Owl to Near, Warded

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

Because getting things done seems like a good plan.  Because having something on hand is a much better way to learn about it than just reading about it in a book.  Because he hasn't been to London in a few years, and he's fond of it, as a city, and because he hasn't had the chance to explore the wizarding section yet.  Seeing as he didn't know that it existed.

Near,

I was thinking of going to the wizarding community in London, in hopes of procuring veritaserum.  The mention of it piqued my curiosity, and it seems like the sort of thing that should be acquired.  I was wondering if you would like to accompany me?

Feel free to decline if you are otherwise engaged.

~Ryuuzaki

Comments

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

Ryuuzaki,

That does sound like a worthwhile expedition and I'd be less intimidated if I went with someone. The village of Hogsmeade was intriguing; I am sure the Wizarding section of London will be even more interesting.

And as you say, veritaserum would be a worthwhile thing to have.

When shall we go?

-Near

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

Near,

I would appreciate the company. You will keep me out of pet-stores.

Whenever is convenient for you. None of the work I am doing keeps me on any sort of schedule.

-Ryuuzaki

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

Ryuuzaki,

Pet stores? Dare I ask?

I'm not doing anything time-sensitive either. Now? Tomorrow? Next week? I'm flexible.

-Near

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

Near,

Twice, now, I have been a purveyor of kittens.

This afternoon? The Great Hall, at two o'clock?

-Ryuuzaki

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

Ryuuzaki,

I will make sure, then, if you venture into one you will emerge with nothing but a fish and fish-related supplies.

I will meet you there.

-Near

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

Thus, L was in the Great Hall, at one fifty seven precisely, wearing worn out tennis shoes and the sweater that still makes him think of Matt.

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

Near also arrives just that slight amount early, in an old tshirt of Mello's and a remarkably unflattering pair of khakis; a very 'laundry day' effect.

"So, London?"

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

"London."

L is playing nervously with his sleeve. You wouldn't expect either of them to be able to find their way out of a paper bag, much less influence world politics.

"By floo, I think is the best method of travel."

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

"I take it you've tried it, then? I've read about it, of course. It seems a rather whimsical means of transportation."

He notices the fidgeting, but decides not to comment unless it becomes more marked.

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

"Several times."

He nods.

"I will need to restock on powder when I am there. I never knew myself to be so prone to roaming."

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

"I would imagine it gets rather sooty."

A shrug.

"Is it expensive? Otherwise I would imagine travel to be almost ridiculously easy. Imagine, being able to step halfway around the globe in an instant!"

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

"I am not sure."

He shrugs.

"Funding is not an issue. I had accounts stockpiled in hundreds of locations precisely in case of this sort of thing."

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

"I was thinking on a general scale, not a personal one. Imagine, for instance, the difficulty in tracking down a suspect who could easily be literally anywhere. Portkeys and Apparition pose similar problems."

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

"We will find out its price this afternoon, no doubt. Although, even if it is not economically feasible, apparition is probably not overly difficult."

So they're already in trouble.

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

"One can only hope that there are more advantages than veritaserum to counterbalance such a problem."

Although it would make it easier to catch up with someone.

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

"If you intend to become involved with the justice system in the wizarding world. I have been looking at the history, and it is messy, at best."

He wouldn't want to deal with it.

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

"I have no wish to commit myself either way at the present time. But understanding the mechanics can only be useful."

Another shrug.

"So, show me how this legendary powder works."

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

"Take a pinch,"

He pulls his dwindling supply out of his pocket,

"And follow my example. Diagon Alley."

Whoosh.

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

It's simple enough; Near mimics the process, and finds the practice a bit more disorienting than he'd have thought from the theory. When he emerges from the fireplace, he's coughing, and staggering just a little. The soot in his hair gives him rather an ermine-trimmed appearance.

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

Whereas L's hair is dark, so it doesn't make any difference. Except for a slightly darker-blue tint to his sweater. Oh well.

"It's more difficult, going back. You have packages."

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

"I can't imagine what we're looking for will be very bulky."

He pauses, considering.

"Unless you get a fish. But perhaps magical fish need less equipment."

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

"I am not seriously considering a fish this trip."

Mostly because he really wants to prove he can go out without getting a pet.

"I think our clothing may stand out a little."

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

"Do you think we should obtain some..." Well, 'less conspicuous' doesn't really fit, does it? "...clothing that better suits our surroundings? I'm sure we could obtain some if we were so minded."

[ijk-mno.livejournal.com]

"There, for example?"

Ho, Madam Malkin's.

"Perhaps we should."

[cardarchitect.livejournal.com]

Near grins a little at the idea. He's never really done much in the way of clothes-shopping; loose pajamas, and sweatpants if he's feeling formal, purchased over the internet have always been more his style.

"This should prove a minor adventure."