(Forest) Intentions on finding a rogue...

[Prof Octavious Everritt]

Leigh walked through one of the better known trails of the forest, keeping his wand in front of him, the Sentimentality wand that Helia had so agreed to create for him. He would have to find her again to thank her.

The Ministry seemed to be out in force tonight, his ears keeping track of where they were, they angry voices carrying off over in the forest. He shook his head and kept a small laugh to himself as he walked off into the forest proper, a path he knew about but didn't doubt others knew about it now. His wand lit with the Lumos spell, started to grow slightly darker, his eyes wandering down to it. He smiled, the usual effect this path held.

He walked on for what seemed hours, it could have been. In that time he had crossed several Ministry officials, and keeping himself as calm as possible, he told them he was simply collecting herbs that could only be found deep within the forest for a potion he needed to make. He so badly wanted to duel them, killing them for being fools, but he only kept himself amused with the thought. He brushed them off when he proved he was a Professor and had no intentions of harming them, though he wanted to. They let him go and with that he continued, walking through tree roots and over ridges.

He stopped by a large, crooked tree and wiped his forehead, the effort of walking finally catching up to him. He muttered a spell and summoned a flask of water to his hand, gulping the cool water down quickly. He finished drinking and wiped his mouth dry and spluttered a little. He laughed as sat down on a large rock and leant against the tree, his eyes wandering about the lurking shadows around him.

He muttered the counterspell to Lumos and all light around him vanished, leaving him completely in shadows. He kind of liked it this way, he felt himself thinking. Cries and echoes of the Ministry were far off, a sign that was indeed good for them. He crossed his arms and closed his eyes, focusing his thoughts on any sound that surrounded him. The forests silence suddenly sprang up on him but slowly he smiled, someone was approaching. Was it one of the fabled rogues who collaborated to fight the Ministry? Perchance, could it be Gobien? A friendly face would certainly do well in the silence he was enveloped in.

He calmly waited, a smile creeping on his face as he readied himself.

[Jake Gobien]

As per usual the Rogues latest scheme had nearly ended in disaster, luckily a catastrophe had been averted by quick thinking, not from Gobien of course. The plan as always had seemed full proof, they'd even gone to the extreme of setting up a few back-up plans in case of emergency. But encountering a dozen Ministry officials lying in wait had been far more than they'd bargained for. Taking out simply one had been the intention, with five rogues it would have been easy, only a full dozen prepared for combat had meant they'd had to high tail it right out their at the double.

The one hook nosed man they'd singled out for the attack had seemed easy pickings, perhaps that's why the Ministry had used him as the bait. Gobien had led the way with his usual "crack" team and things had seemed fishy when the man had fallen flat from the first spell fired, as the ever eager rogues pounced the trap had been sprung...

Dodging one badly aimed spell that blasted a terrible chunk of bark off a harmless tree Gobien rolled forward knife out in one hand and wand performing a shielding spell in the other. Taking the fight to them Gobien rushed the approaching men whose wild shots from their surprise failed to strike through his pretty flimsy protection spell, slicing two in quick succession Gobien shouted to his comrades in arms; "fall back," but it came out more like a screech as a spell flung him backwards. Luck had it that he careered bodily into two skinny men attacking good old Ricky, his right hand man, landing awkwardly upon the men who collapsed beneath him Gobien rolled off in a daze and hurled himself frenzily at a man encroaching upon his plucky red head fighter. Bringing the hilt down hard upon the man it connected with a satisfyingly dramatic 'clunk'. As two burly men cracked their knuckles and lept upon Gobien he slashed wildly with his knife, feeling warm blood dribble down his arm, he sorely hoped it wasn't his, but abruptly the tustle stopped. Breathing raggedly Gobien pushed away the two men who were raising their arms, it looked like they were surrendering, but why?

Turning to his companions he saw wondrous Gloria holding a man fast with her pincer like fingers, her wand jabbed to his neck. "Stop fighting," the man had literally squealed fearing for his life from the demented little medic. Gobien smirked, "I'd do as your...captain guy suggests," wand poised to the remaining officials who glared menacingly at them he waited patiently for an answer.
"He isn't our captain," a lanky fellow cried ingidnantly in a posh English accent.
"He'll be a dead whatever if you don't cooperate," interjected Ricky with a grimace as he gingerly felt a rising black eye.
"You wouldn't dare," stated the young man pompously.
Rolling his eyes Gobien decided an act of barbarism was necessary, but he really couldn't stomach pushing it too far, bringing his knife to the man's throat he let it rest upon it, pressing ever so gently and allowing the a trickle of blood to flow down it, "ooh that worked out better than I'd hoped," he grinned, "see how easy he bleeds, well it doesn't bode well for you neither does it, man dies trying to catch a few petty criminals," Ricky coughed purposefully his glare still present.

"So why not just back away? Nice and easy like." Eyes narrowing he was glad when the young man sighed, "fine we're going, but don't you dare hostage that man."
"Ooh sounds like a good idea that," chuckled Gobien as the Ministry guards backed away slowly. Grabbing a hold of the quivering official Gobien brought knife to throat then backed up as quickly as he could. When they had gone far enough with no signs of pursuit he kicked the man forward into the dirt whispering "run," to his companions clustering about him. As the man groaned and retched upon the forest floor Gobien decided against knocking the poor man unconcious so he choked upon his own putrid sick but he did punch him once in the stomach for good measure saying "better out than in," as sick flew upon his boot, "eugh nasty," as officials began their pursuit Gobien waited until they caught sight of his grimy face then set off in the opposite direction to where their camp was. Hopefully he could outsprint the younger men...

Luckily he did as his breathing began to become heavy the sounds of pursuit became far off, so he slowed to a gentle walk, sizing up how the day had gone; not too bad considering.

Only then did he stumble upon the growing darkness that forced him to shed light upon the situation, he hadn't realised he'd run so far; perhaps he wasn't so unfit as he thougt he was. Hearing nothing untoward he continued steadily onwards rising his wand high to cast light all about, he didn't notice Addis until he was almost atop of him. Visibly jumping Gobien's wand arm spontaneusly pointed at Addis, only problem being that he hadn't seen Addis in his new visage.
"Who are you?" Gobien demanded roughly eyes narrowed to slits and heart pumping fast from the surprise. He didn't look like Ministry particularly but one could never really tell these days, even the Ministry used spies, as Gobien would know having been one for a time.

"What the hell brings you into this forest?" He asked, "people don't come in here unless they have to." He explained trying vainly to place the man's face, it seemed almost familiar, it would come to him given time; he didn't know how perfected the transformation was now.

"Forgive my manner but I'm cranky when starved."

[Prof Octavious Everritt]

Leigh heard the footsteps, saw the light and the sudden surprise as Gobien appeared and out of pure surprise, Gobien his wand at his nose, the tip barely a hairs width away. Leigh didn't move. He saw the look on the rogues face and laughed a little hesitantly, before putting up his wands and stepping away slightly.

The rushing of questions seemed to make Leigh believe that Gobien was running from the Ministry, whatever the plan was. Leigh then smiled, hoping Gobien would recognise him, or at least his personality.

'I am Addis.' He whispered, a smile appearing on his face as his eyes twinkled with truth. 'I come in search for a rogue and by all accounts, I am lucky to find the one I need.'

Leigh lowered his hands and straightened up, before landing forward changing his form to his Animagus form of a tiger. He looked up at Gobien with his piercing golden eyes and smiled, as well as a tiger could before he changed himself back, his eyes changing last as they resumed the look of Octavious.

'Times are growing short, Gobien. My plans are underway at the school and no one at the Ministry suspects a thing.' He said, smiling confidently. 'I have forced my cousin to join the Ministry in attempts to disrupt the Minstry's search for the Ghost That Walks. The plan seems to be working thus far.'

'Have you spoken with Neku recently? SHe hasn't contacted me in quite some time, or have you and the other rogues been the cause of the Ministry outrage in the last few months?' Leigh asked, smiling at what he had heard. The misdeeds of a joined band of Rogues was indeed a grand thing to hear about, especially when reading the paper in the morning and hearing the muttering of the Ministry fools as they ate at tables positioned behind the Professor's, damn fools.

'Nevertheless, if you require any help from inside of the school, here...' He said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small roll of parchment, about the length of his pinky, and tied with a golden tinged ribbon. He threw the parchment to Gobien and with a smile he continued, 'Just write on it if you require help from a... well, acquaintance who has more than sufficient information.'

Leigh smiled, clicked his fingers in a devillish way before an apple appeared before him floating in the air. He took the apple and threw it to Gobien. 'Anything you require, I can get. A safe bed for a night or two, food, parchment, access to the secret office where the Ministry documents are.' The last one he said with a hint of arrogance. He had found the office by sheer accident, but he smiled when he learned how to open the hidden chamber. The room was quite large and though there was no official documentation on what the Ministry was searching for, he did find some rather important information, thus his sending of Markus to the Ministry.

[Jake Gobien]

The dawning recognition upon Gobien's face was a picture, his mouth dropped open as he let out the breath he'd been holding.
"Phew," he murmured his grim look splitting into a grin, "I thought I'd have difficulty beating this tough looking young man, and I would have done attacking you eh?" He grinned wolfishly warmly dragging Addis into a hug of all things.
"Good to see you mate, I didn't exactly doubt your abilities, only getting into Hogwarts proper is a tall order for anyone." Truth be told he had worried about Addis, the man was dependable and even loyal which was rare for a rogue. Unlike the others he also had a head upon his shoulders; one he wasn't afraid to use either. "We're the ones needing you," Gobien sighed wearily leaning back against the broad trunk of an oak.

Though Gobien looked tired and drawn his eyes still sparkled with the same energy, and he still had a poised look; as if ready to strike at a moments notice, always he was on edge. He listened avidly his smile growing into a broad grin as he chuckled, "thus far plans are going well indeed then, I feared and really expected far greater difficulties. We're causing disturbances and beginning to become a real thorn in the Ministry's side, but searching for the lost item of power has been utterly fruitless, we've turned over every flaming stone, and you know rogues, they much prefer fighting and theiving to actual hard work."

"I've seen no hoof track for a while now," answered Gobien with darkening eyes, "I can't help but think the worst...she can take care of herself though, better than any of us that's for sure." Eyes roving the forest for danger Gobien shrugged off the feeling that they were being watched, his senses rarely led him astray, except within the forest where everything felt wrong.

"We've caused a little rucous true, even a little blood has been spilt." Gobien forced a smile, he was too used to maintaining that everything was fine and dandy to stop now. But he had to be painfully truthful with someone.
"Truth be told we're just not a cohesive unit, I fear there will be casualties before the end. We're training hard, but it takes years to form an effective team, we've got a few measly months." Shaking his head Gobien pursed his lips, "but none of us are ready to give up...plucky, that's us." He chuckled mirthlessly.

Then circumstances altered somewhat as Addis offered his much appreciated assistance, "interesting," murmured Gobien giving Addis a level look, "an aquaintance you say? Well I shan't pry, but any help is loved, and this is a pure godsend." As the apple appeared Gobien tried and failed at restraint as he swiped it lout of the air and took a large mouthful, enjoying the juice seeping from it and licking his lips greedily; not from gluttony but lack of decent food for some time now. "You sure know the way to a man's heart," laughed Gobien knowing his words struck a far deeper chord; Addis was a wily man under normal circumstances he wouldn't be one to trust, but these were far from ordinary circumstances, and Gobien knew where Addis' loyalties truly lay.

The Rogue's eyes lit up at the mention of a safe bed and more importantly food. Crunching the apple now slowly after being embarrassed for trying to gobble it down so, Gobien gesticulated with it in his hand, "supplies are low, and I mean low, food is a priority, anything else we can do without. We've already found a fresh spring for our water but foraging isn't seen as vital to most rogues and parchment we can..." abruptly he stopped as Addis' words sank in, "important documents now those we could do with." Standing now and holding the apple limply in his hand; completely forgotten about, Gobien ran through the pros and cons out loud, "it'll be tricky no doubt, but we need to have a good look at them, you could get a copy of them? No of course not the Ministry will have strong anti-copying spells upon them. If it's anything like how it used to be then you won't be able to take them from the room neither. The ministry used to be a damn good organisation so they've all sorts of security measures in place still. Hmmm, but you only need to see them, you and only you in fact. Then we've the memory." Gobien loved working through a plan and now he had a good one, least he thought it was. "The memory we can then all access, with a penseive." He chuckled his laugh now loud and true.

"This could be the breakthrough we need," he cried joyously, all thoughts of being followed or tracked discarded.
"Can you manage it Addis?" He asked with a grin, if Addis could manage slipping into Hogwarts under the Ministry's very nose then he could take a peak at some documents, if luck was with them.

[Prof Octavious Everritt]

Leigh smiled at Gobien for taking his assistance. The small parties opposing the Ministry had to form allegiences and work together to thwart and eventually, end the Ministry's reign. Leigh crossed his arms and smiled.

'I am glad that you'll be taking the assistance, I know how fruitless it can be when searching for something and trying to find ways of finding food or a safe bed for a night. I was once a rogue... Still am I believe.' Leigh said, frowning and losing his jovial smile. 'Neku will be safe and will most likely come for us when she can, if she can or wants to.' He shook his head slowly, before stroking his chin, feeling the small ticklish bristles of regrowth there. He hadn't shaved that day, a Ministry fool hogging the mirror all morning. Damn fool, Leigh thought, wanting to kill the fool, but he restrained himself and calmly placed a smile on his face as he said he'd shave later.

He looked at Gobien and laughed as the man bit into the apple quickly. He was a man starved and what he said about food was true, his offer truly valid then. He could get food sent to a certain part of the school where he could then click his fingers and it would materialise before him, as long as he was within a twenty mile radius of the school. The apple was lucky enough to come through, what happens if it was a roast pork? Chicken? Mashed Potato!? The thoughts cried through his mind and he shooked his head, if he was to feed the rogues as often as he could they would be risking themselves to Ministry capture by merely coming within the radius. He growled at the thought.

'I have found you, haven't I?' Leigh said with a smirk on his face at the question poised to him. 'Though some would say by sheer luck...' He frowned at the thought but shook his head and smiled.

'I can do it, just find a pensieve and you'll have them within a few weeks. The Ministry fools also guard the room quite well. Rotational shifts of concealed magic. Often a suit of armour or a statue overlooking the corridor... The sad thing is, it's right near the Ministers old office. Her own enchantments are still alive... Some students have found out the hard way.' Leigh explained, inwardly hitting himself for not revealing more information before Gobien became joyous. 'I should be able to get you into the school to help... Or I could employ the use of the schools troublemakers...' A grin formed on his face as he mentioned the last part. He had caught several students pulling pranks of the Ministry, though only acting he took points off the Houses when needed but replaced them as soon as possible when he took the students into "detention". He often let them do what they wanted to do during the times they were away.

'If you ever need a warm bed, or any other rogue... There is a small window underneath the back wall of the Hogs Head, broken in and shattered glass.' Leigh continued, wondering if the rogue would ever use it. 'It is but an illusion I created during my own days here at the school. It took several months to do, but it is worth it. Inside you should find several warm beds, I have forgotten how many to be exact, and warm blankets. Food is a problem though, but if I remember correctly... I have hidden a small bag of coins inside one of the mattresses, which one I do not know. I hope this helps.'

A smile appeared on his face. 'If you would ever like a hand on a mission, just ask.' Leigh said, nodding his head over to the small piece of parchment he had given Gobien.

[Jake Gobien]

Stretching Gobien prodded Addis in the chest saying jokingly, "you'd better still be a rogue...we'd be lost without you." He shrugged his shoulders with a grin wondering if Addis knew just how much the rogues relied upon him, not ony for his invaluable information but even his admirable fighting skills and countless other attributes. Of course few rogues would stoop down and admit that, only Gobien knew the truth of how dire their situation was, the rogues needed pivotal figureheads De Conti was their fearless leader and Addis their clever informant.

"I don't doubt that Neku is safer than either of us, but then again right under their nose, like you are, is the last place they'd think of looking. So old the old idioms say." Slocuhing against the trunk of the tree once more Gobien crunched his apple agreeing with a smirk, "we can actually hide when we want to, rogues are good at hiding, skulking," he chuckled, such ways were great in his book. "Neku would probably say it was fated, adn I've got to say I do believe in good old luck, especially cause I don't have much and it makes the perfect excuse for failing in our goals." Seeing Addis' expression he added swiftly, "not that it'll impact upon our overall objective of toppling the corrupt head of the ministry of course."

Glad that Addis was reasonably confidant that he complete his mission Gobien answered, "oh I can think of a penseive, it's seeing the documents that's the hardest part. It's up to you whether you enlist the aid of your troublemakers or rogues, whoever you think will get the job done easier." He knew and would readily admit that rogues weren't always suited to some jobs, a few they were perfect for, but most they weren't.
Jake listened attentively his expression of wonder growing as he was informed of Addis' old hideout. "That sounds brilliant, only getting into Hogsmeade presents the biggest obstacle." Gobien was a realist but for encouragement he added a heartfelt thanks, it helps us immensely and aiding with a mission I may have to take you up on that sometime. But for now keeping a continual supply of information is most vital. Particularly about any member of the Magical Law Enforcement squad, we need accurate up to date data upon them, then we can evade their clutches easier." He tucked away the little parchment keeping the useful little item safe within the folds of his great coat.

Chuckling dryly Gobien muttered, "they've nearly got us a few times now, the noose is getting tight, so it's high time we cut off the executioners hand, I haven't tossed aside the possibility of assassinating Deitrich to be truthful, but we don't know how far her poison runs really." He finished with a shrug eating the core of the apple that he had savoured til the end.
"Amazing apple that, another one wouldn't go amiss," he hinted as he kep an ear out for any approaching danger.

[Prof Octavious Everritt]

Leigh could only smile at Gobien, the mans light heartedness always a blessing. He stroked the spot where he was prodded and laughed.

'I'll always be a rogue if one such as you has their way.' He said, then thinking soon afterwards that he may always have to be one. He never really thought of himself as a rogue, but now that he was thinking he was one, well and truly. He smiled at the thought. 'I'll most likely enlist the help of the schools troublemakers. There has been some rumours floating about of a group that is going to defy the Ministry in any way possible. I know of the rumoured person to have sent it out... It's always the same with the students, they think that what they do in silence will they will always get away with.' He laughed. 'I'll make sure that the leader and one of the other students know full well of what they'll be used for. Girty Hubbles should do well enough, with the aid of one Jerred Boneman.'

The two names he had contrived were two he could trust. Girty having been a top student of his during his days as the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor and Jerred was already a proven prankster. He smiled at the fond memories and shook his head and looked at Gobien with praise.

'Aye, the noose is getting tighter at the school. I had to pay to get out of the school tonight... Stupid fat oaf... Maybe a transfiguration spell would do the trick. He should be turned into a whale.' He continued on with, pulling out his old wand, Bloodwood, 12 and a 1/2 inches, Phoenix tear. He felt the power ripple through it, its special properties still fully unknown to him. 'Helia is a grand wandmaker... I should visit her again some time soon. She made me a sentimentality wand just before I took my post, ingenius really. How is she?' Addis gave Gobien a knowing look that he had known what had happened to her.

'Have another!' Leigh groaned, clicking his fingers and soon another apple appeared before him, like before. He should have tried to pull a sandwich through. He passed the apple to Gobien before laughing, his own eyes following those of Gobien's, wondering if their voices had been heard.

[Jake Gobien]

Gobien found his trust with Addis was developing all the more, the man was fully risking his life much the same as he was. He admired that quality in him a lot, and knowing how passionate Addis was led to the inevitable trusting, he couldn't bear to imagine Addis betraying them, that was the problem. The trust was almost too much, even though Addis was a powerful wizard the Ministry could still get to him, if not solely due to sheer force of numbers, he could even be ensnared by them now, the Rogues couldn't afford to cast aside their doubts and suspicions of others. But Gobien somehow knew Addis was the real article and he knew he'd never betray them, he knew it.

Casting aside the nagging doubt Gobien was always one to be as light hearted as possible so he easily began laughing again, due to his nature. "Of course I tend to get my way too," he grinned clapping a hand on Addis's broad shoulder, he could tell there was strength there, just by the feel of it. "I think you've always been a Rogue at heart, you're as Roguish as the rest of us, don't let anyone tell you differently." He chuckled knowing other Rogues wouldn't take kindly to Addis, they still feared Addis would betray them, even though Gobien had tried persuading them dozens of times, Addis sending food had swayed a few easy enough but some were just plain stubborn.

"So long as they aren't endangered, overly," he cautioned in a still light way, he was certain Addis wouldn't endanger pupils unless strictly necessary, but Gobien still cared for people too much, that was a major flaw of his that he'd tried fruitlessly to cast off. "Girty Hubbles and Jerred Boneman, I'll remember those names, if you trust them then we can too. Maybe they'll be Rogues one day?" He asked with a chuckle, he'd gotten too used to enlisting new recruits it seemed, even now he was trying to draw others to their cause.

"Typical Ministry letting you slip through for a bit of coin," he shook his head, "it's not what it used to be, but we'll change it eventually." Seeing Addis' old wand Gobien gave a look of appreciation at the skill, subconciously licking his lips, that really was powerful; too powerful. "That's a real beauty," he commented, "may I?" Gently taking the wand he studied it with admiration and excitement written across his face, a vein in his neck even throbbed, "12 inches, and the extra half of course. Bloodwood by the touch of it, lovely, tell tale redish colour too." Twirling it in his fingers his smile was broad, "it's definitely a powerful one." Gobien knew a lot about any sort of artifacts, wands weren't his speciality but he knew a bit about them, handing it reverently back Gobien agreed, "that she is, very skilled indeed, rivalling her Grandfather even, and he was brilliant." He spoke with obvious enthusiasm but then his face fell a little, "last time I saw her she was on top of the world, but that was a while back...I'm sure she's fine though." He hoped so at least.

Addis knew precisely how to brighten his spirits once more though with an apple appearing out of the blue, "don't mind if I do, but I'll save it for later." Deciding to pcoket it as he'd heard a disturbance in the undergrowth, Gobien took out his wand, holding it in a relaxed duelling poise as he leant up against a tree. Gesturing for Addis to go left, Gobien circled to the right, darting from tree to tree, towards the approaching, but hesitant, footsteps. Peering around a low overhanging branch Gobien espied two officials, naturally he'd take the one on the right then Addis the left, he loved the fact that Addis would know what to do, being clever and all. Slipping out Gobien cried "stupefy," aiming for the man's chest, as he ran forwards. The spell bounced harmlessly off their reinforced armour though, cursing Gobien rolled out of the way of an incoming spell that sizzled through the air. Dropping his wand Gobien seized his gun from the folds of his coat, he'd take no chances with aim, shooting for his chest, Gobien grinned as it connected forcefully sending the man reeling. He presumed Addis had dealt with his foe as no withering hail of spells was coming his way.

[Prof Octavious Everritt]

Addis smiled at the reassurance of Gobien. The man had an impeccable desire for laughter, which was something that he found refreshing. He laughed a little himself, though kept himself rather constrained.

'I have always been a bit rogueish, though not as well as others. Trips into the forest at night do tend to help.' He said, crossing his arms. 'I'll make sure I'm with them when they walk about. I'll say they were having a duel and demanded detention that instant. They'll agree to help, no matter what. Jerred can raise hell more than just a mere rogue by himself.'

Addis then gave the apple to Gobien, who pocketed it and indicated to go left. Addis smiled, his features already changing as he shifted into his Animagus form and crept around, using the tigers natural ability to step quietly to full affect. Gobien knew he was an Animagus and used it quite well in combat, but when he noticed two officials he had to laugh, though Gobien attacked soon after.

Gobien shot a man in the chest and send him reeling, his cry piercing the shadows of the night. Addis ran forward and shifted his form just after he leapt, landing heavily on the other official. He brought his hand up and dropped it down heavily to the officials face and picked him up and drove his knee into the mains groin, while headbutting the mans nose, blood splattering all over the place. He laughed, throwing the knocked out man away and turned to see Gobien holding a pistol in his hand.

'Aye, it's a good night to have a bit of fun shooting like Muggles.' He said, seeing Gobiens target look up with effort. Addis walked over and kicked the mans face hard, his boot sending the official back into the world of sleep. 'And it's always fun to fight like a muggle, though magic was involved a little.' He suddenly spun on his heel and brought his wand out, sending it out towards another official who had come out of nowhere. He was in the middle of the path, a perfect vantage point for the Ministry to attack. He roared, knocking out two officials with his spells before turning and fleeing, running towards Gobien, grabbing the man and fleeing back into the forest.

'And I thought talking to you was all the fun I was going to have!' Addis cried out as he ran, turned and fired several more spells at their persuers. Some of his spells bounced off the trees and smacked into the back of the heads of some of the officials, a somewhat effective skill Addis had picked up as of late.

[Jake Gobien]

Children shouldn't be a part of war, he'd been promised that by someone, once, long ago now. But it never came true, everyone was embroilled in war, it cascaded over everything in its path, causing death and devastation in it's wake. This war had barely begun, it's catastrophic power hadn't unleasthed it's full fury upon the world.

Hopefully it never would, the Rogues wished to nip it in the bud long before it reached such dizzying and disastrous heights. Even the Ministry wouldn't want power at such a cost to human life, would they?

Again children were drawn into the war, they were more easily persuaded, Gobien wondered what propaganda the Ministry had already enforced upon them, slowly converting them to their ways, he was pleasantly surprised that all the students didn't hate the Rogues. It meant they still had a chance.

Smirking at the mention of one student's ability Gobien chuckled, "I'd like to meet him, he sounds like my cup of tea, so long as he doesn't hellraise against us."

Then the skirmish had begun, with both men easily neutralising their advesaries. Gobien always found Addis' ruthlessness in combat an admirable quality yet shocking too. He wondered if Addis suffered from a little bloodlust from time to time; he'd been hurt so deeply by the Ministry, it was surprising he still stood so strong. They laughed together at Addis' comment, "and I'm a damn good shot too, if they're going to be sneaky with their armour, then I'll just have to shoot them, can't say fairer than that now can you?" He asked with a grin but seeing Addis' look of warning he ducked instinctively, rolling to face the new threat; that Addis had already dealt with. Chuckling at Addis' efficiency Gobien fired a warning shot then lunged for his wand that he'd been forced to drop earlier. Gun in one hand and wand in the other Gobien was about to return and assist his friend when Addis suddenly shoved him along; clearly the odds were against them or else Addis would never flee from a fight. A tactical retreat was in order then.
"What you call this more fun than talking to me?" He countered pretending he was hurt by the comment. As a few spells erupted all about him Gobien dived for the cover of a fallen tree trunk, now mottled and rotting into the earth, covered in fungi that he had to hurtle over. Now crouching behind it he returned fire at the approaching officials, one fell from a lucky spell that literally took out his knee, the man crumpled to the ground in shock gasping in bemused agony as his leg from knee downwards had disappeared, an old trick that always caused complete confusion. He'd simply turned it invisble but the man's brain had lost contact and so he still felt the pain and fell to the round writhing in agony. His companions looked down in surprise giving Gobien enough time to knock another senseless; their face's were uncovered and so a prime target; even if a small.

As the officials gathered together their wits and lept for their own cover, Gobien fired off his remaining bullets, to keep their heads down. Lying down Jake reloaded his gun with efficiency born out of plenty of practice. As his cover was shredded into with the Ministry's spells now finding their mark, he crawled away towards a still living tree. As the trunk was blasted to bits, shards flew everywhere; one jagged piece connecting painfully with Gobien's leg. That'll leave an ugly bruise, he thought wondering quite where Addis was as he opened fire on his foes once more. Three clustered in the sizeable cover of some boulders, so Gobien dismissed hitting them and instead fired upon the two men who broke cover and ran his way.

Stepping out for a clear shot Gobien fired three bullets with lethal accuracy; one sliced through the first man's shoulder, one kneecapped and the final one hit the same man's abdomen to bring them both to an undignified halt, their faces in the dirt. Pressing bback up against his tree Gobien cast a quick look about for Addis, he presumed he was faring fine, and was granted his wish as he heard a deafening cry from the lips of a dying man; Addis wouldn't fall like that.

Behind the stout tree Gobien kept his spells going as the Ministry's return fire deflected harmlessly off Jake's sound defence. He could hold the position for a while still he knew, until two women stepped out of the undergrowth just scant feet away, they jumped in opposite directions as his spell flew past. Cursing Gobien broke his cover, by rolling into a crouch as their return spells thudded into the tree where he'd hid. Damn too close, he thought as he cleverly caught one in his sights and deftly disarmed her. But the other was quicker, as he turned to take her own she'd already sent her spell at his chest, the "sectumsempra," charm cut deeply across his broad chest as he had no time to dodge. With a grunt he fell backwards firing two bullets from where she'd last been. He heard no cry so guessed he'd missed. Rolling quickly, he was glad he did as a spell tore into the ground causing an explosion that sent him hurtling a half a dozen feet away. Landing with a cry upon his now bleeding chest, he pushed himself up onto his knees, glaring as the woman caught him in her sights. Dropping flat the cutting spell missed and as he lay flat pointing towards her he fired, catching her squarely in the stomach, and sending the witch reeling.

Cursing he heard more cries, and pocketing his gun now he dragged himself towards the nearest cover; a rosebush. Clearing his mind he began to seal up the wound a muttered charm, he knew there were at least five officials left that he hadn't dealt with; maybe many more. He had confidence that Addis could deal with them, but just in case he scrambled to his feet, heading for a little better cover of some clustered trees over what looked like a badgers set, where he began healing himself better, his keen eyes watching for any approach...

[Prof Octavious Everritt]

Addis had dived to the side when Gobien fired back with his own spells. He decided to cast a darkshade spell, encloaking him in shadows which effectively made him invisible unless he moved across a clear patch of light. Lucky for them, they were deep in the forest and he smiled.

He heard the gunshots and laughed, standing behind two officials who were looking at each other with fear in their eyes. They turned and blinked, staring into nothing but shadow as he launched his fist into the jaw of one of them, turning on his heel and swinging his other leg over, striking the other one in the side of the head with his boot. He smiled, knowing wearing his heavy boots would help him out that night.

Another official stepped into view and spotted him. He flung out his wand as he rolled and fired off the simple, yet efficient Expelliarmus spell, knocking out the rather attractive womans wand, but he quickly noticed her stance and the way she brought up her hands. She attacked him before he could resist, knocking his wand out of his hand and landing several blows into his chest and face that sent him reeling. He staggered backwards and fell over the unconscious body the official he had attacked earlier, groaning as he landed hard on a stone.

With his breath gone, the woman stood over him with an air of superiority, her arrogant smile filling her face, but there was one thing that Addis had up his sleave. He felt the stone in his hand and opened it, casting the spell and sending the stone flying into her face, striking just on the bridge of her nose and sending her flying backwards into a tree. He pushed himself to his feet and smiled, though he was bleeding from his mouth, the taste of blood evident that he was either bleeding internally or had lost a tooth, either way he was ready for more.

'Accio Wand!' He muttered with his right hand and his wand came flying back to his hand. He stumbled forward and saw one more official, seemingly giving out orders. Addis recognised him from his days at the Ministry and a sudden burning rage rose within his chest and he aimed his wand, aiming carefully for the mans chest.

'Avada Kedavra!' He shouted, the man turning to see him and flash of green light hit him, an inhuman howl piercing the night. He walked forward and stood over the dead body, his eyes glaring into the lifeless eyes of the man. 'Revenge has been done.' He whispered, turning to see a woman watching him, her eyes filled with fear and tears streaming down her face. She was young and he had a burning desire to kill her, but he breathed out slowly and looked at her once more.

'Go home. Leave the Ministry, your death isn't worth it.' He said to her firmly. She nodded and have her thanks and ran off in the opposite direction. He watched her go, sprinting away into the shadows.

Addis slowly turned and headed off into the direction he heard further gunshots, wand in hand and deflecting any spells that came his way. He watched the battle. On his way he struck any official in the face with his fist, knocking them out cold or putting enough fear into them that they turned and fled. He saw a person that darted off into the shadows further and saw the distinctive outline of Gobien's hairstyle. He laughed silently to himself and walked forward, deliberately making enough sound for Gobien to know it was he.

'Jake, their gone, done, dealt with.' Addis said, waiting for a familiar response. He spat out blood as a wave of sudden pain caused him to fall to his knee. He felt his ribs and sighed, realising he had broken two of them.