The water trickled down from the leaky ceiling. There was little movement around the darkened room. A cold draft continued to plague Andre but he did nothing to get warm. He remained seated on a spindly kitchen chair, his pale blue staring out the tiny window above the sink. His thoughts drifted in and out, every once in a while something would draw his attention back to his current surroundings.

“Oh, please would you stop moping around, Andre,” a soft feminine voice purred from the doorway. Andre jumped from his chair, his wand in hand ready for attack. However, he soon lowered his arm as he saw the thin red head saunter over towards him. “You’re such a bore, you know that? What were you thinking about this time?”

“Not that it’s any of your business, Dreama,” Andre grumbled as he moved to sit back down, running his hand through his blonde hair, brushing away strands from his eyes. “… I was thinking of Alec.”

“Ah, yes. The young rogue that rescued you in the Congo. You, war worn commander about to get your head severed from your neck, he the dashing young Auror jumps out to save the captured commander…” The red head spoke in an over dramatic tone. “Yes, I’ve read all about your little escapade there. What got you caught by some witch doctor with a few surprises?”

“As a matter of fact, no.” He sneered, feeling even more irritated by her very presence. “There were dark wizards too.”

“So what were you doing there?”

“Looking for the witch doctor.” With that Dreama barked with laughter.

“I’m so glad you find me so amusing.” Andre rolled his eyes and stood from his chair, walking over to the counter. He placed his palms on either side of him, as he leaned back. “Is there some point to this visit or are you just hear to mock me?”

“The Master wants to know what reports you have from your inside man.” The redhead managed to say through her fit of laugher. She continued to struggle with her composure but soon stopped laughing to allow Andre to give his report.

“McFarlin’s been at the Ministry lately, he’s been rummaging through my old records along with Irsha’s. He’s getting too close.” Andre added wearily. “She needs to be warned that Alec is looking into her past. If he figures out we knew each other, her cover will be blown.”

“Calm down, Andre. You worry too much. The Master will handle this. For now, you will meet up with Irsha as planned.” Dreama then turned and with a loud pop, she was gone.

--

The Auror’s office was unusually busy. Alec figured it was probably due to the new overload cases coming in. It was odd for the sudden spike in dark wizard activity. Something was stirring the hive.

People scrambled through the narrow halls. Alec walked by Head of Auror’s office, making the mistake by glancing inside briefly. The young auror commander called to him. Reluctantly, Alec turned and stepped into the office, the door closed behind him with a loud clunk. Alaric’s cousin stood behind his chair, reading over something on the desk. Valius Ravenor, a well known auror who was in charge of the first company, rumored to be in charge of some secret elite group of aurors. However, Alec knew this to be more than a rumor. He would not be doing his job if he did not know these kinds of things. Alec was fully aware of each of these men’s activities, though not all the time.

He knew he had to watch himself around Valius. Alec knew he had a more violent temper than his younger cousin. It was probably the reason Alaric was in charge of the aurors and not Valius.

“Is there something I can do for you, sir?” Alec asked impassively, as he stood at attention.

“It has come to my attention that you have been poking around in some of the archives,” Alaric flung a manila folder towards Alec. Then continued as Alec made to catch it. “Specifically, those concerning the Department of Mysteries and a former auror’s death records. Mind telling us what you’re up to?”

Alec did not bother opening the file as he watched Alaric and Valius, knowing they were waiting for his reaction to their knowledge. However he stayed calm, and expressionless. He merely stared back at the pair before answering, choosing his words carefully.

“Just some research, sir. Nothing of consequence.” It was a lie and he hoped Valius had not picked up on that. Alec found everything he needed to take him to his next destination. He was meant to be heading there now, however this slight detour he hoped wouldn’t take long.

Valius shifted behind Alaric’s chair, his face remained expressionless as Alec’s. None of them responded, as Alec placed the folder back on the desk.

“I see you have no interest on the information we gathered from your cousin.” Alaric commented as he assessed Alec’s reaction. Alec looked down at the file, his name clearly labeled across it. Alec frowned.

“My cousin doesn’ know anythin’, Raven… Sir.” Alec paused. He was falling into an obvious trap. What did they know? It could not be much otherwise they would have arrested him already. Attack first ask questions later. If they had anything implicating on him, he would not be standing here right now. “If you and your lackey cousin are done analyzing me, I have work I need to finish… in Bermuda.” He added bitterly.

“Watch who you’re calling lackey, McFarlin” Valius growled.

“Would you prefer puppet?” Alec snapped, making the mistake of annoying the commander. Before he realized, Valius had rounded desk, gripping a fist full of Alec’s robes, shoving him against the wall. Alec’s head slammed against the door, causing a few lower murmurs from the other side. The men stared each other down. Neither made another move beyond that.

“That’s enough, Valius.” Alaric’s voice broke the silence. “Remember that you are Commander in my division and you will hold the utmost respect.”

Alec was not sure but he had the feeling Alaric was on his feet and probably not as shocked as he was by Valius Ravenor’s reaction. Alec knew he had pushed the limit by insulting his superiors, however, he would not admit that.

“Shove it, Alaric.” Valius snarled, his grip tightened as Alec glared back at him.

“Valius!”

With low frustrated growl, Valius released Alec, taking a step back. He did not look happy that his cousin prevented him from pulverizing Alec on the spot.

“McFarlin, these kinds of things which keeps you from rising in the ranks.” Alaric remarked as he made to stand next to Valius. “You will remember your place; now get out of here before I decide to strip you of what little rank you have.”

“Gladly.” Alec glowered.

Before another word could be uttered, Alec turned to fling the door open, slamming it behind him. Valius released his clinched fist. He flexed his gloved fingers trying to get rid of some of the tension.

“He was lying, Alaric. He knows more than he’s telling… he was worried for a second there when you mentioned Adam.” He noted as soon as Alec was gone. “Do you think the younger McFarlin really knows anything else?”

“No, I don’t. However, keep him in confinement. Alec is up to something and I want to know what.” Alaric turned back to his desk, picking up the file, pulling the several blank pages from file. “Find someone you trust explicitly, see if you can get a little reconnaissance on Alec. I want to know where he is at all times. Got it?”

Valius simply nodded in understanding before leaving the office.