The Arrival
Dominique grumbled as she straightened her ministry robes and looked down the line that Teddy had made them stand in. He didn't even make them do this when the other international auror teams had arrived, so she wasn't sure why he was making them do it for the Prostatis.
"Good, they should be here any minute now," Teddy said, surveying his team. Dominique rolled her eyes. "Don't give me that look, Dom. Hermione said to make them feel welcomed."
"I'm all for making them feel welcome. Just not sure about the pomp and circumstance," she muttered.
"You did not need to do this for us!" Christos boomed as he suddenly appeared in the middle of the room, causing most everyone to stop and gawk. While Teddy's team was used to the popping in and out whenever, Dominique forgot that most of the world was still wrapping their heads around the Prostatis and their many abilities. Standing behind him was a young man and woman, who looked around the same age as the rest of the group, though Dominique wondered just how old they were considering the Prostatis aged differently. They both had the same olive skin as Christos, though the woman's hair was long, dark and wavy, held back in a ponytail, while the man had his cut short. They looked to be at the least brother and sister.
"They're 27, like me, if you must know," Christos said. Dominique shot a glare at him.
"Still not polite to read others' minds," she said. Christos just chuckled as he walked over and shook Teddy's hand.
"This is Alekos and Aleka. They are the best trackers in our village," he said, motioning to the two. "Gifted by the goddess Artemis."
"I see then why you must get along," Dominique commented. Aleka stepped forward and started shaking her hand.
"Only when he is not driving me mad with his jokes," she replied with a warm smile.
"It's a great honor to have you working with us," Teddy said.
"The honor is ours. It's not often we get to leave the island," Alekos said.
Once the introductions had gone around - and the MACUSA team mysteriously absent for all of it, Dominique noted - Teddy ushered everyone into his office and put up various privacy charms.
"So, where do we start?" Alekos asked.
"Perhaps if you could fill us in on what you know so far about this Network?" Aleka suggested. Teddy nodded and launched into a briefing. All the various interrogations they had had, what little information they had gleaned. The French team had brought in the one cell in Paris they had located thanks to Rees. Chris mentioned the fact that complicated memory charms seemed to have been used on several members in custody, but they were still waiting on the Obliviator department to figure out how to safely remove them.
Aleka and Alekos nodded silently as they listened intently, occasionally glancing at each other. Dominique wished she had taken the time to study Legilimency, if anything to be privy to the loads of mental conversations that seemed to be constantly going on around her lately.
"We have all the reports from the interrogations available for you to go over if you'd like. And you'll have access to all those in custody," Teddy said.
"The reports seem to be a good place to start," Aleka said. "If anyone piques our interest then we will meet with them."
"Is it possible for you to see something in their mind that they may not realize has been hidden?" Chris asked. "We're trying to undo the memory charms, but it's taking awhile."
"If it's been erased or hidden, then we cannot see," Alekos said. He glanced down at Aleka. "Though… we do know someone in the village who is gifted in these sorts of things." Chris' face lit up.
"Of course! Tessa!" Christos exclaimed. "How could I forget!" The team stared at the three a moment, hoping for an explanation. "She has been gifted by the Titaness Mnemosyne. Quite good at altering memory and finding those that have been lost. Should I send for her?"
"That would be helpful," Teddy said. Chris caught Dominique's eye and smiled brightly.
"In the meantime, if possible, could you show us this room in the ministry where the altercation occurred," Aleka said.
"Of course, though I'm not sure what would still be there. It's been a few weeks," Teddy said. Both twins grinned.
"You will find that we can discover things you may have missed," Alekos said.
"Well, then… follow me," Teddy said, an obvious bounce in his step as he led the two out of the room. Richards and his team had just stepped into the department. "Ah, there you are Richards. As you can see, the cavalry has arrived. Taking them down to the Death Chamber. Will chat when we get back." Before the man could say anything, Teddy, Aleka and Alekos walked passed him and out the door, leaving him with his mouth falling open.
It was all Chris and Dominique could do to hide their laughter as the team made its way to their desks. Richards immediately turned and ran out of the office, likely following Teddy and the Prostatis.
"They look interesting," Tori said, sitting down.
"They're bringing in another who specializes in memory magic," Toby said, his face lit up.
"Planning to pick her brain, are you?" Molly asked.
"Well, yea. I am an obliviator," he said. "Could be something interesting there to learn."
"So what do those two do?" Tori asked, glancing over at Christos. The rest of the American team was staring at him, though Witt was shooting scowls at Tori, obviously not happy with her ease around him.
"They are excellent hunters and trackers," he said. "They see and hear things that even I cannot."
"You're the dude who turns into animals, right?" Violet asked, stepping over to him. Christos smiled and nodded.
"Yes, that is my gift," he said. "I am Christos." He held his hand out to her, causing Violet to blush slightly. Molly and Dominique rolled their eyes. It seemed no one was immune to his charms.
"Violet," she said. "And this is Martins." Christos shook the older man's hand.
"I'm Witt," the younger man said, pushing Martins out of the way.
"It is very nice to meet the rest of the Americans," Christos said. He looked back over at the British team. "Since that is finished, I think I will head to the shop now."
"Aren't you helping with the investigation?" Violet asked, seeming sad he was leaving.
"I will help where I can, but I think you will find Aleka, Alekos and Tessa more than adequate. I am mostly here to manage them and keep the Woods safe," he said. "Speaking of which…" Christos stopped and closed his eyes a moment. Everyone was watching him closely as he opened his eyes and grinned. "Seems Remus and Alan are meeting with the beater coaches. Perhaps I shall go oversee that before I head to the shop. See you later."
Silently, the man disappeared, leaving a gaping MACUSA team in his wake while Tori and the British team set about to starting their work.
"How does he do it?" Martins asked in awe.
"Some sort of natural ability that they all have," Dominique replied. "Daisy's quite partial to it. She's been popping in and out of everywhere ever since she first developed it."
"Aunt Iris was always popping in and out of Hogwarts thanks to the triplets," Molly said with a sigh. "Swear they got in trouble nearly every day for a few years."
"Until they started playing quidditch," Chris added. "Then she was popping up at practice. More so when Pix started the team."
"Merlin, the howlers they used to get," Dominique said. "Save Daisy. Not sure how it is she got away with everything…"
"She was always sneakier than the triplets," Chris said. Tori chuckled.
"I feel like I'm going to really like Daisy," she said.
"Oh, you will," Toby said, grinning.
Magnus walked into the meeting room and sat, fixing Tobias in a cold stare.
"What news?" he asked. "I'm about to have a meeting and I need something good."
"More Prostatis have arrived at the ministry," Tobias said. "Two trackers and one that works in memory charms." Magnus went silent a moment.
"What?" he asked quietly.
"Apparently there is one among them who can undo memory charms," Tobias said. Magnus took a deep breath, his frown intensifying.
"This is not good, Tobias," he said. "It won't be long before this one figures out all the information we wiped. Gather the team leaders. We need to move. Quickly."
"Yes, sir," Tobias said before quickly shuffling out of the room. Magnus sat back in his chair and glared at the table in front of him. Of course, that would be one of their gifts. At least they found out now when there was still time to move to a new location.
"Have you anything of note to tell?" a voice said, stepping into the room. Magnus immediately jumped to his feet as the older man slid into the room and sat down, staring up at him expectantly. "Out with it. I don't have all day. Some of us must keep up appearances."
"We've had a minor setback. The Prostatis have brought in someone who can undo memory charms. We're in the midst of making preparations to move." The man sighed heavily and looked around.
"Good. I always hated this place. How is my grandson?" he asked.
"As far as I'm aware, he's still safe. His connection to us still unknown though the Woods still maintain their suspicions," Magnus said.
"Let's keep it that way. While I don't always approve of his chosen career path, I'd like for him to be able to keep it until he's proven useful," the man replied.
"Yes, sir," Magnus said. The older man sighed and stood.
"Is there anything else?" he asked.
"We're closer to working out a plan to extract Daisy Wood," Magnus said. The man stared at him.
"And you are sure of her abilities?" he asked.
"She clearly proved that she could bring back the dead," Magnus said. "The family seems to be keen on keeping it secret, though."
"But you didn't actually see her do it," the man replied.
"No, but I know the curse hit her brother. The fact that all three of them are still alive proves that she did it," Magnus said quickly.
"Very well. I trust your judgement," the man said. "Inform me of where you've moved." He then left the room. Magnus sat and sighed heavily. While he didn't particularly enjoy working with the senior Hardwick, they were a powerful family and had deep pockets. And his grandmother had left him in charge when she died. He would never understand why he insisted that he bring in his grandson when it was obvious that the quidditch player had no useful skills for them.
Magnus looked around the room and sighed then stood and strode out of the room. There was much to be done.
Toby was nearly giddy as he, Chris, Dominique and Audrey walked back to the auror office. They had just gotten word that Tessa had arrived and he was eager to meet her.
"You think she can help?" Audrey asked, looking around at the young aurors.
"Christos seems to think so," Chris said. "We could use the help."
"I know," Audrey said. "Just curious about their gifts."
They walked into the office and saw the MACUSA team seated around their desks. In Teddy's office, a woman was seated why Teddy spoke to her. They walked in his office, Dominique closing the door behind them.
"Good, everyone, this is Tessa," Teddy said. They all looked at the woman. She seemed young as well, her brown hair pulled back in a french braid. Standing she nodded to them.
"It is nice to meet you," she said softly, smiling shyly. Her eyes kept darting around the room as if she were nervous to be there.
"Audrey is in charge of our obliviator department. Toby is one of her obliviators on loan to us for the investigation," Teddy said.
"It's an honor to meet you. I hope there is much we can learn," Toby said eagerly, as he stepped up to shake her hand.
"I hope that I can be of help," she said softly.
"Dominique and Chris here are both on Toby's team. They're the ones who found that many of the members we have in custody are under some pretty complicated memory charms," Teddy continued.
"What sort of memory charms?" Tessa asked.
"One man in particular had about 15 charms," Audrey said. "I've been working on figuring the countercharms, but they are layered pretty intricately." Tessa nodded.
"Would it be possible for me to see some of these people? I cannot figure out how to undo them until I see what it is that I'm working with," she said, furrowing her brow slightly. Audrey nodded.
"I can take you down now," she said.
"I'd like to go as well," Toby said immediately.
"I'd like if you all went," Teddy said, looking at Chris and Dominique. They nodded. "If this works, we'll need to set to work on the others."
"I will do my best," Tessa said. They then left the office, heading down to the holding cell area.
"So, is this your first time off the island?" Toby asked, falling in step with Tessa. She smiled at him and nodded.
"Some of the others like to go off from time to time. Usually just to the nearby large island or even to the mainland. But not me. I prefer to stay there," she said softly. Looking around the bustling ministry, her eyes widened. "This place seems… much too busy for me."
"Ah, that's just the ministry. This place tends to be busier than most places. It's much quieter out at the Woods' place," he said.
"That is where we are staying, yes?" she asked. Toby nodded.
"I grew up nearby," he said. "Just down the way. The village there is really nice and quiet."
"Do you still live there now?" she asked, glancing over at him. Toby chuckled.
"No. I moved out after I graduated. Got a flat here in the city - near work," he said. Tessa nodded.
"At least I have my work to keep me busy," she said as they stepped into the lifts.
"You'll get used to it," Toby said, smiling.
"So how is it you do what you do?" Audrey asked, studying the woman. Tessa smiled and looked down at her feet.
"It's, well. I just look into their minds and… I see things," she said, looking around them. "It is not easy to explain. But I have also spent a lot of time studying different charms and spells."
"I find it fascinating," Toby said, beaming. Tessa looked over at him, smiling appreciatively.
"I'm eager to see how it works," Audrey said. Tessa nodded.
"I hope that I can help," she said. The lift stopped and they walked out. Chris stepped over to a guard and started speaking with him while Dominique led them into a room. Chris joined them shortly and soon enough, Keenan was being led in, his hands and feet shackled. He sat down and the group looked at him and then over at Tessa. She took a deep breath and stepped over to him, pulling the other chair around so she could sit next to him.
"What's this?" he asked, staring at her.
"You do not have to be afraid," she said softly, reaching out to take his hands. She jumped slightly, seeing how cold they were. "Just… relax." Keenan nodded, still studying her a bit. "Look into my eyes."
Her eyes flashed slightly as his widened and he seemed to go into some sort of trance.
"There now," she said soothingly. "That's it, just relax. Let me see what I can see."
"What do you see?" Chris asked, causing Dominique to shush him.
"You were right. There are many charms here. They are… complicated. But it is not impossible to undo them," Tessa replied. "It's just a matter of choosing the right one to undo first and the rest will start to come apart."
"I was thinking something similar," Toby said, edging closer to her.
"But which one?" Audrey asked, also stepping closer. Tessa was quiet a few moments, her brow furrowed.
"Not that one," she murmured. Suddenly she sat up and smiled. "That is where we should start." She broke her eye contact and glanced back at Audrey and Toby. Keenan leaned over, blinking as though he were coming out of a daze.
"What just happened?" he asked.
"We must start with the retinentia charm," she said. Audrey studied Keenan a moment and looked back at Tessa and then over at Toby.
"I didn't even see that one," Toby said.
"Nor I," Audrey said. She then nodded.
"I think we should go back to my office and discuss this," Audrey said, looking at Toby and Tessa. "Come up with a game plan."
"How long before you think you can undo the charms?" Chris asked. Audrey and Toby looked at Tessa.
"It could take me a few days. We cannot undo them all at once. The strain on his mind would be too much," she said.
"Very well," Chris said with a nod. "Dom and I will leave you all to it." Tessa stood and followed the rest out of the room as the guard walked in to retrieve Keenan. Toby, Tessa and Audrey were immediately in an animated discussion about charms and techniques. Chris glanced back at them.
"So… soon enough we'll know everything Keenan knows," Chris said with a sigh. Dominique nodded.
"Toby seems a bit taken," she said softly, smiling slightly as she glanced back. Chris looked as well, noting the slightly blush come across Tessa's cheeks as he said something to her.
"She seems a bit taken as well," he said. Dominique shook her head.
"She's much quieter that the others," Dominique said. Chris chuckled.
"Well, we are used to Christos," he said. "The twins seem rather straightforward."
"Yea, but a bit intense," Dominique commented. "But I can't help but feel like we're finally getting somewhere."
"Me too," Chris said. He grinned down at Dominique and winked at her. "We may figure this out before anything happens."
"One can only hope."