DANIEL DAWLISH

She leaned back slightly at how stern his words were. “Ok, Daniel it is then.” She wasn’t quite sure what to make of this guy, he seemed far too serious and in Izzy’s eyes that made him incredibly boring. She wondered how long she’d have to stand there making conversation with him. “I’m sure it is worth it but it can’t be easy. Other people’s lives depending on you and all that. All I do is staple papers together.” She gave a small laugh, holding up the papers in her hand. She was about to tell him how unhappy her job made her when she heard the door open behind him and a man walked out. “Am I able to see him now?”

“I couldn’t stand an office job, but that’s just me. But you’re right, responsibility is something we have to bear.” It annoyed him when younger Aurors came in thinking that being an Auror would make them a hero. “Staplers are dangerous too, you know.” he said with a small smirk, just as the door behind him opened. As she asked whether or not she could go in, he almost wished he could say no. Speaking to someone casually while he was at work was not something that happened often. Perhaps it was for the best - he still had to maintain his stone cold image or else no one would take him seriously. “Yes. He’ll be wanting those reports immediately. I’ll-” he hesitated, “I may see you around.”

“Daniel.” She replied. “Can I call you Dan? Danny?” She queried him. “Yeah I imagine it would take a lot of work to become an Auror.” It made her head spin just to think about the amount of magic that must be involved in a job like that, especially when simply levitating something was enough of a challenge for her. She gave him a small smile. “I’m lucky to have the job I have, I don’t think pushing for anything more would be a wise idea.”

Daniel was slightly taken aback by the idea of being called something other than ‘Dawlish’ at work. “I normally go by Daniel,” he said, a little too sternly, “But Dan is okay. If you’d like.” His mother used to call him Danny-Boy, like the song, and he’d not been called that since she passed away. “Some say it’s worth the work.” he said with a shrug. “I like the job, and it’s an honour to protect the Minister. It’s just a bit...” he paused, trying to find the right word, “stressful.” He gave a slight nod. “If you’re happy where you are then there’s no need to change, right?”

She watched him as he spoke, although she knew she’d never met the man before there was something about him that she seemed to recognise and he really was quite good-looking. She automatically slipped into a little fantasy where she imagined what it might be like to kiss him, something she often did when she first met a hot guy. A small smirk crossed her lips at the thought before she replied to him. “Nice to meet you Daniel, as I said my name is Isabelle but most people call me Izzy. The Auror office though, that’s quite impressive. I’ve been doing exactly the same job since I left school six years ago.”

Daniel couldn’t help but feel confused about why she was smirking - had something he said amused her? He hadn’t said anything particularly interesting. What an odd woman. “Isabelle. Izzy.” he corrected himself. “It took years of hard work to become an Auror. Nowadays it feels like they’re letting anyone become an Auror because they need more.” He said with a shrug. He didn’t normally slag off his work while he was actually at work. but there were no ears listening other than hers. “The same job? Working for Elphias Greengrass? Never felt like a career change?” Six years ago... That made her four years younger than himself.

Isabelle frowned at him, it was only three minutes past noon and he was being unnecessarily rude. “I apologise, I was instructed to take them once Mr Greengrass got back and he didn’t get back until midday. It takes at least three minutes to walk from my department to here.” She looked at the clock and sighed, she’d really been hoping to get off early today and waiting around to see the minister wasn’t going to help that. She decided she might as well make the most of her time and have a little chat with the bodyguard to pass the time, even if he did seem like a complete grump. “So, er, what’s your name then? I don’t think I’ve seen you around the ministry before.”

Daniel felt the tiniest pang of guilt as she apologised to him. It wasn’t her fault, really, nor was it his place to speak to her in such a way. It was all a part of work-Daniel’s persona, and he didn’t know how to switch it off. The woman seemed nice enough, and her sigh at the clock on the wall made it clear that she didn’t want to be there just as much as he didn’t. Might as well play nice. “I’m Dawlish. Daniel Dawlish. I’ve been hidden away in the Auror Office since I got to the Ministry. I was only promoted to this position a few months ago. I’ve not seen you around either.” I think. It did feel like they’d spoken before, although Daniel had no idea when or where this could have happened.

Isabelle looked carefully at the man in front of her. She had always been one for judging people by first appearance as she believed that the way someone looked and dressed was a very good indication of their personality. This man was very smartly dressed and the expression on his face was extremely serious, which Izzy took to mean that he took his job very seriously. She thought he was fairly good-looking but reckoned that he’d look considerably better if he actually smiled. She thought it was rather rude of him not to even bother greeting him but she figured it wasn’t worth getting upset over as she was unlikely to ever see him again. “Improper Use of Magic Office, Department of Magical Law Enforcement.” She said sweetly, giving him her best fake smile just to make a point that kindness didn’t kill. “I work for Elphias Greengrass, the papers are from him.”

"Right.” He glanced at the clock on the wall. “Those were due at noon. You’re late.” He hadn’t intended to come across as rude, but the foul mood of the Minister had certainly rubbed off on him. “It is unfortunate but you were just beaten to the post - someone is already in with him. You’ll have to wait here until he’s finished.” There was something about her smile that seemed familiar, even though it was so blatantly forced at that moment. Isabelle Parkinson, not a name that rang any bells in particular. Daniel rarely found himself in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, but he had heard of Elphias Greengrass. Who hadn’t? He wondered if she new who he was. Very few did. It came as a shock to many that Dawlish had been selected as the Minister’s bodyguard over other Aurors like Prewett, since he came from a small family of humble roots. “It shouldn’t take too long.”

Isabelle picked up the pile of papers on her desk and double checked to make sure they were all there. She’d been given strict instructions by her boss to take them directly to the minister as soon as he arrived back from his meeting at midday. So after an entire morning of “working” while her boss was in meetings, the clock finally hit noon and she headed to the ministers office. His receptionist waved her through without question, all the assistants knew each other after all, and she walked up to the door. Standing outside it was a serious looking man who Izzy assumed served as part of the minister’s security team. “Good afternoon, my name is Isabelle Parkinson, I’m here to deliver these to the minister.” She told him, holding up the papers for him to see.

The mentioning of the Halloween Party caused Emma to scowl, and her hand instinctively went to her neck where a ring of bruises had remained for a few days after the attack. She’d never felt so powerless in her life, and it was a feeling she never ever wanted to experience again. “Yeah, I was there,” she responded curtly, and while she didn’t verbally offer any more information an intuitive person would have gathered all they needed to know from her physical reaction. “Were you?”

Upon seeing her reaction, Daniel had seen all he needed to know, and all she was willing to give. It was only natural for one to be shaken up after such a horrific event. He'd seen many people walking around, haunted by what they saw. He could only be grateful that many were able to get away before it became truly dangerous. However, Daniel's misery only continued; the Aurors were getting a lot of stick, which, added to the responsibility Daniel already felt, made him feel guilty, and angry. But he knew his place. He would have to bear it, and help rectify the problem calmly, as directed by the Minister. He was lost in his thoughts when it dawned on him that she had responded with a question of her own. "Y-yes, I was. Just a few scrapes and bruises, though..."

"I’m always right." She said with small grin. She noticed the effect she’d had on him and smiled to herself, it was fun to watch men stumble over themselves around her. "I’m sure you would, but I’m afraid you’ll have to try harder than that to find out." She looked at him carefully, he might look 28 but he certainly didn’t look the same age as Elphias, it was probably just because her boss looked particularly old. She was tempted to see under his mask though, to see if he was as cute as she suspected he was. "Well you know where to fi-" Her sentence was cut off as the glass of champagne spilt over her. "Oh shit." She let him clean it up but she knew he was quite drunk and she wasn’t convinced he’d done it properly. She tried to look at the damage done to her dress but she couldn’t see the back properly with her mask on.

"Ah, a Slytherin." Cunning, resourceful, ambitious. Daniel wasn't seeing much of that in the boy. "I know of a Greengrass in the ministry, but he's known for the good work he produces. I fear that you're known for things which may not be as impressive." Daniel cleared his throat, trying to push the meeting in the right direction. "I'll introduce myself. I'm Daniel Dawlish, and I'm an Auror, specifically working as bodyguard to the Minister for Magic. I should be able to help you in any subjects that you require help in, but I'm also here for advice and other support." He looked the boy over again. "What is it that you want to do after you graduate from here?"

"You don’t know what I would and wouldn’t like." She leaned in so that her lips were by his ear and lowered her voice to a whisper. "You don’t know anything about me." She pulled away and took another sip from her glass, she enjoyed seducing men at it was even more fun when they were drunk. "You make a good point, although I’m quite used to this sort of alcohol." She bit her lip to stop herself laughing at his pretty accurate descriptions of her boss. "Really?" She asked, slightly surprised. "You don’t seem anywhere near as old as him." She very much doubted his next statement but she knew Death Eaters were often undercover so she guessed he was probably trying to distance himself. "Yep, at the desk, right in front of his office, where he can always keep one eye on me."

"I suppose you're right..." his breath caught in his throat as she got dangerously close to him, her hot breath grazing his ear and making him blush underneath his mask. "B-b-but maybe, maybe I'd like to know..." Even as she pulled away he still felt warm, and not just because he was a tad drunk. He grabbed another glass of champagne. "Well, if you could see my entire face it may be more obvious how old I am. Not that 28 is ancient or anything. But yeah, if I remember I'll pop by sometime. See the face under the mask." He leaned in closer, as if to take a peak under her mask, but in the process he spilled the contents of his glass over her side. "Oh- Christ. I'm so sorry." He got his wand out of his jacket pocket and cast a cleaning spell quickly over the dry area, although it was probable that there was still a bit left on there but he didn't want to ask her to turn around and let him fix it.

Unable to muster up the effort it would take to snap back and cause an argument, Emma just sighed. After being attacked by Dolohov, or Frank as she’d known him by, at the event, Emma really didn’t want to make any more enemies. It hadn’t really hit Emma before just how serious the war was. Before now, she hadn’t been affected by it and neither had anyone she knew. It was just something she read about in the paper. That wasn’t the case anymore, and it had made Emma even more aware of the importance of allies in times like these. Unnecessary enemies or general bad relationships were the last thing she needed. So Emma softened her face, and shook her head in response to his question.  ”No, you didn’t, I’m fine. I apologise for snapping, it’s been a rough week,” she said apologetically and sincerely. 

Daniel allowed a small smile to turn up the corners of his lips as the girl backed down. "It's been a chaotic week for everyone, I believe. Were you at the Halloween Party?" he asked. The idea that this battle between them and the Death Eaters was becoming more and more of a threat to the civilians angered him; as the days passed more and more people were becoming involved or being attacked. "Or, perhaps, something else is on your mind? In which case, I shouldn't intrude."

"A little bit yes, but at least you admit to it. No, it probably wasn’t but it’s Christmas so why not?" She said and took her third glass of champagne from the bar. "Oh yes definitely, champagne’s far better than brandy. Greengrass. Elphias Greeengrass. As I said you probably know him." She took a sip from her glass and smiled. "I doubt it’d get me into trouble but it’d certainly give me a good laugh."

"You might not like the real me, any way. Few seem to. Or perhaps I won't let them like me. Whatever." he swotted away the depressing thoughts with his hands. "Depends on what you like, really. I'm normally happy with beer but when there;s this much fancy alcohol around you[re not allowed to not drink it." He pursed his lips as he scanned through his memory to find that name. "Stuffy git in a suit! Yes. He was in my year at Hogwarts. Hardly know him though. Our circles rarely overlap. At least now I know where I can find you, eh?"

"Modest too." She said with a grin. She watch him take yet another drink, this man certainly wasn’t wasting any time. “I think I’m still employed because my boss is rather…fond of me.” She admitted, not quite sure how else to describe the way Elphias was with her. “He’s just preoccupied while he’s at work. Sort of man who takes his job very seriously.” His drunken ramblings were starting to get a bit weird, talking about wearing dresses and stuff. She was now pretty sure he was a Death Eater from what he was saying and even though she knew she was perfectly safe she always felt slightly uneasy around the ones she didn’t know well. “You probably know him actually. Yes, I’m afraid the world is unfair.” She agreed, deciding it was best to humour him.

"Sorry. I'm coming across as an arrogant arse, aren't I? I'm not normally like this. I'm normally very very different. I suppose the brandy wasn't a good idea after a long day of work." He finished off his champagne. "Champagne's better. I'd like to stop imagining my boss' reaction to me in a dress now. What's your bosses' name? I can send him owls to tell him to compliment your daily ball gowns." He grinned. "Might get you into trouble but it could brighten up your day, right?"

"Wow, sounds like you’re quite an impressive man. I know there are certainly hundreds of people who could do my job, and probably do it better as well." She noticed his smile, it was a very nice smile and although she was mostly staying because she found drunk people entertaining there was something about him that intrigued her. She shook her head, she really didn’t understand people who wore the same outfit more than once to these kinds of events but she decided not to comment. “Still teasing.” She said with another smirk. “Oh, I’m just an assistant. I doubt my boss would even notice if I turned up in a ballgown.” At the mention of his build Isabelle took the opportunity to have a good look at him. She couldn’t see properly, of course, but his body certainly seemed impressive. “No I don’t suppose it would.”

"Yes, I think I am quite impressive actually. Thank you very much!" he said as he picked up a glass of champagne. This stuff was very tasty. He'd have more of that later. "Well if you're still employed then you can't be that bad. But it's sad that your boss wouldn't notice you in a ball gown. I hope he's blind." His whole face drooped into a pouty frown. "My boss would notice. He notices everything. It's annoying sometimes. I mean, what if I wanted to wear a dress one day? I couldn't because he'd look odd. This world is unfair." He took a few more sips from his glass. "I guess thats just what happens when you work under the most important guy in the country."

"Clearly." She said with another smile. She wondered what he did that gave him such a busy schedule. "Demanding job then?" She inquired. "Or were you busy wither, er, other things?" She added, remembering how a lot of her former classmates had suddenly become a lot ‘busier’ in the last few years with tasks that they had been set. She took another sip of champagne and watched as he downed his second brandy in less than five minutes, this was clearly a man with no intention of remembering the night. She blushed at his compliment, glad that her mask covered her cheeks. "Why thank you, you don’t look too bad yourself." She smiled. "Yes." She said, deciding to continue teasing him. "I regularly turn up to work in a mask and ball gown."

"Demanding isn't even the word. But, no one else is more qualified than me to see that the job gets done, so I suppose I should be pleased that I'm needed so much." He was beginning to smile genuinely, and he was considering trying some of the champagne that the lovely stranger was drinking. His own, of course, not hers. "Thanks. It took ages to dig up a suit that wasn't 3 sizes too big or small." He cocked his head to the side. "Regularly? What kind of work do you do, exactly? My boss wouldn't be impressed if I turned up to work in a ball gown and mask on a regular basis. He wouldn't know who I was for a start, and I dare say that my build wouldn't compliment the shape of many dresses..."

She smiled at the man, she couldn’t see his face properly as most of it was covered by his mask but he seemed as though he was quite handsome. “I know, I’m just teasing you don’t worry.” She took another sip from her champagne glass, part of her wished she had a drink with a straw, she was able to look much sexier drinking through a straw. “Although you could have worn a more comfortable mask if you’d wanted.”

"Ah, I see. I'm obviously more tired than I think if I'm not picking up on jokes like that." he said with a wry smile. The brandy was soon kicking in and he knocked back another. "I could have worn a better mask if my schedule allowed me time to go out and buy one. This thing has been in a cupboard in my dad's house since the beginning of time." He adjusted it again and it suddenly felt a lot more comfortable. Now he just had to try not to move his face. He was beginning to feel more relaxed at this point, although his suit was warming up quicker than he'd anticipated. He loosened his collar slightly. "So... You look beautiful. Do you always dress so extravagantly or is this a one night thing?" What was he rabbiting on about?

Isabelle went over to the bar to get another drink, she ordered another glass of champagne. She turned around and began to walk away when someone came and stood next to her. “Wow, you really know how to charm a lady.” She said turning to face the man and arching an eyebrow before remembering that he couldn’t see it behind her mask.

"I was referring to my mask." he stated bluntly, not really understanding how she could misunderstand him. Its not like he had called her itchy or anything, was it? He knocked back his brandy and tapped on the counter, indicating that he wanted another one. He definitely needed some alcohol in him - if he was going to be in a boring mood all evening then there was no point in being there. He could feel the warmth of his drink coursing through him and it was only a matter of time before humanity's first real potion would work its magic.