Year/Job
Unspeakable
Head, Department of Mysteries
You cannot protect yourself from sadness without protecting yourself from happiness. |
rouch
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Post by Atticus Galanis on Jan 25, 2024 18:28:37 GMT -8
Thursday, Early Evening | Atrium Café "I'm not accustom to being left in the dark, Mister Galanis," the undersecretary said with clear frustration. The woman was immaculately dressed. Every hair was in place. He believed her, that she was used to everything going according to her will. He had been sitting enjoying his tea when she started waving a report in his face. With great care, Atticus set the cup down. A small clank echoed off the table. There were many things he loved about his job. The unknown that he was privy to knowing. The unknown that was still a mystery. The field work. The experimental magic. It was everything he thought it would be. What no one told him about was the paperwork. And not just the paperwork. The effort he had to go through to write a report while carefully not saying anything at all. Unspeakable had a different meaning some days. "Well, Miss Gates, I suspect that's a product of your inexperience. I would learn to get accustom to being left in the dark when it comes to my reports."The witch looked like he had smacked her spoiled little baby. He assumed if she had a child it was spoiled rotten. "I will not tolerate such insubordination," she said, indignant. Atticus was done with the interaction. It was clear the undersecretary was new to her position and hadn't taken the time to acquaint herself with an organizational chart. He pulled out his copy of The Daily Prophet and smoothed it out in front of him. "Good for you, Annie. If you find yourself talking to a subordinate, you can inform them of your expectations." He continued to read his paper until finally he saw from his periphery she turned in a huff and headed for the lifts. Probably still trying to work out the implications of his words. He rubbed his eyes. He just wanted tea and a change of scenery. He'd been working reports all day. When he wasn't writing them, he was reading them. He longed for the days of being a unspeakable in training. No administrative duties, no responsibilities other than himself. Every day a grand new adventure. Life came at him fast back then. He wasn't prepared for the day that life came at him slow. Putting the paper away, he scanned his surrounding for anyone he knew. A flash of red hair caught his attention. Someone from his past, when every day presented him with the risk of permeant disability. His mind must have him seeing things. A product of his nostalgia. But maybe not.Tag: Elsie Greer
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Year/Job
Professor of Care of Magical Creatures
when I think too much about it, I can't breathe. |
Sol
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Post by Elsie Greer on Jan 26, 2024 13:16:12 GMT -8
Visiting her parents at the Ministry of Magic was rare for Elsie. She hated the place. It reeked of death and bureaucracy. Not only that, but the Ministry stood on horrible opinions against magical creatures. Their oppressive views on the treatment of wild magical creatures was cruel and strange and Elsie had been working her entire life trying to prevent their callous treatment of the animals she worked so closely with. But as per her mother's request, she'd met for coffee and a chat after her classes were taught and the day was finished-- Hogwarts was beginning to get interesting again. Though, she could do with less students fighting each other. But, Isla was worried about Laurie. After the fight, it was only natural for a mother to want to care for her child.
"Laurie is fine, Mother." Elsie said, hands clasped around a warm mug of lavender tea. It reminded her of her time in the Mediterranean. "A student became disgruntled and Laurie tried to talk them down, apparently. It ended in a physical altercation but both of the girls remain fine. The healers at Hogwarts are superb, you know."
Isla hummed in disdain. "I think the girl that attacked her should be expelled. Was she not raised better? Whose child would so callously attack another child? I mean, it's downright inappropriate. I want to meet with this girls parents and really explain to them that they need to swiftly correct its behavior problems."
There was her mother, quick to react and blame the parents. This is why Isla would've made a horrible Professor. "You are not doing that, mother. I understand the student has some behavioral issues but I think given some time and remedial help, her violent tendencies will dissipate. Many young witches and wizards experience aggression growing up-- we are in no place to judge her for her actions, we can only guide her to make better choices in the future." Elsie said calmly, knowing there was hope for Poppy Carmichael to live a normal life in Hogwarts and out. She didn't know the girls circumstances, only that she was a very angry individual. In ways, Elsie saw herself reflected in Poppy. She was a reckless Gryffindor once, angry at her parents, at the people around her, angry at everything. She was a firecracker, and maybe not as mean spirited as Poppy, but she'd seen her ugly side-- just as others had.
"Well, regardless." Isla hummed, checking her watch. "I need to be off. There's a departmental meeting in five minutes that I cannot be late for. I will see you later sweetie." The two women exchanged a strange hug before Elsie watched her mother disappear somewhere in the busy Atrium. It was strange, her relationship with her parents, but part of her was relieved that she still had one. That they still wanted to love her after everything that happened... Packing her things up, she began to make her exit when a familiar figure caught her eye. "Atticus?" She stopped in her tracks, wide eyes taking in the familiar form of a ghost from her past.
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Year/Job
Unspeakable
Head, Department of Mysteries
You cannot protect yourself from sadness without protecting yourself from happiness. |
rouch
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Post by Atticus Galanis on Jan 27, 2024 17:19:59 GMT -8
When the redhead turned toward him, Atticus realized he wasn't just imagining it was Elsie. It was her. How long had it been, he wondered and started to do the math. Roughly a decade since he lost track of her. He'd heard she left for the states, and felt bad he hadn't kept in touch. They had shared an intense situation. It would have been impossible not to care about a person who saved his life. "Elsie, I thought that was you," he said, standing to greet her. He couldn't decided if he should just stick out his hand to shake hers or go in for a hug. It would have been easier for him to know what to do if they weren't in such a public place. He looked around a spotted a private booth was open in the corner. The sound proofing would make it easier for the pair to talk. He settled for a caring hand on her arm and motioned toward the booth. "Can I buy you a coffee or are you in a hurry?" he asked, hoping she could stay but concerned it looked like she had been leaving.
If she had to run, he was intent on getting her contact information. Immediately after the chaos of isolating the strange creatures that brought them together ten years previous, he had his work cut out for him and hadn't had time or permission to keep her updated. He had been a young unspeakable with a significant project dropped in his lap that should have been an errand. Muggles were complaining to authorities that something strange was happening at a local park. Officers were observing people weren't moving and then the next thing they knew it they had had lost time. It wasn't concerning enough to call in the department of magical law enforcement when it sounded like a strange phenomenon, not magical criminal activity. And it wasn't until he was well into his investigation that he realized there could be a creature involved. But not one that was classified. Which had him leery of bring in the department for the control of magical creatures. He had very little faith in their ability to deal with a misunderstood creature humanely. So he found an expert not connected to the ministry. It was unorthodox he knew, and a breech of his secrecy oath. It had been the right decision in the end.
Not he was in a better position to know who to trust and what he could say without endangering anyone. And beyond his desire to update her on their project, he wanted to know what happened to her. Hear what adventures she'd gotten up to in the states. His daughter was always telling him he needed friends. She was probably right, especially now that Harper was at Hogwarts. He should try to have a life outside the ministry. Ignoring the fact that this friendship was forged in ministry business, he knew it was more than that. For him anyway.
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Year/Job
Professor of Care of Magical Creatures
when I think too much about it, I can't breathe. |
Sol
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Post by Elsie Greer on Jan 27, 2024 17:56:11 GMT -8
It really was Atticus Galanis– a bit older and a bit wiser, but she swore he looked almost the same as the last time she’d seen him. Merlin was it a shock to run into him after departing with her mother– and perhaps a breath of fresh air from the tense exchange the two women were sharing. A smile spread across her face, one that perhaps blossomed from disbelief. “Atticus Galanis, I can hardly believe my eyes!” She exclaimed softly, aware to keep her voice low so as to not disturb any of the secretive pairs exchanging hushed words and manilla colored envelopes between each other.
How long had it been, she wondered, since they’d last seen each other? Elsie certainly had acquired some new wrinkles since last. She was a wild woman, full of anger and resentment for the Ministry and her parents– she’d mellowed out a bit, but she still retained that spunk that so many knew her for. “Yes, a coffee would be lovely. I’ve got all the time in the world.” She told him, only happy to have run into an old friend after so long. “Seriously, this is such a surprise to run into you here. Of course, I know, you work here… But still, what are the chances? They must be seriously low.” She rambled as they made their way out of the heart of the Atrium and towards a small booth.
Atticus Galanis was likely one of the only Ministry of Magic employees Elsie could hold any respect for. When he’d brought her in all those years ago, she thought it would be another repeat of her parents begging her to join the Ministry to eradicate the dangerous and deranged magical creatures of London. When she’d met with him, she was fully ready to refuse his offer, call him a piece of shite, and leave without another word. But the conversation that unfolded, well, it likely changed the entire course of her life. In part, it was the reason she went to America in the first place. Their government was easier to sway, they were more receptive to the care and compassion towards magical creatures. If she could enact real change there, then maybe even the Ministry of Magic could reform its outdated ways. Unfortunately, her work in the states was cut miserably short.
“How have you been, Atticus?” She asked as they settled in, exchanging pleasantries that normal Elsie hated. “You look well. Considering you’ve stayed… well,” She gestured around her wildly. “Here for all these years.” Atticus was well aware of her stance on the Ministry of Magic. Even one good man like Atticus, or her parents, couldn’t change her opinion. Still, Atticus was one of the first people from her past that she’d seen. She avoided classmates, old friends like the plague. They asked too many questions– but Atticus knew something about secrecy. He respected it. After all, it was his job.
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Year/Job
Unspeakable
Head, Department of Mysteries
You cannot protect yourself from sadness without protecting yourself from happiness. |
rouch
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Post by Atticus Galanis on Jan 27, 2024 19:22:13 GMT -8
Atticus gathered up his things, and waved his hand at the coffee station while he listened to Elsie. His cup refilled and a second cup poured itself before zipping over to the booth ahead of them. One of the reasons he liked spending time with Elsie all those years ago was her ability to fill the silence without making him feel pressure. It was nice that they could fall into the comfort again after all the years between them. Once he was in his seat, he smiled at her arranged sugar and cream for her if she wanted it while he waited until there was a break in her chatter to participate. "It helps to be in a position where no one knows what you do well enough to be up in your business and to be here long enough to tell people to bugger off without worrying about what they'll think," he explained. There was plenty about the Ministry that he disliked. Most of it didn't impact him. "Harper is at Hogwarts now. Finishing her second year. So I'm well and truly a bachelor. During the school year, that is," he explained. The Christmas holiday had been pure joy for him having Harper home again. He was looking forward to the summer.
He sipped his coffee. He didn't mind small talk. It helped break the ice for him to settle into a conversation. If he remembered correctly, Elsie usually didn't waste the time. "Are you back in London permanently? Or just visiting?" he asked, treading lightly. He tried to remember the circumstances of her leaving. He wasn't sure she ever told him. Likely a mission to save some neglected creature from the great predator bureaucracy.
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Year/Job
Professor of Care of Magical Creatures
when I think too much about it, I can't breathe. |
Sol
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Post by Elsie Greer on Jan 27, 2024 19:35:15 GMT -8
Atticus had always been a good listener– it complimented well Elsie’s need for constant motion or communication. She was an individual who didn’t like to slow down and even the pace at Hogwarts was a bit too slow for her preference. She quickly gathered her supplies, grabbing two creamers and pouring them in, four sugars (which she ripped the top off at the same time with her mouth) and stirred them together, watching as the inky liquid quickly warmed up to a honey brown color. She’d never been a fan of coffee, but learned it was necessary when she worked late nights and early mornings. Taking a quick sip and gathering the trash she’d accumulated, she was pleasantly surprised that the coffee was stale or horrible tasting. So, the Ministry of Magic could afford not half bad coffee.
She smiled at his explanation, appreciating the secrecy behind it. In truth, not even Elsie knew what her old friend did. His job involved… mysterious things, like the creature they’d dealt with all those years ago. The thought made her recoil subtly, hiding it behind softly furrowed brows and a sip of coffee. “I guess the Department of Mysteries does have its perks then,” She settled, placing her cup down and crossing her legs. “I saw! I recognized the name Galanis immediately.” She said with a smile. “She resembles you a lot, you know. Not just in her looks… But her behavior as well. She’s a really good kid, Atticus.”
The chatter of the Ministry Atrium seemed to drown out her own thoughts which she was grateful for. Shifting her position again, she began softly bouncing her legs. “Oh, I must have forgotten to mention--I’m not stalking your daughter, I swear.” She joked lightly. “I started working at Hogwarts about four months ago. They had an opening for Care of Magical Creatures and it seemed like the perfect opportunity.” To escape from her own mind? Absolutely. With a hundred children asking silly questions every minute of the day, there was little time to overthink or plunge herself back into the chaos of her own grief which had dulled over the past year. “Which means… London has tied down. For now, at least. My parents are sure glad about it. “World traveler” is far too scary for their “baby girl”. But I told them, not even living in London would have me back at home.” She told him simply. “It is quite nice to have a place of my own after traveling. Well then, enough about me, how are you enjoying the bachelors life? I’m sure you must miss Harper unbearably, but the quiet must be enjoyable to a degree?”
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Year/Job
Unspeakable
Head, Department of Mysteries
You cannot protect yourself from sadness without protecting yourself from happiness. |
rouch
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Post by Atticus Galanis on Jan 28, 2024 5:55:12 GMT -8
Atticus tried to stifle is reaction to whatever Elsie was doing to her coffee. He made a mental note that perhaps tea was her preferred drink. They hadn't spent much time socializing before and he wasn't as trained to be so observant back then either. She had likely been polite when she accepted the drink. When she took her first drink, she didn't seem to hate it. The cream and sugar must have worked. When she mentioned knowing Harper, his brows knit together. He tried to remember if his daughter had mentioned meeting the magizoologist at some point. A field trip maybe? He was sure he would have recognized Elsie's name if Harper had mentioned it. Still he smiled at Elsie's assessment. He was sad she hadn't spent much time with her mother, but he was pretty sure nature had strongly favored his genes. She would have exasperated Winnie and he would have enjoyed watching the two women in his life bond. Pushing aside the pang of loss that still managed to creep up when he remembered Winnie, he refocused on his companion.
A professor. That made a lot of sense. And Harper wouldn't have had the opportunity to take Care of Magical Creatures yet. Next year. "She has a fondness for helping small creatures. I'm sure she'll take your class next year," he said with a smile. The class had left some lingering concerns for him considering the ministry's approach to magical beasts and creatures. They oversaw the exams after all, it was hard to manage teaching the students the material without the ugly bias that was woven in ministry policies. Thinking about the school, he remembered there was another new professor there that popped up recently from his past. He and Ole didn't have the same history he had with Elsie, but it was time for him to reestablish those relationships that saved him in his darkest hours.
Atticus recognized the smooth change in subject and went with it. "I'm not sure I'm a very good bachelor," he answered. "To Harper's dismay. I've been using the extra time in the lowest levels of this building, not out spending my time on beaches or tropical paradises." He wasn't sure he'd fit in in either of those scenarios and tried not to imagine himself there. He hoped to Merlin's spectacle that his words hadn't made Elsie imagine him in those scenes. He felt his face flush a bit and tried to cover it by taking a drink of his coffee. He knew from his experience with her he didn't have to worry about being awkward and tried to let it slide.
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Year/Job
Professor of Care of Magical Creatures
when I think too much about it, I can't breathe. |
Sol
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Post by Elsie Greer on Jan 28, 2024 7:55:07 GMT -8
When Elsie first knew that Atticus’ daughter attended Hogwarts, she thought it was a shame Care of Magical Creatures was only for older students. In truth, Harper was the first connection she’d had to Atticus since she left for America– and the resemblance to her father didn’t help either. Elsie could only smile and sip her coffee, nodding her head in delight at the news of his daughter's connection with creatures. “I’m certain she will enjoy the class if she does. I have been looking for my next protege. Maybe Harper’s it.” She joked softly, but she knew she would want someone close to Atticus to stay far, far, far away from the business of helping creatures. Elsie didn’t know what kept her at it all these years, but part of her wished she’d just kept playing Quidditch and gone professional, like her parents intended for her.
“You ought to not spend too much time in those basements, Atticus.” Elsie warned as if she knew how dreary the Ministry lower levels could be– she didn’t, but she could imagine. “You might turn into something if you stay without sunlight for too long.” She cracked a smile, trying to hide the fact that her mind had very much pictured Atticus in a Hawaiian shirt and sunglasses sipping out of some kind of coconut shell. It would’ve been a pleasant and silly image, had her mind not swept her other places.
How long had she and Dev been together when they went on that trip? It must have only been a few months. If Elsie was spontaneous, Dev was something else. He acted on whims at times, and Merlin were they good whims. She’d just gotten back from an expedition in the Rocky’s– it was cold. Her index finger sustained some mild frostbite, her lips were chapped, and in general, Elsie had been suffering from the cold. When she returned to their shared apartment– or at least what was temporarily their homebase– Dev showed up with two plane tickets to Hawaii.
A smile slipped on her face for a moment before it dropped, the harsh reality quickly crashing back down. She often avoided thinking about Dev– simply for the fact that he was gone. Keeping his memory alive was good and all, but she was utterly unproductive when she was crippled by their history. And his death. Her eyes flickered up to Atticus before looking around them– this was an Elsie on a mission. How could she forget Atticus was at the center of the swooping shadow discovery.
“Atticus.” Elsie said solemnly, leaning in. “Is it safe to speak here?” She asked cryptically, eyes locked on his.
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Year/Job
Unspeakable
Head, Department of Mysteries
You cannot protect yourself from sadness without protecting yourself from happiness. |
rouch
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Post by Atticus Galanis on Jan 28, 2024 14:59:02 GMT -8
Whenever Atticus thought about or talked about his daughter there was a smile that couldn't be stopped. He was so proud of her and didn't know it was possible to love someone so intensely. "She can be a bit bossy," he warned Elsie. "But she'd keep you organized." Even as they joked, Atticus wasn't ready to think about Harper starting a career. He was too familiar with all the risks that were associated with growing up. He knew he'd have to let her set off on her own one day. Not today though.
He smiled at her assessment of his own risks working in the Department of Mysteries. "I do get outside on assignment now and then. And they issue us vitamin D potions to make sure our bones don't break," he said. Even as the words were out in his signature deadpan delivery, he groaned inwardly. It was a pretty niche joke. "We should consider hiring more vampires though. They're better suited for the environment," he tried to recover and realized he was just making it more lame. Harper would be rolling her eyes already and telling him it was time to shut up.
Waiting for her reaction, he was aware that she'd gone a bit pale and serious. Sitting up straighter, he rubbed the palm of his hand on he pant leg. He'd was botching the conversation and needed to change the subject. Gratefully, Elsie did so for them both. He looked around after she asked her question, wondered if she spotted someone who concerned her in some way. His years of training kicked in and he switched from awkward nerd to capable unspeakable in a blink. An attack wouldn't likely come from inside the atrium, but if it did, they wouldn't touch her. "The booth is sound proofed. It's why I picked it. They test the charms twice a day to ensure they're secure. Are you in trouble?" he asked, ready to help.
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Year/Job
Professor of Care of Magical Creatures
when I think too much about it, I can't breathe. |
Sol
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Post by Elsie Greer on Jan 29, 2024 7:09:20 GMT -8
His ability as an unspeakable was impressive and Elsie might have commented on it had more urgent information not needed to be shared. She gave one last look around, knitting her hands together and shifting uncomfortably. It was hard to speak about Dev’s passing, even all these years later. She’d moved on; she was living her life after him. And that was good. But the manner in which he’d passed… Well, it was something she and Atticus were all too familiar with which was the most disturbing matter of it all. Despite bringing it up, Elsie was hesitant to speak on it. No one in her life knew the details of her return– not even her parents or siblings. And now she’d met Atticus for the first time in ten years and she was springing it upon him? Well, that was a testament to their unique relationship.
“Atticus, I know you are good with secrets… But I only ask that you keep everything I tell you to yourself for now…” She lowered her hands into her lap, picking at the sheer fabric of her layered dress. It felt like a lump formed in her throat and prevented her from speaking. Merlin was grief a powerful emotion. “I've been back in UK two years ago, almost.” Elsie began, eyes still fixated on her dress skirt. “But before then, I was off traveling the world. Mostly the United States– I thought I could make a difference. Soften up their legislature and add protections for magical creatures. I met Dev Bhasin along the way. It doesn’t matter who he was or what he did–” But it did and it pained her to dwindle his existence into just his death. But that was the reality now. He was gone, and she was the aftermath of his demise. “He was my fiance.” She added, continuing. “We were on an expedition… Um. And Dev was killed.”
Elsie glanced out at the Atrium, scooting closer. It was classified information at the time Atticus shared it with her, she didn’t doubt it was still classified information. If it hadn’t been, surely she would’ve read a journal or five about the creatures. “I think it was a Swooping Shadow. But– I.. I thought. Surely not. Surely one hadn’t escaped. And that’s what I wanted to ask you about. Did one.. Did one escape? Or are there more– not just in Europe, but across the globe?”
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Year/Job
Unspeakable
Head, Department of Mysteries
You cannot protect yourself from sadness without protecting yourself from happiness. |
rouch
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Post by Atticus Galanis on Jan 30, 2024 16:43:52 GMT -8
Atticus listened to every word, observed every cue Elsie gave him from her body language. She was broaching a topic that clearly difficult. He listened. Between his personal losses and everything he's seen from his decade in the Department of Mysteries there wasn't much left that surprised him. Even when something wonderous and new was discovered, it still didn't surprise him that the impossible was possible. That was the point of his work. The day he woke up and didn't think there was magic to discover or things to learn was the day he needed to retire. Despite all of his experience though, it stung when he saw grief. He was intimately familiar of the toll it took to mourn. It wasn't a linear process. Loss was the price of love. The only way he managed to wake up and go on with his life some days was to remember how lucky he was to have experienced so much love. As Elsie spoke, he tried to parse out why her story needed to remain secret. He worried that MACUSA had retaliated in some way for her advocacy. It wasn't unheard of. He was ready to do what he could to get her information, to hold someone accountable for her loss.
When she leaned forward, he mirrored her, waiting for a name or suspect. The shock he felt realizing if might be him. He might be the reason she was mourning. It felt like a slap in the face. Was that why she'd been back in the UK for two years and hadn't sought him out? "Elsie," he breathed out. "I'm so sorry for your loss." As he started, his words felt empty. He was deeply sorry. He hurt for her. But if his inability to contain the swooping shadows were the reason Dev died, sorry was wholly inadequate. "You know as well as I that the swooping shadows can't really be contained. They can leave our dimension whenever they choose. I've earned their trust. They feel safe in their space in the department. I can't account for them at any given time." He had tried to set up notices when they phased out of his time. They short circuited them. Trust was tenuous. And they had autonomy. He couldn't in good conscious trap them indefinitely for just existing. Even if he had that ability. "Did you see one? They're not violent. Even when they're threatened. Can you tell me happened?" he asked, wanting to understand why she suspected the creatures were to blame while still respecting her desire for privacy in such a vulnerable moment.
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Year/Job
Professor of Care of Magical Creatures
when I think too much about it, I can't breathe. |
Sol
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Post by Elsie Greer on Jan 30, 2024 19:18:23 GMT -8
TW: Blood and bodily harm.
Atticus was right-- her memory from all those years ago was fuzzy and skewed. The Swooping Shadow were being that transcended their mortal understanding of time and space. In a way, they were the most fascinating creature Elsie had ever come across. And thanks to the memory of them slaughtering her fiancé, they were also the most wicked creatures. In her heart, she couldn't believe they were malicious creatures. Even after Dev passed away, she couldn't hate the creatures, only whatever evil being made them feel the need to attack a wizard or witch. Atticus was gentle with his words, which she appreciated. Part of her wished she'd run into him sooner-- after all, he was the one person that could understand the grave danger the Swooping Shadow were in and also the threat they could pose if they were to suddenly become violent. A creature you couldn't contain? That was the Ministry's worst nightmare. They would kill all the Swooping Shadow if they suddenly turned to be dangerous. Elsie's fingers felt the raised skin on her neck, reminding her of the dangers of a XXXX classified creature. Even still, she did not blame the creature that maimed her-- only her hubris that she could control a creature of that grand magnitude.
Elsie swallowed thickly, shifting in her seat. She closed her eyes, trying to remember that day. Flashes of red sent shocks through her body. She squeezed her eyes, rubbing her fingers over her eyelids as if that would wipe the image of Dev's blood from her mind. It didn't. "I can't remember much." Elsie admitted. The trauma of that day had skewed her memory-- her mind didn't want to remember. Not his cold, limp body as she ran to it, trying to save him-- trying to heal him. She'd never been good at healing spells, and that was the day she cursed herself for it. Looking down at the palms of her hand, she clenched them into a fist. "There was so much blood, Atticus. I'd never seen a creature do such a thing before... It was everywhere." On her clothes, in her hair, staining her hand. For nights on end, she would scrub her hands until they were bright red, begging for respite but she would not give it to them. She needed to cleanse herself of Dev's blood-- but it would never go away. Even now, Elsie felt like she could see traces of it staining the wrinkles in her hands. "Dev saw it first-- It was cold that day. It was always cold in the mountains though. White everywhere... And then he saw in-- in all that white, the dark abyss of the Swooping Shadow. One moment it was there, and then it was gone. I thought I was seeing things. We hadn't slept in a while. The conditions weren't great. And then Dev saw it again-- and he had to approach. He had to engage with this new creature. Before I could stop him--" Her words got stuck in her throat, and she was choked up, fingers pressing against her lips as her stomach turned.
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Year/Job
Unspeakable
Head, Department of Mysteries
You cannot protect yourself from sadness without protecting yourself from happiness. |
rouch
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Post by Atticus Galanis on Jan 31, 2024 17:42:09 GMT -8
Even though Atticus felt like he had a formed an understanding with the creatures harbored in his department, he had to admit there was still a lot he didn't understand about them. The very fact they were a product a swooping evil cross implied that they could be dangerous. Swooping evils ate brains after all. That was an evolutionary trait that may have been passed down to some of the swooping shadows. There was a hierarchy he'd noted. Maybe the alpha female was territorial or aggressive if provoked. Or if there had been a nest nearby. Atticus put his hands on the table, and slid them closer to Elsie as she recounted her nightmare. He stopped short of placing a hand on hers. He'd let her decide if she wanted comfort or distance. "This is... I'm so sorry. If it was a swooping shadow we need to investigate. We need to see if there have been other attacks. You said it's been two years since you've been back. This happened two years ago?" he asked, hoping she didn't interpret his words as accusatory.
It would just be very difficult to determine if one of his creatures in his charge had gotten out, crossed an ocean. Up until that moment, he assumed the distance they could travel in their dimension was limited. He was either wrong or there were unaccounted for, dangerous creatures out in the wild. They were missed or whoever bred them to begin with made more. Either scenario was a nightmare. He'd have to notify the RCMC and he knew they'd immediately refer the creatures for disposal. Unless he got answers first. A determination what happened, identification of the specific creature that attacked, proof there weren't additional unreported incidents, and a more reliable way to contain them. To complicate matters more, he'd have admit to the RCMC that he was aware of the classified Xenphobs. A secret they had managed to maintain for centuries. A creature hunted through the ages by muggles for their indestructible bones and teeth, evolving to warp time and space to protect themselves. Someone else knew about them. Well enough to mate one with a swooping evil. The pain at his temples was radiating through him. Any other day, he'd reach out to Elsie for help. He couldn't ask her to expose herself to the swooping shadows again. He also knew she was a tireless proponent of the humane treatment of magical creatures. He couldn't ask her if her opinion had changed for this particular creature. He wouldn't fault her if she had. It would change his next steps.
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Year/Job
Professor of Care of Magical Creatures
when I think too much about it, I can't breathe. |
Sol
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Post by Elsie Greer on Jan 31, 2024 19:53:21 GMT -8
Elsie knew the protocols when it came to dangerous creature-- she wondered if it was what kept her away from Atticus for these two years. Once she let it loose that there was a "dangerous, killer creature" on the loose, the Ministry would have no choice but to eradicate it. In her grief, she may have wanted that. She may have wanted to the Ministry of Magic to take every Swooping Shadow from the face of the planet and send them off to die. But Elsie was a different woman-- two years had passed since Dev's death and Elsie had changed in a hundred different ways. She couldn't count them all but she knew they were palpable and strong. The Swooping Shadow, for whatever the reason it killed Dev, was still a living creature-- one that survived on instinct. Like all other creatures, it wanted to live. At any cost. And it thought Dev was a threat, for whatever reason, and ended his life. That was the circle of life. That was nature. Painful as it was, that was how things were. Still, she bit her tongue at Atticus' reaction. He needed to report it. He needed to investigate. The Ministry would swoop in-- Merlin, what a complicated world they were living in.
"It happened two years ago. December 26th, 2022. Cascade Mountains, in Washington." She explained, clasping her hands together. Thankfully, Elsie had been able to collect herself and present herself as all together. Dev was gone, and she had to be strong. She'd moved on, she had. But memories stung to a certain degree. "I'm not sure where we were on the mountains, if I'm completely honest. I know the trek out.. With his body... It was long. It must've been two or three hours before we finally made it to a park ranger. They'd never seen anything like it-- But chalked it up to a grizzly bear attack." She huffed out a sour laugh before she shrugged. "That's all I can tell you, I'm sorry. After his funeral... I didn't look back. I was on a plane to London the next day."
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Year/Job
Unspeakable
Head, Department of Mysteries
You cannot protect yourself from sadness without protecting yourself from happiness. |
rouch
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Post by Atticus Galanis on Feb 3, 2024 15:13:51 GMT -8
A grizzly bear attack. It created a graphic depiction of the results of their encounter. The day after Christmas. It painted the personal angles that brought a pang to his heart for his old friend. He had several questions and tried to work out how to ask them delicately. The end of December didn't sound like a wise time to be mountain climbing in the northern hemisphere. But then again, that was likely the best time for a witch and wizard to look for magical beasts and creatures without fear of muggle observation. It was becoming clear to him that he'd need to go there himself. That meant ICW paperwork, MACUSA approvals. Unless he simply scheduled himself a vacation. Rubbing his chin he also had Unspeakable prerogatives to go officially and report after the fact if MACUSA needed to be informed of his findings. "I'll need to see if we can get close on a map," he started, not broaching the idea that he'd need her to come with him. Of course it would be better. Not just to ensure he found the right spot on a massive mountain, but to get additional details that may be obvious once there. He didn't plan to ask her, but if she offered, he accept her company on several conditions. All crafted to protect her. Physically and emotionally. "If here are landmarks you remember. A cave or crevasse." In his experience, the swooping shadows weren't inclined to be out in the open. Unless they were protecting something, the could try to lure someone away.
He was still stuck on what could have provoked such a violent reaction. Pulling out some parchment, he put it on the table. Tapping it with his wand he said, "Carta graphein Cascade Mountains." A map of a vast the mountain range appeared with major points of interest. He had hoped his Department's cartographer had detailed enough map of the mountain range to give him an idea of where he would need to go. His face fell. He was unprepared for how vast the area would be. It covered hundreds of kilometer from California up into Canada. She had said Washington state. He fine tuned his spell but it was still a large portion of the state. "Well..." he hummed trying to figure out if there was another way to investigate the situation. "The muggle authorities should have filed a report. Any idea what town you were near?" he offered, deciding that would be a less traumatic way to go about the effort.
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