let's hurt tonight

Alastor hadn’t even been sure there were other customers sitting down with him. He’d been so caught up in what he was doing before - and then the sign completely washed all his focus away - that he only noticed the comings and goings. He felt almost guilty that he was disturbing others. Almost. And when he saw it was Fawley that really went away. He could handle it. “I didn’t notice you there,” he said flatly. “Perhaps because I’ve been so consumed by the absolute chaos this faulty sign is causing.” He was being a bit melodramatic, but lately everything felt like the end of the world; perhaps because it felt like they were facing it at every turn. He dug his fingernails into the palm of his hand. “What are you doing here? Reading that? At this hour?” Moody cared about the other Aurors, even if he wouldn’t admit it out loud. Rather, he’d keep tabs on their personal lives and demand information from them to make sure they weren’t killing themselves. It felt too late for him, but not for these young kids. “It’s been doing that for an hour. I’ve been very polite about it until now.”

A chuckle pushed past her lips as Alice cast an amused look at Danny. “It could certainly be both,” she said in return, presenting a small friendly smile to him. The brunette nodded her head as Danny mentioned Proudfoot. Well, that was at least a good thing – if the DFROCMC were already involved it meant that Alice and Danny’s jobs as investigators were easier – they’d already have lists of potential suspects and individuals that would be worth questioning. It meant that instead of two steps behind, the aurors could be two steps ahead. “How’s Proudfoot’s mood this morning?” she asked, looking to Danny as she handed him the file in her hand to look over.

Alice approached the animals closer ( not the more dangerous looking ones ) to inspect their conditions and confirm what she’d already thought. They had been treated well. But from the locks on the cages, it told her that they’d been used a lot. Did the owner just let them out to stretch their legs? Unlikely. More likely business was good and they shifted a lot of stock. She turned to look at Danny, well versed with the game he had presented her with his words. Alice exhaled, a million thoughts running through her head, as potential situations presented themselves and she sifted through them to find the most likely outcome. “I think we’re looking at either a jealous competitor taking out the competition, or an angry customer who either didn’t get what they paid for, or thought the prices were too high and took what they wanted anyway,” she summised. “The animals are well cared for, but the cages are old, and well used. That tells me that the trader, which, let’s not beat around the bush, was most definitely trading illegally – you don’t just have a Selma in your collection. They’re deadly… is pushing product often,” she said. “Of course, we don’t know whether the blood on the floor is the trader or perhaps someone who came into contact with the trader – because we don’t have a body, yet, but I’m willing to bet it’s the trader. And I’m willing to bet the murderer is a person and not a creature, because despite the empty and overturned cages, the blood amount isn’t nearly as much as I’d expect, and far too…neat, for lack of a better word,” 

She looked to Danny, arching a brow in intrigue. “What do you think?” she asked.

...

The first time she had done this her anxiety had been so high she could hardly appreciate what she had managed to pull off – although, in those earliest days her clientele wasn’t nearly as impressive.  But today was something different entirely – she stood back against the wall, slightly in the shadows, as her eyes scanned over the table full of prominent Ministry employees, members of rich, old families, Quidditch players, and more.  While her motivations, her reason for doing all of this, was unpleasant, she couldn’t deny the sliver of pride she felt at what she had managed to build.  And the gold she’d take home at the end of the night.

She slid from the shadows and took a seat next to one of her regulars as their table took a break.  “Having a good time?  Can I get you anything?”  She wasn’t a waitress, but she also wasn’t opposed to fetching a beer if it meant a bigger tip and an easier job blending in when she didn’t want to be seen.

...

danny scanned the room, committing as much to memory as humanly possible.  he had been working this case for a while, and he knew bringing any sort of notepad or recording quill or anything of the sort was beyond foolish.  no, he would continue to play his part.  initially assigned to keep an eye on the gambling, he soon took it upon himself to glean whatever information he could.  bigger fish to fry, and all that.  “my, my, i had no idea they hired such beautiful waitresses here.”  danny knew better, it was his job to. but if playing up on his inner faux-pureblood, upper-echelon childhood helped prove that he belonged?  sacrifices must be made.  “i’d love a scotch on the rocks.”  he gave her an appreciative once over.  “but you know, i’m in no rush if you’re planning on sticking around for a minute.”

Open Starter

This wasn’t unusual.

Alastor Moody was no stranger to 3am cups of tea at Hopping Pot. He didn’t sleep much - he’d say anymore but really not ever. It was bollocks to be an Order member at the present moment and it wasn’t bloody easy being an Auror either. Moody was used to frequenting this establishment at any hour of the day. Though usually at this time his only other company were night shift Aurors, St. Mungo’s healers, and the occasional drunkard trying to sober up.

What was unusual was the bloody sign outside the cafe kept blinking.

Alastor had tried keeping time of it, but gave up somewhere between his third and fourth cup of tea. It would stay lit for a moment, fizzle out with a low hum, then buzz back to life a few ticks later. There was no pattern, it just kept burning out as it pleased. 

He put his mug down louder than he meant to. “The whole world’s gone to shit and I guess that sign decided to follow.”

...

..

Dirk nodded, remembering the post-Quidditch parties in Hogwarts. They had been his introduction to alcohol younger than he really should be drinking it and he had no doubt that in a team comprised of adults with high salaries the celebrations were a lot wilder. “That makes sense. I learned pretty quickly I didn’t want to be drinking that much the night before a work day and it’s always different if you’re on the team.” Letting off steam after a game was often needed while Dirk had always been aware of his friends not on the team who were not as fussed about the victory party. “Wait, really?” The surprise in his voice was evident. Dirk had been struggling to get anybody to sign the petition and even less to show a real interest in it. Part of him wondered if Danny was humouring him except that his enthusiasm seemed genuine. “Yeah, of course.”

If Isaac seemed flirtatious, he certainly did not mean to make it so. Can’t a guy just have fun with another good-looking guy? Someone who he can every now and then lean on because he’s starting to lose his balance. At the question of what they should do next, Isaac furrowed his eyebrows and closed his eyes. Even the shortest thoughts required a lot of effort. “Fuck,” Isaac swore to himself, “I don’t know. I don’t feel like stopping yet.” It’s ridiculous how an inebriated body would want to keep going even though it no longer could. But hey, Isaac was too drunk to know any better. And given how agreeable Danny has been, Isaac just assumed that he felt the same way. “Listen, I would love to invite you over but I don’t have any more drinks at the flat…” Then… an idea struck Isaac. He looked at the other man and squinted his eyes. “Do you?”

“me either, mate!”  danny admitted with a laugh.  oh, man, it was a miracle that he didn’t have work the next day, because he probably would not be able to stay upright at his desk all morning if he did.  but the auror was having too much fun to truly want to stop.  and isaac was such great company, and so easy on the eyes . . .  he realized isaac had started to speak again and he leaned in a little closer, wanting to hear him over the sound of the booming music.  “you don’t?  damn.”  he sighed, looking downtrodden for a second before he realized.  “oh!  yeah, i think i’ve definitely got some at my place.”  a lot, actually, since he’d been trying to steer away from the liquor cabinet when he didn’t need in.  but what was the harm in sharing?  “it’s real close, we can walk.”  at least danny was self aware enough to know he shouldn’t apparate.  he led isaac out of the club and back towards his flat.

He tilted his head to the side when Danny claimed that it was a loaded question, curiosity written into the creases of his expression. Not that his face had many creases. “Are of the equal to acquaintance to you?” he asked. “The… brother’s friend’s boyfriend versus the someone you know?” Alyosha’s eyes flicked to the match, lips twitching as a player had to shoot straight up in the air to avoid a bludger. “I think I know people from both teams.” Actually, he’d definitely slept with someone from the Falcons. The detail didn’t seem appropriate to share with the other. “Not particularly close to any of them so I’m just here for a good match.”

danny appeared to mull the question over for a second, even though he knew the answer.  but he figured it’d be rude just to admit he wasn’t particularly close with either person.  “yeah, i suppose so.  a friend of a friend of my brother, versus someone a few years ahead of me at hogwarts.  it’s a real tug of war for my support,”  he responded, laughing.  truly, outside of obligation to follow his brother’s career, danny didn’t pay much attention to quidditch when he could help it.  not that people didn’t talk his ear off about it nonstop, especially realizing his brother was a star.  “yeah, that’s how i feel, actually.”

Walden pulled out one more stick and gave it to Danny. “Why not?” Walden asked with a huff as he also turned on his side so that he can stare at Danny directly. “Gotta make the most out of it, I say,” Walden smiled as he watched the man finished his cigarette. “If you’re gonna spend the rest of the day on your shift.” Walden felt absolutely no guilt keeping the Auror away from his duties. In fact, if there was a way to fuck the Auror until he passes out, Walden would have gladly done it. The world would be better with one less Auror on duty anyway. He laid his hand on Danny’s chest; his fingers traced the other man’s muscles. “What I don’t even understand is, what are you even here for?” Walden asked with genuine curiosity in his voice. “It’s just a bloody game. I thought Aurors and Hit-Wizards are only needed after a crime has occurred. Not before.” Tempting and enemies by distracting them with sex is one of the oldest tricks in the book. But hey, why fix it if it ain’t broken right? “Oh, I have no problem with that whatsoever.” Walden took that as an invitation, leaning in to leave kisses below Danny’s jaw, forcing him to lay on his back once more while Walden straddled him with his thighs.

danny glanced appreciatively at walden as he smoked his cigarette, taking in the sight of the man.  the way he hadn’t even bothered to clean up should have been unattractive, and yet . . . “hey now.  if i don’t go to my shift, you’ll be seeing a lot less of me around the ministry.  and i don’t think either of us want that.”  he grinned, relaxing a little more as the older man made contact once again.  this set-up was certainly nicer than a ministry bathroom.  roomier, if nothing else.  “keep people safe.  if we’re lucky, i’m glorified crowd control.  but if not, we hope to prevent a repeat of easter.  that’s why i’m here.”  he wasn’t sure why macnair, a fellow ministry employee, would be so skeptical, but he didn’t have long to dwell on it.  walden guided him onto his back and danny’s hands were on the man’s hips within seconds, grinning as he whispered in his ear.  “did anyone ever tell you that you talk too much?” 

Illegally Bred | CLOSED | Danny & Alice

TW: BLOOD Alice stood in the middle of the carnage, her long black coat ( which fastened at the front not unlike a cloak ) fell to mid shin revealing a few inches of the burned umber coloured trousers and her black boots. Cages lay torn open; on their sides, upside down, and damaged, only a few still held ( illegally bred ) magical creatures. The large room was poorly lit, a squalor for lack of a better word and it was poorly maintained; but the looks of the animals however, they were pristine. At least there was something to say about that; they’d looked after the merchandise. Walking up to one cage in particular, Alice peered closer at appeared to be two small jobberknolls, beside it was a large tank with a rather angry looking Selma. Blood smeered on the floor across the room, but there was no body. 

Hearing someone else enter, Alice straightened up and turned to look. A pleasantly surprised expression claimed her features. “Danny,” she greeted him. “I’m guessing you got dished this case too?” she assumed. “Either that or you just couldn’t wait to work with me again,” she joked lightly. The time for joking would soon subside when the work got going. Someone pottering around the edge of the room; collecting evidence, caught Alice’s attention.

“Have the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures been informed?” she asked aloud as she slipped her wand from her pocket to hold.

@drfawley​

“i don’t see why it can’t be both,”  he replied, trying his best to keep the air light despite the mess around them.  his eyes immediately caught the blood on the floor, and he stooped down to look at it.  well.  at least it wasn’t fresh.  only then did danny begin to notice all the creatures, their cages surprisingly intact.  “i assume so.  proudfoot was on his way down there when he stopped by and told me to assist.”  he noticed something angry in the corner — what it was, he wasn’t sure, as he’d dropped care of magical creatures after fifth year in favor of NEWT courses he thought would be more beneficial to his future career as an auror.  maybe that had been a mistake.  “so,”  danny finally said, lowering his voice as he pursed his lips,  “unofficially — ”  a game he liked to play only with the aurors he considered friends outside the walls of the ministry,  “ — what do you think we’re looking at?” 

open event starter

ONE of ted’s earliest memories was taking the tube to wembley with his dad the day england played the final of the world cup with his dad, their tickets won in a game of cards. he remembers the crowds, the punters and vendors, the pure elation in the air at full time. this world cup, however, was on another level altogether. he could barely move between the throngs of people and the fear that dora had wandered off somewhere. thankfully there was no fear now, his daughter safely somewhere else as he finished his rounds. he thought of her though, as he passed a stall selling scarves and flags of every colour, the teams all blurring into one in his head. he’s known about his magic for nigh on eighteen years and quidditch for for just as long, yet it was too bloody complicated. when this was over, he was going to take her to a football game instead. at least there he knew what team scarf to get her. desperate times, he thought, as he asked someone:

“who are we supposed to be rooting for again?”

in spite of his own antagonistic relationship with quidditch, danny did find himself having a good time at the cup finals.  the atmosphere around a big quidditch match like this was unlike anything else he’d ever experienced.  and it was nice that his brother was back in england for a few days, so that they could actually catch up.  it was strange, as it happened so rarely, but it felt good.  this was the most normal things had felt in a long time, which made danny anxious.  being an auror had taught him that things didn’t stay normal and calm and good for long.  “the bats have the better record, sure, but i’m pulling for falmouth.  everyone loves a comeback story, right?”  he’d spent enough time around santiago and his friends to know how to sound like he was a bigger fan of quidditch than he was.  fake it till you make it.

OPEN;

Where: The Big Game | Private Boxes When: Before the Game… 12pm

Falmouth Falcons, Ballycastle Bats… these childish games never interested Bellatrix Lestrange, insouciance coloring each sharp feature as the woman she made her way to the private boxes. As she saw it, the only thing to gain by winning the cup was evanescent fame… Fickle in nature. Come this time next year, there would be new heroes and the old would fade into memory. 

Despite what she thought personally, she was still in attendance- a blood red dress hugging her frame. Cygnus Black had always been adamant about being seen at public events. Especially when you were able to purchase the most expensive seats in the stadium. Rubbing elbows with team owners, chatting with ministry members and society greats, building a good alibi. Now that was where the true value was. Bellatrix had just picked up another flute of champagne, bringing it to her lips before she caught sight of a familiar face. “Now if I was to place a galleon as a bet… who would have the better odds?”

danny was thankful for his assignment, even despite his own misgivings about the sport.  the quidditch cup was still a spectacle no matter what, and attending on the dmle’s knut was even better.  but now, in the ministry box, he was discovering that some of his colleagues took this opportunity to dress to the nines.  danny, however, was dressed to blend in with the crowds, as he was on a break between rounds of patrol.  after the easter situation, the ministry wasn’t taking any chances.  so he looked almost laughably out of place next to —  “ms. lestrange, i never took you for a lady who gambles.”  danny responded, giving a light laugh.  “i think i’d have to choose the falcons.  i’ve always been a fan of the underdog.”

where: Walden’s tent who: Walden MacNair and Daniel Fawley ( @drfawley​ )

(cw: slightly nsfw)

It was still a few hours away from the game but Walden’s already been getting what he came for. No pun intended. There he was at his tent, lying naked and wet from sweat and other things. He couldn’t be bothered to wipe everything off right away. Instead, he reached for a nearby pack of cigarettes and lit one stick. Beside him was Daniel, someone Walden every now and then hits up for a little action in the Ministry lavatory.

Don’t get him wrong. The cramped space of bathroom stalls, the need to keep things silent, and the possibility of getting caught made their trysts incredibly exhilarating. But there’s only so much you can do when you can’t flip your paramour around and maneuver him in different positions so that he becomes more accessible.

Walden finished his stick before throwing it to the ground and turning to the man beside him. He might hate Aurors with so much disgust but it always feels good after fucking one. “So…” he started after exhaling the last puff of smoke from his lungs, “are you ready for round two?”

danny stared up at the point of the tent, more preoccupied with his thoughts than he was the man beside him.  he could get in trouble for this, surely, since he was working undercover today.  but granted, his shift had yet to start, so it could be argued that he was simply blending in with the crowd.  but it wasn’t like he really had to worry about it getting back to his superiors.  not when walden worked for the ministry, in another department for that matter.  and ratting out danny wouldn’t help him any, just end their little trysts.  “already?”  he asked with a chuckle, sticking out his hand for a cigarette.  technically, he was also here with his family, but it wasn’t a foreign idea for him to disappear to meet up with friends for a while.  so why should a hookup be any different?  what they didn’t know wouldn’t hurt them.  “merlin, you bounce back fast, don’t you?  like a bloody teen.”  danny laughed and rolled to his side, flicking his cigarette behind him as it finished.  “you’ll need to take it this time.  my arse needs some time to recover.”  not that he was complaining,  not even a little.

private event starter for @drfawley​

The match had only just begun and it was far too early to predict which team would win, the points from the chasers being roughly equal. Of course, fans from either team would tell you that theirs would wind. They’d list the stats of the players and elaborate on the strategies behind past wins to convince you why they were right. And as soon as you were done talking to them, a person from the other side would launch into an equally convincing argument. As someone rooting for neither team – just interested in a good match – he took both with a grain of salt. Weaving his way through the crowds, ducking large banners, jumping spectators, and the aforementioned chatty fans, he spotted a familiar face leaning against the railing. Although not well acquainted with Daniel, he seemed as good as anyone to approach. “Fawley,” he greeted, appearing at the auror’s side with a close-lipped smile. “Are you rooting for either team?”

danny had a long day of excuses ahead of him if he wanted to spend as little time watching the match as possible.  his brother was home in england, and as always, his celebrity status had its perks:  namely, tickets to the quidditch cup.  their stepfather had nearly fallen over out of excitement, as though his wife weren’t rich enough to just buy out a box regardless.  but dominic was thrilled, so danny couldn’t be too mad at the day.  he had tried to follow along enough to keep up with his not-so little brother.  “well, that’s a bit of a loaded question, you see,”  he said, shoving his hands in his pockets.  other than his auror badge, danny was dressed like any regular fan.  the ministry was trying to stay one step ahead of whatever people might try.  “my brother’s got a friend whose boyfriend plays on the falcons, but i know someone who’s a reserve for the bats.  so my loyalty is pretty split,”  he said with a laugh.

Dirk nodded, starting to feel a little weird for having brought Santiago up as he had. After all, an Auror was a respectable job and, Dirk knew, incredibly difficult to become but it would only be patronising at this point to say as such to Danny, who clearly knew that and so must be aware that he had a lot of skills, even if flying was not one of them. Dirk had never had siblings and only three cousins, all of whom were much younger than him, so he had never lived with the pressure of being compared to others until he had started at Hogwarts and found himself befriending the likes of Alecto Carrow and Barty Crouch but even when there was competition between the three of them, it was friendly and they would all help each other out. He wondered what it must be like to have even strangers comparing Danny to his brother. “That’s a shame. I suppose even with International portkeys, it can be enough of a pain going abroad that you wouldn’t want to do it if you have to be back for work the next day.” Not that Dirk had ever been abroad, even when he had been working for the Department of International Magical Cooperation ⁠— he was much too low-down in the pecking order of translators for that ⁠— but that was how he reckoned it must be.

“Anyway. I have a petition here for goblins to be allowed to own wands. If it has enough support from Ministry employees then it can be presented to the Wizengamot alongside the goblins’ own case for the matter.”

danny wished he were able to be excited about quidditch like dirk was, like so many of his colleagues were.  he had been to enough games that he could fake his way through it, knew the lingo and knew enough names to get by.  but the emphasis his mother and step-father had placed on his brother’s athletic success — instead of danny’s academic success — had soured the sport for him.  “yeah.  plus he always wants to celebrate, and it’s never fun traveling back home hungover and going to work.  trust me, i’ve learned my lesson over the years.”  he knew it wasn’t intentional, knew rationally that it wasn’t like santiago had planned all of his milestones to happen at the same time as danny’s.  but he still couldn’t shake the feeling that his mum cared more about his brother’s luck on a broom than his own hard work and dedication that led to his being an auror.  but he never voiced that, never wanted to sound bitter about it.  “oh!  of course!”  danny grabbed the petition and a quill off his desk, signing enthusiastically.  “that’s a wonderful idea.  hey, if this gets through — let me know, okay?  i’d love to hear more about it.”

“Harder to teach, though, which I imagine is part of why we moved away from it, with the introduction of formal education. Before, I expect each family had their own ways of doing things that was personal to them.” It could still be seen to an extent in cultural differences in magical education but must have been even more marked before schools. She hummed to herself, lost in thought momentarily until the movement of Danny looking around him brought her back to the present and the reality of where they were having this conversation. “It all depends on who ends up as Minister and their support staff. Anyway… Talking about the Minister, I probably should do some work as I’m here.”

“that’s definitely true.”  danny could remember, if he tried hard enough, the difference just between his parents and the way they practiced magic.  his father from ilvermorny, his mother from hogwarts.  and he was sure those contrasts paled in comparison to the difference between either of their schools and one outside of america or europe.  “i’m sure there were merits to individual learning, but i can also see where the structure of formal education comes in handy.  i mean, i can’t imagine what it must have been like for muggle-borns back in those days?”  he shook his head.  what mattered now was that everyone had the same opportunity, right?  or at least closer to it.  “yeah.  you’re right.  i suppose i should, too.”  danny shrugged and began to turn to go.  “thanks for the chat, emmeline.  it was a nice distraction from work.  i’ll see you round.”  and with that, he was gone.

Nothing good will come out of Isaac drinking more alcohol. But that’s not going to stop him. Especially since it has brought him nothing but fun at the moment. Danny answered a little too long for his liking. When the Auror finally relented, Isaac smiled. He leaned in closer so that the other male would hear him over the music but his balance was off, no doubt due to the alcohol, so he ended up pressing his lips against the man’s ear. “One last. C’mon,” Isaac declared before moving away. He grabbed Danny’s sleeve only for it to slip between his fingers when the older male didn’t move as fast Isaac wanted. He found the bar after making his way through a drunk crowd and ordered the last two shots of firewhiskey for both of them. Isaac rose his and waited for Danny to do the same. “Cheers! For tonight!” he exclaimed loudly. He could feel his voice going hoarse which was only worsened by the burn of firewhiskey as he drank it one go.

danny knew that it was a terrible decision to leave it up to isaac, he knew that the hit wizard was going to choose to do another shot.  maybe that was why he did it.  the freedom to do it without the consequence of making that choice himself.  he bit his lip when isaac was right up against his ear, and danny wondered if he was doing that on purpose, if he knew the effect he had on the auror.   still, danny followed right behind the other as he made his way to the bar.  snatching up his own shot, he matched isaac and held his proudly in the air.  “for tonight!”  he parroted.  he held off drinking it for a second, mesmerized watching the younger buchanan crush it in one go.  once he was done, danny snapped out of it and tossed his own back just as quickly, before he could think twice about it.  “so . . . what now?”  he asked.  did the night have to end just because it was last call?

“I owe you plenty,” Damocles insisted. Annoying isn’t a word that a lot of people will use to describe the potioneer but he is a very insistent man when it comes to helping back people who have done him favors. He feels his debts of gratitude deeply and he often tried to help them back whenever he can. “I’m sure you did your job above and beyond. And besides, owing you is a lot easier than owing every single employee in the DMLE.” Unfortunately, with his invention, Damocles made a few people unhappy, if not trigger-happy. Threats weren’t unfamiliar to him, which is why he has a bodyguard in the first place but an incident that led them to believe things could escalate that could threaten his life forced them to enlist the help of Aurors, Auror Daniel Fawley in particular. Despite the circumstance, his company had been rather nice. Comfortable, even. Damocles smiled as Daniel laughed, appreciating the fact that he heard his laugh again, “Really? I guess I could say the opposite. Things lately lacked a little uncertainty.” Having given his order, Damocles paid for his order in coins and was ready to seat himself. “Would you mind joining me? Unless you’re already with someone, of course.”

danny waved him off, trying to deny that damocles owed him anything, but the elder male was clearly insistent upon it.  “i promise i was just doing my job, but if that’s what you believe — how about we agree to disagree?”  he stuck his hand out for them to shake on it.  maybe, subconsciously, he had gone above and beyond.  but danny so rarely had a case like that — being a bodyguard, essentially — that it was a bit of uncharted territory.  but he was still an auror, first and foremost, and he had had no intentions of letting belby down.  “got a bad case of the same old, same old, then?”  he asked with a slight laugh.  giving a shrug, he relented.  “oh, sure.  i’m not with anyone, no.  just me here.”  danny led them to a table.  “what have you been up to?  i assume it’s a case of no news is good news?  at least, no news in my office.”