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Post by Isabella Rothschild on Apr 23, 2007 20:24:38 GMT -5
Isabella apparated with Charles to a spot in the middle of the forest behind Hogsmeade Village. At first glance, it would appear that nothing was there. After the contractors had fixed up and added on to the cabin to make it large enough for five people, Isabella had put up some stronger wards on the place so that it was now invisible to anyone who approached it--unless they knew how to work it. She could see the house, as could Voltaire, Rori, and Anna. But no one else could. "OK, we're here," she said to Charles.
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Post by Charles Mortensen on Apr 23, 2007 20:32:12 GMT -5
"Er... where's here?" Charles said, looking around and seeing nothing. "We're in the middle of the forest. I mean, I know you wanted privacy, but this is a bit much, don't you think?"
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Post by Isabella Rothschild on Apr 23, 2007 20:37:39 GMT -5
"Hang on, I need to alter the wards so that you can pass through," Isabella said. "Close your eyes a second, and I'll do it." She watched to make sure he closed his eyes, then she swirled her wand around in the air in front of her, reciting the necessary incantations in her mind. "OK, you can open them now," she said.
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Post by Charles Mortensen on Apr 23, 2007 20:49:21 GMT -5
Charles opened his eyes and saw the air in front of him begin to shimmer. Then, suddenly, a house appeared as if out of nowhere. "OK..." he said, not knowing what else to say. "Uh, neat trick. I guess... lead the way?"
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Post by Isabella Rothschild on Apr 23, 2007 21:04:45 GMT -5
Isabella took him by the hand and led him inside. "The only way you can come through our wards is if I'm touching you," she explained. She walked over and sat down on the sofa, sighing heavily. "OK, so you saw Voltaire. What was he doing?" she said tiredly.
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Post by Charles Mortensen on Apr 23, 2007 21:11:00 GMT -5
"Well, wait," Charles said. "Just what exactly is going on, anyway? Did he... He left you, right? That bloody bastard left you? Why all the secrecy? What was that about the baby?"
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Post by Isabella Rothschild on Apr 23, 2007 21:39:58 GMT -5
Isabella sighed. "The baby--my son, Conor--has been taken. Voltaire took him down to his office, but he forgot something... he left him there, and when he came back not five minutes later, the baby was gone. I think Voldemort had someone take him. To punish me and Voltaire. We had a horrible fight... I haven't seen him since. He left his wedding ring behind." Her voice choked. "So... you've seen him. Where was he?"
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Post by Charles Mortensen on Apr 23, 2007 21:55:41 GMT -5
"I'm sorry about your son," Charles said sadly. "I know what that baby meant to you." He sighed and shook his head. "I can't believe Voltaire just... left! I'll kill that bastard if I see him again," he said. "Isabella.... I saw him... in the Three Broomsticks. And he wasn't alone."
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Post by Isabella Rothschild on Apr 23, 2007 22:02:51 GMT -5
Isabella tensed. "What do you mean, he wasn't alone? Who was with him?"
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Post by Charles Mortensen on Apr 23, 2007 22:17:57 GMT -5
Charles sighed. "I don't know who she is. But it was a woman. She was pretty... and I think she was Asian. She had long dark hair, and not a lot of clothes. She was all over him... and she kissed him. I... I'm sorry, Izzie. I talked to him about it, and he acted like you meant nothing to him... like he didn't even acknowledge that you even existed. You want I should kick his arse?"
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Post by Isabella Rothschild on Apr 23, 2007 22:26:34 GMT -5
"Tai Lee," Isabella said numbly as she fought back tears. Rubbing her face, she shook her head. "That little wench... No, that's OK, Charles. I'll deal with him when the time comes. First I have to find Conor. Then I will deal with Voltaire. I'm not going to pretend I don't want to kill that little tramp.... but now is not the time for that. Right now, the most important thing is finding my son. And I need you to help me with that, Charles."
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Post by Charles Mortensen on Apr 25, 2007 20:23:28 GMT -5
Charles nodded. "You know I can't deny you anything, Isabella. I'll do whatever I can to help you. Just name it."
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Post by Isabella Rothschild on Apr 25, 2007 20:28:33 GMT -5
Isabella rubbed her forehead tiredly. "I need you to find out for sure if Voldemort really has my son... and if so, where he has him. Can you do that?"
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Post by Charles Mortensen on Apr 25, 2007 22:22:43 GMT -5
"I can try," Charles said. "But I don't know if I'm on the best of terms with old Voldy... I've been kinda... disinterested in the cause lately. I've been blocking my thoughts, but I don't know if I succeeded. Also, there was that botched-up job with the attack on the Order.... Claudia might have poisoned his mind against me from that. It might help if you could help me find Slytherin's locket. Voldemort's got a real jones for that necklace, and anyone who brings it to him will be greatly rewarded."
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Post by Isabella Rothschild on Apr 25, 2007 22:25:47 GMT -5
"Slytherin's locket?" Isabella repeated. She thought for a moment. "OK. I'll see what I can do. You work on finding out about the baby. And I'll meet you at the Shrieking Shack tomorrow night at sunset, OK? We'll compare notes then."
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Post by Charles Mortensen on Apr 25, 2007 22:28:37 GMT -5
"Sounds like a plan then," Charles said determinedly. He stood up. "Good luck, Isabella." Walking over to her, he put his hand on her shoulder. "We'll get him back. I promise. Just hang in there." He gave her one last smile, then walked out the door.
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