A/N: This has been my longest chapter yet, so thanks to everyone who has been waiting so patiently! I have taken the liberty to slightly shift from Jam City's story to help progress the storyline and make it more fast-paced, less repetitive, and improve some character development.
With that said, I really hope you like this chapter as a lot of thought went into it.
Year 8: A Gala to Never Forget
Spring, 1992
It was a sea of glittering ball gowns, fancy dress robes, and lavish jewelry it made Arah's eyes strain. It was as if the social club multiplied by hundreds, rich snooty elite witches and wizards rubbing elbows forcing conversation and strained laughter as they talked about themselves and how great they were. Arah would rather trim a Kappa's toenails, yet here they were. All thanks to Skye Parkin, the new star Chaser for the Wigtown Wanderers and Arah's old teammate on the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Arah owed her big time.
The massive foyer housed two large curving staircases intersecting in an extravagant display. A lavish candelabra hung from the ceiling, fixed with enchanted flames and crystal teardrops that shimmered in the light. A string of instruments played elegantly on their own as the crowd swayed and mingled, tables filled with an abundance of food and drink. No expense was spared as Arah glanced around, taking in the grandeur of the Malfoy Manor, the home of one of Britain's oldest pure-blooded families—old money built on status and prejudices. Arah scoffed. The Malfoy's were a seedy bunch and they had no issue displaying their wealth.
Arah scanned the sparkling mass, looking for the forever serious scowl of her newfound partner. She could brave the throng of bodies, but if she were honest, she didn't trust herself to walk more than ten steps in these horrid heels without falling flat on her face. Every step was like someone casting the Cruciatus Curse on her toes. She debated obliterating the detestable shoes and frolicking barefoot the rest of the night, but Andre would outright murder her. Even so, the thought was tempting.
Andre had practically fainted when Arah came to Gladrags asking for his help for such an elegant affair. After being poked and prodded (and her poor posture ridiculed endlessly), she left with the most stunning gown he'd ever made.
The blackest satin flowed down her body, spilling over every curve like a starless night. The fabric loosened at the hips falling just past her ankles, a slit mid-thigh exposing her leg, the contrast of her skin against the midnight fabric luminous. The dress was simple yet stunning, its thin straps dipped into a deep cowl, revealing her tan chest. After using half the bottle of Sleakeazy Hair Potion, her long silver locks cascaded down her back, straight as a pin, with the most beautiful shine.
The finishing touch was a pair of black silk gloves that ended at her elbow. Arah protested it was 'too much', but Andre insisted.
Arah, there can never be 'too much' when it comes to fashion."
Now that she was here, Arah realized Andre was right. She was considerably dressed down for the occasion compared to everyone else, which was a good thing. Blending into the crowd was of the utmost importance, no need to draw any type of attention tonight- unwanted or not.
A familiar lanky figure came bobbing over the crowd as Callum strode toward her, dark hair slicked back wearing a handsome sleek suit, with two flutes of bubbling champagne in hand.
Arah beamed, "There you are, I was worried I'd have to go fetch my own drink like a peasant." she accepted the drink, tossing it back in a single gulp.
"Yeah, well- some of us are actually working." The corner of his mouth quirked into a grin.
"Is it so wrong to enjoy the perks of the job while we're here? It's not like we have many." She grumbled.
"I was doing some reconnaissance. Still no sign of Felix Grooves." He murmured into his glass- ignoring her comment completely.
Helga's knobby knees, the bloke was incapable of letting loose. Arah would have a better chance charming a Redcap than him. The only time she'd ever heard the man genuinely laugh was when Flump had assigned her first case: an unstoppable clanging monkey toy. There was still a slight ringing in her ears.
A jittery house-elf passed by with a tray of dangerously wobbly cocktail glasses. Arah swiped a drink, thanking the creature and took another gulp. A spasm ran up her throat as an uncontrollable burble of laughter erupted from her mouth. Several onlookers gawked at her strangely as she cleared her throat embarrassed.
"Er- sorry. Must be Gigglewater." she let out a nervous laugh.
"Stop that," Callum chastised through a clenched smile, "I need you clear-headed, Agent."
Arah took another sip, swallowing the giggle that threatened to spill from her lips, "And I need some liquid courage and to not feel my bloody feet in these damned shoes."
The lighting in the room dimmed as the enchanted string quartet shifted its melody into something slower- the crowd of bodies clearing while others stayed behind to dance with their partners.
"Come on, this is our chance to get in there," Callum said, taking her glass away.
"Hey, I wasn't done with tha-" He pulled her to the center of the dance floor, taking her by the waist and holding her hand in his. Arah's neck flushed, much too aware of his hand splayed on the small of her back. They swayed slowly- his dark eyes scanning the faces that surrounded them.
"At least ask me to dinner first." she joked nervously.
His lips tugged into a smirk, "We can't just stand in dark corners all evening looking suspicious."
"Can't we though? I haven't even tried the Sticky Toffee Pudding yet."
"See that woman over there?" Callum jerked his pointed chin.
Arah followed his gaze to a tall slender woman with flawless brunette waves and the tightest pale pink dress she ever saw. Arah recognized the permanent bored pout and perfect hair. It was Emily Tyler, a witch who attended Hogwarts the same year as Bill Weasley. In the time they were at school together, Emily had broken Bill's heart, bullied Arah's friends, and was a total snob. A garden gnome was more pleasant company than her.
"What is Emily Tyler doing here?" Arah grimaced.
"You know her?"
"Hardly," Arah said flatly, doing everything she could to keep her eyes from rolling in the back of her skull.
"Emily is working as a Journalist for the Daily Prophet. Reeta Skeeter employer her herself."
Seemed fitting for such a conniving bitch. The two were a match made in heaven.
Callum leaned in close, speaking softly in her ear as the music swelled, "She was there the night of the Charity Gala to cover the event. I've spoken to her a few times as a witness. I get the feeling she knows something. I plan to talk to her tonight and see if I can get her to open up. What do you plan to do?"
Arah shrugged, "I was going to wing it. Maybe scope the room out and use my Legilimency to see if I can pick up on anything interesting."
Callum blinked at her, mouth gaping wide. "You didn't tell me you were a Legilimens!" he whispered frantically.
"You never asked." She shrugged.
He drew her closer, "Do you realize how much easier it would have been if I had known that bit of information earlier?!" He strained, struggling to keep his voice above a whisper- earning a few odd glances in their direction. Arah was almost amused to see Callum so frazzled. He almost always kept his emotions in check.
"Yeah, well... I'm not very good at it." Arah skirted.
If anything, she was quite shit- The few times Arah ever used it were mostly on people who were willing to have their minds read, which wasn't many. Surprisingly, people didn't seem all that eager to volunteer and share their most personal inner thoughts. She'd only done it a handful of times apart from her own brother. Something about their sibling connection made it easy to read each other's thoughts.
"Besides, I don't like doing it."
"Why the hell not?"
"I don't know, it's so... invasive." she shivered, recalling a time she had used the ability against Merula's will. It was a breach of trust she would never earn back from her and a mistake Arah regretted to this day. "It feels wrong."
Callum rolled his eyes. "Oche, spare me your bleeding heart."
"I'll do it." Arah chewed her lip, glancing around them. "I'll just plan to hover around and see what I pick up on."
The song faded into silence as the crowd erupted into applause. Callum stepped away, giving her a slight bow.
"Do what you have to, just don't get caught," he muttered, adjusting his tie and smoothing his hair. "Good luck, Arah."
"Yeah, you too." She trailed as he walked away, disappearing into the mass.
The rest of that Gigglewater sounded really great right about now. The crystal glass of toffee pudding would have to do as Arah took perch at a cocktail table, indulging in the sweet treat while surveying the gathering.
A familiar flash of blue hair pulled Arah's focus as Skye passed by, her signature half-shaven head and gruff exterior especially odd in the bright red feathered gown she slouched in. Her father paraded her along - Skye looking particularly miserable. Arah attuned her mind- reaching toward the delicate tendrils of thought.
Merlin, I hate these stupid parties. I'd rather take a bludger to the bloody skull. Skye's pitiful voice echoed in her mind. I look like a fucking Fwooper.
Her father and famous Quidditch legend, Ethan Parkins, beamed widely next to her as he presented his daughter like a Quidditch Cup. "She takes after her father, you know." his boisterous laugh echoed above the noise.
Arah frowned, turning her attention to the next notable conversation.
Dolores Umbridge, a stocky woman who reminded Arah of a toad dressed for a tea party was especially nasty as a porkish man bragged about an upcoming Nogtail hunt with his young nephew.
"Rufus Scrimgeour and Bertie Higgs will be joining as well." the man's cheeks were flushed with the amount of drink he'd partaken. "Little Cormac couldn't be more thrilled. Have you ever been Nogtail hunting, Dolores?
Does he take me for an imbecile? Umbridge voice tickled her mind like a whisper. What a ghastly pathetic sport.
"Oh, Tiberius. I'd much rather stay home with a nice cup of tea." the toad-like woman forced a giggle.
It didn't feel great, eavesdropping. It stood against every moral and ethical code Arah believed in, but she'd do it for Ruby. Unfortunately for her, nothing stood out yet. The minds of the rich and famous seemed to only be capable of shallow judgments, anxious thoughts, arrogance, and pointless gossip. The biggest tragedy of all was the sound of her spoon scraping the end of her dessert cup, gathering the last precious globs of pudding.
Arah frowned, licking the spoon clean- blissfully unaware of how barbaric that must look in such elite company. An infuriating giggle rang out as Arah glanced over to see Callum whispering closely in Emily Tyler's ear, his hand planted on her hip. Her cheeks flushed as pink as her stupid dress, giving him a playful slap on the arm, painted fingers lingering on his suit.
Gag me. Arah grunted, rolling her eyes at the flirtatious exchange.
A burst of jovial laughter erupted as a small group gathered, surrounding a handsome wizard in resplendent azure robes with a matching hat tilted jauntily atop his golden curls. That signature dazzling smile belonged to no other than the renowned author, Gilderoy Lockhart.
"Well, I couldn't possibly have gotten rid of the Bandon Banshee by smiling at her." he winked, flashing his gleaming white teeth as the group erupted in laughter again. "Although, I am the 5x winner of Witch Weekly Most Charming Smile."
A middle-aged woman fawned over the wizard, swooning. "Oh Gilderoy, you must tell the story of the ghoul you trapped with a tea strainer."
"Ah, yes, that is a great one," He chuffed, "alas, I've got something even more exciting to share. But before I do, I must preface, it's incredibly classified information."
This piqued Arah's interest as the crowd leaned in close, enraptured by such a theatrical performance.
"You are now looking at the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." He posed heroically, tossing a golden curl back as the group around him cheered enthusiastically. "Dumbledore personally invited me himself."
This was interesting indeed. Most everyone had heard of the recent passing of the DADA professor, Quirinus Quirrel. Many rumors swirled around his death, but it was unclear exactly what had happened to the Hogwarts professor. The DADA position was said to be cursed as no teacher could ever last more than a year in the role. It was no surprise that the position was open, but it was startling to hear that Dumbledore had picked this arrogant oaf to teach such a critical subject. The wizard certainly didn't lack in experience based on the 7 books he wrote about himself.
"Unfortunately, my release of personal hair care potions will have to wait, but what could be more rewarding than educating the young and eager pupils of our future?" He gave a roguish smile as everyone cheered, breaking into applause.
They cannot know- must not know what I have done to get here. No one can ever know. I had to do it, I had no choice. How else would I have reached such a level of success? No, I earned this- I deserve this.
The inner voice of Gilderoy was unmistakable- tainted with desperation and fear that clawed within her very soul. Arah's heart raced as she gripped the edge of the table. Gilderoy Lockhart was hiding something. Could he be involved in the fraud case or fire somehow? Could he be working with Felix Grooves? Arah's thoughts reeled with possibilities.
A plan- she needed a plan. Arah turned to find Callum- her eyes darting for the familiar lanky body or Emily's putrid pink dress, but there was no sign of either of them. Arah cursed under her breath- fine. She didn't need him, she'd go it alone. A flimsy idea began to take shape- she could pretend to be a fan, corner Lockhart and get him alone somehow. It would work, she could do this.
"Arah?" a voice rang out from behind her.
Arah whirled around to see a familiar pink-haired friend outfitted in a drab uniform, the silver Auror badge pinned to her collar.
"Tonks? What are you doing here?" She couldn't help but smile, thankful to find such a friendly face.
"I thought I recognized you with Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome." She grinned toothily. "He's the lad from Magical Maintenance, right? The serious one that joins our weekly combat training?"
"Who, Callum?"
"You'll have to introduce me next time." She wagged her pink brows suggestively.
"You don't think he's too old?" Arah sneered.
"Hardly. Besides, nothing wrong with an older man." she winked, "Anyway, Mad-Eye has me working security. Just about every noteworthy Witch and Wizard is attending this pompous thing. They didn't want another incident like what happened at the Art Auction."
"Well, I feel safer just knowing you're here looking out for me." Arah smirked.
Tonks chuckled, "The real question is how did two workers from Magical Maintenance end up getting an invite to the most exclusive event of the year?"
Arah shrugged, "You never know when a latrine might decide to go haywire."
"Mhmm. Is that why you and Callum joined our Auror combat training? Dangerous deadly toilets?" Tonk's voice dripped with sarcasm.
"Something like that." Arah tore her gaze away, catching a glimpse of splendid turquoise robes disappearing down a dim hallway.
Damn it.
"Well, if you need my help battling an unruly loo, you know where to find me." Tonks gave a playful salute.
"I'll be sure to give you a call," Arah squeezed Tonk's shoulder before turning away from her. "Maybe I'll even sneak you some Treacle Tart later if you're lucky."
"You better" Tonks called after her as Arah strutted toward the hall where Gilderoy had disappeared just moments before.
The empty corridor twisted and curved, her heels echoing off the cold marble floor as she passed various rooms; a dining chamber, the kitchen, a greenhouse. The hallway was long, doors lining the walls as Arah jiggled the knobs, most locked or empty. Merlin, how many rooms did one family have to own? Maybe Lockhart wasn't here, maybe he went-
A muffled noise sounded from behind a closed door. Arah's chest tightened as she pressed her ear against the wood. It was too hard to make out, but it sounded almost like a struggle. Heart racing, she quietly slipped out her wand, casting Alohomora. A soft click sounded as Arah took a shaky breath before swinging the entry open with a rush.
Her throat went dry. Emily Tyler was pushed against the wall, her dress half-falling off, hair matted, lipstick smeared while Callum gawked, his hair disheveled and tie askew. Arah's eyes went wide, cheeks burning hot at the realization of the steamy exchange she had just inconveniently interrupted. Callum stepped away guiltily as Emily glared red hot daggers in her direction, adjusting her dress.
Arah blinked, completely shocked and mortified.
"Arah - " Callum began before she slammed the door shut, the horrible sight seared forever into her retinas.
Really? Emily Tyler of all people? This was the type of person Callum found attractive? Tall, slim, voluptuous chests, a look of perpetual boredom. Arah fumed, her own physical insecurities creeping in... She was short, her thighs swelled from years of riding a broom, her skin scarred, body soft and curvy- not at all bony and lean like Emily. It was like the witch ate only prunes her entire life. The guilt of devouring that toffee pudding now churned in her stomach. If Emily Tyler was the standard of beauty, Arah was far from it.
Not that she cared if Callum found her attractive.
Arah turned the corner, nearly crashing into the very wizard she sought. She froze, gaping up at the Gilderoy Lockhart.
"Ah! Terribly sorry miss, I was just getting some air." he plastered on his signature gleam.
Acting quickly, Arah filled her face with pure admiration, widening her golden eyes, brows raised high as she looked up at him.
"You're Gilderoy Lockhart!" She cupped her mouth, her voice high and adoring. "I- I'm sorry, I am such a big fan."
Gilderoy beamed, "It's always so nice to meet an adoring supporter," He flashed his perfect teeth, tossing back a golden curl. "Which one of my books is your favorite?"
"It's so hard to choose," Arah stalled, wracking her brain for one of the seven books he had written. "Probably Wandering with Werewolves."
"Ah yes, my retelling of the Wagga Wagga Werewolf and its untimely defeat. One of my personal favorites." He twinkled, eying her curiously- perfectly shaped brows shifting as he studied her closely. "I recognize you -you're that promising Curse Breaker from Hogwarts, aren't you?"
Arah's shocked reaction was genuine this time. "How... how do you know who I am?"
"Let's just say I like to keep tabs on any promising students that graduate from my Alma Mater" he gleamed, "You know, I brought some copies of my latest book, Magical Me. I'd be happy to gift you a signed copy if you would accompany me to the Study. You can tell me all about your Curse Breaking adventures along the way." he flashed her a devilish grin.
"You would do that for me?" she feigned, flabbergasted at how well her half-baked plan was going.
"The pleasure is all mine." He chuffed arrogantly, tipping his hat.
"Oh, thank you, thank you so much." she squealed, annoyed at the sound of her own voice.
They walked together as Gilderoy interrogated Arah about her years at Hogwarts, fascinated by her experiences with the Cursed Vaults. Arah found it especially curious how invested he seemed to be. Paranoia nagged at the edges of her mind, skin prickling with unease. What if Lockhart knew of her intentions? He could be leading her right where he wanted. Arah's fingers itched for her wand, sheathed right above the slit of her dress.
The Study was an extravagant room, the air scented with parchment and ink, the hearth lit as flames cast dancing shadows upon the walls lined with hundreds of books. Arah took note of the way Gilderoy closed the door behind them. A chill raced down her spine.
"So who should I make this out to? You? An adoring sister? Mother? An Aunt?" he turned his back to her, rummaging through his bag. Arah silently unsheathed her wand, pointing it at the door as the lock clicked into place.
"An adoring brother perhaps?" Gilderoy took out an especially fluffy feathered quill as he glanced up, his smile faltering as he stared down the tip of Arah's wand pointed directly at him.
"Wh-what are you doing?" he let out a nervous titter.
"I think you know." she pressed, tracking Gilderoy's reaction closely as his blue eyes widened.
"I don't know what-"
"I know everything." She fibbed, watching his skin pale, his throat bobbing as he gulped.
"P-please. Don't hurt me." he raised his hands in defense, dropping the quill and book to the floor. Funny how the hero of all his own stories stood pleading before her, trembling like a baby mandrake. "I can explain."
"You better start-."
With a quick jerk, Lockhart reached for his wand.
Expelliarmus!
The wand clattered to the floor, rolling away as Arah gloated at such a simple victory against the infamous Gilderoy Lockhart. This was the man chosen to be the future DADA professor? Please. A manic roar pulled her attention as she turned to see the crazed man barreling toward her. With no time to act, he pummeled into her, head snapping back at the force, cracking into the wooden shelves behind her- sending her wand flying from her hand. Pain seared through her skull, vision blurring as stars began to spot her sight. Arah's knees wobbled, sparing a glance to see Gilderoy scouring for his wand.
"Oh no you don't." Arah growled, launching herself on top of him. He spun around violently as she tightened her arms around his neck, grateful for the months of combat training Arah was forced to attend with the Aurors.
"Get off me!" Gilderoy clawed at her, ramming against a bookcase as a dozen texts and tomes rained down on them, bruising her skin- but she coiled her grip like a snake. With a loud war cry, he slammed into a suit of armor as they clattered to the floor in a heap- the statue with it.
The room echoed with their groans. Arah's ribs ached at the force of their fall, gripping her side in pain. A glint of polished wood caught her sight, her wand laying a few feet away. Arah flopped over, dragging her sore body across the floor, reaching for the lifeline before a strong force gripped her ankle, yanking her away.
Arah snarled as she clawed her nails into the floor, the carpet burning her skin. Strong hands flip her on her back as Gilderoy dodged each of her sluggish kicks, using his body to pin her to the ground with ease. Fingers grip her throat, crushing her air supply- blue eyes wild with desperation.
"It's a shame I couldn't get to know you better." He huffs, forehead slick with sweat. Arah digs her nails into his arm, clawing him away from her neck, drawing blood- but he only grips tighter. "Too bad I'll have to leave you a drooling mindless baboon. Such a pity." he pouts. "Such a waste."
Arah tries to wriggle free, but the man is twice her size and much too strong. She cranks her neck, vision going dark as she searches desperately for something- anything that might free her from his iron grasp. The cover of Magical Me, stares back at her- Gilderoy's perfect face taunting her with a wink- far from the crazed man that hovers before her.
Her lungs fight for air, eyes bulging from her head. With a burst of adrenaline, Arah reaches for the thick book, smashing it across the side of Gilderoy's temple - the cover wincing in pain. If Arah wasn't fighting for her very life, she would have found the moment hilarious.
Air rushes into her lungs as Arah gasps- wheezing with every breath as he grips his head, muttering curses. She aims a swift kick into his groin as Gilderoy clutches his crotch, yelping in pain- writhing on the floor.
Arah heaves- oxygen flooding back into her veins, hoisting her beaten body up on shaky legs. It's as if the room has tilted- head spinning, she hobbles for the exit, grasping on to anything to keep her upright. Books fall from the shelves in a heap as she makes her way toward the door- completely abandoning her wand. She'll scream, Callum will hear her- he'll come, he'll - two arms coil around her like a vise.
"Where do you think you're going?" He grits in her ear. Anger and fear seize her as Arah kicks off the wall to throw them back, but his strength overpowers her own, shoving her small figure hard against the stone- trapping her completely.
"How did you find out?!" he growls through gritted teeth.
Gilderoy rips her shoulder around to face him. He straightens, his own wand digging into her temple, a shadow of a smile plastered on his flushed face, hair frizzy and wild.
Arah's body trembles, a mixture of fear and adrenaline. The realization of her situation setting in. It was bleak... her plan had completely gone to shit. There was no way she could get out of this- not by herself. She wondered what the ROCC would tell her family. Would they make up some ridiculous story about her untimely death? Well, if these were her precious last moments- might as well try and get some answers.
"Why work with Felix? Why cast Fiendfyre at the Art Auction, killing innocent people?" she spat.
Gilderoy's face twisted in confusion as he gawked at her. "I beg your pardon?"
With a loud crack, the door bursts open as Callum barrels in, panting, eyes wild as he processes the scene before him. Gilderoy cranes his neck at the outburst, giving Arah the perfect opportunity to free herself from his grasp. Taking advantage of the distraction, Arah sends her head smashing against his with a sickening crack.
A wail fills the room as Gilderoy cradles his face, blood oozing from his now crooked nose. "My nose! My beautiful nose!"
Arah's skull throbs in agony. "Salazar's saggy ballsack!" she cups her head, nose beginning to trickle with blood.
Callum barrels forward, his fist crashing against Gilderoy's jaw as the man crumples to the ground in a limp heap- unmoving.
"What the actual fuck?"
"I think I'm going to be sick." Arah gags, swallowing a wave of nausea as her head explodes from the inside out.
"Shit," Callum raked his hand through his dark hair. "Do you want to tell me why the fuck Gilderoy Lockhart was attacking you?"
Callum's voice grated against the migraine that had begun to surface. "I sensed he was hiding something. I went to interrogate him while you were off snogging Emily Fucking Tyler." She hissed, ripping off her silk glove and balling it in her fist. Pretty sure they were doing more than snogging, but Arah couldn't bring herself to admit anything more than that for fear she might die from mortification.
Callum flushed, avoiding her glare. "I was doing exactly what I said- getting answers."
"Looked like a hell of a lot more than that." Arah huffed. "When I said we should enjoy the perks of the job, that wasn't exactly what I had in mind." she shoved the fabric against her nose to absorb the bleeding.
"Well lucky for us, I got exactly what we needed." He shot back at her, "Apparently nobody has ever met this 'Felix Grooves' in person. He's an 'incredibly private man', which makes me think he may not exist."
Arah glared at him, "Was that before or after you stuck your tongue down her throat?"
"Does it matter?"
"No. Not at all, actually." she limped forward, a sharp pain shooting through her ribs as she hissed- gripping her side.
"Are you alright?" Callum softened, reaching a hand to brace her.
"I'll be fine." Arah sighed, too exhausted to argue with him.
"Let me help-"
She batted his arm away, "If you want to help, go handle that." she kicked Lockhart's boot for emphasis. "We need to tie him up before he wakes."
Callum scanned her, a look of concern in his dark eyes, before he nodded- turning his attention toward the unconscious wizard. They work in silence, lifting his slumped body into a leather chair.
Incarcerous. Callum mutters as tendrils of rope burst from the end of his wand- coiling around Lockhart like a snake.
Arah could wake him with magic, but that seemed much too kind after what he put her through. Instead, she grips the bridge of his broken nose and cracks it back in place. Lockhart's eyes shot open as he lets out a yelp, before realizing he's constrained, blue eyes darting frantically between the two of them.
"Wait. Please, I'll do anything! You want money? I can get you money. Loads of it."
"We don't want your dirty money." Arah bit back bitterly. "You're going to tell us everything you know about Felix Grooves and the Fiendfyre."
Gilderoy blinked, "You mean to tell me this is all about Felix?"
They glared at him-their silence answering his question as he let out a chuckle, his laughter building into a crazed cackle. Arah shot a glance over at Callum, his brow raised skeptically.
"I've never seen that man in my life." Gilderoy chortled, relief apparent on his brow.
"But- "
"What information can you tell us?" Callum interrupts cooly.
"I commissioned Felix to do several portraits of me the last year- they weren't cheap, mind you. But... I never actually met the man, he only ever worked through his secretary."
"Who was the secretary?" Arah pressed.
"I believe her name was... Eris! Eris Foxglove." he recalled.
"Foxglove? As in the plant?" Callum questioned, his eyes flashing with recognition.
"Exactly it. Odd young woman- she was. Interesting fashion choices, always sporting a new look - I figured she was just the artsy type."
Arah and Callum exchanged a mutual look- this was the missing piece they needed.
"Does this mean I can go now?" He grinned innocently. "Clearly, this was all a deep misunderstanding."
"No." Arah leaned forward, pressing her wand into his chest. "That doesn't answer my question. What are you hiding?"
"Drop it, Arah." Callum laid a hand on her shoulder. "We got what we needed."
"What?!" Arah turned to him, irritated. "You're just going to let him go?"
"Yes." Callum said tersely, "On one condition. We will let you keep your secrets in exchange for your confidentiality and cooperation. We were never here, you never saw us. Can you do that, Mr. Lockhart?"
"Oh yes." he nodded, blond waves bouncing enthusiastically. "I won't tell a soul."
"Good." Callum said cooly, "Now apologize to my partner and clean yourself up."
Gilderoy looked at Arah sheepishly, "So very sorry for our little... entanglement." He said feebly. The man was pathetic.
Arah scoffed, still feeling the ghost of his fingers wrapped around her neck. "I'm done here." she spat, spinning on her heel and stomping away- realizing she was missing a shoe. Angrily, she ripped off the lone heel and tossed it aside- hoping to never see it again.
How could Callum just let him go like that? She swallowed her anger, the cool marble floor on her feet cooling her temper as she padded down the hall. Now that the adrenaline was gone, her whole body ached. A dull throb pounded her head and her side still hurt as she gripped her ribs. The sound of footsteps echoed after her, but she ignored them- knowing it was Callum. She continued stubbornly, much too pissed to stop for him, her own pride wouldn't allow it.
"Oy, wait up," he called out. Arah's jaw clenched tightly as she hobbled forward- unsure of where she was even going. It didn't matter, as long as it was far from here. Her partner ran up to her, placing both hands on her shoulders.
"I know you're upset-"
"No shit." Arah snapped, "he almost killed me, Cal."
"As your mentor, let this be a lesson. When you find an opportunity for leverage, you take it." Callum stated calmly, "Sometimes blackmail is more powerful than any spell you can hurl."
Arah gritted her teeth, hating him even more for his logical senses. "You're a real ass hole, you know that?"
Callum continued on, ignoring the insult. "Second lesson, we need to work on improving those hand-to-hand combat skills. You can't rely on a wand every time."
"I had it handled." she lied as he cocked a skeptical brow at her.
"He kicked your ass."
"I kicked his too." she retorted, a shadow of a smirk playing on his lips.
"Ay, you did." his grin faded as his eyes lingered on the purple bruise that blossomed around her neck. "We're doubling combat training. I'll report to Flump."
Arah groaned, "Seriously? But-"
"I don't want to see you hurt again," his dark eyes bore into hers. "I'm responsible for your safety and I take that very seriously."
"Fine." She managed under her breath, her anger dampening under his concerned gaze.
"Come on, let's get out of here before we cause a scene. " He jerked his head, "I owe you a drink for earlier."
The corner of Arah's lips quirked into a grin.
Merlin, Arah couldn't recall a time she'd been so famished as she scarfed down the burning hot meal. Those fancy dainty dishes and Hors d'oeuvres weren't nearly enough to fill her appetite. Who knew muggle fighting would take so much out of one person?
Callum stared at her with a look of marvel as he took a sip of his butterbeer.
"Sorry, did you want some?" she managed to ask with a mouth full of Bangers and Mash.
"No, no- that's all you." The corner of his mouth quirked as he watched her dive back in for more.
"Suit yourself." She shrugged, "I think tonight went fairly well, don't you?"
Callum shrugged. "Considering we both got out alive and unnoticed? Sure, I'd call it a win."
The two of them stood out in the dreary Leaky Cauldron, Callum in his fancy attire and Arah in her tattered gown, her partner's dress robes draped over her shoulders to conceal her modesty and the bruises that peppered her skin. Even then, she looked (and felt) like utter shit. She was fairly certain she'd wake with a black eye by the morning.
"I'm not just talking about that." Arah stabbed a sausage with her fork, "I'm talking about what we uncovered about Felix Grooves."
"Right. You think he exists?"
"Hell no." She said, biting into the crisp wurst.
"Emily thought so too." his eyes glazed at the mention of the Witch, lost in thought, probably thinking about her tongue down his throat again. Arah scoffed, shoveling a scoop of mashed potatoes in her mouth.
"What is your problem with her?"
"Problem?" Arah feigned innocence, "There's no problem."
"You clearly hate her. I don't have to read minds to see that." he raised a dark brow, amused by her reaction.
"And you clearly don't." She grimaced, referencing the ghastly moment she had interrupted.
"Ah. I know what it is." he leaned back, face smug. "You're jealous."
Arah choked, the mashed potatoes lodging in her throat as she sputtered- stifling a laugh at the ridiculous thought.
"Godrick's heart, you're joking, right?" She snorted, "You've got to be joking. Ruby was right about you."
"How so?" he crossed his arms, eyeing her skeptically.
"She used to say, Callum thinks the sun comes up just to hear him crow." she recited in her best Ruby impression.
For the first time ever, Callum broke out into a laugh- an actual, real, genuine laugh. He threw his head back, holding his stomach in a fit, white teeth gleaming against his tanned skin. Arah had been so used to his serious scowl, it was nice to see him laughing for a change. She cocked her head, chuckling with him, heart squeezing at the site of him wiping his watery eyes.
"Oche, that might be the funniest shit I've ever heard." he swallowed another wave. "Cheers to Ruby."
"To Ruby." Arah smiled, clinking her glass with his as they polished off what was left in their mugs- a comfortable silence setting between them.
"Just so it's said," Arah interjected, "We're both in agreement that this Eris Foxglove woman is the one behind it all, right?"
"Definitely." Callum agreed, "That's not all though. It's no coincidence she chose Foxglove as her last name. It's an alias."
"How do you know?" her brows furrowed in confusion.
"I had Olivia test the ink to determine its composition after you had mentioned it to Flump."
"You did?" she blinked.
Callum shrugged, "It was a good idea. Turns out, the ink is made out of the poisonous plant, Foxglove. That's what gives it its dark pink hue. It has to be a call card of some sort, a way to leave their mark."
Arah's mind reeled. The criminal's own arrogance would lead them right to her. "How common is Foxglove?"
"Not common. It's fairly rare."
"Brilliant. So we just need to find where Foxglove grows! How hard could it be?"
A/N: Who doesn't love a good fancy ball with secret agents fighting in suits and dresses? I had to make the telling of this story more flavorful. I so hope you liked my own version!
Let me know what you thought of it!