 Lovely™ | Captain Hurted | Ariana's Bane | Resident Antagonist | Unparalleled Delight
Given the scope of this whole Diagon Alley affair, just off the back of a wizarding war of which the effects were felt across the continent, it only made sense that the level of security would be high. Not obviously so; sure, the Magical Law Enforcement presence was obvious in places, for general peace of mind, but there was plenty more where that came from, only more subtle. Jake Upstead (definitely not in that 'subtle' category) had stationed himself at the memorial garden; if there was going to be any trouble, it seemed most likely it would happen here.
But he was trying very hard not to think about the kind of person who would target a memorial, for trouble or for fun. Repeatedly. Trying very, very hard.
From the start, Jake hadn't been sure this event was such a good idea, but knew that such a comment would get him absolutely nowhere, and make him seem like a killjoy to boot. He did have to admit that some kind of positivity was what their community needed, after everything. Raise spirits a bit. Not that anyone here looked very happy.
Which... er, well. Actually, he supposed that did make sense. Uh. Anyway.
Too restless to stay one place for long, Jake had been wandering between different spots in this garden every fifteen minutes or so since he'd arrived. Now he left his place by the entrance of the garden, and - silently squeezing young Kaiser's shoulder as he passed him - went to take a look at the phoenix statue, though he'd seen it plenty of times already. He stayed a little way back from it, so he didn't impede anyone's view. Definitely not to keep a wide berth from nearby tears. No, definitely not.
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Maybe this had been a mistake. It had absolutely been a mistake. Kaiser didn't know why he'd agreed to be here.
Except he did. Not only was it his responsibility to help where help was needed, not only was he determined to be around as much as possible whenever the Minister's presence was required for work-related engagements, but maybe also because he owed a debt. Kaiser did not like feeling like he owed anyone anything, and usually stubbornly fought against such feelings, but he couldn't do that right now. Not with this, it was just too big.
He stood at the side of a section of the colourful pathway, tapping a clipboard incessantly against one forearm, looking determinedly away from the statue, in case he ended up reading the names below it. Even when Jake squeezed his shoulder, Kaiser gave no reaction. He kept his expression schooled, neutral, and looked out for anyone who seemed like they wanted to sponsor one of the paving stones. As long as it was work, he could handle it.
Which also meant keeping clear of anyone who was likely to make his composure waver. Charles, who had to be compartmentalised into work mode only today. Candela. Elio. Was it awful to hope that those last two were enjoying exploring the rest of the festival enough that they'd stay away for a while?
Guilt - already coursing just below the surface - tore through him; Kaiser took that as a yes.
__________________ Days of Potter 2023:___________________________ Which Bertie Botts Flavour Are You?
You are Chocolate! |