Old Methods + New Methods = A Complete Circle Part 1

Old Methods + New Methods = A Complete Circle (Richard, Brennan, Invite)
(OOC: Combined threads from the previous site)

Sasha McChey
Richard

The meeting had taken up the whole two hours allotted, but everyone was finally released to handle the situation of the disappearance of Minister Fox using their own expertise. Pippin had stayed behind at the Ministry of Magic to see what she could glean from any information being spread about. Every rumor had some truth to it, and Pippin was excellent at separating the chaff from the wheat. She was also going to see if she could make inroads into the mess left by the attackers.

During the meeting, Richard had also been given a charge. Turning from where he had gone to make some tea in his small kitchen area, he looked at Brennan. He looked so young, or most likely Richard was feeling old, and he was only 49. He had found during the meeting, he could not underestimate the youthful veneer of Brennan, now known under the codename Sherlock. The kid was smart and was very observant. With any luck he would be able to use his youth to get into places others on the team could not.

“Would you like some refreshment Sherlock? I only have Herbal Tea and some Pumpkin Juice. If I dig deep enough I can probably come up with some of Madam Sara’s No-name cookies.” Leaning against his desk, Richard took a sip of the mug he had in his hand and looked at the rookie. Turning and placing the mug on the mat of his desk, he turned back and folded his arms in front of him. “First, I am really proud of you for turning in the note you found. I wish you had, had no hesitation on doing in the first place but that will come with time.”

“Also the meeting was about the disappearance of Minister Fox and who had ransacked his office. Where I tend to think, it may be the same people who are giving us problems here at the school. I did not see much relevance in the situation there. When I told you in front of everyone to always tell me every bit of information you have, I meant more to tell me when we are working our sector of this problem. If the two situations do get tied together, I will let the team know and I will give you full credit for the information found, Understand?”

Picking up his mug again and taking another sip, he continued, “Brennan, I don’t mean to get hard with you, but you have a lot to learn fast. This group works along side of the laws of the land. Sometimes we follow the laws to the letter and sometimes we skirt them, with a very wide sidestep.”

“Third, I completely agree with you about Tia needing to be treated with total respect. I will tell you one piece of information, and it stays here. Some people know, especially the people who love her, but Tia has not come to the total realization yet or what her life will hold for the future. Tia is a princess and will eventually control a council which will help Egypt grow. Tarik is second in line, and is her protector and advisor. He does not want to rule, just to teach. Tia has been treated as a child for so long some do not know how or want to let that go. She is bright, and will do fine. Tarik is giving her the information he thinks she can handle.”

“She also has buried memories which will surface over time. At the moment those memories can get her killed. Others want to take Tarik’s place to control the girl. Treat her with respect as you would any 15 year old, ok?”

Still holding his mug, he said “I have talked long enough. You have questions of course?” Richard smiled as he watched Sherlock work through the information in his head.

(OOC continuation of “Ministry of Magic, Strange Happenings at the Ministry (Invite Only, Seth Wright, Sr., Richard, plus others)


Brennan

“Would you like some refreshment Sherlock? I only have Herbal Tea and some Pumpkin Juice. If I dig deep enough I can probably come up with some of Madam Sara’s No-name cookies.” Leaning against his desk, Richard took a sip of the mug he had in his hand and looked at the rookie.

Brennan's eyes light up at the mention of the cookies. Smiling he said, "Tea and cookies sounds good, Mr. Greene. Plus may I suggest that we use our names here? This school has ears and not just Anthony and that Rufus kid. No offence but I feel more comfortable with just the group knowing that name and it only be used elsewhere when I need to come with wand drawn."

Turning and placing the mug on the mat of his desk, he turned back and folded his arms in front of him. “First, I am really proud of you for turning in the note you found. I wish you had, had no hesitation on doing in the first place but that will come with time.”

Bren smiled as he said, "I was just so furious that I didn't think when I first read it. Sir, I would like to see if we can get anything from the wording. What do you think?" Brennan had been hunting his father's killer on his own for years. He was unsure about whether he would work well with a group.

“Also the meeting was about the disappearance of Minister Fox and who had ransacked his office. Where I tend to think, it may be the same people who are giving us problems here at the school. I did not see much relevance in the situation there. When I told you in front of everyone to always tell me every bit of information you have, I meant more to tell me when we are working our sector of this problem. If the two situations do get tied together, I will let the team know and I will give you full credit for the information found, Understand?”

He nodded as he said, "Sir, I agree that the two seem connected. Though I am unsure about whether Fox was taken by them. He could have found the room as we did. Noticed a note addressed to him. Read it and decided for some reason to take the stuff and ran. He gave the group a heads-up by missing a step, so in hindsight he notified the group. Though if he was taken the group that took him isn't advertising." It wasn't that Bren had been second guessing the others. It was just that something seemed wrong. He just couldn't figure out what. All he knew was that a Minister was too well guarded not for anybody to have noticed him disappearing unless it was an inside job.

Picking up his mug again and taking another sip, he continued, “Brennan, I don’t mean to get hard with you, but you have a lot to learn fast. This group works along side of the laws of the land. Sometimes we follow the laws to the letter and sometimes we skirt them, with a very wide sidestep.”

The hit wizard nodded. Then said what he was thinking, "I think I understand. Sometimes the people we deal with are not headed for Azkaban but a grave. They also play hard ball so you don't want me dying on your watch. I have no intention sir of dying on anybody's watch including my own."

Thinking for a few minutes, Bren asked, "Sir, Can I be frank?"

“Third, I completely agree with you about Tia needing to be treated with total respect. I will tell you one piece of information, and it stays here.

Brennan smiled as he had known that this professor had been helping the young girl as he and Tarik had. He nodded.

Some people know, especially the people who love her, but Tia has not come to the total realization yet or what her life will hold for the future. Tia is a princess and will eventually control a council which will help Egypt grow. Tarik is second in line, and is her protector and advisor. He does not want to rule, just to teach.

Some of this info, Bren had already figured out.

Tia has been treated as a child for so long some do not know how or want to let that go. She is bright, and will do fine. Tarik is giving her the information he thinks she can handle.”

Bren said, "Sir, I think they are worried that she is too much like her brother Marcus. They are scared that if she is given the info as they did with Marcus. That she will be targeted for death as he was. They don't seem to get the fact that by hiding something’s from her, they have in a sense made her easy prey for Shadow. Because she would never know if he was standing next to her."

“She also has buried memories which will surface over time. At the moment those memories can get her killed. Others want to take Tarik’s place to control the girl. Treat her with respect as you would any 15 year old, ok?”

Bren nodded as he said, "Sir this might get me kicked out of the group but... I think Seth knows exactly who the Shadow is. I am also pretty sure that this attack on the Wrights and Andreas started out on Shadow's part as a personal vendetta. Shadow seems to have changed his plans only where Tia is concerned. I am wondering if whatever caused this vendetta might be the same reason Seth retired for those eleven years."

Still holding his mug, he said “I have talked long enough. You have questions of course?” Richard smiled as he watched Sherlock work through the information in his head.

The young man smiled as he said, "A few and the first being why the name Sherlock? Surely I could not have been the only one to have figured your puzzle out?"

(OCC: pre-planned)

Richard




With the way Brenan’s eyes light up with the mention of the cookies, Richard realized that although a man stood in front of him there was still a lot of boy left. Hopefully it would not get either of them killed. Richard cringed a little at his fellow operative calling him Mr. Greene, made him feel older, much too old. “Point taken Brennan, just trying to get you used to the idea.”

Bren smiled as he said, "I was just so furious that I didn't think when I first read it. Sir, I would like to see if we can get anything from the wording. What do you think?" Brennan had been hunting his father's killer on his own for years. He was unsure about whether he would work well with a group.

“Good idea.” Richard was pleased with the kid. He could think on his feet at least about details. The physical thinking would have to come as he entered into different situations. Richard took out his wand and in mid air wrote what the note said:



I will be watching as always and I better like what I see! For your family's sake! We will be speaking Again!”

The words floated in mid air on a transparent background. “Ok, Brennan, give it your best shot.” Richard wanted to see what the rookie would make out of the message.



Thinking for a few minutes, Bren asked, "Sir, Can I be frank?"

Richard took a drink of his tea and a bite of one of the cookies. “Very good, Bren. You catch on fast. I would prefer that no one dies at anytime. Go ahead I expect you to be frank, when we are talking at least in this office.”



“I whole heartedly agree with your reasoning of the situation, but I am trusting in Tarik to handle what he thinks Tia is ready to know. I have had talks with him, so I know he is seriously starting to lean in the direction of telling her more. She definitely needs to be told about Dark Shadow so she can be on her guard, but Bren, that is up to Tarik. I will not have his authority usurped.” Richard was wondering if he should tell Brennan he also knew the name of the man who was codenamed Dark Shadow.



Richard signaled Bren asking if he needed a refill on his tea. Then he went to the Kitchenette. Turning and walking back he looked seriously at Brennan, “It was time for a test. Could the kid keep his mouth shut and his emotions under control, which was a necessity in this group?” he questioned himself. Reaching his desk he leaned against it and started. “Brennan, a bit of information for you to stick away. I also know who the Dark Shadow is. His last name is Valentine and he is related to Khalid, Tarik’s half-brother, the one Tarik has been hunting for so long, to probably kill.” Richard studied the young man’s reactions. “At the moment he is not our target, unless it is proven he had something to do with Fox’s disappearance.”

“Now that being said. As far as the school is concerned you are just a mild mannered, substitute. I am not saying you cannot be found in some strange places, doing some strange things, but make sure you have a cover story set well in advance. And, Brennan, always, I repeat always have an escape route set up. Understand?”

“One other thing, can we drop the Sir’s and Mr.’s makes me feel way too old? Let’s just use each other’s first names around here, Ok? Also sign up for an assistant in my Herbology class. That way you can get to know some of the kids, especially the Allies. I am going to try and have a field trip to the edge of the Dark Forest. I think it should be interesting to see if anything happen, and I need backup in case something does happen.”



Richard could not help but smile. He put his mug down on his desk and putting one hand on the edge of his desk on either side of him for balance, and crossing his legs he chuckled, “Brennan have you ever read the Sherlock Holmes Mysteries? If not you should they can teach you a lot. If yes, then you know Sherlock was a great one, for taking small facts, adding them together and coming up with reasons on why something happened. Where Sherlock is a fictional character, the gift talked about is part of you. It will be your specialty. Sherlock had Dr. Watson to bounce ideas off of, you are stuck with me.”

“Do not keep anything from me, Brennan. Everything counts. If you want to work on what is going on at school do so, but for now keep it separate from your investigation on Fox’s disappearance. Do not go chasing ghosts or shadows, understand?” Richard through the word shadow in because he was hoping Brennan would get the idea of holding off on his search for Dark Shadow. He figured he had a 50/50 chance.

Brennan

“Point taken Brennan, just trying to get you used to the idea.”

Brennan nodded.

“Good idea.” Richard was pleased with the kid.

The young man noticed that the man known as Richard Greene seemed pleased that he had thought of going over the note.

Richard took out his wand and in mid air wrote what the note said:

“Brennan, like father, like son. He didn't choose wisely. Rethink your decision! I have plans for you young one. And they are not you working with her. Choose or I will!

I will be watching as always and I better like what I see! For your family's sake! We will be speaking Again!”

Bren saw the words and his fury seemed to come raging back. The hit wizard knew that he had to analyze this note as he always did. That meant he had to get himself under control. Thinking to himself that his fury and rage could come later after he caught the sender. Right now it would only get in his way and the wizard would get away. Taking a moment to pray and finish calming himself. Then he looked at the note again ready to dissect it as he always did.

The words floated in mid air on a transparent background. “Ok, Brennan, give it your best shot.”

"Well the first thing I noticed was something that is not even here." Brennan started. Then taking his wand he wrote the first thing that had caught his eye as he said calmly, "Where yours was addressed, To The Caretaker, mine was addressed, To The Dawson Brat. Richard, that struck me as odd because well very few know that I am Louis Dawson illegitimate son. The records at the ministry have his half-brother as my father. My step-father has the same mother as Louis. I didn't even know until my mother's death which happened about Aug. 28th of last year."

Bren stopped for a moment wondering if he should tell Greene what he had been doing since graduating Hogwarts. Having decided, he continued, "Sir, I don't know if Ari told you but ever since I left Hogwarts four years ago, I have been looking into my uncle's death. Then when my mother's will revealed the truth of what she suspected and I heard of Tia and my half-sister Miranda being missing... Well I changed my focus. The thing is only a few know that I am going by my true last name. Those are either here at the school or in the group. Which means that this guy is linked to one or the other. Maybe both."

The next part, “Brennan, like father, like son. again shows that this guy wants me to know that he knows. My family has always said that I was taking after Louis, even when they thought he was just my uncle. This guy seems to believe so too. That could mean that he knew my father."

After a few minutes he continued, "The part, He didn't choose wisely. could be in connect to what he chose as he last assignment. It was right after his marriage to my aunt Cassandra, Miranda's mother. My father and his partner Leo Potter decided to help Cassandra's brother Tarik hunt down proof of who killed the leader of the Medjai council when Tarik was a baby.



After getting feedback from Greene, Bren went on saying, "The next part of, Rethink your decision!, is probably have to do with one of two decisions I have made. It is either that he wants me away from protecting the Allies or he wants me to leave the Caretakers. Neither I am going to do. I have been trying for four years to get this guy to reveal himself. Since it has only been after me joining the Caretakers that he finally does, my guess is that it has infuriated him. Which is exactly how I like him."

Bren waited to see what Greene would say before continuing. Then smiling the young man said, "The next part, I have plans for you young one., tells me that somehow he likes to gloat. He openly says that he has plans that include me. Plans that I guess he feels me joining this group will mess up. I wonder if he knew about the other one that was sent to my mother?"

Brennan waited again but it was because of what he feared. After deciding that his mother's death could be looked into later, he continued, "This part,And they are not you working with her., tells me that he knows Arianna and does not like that she is being this group together. I wonder if maybe each of the group has been hunting this guy for different reasons? If so maybe Ari figured that out and decided that the members might do together what each has not been able to do on their own."

Bren smiled as he said, "Choose or I will! seems to be giving me a choice. Maybe he wants me to chose between the Allies and The Caretakers? Or it could be who he is going to target. This part has me furious as it seems that he is place a time limit on the choosing as he says either I do or he will." Bren was getting frustrated because the way Khalid had put it gave the impression that Bren was not going to like it if Khalid chose. That seemed to Bren has if Khalid wanted Brennan to chose who would be killed next.

Brennan realized that the next part gave him the answer. Smiling as he said, This part I will be watching as always and I better like what I see! For your family's sake! Tells us just what my choice is. He is saying I am to back off or risk my family. He is also saying that he has been watching me or having me watched. Richard, if he has then he should know how I would take this. It would do just the opposite as I would want to get him all the more. Though maybe that is what he is hoping for? Me to do what I would usually do?"

Bren had to stop for a few minutes as he felt the fury of this Khalid daring to threaten his family.

After calming down he said, "The last part We will be speaking Again!” probably means that he will be sending another note. I can't help but think this guy looks at me as a pupil. I could be wrong but it reads as a lesson from a teacher to his student."

Bren felt himself doubt what his gut was telling him. Shaking his head as he said, "Maybe this wasn't such a good idea as it didn't tell us much." He had hoped he had missed something when he had first read it but Brennan Dawson hadn't. It still hadn't gotten him any closer to stopping this madman or protecting those he cared about. All it had done was get him more furious at the man he believed to have killed his father and more scared about whether he was good enough to put an end to this madness once and for all.

Richard took a drink of his tea and a bite of one of the cookies. “Very good, Bren. You catch on fast. I would prefer that no one dies at anytime. Go ahead I expect you to be frank, when we are talking at least in this office.”

Brennan smiled as he said, "I have never worked with a group before. It was one of the reasons I chose to become a Hit Wizard instead of following my uncle/father Louis Dawson as an Auror. As a Hit Wizard if I miss up, it is just my hide on the line. In a group if I make an error, it could mean the death of the whole group. Plus on my own if I found my target, I would just go get him or her. With a group, I could lose time as I notify each member. Time that the target could use to get away. It is just this is new to me and I just don't want to mess up. I have a bad feeling that this guy will only give us one shot at him and if I can't do my part this killer is going to get away again."

Bren was worried that he would not learn fast enough and his inexperience could get the whole team wiped-out. He took a bite of his cookie as he tried to not show how scared he was. Brennan wasn't scared for himself but was terrified that one of his mistakes would give Khalid just the time he need to wipe out the Caretakers. Bren did not need to add to his guilt that he already had. Guilt that he had not been able to protect his baby sister from this maniac.

“I whole heartedly agree with your reasoning of the situation, but I am trusting in Tarik to handle what he thinks Tia is ready to know. I have had talks with him, so I know he is seriously starting to lean in the direction of telling her more. She definitely needs to be told about Dark Shadow so she can be on her guard, but Bren, that is up to Tarik. I will not have his authority usurped.” Richard was wondering if he should tell Brennan he also knew the name of the man who was codenamed Dark Shadow.

Bren nodded. Though he saw that Greene knew more about Dark Shadow than he had said.

Richard signaled Bren asking if he needed a refill on his tea.

Bren nodded as he handed the man his cup.

Reaching his desk he leaned against it and started. “Brennan, a bit of information for you to stick away. I also know who the Dark Shadow is. His last name is Valentine and he is related to Khalid, Tarik’s half-brother, the one Tarik has been hunting for so long, to probably kill.”

Brennan listened and remembered that he had heard the name Valentine before. He just could not remember where. Upon hearing the name of Khalid, Brennan's fury started to show this was the man that murdered his and Mir's father. Bren knew why Tarik hunted Khalid as it had all been in his father's journal.

Richard studied the young man’s reactions. “At the moment he is not our target, unless it is proven he had something to do with Fox’s disappearance.”

Bren's eyes gave his feelings away as he might not be the groups target yet but once they knew that Brennan was sure that Khalid was the sender of at least his note...Then that might change.

“Now that being said. As far as the school is concerned you are just a mild mannered, substitute. I am not saying you cannot be found in some strange places, doing some strange things, but make sure you have a cover story set well in advance. And, Brennan, always, I repeat always have an escape route set up. Understand?”

Again Bren nodded.

“One other thing, can we drop the Sir’s and Mr.’s makes me feel way too old? Let’s just use each other’s first names around here, Ok? Also sign up for an assistant in my Herbology class. That way you can get to know some of the kids, especially the Allies. I am going to try and have a field trip to the edge of the Forbidden Forest. I think it should be interesting to see if anything happen, and I need backup in case something does happen.”

Brennan nodded.

“Brennan have you ever read the Sherlock Holmes Mysteries? If not you should they can teach you a lot. If yes, then you know Sherlock was a great one, for taking small facts, adding them together and coming up with reasons on why something happened. Where Sherlock is a fictional character, the gift talked about is part of you. It will be your specialty. Sherlock had Dr. Watson to bounce ideas off of, you are stuck with me.”

“Do not keep anything from me, Brennan. Everything counts. If you want to work on what is going on at school do so, but for now keep it separate from your investigation on Fox’s disappearance. Do not go chasing ghosts or shadows, understand?”

Brennan smiled as he said, "Richard, Holmes is one of my favorite detectives. I got the collection as a Christmas gift from Louis and Cassandra when I was about three or four. As for me keeping things from you, I won't. Though I might not go after Shadow or Khalid. It is only because I don't have too. Sooner or later they are going to go again after Tia and when they do I plan on finishing what my father started. I plan on bring them to justice."

Richard

Addressed 'The Dawson Brat':
Brennan,
Like father, like son he didn't chose wisely. Rethink your decision! I have plans for you young one. And they are not you working with her. Choose or I will!
I will be watching as always and I better like what I see! For your family's sake! We will be speaking Again!


"Where yours was addressed, To The Caretaker, mine was addressed, To The Dawson Brat. Richard, that struck me as odd because well very few know that I am Louis Dawson illegitimate son.”

Richard took out and raised his wand to make a few notes of his own on the projection. Saying out loud what he was writing, he started, “Ok, point one the person knows you personally. They are close to your family because they know details family would know. Continue….” Richard waited for the next part of the dissection of the note.



Richard thought for a moment, “What you have been doing for the last four years, is your personal business. If you learned something during that time which is relevant to an investigation you are working on then it needs to be discussed.” Looking over at Brennan, he added, “Brennan we all have personal lives.”

Turning back to the projection Richard continued, “The group has a finite number of members so that will help. If the writer is from the school then that widens the scope, but still gives us a possible starting point. Next?” Richard was pleased with the way Brennan was working on the puzzle. He may not get all the answers but he would at least be able to identify some pieces they could concentrate on.



While making a notation on the projection of a possible connection to Tarik and Cassandra, Richard explained, “You have a valid point although I was hoping you did not need to go in that direction, because you are heading us toward a group, I really do not want to deal with at the present time. The journal you mentioned….I would be really interested in reading it, if possible. Continue….” Richard was not scared of the Echelon, but there was not enough organizational power committed to tackling them to be able to win at the moment.



Smiling Richard realized the boy had spunk. “Brennan, I am not laughing at you, but you need to realize, emotions are going to make you blind to possibilities. At the moment the plan is to get Fox back alive, and bring in the person or people who took him. We are going to try very hard not to kill them. Understand?” Richard said this a little forcibly, trying to convince himself also that it was their plan.



Again the note used a reference to Brennan’s age. Richard made a note on the board of a possible age difference between Brennan and the writer. “Brennan, he calls you ‘young one’, which means he is older, maybe as old as a father or grandfather would be to you, at a minimum, not in your generation. Also you said ‘I wonder if he knew about the other one that was sent to my mother.’ What is this in reference to?” Richard felt the pieces mounting up. “You have a pretty good idea who this person is don’t you, Bren?”



On the projection Richard added, Allies, The Caretakers, save, leave or destroy?? . “I think he is asking you to choose which camp you want to be in, the one you are in now, or the camp of the ones who want total Wizard control of the world. We can and we have been trying to protect all those who are involved. All the adults involved, no what is at stake and they are as prepared as they can be with the little bit of information we have been able to gather. The children are a different story. We have young ones who are barely able to use magic, and we have older ones who think they know everything they need to handle any situations. They have not learned caution yet. They worry me the most.”



“Brennan, my lad, you have just earned your codename.” Richard was very please, and wrote on the projection. Moto: Always do the unexpected .



“Maybe there is a hint there. He, and I wonder if we can be certain it is a he and not a she, may have known you first as a student here at Hogwarts, and have not realized you have grown up and matured past that stage. So where do we go from here, any suggestions. It this hint is proven to be valid, then we can rule out anyone who has not been here at least four years as the main candidate. It still would not help us with accomplices though. ”



Richard looked seriously at the young man. “Brennan, one of the things about working in a group, is your back is covered and you can usually get out of touchy situations. As you gain experience with us you will see we can use each other.”



Wondering how to explain to the rookie the laws of “no laws” Richard took his time to explain. “Brennan, you know our group answers to no one, and I do mean no other organization. We do answer to ourselves and to the group though. For now you are to notify me of your intentions and if I have a problem with what you are planning or feel you have to do at the time, I will let you know. You must try and bring the person in for lawful punishment, but that being said, you can use what force you think necessary to try and achieve your goal. Everyone has a right to tell their side of the story. Think on it Brennan, because if you have a problem with this one simple requirement, then maybe we should discuss your membership. I will tell you, Arianna choose you because of your analytical abilities and your abilities to get jobs done, so I would hate to lose that edge for our team.”



“That is a good statement to hear, my young friend.” Richard had high hopes for his new partner. There was still a strong vengeance streak, which he would have to try and change. “Brennan, lad, you are an adult so I am going to talk to you as one. Along time ago there was a man who saw his relatives slaughtered and decided to take the killers lives himself. The vengeance built up inside of this man and it worked its way into his mind. He became obsessed with ‘taking out’ the people who he felt had destroyed everything good about his life. That man is still alive today and the hatred has taken a once promising brilliant wizard and turned him into a man who cannot tell the difference between good and evil anymore. Brennan you know this man, it is Khalid.” Richard thought he might have to get help with this part of Brennan’s life.

“Ok, what else do we need to talk about? You have questions?” Richard relaxed against the edge of his desk and watched the Rookie.

Brennan

Saying out loud what he was writing, he started, “Ok, point one the person knows you personally. They are close to your family because they know details family would know. Continue….” Richard waited for the next part of the dissection of the note.

Bren nodded. Though he also thought that just maybe Khalid had just done his homework.

Richard thought for a moment, “What you have been doing for the last four years, is your personal business. If you learned something during that time which is relevant to an investigation you are working on then it needs to be discussed.” Looking over at Brennan, he added, “Brennan we all have personal lives.”

Again Brennan nodded.

Turning back to the projection Richard continued, “The group has a finite number of members so that will help. If the writer is from the school then that widens the scope, but still gives us a possible starting point. Next?” Richard was pleased with the way Brennan was working on the puzzle.

Brennan smiled as he said, "I doubt if he works here though I know that he has at least two sets of eyes here. Rich, as long as Tarik is here the sender will never set foot onto the school."

While making a notation on the projection of a possible connection to Tarik and Cassandra, Richard explained, “You have a valid point although I was hoping you did not need to go in that direction, because you are heading us toward a group, I really do not want to deal with at the present time. The journal you mentioned….I would be really interested in reading it, if possible. Continue….” Richard was not scared of the Echelon, but there was not enough organizational power committed to tackling them to be able to win at the moment.

Bren smiled as he reached into his bag and pulled out his father's journal and handed it to Richard. He said honestly, "I have gotten everything that I could get from it. Maybe it will reveal more to somebody else as some of it's pages have a blood spell lock on it. The riddle was interesting though. It said: Thirteen were made but only one is smaller than the rest. Find a family link to an island and you will find it. though be invisible as another could bet you to it. one good, one bad but both blood. what is it? nephew, keep it safe and see the right one gets it. The reason is that it shows that my father never knew." That hurt more Bren more than Khalid killing Dawson was. He always wondered if Louis would have acknowledge him. Now thanks to Khalid, Louis would never know.

“Brennan, I am not laughing at you, but you need to realize, emotions are going to make you blind to possibilities. At the moment the plan is to get Fox back alive, and bring in the person or people who took him. We are going to try very hard not to kill them. Understand?” Richard said this a little forcibly, trying to convince himself also that it was their plan.

Brennan nodded.

“Brennan, he calls you ‘young one’, which means he is older, maybe as old as a father or grandfather would be to you, at a minimum, not in your generation. Also you said ‘I wonder if he knew about the other one that was sent to my mother.’ What is this in reference to?” Richard felt the pieces mounting up. “You have a pretty good idea who this person is don’t you, Bren?”

Bren had not caught that. He nodded as he said, "I have been chasing this man for four years, Richard. Yes, I know exactly who sent me this. Though it is the first." Reaching into his pocket and handing it to Rich as he said, "This. The Dawson Medallion."

On the projection Richard added, Allies, The Caretakers, save, leave or destroy?? . “I think he is asking you to choose which camp you want to be in, the one you are in now, or the camp of the ones who want total Wizard control of the world. We can and we have been trying to protect all those who are involved. All the adults involved, no what is at stake and they are as prepared as they can be with the little bit of information we have been able to gather. The children are a different story. We have young ones who are barely able to use magic, and we have older ones who think they know everything they need to handle any situations. They have not learned caution yet. They worry me the most.”

Brennan nodded as he said, "Yes, and he will not know until I am facing him. Though I have no intention of joining him or those protecting him. The Allies, especially Tia and the Core."

“Brennan, my lad, you have just earned your codename.” Richard was very please, and wrote on the projection. Motto: Always do the unexpected .

Brennan smiled.

“Maybe there is a hint there. He, and I wonder if we can be certain it is a he and not a she, may have known you first as a student here at Hogwarts, and have not realized you have grown up and matured past that stage. So where do we go from here, any suggestions. It this hint is proven to be valid, then we can rule out anyone who has not been here at least four years as the main candidate. It still would not help us with accomplices though. ”

Brennan nodded but then shook his head as he said, "I think it is more that he had eyes watching me."

Richard looked seriously at the young man. “Brennan, one of the things about working in a group, is your back is covered and you can usually get out of touchy situations. As you gain experience with us you will see we can use each other.”

He smiled.

“Brennan, you know our group answers to no one, and I do mean no other organization. We do answer to ourselves and to the group though. For now you are to notify me of your intentions and if I have a problem with what you are planning or feel you have to do at the time, I will let you know. You must try and bring the person in for lawful punishment, but that being said, you can use what force you think necessary to try and achieve your goal. Everyone has a right to tell their side of the story. Think on it Brennan, because if you have a problem with this one simple requirement, then maybe we should discuss your membership. I will tell you, Arianna choose you because of your analytical abilities and your abilities to get jobs done, so I would hate to lose that edge for our team.”

Brennan was not sure how to take what Richard said. Thinking about what he had seen with some of the others that were after this guy. Then smiling, "I know that a few of our group including its leader have their own plans where this guy is concerned. I wish I could believe that this killer could be just arrested, Richard. The thing is that this killer has killed every Auror group sent after him. As well as anybody else that has gotten in his way or betrayed him."

“That is a good statement to hear, my young friend.” Richard had high hopes for his new partner. There was still a strong vengeance streak, which he would have to try and change. “Brennan, lad, you are an adult so I am going to talk to you as one. Along time ago there was a man who saw his relatives slaughtered and decided to take the killers lives himself. The vengeance built up inside of this man and it worked its way into his mind. He became obsessed with ‘taking out’ the people who he felt had destroyed everything good about his life. That man is still alive today and the hatred has taken a once promising brilliant wizard and turned him into a man who cannot tell the difference between good and evil anymore. Brennan you know this man, it is Khalid.”

Brennan said calmly, "Richard, as I said before, I wish Khalid could stand trial but we both know that if he can take out his own grandfather, then he would not blink twice at killing a wizard. Dark Shadow has also killed an extreme number of Auror’s, Hit Wizards and possibly Medjai. We know he has eluded Seth Wright and is probably responsible for several unexplained murders. Do you real think that either would allow themselves taken alive? Or that Ari has any intention of allowing Khalid to be tried? Rich, Medjai law states that if Khalid is declared a Dark Medjai, then everybody of his blood is also sentenced to the same fate. That is the real reason Tarik has stopped looking as it would mean that he would have to take Arianna's head as well. And Rich, the law cares nothing about age. Which means Penny, Jameson, Nora all would be sentenced to death. Though you might be right about Dark Shadow, and I will try to bring him in. Rich, if it comes down to him or one of the Allies dying ... fair warning, he is not harming them again. No On My Watch!"

“Ok, what else do we need to talk about? You have questions?” Richard relaxed against the edge of his desk and watched the Rookie.

Brennan smiled as he said, "How about your's? Who knows what we will figure out?"

Richard




“With the way you have been receiving notes, then if the writer does not work here, he as someone who is delivering at least some of the messages. I know of one student who would be a good candidate, Rufus Scipio, a fifth year Gryffindor. The kid is too interested in Tia, and she is definitely not his type. Several of the students, have mentions him also as being bad news.” Richard debated on telling Brennan about Anthony, and decided not too at this point. For one he had promised Anthony to keep his secret for now, and for two, Brennan was the type to go running after Anthony, demanding explanations, which Anthony would probably not be able to give him. Also Richard knew Brennan was no match for the Chameleon.



Something told Richard, Brennan was not giving him the whole story. “The Blood spell lock would have had to be someone your father would have wanted to read the journal. Your mother would have definitely been one of those people, but she has passed away. The question is who else would your father have had access to for the blood and who he would have wanted to read the journal and not worry about putting in danger. Any ideas?”

Continuing Richard added, “Brennan you solved the riddle didn’t you? Come on, out with it. Keeping me informed means giving me all the information not just part of it.” Richard sternly looked at the young man. He had to get Brennan from keeping information from him or this liaison between tem would not work.



Richard took the medallion out of Bren’s hand and examined it. Tarik was going to love this. “Well, this is a nice turn of events. This is a very important pendant, Bren, as I am sure you know. We need to get it to Tarik as soon as possible. If you do not mind I will put it away until I can get it to Tarik. It will be returned to you, I promise along with an explanation.”



“For example,” Richard asked.



“Brennan, the Caretaker Group is not an Auror group. Those groups had to work within certain confines, or face a panel on why they did not follow the rules, even the very lose rules. The Caretaker’s have no written rules, and the ones we try to follow are: help where you can, don’t get yourself, any innocents or any of the group killed if you can help it, and solve the problem whatever it is. We do not have to explain our reasoning on why we did what we did and do not have a time limit. You need to stop thinking like an Auror as you work through problems. You need to try and think like the person or persons you are hunting. I know you have had practice at this, because you have been a Hit Wizard long enough. Just be sure of your facts.” This was going to be hard for Brennan to learn, but it would mean the difference on whether he was just an information gather for the group or if he was going to be an active operative.




Brennan smiled as he said, "How about yours? Who knows what we will figure out?"

“I would be happy to go over my note, to see what you think, but first, don’t you think you should put the piece of paper about to fall out of your pocket, back in?” Richard hoped Brennan was not keeping something else from him. He wanted to trust his new partner, but Brennan was making that difficult.


Brennan

“With the way you have been receiving notes, then if the writer does not work here, he as someone who is delivering at least some of the messages. I know of one student who would be a good candidate, Rufus Scipio, a fifth year Gryffindor. The kid is too interested in Tia, and she is definitely not his type. Several of the students, have mentions him also as being bad news.” Richard debated on telling Brennan about Anthony, and decided not too at this point.

Brennan nodded as he said, "Rufus is more than he appears. I have watched him for sometime now and Tia is not the only one that has caught his interest. He has also been watching Rosa lately as well as Seth Lucas. He has been known to have taken an interest in Starling as well as my baby sister Mir. Rich, I have watched as he does things and it looks like he wants Tia to know what he is capable of. He likes scaring her. He has changed from wanting her to believe that he has a crush to showing his true colors. I think Tia is scared of only two here at the school. That is Rufus and the Headboy Jackson Russo. Rich, Tia hates showing her fear but it is getting harder for her to hide it. I fear that she is about to run again. You would think that no threats this term would ease her mind but it has done just the opposite. It has her terrified and she is having a hard time hiding it."

“The Blood spell lock would have had to be someone your father would have wanted to read the journal. Your mother would have definitely been one of those people, but she has passed away. The question is who else would your father have had access to for the blood and who he would have wanted to read the journal and not worry about putting in danger. Any ideas?”

Bren nodded as he said, "Tarik or Ari, maybe both."

Continuing Richard added, “Brennan you solved the riddle didn’t you? Come on, out with it. Keeping me informed means giving me all the information not just part of it.” Richard sternly looked at the young man.

He nodded as he said, "It took me only an hour to figure it out. Thirteen were made but only one is smaller than the rest. was the part that took the longest to figure out. Then I remembered Cassandra had said that the Onaris Medallion was the smallest as their grandfather hated the woman. Khalid inherited it at twelve. Find a family link to an island and you will find it. was easy as I remembered that both the Dawsons and Wrights are related to Seth Lucas and Ashley Wright. The Isle of Wright is where that family lives. though be invisible as another could bet you to it. that told me that Louis was worried that somebody already knew where it was or would figure it out soon. one good, one bad but both blood. told me that Louis was saying that both Tarik and Khalid were after it. what is it?was a little weird because it was as if I was to actually say it aloud. Though the next part was to me. nephew, keep it safe and see the right one gets it. asking me to guard it and see that it gets to Tarik. And Rich, I never confirmed to the journal that I had solved the riddle."

“Well, this is a nice turn of events. This is a very important pendant, Bren, as I am sure you know. We need to get it to Tarik as soon as possible. If you do not mind I will put it away until I can get it to Tarik. It will be returned to you, I promise along with an explanation.”

Brennan nodded as he said, "It belongs to Miranda and I want to personally place it on her neck. Though I have always wondered why it was called the Dawson Medallion and not Cassandra's medallion."

“For example,” Richard asked.

Brennan said calmly, "Rufus and sometimes the Caretaker Anthony. Richard, Anthony is a puzzle as sometimes he seems to be one way and then other times I see a person that is ten times worst than Rufus. If he was muggle-born I would have him checked for Multiple Personality Disorder."

“Brennan, the Caretaker Group is not an Auror group. Those groups had to work within certain confines, or face a panel on why they did not follow the rules, even the very lose rules. The Caretaker’s have no written rules, and the ones we try to follow are: help where you can, don’t get yourself, any innocents or any of the group killed if you can help it, and solve the problem whatever it is. We do not have to explain our reasoning on why we did what we did and do not have a time limit. You need to stop thinking like an Auror as you work through problems. You need to try and think like the person or persons you are hunting. I know you have had practice at this, because you have been a Hit Wizard long enough. Just be sure of your facts.”

Brennan smiled as he said, "I have and that is one mind that scares even me. Khalid actually believes he is the best and is the true leader of the Medjai. He blames the old council, Dark Sect and Wizards for the war and death of his and Arianna's mother. He believes that if all the Medjai were Hunters than Egypt would still belong to the Medjai and not Wizards. He hates the fact that they focus more on Knowledge than fighting. He believes Tarik and Ari has been held back and corrupted by these weak Medjai. He will not stop until he has set things right or what he believes is right. Richard what scares me the most is Khalid's belief that he is destined to test the bearers of the medallions and destroy any that are not worthy of the name Medjai. The man is insane."

Richard held up his hand to stop Brennan. “You have given me fair warning. I know about Medjai law, because I have worked with Ari for a long time. Between you and me, I would be very surprised if Khalid survived capture. Khalid is not the only one in the group we are looking for, he is just the most prominent within our sphere of research. Do not loose site of other’s being involved, or you may find yourself surrounded.”

Brennan smiled as he said, "Between you and me, I wonder if the old council made a mistake in sending Tarik after Khalid. Khalid knows that Tarik is no match for him as fighting skills go. He likes to torment Tarik though almost as much as they like terrorizing Tia. I think he is more worried about Arianna and this group joining forces with Tarik. Richard that is it! I have a feeling that we all got notes. Khalid is trying to keep us busy and away from Tarik. It is like a game of chess. He is isolating the king. His target is Tarik. Khalid would be foolish enough to think that Tarik is the only real protection Tia has. He is wanting his brother by his side or out of the way until they get Tia. Richard, the one thing that I have learned about the Onaris family is they are big on distractions. Fox's disappearance is just that. They are after Tarik and Tia. Arianna coming had Khalid worried so they need us kept busy. Though the notes will tell us more as I believe Khalid wants us to know but not in time to stop it. Which means me and you need all the notes and then we are in a race against Time. How quickly can you get them? And Rich, if I am right...Khalid or Shadow will have an ace in hole when they strike. Something that makes sure that Tarik doesn't send for help."

“I would be happy to go over my note, to see what you think, but first, don’t you think you should put the piece of paper about to fall out of your pocket, back in?” Richard hoped Brennan was not keeping something else from him.

Brennan had forgot all about Louis' note to his mother. A little embarrassed Bren pulled it out and handed it to Richard saying, "I found it in the back of the journal. It's address to my mother from Louis. It has never been opened. It is odd though as it is dated the day of his disappearance. Richard, If Louis had the journal the day of his murder then how did my mother get the journal? If it had arrived anytime before the day of my mother's death, she would have opened that letter. Also it couldn't have been sent as when I asked how it came into my mother's hands, one of the staff said that a man brought it. They also said that no sooner than he showed up my mother gave them the day off. My mother was found dead outside that night. A victim of a muggle shooting just like Troy. I inherited everything in the house and in my spare time am slowly going though it. The thing is how did the man know to give it to my mother as she has never went by Dawson?"

Brennan was unaware that his finger was bleeding and the note that Richard was holding had opened and started talking very loudly:

"Dear Brennan,

If you are listening to this then it and the journal never left my hands until my death. I pray that he will stop with me and leave Cassandra and your mother alone. I am sorry that it had to be an enemy that told me the truth about you. I hope that it was just that your mother believed that my half-brother was your father. Bren, if I had known believe me that your mother and me would have figured things out. Cassandra always said that you took after me. Though every time I asked your mother she would get upset. I think my half-brother never knew about the brief time me and your mom shared.

Now for the journal, Bren. Make sure that Tarik gets it. Khalid knows about you and that Cassandra is pregnant. I am hoping to buy Leo some time by confronting him. Leo is on his way to meet Tarik. We have hidden the proof and the riddle will tell you and Tarik where. Hopefully Leo and Tarik have already got it. If not, son It will be up to you to see that Tarik gets Khalid's medallion which was rip from his neck by their grandfather. Bren, if you told the journal the answer to the riddle, then you now know everything that me and Leo found out as what happened exactly to me as the journal is recording everything including me confronting Khalid and a man that seems to be his right hand man. The man's name is Shadow but me and Leo believe that he might be somebody that an old Auror asked us to watch for.

I pray that I will be able to tell you in person but if you got this then that was not meant to be. Brennan, I will let Tarik tell you about the Dawson line. Do me a favor and don't let hatred for what happened to eat away what is you. Khalid has allowed that to happen to him. Believe me as I say that he needs to be stopped but not by you or Tarik. Cassandra and Arianna have been secretly trained by their father and the council. Arianna also been given instruction of how to instruct others. Her father has known about a team that she formed years ago. He went to the council and finally they agreed that times were changing and it was time to change the rules. The group known as The Caretakers have the support of the Medjai Council to override any order and do things their way. The council believed that a group of specialize Hunters teaming with Tarik would be able to take Khalid down. Son, there is a message with new orders for Tarik. It is straight from the council. Only blood will unlock it and Arianna's orders.

Me and Cassandra have always loved you. Remember that! also Bren, I too thought that working alone was the best way. It is not and your aunt Ari has said that when you are ready, you will take my place. Trust the group and your partner and they will protect you as they have for years. I think Ari always knew. Brennan, be careful and don't try to take Khalid or Shadow on your own. Patience is key as the group will teach you. Khalid will mess up and the group has orders to take him out. Tarik need not worry about Ari or anybody else as the death order is only Khalid and any who side with him.

Louis Dawson

P.S. If this letter is being heard by your partner? Then Caretaker, Ari told me about you. She only trusted you to train Brennan as you and him are so much alike. As me and Leo were. Train him, though remember that he is probably like me is other ways. Rich, you should remember the one way that I am talking about. I should have told the team but I am only distracting him, while Leo is heading for Tarik. With any luck Ari is there and this time Khalid goes down. Though if this letter is being heard, then Luck was not with us and you have your work cut out for you as Bren is too much like me. Ari said that I wasn't to worry but after she told me Bren's specialty, how can I not. Bren has the gift of getting into his target's head. As you know, it is a blessing and a curse. Bren listen to Rich and stop believing you are alone in this."

Richard


“Rufus is really starting to get around. Has anyone figured out why he was put in Gryffindor instead of Slytherin? I wonder what it would take to put a little scare into that young man. Oh, Brennan one piece of advice be careful around him, because he knows more magic then many adults.”

“We know Tia is his highest priority target; Rosa has become interesting because whoever he tells things too is now interested in Rosa. Mir is Tia’s best friend so I can see why the interest would be there. Starling I am not really sure about the connection there, other than she is an Allie. I think she and Luke like each other also. Maybe they are looking for information from another source. Keep an eye on all of them as much as you can.” There was no way Richard and Brennan were going to be able to protect so many, “I will let Sasha, Ari, Alexia, and Pippin, know what we expect so they might be able to help cover much of the ground.”



Richard looked thoughtful, “Good suggestions.” But Richard had someone else in mind.



“Very well done Brennan..”
(Richard) “Well, this is a nice turn of events. This is a very important pendant, Bren, as I am sure you know. We need to get it to Tarik as soon as possible. If you do not mind I will put it away until I can get it to Tarik. It will be returned to you, I promise along with an explanation.”

Brennan nodded as he said, "It belongs to Miranda and I want to personally place it on her neck.



“You need to make sure Tarik sees the medallion and confirms the owner. You are probably right and the Medallion does belong to Mir, and I know she will be thrilled to own it.” Richard knew the medallion may belong to Cassandra, but he hoped Tarik would be able to confirm it would be Mir who would get it.



Richard took a sip of his now cold tea while trying to decide about telling Brennan about Anthony. Realizing the information could probably save his life someday, he started the explanation. “Brennan, what I am about to tell you stays in this office. Even if you realize someone else might have the same information you need to act like you do not know. I want your promise on this.”

“Anthony does suffer from Multiple Personality Disorder. There are four distinct personalities. One is Anthony, the Auror, good natured and very conscientious about his job. The second is Tony, who is woman crazy. He is very much the gentleman and likes woman who can handle themselves and do not need constant attention. He is not a fighter and I think has been actually hiding. The third is Antonio who is basically a hit wizard, working for the wrong side. He is a double agent. These three have been working together to try and solve a problem. “

“The fourth is the Chameleon, a cold blooded killer and someone who has no problem with torturing people or causing mental or physical pain. The forth personality is controlled by Dark Shadow and is strong. We have been working on a possibility of ‘killing’ him without harming the other three. He comes out when Anthony has been drinking or any of the three get angry. The other three cannot control this forth so do not try and bring him out.”



Richard listened as Brennan voiced the feeling of many of the Caretaker group and others. He was sure Tarik, Khalid’s half-brother, was slowly coming to the realization, but had not admitted it to himself yet. Tarik, was having a harder time as time passed in holding to the idea, Khalid had a good explanation for his past. Too much was mounting up. Tarik, who was a follower of the old ways, knew if Khalid was convicted of being a dark wizard then he must be killed, along with all his blood relatives. This was preventing Tarik from actively searching for Khalid. “Most are in agreement with you, Brennan on the mind set of Khalid. Just remember it if you ever have to come up against him.



“From what Tarik has told me about the old council, I think it is very unlikely they made a mistake. They had their reasons, I am sure. And I agree Khalid and Dark Shadow are after Tarik and Tia. Tia is to be head of the new council when it forms and Tarik, although he would be second in line to head the council, is content to be Tia’s advisor. If Khalid controls both then he would have Tia doing his bidding, even if all the other members of the council disagreed, because Tia can over ride all their suggestion.” Richard had learned a lot about the old council from Tarik. He had told Tarik, it was not a good thing in his opinion to have the council made up of children, even if each would be able to choose an advisor for themselves, but Tarik said it was pre-destined. Richard had learned a long time ago you cannot fight destiny.



Richard’s throat became tight as he listened to the voice of his old friend. There were still times Richard felt a pang of guilt, he could have helped his friend and the man would still be alive today. Others had explained to him he could not have saved, Lou, but the pain was still there.



Richard sat in one of the chairs, and placed his elbows on his knees. Lacing his fingers together, and resting his chin on them, he concentrated on what was being said. Brennan had not told the journal the answer to the riddle, so the “proof” was still hidden. Richard decided others would need to be present when the proof was located.



With this bit of information, Richard set his mind to having a very involved talk with Ari. She had never mentioned anything about special training.



It looked like they would be visiting Tarik real soon also. Richard wondered what the new orders were from the old council. Tarik would be bound by his code of law to follow them. It would be



Richard smiled, because it had taken some quick thinking on his part several times to “protect” Lou from some of his hair-brained ideas. They had always come out ahead, but Richard would have preferred not to have taken the path Lou had chosen some of the times.



Sitting back in the chair, Richard gave a small sigh. This news was really going to be good to give Tarik. It would give him the ability to get his brother without condemning the rest of the family to death.



Richard smiled and shuck his head yes. All he could think was, “Here I go again…” . He hoped his own age was going to allow him the energy to train another personality like what Brennan was being made out to be. “Oh, yes, the one way which had gotten them into danger, but had been also able to get them out of some very tough situations. Lou could think like the people they were chasing or watching. It had always amazed Richard when Lou told him things about the subject, and then be proven right.



Richard sat for a moment in silence, taking in all the information from the letter. He watched the note close and gently land in Brenna’s lap. Looking over at the kid, he wondered what was going through his mind. If Brennan, was anything like his father, then it was going to be very interesting training the young Hit Wizard in a new way of working, using just as much if not more brain power over mussel and brawn.

Finally Richard started to speak “Brennan you must wait to tell the journal the answer, until we can get Tarik and a few others in the room. The proof will have to be retrieved quickly and I would rather have more than just you and me going after it ….and…” Richard stopped because of the look on Brennan’s face.

Brennan

“Rufus is really starting to get around. Has anyone figured out why he was put in Gryffindor instead of Slytherin? I wonder what it would take to put a little scare into that young man. Oh, Brennan one piece of advice be careful around him, because he knows more magic then many adults.”

Brennan shook his head as he said, " Yea, he seems to be done playing the misunderstood kid. Tia said that there were times that he seemed sweet but fearful. It could have been something deep within that the hat picked up on. We might have to ask the sorting hat. It might even have an idea of how to bring those traits out."

“We know Tia is his highest priority target; Rosa has become interesting because whoever he tells things too is now interested in Rosa. Mir is Tia’s best friend so I can see why the interest would be there. Starling I am not really sure about the connection there, other than she is an Allie. I think she and Luke like each other also. Maybe they are looking for information from another source. Keep an eye on all of them as much as you can.”

Bren nodded as he said, "Richard, it was Starling that saw and told Tia's friends that it was Rufus that cast the snake spell. Her being close to my cousin Luke could just be icing on the cake. I think Rufus has never gotten over the fact that it was a first year that spoiled any chance of him joining the Allies. The Core trusts me but barely, we are going to need major help to watch them all. Though Tarik has a tracer spell on each of their journals, it only helps if they have the journal with them."

“I will let Sasha, Ari, Alexia, and Pippin, know what we expect so they might be able to help cover much of the ground.”

The Hit Wizard nodded.

“You need to make sure Tarik sees the medallion and confirms the owner. You are probably right and the Medallion does belong to Mir, and I know she will be thrilled to own it.”

He smiled.

“Brennan, what I am about to tell you stays in this office. Even if you realize someone else might have the same information you need to act like you do not know. I want your promise on this.”

Brennan said, "The only I will tell anything you reveal is if the information will stop an attack. It is all I can promise, Richard."

“Anthony does suffer from Multiple Personality Disorder. There are four distinct personalities. One is Anthony, the Auror, good natured and very conscientious about his job. The second is Tony, who is woman crazy. He is very much the gentleman and likes woman who can handle themselves and do not need constant attention. He is not a fighter and I think has been actually hiding. The third is Antonio who is basically a hit wizard, working for the wrong side. He is a double agent. These three have been working together to try and solve a problem. “

“The fourth is the Chameleon, a cold blooded killer and someone who has no problem with torturing people or causing mental or physical pain. The forth personality is controlled by Dark Shadow and is strong. We have been working on a possibility of ‘killing’ him without harming the other three. He comes out when Anthony has been drinking or any of the three get angry. The other three cannot control this forth so do not try and bring him out.”

Bren nodded as he said, "That would explain the mix signals I get. Is there a way to know when each is out? I think I have met three of the four. There were a few times that I thought that Anthony was trying to make a move on Alexia. Though now, I am pretty sure that was Tony. There have been times when Anthony seems extremely helpful as I have found notes that have asked for me to watch certain Allies. I watched the spot where the notes were being left and saw Anthony once leaving one. Then of course, I have also ran into the Chameleon or Antonio. Those two are hard for me to decide which it is. The time that sticks in my head is me catching him watching Tia, in the library. When confronted he got a little rough with me. Soon after I found my office ransacked. This was last term. Since no note was left, it probably was Antonio. If Chameleon is the worst then I have yet to meet him or I have and he believes me no threat."

“Most are in agreement with you, Brennan on the mind set of Khalid. Just remember it if you ever have to come up against him.

He nodded.

“From what Tarik has told me about the old council, I think it is very unlikely they made a mistake. They had their reasons, I am sure. And I agree Khalid and Dark Shadow are after Tarik and Tia. Tia is to be head of the new council when it forms and Tarik, although he would be second in line to head the council, is content to be Tia’s advisor. If Khalid controls both then he would have Tia doing his bidding, even if all the other members of the council disagreed, because Tia can over ride all their suggestion.” Richard had learned a lot about the old council from Tarik.

Brennan thought about what Richard was saying. Then asked, "Rich, what do think would happen if Tia refused Khalid or Shadow? Neither man gives me the impression of taking No for an answer. Could the terrorizing get even worse? Or could they just decide to hold her prisoner until they have control? This last time they held her for two days. When she reappeared, there was a huge gap in her memory."

Bren was worried about what both girls had been put though. He needed to get Richard to understand what he feared. Voicing his thoughts, "Richard, Tia and Mir are both changed. Tia has been more terrified that she is constantly on edge. As I said before she is having a very hard time of hiding her fear. She is hardly seen around the Core anymore. She has either went inside herself or she is about to bolt. I am worried that if they are planning on grabbing her again...Well if them having her for two days did this...How will she be next time? Richard, Tia is a strong girl but I can only imagine what they put her though. Her willpower is breaking down..." He stopped as he could not imagine what would happen if Shadow got a hold of her again. Dark Shadow was slowly breaking her down and it was only a matter of time before she agreed to whatever the dark wizard wanted.

"Dear Brennan,

If you are listening to this then it and the journal never left my hands until my death. I pray that he will stop with me and leave Cassandra and your mother alone. I am sorry that it had to be an enemy that told me the truth about you. I hope that it was just that your mother believed that my half-brother was your father. Bren, if I had known believe me that your mother and me would have figured things out. Cassandra always said that you took after me. Though every time I asked your mother she would get upset. I think my half-brother never knew about the brief time me and your mom shared.

Bren listened as his father tried to explain the betrayal that his mother had done. He wondered if he would ever be able to forgive her as it seemed his father had.

Now for the journal, Bren. Make sure that Tarik gets it. Khalid knows about you and that Cassandra is pregnant. I am hoping to buy Leo some time by confronting him. Leo is on his way to meet Tarik. We have hidden the proof and the riddle will tell you and Tarik where. Hopefully Leo and Tarik have already got it. If not, son It will be up to you to see that Tarik gets Khalid's medallion which was rip from his neck by their grandfather. Bren, if you told the journal the answer to the riddle, then you now know everything that me and Leo found out as what happened exactly to me as the journal is recording everything including me confronting Khalid and a man that seems to be his right hand man. The man's name is Shadow but me and Leo believe that he might be somebody that an old Auror asked us to watch for.

Brennan listened and wished that he had told the journal that he had solved it. He picked up on his father making peace as if he knew that he was going to died that day. The hit wizard also picked up on that his father had not mentioned Seth by name. Now knowing that Dark Shadow had indeed been there he wondered which one had actually killed his father. It had been another trap that Khalid and Shadow escaped from. There had to be a leak and that person Brennan Dawson wanted more than Khalid and Shadow. The traitor had cost to many lives and until that wizard was dealt with none of the team was safe.

I pray that I will be able to tell you in person but if you got this then that was not meant to be. Brennan, I will let Tarik tell you about the Dawson line. Do me a favor and don't let hatred for what happened to eat away what is you. Khalid has allowed that to happen to him. Believe me as I say that he needs to be stopped but not by you or Tarik. Cassandra and Arianna have been secretly trained by their father and the council. Arianna also been given instruction of how to instruct others. Her father has known about a team that she formed years ago. He went to the council and finally they agreed that times were changing and it was time to change the rules. The group known as The Caretakers have the support of the Medjai Council to override any order and do things their way. The council believed that a group of specialize Hunters teaming with Tarik would be able to take Khalid down. Son, there is a message with new orders for Tarik. It is straight from the council. Only blood will unlock it and Arianna's orders.

Bren smiled as he realized what this special group was. A team trained both as a wizard and as a Medjai was a Dark Hunter's worst nightmare. It was no longer a single Hunter going after Khalid but several and each picked because of their specialty. Going over each specialty, he realized that Arianna was only missing one specialty unless they could find somebody that could actually became any personality he wanted. That got him thinking about Anthony. A wizard who had MPD was unheard of but what if he was something else. Bren knew that he wouldn't tell the others until he was sure.

Me and Cassandra have always loved you. Remember that! also Bren, I too thought that working alone was the best way. It is not and your aunt Ari has said that when you are ready, you will take my place. Trust the group and your partner and they will protect you as they have for years. I think Ari always knew. Brennan, be careful and don't try to take Khalid or Shadow on your own. Patience is key as the group will teach you. Khalid will mess up and the group has orders to take him out. Tarik need not worry about Ari or anybody else as the death order is only Khalid and any who side with him.

Louis Dawson

Tears came to Brennan's eyes as he had never been able to tell the man what those two had meant to him. Anger welled in him as he realized that thanks to Khalid and Shadow he never would. Richard had told him not to seek out the pair and he wouldn't but he knew what they wanted and that would be in Tarik's hands by the end of the week. Him and Luke were about to have a major talk but first he needed to find Ash. Luke would never risk his twin and so Ash had to be found.

P.S. If this letter is being heard by your partner? Then Caretaker, Ari told me about you. She only trusted you to train Brennan as you and him are so much alike. As me and Leo were. Train him, though remember that he is probably like me is other ways. Rich, you should remember the one way that I am talking about. I should have told the team but I am only distracting him, while Leo is heading for Tarik. With any luck Ari is there and this time Khalid goes down. Though if this letter is being heard, then Luck was not with us and you have your work cut out for you as Bren is too much like me. Ari said that I wasn't to worry but after she told me Bren's specialty, how can I not. Bren has the gift of getting into his target's head. As you know, it is a blessing and a curse. Bren listen to Rich and stop believing you are alone in this."

Finally Richard started to speak “Brennan you must wait to tell the journal the answer, until we can get Tarik and a few others in the room. The proof will have to be retrieved quickly and I would rather have more than just you and me going after it ….and…” Richard stopped because of the look on Brennan’s face.

With tears in Bren's eyes, he knew whose mind he needs to figure out to find Ashley. Rufus would have known where she was, which meant that he need to somehow get the boy to lead him to where they were holding her.

Brennan

“That seems to be a pretty good idea, but for the future. I am not ready to bring the Headmistress or even Sasha into this at the moment.” Richard figured he should explain further, because he had just recently told Brennan not to keep anything to him. “Brennan, I want to be sure of my facts, or at least at the point where I think someone else can add information to mine and come up with a better theory. You and I are a team, which means we act as one person that is why we do not keep information from each other. Do you understand the difference?”

Brennan nodded.

“I will ask Marco to keep an eye on Starling also.”

Bren gave a questioning look as he said, "But Rich, Marco is not a part of the team yet."

“With the tracers on their journals, and all the people who are connected watching out, there will only be a few times when they cannot be watched.” Richard thought of the people who were involved in what looked like a crossover in cases. “That reminds me, I will tell Sara Puddifoot in Hogsmeade to get her watch group of business owners and townspeople together and give them a list of the ones we are looking out for. Charity Charms in Diagon Alley, has a small group of people who can help also. Can you think of anything or anywhere else we need to cover for at least the term?”

Brennan smiled as he said, "Like I said, the journals only help us locate them if they take the journal with them. Tia hardly does. As for other places, I would say both Tia and Rosa have a very bad habit. They go into the Forbidden Forest. Rosa for plants and Tia goes in to find that Centaur she insulted her first year."

Looking pointedly at Brennan, Richard grimaced. “Well, I guess that will have to do for now. Remember the information in more wrong hands, can get even more dangerous. Also if the Ministry finds out then Anthony will be removed and we lose a contact there, plus it will give Shadow a chance to really go heavy on bringing Chameleon out, and burying the rest.”

Brennan realized that Greene had misunderstood him. Smiling as he tried to clarify saying, "Rich, the only ones I would tell is Tia or any Ally that I saw was trusting the wrong one. And the reason would be if I believed the Core member was in immediate danger."

Richard chuckled. “Well, it looks like you have met all four along the way. Anthony drinks herbal tea and is right handed; Tony drinks Pumpkin Juice and does not favor either hand; Antonio drinks mostly sweet whisky and is left handed; Chameleon prefers straight vodka and is left handed. Anthony and Antonio speak Chinese; I am not sure about Tony or Chameleon on this fact. They each have their own flasks also. If you are observant you will see facial expressions and even body stance which will give them away. The one thing you have to remember is to be careful of what and when you say things.”

Brennan joined in the laugh and then said, "I think Alexia might know at least about Tony. Though he has not been out so far this term. Rich, I only deal with Anthony when I have to but I will remember."

The notes would also help, Richard added, “Anthony, Tony and Antonio, are supposed to leave each other notes which keeps the others informed of what is happening. Sometimes these notes are left with Marco Spellman, who has known Anthony from school days, and has been acting as a go between for the three. Chameleon has been left out of this loop, so he cannot see the notes or anything the others put a spell on. All three want the Chameleon gone.”

The hit wizard nodded as he said, "Well they aren't the only ones. So far the notes left in the hole in the tree have been addressed to me personally. That was the reason I was wondering who left them. As only Seth, Lisa Potter and Sasha even knew that I had been assigned to Hogwarts. Yet my first note was left the day I arrived last term. That one was waiting at the gate. It told me to keep close tabs on Rosabelle Fairmont. It also told me to check the tree with the hole in its trunk. It was signed, One Like You. It also said as a P.S. If anything happened to the Allies, especially the Core on my watch that the sender would be not happy and would deal with me personally. After what you told me about each of them, the sender had to be Antonio. Though I am wondering why he would be mad at me. He knows that they like to take off especially Tia. Maybe you can make sense of his note?" Reaching into his pocket and pulled out those notes.

Handing them to Richard saying seeing his face, "I know, it will take time for both of us. Rich, I have always had secret pockets that hold everything of importance, especially any notes or evidence. I gather by your look that you want me to empty those pockets? All of them?" There was over a hundred pockets and Bren had forgotten what was in most of them.

Seeing Rich's look, Bren said, "Now?"

Sitting back in the chair, he trough a piece of candy in Brennan’s direction and started, “From talking with Tia, I know about the memory lose. When she tries to remember and something tries to surface, she gets a violent headache. Tarik will have his hands full, on trying to keep her grounded and not running. We have several of the Allies, who are getting very good at finding her on a moment’s notice, if she is at the school. At the moment we just have to take it one step at a time.”

He shook his head sadly as he said, " if Tia is getting headaches that violent, I wonder if her remembering would be really a good thing? Though Tia is head-strong and if she chooses to remember, she will push herself until she does. As for her running, we will get little if any warning. I know about taking one step at a time but the notes that Tia used to get would help put us in a direction. Rich, we have no clue as to what Shadow is planning this time. Which means we need to be ready for anything because we will only get one shot at this guy. Rich, already these guys have us at a disadvantage, since they know who each of us are and we are still working on who all we are going up against."

“Brennan, I do understand what can happen, and I promise you I am just as worried about Tia as you are, but the only thing we can do now is worry and try and protect those we can.” Richard looked at Brennan in the eyes, “Bren, emotions in this business can get you killed. If you are overly worried about watching one direction you will miss another possibility. Put up what roadblocks that you can, take care of things as they happen or as soon after they happen as you can, and do not get bogged down in the possibilities.” Richard hoped he was getting through to the kid.

Brennan nodded as he said, "This is how I work, Rich. To get into my target's head I need to understand how far the Target will go. Any and all possibilities that the target will consider. Once I do that I can get ahead of the target and pick the best and safest time to take him down. In the muggle world it is called, 'Profiling' I am excellent at it and Khalid so far is the only one that I have missed. That is why I asked that only a select few knew about my new assignment as I am smelling a rat."

“Brennan, your talent is learning about people as your father’s was before you. I have a challenge for you. Learn about Dark Shadow, David Valentine. Learn what makes him tick, other than being an egomaniac. If you know what makes him tick, maybe we can find out what makes him cringe. Everyone…..and I repeat….everyone has an error or soft spot in their makeup. And as always I will add the word of warning. Be careful and do not work on your own. Remember your father’s warning. Let me know what you find as you find it. Adding information together will help you go deeper.”

Brennan nodded and said, "I already know something’s about him. He loves control. Though I believe he sees Tia has a challenge which could explain him changing things. The notes worked but not like he wanted. He is also spending time to learn about each of his victims. He times his strikes. I would need to know who all his known victims are and when each was killed. Oh and Rich, he might have a big ego but that is because nobody has ever escaped one of his traps. He will not be easy to bring down. I will see what I can do but he is not going to stop until he is brought down permanently. I am starting to think that he has the mind of a profiler. If I am right then once he finds out that I am profiling him, he is going to do one of two things. The first is try and take me out. The other is start making sure I stay in the game. I would rather not let him find out. "