Back in Hogsmeade.

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

It's been a very long couple of weeks, and Inara is pleased like she hasn't been in a while to be back in her apartment above the bookshop. She goes downstairs after apparating into her bedroom in order to pick up her mail that arrived while she was away (not much, all told) and to check in with Ivy.

Afterward, it is just Inara in the storefront, changing the window displays for the week.





Right before dinner, Inara also takes a walk around the town. Nice to get the ground under your feet sometimes.

[ooc: catch her either place.]

Comments

[veneficusvenato]

Oh, if only her work were only managerial.
Or maybe it was. Just managing more than a bar.


Whether that was promotion or demotion depended daily.


"Upstairs would be for the best." Beat. "You can bring your drink."

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

Inara brings the drink more out of decorum than a real want for it, and she follows Jo upstairs. When the door clicks shut behind them both Inara can hear the tumblers of at least three distinct locks rolling shut.

Inara wastes no time placing her glass on the nearest flat surface and reaching into one of her wide sleeves to pull out a small packet of folded paper.

"Letters and research," she explains.

[veneficusvenato]

Everything about the upstairs is different from the downstairs. The first noticeable thing was that there were too many doors on the walls for how much actual hall spaces there was.

And the locks handle themselves. They way they always do.



Jo nodded, "Alright."

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

"Most of it, as I'm sure you're well aware, revolves around the rumors surrounding Headmaster Ozai."

[veneficusvenato]

"He can be," she paused for a steadier glance at the letters. "- quite problematic."

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

"The concern is that nobody seems to be able to substantiate the principal rumor surrounding why he took up the position as Headmaster in the first place."

He's looking for something. Inara's sure of it. No one seems to know what.

[veneficusvenato]

"Several things." A man like that didn't look for only one.
"We're still diplomatically friendly with him."

Beat. "Even here." Beat. "Especially here."


A man like that didn't need Spoiler for one thing.

Jo's mouth firmed slightly as she considered that part.

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

Continuing on, "I have been sent to Hogsmeade to both facilitate communication between parties with mutual interests, as well as to attempt alternative methods of monitoring the ways in and out of the castle."

[veneficusvenato]

"And you plan to do that, how?"

It's not an attack. It's just an even question.

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

"The owlery had been my first choice."

[veneficusvenato]

"I can assume you're already well versed in the spells around Hogwarts."

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

"I am. Which also makes having an Animagus talent helpful, to circumvent at least some of the problems which occur when trying to work one's way onto the grounds."

There are plenty of records, now, about how Animagi lived in the castle for years.

[veneficusvenato]

Jo nodded. There were ways. No several. But some.

"We have members inside who will help you when you need it, too."

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

"Sokka. And Leah, I assume."

[veneficusvenato]

Her face doesn't even shift the slightest.

(If anything, they should come before her. They were.
At least here. Jo wouldn't be here but for her own orders.)



"We have several members in the staff and keepers of Hogwarts."

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

"I'm aware," is all Inara says in reply.

"Do you have any questions for me?"

[veneficusvenato]

And yet she chose to 'assume' only two.
She chose to direct a personal statement at Jo.


Sadly.



There was nothing personal about her professional side.

There was nothing personal about her WHD work.
Even if she was doing this now and her as Jo.

Even if she's uncertain she's not being tested.
Not by Inara. For her five years of rule flouting.
For how much or how little they'd effect her work now.


It was a very thin line. Liking the threat on neither side.



"If I asked, would you tell your goals and motives?"
There's something calmly, unpointed about this.
At least acknowledging everyone has them.

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

"My goals or those of House Madrassa?"

[veneficusvenato]

"Yours."

As Jo would hold Inara in active responsibility here if.

"But I wouldn't turn down both, if you're offering."

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

Inara was not offering.

But how to phrase it?

"I believe in Hogwarts. What it should be, and what it needs to be. If I can help keep this safe, I want to.




"It is important to me."

[veneficusvenato]

"And what do you think those are?"

As that was a very opinion-based statement.
Without any reveal about that thought behind it.

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

"Is this an interview?"

[veneficusvenato]

"You were the one who asked if I had questions."

Jo's mouth has finally curved. "I hadn't realized it was rhetorical."

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

"I hadn't realized your questions would have less to do with what I can help with and more about my personal philosophy."

[veneficusvenato]

"Your personal philosophy has a basis in your actions."
Jo would know all about that. The worst parts even.


"In choices you'll make in a pinch."