Press Conference (Dorian/Alek/Whoever)

[Christine Montgomery]

As far as the press was concerned the Montgomery Estate was the grandest location for a press conference they had ever been to. Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments were provided for the news reporters, and quite possibly the most plush seating that could be imagined. It was a far cry from the usual, but this was an unusual press conference.

Christine was still going over her note cards hoping that she would say the right thing. She wished Dorian were there, though they had parted with her angry at him, she could have used his comfort.

There was a knock on the door, "Come in."

[Aleksander “Alek” Eiriksen]

His sister had told him about the press conference Christine was planning. Alek was slowly getting to know Christine and this screamed of her boldness. The thought made Alek smile.

Alek opened the door and stepped inside, one hand hidden behind his back. "There she is," he said as his eyes fell on her. "Lovely as ever."

[Christine Montgomery]

Christine's nerves melted away as Lex's brother stepped in the room.

"Alek." she smiled, "What are you doing here?" she asked motioning to come in.

[Aleksander “Alek” Eiriksen]

He stepped further into the room allowing the door to shut behind him. "I heard of your bravery and wanted to share my support." He produced a bouquet of purple and violet colored Statice. "They're suppose to bring success," he explained. 

[Christine Montgomery]

She smiled further. The idea of this gruff man, bringing her flowers was a bit contradictory and infinitely endearing.

"Thank you." she said sincerely, taking the flowers from him. She conjured a vase and set the flowers by the window. "I appreciate the support."

[Aleksander “Alek” Eiriksen]

Alek watched as she conjured a vase and moved the flowers to the window. She was effortless in the actions and quite graceful; a product of her upbringing. "I was expecting to find you in much more of a state," he commented. "But I suppose escaping a lunatic is far more nerve wracking than holding a press conference."

[Christine Montgomery]

"I'm a bundle of nerves I assure you." she said sincerely, "The two weeks I spent with him I had to hide what I was feeling. I guess it stuck." she said a little somberly.

There was a core of steel in her however as she pressed on, "But today I get to tell him that he didn't win."

[Aleksander “Alek” Eiriksen]

He took her in, not just her looks but her mannerisms, the somber note in which she spoke and then the slight lift of her chin as she concluded. She was exquisite. The edges of his mouth twitched upward.

"Judging by the crowd you've drawn, he won't be able to miss it." He had passed the media hordes to get to Christine, and it certainly was an overwhelming turn out. "But then neither will the rest of Britain. All those families who's girls are still missing will have hope when you're through. That's very honorable, love."

[Christine Montgomery]

"Or possibly very foolish." she concluded. She was trying hard not to doubt herself but it was hard when Dorian had such substantial doubts. He normally gave her confidence, but at the same time he was always there to protect her, she could feel confident knowing he was there. She had to learn to do it on her own like she had before Dorian came into her life.

[Aleksander “Alek” Eiriksen]

"Nonsense. You've won, love. There's nothing foolish about letting him know when he's been beaten." Alek didn't know that it was his brother who had placed such significant doubt in Christine's head, if he had he would have loathed the man more for ruining the girl's spirit.

"Is my sister here? She was looking forward to hearing you speak."

[Christine Montgomery]

She shook her head slightly trying to rid herself of doubt.

"I'm not sure. I was going to ask you." she answered. She also wanted to see Lex. Lex understood her in a way that only another woman could, and she sincerely admired her as a friend and confidante.

There was a knock on the door.

"Come in. Well, speak of the devil." Christine said with a smile as Lex entered the room.

"What about my brother?" she asked in a teasing fashion.

[Aleksander “Alek” Eiriksen]

"No one finds you funny, sister dear," he reminded Lex with a stern playfulness only he could pull off. 

"Christine and I were just talking about the positive effect she is going to have on the wizarding community. Our friend seems to be a little apprehensive, however. Someone's gotten in her head. Kindly inform her she will be brilliant."

[Aleksandra "Lex" Eiriksen]

Lex knew who the someone was and shared a look with Christine. She quickly smiled however and fully entered the room, "If Alek thinks you'll be brilliant, then it's sure to be so. My brother is never wrong about these things." she said cheerily.

She didn't question Alek's interest in the girl, he had rescued her after all, and it was an extended courtesy of Lex's friendship. But then, Lex could often be blind where her brother was concerned.

[Aleksander “Alek” Eiriksen]

"Never wrong about most things," he corrected before turning his attention back to Christine. He gave her a confident smirk showing he did indeed believe she would be fantastic.

[Christine Montgomery]

"Votes of confidence all around." she said with false confidence and genuine gratitude.

Another knock at the door.

Christine's brows rose as she waited for the next visitor to arrive, but it wasn't a visitor, it was Kate.

"We're about to start." she said looking at Christine then nodding toward Lex. She gave Alek a courtesy nod as well.

[Aleksander “Alek” Eiriksen]

"Agent," Alek said in a more serious tone when greeting Kate. He looked to Lex. "Come sister, let's leave them to it."

He moved to Christine before leaving and lifted her hand to his lips. "You will be fantastic." He turned and made for the door, catching Lex's back with a guiding hand as he left.

[Christine Montgomery]

Christine's stomach was twisted in knots. She needed Dorian. She was so focused on her need for her former lover that she was startled as Alek lifted her hand to his lips. That action effectively stopped most of her thoughts.

She didn't have time to dwell on it however as the time to give her speech was rapidly approaching. She nodded toward Kate.

"I'm ready."

[Dorian Humbert]

Dorian couldn't support this foolish plan, but he would always support Christine. He made his way through the crowd and found himself a place to stand in the back of the room. A cursory glance around the room failed to warrant any red flags but he kept his hands in his pockets, gripping his wand firmly in his right hand.

[Christine Montgomery]

It was foolish of Dorian to worry, there was an anti-violence spell that ran deep within the bowels of the estate itself. Additionally a warning sounded when anyone had malicious thoughts or serious harmful intent upon any of the Montgomeries, as though the house were built to protect them. The alarm once went off when a distant cousin came to visit. Apparently the jealousy had driven him quite mad in the moment and he attacked a great great grand something or other.

Christine was as safe as she could be at home. Except from her thoughts, those stayed with her and haunted her as they approached the podium.

Kate was the first one there.

"Miss Montgomery would like to say a few words first and then we will be taking questions.

[Aleksander “Alek” Eiriksen]

The room was crowded, not only with reporters but also families of some of the missing girls. It was the most well organized circus Alek had ever seen. He leaned against the side wall, his arms folded over his chest as he looked toward the stage. It was the Auror Kate speaking which didn't interest Alek in the slightest. He scanned the room and noticed Dorian behind them, looking exceptionally rigid.

"Someone isn't happy about this press conference," he said the Lex with a slight grin. Anytime Dorian Humbert was uncomfortable Alek was happy.