Walpurgis Complex Main Chamber

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'Flobby, Blinky, Smokey and Screecher!' Apollonius called in curt tones. Seconds later, the four house elves had apparated before him. He kicked the last for being the slowest.

'I have a mission for you that will take you out of this school, out of its grounds, yea, even out of the wizarding world into the cesspit we call the muggle world.' Began Apollonius.

'Once there, you will find muggles for me. They should live solitary lives and preferably be drunk when you take them. I want this to rouse as little attention as possible!' He stressed that last part, and with a whip of his wand lashed out at one of the elves to hold their attention. 'I want people who will not be missed. Their disappearances might raise questions in the muggle world, but it should not be so obvious what has happened that questions are raised in ours.'

'I will require a minimum of two such muggles. You will lock them in two of the cells in the dungeon—this dungeon, not the Slytherin dungeon—' he added, recognising the possibility of these feckless creatures making a stupid mistake 'and then report back to me. In time, we will require that you bring more muggles, but for the present time two will suffice unless you should happen to come across more than two during the same period. Now go!'

In complete unison, the four house elves disapparated.

She tenses slightly and then forces herself to relax. She wasn't used to such closeness with anyone. 'We have to start spending more time together' She said, kissing his cheek.

"Yes we do." he said, tilting his head to the side slightly. "Do I make you uncomfortable?" He asked, addressing her earlier tensing.

She hesitated slightly, but only for a moment then shook her head, and forced a smile. 'No... Why would you ever think that?' She asked innocently.

He let out a sigh. "You're tense. And you're lying." He shook his head. "I can tell, you know." he said, lifting an eyebrow. "I don't want you to lie to me. And I don't want you to feel like you can't tell me anything. I'm here and I want you to tell me these things."

'Oh, what a perfect time to walk in here, just as canoodling away together.' Interrupted Apollonius. 'As it is, she's afraid you might be a little too...'

Ruin looked at Apollo, a slight sense of annoyance in his eyes. "Apollo, I want HER to tell me." he said, lifting an eyebrow and letting his hands fall from Aimee.

Her head turned to Apollo and she raised her eyebrows. 'A little too what...' She asked, wondering what he was talking about.

"I can never get a straight answer from you can I?" he asked Aimee, running a hand through his hair.

She looked at him. 'Shall we talk about this when my dear cousin is not here?' She asked, wishing to discuss this more privately.

Ruin nodded and closed his eyes for a brief moment. "Apollo....if you could so kindly leave Aimee and I to talk for a moment..."

'I'll have you know, Lafayette, I've never done a kind thing in my life, wherefore I'll happily interpose myself betwixt you and her.' Said Apollonius. 'She's worried you may be too girthy.'

Ruin laughed humorlessly. "Once again von Hohenheim, I asked your dear cousin to tell me. Not you." he said, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "And for some reason she's not willing to talk about it in front of you. So please, a few moments is all I ask."

'Oh, Ruin, do you people never learn? It is rarely so important what is asked for as how! I've have... ah... ruined people for offending me less.' Apollonius glowered at Ruin.

I turn to Apollo and say: 'Apollo. Please leave. Me and Ruin to talk about our relationship and the last time I checked that involved myself and him. No one else.'

"I have never shown you an ounce of hostility before now. I am simply asking you to give me a few moments to discuss something with Aimee. I don't know why you are getting so easily offended by this simple request." he said, sending a glare back at Apollo. "But since you seem incapable of putting your own arrogance down for a minute, I'll leave." Ruin stood and turned back to Aimee. "Come find me. We will talk then."

Apollonius completely ignored Ruin. 'You should keep a civil tongue in that empty head of yours when you speak to me, cousin.'

"But it's okay for you to talk to her in the exact same tone?" he asked, looking over his shoulder and scoffing. He shook his head and left the chamber.

'She spoke to me in that tone first, Lafayette. This is my place; I'll not be ushered out of it as an inconvenience by some Außenseiter however infatuated she may be.' Responded Apollonius haughtily.

As Ruin heard the words he turned and looked at the boy. "I was asking for a few moments. That is all. I know that this is your place, however, it was a simple request. You are the one who responded so rudely."

'Your request itself was rude. Leave. Darken my mood no longer or find yourself as food for the dead god!' Barked Apollonius.

I point at Apollo. 'You shall not hurt him. You came in here, we were talking about me and him.' She sighed slightly. 'Trying to ask anything of you is like talking to a muggle. Frustrating and get's me no where.'

Ruin lifted an eyebrow. "Oh so when I asked you to leave for a few moments, it was rude. I wasn't even rude when I asked it. Now when you want me to leave....it's not rude at all." he said, lifting an eyebrow. "Hypocrisy at its best." he said, nodding to Apollo before leaving the chamber.

'Then we are two of a kind, cousin; I rather fancy I'd get more from a hippogriff's rear and it would be a damn sight more pleasant to look at.' Responded Apollonius. 'Now I think your paramour was hoping to wring out his soul with you, wasn't he? Better not keep him waiting, my dearest harridan.'

'Of course not, Ruin. This place is mine and you are simply a guest. Is there something lacking on your part that prevents you from seeing that?' Responded Apollo. 'Now I thought you'd flounced out like a girl? Too scared Aimee wouldn't follow? Let's both hope she does.'

She glared at him. 'I'm not one of your muggles to throw around and insult however you wish. I'd appreciate it if you didn't act as though I were.'

'No no, Aimee, but you're about as clever and only half as good looking. Now get lost and take your broody mare with you.' Responded Apollonius.