Trying in vain to gain entry...

[Jake Gobien]

Hogwarts seemed an impenetrable fortress, nigh on completely impregnable. Yet Gobien was a determined man, not desperate, but he was stoutly refusing to give up hope. He'd tried a number of ways, old tunnel networks, now long since fallen to decay or tunnel collapse, or worse heavily guarded. Dodging the patrolling Ministry Officials wasn't a major task, he could manage that part so long as solely apprentices or hired thugs were upon duty.

No his major problem was fooling the strong magic ringed throughout the grounds proper. He had no way of gaining enoug power to penetrate the forces keeping him firmly at bay, yet he'd eventually found a potential entrance, it would be risky, yet he excelled when risk was involved. He had know way of knowing if the magic prevented his entry via the lake itself, for that was the way he proposed of sneking inside; through the sewer networks. He guessed magic would prevent his entrance, with the esteemed Headmaster's and Headmistresses throughout the ages would probably have thought of, yet there was a slim chance, and it was a chance he was more than willing to take.

His plan was simple, yet in theory effective; using a bubble charm to grant him a steady supply of crucial oxygen he would swim out into the lake, then through the sewers that pumped out their vile loads, polluted the lake, though he had heard tell that one Headmistress had come up with a way of ceasing the pollution, he couldn't be certain, and he believed it at least worth a try.

It was the dead of night, all pupils would be sleeping soundly in their beds, if they adeared to the strict rules, he took his opportunity praying his actions would work.

So with grim determination upon his stony features Gobien swept quickly and carefully towards the lake. He stole through the mgihty trees of the forbidden forest, upon the brink he waited moments for the guards to pass his way, then set out across rugged terrain towards the lake itself. Keeping low to the ground he moved steathily from sparse cover of bushes and trees, whcih gradually thinned out. Approaching the lakeside he broke into a run, muttering an ingenius spell to cease the noise of the water rippling as he plunged into the lake, eyes peeled Gobien looked all around, ears pricked and prepared to pick out any noise. As Gobien pushed his way further into the water, his robes billowed up, he was reaching chest height when he heard a low noise, it came from behind; the direction of the forest itself.

Regardless he plunged onwards into the icy depths...

[Theodora Holmes]

Theodora's heart raced. She had been huddled inside the trees bordering the Forbidden Forest, cloak pulled tight around her to combat the bitter wind. Quinn and Gregory were have supposed to have met her here several minutes ago for a night time patrol, and as she had hummed idly to herself, listening to the distant shrieks and snaps of branches drift out of the forest, movement in the water of the lake had grabbed her attention.

Immediately she swept from the shadows, stalking across the grass hastily. That wasn't the squid, she knew, having only seen him several moments ago on the other side of the water, and there had been no splash either. Someone was in the lake.

Where's help when you need it? she thought, full of panic as she whipped out her wand. So far she had done nothing but learn the theory of combat, and as the tail of soggy dark robes sank under the surface, Theodora knew she was actually about to encounter her first rogue wizard. She knew she should have signaled for help by now, but a patronus in this darkness would have altered the fiend straight away... and if she could apprehend him herself... well, it'd look very good to say the least. She could claim it was a split second decision, no time to call for backup.

'Stop!' Theodora shouted uselessly, as they were already submerged. 'Afrigo!' she chanted, an icy jet blasting from her wand. Immediately there air was full of the crackle of the water freezing over, and a moment later an over sized ice cube bobbed to the surface, a man in mid-swim suspended inside...

[Jake Gobien]

Swimming strongly Gobien slipped beneath the surface of the murky lake, his open eyes gradually getting used to the dimness as he took powerful strokes downwards. The water world beneath him was dark and cruel, marine life immediately fled from his presence disturbing the water, fish floundered as he brushed past them, pushing his way through a gathered shoal of fish, he batted them aside thankful that this stage of his journey was uneventful.

Luck was rarely with Gobien, just as such a nice thought entered his head to brighten his spirits, he became instantaneously trapped within a hard, cold sheet of ice. Cursing his misfortune as the slab of ice he was contained within bobbed precariously to the surface, he grimaced feeling the cold cool his body all too quickly. Thinking upon instinct he flexed his arm slowly breaking the ice as he clawed his way through to get to his wand. Hand gripped firmly upon it he scowled and uttered a spell to blast his way clear of the sharp icicles upon him. As the ice melted quickly he left a slab to stand upon as he span around, firing off a spell in the direction he presumed his attacker was "sectumsempra" to slash the knees of his attacker as he ducked the inevitable shot launched his way.

Sliding upon the ice he struggled to maintain his balance as Gobien upon reflex created an invisible but strong shield by muttering the incantation "protego."

[Theodora Holmes]

Oh I'm good! Theodora grinned shamelessly as she placed her hands on her hips, admiring her work. Locksley will be dead impressed.

It all happened too quickly for Theodora to react properly - one moment she was standing before an iceman who was completely harmless, the next he had melted himself free and had fired a terrible attack upon her. She screamed in agony as her thighs suddenly ripped with pain, searing heat spreading across her skin and she crumpled to the ground, her wand falling from her grasp as she placed her hands over her legs. The material of her robes was drenched with blood, and she fell onto her side, screaming more so as the invisible knife cut at her once more. If the wounds went any deeper, they would surly severe an artery.

Stupid girl, Holmes! What have you got yourself into?!

The man simply stood before her, wand poised and ready for battle as if she were in any fit condition to attack. There was no mercy in his gaze at all, as if he expected her to be faking it. The pain was so intense her vision was blurring. She was drawn between trying to carry on defending herself, and actually asking for his help.

'Who are you?' She demanded pitifully through clenched teeth.

[Jake Gobien]

Gobien whirled round upon his assailant, not in the least bit surprised when he found a young lady before him; the Ministry employed anybody this day and age, though he did find that the vast majority of females tended to cause him far more problems than any number of males could. As a smirk enlightened his grim features Gobien flicked his wand murmering "accio wand," to prevent any funny business. With natural born agility he sprang from the ice into the shallows, feet planted senses forever alert.

"Stand down," he ordered sternly, eyes narrowed and both wands poised for action. Eyes flickering around he suspiciously glared at his assailant disregarding her beauty; anyone who attacked him from behind was not only dangerous but unfair in his books. Though he was incredibly hypocritcal as he would have done precisely the same, and had done on countless occasions; taken forceful action first then asked the difficult questions later once taken in.

"Before you bleed to death I suggest you do as you're told." He commanded grimly. "Stay true to your word and I shall harm you no further, agreed?"

Without waiting for an answer he uttered a spell to cease and congeal her bleeding "now run, and run very fast," he smirked pointing towards the forbidden forest. "Oh and by the way, you're far too beautiful to work for the Ministry, get out while you still can." He grinned now quite nicely, hoping she would simply leave and allow him to continue with his already difficult task.

"Go," he urged, "I mean nobody no harm here," escept Deitrich of course. Smiling he gestured off into the darkness, a mischeveous glint in his eye.

[Theodora Holmes]

Theodora watched, mortified, as her wand flew away and into the grasp of the rogue, leaving her completely defenseless and without any means of escape.

But to her surprise he did the exact opposite of what anyone in his position would normally do. His eyes were cold and angry, but he was urging her to simply leave him alone and be done with it - didn't he want his presence to remain unknown? She had been told countless times that anyone like him would kill her in an instant to cover their tracks... yet he was showing her mercy. 'Go?' She mouthed weakly, gasping as an intense tingling suddenly filled her legs, the throbbing pain suddenly easing away. Immediately she staggered to her feet, stifling a cry as she found her legs aching violently.

'I can't give you my word, sir, and I can't stand down, even if I wanted to.' She breathed, drained of any energy and endurance she had left. 'It's my job.' She knew she was being stupid now, that it would be easier to just do as he suggested and leave. Quinn and Gregory never have to know about any of this, and she could always get a new wand from Helia's Wanderful World...

But she couldn't take the shame of it. 'Tell me who you are and what you're doing here,' she reached into her robes now, slowly producing an unlit flare. 'And I won't signal for a dozen other officials who would have absolutely no trouble in taking you down.' She said with a small, threatening frown, placing her fingers on the end in preparation.

[Jake Gobien]

Gobien was well versed in the ways of Aurors, yet they never ceased to surprise him one way or another, always taught to use their iniative, and this girl was definitely trying; he was always one to give credit where due, and he respected her for her plucky spirit and determination. Though she was clearly seething in pain and humiliation she still remained steadfast in her goal of bringing him to justice; only her loyalty was entirely misplaced.

"I admire your tenacity, and loyalty to the service, you've a rare spirit, most people given the opportunity would have fled with their tail hanging between their legs; thinking nothing of their own pride and the pride of the Ministry. You seek to bring me to justice don't you?" He cried "well there is no damned justice within your system, none at all, you take me in and there'll be no fair trial, it'll be the dementor's kiss for me," He grated with an involuntary shudder, everyone feared those terrible beasts, though few would ever really admit it. "I don't want that, I fear fear itself, I'll admit I've no yearning for such a death."

Jake's eyes narrowed as the young trainee went with protocal and brought out a flare. Her threat was by no means idle, but Gobien could never take an insult lying down. "Oh please, I'm no mean slouch in a duel, how have I survived this long?" He asked with a smirk knowing their was no real answer as he had no idea how he had managed to thwart many attempts to take him in, mainly by steering clear of trouble and only attacking when he judged it the right time and place.

"Don't you want to know why they're so desperate to take me in? Hmm I'm no mass murderer as fake records may suggest, I found out the extent of the corruption and it goes right..." He was cut short as heard the approach of footfalls, bringing a finger to his lips Jake pleaded openly with his eyes, he prayed the girl would remain quiet or those approaching wouldn't see them, or else he would be forced to fight.

[Theodora Holmes]

So far Theodora had managed to gather that the man was as she suspected - a wanted criminal on the run. Fake records of murders? A likely story, she decided, realising his ramblings were just a way to delay her while he thought up some way to stop her from pulling that flare, as no spell would get it out of her grasp fast enough before she had the chance. They both knew that.

She shook her head in seriousness. 'Corruption you say? I'd have expect a villain like you to understand that the end justifies the means, sir. I'm all for nobility in justice, but playing it fair has never been an option against people like you. The kiss is all you're good for, I'm afraid.' She said apologetically, although not without a touch of frost.

The man's face contorted in alarm suddenly,and Theodora too heard the approaching footsteps of someone alone. The rogue was literally pleading with her to remain quiet, and she raised her eyebrows at him, tapping the flare. 'Tell me who you are, and I won't call for help... yet.' She whispered. If she could make him open up and tell her then perhaps she'd known enough about him to take him own on her own... whoever was invading on her victory was not going to steal any of the glory, regardless of protocol. 'Time's ticking.' She informed him quietly.

[Jake Gobien]

Rolling his eyes at the sheer determination the girl showed he glared profusely at her; people like her would never learn no matter how hard he tried it was all in vain, they always refused to believe the truth, or else simply blindly followed. Wand still ominously pointed towards her he decided to play her little game and answer her questions, perhaps he would even receive some answers in return, besides if she released the flare, she would be wakening to a world of pain and suffering, he just hoped she knew that.

"Jake Gobien, you'll have plenty of details about me," he answered in a hushed whisper his eyes flickering dangerously, "I'm not one to brag so you'll have to find my history out for yourself, suffice to say it isn't pleasant."

Pondering a moment he analysed the situation carefully, there was little chance of his successfully entering the castle now without detection, even taken out the alarm would inevitably be raised by her disappearance, and besides she was only doing a job. Though he guessed trying to persuade her around to his truthful viewpoint was likely to fail, he wanted to try regardless.

"People like me? Just who do you think I am? Most rogues are actually ordinary people, myself I've a past you wouldn't believe." He smirked creeping a step closer to her, eyes narrowed his weathered and grimy features enhanced the snide look he gave her.

"You know I was taught to use my iniative, to utilise all my abulities to the full, even to question orders if necessary, you can't even act as an individual unit can you?" He gruffly laughed "I'll call for back-up," he spoke in a fair imitation of her voice. "It's pathetic, gone are the true Aurors who could really handle real criminals, the system is failing, training has been shortened considerably, I wouldn't be surprised if you were an Auror." He spat putting on an act of seeming far harsher than he really was, and he received the reaction he had wished for, the slightest flicker of the eyes; he was getting through to her.

Continuing in a smoother tone, glad that the footsteps had finally receeded, he commented, "really I urge you to use your own iniative, don't follow orders so blindly, or else Deitrich will rule absolute." Gobien grinned "think on it, isn't anything suspicious happening? Aren't people disappearing in rather odd circumstances?" He asked pointedly hoping she would heed his words, if only a little.

[Theodora Holmes]

Theodora could feel anger stirring in her chest as he glowered at her malevolently, pushing her buttons, seeing what snide comment would produce a reaction. She watched desperately to pull the flare and shut him up, but that would only bring more trouble.

'Save the lectures, Gobien.' She remarked, immediately recognising his name from Gregory's files. The man before her had been hot on Gregory's mind for months now, plaguing him with mysterious sightings and unknown whereabouts. Gregory would love me forever if I had some way of altering him, Theodora thought bitterly, eying Gobien's robes where her wand was stashed. I'm almost out of options.

'Unfortunately for you I'm not here to prove myself as an individual. This is about bringing in a wanted man, not an honour duel.' Theodora switched the flare from one hand to the other, briefly examining it for show, reminding him that, for now, she still had the upper hand. Her eyes flashed dangerously as he mocked her, accusing her of being just another pawn and not even a real auror. Well you're not, a voice reminded her, making the remark all the more painful. 'If you want me to call for backup - and I don't sound like that, actually - then keep mouthing off!' She couldn't stop herself from revealing that he'd touched a nerve.

Aren't people disappearing in rather odd circumstances?

The words echoed in several ways. Theodora knew he was talking about citizens and officials alike. Why, if it weren't for the mysterious lack of personnel lately she wouldn't have even been here. It had occurred her more than once that she was entirely disposable and replaceable in her department's eyes, but she wasn't about to admit that in front of Jake. 'Well then, Gobien. You've got a choice now - come along nicely,' She wiggled the flare. 'And I won't make this painful. I've got a friend whose been looking for you.' She smiled slyly.

[Jake Gobien]

Smirking as the girl eyed her wand longingly, he tantilizing withdrew it, twiddling it between his fingers whilst keeping his eyes focused upon her, and his eyes pricked listening intently for even the slightest sound. Mainly he heard the rustling of the trees and other earthly noises, the water barely rippled and thankfully, no footsteps could be heard; they were completely alone once more, just how Gobien liked it.

"Oh do you want this girl?" He asked tossing the wand into the air to view her reaction, he was hoping she would do a rash move, only then would he feel no guilt whatsoever in removing the obstacle in his path. Slipping the wand back into his robe pocket; knowing it would prove incredibly useful as a spare, he smiled at the girl, clearly imitating her voice had touched a raw nerve, "oh please, have I hit a little nervy wervy so very easily? You've got to learn to control those emotions better," he mockingly chided wagging a finger whilst keeping his wand trained upon her. He wouldn't give her a chance to escape and alert any others to his presence.

"You've actually a friend?" He cried incredulously, feeling it now necessary to probe her still further rather than try in vain to change her attitudes and values towards himself and her own life.

"Coming along oh so nicely would be oh so boring though, therefore I elect the way of pain...for you." He smirked with a flick of the wrist and a spell uttered from within so the dear little girl would never be able to learn it herself, he sent a spark of terrible pain shooting through both of the girl's arms giving her a look of pure pity, which he truly meant. As the flare fell from a grasp she could no longer maintain he whispered, "accio flare," and bowed to show his respect to a worthy advesary, as he rose Gobien snatched the flare out of the air, hoping the girl would take her chances and run, anything else would only prove more painful for her.

[Theodora Holmes]

'Give it to me!' Theodora demanded sternly as Gobien mockingly produced her wand from the inside of his robes, a mean little smile on his face as he studied her reaction with mirth. 'It's no good, Jake. My own wand won't attack me.' She lied, lowering her head but keeping her dark gaze locked with his.

'Ahhh!' Theodora knew her head back, crying out in agony. It felt as though her arms had just been torn from their sockets, and all the nerves plucked out simultaneously with a pair of tweezers. Nearly collapsing Theodora dropped the flare so that she could grip her forearm weakly, only to stare in horror as Gobien summoned yet another one of her weapons away. Choking back yet more tears and doing her best not to fall on her knees, Theodora pulled up the hem on her cloak, placing her hands on both her boots. 'Apologies, Gobien. I offered you the chance to do the right thing, but you're an idiot obviously...'

At that very moment she launched into a run, whipping out two more flares that had been wedged down her boots. Biting the top off of one and smacking the other across her thigh, Theodora threw them through the air straight at Gobien, red and blinding.

As they spun - creating a smoke screen for her to hide behind - she dashed toward him at full speed his wand in her sights. You're an idiot, Holmes. 'Shut up,' she muttered back.

[Jake Gobien]

Laughing as the girl weakly tried to command him he chuckled, "oh really, I do believe it will." though I'm loath to try it really, I've got to keep up the act of appearing a harsh man, or else she'll continue to bug me. He wasn't entirely satisfied with his plan, but it was the best he had at present, and she would think him evil no matter what he said or did.

As always when inflicting pain upon another Jake felt a heavy pang of guilt, which was instantly overrided by the necessity to complete his overall mission of toppling the Ministry, by any means necessary; almost. Yet he knew as with any scream, that would haunt him, when he least expected it, but really feeling guilt and worry had made him a good spy, others had been too ruthless and cold hearted, whereas Gobien had succeeded in being a damn good spy, but also a decent man too. At elast he hoped so.

"I truly am sorry for any hurt I cause, but..." he began to counter her argument, until flares flying his way quite captured his attention. Bugger he cursed inwardly, rolling aside and strengthening his shield spell once more. The blinding light dazzled his vision, and Jake guessed she would be upon him at any moment, the shield spell would be useless against a physical assault by flesh. Clutching his wand tightly he stumbled backwards into the water as the girl crashed headlong into him, grappling for control. Why was it that girls always want to be on top of me? He wondered with a grin, even in such a predicament he still found ample opportunity to smile. Using his added weight and height advantage he rolled onto his side, a wide grin in evidence.

[Theodora Holmes]

Theodora felt her body connect with his, and with a triumphant yell she tackled him down into the icy water, the two of the quickly sinking several feet over the shore's impossibly steep decline, their heavy robes weighing the down even more. At the last moment Gobien had tried to twist to the side and Theodora now pushed him below her, both their heads too far from the surface to gain any air. Doing her best to fight the water resistance Theodora kneed him in the stomach, a rush of air bubbles exploding out of his mouth as she winded him.

Excellent! He won't last long, she thought mercilessly, deciding that the best course of action would be to hold him under until he was rendered unconscious. Hopefully the flares would have caught someone's attention before it had to come to that though. Catching him was well and good - but killing him would put her in a very compromising situation. Claiming it was in self-defence never worked as the ministry were usually only interested in the fact that they could no longer question their suspect.

Gobien continued to fit against her grip, and with difficultly she reached into his robes, pulling out her wand. Silently she cast a bubblehead charm on herself and took a desperate lung full of air, replenishing her grip on the man.

'Just surrender!' She shouted, although she doubted he could hear her.

[Jake Gobien]

Gasping as the air was driven from his lungs, Gobien plummeted beneath the surface of the murky water. Panic was about to set in, but Gobien was a seasoned Rogue, time seemed to slow as he quickly thought of a plan; pretend to be beaten. Thrashing about wildly for a few moments more he gradually ceased his movement, becoming deathly still. Closing his eyes he pretended they were glazed over, that he had been defeated in this water world. Yet a little air remained within his lungs and he calmed himself completely hoping against hope that the damned girl would surface soon, still he clutched tightly to his wand, as if it were a death grip.

Knowing the rookie would have likely drowned him before relinquishing her hold he had feigned unciousness, or else he would likely have met a watery grave with her damned perseverance. Even if she remained steadfast in her goal of drowing him like a bedraggeled rat he still had one remaining trick up his sleeve. The lack of air was beginning to tell upon his already weakened body though, he only hoped she would drag him to the surface and use up her own energy in the process, or else he was likely doomed.