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Post by Artemisios Snow on Jul 12, 2008 15:47:42 GMT -5
The man led the girl to the Quills and Parchments shop, ushering her inside and giving a meaningful look to the man behind the counter. Though there were others watching the Jewellery Shop in Hogsmeade, his own presence would need to be filled. The man behind the counter gave his wand a flick, sending off the appropriate message.
The man turned back to the girl at last. "May I have your name, please?" he asked. "I will announce you to Herr Snow."
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Post by Cleo Frost on Jul 12, 2008 15:57:11 GMT -5
"Miss Cleo Frost" she said, smiling easily. She had been watching everything intently, discreetly. She saw the exchange between the men and she took note of the foreign name, German if she recalled correctly. By the way they were acting, and the man's words before it sounded as if she was going to meet an incredibly important man. Many, she supposed, would have been apprehensive about such a meeting, but Cleo had been raised by her parents and knew how to behave, although her current clothes and treatment of the man might not indicate it.
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Post by Artemisios Snow on Jul 12, 2008 16:17:18 GMT -5
The man gave a short bow, then left the young lady's side, weaving his way through to the back of the shop. A brief minute passed before he returned, gesturing for her to follow him. He rapped lightly on the partially open door, then opened it wider, stepping aside for the girl to enter. "Miss Cleo Frost," he announced, waving her lightly through.
Inside the dimly lit office, a distinguished man with an aura of silent power rose to his feet in polite respect for the young woman. "Please, enter, Miss Frost," he said with a slight gesture of his hand. One glance at the other man, and Cleo's escort slipped away, leaving the two in privacy.
Herr Snow rounded the desk slowly. "I am Artemisios Snow," he said, introducing himself. His dark eyes paused, taking the girl in. "It is my pleasure to meet you." He bowed lightly over her hand, an old-fashioned gesture, perhaps, but one which he would not give up.
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Post by Cleo Frost on Jul 12, 2008 16:24:06 GMT -5
Cleo walked through as instructed and took a moment to get accustomed to the office. "The pleasure is mine I am sure Sir" she said respectfully, lowering her eyes as she dipped a curtsy of respect. She rose and smiled, politely. "I understand I may have information that you might desire" she said softly. As soon as she had entered the room she had sensed the room's aura and she had naurally slipped into her role of polite, demure lady that she wore at the balls and social occassions she so often attended with her family.
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Post by Artemisios Snow on Jul 12, 2008 16:38:34 GMT -5
She would do nicely, Artemisios thought to himself, his dark eyes shining with approval. He guided the girl to one of two deep leather armchairs placed before a large desk, the focal point of a deeply masculine room, and saw her seated in one before seating himself in the other. "You seem an intelligent young woman, so I will not insult you with pretense. Emilian Sota is a thorn in my side, and I wish, through no means violent or illegal, to see that he forgets his interest in my daughter."
Artemisios paused only a moment for his words to penetrate before continuing. "I have little information regarding the nature of their relationship, only speculation. Confirmation or definite denial would be most appreciated, as would any...distraction which you might provide." His gaze took Cleo in once more; yes, she would do well. "In return for whatever assistance you might lend, I would be willing to provide for your own...desires, if you will."
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Post by Cleo Frost on Jul 12, 2008 16:48:38 GMT -5
Cleo listened, showing no emotion, men like Snow would exploit any weakness exposed. She smiled at him, a complacent look meant to placate him. "Then I am sure we can come to some sort of arrangement" she said softly, sure her words would please him. It was interesting to note the similarity of their names, she sat back in the chair, crossing her legs. "I understand your desires for your daughter Sir, you wish for her to make a connection, not make a fool of herself with Emilian Sota" she said quietly, it was the same for her father, he desired her to make a good connection. She suddenly saw the opportunities this gave her, despite it's conflicts with her own interests, this could be a very profitable business for her. "Please Sir, is there anyway secure I can leave these?" she asked, indicating her new purchases. "They are rather valuable and rather heavy" she said.
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Post by Artemisios Snow on Jul 12, 2008 17:02:09 GMT -5
Artemisios inclined his head in assent, then reached out one hand to lightly touch a smooth, black paperweight resting on the desk beside him. The door opened almost immediately. "See that Miss Frost's purchases are stored securely, and see that she has complete access to them," he said. The shopkeeper entered, gave a light bow of deference, and did as he was bade before leaving the two alone once more, at which time Artemisios returned his full attention to Cleo. He asked no questions regarding her request, but asked, "is there any other way I might assist you?"
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Post by Cleo Frost on Jul 12, 2008 17:08:19 GMT -5
"For the moment I am perfectly content" she said with a smile. "Thank you" she said. She waited, not wanting to overstep the mark and jepordise her position. Her thoughts moved briefly to the fact that she would soon be working to destroy something that had caused her to break away from the mould in the first place. That had caused her to seek out Leven, yet the value of the rewards could far outweigh her conscience.
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Post by Artemisios Snow on Jul 12, 2008 17:39:35 GMT -5
Artemisios allowed the silence to stretch for some long moments as he looked at the girl, his gaze perceptive. It was to be expected that she might have reservations, and yet he offered her such freedom that she was unlikely to refuse him. He had put no limit on his offers to assist her, even as he had detailed what it was that he wished.
At last he spoke. "For the moment, all I ask of you is some solid information regarding the relationship between Emilian Sota and my daughter, Adara Snow. The rest is at your personal discretion. If, at any time, you wish to avail yourself of my resources, please, you have only to ask. If, at any time, you wish to writhdraw your assistance, mine may also be withdrawn. Do we understand one another, schöneskind?"
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Post by Cleo Frost on Jul 12, 2008 17:45:17 GMT -5
"Should I befriend your daughter Sir, or gather the information in a more impersonal way. I honestly doubt Emilian will be any help, due to his behavious today" she said, considering his conduct earlier in the shop. "I am sure I will be able to find something for you Sir" she said with a confident smile. She paused for a moment. "Resources?" she questioned, she wouldn't push it, she just wanted to know, maybe this had been the chance she was looking for.
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Post by Artemisios Snow on Jul 12, 2008 17:59:52 GMT -5
"Whatever you feel necessary," Artemisios said. "It would be easy to gain my daughter's confidence, so perhaps that is the most effective way to go. I would prefer that any information you find is reported directly to me. However, in the event that you cannot make it to Diagon Alley, I will have associates in Hogsmeade you may meet with. As you can freely enter the school, you will be my most valuable resource, and so my resources are yours. You have only to ask."
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Post by Cleo Frost on Jul 12, 2008 18:05:21 GMT -5
Cleo nodded, "I am sure your daughter and I will be best friends in no time" she said, nodding her understanding. "I do not think it will be difficult to meet you directly, I often go on shopping excursions so brief absences will not be noticed" Cleo said. "You offer is very generous and I have a feeling I may have to take you up on your offer very soon" Cleo said, a frown shadowing her face for a moment.
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Post by Artemisios Snow on Jul 12, 2008 18:15:07 GMT -5
Artemisios saw that frown, and though he could not claim to know her thoughts, he sought to ease them all the same, thereby paving his own way forward. "You are helping more than myself, more than the centuries of Snows who have worked and given selflessly to make the House what it is. You are helping my daughter as well. She was raised for greatness. She is a gentle girl, by nature most happy with firm guidance and stability. Those things I can see that she is provided. That is my role and responsibility to her. You have my gratitude, Miss Frost." Truth, as pure as the snow some long-ago ancestor was named for.
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Post by Cleo Frost on Jul 12, 2008 18:19:30 GMT -5
Cleo nodded, "My family is of similar standing to your own Sir." Cleo said, "My father wants me to nuture the name of Frost, to make my house proud. I know my duty as their daughter and I will guide yours." she said softly, so she was twisting the truth slightly, but Herr Snow had not wavered from doing such a moment ago. "What year is she in, and her name will be useful?" she asked, hoping she was younger as her job would be slightly easier.
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Post by Artemisios Snow on Jul 12, 2008 18:30:37 GMT -5
"Her name is Adara. She is Head Girl, and Ravenclaw 6th year Prefect. She is petite, with dark hair and pale skin, delicate as a rose blooming in winter. She is a treasure to me, and your efforts on both our behests will be rewarded." It was both thanks and warning, subtly woven together. Though, in his eyes, he was protecting his daughter by sending Cleo to her, Cleo was under responsibility to act on his behalf.
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