[Hogsmeade] Conspicuous?

[Jake Gobien]

The dying rays of the setting sun illuminated Gobien's rugged features as he stepped from the cover of the trees, leaving the dense canopy behind where he could easily evade any foe he immediately felt exposed; anyone could be watching him and it felt like everyone would be as he stepped onto the path towards Hogsmeade. Boots crunching the upon the dirt track Gobien's eyes narrowed suspiciously as the village came into sight; it seemed peaceful enough, but looks could always be deceiving, he hadn't thought that blond would kick him where it hurts then scarper with his best mate, no that had been one hell of a surprise that.

Remembering those times with a grin upon his face Gobien strode into Hogsmeade, trying to look casual, but not like he owned the place. If he acted too confident he'd stand out, but if he hid in the shadows he'd probably still get seen, maybe venturing into Hogsmeade was more trouble than it was worth?

No his objective was important, crucial to the survival of the rogues in fact; he had to purchase a little something, sure he could have asked Catt, but he didn't quite trust him, and besides he had his own informants and worse people, plenty of them who owed him a favour or two. The streets were fairly deserted as a cold evening wind was beginning to pick up driving the sane people inside by a cosy fire. Slipping down a side alley Gobien sauntered past an old witch bent double as if stooping to pick up some coins she'd dropped. Gobien walked on by turning the corner at the end of the alley and checking both ways before walking back past the witch and having a little something pressed discreetly into his hands.

Rolling the item between his fingers Gobien pocketed it quickly thanking the old lady, "pefect, I could kiss you."
"I'd rather you didn't," she muttered distractedly biting the money Gobien had slipped expertly into her palm. With that the exchange was complete, and the two went their seperate ways; Gobien strolled back into the main street, now he just had to get back without being spotted...difficult.

[Nicholas McNiven]

McNiven just stared at the note that was addressed to him on his desk, on the odd occasion he would pick up the envelope and just stare at the red seal on the back, the imprinted of a rose was a give away to the Scottish man who it was from and that just made him want to open it even less. The higher powers in the Red Rose League seemed to have been keeping a very close eye on this particular division leader and for that McNiven was not pleased, he felt trapped and unable to do anything…the complete opposite of how it should be like.

Not opening the letter was punishable enough but McNiven went a step further (as always) and broke the strict orders of him not leaving HQ. He had ventured out on many occasions and not been caught, the whole ministry safe house burning down and the death of a few officials was not one of those occasions, but other then that he saw no harm in the matter.

His boots thudded on the cobbled streets of Hogsmeade and for a very long period of time seemed to be the only sound present…that was until he heard voices. A cruel smile spread across the thin lips of Nicolas McNiven and he quickened his pace getting closer and closer to a side ally when a man in a blue military coat appeared, Jake Gobien. Withdrawing his wand he crept closer and closer behind the man.

“Ya money or ya life?“

[Jake Gobien]

Luckily Gobien knew the voice, or else he'd have swung his elbow to catch his attacker upon the neck, had his wand out within an instant and shoved him bodily against the wall he was walking alongside; in theory at least. But on hearing the familiar rugged Scottish tones and more importantly recognising them, Gobien span about to give his old friend a bone crushing hug, so what if people saw two blokes embracing in the streets; Gobien didn't care, he hadn't seen McNiven in too long. He'd worried that he'd been taken prisoner by the Ministry, but he hadn't made the enquiries in case his fears had been realised.

"You can have both," he cried laughing aloud as he drew his old friend close and slapped him heartily upon the back. "I was beginning to worry they'd got you old timer," he joked, but the expression in his eyes betrayed his true feelings of worry.

"Let's go somewhere more private," he laughed with raised eyebrows to show he'd dearly love to go someplace truly private with him. Directing McNiven by the elbow he gently veered him along the road, "oh what the hell," linking arms he set off for the forest at a quick pace; he needed to get back sharpish, Gabriella would skin him alive if he were overly delayed.

"What's new with you?" He enquired, he was not only asking about his friend's health but also about his friend's friends; the Red Rose League. "You've been quiet recently," he hadn't heard many rumours of the Roses, maybe it was a good thing as they were keeping well hidden throughout society, or maybe they were losing influence, Gobien had to know, even if it were the latter he'd rather know so he could act. He only hoped he wouldn't be too late.