Tea for two... or three... or four...?!

[Arri Faltskog]

It was a quiet, sunny day in the city. Pedestrians of all sorts were walking the streets of London and going here and there, either to work or out for the afternoon shopping and socializing. Walking along the sidewalk, blending in with the crowds, a woman who happened to be a witch was among them. Those in the crowd had no idea they were walking side by side with a witch. She certainly wasn't dressed like the stereotype. No pointed hat or ugly wart adorned her head and face. She was dressed like every other person in London --- in the latest fashions of the summer --- and just quietly window shopping as she walked.

After strolling for a few blocks, this woman came upon a quaint little cafe and felt the need to stop in for some tea and a snack. As she waited to be seated she scanned the crowd in the shop and the streets to see if she saw anyone she knew. Normally that never happened, she never saw anyone she knew. Many had gone off to do things with their lives in various parts of the world or were off in the Wizarding world doing who knows what. Yes, this woman was quiet satisfied with the quiet muggle life she lead. Granted there were magical moments here and there, things seemed to be calm in this lady's world.

"Madam? Please follow me," said the host of the cafe. Following him with a nod and a smile, the lady followed him through the crowd before she took a seat at a small table. Taking the menu with a thanks she set her things down and scanned the lists. As she sat there reading the menu she could not help but reminisce on the years that have passed and all the people she had not seen in so long. A quiet sigh escaped her lips as she finally put the menu down and saw the waiter arriving at her table. "Hello, welcome to the Cafe. Are you ready to order?"

With a nod, she answered. "Yes, please. May I have some lavender tea and a blueberry scone?" With a smile the waiter nodded and told her he would be right back. Smiling back at the waiter the woman, known to many as Arri, sat back and relaxed, enjoying the summer sun and the quiet atmosphere the cafe gave.

[Arri Faltskog]

People on the street walked passed the fenced in patio of the cafe that Arri sat at. So many of the people were, of course, ones she did not know. But at the same time, Arri wondered who she may possibly know that was currently walking through the mobs of people. Perhaps someone like Farrah, or a crazed b***h like Bonnie (LOOOVE YOU!), or a skanky ho-hum-dinger like Carma (LOVE YOU TOOOO!!). You could say that perhaps Arri was hoping that she would be able to notice someone that she knew in the crowd. It would be nice to catch up with people and just talk again with people she knew. Sighing quietly, Arri glanced around before she noticed the waiter coming back with her order.

"Here you go Madam," he said while carefully placing the tea pot on the table along with a cup and saucer. Next to the pot, he then placed the blueberry scone and some cream and sugar for her to use. "Thank you very much," Arri said to the waiter. He asked if she needed anything else and Arri shook her head no. As the waiter left, Arri started to pour her tea. The aroma of lavender and a hint of honey filled the air as she took a deep calm breath in. It smelt wonderful. This was certainly her favorite cafe. Adding some cream and sugar, Arri leaned back in her chair and took a sip from her cup. "Mmm," she said quietly. This was nice. Peace, serenity, and a good cup of tea. If only she had someone else to share it with....

[Professor Aaron Lathen]

No matter how hard one tried to forget, the past never went away. It could be repressed, covered up, ignored, but it could never be removed forever. Unless you suffered some sort of brain trauma, but this was hardly part of the point. For the sake of moving on, he had tried to forget, to cast away the evil spirits of the past and continue living a free, boring, passionless life. He tried, but he never succeeded. There was never a boring day, though the days weren't quite as exciting as they could have been.

He almost tortured himself, really, to find an escape. Not the escape of torture or black market dealings or the creation of deadly (and illegal) potions. No. He searched for a literal escape, one to clear his mind, one to reflect on the past and clench his fist if he ever took a wrong turn down the wrong alleyway. Maybe he was a little bitter. He was just a little . . . worried. He wasn't quite as young as he used to be (he certainly wasn't old, that's for sure), after all. He just needed some fresh air every now and then, even if it involved blending in with confused, angry, delusional Muggles.

Not bitter. Just bored. Ridiculously bored.

Aaron Lathen wore sensible clothing today: he was a businessman in black with a red tie. He much preferred his proper wizarding attire, but how silly would that look? Muggles weren't ready for reality just yet. They were blissfully content with life, albeit devastated by an occasional war or death or whatever might fall their way. The two worlds, Muggle and wizarding, weren't really all that different, even if the wizards didn't want to admit it. They were worse. They were more proud and more delusional. It would be their downfall in the end, whenever that would be.

The man had never suspected to run across a familiar face in the bustle of London. Head bent forward slightly, coal eyes observing each passer by as though to read their minds and capture their souls, Aaron stashed his hands in his pockets and considered his plans for the day. His kitchen was as stocked as it needed to be for the weekend. He had nothing to read, unless for some reason he felt that his knowledge could use improvement. Passing a small shoe store. Passing a holiday greeting card store. Passing Ariyanna Faltskog.

He stopped dead in his tracks and stared. Were his eyes betraying him? What really interested her in a place like this? Was she trying to fit in?

Oh, he was asking himself too many questions, none of which could truly have been healthy. He and Arri shared a rather rich background, rich with threats and intimidation and, unless he was mistaken, a little bit of understanding. Part of him urge him forward, pushed him into the crowd. The other part begged for an interaction with someone at least a little intelligent, albeit a little insane. Aaron rolled his eyes and shoved some unsuspecting Muggles, shocked and wonderfully chatty.

"Hello, sir--"

"Someone is expecting me," he lied, interrupting the waiter with a cold stare and clearing his throat before advancing to the table in question. A normal person would take one look at Arri and say, "I shouldn't be here. I should turn around while I still have a chance." No one could argue that Arri wasn't a tough woman, scary at times. Aaron wasn't your typical, safe, logical man. He was out of the box, and anyone who disagreed probably didn't understand reality very much.

"I trust you've ordered the cyanide salad," he said quietly, as though concerned that one of the self-absorbed, distracted Muggles would actually give him a second glance. He sat down wordlessly opposite Arri and watched her carefully, his mouth nothing but a thin line and his arms crossed nonchalantly, resting atop the table.

(Blaaaaaah.)

[Arri Faltskog]

"I trust you've ordered the cyanide salad,". Lifting her head slightly, Arri instantly knew the voice that was speaking that statement. She had to pause and actually blink her eyes a few times. One blink, two blinks, three blinks. Aaron Lathen. Could it be? Was that man actually sitting at her table in little ole London where she was sipping tea? Surely that man, who seemed to own nothing but black dress robes and a vast amount of bandages for his arm, was not sitting here before her in --- dare she say it --- a black suit and a red tie. The typical black that he was always known for wearing? Yes it was. The red made him look like he was not going to a black tie wedding, or a funeral, but still it amused her. Color on any part of Aaron Lathen was unusual and so unheard of.

The waiter, having seen Arri's new companion at the table, brought over another tea cup. Just in time too as Arri set her tea cup down while reaching for the pot, starting to pour Aaron a cup of the Lavender tea. "No, actually," she stated quietly. "They do not have that particular item on their menu. Turpentine tea is what you are having today." With a slight smirk on her face, Arri filled his cup and then reached for a plate that seemed to "magically" appear next to the other one. Lifting the scone, Arri then passed it to Aaron and nodded. "That is another specialty of theirs. Bubonic blueberry scone. Quiet delicious actually." Tearing off a piece of her own scone, Arri slipped the bite into her mouth and chewed quietly. Of course it really was not poisoned, her items at least. Their little banter was always amusing to her. And it seemed an actual smiled plagued her face. Despite the odd company she now had, it was nice to see a familiar face.

"So, what brings you out into the open surroundings of London?" she asked Aaron. The last time they had seen each other in public, aside from at school, had been that day at Knockturn Alley when they happened upon each other at that particular restaurant. Of course she had been there on family business and more than likely Aaron Lathen was there out of habit.

Despite what Aaron tries to say about Arri, she was not insane, or what have you. Quiet frankly, she was much more normal than Aaron was. Who on earth owned more than 10 black dressing robes, all exactly the same? He was the odd fellow that people tended to look at, and Arri noticed that some people were staring at him because he was in a black suit. Mind you, during the summer in London. Arri crazy? I think not.

[Professor Aaron Lathen]

The dark-dressed man could hardly be bothered to take his eyes away from the immediate area. This table, complete with a tea set, was all that mattered, if only for the few minutes that he might spend here. It wasn't all bad, really. Arri wasn't the most comfortable of companions, but there was something about her that always made him come back. She wasn't crazy enough for an institution, but she was crazy in her approach to life. Most people were not as outgoing, confident, and creative as her. Crazy might not have been the best word, but Aaron approved of it.

He accepted the tea without much of a response, though a thank you would have been customary. Had his mother been here, she would have slapped his wrist and told him to behave himself. Then again, his mother would probably have hated this place, given her preference to the peaceful and magical and, well, Irish. "Go raibh maith agat," he added before the waiter was out of earshot, but he probably spoke too quietly for the other to hear. And he probably didn't speak Irish.

"The bubonic plague is exceptionally delightful, I've heard," he commented, accepting the scone and taking a bite without a moment's hesitation. Passable. Setting the scone down, Aaron lifted his tea and sniffed it. Definitely not passable enough for his mother. "The English are extraordinarily bland." But as though he had said nothing, he took a very large sip of it, ignoring his manners for a moment. The smile on Arri's face was a little comforting, if he had to be honest, but the man would never admit that.

When she asked her next question, he shrugged his shoulders and acted as though it were obvious. "I thought I'd find some fresh dandelion seeds for my beautiful garden. Why are you here?" His choice of clothing wasn't the best, but Muggle clothing was just . . . awkward. At least if he was going to be stared at, he would be "normal" and not have the Ministry sending him silly little owls.

[Arri Faltskog]

As it was, the oddly (at least to her and him) dark-dressed man was right in his assessment of Arri in a way. She was not crazy in Muggle standards, and truly in some wizarding standards. But if you were to look at her childhood and some of her family members, it would be easy to see that she could be fit for an institution --- particularly if she lived in her Uncle's household. Do not get her wrong, she truly did love her uncle and her cousin, albiet they were somewhat different from her side of the family. But none the less she did have that family trait from them; every once in a while that glint of Malfoy intent or vengefulness would come out of her.

"Pardon?" she asked Aaron as he muttered some hardly audible words. Shrugging it off and taking another sip of her brew, which yes was not your standard cup of English tea but none the less it soothed her for the moment. One could say she wanted to relax and the sight of Aaron Lathen may have bothered some people. But it was true, they did seem to have a common sort of kinship and calm before the storm whenever they happened upon each other in random locations. "Yes I have heard that too from some people, depending who you are and what side of that particular blanket you are rolling from," she replied. Naturally if you hated muggles you truly appreciated the bubonic plague for wiping many of them out. Surely Aaron appreciated it.

Arri's eyebrow raised a tad when he said that he was loooking for some dandelion seeds for his garden. Him garden? Truly? Did he just say that? " Gardening? You? You must be jesting me. Unless it has to do with boomslang or wolfsbane I would hardly think you would want to garden some flowers," she stated. Although, as she thought of it. "Nevermind. Dandelion would be a necessity I gather. Although you having a 'beautiful' garden seems unheard of. I would think it would be rather dark and dreary in some remote part of Northern Ireland where there was no sunlight or... happiness." With a slight smirk she could not help but chuckle slightly. Truth be told Aaron Lathen was not a very happy person.

Ahhh yes, she knew this would come up. Why was she here? What would she tell him? Was there really a reason Arri was in London besides doing some window shopping and taking in some sights?

One never knew with Ariyanna Faltskog.

"Me, in London?" she asked Aaron. "Why I do have a house near the outskirts of the City. I do come into town from time to time to, how shall I put it --- Muggle watch?" The last two words or that statement she said quietly. She did not want to upset the Muggles with some confusing slang that was deemed appropriate for the circles she traveled in within the Wizarding World. Muggle watch though, why would she Muggle watch? It was no surprise that she had a past that not many knew about and in the last ten or so years since the school had closed down it was quiet unknown what she had been up to and what she has done in her 'spare time'. Take it or leave it Arri Faltskog may or may not have been up to something.

"Not to mention I was just rather curious to see what or whom I may see around London lately. After all, this location is quiet close to that rundown, constantly being refurbished department store. When do you think it will be reopened?" she asked aloud, pondering, for the Muggles sakes, in case they were listening into the conversation. Naturally that store was always going to be in refurbishment. "Plus, I may or may not need to make a telephone call and that telephone box is right near here too," she said while glancing behind Aaron.

The Ministry guest entrance? Surely Arri jests as well. Why would she want to be near the Hospital and the Ministry of Magic? Was she just doing that to get under Aaron's imaginatory feathers or perhaps she was involved in those ventures? Who knows but then a peculiar newspaper was seen within her purse a moment later. Had that always been there? Perhaps, to the Muggles at least. Reaching down, she pulled it out and handed it to Aaron. It seemed like an ordinary London newspaper. On it, for everyone else's vision it showed a large article about the upcoming Muggle Olympics that were taking place. But to those with Magical powers, they were able to see it was the Daily Prophet they were truly looking at, with a large headline: "Hogwarts To Be Reopened Next Term?!"

"What do you take of that headline Aaron?"

[Professor Aaron Lathen]

Unfortunately, even after all these long years, the two still had a lot to learn about one another. A casual cup of tea might have been enough to lure a simple-minded pair into submission, but neither of the two was that kind of person. If anything, they were both stubborn, at least in the idea of sharing deep personal information, and probably for good reason. One never knew when Aaron would plot the downfall of England or when Arri would try to slip some poison into your evening water supply.

He ignored her "pardon?" as she didn't really seem that interested, and explaining Irish was like teaching a newborn baby to tie its shoes. His father had always been averse to Irish, but his pride of England was certainly more frustrating than anything else in his family. His sister had left as soon as she could, after all, leaving him with a niece and two nephews several years later.

"Oh, I'm not sure that anyone with an ounce of humanity could take a liking to the bubonic plague, but an unhealthy interest would be very possible." Aaron wasn't a Muggle hater. He certainly didn't advertise Muggle rights, but he didn't target Muggles. He had no problem with Muggleborns; his problem was with the separation between Muggles and the wizarding world, though he understood why it existed. Muggles were simply too stupid to notice things sometimes. In his opinion, Muggleborns should have been grateful for what they had been given: access to two worlds without a major cultural barrier, something most of the wizarding world had.

"My mother is a gardener," the man said matter-of-factly, shrugging his shoulders and taking a small, quiet sip of tea. There was no telling how long she would be a gardener, though, given her age. If she wasn't magical, there was no telling how she would be living her life now! "Though I can't say I agree with most of what she does. I assure you that I own no property in Northern Ireland, never mind something as vile as a garden of flowers." Wolfsbane and boomslang . . . Aaron needed a trip to the apothecary soon, now that he thought about it.

"Muggle-watch?" he mocked, nearly snickering in response. "Is it truly that exciting to watch wild creatures in their natural habitats?" A very cynical and perhaps seemingly prejudiced response, but he certainly was only aiming for cynical. When she started going on about some sort of department store, he wasn't sure exactly how to respond. Was she really this insane? Or was she trying to make "normal" conversation for the sake of the presences nearby? "Everything happens when it's ready, so I'm sure it'll be a matter of time," he commented, as if he actually cared. Maybe he was a bit of a riddler himself. Now she was talking about the Ministry -- or he assumed that was it, given her indications and his lack of desire to turn around and check. The coal orbs were narrowed as the dark-dressed man observed her, watching for a change in face, a betrayal of her true intentions. What business would she have with the Ministry? She wasn't a Ministry woman, even if she seemed to enjoy being in control.

Aaron nearly snatched the newspaper from Arri when he saw the headline. His eyes were locked on the paper in his hands, and they scanned the contents. Was this some sort of trick? Hogwarts was reopening after ten long years? Why had no one else been informed -- or had they, and he wasn't part of the mix? Was the woman across the table being a b***h? So much had happened at Hogwarts, many ups and downs, and it had felt so strange to be without it for an entire decade. It was an almost unnatural feeling, more so unnatural than what he might normally have felt while being at the school. Did he actually . . . miss it? It was possible. As much as he hated the general population of students, there were always a few promising ones, and teaching gave him an outlet to express his own learnings. It had always been a positive experience, even if there were many parts of it that made him want to punch walls or children.

"Would Hogwarts be adequately staffed when the time comes?" he inquired, folding the newspaper up and handing it back to Arri in a calm, careless nature. Of course Aaron wanted to teach, and there was no reason not to ask about it. "Professors, head staff, the like -- what's happening after these ten years?"

[Arri Faltskog]

"Oh," she said as Aaron proclaimed that his mother was a gardener. She raised an eyebrow slightly though about having no property in Ireland. And yet he spoke Irish just a moment ago, was it not? She had been an administrator after all, and had some pull in Wizard dealings and information. But she shrugged her shoulders and left it at that, a small smirk on her face.

A quiet chuckle escaped her lips as he questioned her 'Muggle-watching'. "Yes, have you ever actually tried it?" she asked him. "It could be almost like an African safari, just watching them as they go, doing things in the traditional, mundane way, without any assistance what so ever from 'unexplainable circumstances'." Those 'unexplainable circumstances' being magical birth. As she continued talking about the department store and such, she noticed Aaron's slight change in expression. Surely he, knowing things Magical, knew about Purge and Dowse, aka St. Mungos. One never knew what one would find walking in, or out, of that location.

Ahh, but now he was finally catching onto what she was speaking of. His eyes were now narrowed on her face as she smirked at him. He was wondering, questioning even, her intentions of mentioning one of the entry ways into the Ministry. He thought she had no association within the Ministry. Did she? Or didn't she? Who knew what has happened in the last ten years. It was true, the two of them both were very cryptic about their personal information, so truly, how would Aaron know whether or not she was working within the Ministry, even if in an undercover role so that no one was the wiser. After all, how did she come upon the article which may or may not have already been released.

The newspaper was yanked from her hands faster than she could move a finger. She watched as Aaron's eyes locked onto the paper in his hands and looked at everything within it. It was no trick, at least for the time being. One did not know whether or not this was going to truly happen, but regardless it was a possibility was it not? The school reopening after ten long years in hiatus. No one had been informed indeed... at least no one being Aaron Lathen and many others. Arri knew. She, after all, did have the newspaper article. As she watched Aaron she noticed a very, very slight change in his eyes. Was that... longing... she saw in his features? Truly she must be seeing things? Was it possible that this person had a soul? Enjoyed his previous employment at Hogwarts? Hmmm, interesting.

Hearing his question, Arri shrugged. "Well, it would require making inquiries and summons, of course. Research, investigations, and the like. I mean truly, you remember what happened what happened before the school closed, don't you?" she asked him. The Headmaster's death and the fire that occurred after his funeral, her abduction and subsequent amnesia, Abba's odd behavior, and the disappearance of three staff members, to name a few things. "I would assume they plan to adequately staff the school before the official opening, and are probably doing so as we speak. If not having already been doing so for quite some time. Who knows how long this has been going on, perhaps several months, or even several years..."

It was quite curious. Aaron had so many questions regarding the staffing at the school and what was going to occur. Was he interested in teaching? Perhaps. He seemed to be very intrigued by the information she possessed. "There isn't that much information going around about what is going on obviously. Surely, you would have known something right?" she said, not really believing what she said but making it seem like she did. Aaron was always doing something that kept him away from civilization, in hiding or trying to be secretive. Lord knows ten years has made him older, possibly more senile at that. Perhaps in his old age he was wanting to relive his youth at school, or at least the torture he could wield as a teacher there. "I would assume they need Professors for classes, hoping to get a good amount of students to attend. I am sure Durmstrang and Beauxbatons is flooded with students they would happily transfer over, much less those from the America and Brazil. Why do you ask? Do you wish to be a Caretaker?" she jested at the end.

[Professor Aaron Lathen]

As much as he preferred Ireland, Aaron wanted to keep the dangers of his magical background away from his mother. She was talented with magic herself, but she stuck to herself and used her magic around the house, rather than around others. He preferred to be in civilization, not the countryside. He had inherited his father's manor and, though he certainly had plenty of inherited money to back it up if he wanted it, decided that one place to live was enough. The rest of the money could be saved for more important things, if need be.

"Safaris are a waste of time," he responded somewhat coldly. "Watching the Fountain of Trevi is certainly more satisfactory than hoping for a wild lion chase an unsuspecting gazelle -- and at least the Fountain has magical properties." The idea that the Trevi Fountain was magical was more of a controversy than a fact, but if there was a possibility that it was magical, he would support the idea. Fountains in general were often given magical attributes (especially wish-making attributes, though that was all bogus), so it wouldn't be difficult to support the idea. "If not magical, then psychological," he added as an after thought. Watching water, while completely and utterly boring, was more beneficial to the mind than watching animals run around.

Then again, going on a safari would have been more productive than sitting around, doing nothing. Boring, but productive. If one paid attention, he or she would likely learn something. Whether this something would be helpful to life was debatable, but something was always better than nothing. There was always room to learn.

What had happened before the school closed down had been no freak accident, though Arri certainly knew that. Fortunately for him, she would have no way of knowing the truth, unless the ones who had caused the incident came forward. She could have her theories (Aaron would have been surprised if she didn't have any, actually), but there was no evidence. It had all been wandless magic, and even the history of magic performed by a wand could be overridden, assuming you knew the right spell.

He didn't regret what he had done, but he wasn't a very proud man either. It had merely been a stage in his life, and it was all behind them now. "Who could forget?" he asked quietly, not wanting anyone to overhear. "It was one of the worst things to ever happen to Hogwarts. Anyone who has forgotten is clearly stupid or delusional." After considering it further, he added, "In any case, it's good to see that things are back to normal. Are all of your memories back?" He clearly remembered being in the Hospital Wing when Arri had been found, hanging on the edge of life and without all of her memories, troubled instead by the pain she had experienced through her abduction. Carma had given birth soon after he entered the Wing, too. He remembered that well enough. "Do you still have no idea who did that to you?" He was genuinely curious and, admittedly, very interested. As much as he disliked other people and the pair had their quarrels, he and Arri were not enemies. He would never have wished such terrible events on her.

Her question was pretty simple, but was it really on the right track? Aaron had been a dedicated and, if he could say so himself, good professor, but he probably had never been a favourite among the administration. Someone to fill the Defense position and, when the time came, someone who had been allowed to teach Dark Arts separately from the Defense class. How had that ended? His substitute had psyched out the students, Kiaro Matuchi had caused a scene, and it became evident that Hogwarts was only as safe its people were strong. It was no longer a haven, but it was as close a home as some people could have. Aaron had disappeared, and though there was no evidence that he was involved with the events that were circulating the world, the administration would no doubt have had its suspicions. He was not a criminal, but there was no law saying that he would be allowed to teach no matter what; that decision was left up to the administration -- the headmaster or headmistress, whoever that would be.

But Arri would have power, and surely she knew how beneficial it would have been for him to continue teaching. At least, she wouldn't have mentioned it if she didn't think so, right? Surely she wasn't that cruel.

Aaron snickered. She knew that that wasn't what he wanted, and he knew she was joking. "Only as much as you want to be the caretaker, I'm sure." Probably even less. He wasn't sure how she felt about such a demanding and terrible job. "I don't imagine some of our . . . older 'friends' will be returning or that they'll be too excited to do so. I see no problem in offering my assistance in the classroom or more important areas of interest within the school, if necessary." It was certainly a tricky path he was travelling, hinting at that. There was no denying that he liked power. Who didn't?

[Kelsey]

as if almost on queue of them discussing a caretaker position, a familiar face staggered into the patio area...
she stopped at the table of the two. paused. drank their tea. paused. picked up the scone. and then proceeded to leave the cafe.

[Arri Faltskog]

"No they are not, it depends on the person really," she replied back to Aaron. "Obviously you do not appreciate the serenity a possible African Safari can bring you. Driving through the Savannah while watching wild life in its natural habitat, like here in London. It can be quite soothing or amusing. I mean, look at how simple their lives are. Animals just roam free on land that is not bothered by certain things, unless you add a poacher or something like that, but generally they are free to do as they please, kill what they need for food if they are a predator and the like. The same in London."

Yes indeed, sometimes life in the Muggle world was so much easier than that of the Wizarding World. Sure they did not have magic and things were done manually, but sometimes those things made life peaceful and worth living. Arri lived in both the Wizarding and Muggle worlds. They both had their advantages and disadvantages. "Do they realize the hazards of our world? No, they live their lives here being none the wiser. See how much easier their lives are? They did not have to deal with the travesties that our world deals with. It is almost like being immune to such things."

Aaron started talking about the events that happened at Hogwarts. Leaning back in her chair, she sipped her tea and listened to him talk. She did indeed have her theories about what had occurred and who had done it. It seemed pretty obvious really. I mean some people disappeared after the events. Things happened before their disappearance. It did not take an investigator to realize that something was amiss. Still though, she would not speak her suspicions; she would keep them to herself for safe keeping. Hearing him talking about her amnesia, she then nodded. "As far as I know yes, I do remember everything that has been lost," Arri replied with a shrug. As for who harmed her those years ago, she shook her head. "I honestly don't. I don't think I can put a face to the voice or what not but I do know that if it was anything at all, those men at the least were pinning their vendetta for my uncle against me."

When Arri started having those dreams about what happened, she had tried to grasp what was going on. As her memory started to return Arri was still unable to piece together why they did it. The only thing she could figure out was that they were either continued attacks like the one at the funeral or simply an attack because of their hatred for her uncle. She did not know whether or not to say what she thought about the matter. After all, she did suspect Aaron, at least to an extent, of that crime at the funeral. It was just to coincidental that he and Carma and Kiaro all suddenly left, not to mention his relationship with Carma, and Carma's obvious friendship with Kiaro. Whatever it was though Arri still, for some reason, was able to sit here and talk with Aaron without much fear for her life.

Don't get her wrong, sure, Aaron probably could try to kill her, but really it was reciprocal. There did seem to be some sort of odd mutual acceptance of one another. Acceptance may not be the right word. Understanding perhaps? Either way, Arri did notice his concern, or at least his curiosity about the event that happened to her. I mean who wouldn't be? A senior administrator of Hogwarts is ambushed during the evening in the London skies. Who would do such a thing, and why? It has been over 10 years since the event. Thankfully things had seemed to calm down over time although the school ended up closing down. Regardless the world seemed to be righting itself again, at least somewhat. Or was it?

It may have been, after all the school was possibly opening again. But who would be in power. Who would be the head of the school. Surely Arri was not suggesting that Aaron Lathen may be the next Headmaster? Ha! She'd be more likely to drive a stake into his heart than see him as the next Headmaster of Hogwarts. But who could it be? Would they be better than the last one? Would they be good? Or evil? It made one wonder how much Arri truly knew about the situation. Was she a part of it all? Was she making all the big decisions? Choosing the new Head of the School or who was going to get hired?

Aaron was right about one thing --- Arri did enjoy power. It was something she had wielded for quite some time, especially at Hogwarts. Was it possible that she infiltrated the Ministry too? Or at least their dealings with the school? It almost seemed like she was trying to take over like that one Under-Secretary that once was within the Ministry.... "Touche," she said with a smirk. She did not want to be the Caretaker. "I am sure Kelsey would like to have that job back at school. She was, after all, pretty darn good at it." With the mention of Kelsey's name, Arri saw that the very person being mentioned was there taking her tea and scone. As Kelsey left, Arri could not help but chuckle. It was almost like they just had her interview there. Did they?

Aaron's mention of old friends got her thinking and she shrugged. "I honestly do not know. I mean I haven't talked to a lot of them in quite some time. In truth, I haven't kept in contact with very many of them. It's been quite a few years since I've seen the likes of some of the other admins even." Pouring more tea into her cup, Arri thought about the past few years. The things she had done and the work she did did not leave much time to keep in contact with many of her past co-workers, much less her friends.

"Perhaps," Arri said slowly, an eyebrow slightly raised. "You did teach very well, I will give you that. Your lessons were probably better than some of your other peers." Was Arri building Aaron up? Why? Was it for a possible promotion or a huge letdown? Who knew, but she did notice his slight emphasis of willingness to help in more 'important' areas of interest within the school. Power is what he was saying. A slight smirk arose on her lips as she took a sip of her tea. "Are you hinting Aaron? That, perhaps, you would like a position on the staff? As possibly someone of authority? Say a Director, or even, dare I suggest, Headmaster?"

Wow, this was starting to sound almost like an interview........

[James Vanderpol]

"Gosh darn it. If I ever get my hands on that little rascal Kelsey, I'll..." he mumbled as the last of his sentence was drowned out by the crowd in the streets of London.

It was a b-e-a-utiful day and instead spending his time planning his next mischief, he was off and about chasing after the school caretaker. It's funny how that works, isn't it? A student chasing a staff member, what has this world come to? But as odd as the situation was, tracking her down was a must.

Nobody gets away with messing up my hair. Nobody!

The hair was his source of charm, his get-out-of-jail card so to speak. He could bend the minds of the most intelligent professors with a flick of his hair. How else would he be a 7th year student having missed out on all but a handful of classes?

Having never been one for manners, James moved through the crowds pushing people left and right out of the way. He was actually quite irritated that these people weren't moving out of the way by themselves, as was the norm back at school.

Stupid muggles, get out of my way! Do you know who I am?

These were indeed muggles and they had absolutely no idea who he was. Unbeknownst to them, he could clear the streets of London with a flick of his wand. But according to Arri a few years back, an action like that could have consequences far beyond his scope of brutality. Or scope of sexuality. Or maybe it was scope of gravity? Perhaps if someone else had scolded him, he would have lent an ear. But that woman goes on and on about morals this and morals that, it bore him more than anything in the world.

His eye caught sight of something in the distance, someone in the distance...

Arri? Could it be? What is she doing out on the streets of London? That old hag never leaves the boundaries of her beloved school!

But before he could fully process that thought, his eyes shifted over to a girl standing beside Arri.

KELSEY.

Just then, he lost sight of her as the heads of London passed in front of him.

"MOVE!" he shouted, pushing people out of his way.

As his view of the cafe became unobstructed, Kelsey was nowhere to be found. Insisting that she must have spotted him and hid, he rushed up to Arri's table and did a quick check. Under the table? Nope. Under the chairs? Nope. He put his hands on the backs of Arri and the man she was with and nudged them forward in their seats. Squished on the backs of the chairs? Nope. As he stood there contemplating Kelsey's whereabouts, his eyes met up with Arri's eyes. This was the first time in this encounter that James actually came to the realization of Arri's presence. He had been so focused on finding Kelsey that he had completely forgotten he was disrupting what seemed to be a meeting between his Director of Curriculum and someone dressed up like a hitman.

Boy, that would have been awkward if Arri was wearing a skirt.

He glanced down at the table and spotted a tea set. He reached for the pot, poured himself a cup of tea and gulped it down. He looked over at Arri and held his pointer finger up with his palms facing outward as if to mean, hold on.

*BURP*

He took a sniff and asserted, "lavender, yum!"

With that, he took off to find Kelsey. She may have won this battle, but not the war! Mwahahah.

[Steve]

Steve who still resided in London was casually walking by when he noticed two people sitting at a near by table. A very beautiful woman and some old, old, old, really old man. Holy Moly, it was Katie Holmes! ! ! ! ! ! Whipping out his camera Steve took several picture of Katie and hurried away. He had to get those pictured to TMZ...he was gonna be rich!

[Professor Aaron Lathen]

"Sure, it depends on the person," he agreed, shrugging his shoulders and observing his tea more closely, rather than making eye contact. "But if not to learn for the purpose of changing, what's the point? To 'relax'? That's simply lazy and unnecessary." All up for debate, certainly, and probably to be debated by Arri. This might have been something they would disagree on forever.

It was a common and easy point to make, that Muggles didn't have to worry about the trivialities of there being two worlds. Sometimes problems from the wizarding world arose in the Muggle world, but Muggles were none-the-wiser to the true origins of these strange events. Still. . . . "There's another world out there, one that they might never know," Aaron explained, casually running his finger around the rim of his cup. By now, his eyes were locked on the woman opposite him. "At peace they may be, but they're still blind to the full world around them -- and for once, it's not by their own choice."

A vendetta against Malfoy? Not at all surprising. He was about as pleasant as moldy bread, and his guidance had not exactly been the best. As similar as Arri was to her uncle, Aaron was honestly glad that she was not in fact her uncle. She was certainly a better person, if only because she had been able to avoid the same lifestyle. Lucius wasn't completely to blame for his reputation, but he definitely wasn't completely innocent. "It's a shame you can't make them out or remember anything helpful." He hadn't intended for it to sound as it did, but he was hardly focused on polite formalities.

Kelsey had been . . . interesting, for want of a better word. Most of the characters at Hogwarts were interesting in one way or another (Aaron was no exception), but it was for this reason that Hogwarts was bearable. Annoying though most of them were, they contributed in one way or another to an atmosphere that was forever changing, never boring and static. It was appreciated, if only a little. That Kelsey spontaneously appeared now of all times only caused a roll of the eyes from Aaron. He didn't respond to her continued recognition of the caretaker position and instead took a sip of tea.

"Who could stay away?" he mused, smirking ever so slightly. "It's like a plague of inexplicable allure. No one can stay away forever." This man was evidence of that. Even after disappearing for several months, he had found his way back, unconcerned about being caught in his endeavours to see the downfall of this part of the wizarding world. As involved as he had tried to be in that, Hogwarts was still strangely addicting. Addictive was the only way to describe it with an ounce of accuracy.

When Ariyanna admit that he was a good professor, he could only take a sip of tea in confirmation. He never tried to be, but Aaron knew that he was a good professor in one manner or another. Many times throughout his lessons, students were face to face with the horrors of the Dark Arts; only through experience would they be able to even begin comprehending what he might want them to know. Even if he wasn't a good teacher, he would be convinced that he was simply because he believed in his methods and wanted to believe that they were effective. In many ways, they had been, though the students might not have realised that. Unfortunately, it had been over ten years since he'd properly taught. Who was to say that he hadn't gone soft?

" . . . or even, dare I suggest, Headmaster?"

Aaron nearly burst out laughing, though it wasn't that funny. Taking a sip of tea to calm himself, he leaned forward slightly and ignored the onlookers who had been alerted by his outburst. "Me? Headmaster of Hogwarts?" He said it as though it were the most amusing thing anyone could propose. "I would never want that much responsibility or that much spotlight. The pressure . . . the duty. No, I'm not that type of man. I don't want my reputation speculated in the Daily Prophet every time I sneeze or lift a finger.

"But another position?" The dark-haired man chuckled to himself, leaning back a little and smiling satisfactorily. He hadn't won, but Arri had gotten the message. He wasn't foolish. Just hopeful. "Oh, power in the right hands can be a beautiful and wonderful thing. Of course I want to return to the staff team, Ariyanna. What better what to exercise my knowledge than to pass it on to others? An innocent and selfless suggestion, if ever there was one. Acquiring a position of a more practical nature . . . well, wouldn't that just make things easier for everyone?"

Aaron idly moved his finger in a circular motion, causing the tea within the cup to slowly stir itself, half-drained and unseen by anyone who didn't stand directly at the table. "Keeping the wheels in motion is how you make progress, after all -- and each time you turn the wheels, you might find something new and even more exciting than before."

[Arri Faltskog]

A moment passed where Arri sat there somewhat stunned and perplexed. James Vanderpool ran past their table after Kelsey but stopped and grabbed himself a bite to eat and drink before running off again. Shaking her head, Arri raised her hand to the waiter for some more tea, scones, and some new cups, in the event another guest may just so happen to appear.

Arri noticed that Aaron wanted to laugh dramatically over the suggestion of Headmaster. A bit too dramatically really. She could see a cover up there. The need for power was not uncommon or unheard of, especially someone who dabbled in the Dark Arts or followed the words and ways of the Dark Lord at some point or another. Even if you did not follow the Dark ways power was something just about everyone craved. Why else would people try to steal other peoples higher job positions or try to murder someone for something, or someone, they wanted. "Oh but surely you would love the thought of being able to hand down judgment and punishment to the ones who do not do as you command? I mean, really, the power to have people do as you want...."

Taking another sip of her tea, she watched Aaron as he tried to say why he would not want that position but instead would take another. "Beautiful and wonderful it may be, but we all know that power in the wrong hands can mean the destruction of many." She could not help but laugh when she heard Aaron speak the words 'innocent' and 'selfless' in the same sentence. She did not realize he knew those words. "Really, Innocent and selfless? Why do I get the feeling there may be some ulterior motive to this whole thing?"

It almost seemed like a Journey song was playing, at least in Erika's mind. But as Arri sat there listening to Aaron she nodded. Indeed, the wheels were turning and to make progress you had to move forward. "Indeed, this will be an interesting venture then wouldn't it? The school reopening and such. I wonder who's going to teach, and what is going to be taught. I mean truly, there isn't going to be very many students you would think. This place has been shut down for at least 10 years now. Who knows if we will even have any students show up?" Stirring her cup of tea, Arri glanced around and thought she had seen a flash out of the corner of her eye. Shrugging, she took another sip and continued to look at Aaron.

From behind Aaron's head, Arri's eyes casually looked at the scenery behind him. She watched as some people walked in and out of Purge and Dowse thinking no one was looking. Even the broken down telephone booth was getting used from time to time. Something was going on and Arri made a quiet mental note of those occurrences. She would have to investigate them later. Turning back to Aaron, she smiled slightly. "I do wonder who is going to take over the school, don't you? Who would want to take that position after all this time..."