(Forest) Scared little Girl?

[Alexis Alméida]

What was so great about the forest? It was a muddy floor with a load of trees. Or that was what Alexis had first thought it was anyway. She walked bravely down the steps of the castle and out into the open air. The moon was flying high over the forest, but Alexis never paid much attention to the moon and didnt realise it was full. She could hear the wind howling over the trees as she passed by the lake. Now beginning to feel like it was probably the wrong decision to come down here, at lease alone. You could have got Mark or Maxi to come with you Alexis she thought despite herself.

Though through her fear she wasnt one to turn around, I guess you could say she was arrogant. Yes she was scared, but who in their right mind wouldnt be? Though saying that, not many people were in their right minds these days. Her heart was slamming against her chest, her breath stuck in her throat and her arm that was gripping her wand was shaking uncontrollably. Her blonde hair was pulled back into a ponytail, though strands kept falling out due to the wind, she couldnt see it staying up for much longer.

"Its only some trees" she said to herself as she walked past the first few trees, already finding herself in complete darkness. "Lumos". The end of her wand lit up and she raised it above her head giving her a clear view ahead. Her heart was slamming much harder now in her chest, so hard she felt like it was going to jump out of her. Using her left hand she gripped her chest, she tried to control her breathing, but the sound of a twig snapping somewhere behind her, didnt help. Spinning around she raised her wand and looked through the blackness, though she couldnt see who, or what it was.

[Jake Gobien]

Children were always so curious, but teenagers verging upon adulthood had the wits and sometimes even the arrogance necessary to really go for it; and venture into the Forbidden Forest. Few students hadn't had a short trip there, but few really made the trip a weekly event, and nobody in their right mind would make the forest their home...would they?

But rogues weren't in their right minds now were they? Desperate times called for desperate measures and the forest was the perfect place to hide out when you were running from the law; that's why rogues from all walks of life, not just plain dirty criminals, but people who wished to simply topple the cruel Ministry, had gathered together here; in this gloomy place.


'A little girl was wandering the forest' that's what George had reported. But then again everyone seemed little to the quite frankly massive man, who stood head and shoulders above even Gobien himself who wasn't small. George had undoubtedly alerted the girl to their presence, he was a big man who neither knew nor cared about tracking people by simply treading lightly. Yet George had done right by coming immediately back to camp, though charging in bellowing like a beast hadn't been necessary. George had admitted the girl had span around on hearing his approach, so naturally he'd fled.

So now Gobien had left the group twiddling their thumbs in suspense with expressed orders to remain where they were; he somehow doubted they'd listen.

Easily picking up her trail he skirted around seeing she was heading in a more or less straight direction, as he came around in front of here he stepped out lightly from behind a copse of trees, palms raised in peace, "are you frigtened girl?" He asked seeing that she was trying to mask her fear he added smoothly, "good cause this place scares the bejesus out of anyone, you'd be a freak if it didn't scare you." He smiled warmly, "you may as well lower your wand, if I wanted to harm you, you'd be down already." Shrugging his shoulders he explained "force of habit that really, so why are you here then? Did you want some adventure and excitement? If so you've come to the right place." Even in the perpetual gloom Gobien's eyes shone brightly as he wondered why she was there and waited patiently for a reply with his back lazily against a tree.

[Alexis Alméida]

Alexis shivered in the darkness, this was certainly not the place any self respecting person should find themselves. Yet she found herself here on an impulse. Why? She didnt know. The forest loomed in over her, casting creepy shadows into every corner the light of her wand touched, or the faint glow of the moon lingered. It was certainly a place to be uneasy in, and Alexis was definatly uneasy.

She had thought today was going to be a normal day, doing her lessons, keeping her head clear and not doing anything that might get dirt under her fingernails and yet she found herself in the creepiest and dirtiest place she could have ever hoped for, though she seriously wished she would just go back, her arrogance kept her from doing so.

She was still staring blankly into the place she had thought she heard someone, shivering both out of cold and a little out of fear. Her heart jumping in her chest and she was sure any creature would hear it miles away. To her it sounded like a drum was beating all around her. Now she looked on it, it seemed as though whoever, or whatever was following her had now gone. Sighing with relief she turned back around and carried on walking in a straight line, gingerly stepping over the tree trunks.

Why on earth did i come here? What in all blazes names was i thinking? she thought to herself as she carried on walking. Though of course she wasnt thinking, if she was honest, Alexis rarely thought about anything. She began to calm down, feeling as though nothing bad was going to happen, but no sooner she had this thought someone else popped up. "If it scares people this much, then why on earth are you here?" She took in his appearance, grubby looking but you could just about see through his grubbyness and know he was once handsome, though he looked as though he had been living in these woods for a long time. Pushing that aside she took in what he next said, and as much as she didnt want to, her wand lowered in her hands. "Why i am here, i do not believe that is any business of yours, though i guess a bit of excitement wouldnt go amiss in a dreary place such as this one" she said with a shrug, not taking her cold eyes off the guy infront of her. She watched as he leant against a tree, seemingly quite bored. Though that was none of her business either.

[Jake Gobien]

Watching the girl with a curious expression upon his brow he watched her eyes carefully seeing them briefly take in his shabby appearance. But at least he'd been able to bath in a little river the other day, now he didn't stink but his overall dirty look was enough to make people cringe. Once he'd prided himself upon his clean cut exterior, his neatly pressed and frequently washed clothes. His hair had been cut to perfection, now it straggled something rotten, but he was able to shave pretty well with a knife now, so there was no long beard to tug upon, even if his hair fell down to his shoulders, he'd gone into a stage of no caring. But then he met with an appraising look, or worse ones of utter disgust, his stout jawline and bright eyes showed he'd once been handsome, his shoulders were as broad as ever but he'd lost considerable weight, his clothes nearly hung off of him.

He looked a mess, and from the girl's look he nearly felt ashamed, until his lip curled into a sneer, it wasn't necessary to look good...but it sure helped. "I know I look a bleedin tramp but it's not that bad is it?" He asked in an exasperated tone, more so at the state he'd let himself fall into, than her actual look. At least Danielle, a fellow rogue, had persuaded him to cut his hair so it didn't limply fall down his back, but now had a smooth cut. The forest grime upon his coat wouldn't come out easily, and besides he almost liked his rugged appearance, almost.

Remembering her question he responded lightly, "it definitely isn't out of choice that I'm here," but I wouldn't change it now, it's necessary, this way of life. "Maybe i'm just brave? More likely foolish though." He grinned his smile still shining through the grime, it heightened as she lowered her wand; definitely the right move. He didn't want to harm her in the slightest, but he could trust nobody, who knew who was working for the ministry, she could be a spy, maybe the Ministry was training from an earlier age? He wouldn't put it past Deitrich's diabolical mind.

"I'm a caring adult wondering why a young lady is wandering the forest alone, you've got to admit it's curious. I wouldn't bring down too much excitement upon yourself, it might cause a heart attack," he joked laughing lightly, but then abruptly stopping and fixing her with a level look, "these days for me excitement isn't all it cracked up to be," then his mood changed again as he grinned once more, "who am I kidding? I still live for the moment, like I always have and always will I guess." Shrugging Gobien squirmed against the bark of his tree trying to find a more comfortable nook. "So you just came for the walk then eh? I can't believe you've a darker motive, but looks can easily be deceiving," he gestured at his own appearance, "first impressions of me can never be good can they? But you've got to look far deeper, not a hard exterior but beneath, that's what Fiona keeps telling me, curious isn't it? Rings pretty true for me though. I'm also guessing you're not just a pretty face, there must be some brains somewhere too." He chuckled talking almost in a way that an uncle would to his neice, but there was still an underlying difference; unlike an uncle he couldn't trust her, even if he wanted to.

[Alexis Alméida]

Alexis could not believe that she was stood in a load of mud, talking to what could only be described as a homeless man. Mother would be turning in her grave if she could see me now she thought to herself as she kept staring. Though despite his appearance, something was telling her that he was once a respected and handsome man. Though still, that didnt change what he looked like now. He seemed to be in serious need of a good bed. "You know you look i'll dont you?" she spoke. Alexis always spoke her mind, no matter how much it would offend someone.

"Yes, you do look like a tramp, and the way you speak makes me think no higer of you" Her voice was cold, and possibly harsh. Though anyone who spoke as low as him clearly either had no sense of dignity, or was just plain idiotic. "You look like you could do with a good bed and a nice warm bath." Alexis tried to be polite, but it often didnt work.

"Yes, i was going to say go with foolish" shrugging she looked around. It was definatly bleak here, Remind me, if i ever run away. Which i wont, do not come here. With that mental note, she ran a hand over the bark of one of the trees, it felt rough to her touch. It reminded her of when she, Mark and Dyanneabelle used to play in the forests in France when they lived with their mother before she died. She felt her chest tighten as she thought of this, though her face didnt show anything. Apart from a smile that came unwillingly over her features as she thought of these memorys. The three of them never spent time together anymore. Since mother died, the three of them changed drastically. Alexis became more cold and withdrawn, Belle kept her head in the books as her escape, and Mark liked to play a load of jokes and do things he knew he shouldnt. Needless to say their father had had his hands full with them. Not to mention his new wifes child, Ricky.

"Believe me it takes more than a little scare these days to give me a heart attack" she bit back, wondering why people these days thought of her as a weak child. She had pushed herself as far as she could to make sure she was a stronger person, physically and emotionally. "Well thats a shame for you, I would have thought living in here with all the... Whatevers in here, would give you enough excitement. Though i do suppose living for the moment is better than living for tomorrow... You might not even be alive tomorrow, so why worry about it, right?" Alexis just confused herself, one thing she did quite easily. "Yes, looks can be decieving, though i guess we'll never really know will we?" Alexis shrugged, she wasnt particulary bothered about why he was here, it wasnt any of her business, but she was genuinly intrigued by it, "You mean your rough and rugged look? To me that just makes me thing you've been through the mill more than once. Well i would say your friend Fiona is right. A person might seem as harsh and cold as the wind, but you never know, they might be a nice person in them somewhere"

[Jake Gobien]

Why were people always so much trouble? They so rarely trusted him, unless they were rogues themselves. A long time ago he'd been able to make friends easily, now it seemed such a drag. This girl would never trust him, but he'd never trust her either so how could he expect her to believe anything such a shabby looking man said. He really needed to sort out his appearance, as his look at the minute gave such a poor impression.

"How I speak? Why what's wrong with that?" He demanded giving her a puzzled look, he'd always believed his speech was fine, he'd received few bad comments on it before.
"You see that's exactly what I need, you've no idea how much I yearn for a decent night's sleep in a real bed, but it's just the thing I can't get. Ironic isn't it? Unfair for sure. A bubbly bath would be gorgeous," he murmured a dreamy look in his eye. Then he came back to the present, "but I can't get them, so there's no use thinking about them, so you can quit going on about my appearance love." He gave her a sharp nod of his head to say the matter was final and closed.

"Maybe just maybe circumstances have driven me here, don't get me wrong the forest is a perfectly lovely place for creatures of the forest, centaurs for example, but it ain't so lovely for me, don't you think I'm pretty sick of it?" He demanded, "well in fact I'm not because I know it's for a higher cause, something few others can get ther heads around. Believe me girl, I've seen things that would make your blood curdle, and they are not pretty."

Chuckling now he added, "well excitement comes in many different forms, not just danger. The forest isn't enough to sustain a man completely, well not me anyway."

"You've a head on those young shoulders, and yes I called you young don't have a hissy fit it's a compliment," he smirked with his usual jovial manner shining through. "I try not to look to far ahead, but you've got to plan for different eventualities," especially when looking after others and not just yourself, he thought grimly.

"I've been through the mill hundreds of times," he commented, "it's even beginning to leave a few scratches," he lifted up his trouser leg to reveal a nasty gash now starting to settle from red raw to a light pink, "it's a good job Gloria could fix me up quick, it'd be aching like hell otherwise."

Fixing the girl with an amused look he joked, "yeah maybe there's a nice person within you somewhere, or even within me, nobody knows." Looking around now Gobien surveyed the situation, he should really accompany the girl back to the castle, but obviously she would take it as frogmarching back and so would baulk against it, so he simply asked, "you going to venture deeper in then? It isn't cowardly to turn back now you know, you made it across the outskirts, few manage even that, especially with Ministry officials crawling all over, I'm wondering how you managed to get past them." A smile played on his lips, throughout their conversation he had remained imobile and relaxed propping himself against the tree, now he yearned to stand tall over her, in a slightly threatening way so she would spill the beans, but he knew that wouldn't work with her, the subtle approach would be best.

"It takes some skill to evade those guards," very little really if you know how, he thought with a visible grin, "there's quite a few about now...so I'm told, it's curious how you made it past them so easily, I presume it was easy, you didn't have to lie in wait for ages until they passed on by." He needed information on how frequent the Ministry patrols were, and if he was clever about it he might just find a little out from her. If he was clever.

[Alexis Alméida]

It was difficult for Alexis to trust anyone but her own family, even her family she didnt trust completly. Now as she looked upon the face of an unknown wizard, she finally understood the complexity that did indeed surround the word trust. So many people trusted so many others, only to find themselves getting let down, her older cousin, Ione, had trusted a guy once, but that had led to something disaterous. Alexis knew she shouldnt give trust away at a whim and knew now, that trust must be earned.

"You speak commonly" she said bluntly. Though couldnt help a smile coming across her face when she saw his puzzled look. "Though i suppose this is of no importance, many people do these days" Alexis listened to him with her hand still on the bark of the tree, she felt a little sorry for him, she didnt know what it must be like not to have a bed for the night, or be able to shower or bathe whenever you liked. "Isn't there nowhere you could go, if not for a bed, what about a bath?" she asked, her voice had softened somewhat, she put it down to her feeling sorry for him.

She heard his tone getting a bit aereated and found herself stepping back away from him a little bit out of uneasiness. She knew that if he got to wound up, he could easily cast a spell on her and she, being an inexperianced witch, wouldnt be able to stop him. "I.. Uh.. Guess you.. Uhm.. Might" she said, weariness showing clear in her voice now. She felt like she wanted to turn and run away, but something was stopping her. She didnt know what but she knew she didnt like it, the company of this man was making her a little bit uneasy and she had this nagging feeling that if anyone found out she was in his company, Alexis would be in so much trouble.

"Well excitement is pretty much lax around the castle these days" she spoke, meaning of course the ministry presence, you couldnt do much without them interfering. She found it tiresome.

"I dont have hissy fits as you so bluntly say, I know i am young and i quite like being that way if its all the same" she said with a smile. She had longed for this kind of banter for a long time, but nobody ever spoke to anyone like this in the castle anymore, it was like the ministry were sapping the energy right out of everyone. Even her brother didnt feel like making jokes anymore, and that worried Alexis.

Alexis looked down at his leg and her mouth fell open. A pang of guilt fled across her as she now thought of her comfortable lifestyle, and what this guy must be going through. "Stratches? More like holes" she commented back dryly, suddenly feeling a little bit sick at the thought of what might have done that. Though not asking, she wasnt sure she would like the answer.

"A nice person within me? I find that hard to believe" Though she did believe it, she knew there was once a happy and lively girl within Alexis. Though now it had gone and she had become cold and full of malace, she liked being this way, it just meant that people left her alone. "No, im not going back yet. I came out here so im going to carry on, if its all the same to you" she spoke with a smile, standing up straight and brushing herself down. She looked up as he mentioned the Ministry, suspicion showing on her face, he seemed to be highly interested in the ministry, but why? Nobody really liked them these days, they were just a bunch of meddlesome fools. Though yes, it was easy to get past the guards, if you knew how.

"Yes, there is quite a few" she said slowly and suspiciously. She raised an eyebrow at him before speaking, "You seem very interested in the ministry, and im curious as to why." Alexis decided to come straight out with it, instead of playing it slowly. She didnt really like to be asked questions, she felt like she had been put in a corner with a reporter.

[Jake Gobien]

On showing her his injuries Gobien was glad that she recoiled, it showed she was human. Being human in nature was a good thing even though the emotions could be hard to deal with from time to time.
"There'd still be a huge hole if Gloria had patched me up good and proper, I haven't even a limp, it's good to show the ladies, makes them think you're somewhat heroic," he lied, really it was as bad as it looked, but he didn't want to scare the girl overly; she'd never enter the forest again then and how boring would that be? Youngsters needed to see, feal and smell fear for themselves, just like he had, it was the best way. nobody ever believed anybody else they had to experience it for themselves.

"If we cut you open with a knife I'm sure we'd find a heart nestled in there somewhere." He joked "but that doesn't mean you're a nice person though, heck I've ticker that beats ten to the dozen when dangers near; doesn't make me all sentimental and kind."

On hearing she wasn't going to skulk back up to the castle with her tail hanging limp between her legs Gobien rubbed his hands together in glee, "good, I was hoping you'd say that, there's so much more to explore, and you've even a fairly willing guide." He really did have nothing much else to do, his eternal war with the ministry wasn't constant action; more's the pity.

She didn't readily supply him with any accurate information though, perhaps she wasn't quite so bright as he'd hoped, or maybe she was even ministry, he wouldn't put it past anyone being a Ministry pawn. "Curious are you? Don't you know that curiousity killed the cat? I guess not, well I don't work for the Ministry, shall we put it that way? A bright young girl like you can figure it out I'm sure."

"Not only my appearance but even my voice gives it away you tell me, yeah I'm a rogue, good and proper, and if you go telling anyone from the Ministry, well you wouldn't want their deaths on your conciense now would you? I'm not joking here." He pushed himself off of the tree and asked, "feel like venturing further in then?"

[Alexis Alméida]

Alexis averted her eyes from his wound, it was making her feel sick looking at it. She wasnt in the slightest squeemish, it was just knowing someone or something could do this to someone else, though she had figured out easily enough for herself that this wasnt the word of some creature, someone else had done this to him. "Well i dont know about that, it just made my stomache curl" she told him truthfully. Alexis, even though she didnt trust many people, she couldnt be faulted for her honesty. It was one thing she believed in, being honest with people.

"You might do, but it might be made of stone" she tried to joke, though somehow thinking it would fall on deaf ears. She now realised her flaw, her lack of being able to joke, or was it just the fact she was in a scary place, with someone she didnt know, talking about cutting her open to find a heart? Either way, her joke was lame. "Though i'll bet somewhere along the line someone will make you all sentimental and kind" she said with a smirk. Not really knowing why. Alexis you really do need to control your tongue sometimes

"So your going to show me around? Like a tour?" she couldnt help laughing, "And on the left, you have a tree, and on the right, oh look, another tree" she spoke sarcastically. but only meaning it as a joke. Alexis shrugged, she wasnt ready to go back yet, but she was damn sure she didnt want to be in here alone, so she figured why not have this... "Who are you anyway?" she asked, realising only now, she didnt even have his name.

"Curiosity can get you into quite a bit of trouble you know, hence your curiosity with the Ministry can land you into trouble. Though yes, i did figure you didnt work for them, you wouldnt be squandering in this hell hole if you did would you? You'd be more than likely holed up in the school like so many of them right now. And i must add, it is quite annoying, you cant even go to the bathroom without one following you" she laughed, though this was true, anywhere you went you had at least one following you. You couldnt get any time to yourself and there were even Ministry workers sleeping in the dorms too.

"To be honest, a few less Ministry workers wouldnt go amiss would it?" She said softly. "The less of them, the better lifestyle for the rest of us. So, in all honesty and fairness, i wouldnt really care if they were killed, but dont worry, i shant say a word about you being here, it wouldnt be their deaths id be worrying about if i did. It would be my own."

[Prof Octavious Everritt]

Hearing voices, Leigh crept closer and he smiled as he peered through the trees and saw two people standing there. He shifted his form and walked quietly closer to see them, his eyes catching sight of Gobien as a smile spread across his reforming lips. He took out his wand and realised a student was standing with him, her attitude one that would have to changed soon.

Upon hearing what the student had said, he smiled. He stepped into clear view and raised his wand at Gobien, changing his smile to a fake look of contempt, hiding his true intentions as he stepped forward menacingly, a sneer on his face, though his eyes were filled with laughter.

'Plotting to kill Ministry officials, eh?' He said in a rough tone, barely holding back any malice he could find within himself. He held his wand and walked within a few inches of Gobien. With a sudden laugh, he dropped his wand and changed his expression to one filled with joy. He smiled and bowed towards the student and stood, his face that of Octavious, maybe the girl recognised him.

'You don't mind the Ministry being killed off slowly, do you? Good, makes our jobs easier when the time comes.' He said, looking at Gobien. He quickly reached into his shirt and pulled out a basic looking scroll with a string tie on it and passed it to him. 'Documents that you may need, found them conveniently in the staff room.'

He smiled, he had knocked out the Ministry fool before taking the information he was reading. He knew it would help Gobien and the other rogues with their patrols for the next month at least. The Ministry was poor at rotating their rosters.

'As for you young lady,' Leigh's eyes snapping back to the girl, 'Shall not be punished for entering the forest and showing enough guile to evade the Ministry. If anything I shall reward Slytherin House with fifteen points under the pretence that you have shown me remarkable skill in wandless magic and been accepted into my class early, starting next year. That should cover you for your absence.'

'Gobien, were you talking about escourting this young lady about the forest? The Ministry have patrols not too far from here? Need a hand?' he said with a smile, his arms crossed as his wand floated above his hand slightly.

[Alexis Alméida]

It seemed as though silence was going to stretch on forever between the two of them now, the other Wizard seemed to be at a total loss of what to say, or maybe he was just thinking, Alexis couldnt be sure. She stood there though, just watching him.

Alexis got the strange sensation like they were being watched and in this place, her already un-nerved nerves, became a little more shaky, though she didnt show this on her face or even by her stance. She turned to see who was heading their way and felt her heart catch in her throat when she realised who it was, "Professor Octavious Everett" she mumbled to herself, thinking about how much trouble she was going to find herself in.

"Not plotting no, just uhm... Saying how much the world would be better off without them" Alexis implied, though she wouldnt have minded seeing a few of them slaughtered by werewolves or something of equal ferocity. Alexis seemed to relax when the professor seemed no more annoyed, or maybe this other wizard was a long lost friend of his and they just hadnt seen one another in a while. Needless to say, Alexis's brain was working overtime.

"Was that question aimed at me? Or him?" She asked, meaning the one about them being killed off slowly. She tilted her head to the side as he pulled out something from his pocket. What he said next made her tingle, He's working both sides of the fence! she realised suddenly. Though when she realised the puzzlement from her face lifted, and she tried to get it back to how it was without any of them noticing.

"So... there is a war being raged on the Ministry" Alexis said, thinkin about all the times Mark had said someone would rebel against them one day and Alexis had been too stupid to believe it. Though what could one wizard and a professor do? Against what could easily be called an army? Alexis was more speaking to herself than to anyone else as these thoughts ran through her mind, "Interesting"

Rudely brought back to earth by the sounds of the professors voice, once more sounding angry, "Y-yes?" she stammered as she looked at him, though found herself once more relived when he said she wouldnt be punished. "Thankyou sir" she spoke gratefully with a nod of her head. Once more, she looked up, confused about giving out house points for being in the forest, and under false pretences, did he hate the ministry that much? "I know nothing about wandless magic sir, they'll know come next year it was a pretence" she said a little panicky, for she knew that it may get her into trouble, and him.

Gobien? She thought to herself as she looked at him, I've heard that name before, but from where? She stood there lost in her own thoughts when it suddenly hit her, Theres been a price put on Jake Gobiens head, he is becoming troublesome and should be dealt with soon she heard that when she was out wandering the corridors late at night once, and suddenly felt bad. If there were something after him, Alexis should tell him right? Her features looked troubled now as she battled this through her head, not sure of the right direction to take.

[Jake Gobien]

Clearly she hadn't see many flesh wounds before, as she recoiled slightly he smiled grimly, it was better that she wasn't accustomed to it; far better. "Let's hope you'll never get used to the sight of blood, once that happens you're in deep trouble."

Looking quizzically at the girl he wondered just how dark a heart she believed she had, she seemed almost to want to give off a persona of a cold heartless person, she said it jokingly but he had to wonder at how cold her heart really was.
"We'll see," he mumured, "I can't imagine anyone wanting much to do with a rogue like me, anyone respectable like anyway."

Smirking at the thought of actually leading anyone on a tour of the forbidden forest he wondered quite what he could show her, to most people every rock and tree seemed the same. It had taken Gobien a while to adjust and learn his way around, and he was good at tracking. "There's just a little more to it than that," he chuckled, "not much to be honest, but it's got to beat sitting around in those drafty old towers." Though really he'd give a lot to be able to just relax within hogwarts, he still looked on it fondly. When the girl asked his name he gave her a flat look as if to say; you know that's not a good idea. Her knowing him would only get her into danger, he couldn't live with anymore guilt.
"I'd guessed you would have worked it out, you seem pretty bright, but my curiousity isn't a problem as trouble would follow me anyway." He grinned showing his curiously bright teeth, trouble had followed him for a while now; it was a companion of his. Laughing aloud as she described how prying the ministry was he added, "yeh sounds like typical Ministry that." Then she pushed a little further, it was natural she wanted to know more, but he couldn't draw her into it, it wouldn't be fair and just.

"I appreciate your keeping quiet," he nodded his thanks and was about to claim his innocence; that he would never kill anyone when footsteps approached. Weapon poised in an instat, Gobien moved defensively before the girl, his wand in a duelling position and his left hand wrapped around his concealed knife within his coat. Recognition flickered as Addis stepped out from the treeline, Gobien's shoulders sagged, as if in exhaustion. He looked perplexed at Addis' rough tone until he saw the brightness in his eyes, it was said jokingly, he cursed himself for thinking the worst of Addis straight away. If he couldn't trust him he couldn't trust anyone.

Then Leigh laughed and the tension shattered, Gobien's typical grin emerged and he chuckled along with his friend. "You had me scared, for a split second." He grinned laying a warm hand upon Leigh's thick shoulder, "good to see you." Leigh's work was exceedingly dangerous, whenever Gobien saw him he took it was a blessing.
"I think he means for me to kill of Ministry," Gobien laughed mirthlessly until his augh became genuinely happy on receiving the documents, "well I never, you old fox," he roared eagerly pocketing the parchments. "I hope nobody has an ugly bruise on their head for this?" He grinned knowing it was likely, though really not the best way, Leigh couldn't draw too much attention to himself, he was more than an able fighter but where he was now helped the rogues far more.

Grinning widely as Leigh turned to the girl Gobien let them be and unravelled the scroll with tender fingers, taking it from his deep pockets his fingers first brushed a curious object, a small figurine that sent a shiver down his spine, he hoped he would never need use it, but he kept it upon his person nonetheless. Absorbing all information upon the scroll he carefully analysed the weak spots; it seemed the Ministry were keeping clear of the Womping Willow now, perhaps that would prove useful? He needed to make another effective assault to keep the Ministry afraid. "That looks like the best place for an ambush," he murmured to himself mulling over various plans. Before the rogues had been able to attack the outskirts of their patrols, places where fewer guards were placed, there the rogues had vanquished many foes, even outnumbering the officials and attacking lightning fast. But it seemed the Ministry had grown wise of this tactic and had doubled the guards on the flanks, that would make life all the harder. They had the overwhelming manpower that the rogues could never hope to match, but a little recruitment wouldn't go amiss. Perhaps it was time for a little excursion.

Blinking at the two as he came out of his planning stupour he stretched, even though he'd been deep in thought he'd still heard the last remark. "A hand is always welcome from you...you know that." He carefully didn't mention his name, though Addis had seen it fit to let slip his, he prefered to keep people in the dark; that way they didn't get hurt. Looking at the girl to see her features clouded and troubled he asked kindly with a creased brow, "something the matter?" Seeing her confused look he took it into his hands, he couldn't allow her to be drawn into this, only hurt would come from it. "Perhaps you should be getting back? I know you won't like it but it's for your own good." Looking to Addis he asked, "could you escort the pretty young lady back to her home please?" Knowing neither would look it he finished, "I can deal with those patrols, scaring them off isn't difficult. You need to return to Hogwarts." He hardened his gaze, he knew it was for the best, "now." He ordered calmly in an authoratitive tone. Gobien hated trying to force either of them, but it was simply necessary, they wouldn't understand probably, but so long as they accepted his command it wouldn't matter, would it?

He had to be cruel to be kind, he was sure of it.

"Make sure she gets back safe Everitt." As he turned about Gobien's sharp ears picked up the, not so distant, sound of footfalls, the buggers were delving further in; time to drive them back.

[Alexis Alméida]

"Believe me when i say blood is the last thing i would like to get used to" Alexis stated simply, though she couldnt help her eyes go back down to his leg, still curious of how it got there. Alexis wasnt a stranger to danger, though she would be lying if she said she was entirely comfortable with it.

"You cant be half bad, can you?" she asked, "Besides, if i am correct in assuming this, i have heard by tell of whisper, that Rogues are really only fighting for the good of things and to make things better, so i would say anyone respectable should be happy to help you, or be in your prescence" Alexis clamped a hand over her mouth, trying to understand people was not something she would usually do, being stood in this place was almost reverting her back to how she was...

Almost.

"Anything beats sitting around the same place every day with nothing but an owl hooting overhead for excitement" She bit, it frustrated her, all the stories she had heard of Hogwarts, the many endless adventures. She had been genuinly looking forward to being a part of it, though now she felt herself somewhat let down. Alexis sometimes felt like she just wanted to be out of that dreary place, for it was sapping the life out of anyone and everyone who happened to be there, constantly straining and pulling people into two directions. God only knew what would happen if you deliberatly disobeyed the Ministry these days. She wouldnt be surprised if they saw fit to make them have a short drop and a sudden stop. It wouldnt surprise her at all. Afterall, these people did seem to be willing to go to any lengths to get what they wanted. And Alexis was near but done with it. She caught his gaze when she asked for his name and understood in an instant what he meant, "Okay, i get it Mr Smith" she laughed, the first real laugh she had dont since she came here. "Well you know, if you did want to know what the ministry was like up in the school. All one needs to do is ask, if it helps rid us of them, id be more than willing to tell you" she shrugged, but she wasnt going to tell, without the questions being laid bare first.

"With a face like that, he could pretty much scare anyone" Alexis said jokingly. Though clammed her mouth shut and tried to give him a sweet smile, he was still a professor afterall. "Well thats all well then, i dont think i would have the heart to do it, but i could happily sit by and watch... And maybe laugh, or poke them... In the eye" she shrugged again, the mental picture she had in her head now was pretty funny, some poor soul, being tortured and Lexi was just stood there, laughing and poking him in the eye to make him feel worse. A small grin tugged at her mouth, but she looked down to stop them from seeing it.

Alexis stood there in silence as the two men conversed, not really listening as she guessed it was private and besides, holding information like that in her head was a sure way for a painful ending. Though she had made a promise to keep her mouth shut, and that, no matter what, is what she would do. Her features were still troubled as she came out of her thoughts to look back at the guy she now had a name to, "Oh uhm... Just something I heard up at the castle..." she sighed and looked back down, Lexi wasnt one for the bearer of bad news, she knew who it was, well what profession it was who was after Jake. Though she was finding it difficult to say it, everytime she did, her mouth went dry.

"Im a person too you know" She snapped at him, "And just because you spend most, if not all, of your time here does not make this place yours, and i am not yours to command when you see fit, got it?" She jabbed a finger in his chest and looked up at him, she was about to speak again when she heard something behind her, Please dont let it be him she thought to herself, as she looked at Jake with alarmed eyes.

[Prof Octavious Everritt]

The night air was now silent and the crunching of the boots told them all they needed to know. How did the Ministry find them? He shook his head as a confused answer grew inside of his mind. He looked at Gobien and nodded, his face becoming grim.

'Take care, I don't want to hear any news of you coming up dead and some useless wizard or witch claiming the bounty! Those galleons are mine, y'know?' He said with a laugh at the end. It was true, he would claim those galleons once a new Minister had been installed in office. 'Joking, mate, joking.'

The near footfall made him evermore weary, his eyes darting to the location and without much effort he raised his wand and shot off a spell that ricocheted off the trees and hit the person, a loud cry echoing about the forest. He smiled at his handy work and judged by the angle it would send the Ministry back in the other direction.

'That should give us another... 15 minutes tops to get away from here, as long as they're the usual stupid Ministry fools.' Leigh said, crossing his arms and looking at Gobien with a bemused smile. 'Nonetheless, we have another five minutes! We should leave in the safest way possible to avoid detection by the Ministry... Flight.'

He felt her in the back of his mind and smiled, feeling the reassurance of the dragon he shared a mind link with. It had been too long since the two had seen each other, and now he would use her to escape with the girl riding along back to the castle, or at least near the lakes edge.

'My friend, there is another ally you will meet if you remain for another minute or two... She likes to make new friends!' Leigh said with a smile, then looked at the student. 'Milady, how do you feel about dragons?'

[Alexis Alméida]

Alexis edged back a little bit and turned to Jake she whispered, but hurridly, "I heard some people talking back up in the castle when i was breaking curfew. They said that there's a price out for your head, which everyone knew anyway, but that you were becoming an increasing danger to them and they have sent one of their best, well i dont know if he is one of theirs but, he only does things for a price. An assasin i think, im not too sure"

Alexis felt as though her stomache was being pulled apart by some unknown force, though she concealed it enough with her stance and facial expression. She looked at the professor with a raised eyebrow, how could he joke right now, was this some adult thing?

"Well i can honestly say i am glad it did not miss, would have been trouble for us if you did, and on completly different scales, im not too convinced the ministry would like to find that a professor is working both sides of the fence now, would they?" she said with her arms folded.

"Flight?" She asked, though no sooner she asked she had got her answer, "Dragons?" she questioned again and looked up towards the sky, "I can honestly say i dont know, never seen one have i?"

(Sorry its so short)