When Blood Comes Calling

Beginnig of Something New

A busy day greeted the Wizards and witches in Diagon Alley; many busy bodies went in and out of the shops talking small talk to the workers and those who passed by. One current one didn't feel safe when it was a place especially warded to protect the people in case of an attack. He was an official high standing wizard, his ancestors could be traced back generations. "Thank you," the man forced out as he exited a store with his purchases, he paused. There was that feeling. One of being watched, he knew it was most definitely dangerous, so he continued on.

Doing the businesses during the first war would no doubt catch up with him - there he saw it as a shadow. He quickened his pace traveling down the Alley. Pushing his way through a crowd, abruptly turning into a small Alley, hoping to hide.

Turning around knowing the shadow had followed him, "what do you want?" he shouted to the shadowed area. He raised his wand ready to fight as a hooded figure stepped out into the sight. Painstakingly slow the figure raised his head up, he froze out of terrifying fear at the sight before him. The mask of the member of the Cards, trained killers some say, hunt both muggle and wizards alive for the right price. Which must have been good enough for the leader to come. The Red and Black Joker. "I-I can pay m-more-"

The laugh he was greeted with interrupted his stammering. It sent shivers down the man's spine and spurred him to say his good-byes on the earth as all who faced the Joker died instantly. "Your blood-'' the figure stalked him like prey, his body froze out of his control, he couldn't even move his eyes as he watched "already forfeit." The figure laughed as the blackness seemed to grow. The face of the Joker, the last thing he ever saw; the blood red paint on the mask with a wolf grin smile as he felt his life leaving him.

The body of one, Emeric Mulciber was found with a smile of blood and the Black and Red Joker's calling card from The Deck...

Murder in the Alley!

By Rita Skeeter

Yesterday morning, Aurors were dispatched to an alley branching off Diagon Alley. The Ministry picked up signs barely legal magic being used, when they arrived, the scene they found was horrific.

The body of the Lord Mulciber laid in a pool of his own blood. A cut smile from one end of his face to another. Yep, The Deck stroke again folks. With the wolf card left nearby, though this time it was the Blood red card of the Joker. It seems the Joker murdered Lord Mulciber for whatever reason it may be.

Minister Fudge had this to say on the murder; "whoever is this Joker will be punished heavily. Emeric Mulciber was an outstanding man who donated to charities for victims of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and attended many Ministry events! We will do whatever we can to avenge Emeric Mulciber and all those who have died by the hands of this 'Joker.' I offer my condolences to the Mulciber family for their loss of an upstanding father and husband."

However, when the Aurors searched Lord Mulciber's robes found a white mask in his pocket! A Death Eater mask! To add to the mystery the Aurors reported that his body went missing after he went to the morgue at St. Mongoose.

The question now is whether the mask belongs to him or if it was planted there by the Joker. Also what could have happened if the accusations of his missing body are ture? The Ministry is looking into it now.

Mr. Mulciber is a dear friend to Minister Fudge so what'll happen if it is true. Was he a servant of You-Know-Who.

The crinkle of the soft light paper as it was placed on a mahogany desk, the jokers mask gleaming up with its never-ending sickening smile next to it. A hand reached out to a mug of steaming morning tea sipping up the warm liquid. Emerald eyes stared ahead to hazel eyes as he too set the paper down. "I do have to say you have that gene say que to killing," the older teen murmured.

Not even a second later did the two fall into fits of laughter, breathing heavily the owner of the emerald eyes to another sip of tea. "Mmm well another drug dealer, gone from this world. He was honestly too easy to take care of."

"Of course you would say that."

"You know me, Marcus."

"Yes a little too well Hadrian," Marcus rolled his eyes, "though how's the plan?"

"To a halt at this point, we have to wait till the right moment." Hadrian gave a look to Marcus, "As well as training for you." He joked getting a groan from him, "and also picking out the new recruits for The Cards."

Just then did a bell ring signaling the arrival of the students for the new school year, the two stood from their spots pulling on their robes. The teaching robes were different from the students robes, made of fine silk of different shades of green, red, blue, and purple showcasing their level of teaching. With their animal embroidered in the trims of the robes all done in gold thread.

Hadrian however being the Provost and Lord of the castle, his robes were done in elegant dark green fabric of Acromantula silk embroidered with golden figures of his chosen emblems. Making his whole self, intimidating and powerful.

As they made their way to the door a chirp echoed in the room, Marcus turned to a podium standing at the back of the room. He flipped the page of an opened book to a new page where fresh writing glowed bright. "New hit, 600,000 galleons for Bellatrix Lestrange, says for revenge."

"Fascinating. Let's go, the students are entering the hall." Hadrian said as he opened the door.

Going through the castle corridors of granite and obsidian stone with perfected carved windows sporadically throughout each hall. Down winding stairs and quick maddening turns only one who has lived and traveled through the halls, could navigate through the mad architects designs. Finally, with practice route Hadrian and Marcus made their way to the grand carved doors of the great hall. Chatter and ruckus sounded behind the door, a tell tale sign of the returning students already at their tables.

Marcus shared a nod with Hadrian who stayed on the top of the higher staircase. A practiced tradition for each Provost to see the new students entering the Great Hall. Seeing their excitement as they walked under the dazzling stained glass dome above them.

Only a few minutes of waiting did Hadrian see the congregation of new students led by Master Rowle. One of the highly decorated professors there, that even taught Hadrian. Once the doors closed again did Hadrian make his way down the stairs to the doors where they opened with a wave of his hands.

The second Hadrian took a step over the threshold was when each and every professor stood, followed by every student gathered in the great hall. The Lord of the castle, Hadrian walked to the front podium with powerful strides as each person stood at attention. Also, to recognize the one in charge of the school, as it was a dangerous school that most of the new students would never make it to graduation.

Hadrian turned towards the students after sharing a nod with each of the professors and staff at the raised area. "Greeting students new and returning. The castle is finally full again from the break; I am glad to see those returning. Welcome new students, you have a huge journey ahead of you, I hope you all learn and grow with magic. Let's all have another magical school year!" Hadrian finished with the hall breaking into cheers, he then made his way around the table sitting in the center of the hall. Signalling everyone to sit down as the food arrived.

An hour later, when all the food was eaten up and the students were on their way to their dorms was when Hadrian and Marcus left the Great Hall. Each professor gets ready for the new school year while Hadrian and Marcus discuss their plans that are about to unfold.

*Hey all, hope you liked the start of part two. I'll be doing part two so welcome to the ride! As always thanks for the reads and comments. We have been greatly enjoying the ones we have been seeing thus far. So hope you enjoyed until next time, Amber.

The next installment is planed on April 9, with a day or two leaway.*