A rather dangerous find

[Fitz Hargreaves]

Spying the quick fertive looks she darted towards the outside world, he first of all believed she wished to be away from him, but the way she looked into his eyes told him otherwise. She seemed to be paying an overly keen interest towards the moon too, his ploy of mentioning it frequently was setting her on edge, a guilty conciense at work on her he surmised. Though he didn't hold out much hope on her properly knowing a werewolf, the liklihood was she had just heard a hastily constructed rumour. But his interest in her obvious disdain and dislike for the moon was most assuredly worth keeping a weather eye on.

On simply enquiring after her name an even greater reaction showed her unease, then the name she pronounced was an obvious lie. He knew it for an absolute fact; Sophie Hargreaves was his own cousin and unless she had changed dramatically since seeing her just a few weeks ago at Grandpa Fred's 80th Birthday Party, which had been a lovely afair until old Freddy had threw up all over the cake and later unsuccessfully tried to persuade Fitz to write an article about his pet toad George, though he had to admit Sophie hadn't the happiest teenager ever, whether hormones or a difficult patch in life he didn't rightly know she'd always been so cheerful and radiant though; in short it couldn't possibly be her. Nevertheless the possibility of someone having the same name hadn't slipped his mind he thought this rather unlikely. A small laugh escaped his lips at her attempt of fooling him, though it was just unlucky she had chosen the exact name he knew perfectly well. Luck was firmly in his court he thought with a further grin "ah a lovely name," he pronounced stifling his guffaw.

Glad that he had used his alter-ego to good effect thus far; being simply himself would have caused much more of a rucous, she was already incredibly wary of him; a guilty mind if ever he saw one.
"Sophie Hargreaves eh? Presumably shortened to Soph?" He asked grinning and about to confide in the young lady his true identity, but then a disturbance occured.

A youth bounded around the corner, positively drenched from head to foot, and demanding he sort out the mess. Mind racing he chose a course of action, perhaps not the best in such a circumstance, but being so pressed for time it would have to suffice; continue with his persona, it would be easily enough managed he knew the school from head to foot as it was; especially on acquiring the recent but aged plans of the construction.
"Oh Lordy," he cried continuing in his caretaker voice "you scared me there young Master." Playing for time he studied the new arrival, pronouncing him a dangerous young man, though foolhardy too quite possibly; but vitally he seemed incredibly anxious to save the false Sophie from any unwarrantable questions, trying to whisk her away within seconds. He immediately joined in with the lie too, these students were cleverer than most aged warlocks gave them credit he admitted, pondering upon an article contrasting teaching methods between the ages. But now to deal with the rascal. "only the assistant caretaker sir yes," he muttered bashfully arising from his chair and rubbing his together nervously; when called upon Fitz wasn't a bad actor at all, seemingly moving between parts with apparent ease, though in reality his various identities required months of meticulous planning, patience was the key to a good part, and he had it aplenty with careful teaching from his old mentor.

"Sir," he muttered nervously "if you cud jus' direct me to the spillage?" He asked wringing his hands, though being careful not to draw his wand, the kid was keenly on edge, probably prepard to blast him away without a second thought. Reporting really was a difficult business these days.
Turning imploringly to the girl he declared "I'm not 'alf bad at mopping up. Shall I show ya how 't works?" Without another word he acted as though eager and taking the girl's hand drew her onwards swiftly passing the boy by, towards the sign of the incident. A mere spattering of water he saw; easily cleaned up.

"Twere probably some kid, I'm surprised I didna see it earlier mind you," he stated looking curiously at the lad. Clearly the boy was trying on a diversionary tactic to draw him away, thankfully Fitz knew precisely what to do. Drawing out his old and battered wand from his pocket he muttered "the thingy err, incantation that's the word." he said with a prompt from the Young Lady, "is sommit like..." but on seeing the boy's impatience his voice trailed off; Fitz knew that a caretaker would simply do the task without further distruption. Waving his wand about frantically a number of sparks immited first time, "tha' always 'appens," he explained then swishing it once more the water slowly evaporated away. "Is that satisfactory sir?" he asked grinning sheepishly at the two.

[boofhead]

Something still doesn't feel right... Striker thought as the fony caretaker got up, his act totally changing. Striker had to smile at the acting ability of the "caretaker". He noticed the way the man was stalling for time and he smiled.

'Yes, that's satisfactory work... but something isn't right... You're the assistant caretaker, no? Well, rumours abound this place like a bushfire rampaging through the bush in a drought... but there isn't an Assistant caretaker.' Striker said, crossing his arms and letting his wand float freely in his hand. 'And I know from previous rumours that any assitant caretaker becomes the caretaker in a manner of... minutes.'

Striker wanted to see the look on the mans face, but though he could be a world renowned actor or just a bloody good spy, he couldn't guess what the mans reaction would be.

[Fitz Hargreaves]

This youth was proving more tricky to handle than he had first anticipated, he possessed a good knowledge of the workings of the school which could in fact throw a spanner in the works of Fitz' plans. Without pausing to ponder over his answer he jumped in straight away. It was necessary as they would notice a pause to think and believe him a fake; their suspicions were clearly already aroused.

"Why sir ya shouldn't put faith in rumours," he advised, which he believed totally true himself, take on board the rumours but never fully believe them; unless spread by yourself of course.
"I 'ope to be t' proper caretaker soon, but well there's a few of us goin for it ya see, young Jimmy damn good with his sweeping and Liam is just a good all rounder." Knowing the lad would pose the obvious question of why haven't I seen them? He forstalled the questions saying "and now I've been a spotted a workin by pupils, well my chances are rubbish," he muttered glumly his eyes sorrowful once more, looking from each student to the other imploringly but not layering it on too thick.
"Fagin, I mean Professor Fagin, begging your pardon sir, especially 'as got it in fer me, keeps finding me no matter how 'ard I try to steer clear and git on with me work, yells that I shouldn't be seen n stuff, but it's awful lonely" he babbled letting the words flow easily and keeping his register and accent firm.

this boy's giving me a run for my hard earned money he thought whilst keeping his face blank, or rather suitable to the caretaker; a meek expression. In fact if he wasn't in character he'd give the lad a stout slap on the back for the keen awareness he showed; but perhaps he could outwit him still...

[boofhead]

'So, it's just a rumour then?' Striker said, raising his eyebrow. 'Well now, welcome aboard to Hogwarts then!' He grinned wildly, before patting the man on the back.

'Since you're only the assistant caretaker, how bout you help me and my mates with some clogged toilets in the washroom not too far from here?' Striker asked, knowing that there truly were dirtied toilets. 'They're all blocked with who knows what and well, it's not our place to make you have no work around here, as you said so yourself... You want to be the proper caretaker one day, so it's time to learn how to clean messy, crap filled, rat infested, unhygienic toilets with your bare hands. Well, come on then!' Striker smiled blissfully, before looking at Girty and giving her a brief wink.

'So, you coming or not, assistant?'

[Fitz Hargreaves]

Ah the young whipper snapper is really going for it, trying his luck. It was now evidently clear to Fitz that the boy knew precisely that he wasn't the even the assistant caretaker let alone the actual full caretaker.

The boy was extremely sarcastic too, he'd make a half-decent writer if only he weren't so y. He oozed apparent confidence and seemingly believed he had the situation entirely under control. Fitz had to wonder at how easily a mere student was so curious and wise as to hoodwink him. But give credit where credits due he thought. To Fitz it seemed the lad's voice dripped with sarcasm as he said the word assistant each time; luckily Fitz wasn't too bothered about such titles, though the boy would prove a pain in the neck.

"course sir, I'll hurry along right away, just need to get me tools," but he knew with a sinking feeling the lad wouldn't let him escape so easily; he was almost a mouse stuck in a trap, but he had one more trick up his sleeve. Looking aghast he declared "but sir you can't get yerself dirty, I'll sort it meself, ye'd be takin me job if ya helped oot." he exclaimed becoming agitated. "cor look at te time," he exclaimed barely risking a glance at his watch, making sure it don't show underneath his sleeve as it would prove the extent to his lie; the watch was of the highest quality and he know wished he'd left it behind, but it was his Grandfather's so he couldn't just leave it, indeed twas passed down from generation to generation. Unfortunately on passing a window the moonlight reflected clearly off the watch,illuminating the time as twenty five minutes past the third hour in the morning, on seeing this he mused of declaring his tiredness and retiring for the night, but believed he could still worm some information out of the pair.
"what ya gonna be doin with Professor Hubbles?" he enquired studying both their faces carefully for any trace of emotion.

[boofhead]

'I've already said what we'll be doing, mate.' Striker said, his tone changing to flat out annoyance. 'Doesn't the caretaker simply use the Accio spell to bring his tools to him? I mean, you can use magic so why not just cast the spell and get it, not too hard to see that.' A smug smile crossed his lips, but before he could he noticed a shimmering on the mans wrist. Lowering his gaze to the wrist, he saw an amazing looking watch, something that only a rich man would wear, not what a caretaker would wear on the job. Striker raised his eyes to the man and smiled calmly.

'So, why're you here?'

[Fitz Hargreaves]

The dastardly chap really was quick, perhaps too quick. But the tone he now used would be enough to disturb even the kindly nature of the noble caretaker, whose lot in life was to scrub away hour after hour, day after day. Noticing the smug smile Fitz now believed he had the winning of the boy, his over confidence would be his undoing.

"noo need fer that attitude sir," he said "we're not all as bright as ye, see sir, exercise is inportant, me mam always used te say. Why use magic all time?" He asked the merest hint of a smile passing his lips. Now only the slight problem of the youth's unnaturally quick eyes perceiving the watch.
"old family heirloom sir," he said quickly "me ole grandfather passed it down ya see, but he had very thin wrists, so well." He laughed sheepishly "it's kinda got stuck so's I were it all time," Seeing the boy move to simply use a spell to remove the watch he hugged it protectively to his chest "I don' wan it orf now mind." he muttered looking apologetically at the lad.

Though he knew without a shadow of a doubt the game was really up, he was as stubborn as a mule at the best of times; right now he had no wish to relinquish his hold upon this act. Even though surely everybody would soon know of his presence, he wouldn't give in just yet. The only problem was his being primarily upon the back foot, if he'd known this lad was going to appear he would have adopted a suitable persona to deal with him, but the caretaker option had worked a charm upon the girl, he'd found out valuable information already, but was being stubborn a virtue or a curse?

[boofhead]

So, he wants to remain hidden? Striker thought. Striker held out his hand loosely, kindly gesturing to the man if he could take a closer look at the watch.

'May I have a closer look?' Striker asked, changing his tone to purest enthusiasm. 'I have a thing for antiques and that looks like an antique to me... You don't have to take it off, I just want to see what year it was made in.'

Striker leaned in slightly, knowing that if the man was who the thought the man was, the secret to his true identity would be up the mans sleave, literally.

[Fitz Hargreaves]

As the lad began to try a different tact of kindliness Fitz decided he would comply and play along with the lad's obviously fake enthusiasm.
"course," murmered Fitz knowing the young lad wouldn't find what he was looking for, if it were the date he was foiled by it having been magically erased and in reality this watch was really nothing special and his conciense was exceptionally clear in this case because the watch had been his Grandfather's. Holding out his hand for the lad to look upon he smiled reassuringly at the false Sophie.

Seizing upon the opportunity to take action; the ball was now firmly in his court now the prying questions had ceased, they he had surprisingly enjoyed the thrill of thwarted the lad who had been a more than worthy advesary, in fact he would even consider offering him a job if he got through the difficult times ahead alive and unscathed; both of which were likely.

"In seventh year are ya?" He asked already knowing the answer due to the lad's height and build. Nowin brighter light he studied the features of the boy, seeing him clearly for the first time and absorbing all details, perhaps an artcile upon the obtrusiveness into an honest working man's profession would make a good story.
Smiling he awaited the young man's verdict.

[boofhead]

Strikers eyes snapped up to the man, narrowing slightly before standing at his full height and squaring himself slightly.

'Can't you tell by the robes?' Striker asked, knowing there was a large "7" underneath the Hufflepuff insignia on his left breast. He had placed the 7 there when he first joined Hogwarts and now he bore it with pride, despite his usual shy and economical self. 'So, why is it of any interest as to what year I'm in? A caretaker such as yourself shouldn't really be asking prying questions now, should he?' Striker looked at the man, crossing his arms across his chest in a way that he didn't wish to appear intimidating, but still don't mess with me. A sharp smile appeared on his face.

[Fitz Hargreaves]

Now was the time to play his ace, the lad had been doing well up until now, but then he made the cardinal error of over confidence and believing he had Fitz trapped.

"Wha's with all your prying questions sir?" he countered cringing, he had pondered over coming clean but really he needed this persona as it had it's uses. "cleanin ain't an interestin job ya know, gotta ave sommit to do, n askin ya your year ain't exactly a crime is it?" He asked feeling the urge to smile, but queling it instantly. Looking towards the girl once more as she was easier target of the two he implored "ya know what it's like, nottin to do all day, gotta be jus' little curious." He said pretending to cower before the boy, he believed his persona would think him just a little intimidating. He himself round him more of a darned nuisance such arrogance before a caretaker was insufferable and would make perfect writing for an article "youths believe themselves immeasureably superior to those around them". Finding his name would be a relatively simple task and then Fitz could publicly humiliate him if he so wished. Now for the icing on the cake, "sir I dunno see what I've done so wrong to ya, I'm sorry," he aplogised backing away from him, "shall I jus' get back to me cleanin sir?" He asked.

[boofhead]

'Curiousity is normal, so it's natural for us to have it, and left unchecked... Well, we'd be thinking "What If?" all the time.' Striker said, shrugging casually as he replied. 'You know, we haven't had a caretaker in several months, am I right? Then wouldn't the Headmaster announced it in the Great Hall about the new addition to all the staff?' Striker looked at Girty and smiled.

'Even a position, considered as lowly as an assistant caretaker would be told about... Maybe you're lying about being the assistant caretaker, and actually are nothing but a spy working for the Ministry and asking this here poor girl useless questions.' Striker said, his expression turning dark and his tone changing. He narrowed his eyes as he unfolded his arms and slowly reached for his wand.

[Fitz Hargreaves]

With the boy's first words Fitz had believed for a moment that he had finally come round, and he gave a valuable point, indeed nearing upon wise words. But then unfortunately for them all, he pounced upon the niggling problem of pronouncing new staff when they arrived. Fitz had been struck momentarily dumb by this question, but kept his expression fixed and rapidly came up with an excuse; passable answer. Although the boy's tone was ever increasingly more aggressive Fitz would still twist and turn, seeking an escape from the closing trap.

"Oh sir 'ogwarts 'as always had loads o' caretakers, most just aren't seen much you see, us assistant ones anyways, and might I add that has the 'eadmaster told ya of all new staff?" Giving a hurt and reproachful look at his mention of the Ministry he added "sir, my loyalty is te 'ogwarts, always as been always will be, Darrow was particular nice te me." He claimed squirming "n my questions ain't useless," he muttered bashfully staring down at his feet pretending he still had a tatter of pride intact. Darrow had indeed been his mentor throughout the years so that part of his lie was in fact truth.

Fitz knew the main flaw in this ploy was what if the lad did suddenly blast him, as he seemed to be, to use the old well known phrase; trigger happy, but he hoped and would put faith in his powers of persuasion.

[Girty Hubbles]

Trying to stop herself from yawning, Girty listened on as the two boys started to fight. It was very nice of Striker to be helping but Girty liked to think she was doing perfectly well by herself. At the mention of a watch the thought of tie passed through Girty’s mind once more. She needed to find a way out, knowing the longer it took the dire the consequences would be.

“Well it seems like I am not needed anymore. It was very nice meeting you Kieran, and Striker I will tell Professor Hubbles were you are. There is no need to hurry, he will not mind.”

Girty managed to produce a small smile before turning her back on the other two. Her heart was pounding so fast that her breathing turned into small, sharp breaths. She needed to reach the door without anymore distractions.

[boofhead]

Striker looked away as Girty left. An awkward moment soon followed but he turned slowly back to the man who's name was supposedly Kieran. Striker studied the man for a second before smiling.

'I think I've seen you before, Kieran.' Striker said, smiling as he crossed his arms thoughtfully. 'I know of a man who writes for the Daily Prophet is a great journalist, highly skilled writer and great at what he does... You bear a striking resemblence to him, did you know that?' Striker had meant every word he said, knowing that Kieran was used before in the journalists works, probably the one flaw he had was reusing names. 'Has anyone told you that before?'

Striker looked at the eyes of the man, waiting for any flicker of acknowledgement.

((Had to do it! It's a way to start a... "fair" rivalry, lol.))