Latest Site Notices

Hermione_loves_Ron · 01-16-2009, 11:25 PM

If you are in need of a place to hold a meeting or a conference, look no further than The Leaky Cauldron. This Private Parlour has been used in the past for meetings with the Minister of Magic. Ministry members may book this room for meetings or conferences.

Inside, the room is made of dark wood. A long table runs down the length of the room and many cozy, rolling chairs line it. If fewer people are attending, the table can be shortened for a more personal meeting. The room is eloquent, with tapestries hanging on the wall and portraits of famous wizards and witches line the wall, willing to give their advice if you want it (or if you don't). In each corner sits a suit of armor, regal and rigid.

Unless you have reserved this room, though, you are not permitted to enter.

**Thomas Duskurk** · 12-22-2009, 02:39 AM

Thomas laughed then. "Which, I am quite sure, puts her mind at great ease," he said. Yes, he did have a sense of humor. And this little adventure was turning out to be more entertaining already than he had anticipated. Yes, Thomas was having quite a lot of fun and he hadn't even drawn his wand, yet.

lemondrop13 · 12-22-2009, 02:48 AM

Accepting his papers into her hands, Reagan quickly surveyed them before correcting herself, "Captain Tate, my apologies." Of course, she wished to immediately take back that apology as the next words escaped Tate's mouth. They would be going into Hogwarts, would they? Oh, that's funny because last time I checked, I hadn't agreed to that!!

Hearing Duskurk's laugh, Reagan might have smirked had she not found this conversation completely un-funny. With a coolness to her voice, Reagan inquired, "Oh really? I assume you received the permission and cooperation of the Minister of Magic with jurisdiction where Hogwarts is located? Oh no wait, that can't be right because that's me and I have not agreed to this. And with this little amount of information and this large amount of presumption, you and Mr. Duskurk won't be getting into Hogwarts any time in the near future."

Cassirin · 12-22-2009, 02:56 AM

"Thomas," Tate answered with a grin. "You know my primary goal isn't putting Minister Taylor at ease, although I wish she would relax a bit. Unarmed, remember?"

He directed that grin at her, although there was something steely in his eyes. He'd address her concerns, although he certainly didn't have to. "Minister, we can do this with or without the cooperation of the Ministry. I'd certainly prefer with. Mr. Duskurk is offering his considerable talents in correcting a very real lapse in existing security."

**Thomas Duskurk** · 12-22-2009, 02:59 AM

Thomas waved a hand at Tate as if in dismissal, but allowed him to go on. He didn't really have anything to add. He would not be caught begging.

lemondrop13 · 12-22-2009, 03:09 AM

Reagan was so angered and appalled by the words flying out of Tate's mouth that she was white-knuckling her wand. Fearing that it might snap under more pressure from her grip, Reagan forced herself to holster her wand and relax her shoulders.

Despite the ease in her body language, her tone was as frigid as ever, "Like hell you will. I don't know who you think you are, but International Task Force or not, you will not enter that school without my cooperation. And you're not getting my cooperation until you explain yourselves properly and to my satisfaction. And if you are actually here to seek my cooperation, you might want to start by not making assumptions you might regret." She wasn't afraid of this guy. She was the bloody Minister for Magic!

"As for the security lapses you speak of, I am more than open to suggestions of improvement, as the protection of my people is my primary concern. But I'm not quite sure what Mr. Duskurk has to offer that I would be interested in hearing."

Cassirin · 12-22-2009, 03:17 AM

"I won't bother you, then, with a list of failures from your office," Tate sighed. She was being difficult. He wished one of his superiors had come along to throw around his weight, but Tate would have to do for now. "But death and disappearances are serious charges. We've read with interest that many lay these accusations at the foot of Mr. Duskurk."

He glanced at Thomas, wishing the man would stop being so enigmatic. "Thomas will assist in the capture of the real culprit in exchange for leniency on his sentence. And I will accompany him, if that puts your mind at ease."

**Thomas Duskurk** · 12-22-2009, 03:26 AM

Thomas switched ankles and then spoke up. "I have had nothing to do with the recent goings on at Hogwarts and I will put a stop to them in exchange for amnesty and a restoration of my property," he added in a dry tone. None of this leniency nonsense.

lemondrop13 · 12-22-2009, 03:38 AM

Minister Taylor's lips pursed in frustration and her voice was filled with sarcastic disdain, "Oh Captain Tate, I only wish we had time for you to enlighten me on the mistakes of my office. But let me enlighten you on a few things - I assure you that had the now-missing Headmaster informed our Ministry in an appropriate fashion when the first child," and here Reagan's chest heaved with emotion and her tone dripped with sadness, "died, the Ministry would have gotten involved much more expeditiously than his tardy announcement allowed for. That is not to say that mistakes have not been made, but I will not be spoken to as if my Ministry has stood idly by and allowed these horrific things to happen. I assure you, that is not the case.

"So, if you truly seek to protect those children, then your organization and I are on the same side. And I am open to discussing means of improvement upon security. But what proof do you have that Mr. Duskurk is not the responsible party for these occurrances? And why is he truly necessary in this plan of yours?"

Upon hearing Duskurk's interruption, Minster Taylor's brow raised in skepticism, "You want full amnesty after all the crimes you've committed? After eluding authorities for ages? You sure are a dreamer. And what property are you referring to, anyway?"

Cassirin · 12-22-2009, 03:48 AM

"Thomas," Tate said sharply, giving the man a look. "You know that isn't the arrangement worked out by the International Confederation of Wizards, and it is misleading to the Minister to imply otherwise." They'd spent such a long time hammering out an agreement that left both sides feeling immensely dissatisfied.

When he glanced back at the Minister, his expression was more gentle. She was moved by the death of those students, and she brought up several good points. "Minister Taylor, it is my opinion that we cannot catch the person responsible for last term without help from someone who understands the ways of a mastermind. I would like to take Mr. Duskurk into the school so that we can see things from the inside. I would also like to take action to draw this mastermind out. I would like autonomy in the school with your permission, knowing that I'm there with my wand constantly on Mr. Duskurk. And for your permission, I will guarantee that you are kept abreast of any new developments as soon as they happen."

He settled back, clearly waiting on her response. Oh, but one more thing... "I know the school has need of a Defense professor..."

**Thomas Duskurk** · 12-22-2009, 12:28 PM

Thomas flicked his fingers in disdain, still feigning bored indifference, at Tate's mention of their so-called arrangement. Arrangement, indeed. He could care less what the International Confederation of Wizards agreed to if the Minister would agree to his initial terms. He was going to respond to the Minister's question regarding his property when Tate continued and the bored indifference turned to a smirk, which he turned on the Minister as he judged her reaction.

lemondrop13 · 12-22-2009, 11:53 PM

Minister Taylor finally felt like she and Tate had reached a common ground. Her tone and body language was much more accepting as she replied, "Your plan certainly makes some sense. Who better to know how a criminal's mind works than a criminal himself? And you promise to have your eye on Mr. Duskurk the entire time?" Reagan tapped her nose in thought.

"You do realize that, if I agree to this, should anything happen at the hands of Mr. Duskurk, you will be held responsible and the full might of the Ministry will serve to ensure the punishment of not just Mr. Duskurk, but yourself as well? "

Reagan sensed the logic in the plan, though she wasn't entirely fond of Duskurk's involvement. But, desperate times call for desperate measures... "Captain Tate, I will agree to this plan under the following conditions - I am kept updated at all times of the events occurring at Hogwarts; I reserve the right to involve the Ministry of Magic in any abnormal occurrences should they continue; and when the culprit behind this is caught, the Ministry will be attributed with at least half of the victory. Claim it was a partnership or whatnot. Do we have a deal?"

Upon Tate's question about the Defense position, Reagan had a feeling she knew how Tate planned for he and Duskurk to enter the school without drawing attention to themselves. "I take it that you seek to fill open positions in the School with yourself and Mr. Duskurk?"

Cassirin · 12-23-2009, 12:09 AM

"It certainly would make our appearance a bit less obvious," Tate agreed. "We would have to invite the Headmaster to join our conversation, I suppose, before making decisions on his behalf, but it would be ideal. Perhaps Thomas can teach. And I can... hold his chalk tray." He cupped his hands to show just how talented he was at holding chalk. Expert chalk man here.

lemondrop13 · 12-23-2009, 12:39 AM

"Ah, funny you should mention the Headmaster. It seems that the Board of Governors cannot reach a consensus on a replacement for the now-missing Bontecou. Or at the very least, they couldn't find someone to agree upon who would be willing to take the position under the present circumstances. And when the Board of Governors can't come to a consensus... the responsibility to appoint a Headmaster falls with me."

Minister Taylor scratched her chin and then placed both palms down on the arms of her chair. "How about this? You, Captain Tate, take up the post of Headmaster. You won't be responsible for educating the students per se, but you will have pretty much free reign of the castle. And it will allow me to maintain some control over the administrative aspects of Hogwarts during the term. Mr. Duskurk will take the open teaching position, considering he actually does have experience as an educator. But, Captain Tate, I expect for you to monitor the subjects that Mr. Duskurk teaches. If I hear word of any inappropriate topics, and you both will regret ever making this arrangement with me. Is that understood?" Reagan wasn't an unreasonable woman, but her concern for the youth of her nation made her drive a very hard bargain.

**Thomas Duskurk** · 12-23-2009, 12:44 AM

Thomas laughed outright at that last bit. "Perhaps my handler should take me for a walk through the Ministry to the Department of Magical Education where they can give me an appropriate curriculum. I seem to have lost all my lesson plans," he said. He did NOT need someone looking over his shoulder at what he was teaching. Hmph.

Cassirin · 12-23-2009, 12:54 AM

Tate rolled his eyes at Duskurk, choosing to ignore him. The man was a button-pusher and ignoring him was the best response. "I was under the impression that Professor Kazimeriz had taken the reins at the school. Won't it be rather obvious is he is ousted for someone with no credible educational experience? As for the rest of it, I'm happy to share with you whatever we learn, but I need autonomy to act at my own discretion."

lemondrop13 · 12-23-2009, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas_Duskurk

Thomas laughed outright at that last bit. "Perhaps my handler should take me for a walk through the Ministry to the Department of Magical Education where they can give me an appropriate curriculum. I seem to have lost all my lesson plans," he said. He did NOT need someone looking over his shoulder at what he was teaching. Hmph.

"If that is necessary, then by all means... I'll even provide the leash."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassirin

Tate rolled his eyes at Duskurk, choosing to ignore him. The man was a button-pusher and ignoring him was the best response. "I was under the impression that Professor Kazimeriz had taken the reins at the school. Won't it be rather obvious is he is ousted for someone with no credible educational experience? As for the rest of it, I'm happy to share with you whatever we learn, but I need autonomy to act at my own discretion."

"Professor Kazimeriz has taken over in the interim as acting Headmaster. But I am free to make whatever choice necessary. As far as your lack of educational experience, make up a backstory. Fabricate a long history as an educator and very few will question you. As for those that do question, be convincing when you lie." Reagan raised one brow with a smirk.

"Captain Tate, don't you see that by me making you Headmaster I am granting you your autonomy? My involvement in the administrative aspects is merely handling the paperwork so that you can be more hands-on with your approach. I simply wish to remain in the loop and to be able to express my opinion. We are a team from this point forward." Reagan extended her hand for Tate to shake.

Cassirin · 12-23-2009, 01:14 AM

He slid off the couch and took her hand, giving it a firm shake. "A team. I can handle that. I suppose if we're partners in this project, we can lose the formal titles. Mr. Duskurk... well, he hates nicknames, so I've taken to calling him Tommy. And as for myself, you can call me Casey."

He resumed his perch on the couch next to his charge. "Hear that, old boy? We're going to Hogwarts at the behest of the lovely Minister of Magic."

**Thomas Duskurk** · 12-23-2009, 01:39 AM

"And you will stop calling me Tommy. It should, at the very least, be LORD Duskurk," he said, reminiscent of a certain flubbery, gassy, 'professor' which has graced the halls of Hogwarts off and on over the past couple decades. He turned cold eyes on the Minister. "As for you, leashes are not necessary." He stood as he spoke and extended his own hand toward the Minister. He deserved a handshake as well, but would she accept?

lemondrop13 · 12-23-2009, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassirin

He slid off the couch and took her hand, giving it a firm shake. "A team. I can handle that. I suppose if we're partners in this project, we can lose the formal titles. Mr. Duskurk... well, he hates nicknames, so I've taken to calling him Tommy. And as for myself, you can call me Casey."

He resumed his perch on the couch next to his charge. "Hear that, old boy? We're going to Hogwarts at the behest of the lovely Minister of Magic."

Reagan smiled for perhaps the first time during this rather bizarre meeting, "Casey it is. Likewise, call me Reagan. I only really prefer to be called Minister Taylor in public. Keeping in line with my whole image of professionalism and whatnot." Reagan fought back a snort at the thought of calling Duskurk 'Tommy.' She glanced over to see his facial expression...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas_Duskurk

"And you will stop calling me Tommy. It should, at the very least, be LORD Duskurk," he said, reminiscent of a certain flubbery, gassy, 'professor' which has graced the halls of Hogwarts off and on over the past couple decades. He turned cold eyes on the Minister. "As for you, leashes are not necessary." He stood as he spoke and extended his own hand toward the Minister. He deserved a handshake as well, but would she accept?

And just as she expected, he didn't seem pleased with the name 'Tommy.' That made her smile a bit. "I don't know about that Lord stuff, but I'm willing to go with either Thomas or Mr. Duskurk," she explained as she accepted his hand and shook it. She may not like his previous actions, but if he was going to be an active participant in this plan, she needed to be on board 100%.

She held firm onto his hand as she asked, "If I may ask, what is your motivation behind helping with this plan? Is it solely to reduce your sentence for previous crimes? That seems odd to me, considering you were evading capture and probably could have continued to do so for quite some time."

**Thomas Duskurk** · 12-23-2009, 02:23 AM

"Elimination of the sentence and restoration of my property," he corrected and shot a glare at Tate. No arguments. "Perhaps Professor Duskurk will do. It will be interesting teaching again."

Cassirin · 12-23-2009, 02:39 AM

"He just wants to be sure we don't blame this amateur's tricks on him," Tate said easily, giving the man a gentle shove with his elbow. "Loosen up, Durkurk. You're going to get what you want, even if the phrasing isn't to your liking. And I've already offered you help with your lesson plans. I bet I can teach a lesson or so about the famed Yetis in Tibet."

Or, you know... not.

lemondrop13 · 12-23-2009, 02:58 AM

"If Professor Duskurk is instrumental in capturing the culprit behind these events, I will personally see to it that his name will be cleared of all involvement with these recent occurrences and will be generous in resolving the problems created by his previous indiscretions."

Reagan glanced at her watch and realized how late in the day it was getting, "Is there anything else we need to discuss, gentlemen? I don't mean to be rude, but I have a four o'clock conference Floo with the Ministers of Spain and Portugal that I can't be late for."

**Thomas Duskurk** · 12-23-2009, 03:09 AM

"I am finished here," Duskurk replied and stood. He gave the Minister a curt bow and then headed for the door. He would be first out this time.

Cassirin · 12-23-2009, 03:12 AM

"Wait for me in the hall, Thomas," Tate said,without any sense of hurry. He rose and offered his hand to Minister Taylor again.

"I can assure you that nothing bad will happen to the students on my watch. Not by Duskurk's hand."

lemondrop13 · 12-23-2009, 03:16 AM

Reagan shook Tate's hand once more, "Thank you, Casey. I'm putting my faith in you. Good luck with this mission. I look forward to receiving an update shortly after the term begins. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to contact me."

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