk, she turned to Martin and said, "Martin could you join us also please." Brennan looked worried, "Good," Arianna thought.
As Brennan made his way to the desk, Arianna welcomed, Lucas, Neo and Franco to enter. Apparently, they had been in the waiting room thinking the secretary had just stepped away from her desk. Richard had checked his message globe and discovered they were there, and then went and invited them into the meeting. "Hello, gentlemen," she said as they entered. "Please have a seat and we will bring you up to speed in a moment. Franco it is good to see you here, but maybe you should not have left the hospital so soon." Receiving a thumbs-up from Neo, she realized Franco was being watched, for medical after effects of his kidnapping.
Martin watched as Brennan tried to square his shoulders and stand up straight walking toward Seth's desk, where Arianna now sat. He would not want to be in the young man's shoes. He was going to have to play this straight up …. Later he could tell the young man how bad he felt. Brennan had put himself in this situation and from what Arianna had discussed with him he was going get treated with Kid gloves…. he had seen Arianna a lot worse with punishment for breaking the rules.
Walking up to Arianna, Bren said, “Air, the tunnel is now under a ton of mountain. Tia is on her way back to school. We did not fool her one bit though. She asks that we show her godfather the same trust that he and you showed me. The princess also gave me her journal. Air, the journal records everything which means it contains her conversation with Protector.”
Turning to Seth, Bren said in his best Head of Security voice, “Tia said that you were more upset about the time frame. Why? And maybe you should give Martin what you wrote. It is your schedule as you remember it right?”
Seeing the look of fear in Seth's eyes, Bren smiled as he said to his friend, “Seth, we will figure this out but you have got to trust us and have the same faith that I had back when I was ordered to go through this. Seth, any more notes that we need to see?”
Turning to Seth, Bren said in his best Head of Security voice, “Tia said that you were more upset about the time frame. Why? And maybe you should give Martin what you wrote. It is your schedule as you remember it right?”
Seeing the look of fear in Seth's eyes, Bren smiled as he said to his friend, “Seth, we will figure this out but you have got to trust us and have the same faith that I had back when I was ordered to go through this. Seth, any more notes that we need to see?”
Although she was taking note of each of Brennan's points, she let him get everything out of his system, looked at Martin and asked, "Martin did you get all of Mr. Dawson's concerned noted?"
Martin nodded and answered in a very professional tone, "Yes Air, all have been noted and will be handled when you are done."
"Good," Air said as she sat back in the desk chair and formed a pyramid with her fingers in front of her. She wanted Brennan to squirm a bit…. she wanted to make sure he remembered what he had just done, so there was no chance of it happening again ever. The tunnel he just destroyed had been established seventy-five years earlier, during the very beginning years of the Caretaker Group. Now there was no secure way for the Minister of Magic to get out of the office if he needed to.
After a very long moment, she sat forward and looked into Brennan's eyes. She was proud of him in the respect he did not look away from her penetrating eyes. Finally looking at Martin she said, "Auror please present the charges against Mr. Dawson." Arianna too a quick look around the room and realized everyone had stopped what they were doing and was watching.
Martin took a deep breath, and recited what he and Air had worked out earlier. Turning toward Brennan he said, "Mr. Dawson, known in the Caretaker Group as Sherlock, is being charged with breaking a high-level security code by allowing a non-member free access to the emergency escape tunnel, which was provided for the safety of the Minister of Magic, thus putting this official office in danger. He is also being charged with allowing a non-member into a classified meeting of the Caretaker Group, thus putting the group in danger."
When Martin was finished, Arianna turned to Brennan and said, "How do you plead Mr. Dawson to the charges presented. No explanations will be permitted at this moment; I just need a guilty of not guilty from you." She waited along with everyone else in the room to see if Brennan would be brave enough to own up to what he did.
Bren swallowed hard, tried to stand a little taller, looked Arianna straight in the eyes and said, "Guilty to the first charge. Not Guilty to the second as all I was told was you and Seth needed to see me, Air."
Arianna again relaxed back into the overstuffed office chair. Lacing her fingers in front of her and relaxing her elbows on the arms of the chair, she continued. "Your plea is noted and recorded. I must tell you Mr. Dawson I am extremely disappointed in you. You passed all the Caretaker classes with excellence, I even had enough confidence in you at the time I had you sign to make you Head of my Security, and have you made Head of Security at Hogwarts. Now you have been charged with breaking two of the rules of your own department."
Leaning forward and resting her arms in front of her on the desk, Arianna took each point separately. "As to your not guilty plea on the second charge of allowing a non-member into a classified meeting of the Caretaker Group I will accept your plea with reservations. You will learn Mr. Dawson if you are being called to this office or to my office or to any office by a superior it is considered a meeting . I hope I am very clear on that fact."
"Now to you guilty plea on the first offence, breaking a high-level security code by allowing a non-member free access to the emergency escape tunnel, which was provided for the safety of the Minister of Magic, thus putting this official office in danger, it is also accepted. In case you do not remember reading it in one of your lessons, I will remind you, the tunnel you were just made to destroy because of the breach of protocol, was established seventy-five years ago as protection for the Minister of Magic. It was established after one of the Ministers became trapped in this office and lost his life." Air had to stop for a moment, because it had been her husband, who lost his life.
Slowly she took a breath and continued to look at Brennan, "I have run the Caretaker Group for many years Mr. Dawson, and I pride myself on choosing good and competent people to work for me and to work toward the goals I have established. … Before I pronounce punishment … I have one question I wish answered, and I advise you to think hard on the answer… do you wish to remain a member of the Caretaker Group?"
Bren fought back the anger, which was building in him; anger he knew would only damage his case now, "Air, that same tunnel was how they got Fox out, which meant somebody already knew about it. I planned to request permission to destroy it as I have already begun work on its replacement. Air, though I wish with all my heart to stay a member of the Caretakers..." he stopped finding it hard to stay calm then continuing in what he hoped was an even voice, "You have known from day one that I have always looked at Tia differently than most of you. Where you see her as somebody that we need to shield...I have seen a young girl that has already had to deal with adult problems and who feels that she is being kept in the dark by those she trusts most."
Arianna nodded and looked at Martin who was trying to stay in character as the rough Auror. She noticed the slight upturn of the corners of his mouth. While pretending to think she also surveyed the room and realized everyone else knew Brennan had made some valuable points. They probably would have applauded under other circumstances. Focusing back on Brennan she said, "You have more to say, Mr. Dawson?" and then sat back to listen.
Waiting until Air spoke, Bren continued hoping he was headed in the right direction, because he did not want to lose his job. "Air, what happened this summer proves that at least one, plans on using that to possibly turn Tia into his puppet. I and a couple of others have decided to show total faith in Tia's ability to make good choices with any given information."
Again Ari looked around the room and received nods from Richard and Maxwell. She motioned for Brennan to continue.
With a smile on his face as he remembered how Tia had chosen to decline Air's offer, he said with steadily building confidence, "I think she proved my case about it being time to trust her as she is learning to trust us. Air, I am not saying to tell her everything but if we can't tell her then at least let us be able to come up with something that let her know that it is for her protection that she doesn't get the answer. I saw the terror in her eyes when she grabbed my globe...I needed to know why and figured correctly that if I showed her that I trusted her fully she would do the same."
Handing Max, Tia's journal as he said, "And Air, if I hadn't we would not have that journal. So the decision is yours Air. You pick us to do what we each do best...I am a Profiler and Tia, I profiled a long time ago...so, I ask you...do you Air trust me enough to understand that if I do something...I have reasons that will always have the Caretakers code at it's heart...Which is to prepare Tia for her future while protecting her?"
Arianna sat very still knowing Brennan was waiting for her answer. He made excellent points but she was trying to figure out if she wanted to acknowledge all his points at the moment. sitting forward again she cleared her throat and said, "You have made very valid points Mr. Dawson and I can safely say I agree with you on every one of them, with a few small reservations. Tia has shown more maturity over the past few months than in her last few years at Hogwarts, but she is still a child trying to take on the adult world. You are an adult and thus are required to know the rules and follow them."
Bren answered soberly, "There we can both agree and I will accept your judgment...but Air, Tia takes on the adult world cause her enemies have given her no choice...I am just saying we need to help prepare her better and that means answering her questions, even if all we can tell her is that we can't answer her at that time for...reasons."
"I will take your suggestion under serious advisement. I am now ready to pass judgment. I find you guilty of disobeying security protocol and putting this office in danger. You have said you are looking into another tunnel location which is good, because I can make it part of my ruling. You will locate and establish another tunnel and have it up and running within two weeks…. You will also take the Caretaker Group Advanced Security Course again…. the course is five weeks long, but since you should already know the material, I will give you two weeks also to re-familiarize yourself with all the material, complete all the infield examples and then report to me to be verbally questioned on the material." Arianna looked Brennan in the eyes continuing, "And Mr. Dawson I recommend you learn the rules verbatim."
Brennan looked like he was about to say something, so she held up her hand for continued silence and went on with her judgment, "I am also severing your partnership with Caretaker," before she could continue Richard stood up in the back of the room and said, "Air is that necessary?"
Arianna smiled because Richards's reaction showed her that her original partnership between the two, which Richard had fought against, had established itself on firm ground. Air waved him back down into his seat. "You are now a free agent. You are presently needed in security as back up for Richard and Martin for Seth's time in the hospital but you will have to regain your status as my Head of Security. At Hogwarts nothing has changed." For a moment, she paused and then added, "I cannot have my rules broken Mr. Dawson. For the next two weeks you will be under the close supervision of Auror Kildare the new temporary Head of Security for the Caretaker Group." Arianna did not have to look at Martin's face to know he was trying to tell her he did not want the job. "Is there any part of my judgment you do not understand, Mr. Dawson?"
Bren cringed and turned to look at Richard who was trying to sit with a blank face in the back of the room. Brennan had been partners with him too long to know he was not fighting with his own emotions on the judgment. They had discussed their partnership many times and both had come to the realization it was one of the best things Arianna had done. They complimented each other. Richard was fantastic at finding information and people and Brennan was good at deciphering the information found and getting information from what someone had gone through. Looking back at Arianna and squaring his shoulders he asked in what he hoped was a firm voice, "Only one part of the judgment, I will ask for a total group approval, Air. The reason for the total group vote is I cannot agree that my partnership with Caretaker be severed as he had nothing to do with my personal on the spot judgment call."
Brennan knew the rules well. Arianna did not really run a democracy but she did allow for reasonable questioning of her orders did not include fieldwork. Everyone knew though if the vote did not come out with good explanations behind the results then she would veto the whole thing. On this point, she would let the group decide. "Yes Mr. Dawson I will allow you to take a vote on your partnership with Caretaker."
Arianna waved Martin and Brennan off to the side and counted the heads in the room. There was a quorum present and not tie breaker would be needed. "May I have everyone's attention please… Mr. Dawson has asked for a Group vote on one part of my judgment and I have allowed it as per the rule on the books. The question is: should Mr. Dawson be allowed to retain his partnership with Caretaker? Do I hear any comments on the question…" Air waited for 10 full seconds than said, "All those in favor of the partnership standing as is please raise your hands." Every hand in the room went up. Arianna smiled, saying, "Thank you," and then motioned to Martin and Brennan to stand in front of the desk. To Brennan she said, "Mr. Dawson, it appears you have many friends in the room. … I hope you never disappoint them. The rest of the ruling stands. You are still temporarily relieved as Head of Security for the Caretaker Group and must earn the position back again. …. And before you ask …. earning the position back means making me believe you deserve it.
Bren smiled and nodded approvingly saying, "I always believed Martin was better suited as Head of Caretaker Security as I am a Profiler who goes with my gut...speaking of which...my gut Air tells me that Richard and I were meant to be partners and the team we have formed with Lance and Max was meant to be, there is just a couple more to add and our sub-team will be complete.
Arianna took another deep breath and visibly relaxed. She motioned for Martin to be seated. When Brennan started to follow she said, "Mr. Dawson you have not been excused yet…" When Martin had walked away, and a quick glance around the room had everyone else back to their own jobs, she said, "Sherlock, do not disappoint me in this please. I need you in the Caretaker Group, I need your expertise and your mind." Looking around him she called, "Richard can you join us please."
Richard excused himself from talking with Pippin and Seth. It was going to be hard on both of them but they were going to be fine. Each one of them was trying to out do the other in concern and worry. Richard walked up to the desk and smiled at Brennan, then turned to Arianna and asked, "Air, what can I do for you?"
The partnership was definitely strong, she noticed. Richard had said hello to Brennan before he acknowledged the request. Trying not to allow more than a small smile to take over her face she said, "Are you sure you want to stay connected to Sherlock?" before he could say anything she added, "No don't answer that question …. your hand was raised higher than the others in the vote. Sherlock, I think is ready to return to work. He still has to complete the articles of the judgement so he is going to be very busy for the next two weeks. Use Martin mostly for you backup with Seth. I am going to place him under your watchful eye, he is not only your partner but until he passes the security test he is also your charge. …. " Turning back to Brennan she said, "Sherlock return to your duties …. let Martin know how things are going with the new tunnel and we will meet again in two weeks for your exam and a progress report." Broadening her smile she added, "Now go you two and let's get this meeting started. Brennan I will give you about 20 minutes, to get your thoughts in order concerning the notes."
As Richard and Brennan started toward the back of the room, Arianna noticed Neo and Franco both reach into their pockets…..
Neo and Franco reached into their pockets and handed two notes to Bren as they said, “These might help as they are from Fixer and we received the first ones sometime after midnight. We were asleep so didn't find out about them until right before we headed for this meeting. That was when Franco received his second one from Fixer. So we chose to bring them.”
Shaking her head, realizing there were more notes, Arianna watched the room as she pulled out her message ball to see where the missing members were. Before she could check, Doctor Lance Kildare walked unceremoniously into the room and straight for Franco. He put his bag down on a chair, opened it and said to Franco, "Open your shirt now….. Do not look at me like that Franco … Maybe you want me to tell Air you left the hospital without a signed release from me … "
Ari looked in the direction of her grandson and asked, "Gentlemen does there seem to be a problem?"
Lance glared at Franco and then turned to Arianna, "No I just forgot to do a simple out the door check on Franco, everything is fine."
Air could always tell when her grandson was lying to her. "Lance, Franco and Maxwell, can you join me here please at the desk." As they started toward the desk, Neo also got up. "No Neo, relax, I do not need you at this time." When the men were standing in front of her she calmly said, "Lance you do not forget to do a necessary test, you are too picky about the rules." Franco and Lance were both squirming a little. Max just stood there smiling. He knew something was up. Air leaned back in her chair and watched the threesome for a very long moment then said, "Let me guess, and please feel free to tell me I am wrong." She held up her hand because it appeared Lance was about to say something, "Tell me after I am done." she said with a smile toward her grandson. "Franco, wanted to be at this meeting so bad, he left the hospital without permission." She realized she hit it on the head when neither Franco or Lance could look her in the eye. "So let's do this formally alright? Doctor Kildare from your actions I gather you must do a final check of Saints vitals …. do you need privacy for it?" Lance shook his head no. "Good then do your check and then I want a signed statement from you that he is fit to return to his duties otherwise return him to the hospital." Turning to Maxwell, "Max, it seems I have never received, to my knowledge, a signed statement from you either about Franco's mental abilities being up to par for his return to work."
"I have three more sessions on the schedule for Franco at the moment, but if Lance says he is physically fit enough, I will give you a paper stating he can return to work, with the stipulation, he makes all of those appointments." Franco did not like talking to Maxwell because he thought it was a waist of time, so there had been several mix-ups in some of the scheduling.
"I think I can guarantee Saint will be at the appointments, can't I Saint?" Air said in Franco's direction. She had a report from Maxwell about the problems of getting Franco to the appointments. The man thought he could work what happened to him at the Hog's Head and then at Khalid's lair afterwards; he figured it showed weakness to have to talk to a Psy-Healer. "In fact, since he has shown lack of judgment today, I think maybe I will strongly recommend an additional two secessions. If there is a problem scheduling, please let me know and I will see if I can personally help work out the times." Air smiled at the three of them and then waved them away.
Franco and Lance went back to where Lance's medical bag sat, and Lance started a check on his vital signs, and how his injuries had healed. Maxwell went back to his chair and continued to jot down notes in his small parchment binder while explaining something to Lucas. Air looked at her globe again. there were only a couple members still absent.
(OOC: Richard, Arianna, Lance and Maxwell are my characters, I had permission and help with the dialogue from Barbie for her characters which were included.)