August 20th - Knockturn Alley
The stakeout had gotten so boring, that Nephera had actually begun enjoying Leon's long rants about his acheivements. It certainly beat looking at an empty street all day long.
Thankfully, the sun had set a few hours ago, so the duo was no longer sitting on the rooftop under the scortching heat, but was rather enjoying the slight breeze, "So then what happened?" asked Leon, catching a peanut that Nephera had thrown at him with his mouth, "After this... Professor Minnie realized that it was your group on April Fools,"
The Slytherin laughed as the memory came to mind, "Well, there really was no need to realize it, everyone knows that if there was a prank at Hogwarts, those four idiots were behind it. It just happened that this time I was involved too, meaning that the whole plan was ten times better,"
The French Auror laughed loudly, but quickly shot a glance around when he realized just how loud he was being, "You say I'm arrogant, but you're not that far behind, are you?"
"I was raised to have a huge ego," she mused, taking a sip of her coffee, "How was Beauxbatons, mother almost sent me there,"
A shadow passed behind his eyes, and the witch figured that it wasn't all sunshine and raindows, "Not nearly as fun. Rules are strict there, we are taught to strive for perfection, and acheive it, and there are certainly no Professors like Minnie, as you called her,"
"That bad?"
The wizard turned his gaze away from her face and back the street below him, which was increasingly filling up with people now that the sun had set, "It was nice, I had friends, I mean, but the castle never felt like a home. It was too clean... to pristine,"
"Seems like the Winchester manor," scoffed the brunette, "Let me guess, it was the kind of place you dream about when you see it in pictures, but you can't help but have an odd feeling of dread when you're actually living in it?"
"Exact- Oh, someone's there, look," he interrupted himself, getting closer to the edge of the roof in order to get a better view of Borgin and Burke's
Indeed, the shop's door had just opened, and in stepped a woman, judging by the clothing, and a rich one at that. A fw strands of blonde hair could be seen from under her hooded cloak, and Nephera's suspicions where confirmed when the figure turned its head and she saw that it was, in fact, Ophelia Greengrass that was there, "I know her," she whispered, "And if she's here, then this is something big,"
Ophelia wasn't stupid by any means, she was actually a very smart individual, with a cunning and sharp brain, so if Riddle had put her in charge of whatever that mission was, then it was something of a very delicate nature, "Can you see what she's doing?" asked Leon
The Slytherin squinted, trying to see what was going on inside the shop, but to no avail, "Give me a second," she raised a hand, covering both her eyes as she muttered under her breath, "Videam mellius,"
That had been a spell she'd read a few months ago in one of her books that she had taken from the manor, and it allowed one to enhance their eyesight. When she opened her eyes again, she was able to see closer, as though she was looking through binauculars, "They're talking, I can't hear what about though," she explained, "It seems as though he's telling her something she really doesn't want to hear,"
"Maybe he doesn't have what she's looking for?"
Nephera shook her head, "If that was the case, then they wouldn't have been visiting all week. I think he's telling her he can't sell her whatever it is they want,"
Leon frowned, "He does know they'll kill him if he doesn't listen, right?" he pointed out, "I mean, I don't think Death Eaters are used to the word 'no',"
"They can't exactly hurt him, Borgin and Burke's is a main trading point in the Alley, and if he goes donw, the rest of them would close their doors on Voldemort too,"
They fell silent as they watched the scene unfold. Nephera was all-too familiar with the sickly sweet smile Ophelia was presenting, one that she typically used when threatening people. Whatever threat she had used, it seemed to work, for Borgin paled and stammered out a response, "He's giving in," explained the witch, since Leon had not conducted the same spell as her, "And she's very happy- Shit, she's leaving, get down,"
The two quickly pressed their bodies against the roof, making sure that there was not a single inch of them that could be seen over the edge of the roof. They were able to breathe freely when they heard the distinct sound of disapparition echo across the Alley, "We should go back to the Minsitry, Moody did say he'll have someone take over after a few hours," sighed Leon, standing up and extending an arm to help her up too
"Yeah-" Nephera was cut off by a yawn as she looked down to the watch on her wrist, "It's two in the morning,"
They apparated in front of the Leaky Cauldron, using the floo powder there to return to the Auror Office, which was almost empty at that time, barring a handful of Aurors working the night shift, "Moody's in his office?" asked Nephera one of them, and the other girl nodded, far too tired to offer a verbal response
The two briskly walked down the same corridor they had walked down so many hours ago, Nephera opening the door without bothering to knock, "Find out what they're looking for?" asked the Head Auror, who was somehow still awake and alert
"No, not much we could see nor hear from up there," replied Leon, moving to sit on one of the chairs in front of Alastor's desk, but quickly stood up straight again when the older Auror sent him a glare
Nephera had no such issues when she fell on one of the chairs, the exhaustion of the long day finally catching up to her, "Borgin was hesitant giving them what they wanted, it was Greengrass there and she used some sort of threat,"
Moody nodded, taking out two peices of parchment, "Mission reports, fill them out," he ordered, and when he saw Nephera's face fall, he proceeded to explain, "This isn't the Order, the job of an Auror comes with a shitton of paperwork, you can take it home though, I'm giving you the day off and I expect it on my desk by tomorrow afternoon,"
"Thanks, Moods," grinned the girl, and wasted no time in moving to the floo network of his office, wanting nothing more than to go to bed with Sirius next to her
She stepped out of the green flames into her living room, only to find all the lights off and the television playing. Throught the darkness, she could see the outline of Sirius's head, falling down only for him to raise it again, clearly fighting to keep awake.
She walked up to him from behind, placing her hands on his shoulders only to have him jump up at the sudden contact, "It's late, love, why are you awake?" she asked, gently massaging his shoulders
The raven-haired boy let him head fall back against her stomach, "I wanted to wait until you got home," he muttered, yawning, "How did the mission go?"
She moved to sit next to him, "Boring, no action whatsoever," she grumbled, "And I need to fill out this report thing,"
He took her hand in his playing with her fingers, "Are you hungry, there's pasta in the kitchen, I can heat it up for you?"
She smiled, kissing him, "No, it's fine, I'll eat quickly and then come upstairs," she replied, "You should go to bed, you look exhausted,"
He groaned, falling down and letting his head rest on her lap, "Training is too hard, even with someone as fit as I am," he couldn't resist his usual self-inflating humor
The laugh that bubbled up his witch's throat brought a contect smile to his lips, "Then you're going to hate the fact that I've been given the day off tomorrow," she countered, and the boy frowned
"I hate you," he said dramatically, "I hate you more than anything,"
He blundered up the stairs while Nephera laughed, moving into the kitchen to finally get some food that isn't almonds and peanuts.
---
August 28th - Order Safe House
All plans for a lazy Sunday, their one day without any Auror Traning, had been thrown out the window when Dumbledore's patronus soared into Nephera and Sirius's kitchen. There was no news on what Voldemort wanted from Borgin and Burke's, but the fact that Regulus didn't know either meant that it was something very important, "Why can't we ask Nott?" asked Derek, "I mean, it's part of the supposed deal, right? Him giving us information on their side?"
Dumbledore shook his head and replied before Nephera could, not wanting her to be the one to run the meeting, "It is doubtful that he would tell us the truth, and I am not sure it would be smart ot inform Voldemort that we know of his business with Borgin,"
Moody stepped up, "The Aurors will continue to stakeout the shop, looking for who comes in, and what they leave with, but so far there are no news,"
"What we do know is that Voldemort's been blackmailing Burkin, something that should worry us considering that it means that whatever it is he wants, it's dangerous enough for Borgin to disagree," continued Nephera
A tense silence followed, everyone trying to digest what they had just heard, "So what can we do?" asked Peter, "Can we send someone to question Borgin?"
"No, not officially, at least," replied Fabian, "There's not enough evidence to send Aurors in for questioning,"
His twin took over for him, "We could send someone in by the Order, have them fish for information,"
Dumbledore looked as though he was pondering the idea for a second, eyebrows scrunched up in thought and mouth pressed in a thin line, "It can't hurt to try," he finally yeilded, looking around the room, "Potter, Fabian, and Pettigrew, you are to leave immediately,"
"Now?" asked Peter, obviously not expecting to be annointed a mission on that day, and the Headmaster nodded
Nephera stood up, "Don't you think it would be best if I accompany them? I've been going to the Alley sicne I was twelve, there's no one that knows it better than me,"
"I'd feel better knowing she was there," pointed out Fabian, "Just her connections alone-"
He was cut off by Sirius, "Because of those connections, everyone knows her face, and name. Not to mention, that Death Eaters are always lurking around there, who would jump at the opportunity to climb up the ranks because of killing her," he stated, "So no, Nephera won't be joining,"
His tone was so harsh, that it paused all other conversation in the room, everyone turning to look at him, "You're already a target, there's no need to challenge your luck on something as simple as this," he said, turning to look at her, his tone switching to a much gentler one
Normally, the Slytherin would've protested, for she was never a fan of people speaking for her, or telling her what to do, but she understood where he was coming from. The one time everyone else had gone on a mission, and she had stayed home, it was a few hours of living hell, not knowing if they- if Sirius, was safe or not.
So, she took in a deep breath, "He's right, as much as it hurts to admit," she said, "But you three should go after sundown, anyone who visits the Alley on a regular basis doesn't go during the day, it looks supsicious. And Fab, send a partonus to Lani, let her know you're going, she'll keep an eye out,"
Peter did not miss the flicker of annoyance that passed behind Dumbledore's eyes, and it was not hard to guess why. Everyone in the room had moved their eyes towards Nephera, completely ingoring Dumbledore's presense, not that the mousy boy could blame them. The brunette had a way of making you hang from her every word, and she spoke with an authority that completely disragarded all titles, and made everyone feel inferior to her.
"Night would increase the risk of an attack, people tend to feel more comfortable under the cover of the dark," pointed out the Headmaster, "You do want your friends to be safe, wouldn't you?"
Nephera rolled her eyes, seeing right through his manipulative tendencies, "If, for one second, you can see past your own insecurities and attempts as painting me as the bad guy, you'd realize that the safest thing for them to do is not stand out," she retorted, twisting her wand around her fingers lazily, "The best time for that is late at night, when the Alley is packed with people,"
James cleared his throat, "I trust Nephera on this," he said, looking at his sister, "She does know those places best,"
Dumbledore could clearly see that he was outnumbered in this fight, and he'd only lose more footing if he continued to fight it, so he yielded, "Alright then, midnight," he said, huffing out a breath, "You may all go,"
They wasted no time disapparating away, Remus and Alice joining Nephera and Sirius as they reappeared in the two's home. The pixie-haired witch wasted no time in falling on one of the couches, "Godric, why is it that every Order meeting ends up in a Nephera vs. Dumbledore showdown?"
Remus opened his mouth to retort, but was cut off by a knock on the door. The rythmic pattern on the knock was one both Nephera and Sirius were horribly familiar with, as it was typically followed by two very annoying neighbors, "I swear, if this is Karen salivating over you again, I'll kill someone," snarked the girl, moving towards the door with fast strides
Opening it, she did not bother hiding her annoyance nor her distgust, "Yes, can I help you?" she asked, eyeing the woman who had a very obvious fake smile on her face
"Why yes you can!" laughed Karen, "Is Sirius home?"
Nephera's expression hardened even more, if that was possible, "No, he isn't," she lied
"But I heard his voice!"
Alice, who could tell from Nephera's body language that she was itching to throw a hex at the woman, rushed to the door, "What can we help you with?" she asked
"The tree of your garden is reaching over to ours, we'd like you to cut the few branches that do," replied Karen
Nephera scoffed, "I have more important things than to bother myself with your vendetta with nature, have a nice day, or don't, it's not like I give a crap,"
The brunette went to close the door, but was interrupted once more, making Alice draw in a sharp breath, nervously looking between the two "That's why I asked for Sirius, he's the most helpful out of the two," the American smiled sweetly at her
"Well he's not available, you know why? Because he's upstairs, naked, waiting for me and her. We're gonna have a threesome now, good talking to you," retorted the Slytherin, and the last thing she saw was Karen's scandalized expression before she slammed the door on her face
Alice was silent for a few seconds, "So that was..."
"The bane of my existence, pretty much,"
They both turned around to rejoin the other two boys, only to find sirius smugly looking at the two, "So, about that threesome," he managed to say before ducking in order to avoid the pillow Remus threw towards him
It was a nice day, slightly chilly due to September quickly approaching, but the sun was high up in the sky, so the group of four decided to go on a walk. The village was on the end of a cliff, waves hitting the edge roughly, and leading down to a sand-less and rocky beach, where the group took refuge to, "All I'm saying is that it would be nice not to ahve to worry about sixty-year-old Americans on top of everyone else," complained the Slytherin
"You're not the only one with annoying neighbors, you know. There's a six-year-old down the street that;s absolutely infatuated with Frank after he helped her that one time she fell from her bike,"
Remus rolled his eyes, "At least you don't have people hitting on you every day. Apparently, muggles think my scars are awesome, wait until I tell them I play for the other team,"
"I don't know about that, this Leon guy seemed pretty happy to be stuck on a rooftop with my girlfriend all night," snarked Sirius, rolling his eyes and digging through his pocket for the blunt he had rolled earlier
Nephera laughed, fidning jealousy an oddly good look on her wizard, "Please, that guy is so self obsessed he can't see anything other than his own reflection,"
Alice laughed at that, "Is this Nephera Winchester being humble?" she teased
"Well when you say it like that I don't want to keep doing it," retorted the brunette, and everyone laughed
A few hours, and a couple hundred miles later, James, Peter, and Fabian were walking down Knockturn Alley, their awareness of their surroundings heightened as they subconcsiously darted their eyes around, waiting to locate some sort of threat, "Lani will be perched somewhere outside, looking for potential trouble," whispered Fabian, and the other two nodded
"How do we do this?" asked Peter in the same hushed tone, "Do we just walk in and pretend to be interested in something?"
James, who was walking in a much more relaxed and carefree manner than the other two, nodded his head, "Pretty much," he replied, "Nephie did say not to touch anything, and ask for any items on hold,"
The atmosphere around the Alley was thick, and heavy. True to Nephera's word, there were many people around, although everyone was hurrying and no one was lingering around. People had their faces hidden by cloaks and hoods, looking down at the ground instead of around them.
Borgin and Burke's was located at a dark corner, and the three paused for a breif second before exchanging nervous glances and walking inside. To their satisfaction, it was Borgin himself working there and not some employee. He did not seem to recognise either three of them, making their jobs much easier, "What can I help you with?" he asked, walking forwards
Although he didn't recognise them, he was still apprehensive towards the trio, something that they had anticipated. Fabian took a step forwards, looking around as though trying to check for anyone listening in, "Say I needed to get rid of someone without it being able to trace back to me," he said, leaning forwards, "I'm willing to pay whatever amount is needed,"
The promise of money was enough to convince the shopowner, as he led Fabian into another part of the store, and James and Peter got to work. They looked around for anything that might attract Voldemort's attention, but other than some cursed necklaces and rings, there wasn't anything that screamed 'Death Eater plan' to them.
"It could be this," said James, pointing to a necklace encased in glass
Peter though, disagreed, "I don't think Voldemort needs a cursed necklace to murder someone," he pointed out, and James reluctantly agreed
The mousy boy's eyes fell to the back of the shop, behind the counter, where a old-looking wardrope was standing, almost as though someone had tried to hide it. There was a price-tag on it, meaning that it wasn't simply storage space. The two friends exchanged a look, both thinking the same thing, "Excuse me," called out James, and Borgin came back towards them followed by Fabian
"Yes?"
Peter stepped forwards, "That wardrobe back there, is it on sale as well?"
Apparently, that was the worst thing one could've said at that situation, for Borgin's eyes widened, "Get out, get out all of you!" he yelled practically pushing them out the shop
"Oi, watch it," exclaimed Fabian after a particularly hard shove
Borgin pushed them out of the door, "If I ever see you back here again, I will not hesitate to use harsher measures," and with that, he closed the door on their faces
"Anyone else think that the wardrobe thing was what the Death Eaters were after?" asked James, running a hand through his hair
Fabian snorted out a laugh, while Peter replied, "I'd say it's an educated guess," sighed the mousy boy
A/N
3.5k words
university is stressing me out, I feel like i have no friends
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