Warning, Danger Ahead. ((Damara))

[Aviva Jade Morgan]

This wasn’t Aviva’s place to be messing around. She knew this. But she couldn’t just sit there and let these killings go on. Aviva wasn’t an idiot. She knew of the gang violence that occurred in England. Her father had been particularly fascinated with the Cavalieri vs. England’s Entourage gang war, seeing as their ties were so closely related to the magical world. But Jack Morgan wasn’t a stupid man, not in the least. He knew when something wasn’t his business, and he knew the kind of stuff he shouldn’t be meddling in. He was a muggle, so he’d have no chance of busting the infamous Merciano or Hemingway families. He’d been astonished when young Aviva had first told him about the students that attended school with her. Even as a witch, Aviva knew her limits as well. She didn’t know how or why, but there was a reason these gangs had been in business for close to a century now. They had a system. Before she even got close to busting any of them, she’d be dead. She’d seen too many brilliant cops and even Aurors get killed trying to bust those two families, and Aviva wasn’t about to become the next homicide victim. She had more logic than to chase after criminals like that…or at least, she usually did.

Aviva usually tried to keep her personal life out of her business. Of course, this had never been far too hard since Aviva never really had a personal life to begin with, but this was family. Aviva’s aunt—or rather, adoptive aunt she should say, had been killed just last week. Aviva almost gagged when she saw the body, lying there with four gun shot wounds to the chest. It was a horrible way to die, and even though Aviva hadn’t seen or spoken to the woman in years, she was adamant about seeing who the killer had been. Eventually, her search had led her to that famed dead end—the home of Luciana Hemingway. She figured it wouldn’t have been as bad if her search had led her the other way, but she didn’t know too much about the personalities of both sides of the fight. She just knew the basics: they hated each other with a passion to exceed all others. Other than that, she knew nothing. She had never cared to learn too much about the rivalry, in fear she’d get too intrigued and try to pursue the case. She questioned some witnesses and found, to her dismay, that a certain tall, red headed woman had been seen at the scene of the crime. The woman hadn’t been positive who it was, but it seemed like she had had some sort of memory modification spell performed on her to prevent her from remembering exact details.

Aviva pushed open the door to the Three Broomsticks and took a breath. Her heart was thumping inside her chest, but she didn’t show an ounce of fear. She didn’t know which Hemingway she’d see here tonight. She knew that both Luciana, the rumored boss of the Entourage and her daughter Damara had arranged a dinner here tonight during the girl’s first Hogsmeade visit since returning from the winter holidays. She didn’t know why she was doing this. Why was she following a lead she knew was likely fatal by herself, without even alerting her partner as to what she was doing? It was stupid, it was reckless, and it was emotional. It was three things Aviva wasn’t. It was odd though, because Aviva was all business when she was working alone. She wasn’t normally like this, but she didn’t usually laugh and joke around with her partner usually either. Damn you, Harper. Aviva thought bitterly to herself. Even though Matthew Harper had nothing to do with the death of Aviva’s aunt, she still blamed him for her reckless and idiotic behavior. She was never like this. But then he came along and had to ruin everything. Unnecessary anger bubbled in Aviva’s bloodstream as she scanned the room. About thirteen people total…pretty empty for a school Hogsmeade visit. Rosmerta’s behind the counter, no redheads yet. Wait, check the corners… Aviva thought to herself as she scanned the room professionally, taking in every last detail she could.

Finally, she found them. They looked to be just about finished, and Mrs. Hemingway herself was getting out of her seat, escorted by two rather large men. Bodyguards. Hmm. Should have expected that. Mrs. Hemingway said her last goodbyes and it seemed like a small fight was beginning. Aviva sat at the bar, trying to act natural as she read their lips. It seemed like they were fighting about a bodyguard. The mother wanted the bulky men to stay, but the daughter seemed intent on being alone. Eventually, it seemed the daughter won, and before leaving, the mother said one last thing in a very hushed tone. Aviva thanked her years of training for her ability to read what they were saying through their lips. “Oh, and watch that blonde with the red lipstick. She’s watching us.” Aviva cursed herself for being so obvious about her observations. But she wasn’t being obvious, not really anyway. Aviva sighed as the mother and her two guards disappeared with a crack. The mood in the room lightened a bit and Aviva stepped forward. She’d have to show herself now that the girl had been alerted of her presence. “Mind if I join? I’m from the London PD. I have a few questions to ask you. Oh, and that’s not a request.” She warned, not showing the faintest sign of fear. She didn’t need to hide. Oddly enough, she wasn’t afraid of this intimidating looking girl.

[Damara Hemingway S6]

One, two, three, four..Damara couldn’t help but count the seconds of silence. She hated having these guards crowded around her. Really, they were Entourage members but they were specially trained body-guards that only followed the Hemingway family. Ever since Benjamin’s death, the Hemingway family was constantly swarmed with guards. Luciana insisted that the guards followed the children when they weren’t at school and she still kept them by her side when she spent time with Damara. This irritated Damara beyond belief. She was seventeen years old for Christ’s sake! In the Wizarding World this made her an adult, but Luciana didn’t see it that way. She was most protective of Vincent because he was so young, but Damara was a close second. Luciana tried her best to keep Dustin safe, but he barely listened. He was too busy with his own life and everyone knew that he could watch after himself. So can I. Damara thought to herself. She could hold her tongue for now. But, that was only because it was freezing and it had just begun to snow again.

“Come along Damara. Are food is already prepared.” Luciana said as she ushered her daughter into the Three Broomsticks. Tonight wasn’t just a mother-daughter bonding trip of course. Nothing was that simple with the Hemingways. Damara had some status updates to share with her mother who would then give her feedback. Luciana trusted her daughter. Damara was extremely smart and very devoted. She would die for the Entourage. She would give up her soul for them. In fact, she was only a year away from doing just that. Damara shook her head and followed her mother into the very back of the Three Broomsticks. “Really mother I don’t understand why you love this place so much.” Damara muttered bitterly. “Your father and I used to love it here when we were at Hogwarts. We sat at this very table every trip.” She said while she and her daughter took their seats. Damara noted the faraway look in her mother’s eyes when she mentioned her dead husband. The pain was still there. It haunted all of them every day. But there was something the Hemingways could do about the pain. They could kill every member of the Cavalieri gang.

“Carlton is far too slow and he isn’t very bright all. He never gets anything done, he just claims he did Jake’s work. So I think Jake would be the best for the job. I can be there personally to oversee him if necessary.” Damara said proudly with a hopeful look in her eye. Luciana sighed. “Now Damara you know you need to finish school. Patience young one. You will have your chance in a year. Now, thank you for all your work with this. It all seems in order.” Damara snarled and Luciana noticed as usual but ignored it. Luciana always thought of her daughter as spirited and bright, but sometimes, too intense. Damara pushed her plate away finally. Her mother had umm..business to attend to for the night so Damara would be alone on her way back to school, hopefully. “Now, take Henry and Owen with you. At least to the castle.” Damara shook her head. “I’m not ready to go and I have a wand, that’s all I need.” She said fiercely somehow managing to keep her volume down. “Now Damara..” Luciana began her lecture. “No mother. I can handle myself.” She finished with a note of conclusion in her voice.

Luciana finally began to back away but not before whispering something to her daughter. Yes, Damara knew that. A blonde women had been watching them. Damara took this chance to have another look. She wasn’t a Cavalieri member. She was too blond for that and Damara would know if they gained a new member. So she worked for the police or the ministry. Great. That was just what Damara needed. She expected that Luciana would force the guards on her now, but she simply walked away to attend to her business. Thank goodness. Damara wanted to order some hard liquor as quickly as possible. This was a habit that was entirely Dustin’s fault, but she was thankful that it calmed her so. But, she would have to deal with the blonde first of course. Damara wasn’t surprised at all when the women got up and walked over to her table. She followed her intently with her ice blue eyes. Her full glare flashed up to the women. The women quickly said that she was from the London PD and that she had a few questions for Damara. Damara continued to glare. Fine. She would answer her stupid questions if she would leave. The women then explained that this was not a request. “Oh darn it. I was hoping you would bribe me with candy.” Damara let her sarcasm take over. “London, huh? Aren’t you a long ways from home, blondie? I suggest you return there quickly.” Damara said raising an eyebrow. “But ask me whatever you want. I wouldn’t hurt a fly.” She said not letting her icy expression change one bit. She wasn’t afraid of this women. She wasn’t afraid of anyone.

[Aviva Jade Morgan]

Aviva wasn’t surprised at the young girl’s attitude. She could have taken her into the station to question her, but she didn’t want to endanger the other muggles in the precinct. Besides, this wasn’t exactly Aviva’s case. She was questioning for personal reasons, but if she did manage to find anything good, she’d be sure to forward the information to Special Agent Calloway, the inspector who had been on the case for years. She admired the man’s bravery, but knew that the field of gang related murders would never be a field she’d choose. Sure, Homicide wasn’t exactly the safest unit to be working in, but it was a lot safer than the Gangs Department. The sensible and usually ruling side of Aviva would have been out the door calling Calloway this very second, but it was that new emotional side that kept her here now. How she hated Harper for awakening this side with his easy going fool hearted attitude. She’d get him for it later, though she didn’t want him to know she’d checked up on one of the Hemingway’s without his consent. They were partners, and technically, if Aviva found this girl to be suspicious, she had to follow the lead with her partner to make sure all ends were clear. She didn’t feel right breaking the rules and endangering her safety like this, but she was intent on finding the woman who had killed her aunt. She was a completely innocent woman after all, though not someone who a gang member would find uninteresting. Aunt Paula was a very influential woman. She was the head of some big jewelry company and made a lot of money. Not to mention her jewels crossed borders, so any gang affiliated member would be interested in her power. She was such a sweet woman though, despite all of that. She didn’t deserve the fate she got. Aunt Paula had kids, a husband…she had a relationship with her family that Aviva had only envied as a child. It wasn’t fair.

“You will do well to watch your tongue near me. I’m an officer of the law and I’m sure you wouldn’t be too happy doing hard time with the dementors. You are of age, aren’t you?” Aviva said, her hard and accusing personality kicking in despite that nagging uncomfortable feeling that she wasn’t exactly following protocol right now. “So you’d be Damara then, eh? Sixth year, same house as a Miss Merciano?” Aviva said, more to get her own thoughts together. She knew she was right anyway. She also wanted to make it seem like she’d done her reading for her case. She ushered the barmaid over and ordered herself a whiskey. She needed a bit of alcohol to settle her thoughts. She technically wasn’t supposed to drink on the job either, but she was breaking all the rules by coming here anyway, so it didn’t matter much to her. “Let’s start with the basics. Over the Winter Holidays, we’ll say…December 26th. What were you up to? Better yet, what was your mother up to? And further, what was she going off to go do just now? Hardly going off to work. I did my research, Miss Hemingway. According to the Ministry’s legal records, she’s unemployed, living off the money she received from your father’s death. My condolences, by the way. Losing a family member as close as a father can be very hard.” Aviva added, actually sincere about the death of the young girl’s father.

She sat back in her chair as the waitress tended to her drink. She paid her a few galleons and took a sip. “Also, I couldn’t help but overhear that little conversation you were having with your mother over there. I would like to know who this Jake is, and if I have to take him into custody. And of course, if I take him, I’d have to take you in for further questioning, seeing as you seem to know him so well. Offering to…what was it? Oh yes. personally to oversee him if necessary.” Aviva paused to take another sip and survey the girl’s reaction. Any other teenager being questioned so harshly would be in tears right now. Damara Hemingway compared quite wonderfully. “So as I was saying, London is pretty far. But I made a special trip all the way over here just to have a meeting with you. A certain someone at the scene of a murder seems to think that you were the last one who saw the victim before she was killed. Paula Morgan, age fifty-two. She was a very wealthy woman. Ever seen her?” Aviva said, placing the picture she’d nabbed from the Paula Morgan case file on the table for the girl to see.

[Damara Hemingway S6]

Damara felt her glare harden. She would not be threatened. “Same to you.” She responded when the women told her to hold her tongue. Henry and Owen appeared out of the shadows and stood at a safe distance. Owen raised an eyebrow as to ask if he should step in. Damara held out her palm as to tell him to wait. He nodded and glared at the blonde women along with Henry. Of course Luciana knew what was going on. By now, she probably already knew what this women’s name was and what her business was with her daughter. In fact, Damara felt sure that further back-up was on the way, but she didn’t need it. Damara could defiantly hold her own. “You might be an officer, but those men don’t care. They along with the back-up I’m sure my mother has called for would gladly kill you and end up in Azkaban if it meant saving me.” Damara scoffed. “I’m not afraid of those black-cloaked flying beings. I don’t fear anything so of course I do not fear, fear itself.” She stated soundly. Fine, toss her in Azkaban. That would not stop Damara Hemingway or the rest of the Entourage.

Damara’s jaw tightened slightly. “Yes I’m of age and I am Damara Hemingway and what does that demon have to do with anything?” She asked harshly. If she had to questioned, she would not use the time talking about Angela Merciano. Angela was the very reason Damara’s beloved Nico was gone. Damara hadn’t heard from Nico since May and it was all Angela’s fault. Damara wanted her dead. But that would have to wait until after graduation. “And you are..” Damara snapped at Henry who immediately brought her over a sheet of paper. Hemingways did their research quickly and protected their family no matter what. Damara held the paper in her hand and analyzed it quickly. “Aviva Jade Morgan, twenty-five years old, adopted daughter of Whitney and Jack Morgan, birth- parents unknown. You are a homicide inspector for the London police department. Well, aren’t you a little out of your league here, Aviva?” Damara snapped and Henry lifted the paper from her hands and then slid quietly back to his corner. “Anyways, now that you have formally introduced yourself ever so politely, I can continue to answer your pointless questions.”

Damara sighed. This was a waste of time. The twenty-sixth? Damara had been in Diagon Alley with Vincent. She didn’t do any work over the holidays nor did she really know what the Entourage was up to. They didn’t report everything to her of course. Some things just weren’t worth the time, but apparently it was worth the time for Aviva to investigate. Damara sighed again. “I was in Diagon Alley with my little brother Vincent returning Christmas gifts. Aunt Cecile bought him a very ugly coral sweater we took the pleasure in taking back.” She let the words roll off her tongue. All true. Some things were simply kept from Damara because she wasn’t an official Entourage member yet, but time would change that. She smirked. “Do I look like my mother’s nanny? She handles her own business. She scarcely needs me.” That was half-true. Damara did what she could to help the Entourage, but Luciana wouldn’t fully ask for her daughters help or need it until she was a member. “She was probably spending time with my older brother Dustin.” Probably persuading him to do something useful with his time, but she wouldn’t add that. What she had just said was possible, but Damara really didn’t know. She didn’t want to know everything.

“My mother takes care of a very powerful family. Have you ever heard of family dynamics? That is a job in its own. She spends her time wisely and hardly lays around the house.” She said practically rolling her eyes. This was stupid. What was Aviva trying to prove exactly? Damara’s face turned to stone once Aviva mentioned her father. “Don’t you dare bring my father into whatever you are trying to prove. You don’t have anything so don’t try to pretend that you do.” Her death glare was on and she could not and would not stop it. Damara shook her head as Aviva mentioned Jake. Did she really think she could trap Damara into admitting something? Now Damara would actually be lying but she had a great poker face and Aviva had nothing. “Jake is an old friend who happens to take great care of my cousin Annette. She’s only three and my mother was asked to look after her for a month. However, mother wishes to take a holiday to Munich so she needs someone to look after Annette. Carlton is her usual care taker but he is so old he can’t keep up with her. I asked to watch over Jake personally because I am sick and tired of school.” She said smoothly. It was a great story and it was mostly true. Annette did need a nanny for a month and Luciana refused because of her trip to Munich and because she was way too busy and important to bother with a child. So, Helena would be watching her, but if Aviva found that out, Damara could cover it up smoothly. Aviva slapped down a picture on the table. She had seen this women before, but not in person. Her picture was among the many in the mansion. Damara knew she needed attending to but she wasn’t sure of the details. Damara’s face was smooth as glass. “Yes I knew of her, but only because her jewelry is amazing.” Damara said flashing her emerald bracelet. This one was actually purchased. “And you have no real proof that I was anywhere near a murder nor would I ever be.” This was pretty true. Damara had never been involved with the murders directly. She just helped plan them. She then glanced back to Aviva. She was a good story-teller, but she was a Hemingway. No one expected anything less from her.

[Angela Merciano S7]

Angela Merciano wasn’t exactly looking forward to going on her little fact finding mission, but she knew the work had to be done. Her father, Santino Merciano had sent her into Hogsmeade with the intent on listening in on the little meeting between Damara Hemingway and her mother Luciana. It was a dangerous task of course, but Angela had no fear. She was actually looking forward to the inevitable duel between her and her lovely red headed roommate. She was sure that it wouldn’t be long now. Angela had been purposely pushing her limits. It wasn’t the smartest of choices, but Angela got such a kick out of seeing Damara’s face turn as red as her hair trying to control her anger. She was even thinking of pushing her farther still, but Angela didn’t want to risk her enemy losing control before they graduated. She wasn’t stupid, and neither was Damara. If they made their move before they graduated, both of their families would be in some serious trouble. It was a very strange peace treaty, but it was a necessary one. Of course, Angela hated Damara just as much as Damara hated her, but Angela knew how to control her hate and use it to her gain. Angela herself wouldn’t be doing too much dirty work. She and one of her fellow Cavalieri members were to watch the meeting from the back room, through the small window on the door. They couldn’t hear anything at all, but that was what Thomson was for. Thomson was purely Italian, though his step father was part of a wealthy family that had been in England for centuries. After stealing his step-father’s surname and killing the man off, he became the perfect double agent. He even looked purely British, and had an accent to boot. He was posing as one of their bodyguards, so he was sitting next to Damara’s mother listening intently. He had an invisible muggle earphone in his ear to hear Angela’s orders and a microphone hidden under his tongue to help Angela hear the meeting. He had to keep his mouth open slightly so she could hear, so he looked like a complete idiot just sitting there. But of course, Thomson really was an idiot, so it was nothing out of the ordinary.

Angela stood, eyes fixated on the small window, overlooking the scene where Damara and her mother were having their meeting with thin silver binoculars. Emilio Ramirez was standing just behind her, his muscular tattooed arms around Angela’s waist. Emilio was like Angela’s personal bodyguard. He was nineteen, meaning he was two years older than Angela was. He was covered in tattoos and piercings and he looked like one of those muggle gangsters you would walk away from when you saw them on the street. His father had been working for her Grandfather for years and he was one of the most trusted Cavalieri members outside the actual Merciano family. Emilio went to school with Angela for years, and it was pretty much understood that Angela’s family wanted her to eventually settle down with him when they were both of age. Angela always scoffed at the thought. Emilio and Angela had dated on and off for the past three years or so, but they were currently on the “off” stage. Angela needed a change, and Emilio was pretty creepy. He wrapped his tattoo covered arms around her and kissed her neck softly. Angela rolled her eyes and pushed away. “Emilio, not now, alright? Por dios, I’m trying to pay attention." She noticed the small confrontation between Damara and her mother and prayed for once that Luciana won out. If Thomson wasn’t there to ‘protect’ Damara, Angela wouldn’t be able to hear the rest of the meeting. There was some kind of cop at the bar watching them, and Angela needed to hear that confrontation. However, Angela had already learned more than enough, so if she had to go back home now, she wouldn’t mind. Though, she was curious. Why did Damara want to be left alone?

“Come on nena, cálmate. They’re pretty much done anyway. So take the mic off, and let’s get out of here.” He said in a silky smooth voice. Angela scoffed, watching more intently still. “I told you. That cop is still hanging around. I want to see what happens next. Then I’m going back to school. I’ve got homework. And don’t call me nena. ” Angela told him strictly, forcing his hands so they were at his sides. He rolled his eyes. “Fine. Angela, you can’t play this game with me forever. You know we’re meant to be together, so stop trying to deny it." Angela cursed as Thomson was ordered away. He was too far and now out of range. “Damn these stupid muggle contraptions!” Angela cursed under her breath. She couldn’t give away her presence. She watched the confrontation with the cop, noting the badge she carried. She focused the binoculars onto the paper Damara was reading. “Aviva Jade Morgan, twenty five…” Angela caught most of the details before she set it down. It seemed this woman’s seconds were numbered. They had her information. But she would have to be one brilliant woman for her to be placed on a gang case. She could be of great help to the Cavalieri. Maybe she could even bust some of the Entourage in the process. “Come on Emilio. We’re going on a charity mission.” She said quickly, settling her binoculars down in her robe pocket. Emilio raised his eyebrow but held his wand in his hand in case anything happened.

Angela edged out of the room with Emilio quietly, exiting as a crowd of people were passing the doorway so as not to be seen. She sat at the bar and listened, still hidden by that crowd. She could hear their conversation almost clearly and she could see the cop from a clear angle. The large men, one of whom was Thomson were standing at a safe distance from her. The woman seemed in control, though she sensed a small flicker of fear she had hidden beneath the confidence. She was good, but Damara was slightly better. She was in way over her head dealing with all this gang stuff. Angela almost felt bad. But then again, Angela wasn’t all too capable of sympathy. This little rescue would be only for her own benefit. She handled herself fairly well, mentioning the witnesses in the room and the fact that she could bust everyone in here and send them off to prison. How cute. Angela would have laughed at the woman’s confidence in the law, but she was trying to play nice now. Angela approached the table with a broad smile, Emilio standing next to her with a somber expression. He glared in Damara's direction. “Evening ladies. Now Damara dear, I know you may be having fun chewing this poor officer to shreds, but I’m afraid I have a meeting with her right now.” Angela said in a sweet tone that was obviously false. She could just see the anger pulsing in her bratty, filthy roommate’s body. She’d probably pay for this little act later, but she didn’t mind. It was too amusing watching the blood boil in the rotten Hemingway’s veins. She took the woman’s pale hand and led her off as Emilio muttered under his breath. “Esta niña… me va a matar.” Emilio said with a sigh, rolling his eyes. Angela merely laughed.

Translations:

Por Dios: For God's sake
cálmate: Calm down
Esta niña… me va a matar: this girl will be the death of me

((So I guess I’ll post Aviva next, then we can do Damara, Angela, and all that we talked about))

[Aviva Jade Morgan]

Aviva was in way over her head and she knew this. But this new emotional side of her didn’t care. This was the first time in quite a long time that Aviva had made serious decisions based on her heart and not logic. The logical thing to do would be to call in some backup or do something that could get her out of this situation safely. Of course, the logical thing would have been never to come here in the first place. But Aviva wasn’t being logical for once. There was something about seeing her dead aunt’s body that had caused her to come here and seek out her potential killer. Perhaps it wasn’t the daughter. From the conversation she’d overheard earlier, it seemed like her mother didn’t want her daughter to have any part in the big jobs. It was odd that even amidst the drug cartels and the murders, Mrs. Hemingway actually tried to act like a good mother. It was ironic, really. Oh no sweetie. You’re going to have to wait til you’re a big girl to murder innocent people like mommy, but don’t worry! Your time will come! The thought that this girl could one day be on the top ten most wanted list was absolutely nerve racking. How could any good mother lead their child into such a horrid life? Aviva couldn’t even begin to understand it.

Aviva raised her eyebrow. Perhaps she should have brought backup. She could have busted this child right here for threatening her in such a way. Sure her next words would be very adventurous, but Aviva was too preoccupied with the dead picture of her aunt to care to choose her words carefully. The stern, sensible side of Aviva lectured this new ruling side away, urging her to just walk away now while she could. “That sounds like a threat, Ms. Hemingway. I appreciate your concern, but I believe I’d be perfectly capable of handling myself despite the many little ‘minions’ your mother is sure to send my way. But I wonder, are you really willing to risk it despite the fact that your headmistress has just walked in?” Aviva challenged, her tone even and relaxed as Professor McGonagall strode into the room with a new professor Aviva didn’t recognize. She waved to the woman politely as she passed, headed for the bar. Aviva was impressed at their ability to obtain information. They already had most of her information right there, in the palm of that little girl’s hand.

Aviva pondered the girl’s stories. They sounded decently true, but Aviva could see her rolling her eyes and looking slightly to the right during some of her stories. Aviva had learned during her years of study that if the person in question was looking slightly to the left, they were searching their memory, meaning the story was either very well rehearsed or it was actually true. If a person were to glance up and to the right, they were searching the creative side of their brain for a likely story that the cops would believe. Of course, most of Damara Hemingway’s stories seemed as if they had been told a million times, almost practiced in case anyone came looking for answered. This was what had given her away. “Hmm. Sounds interesting. So your mother helps out a very powerful family, does she? This wouldn’t be the Entourage family, would it? I mean, what other family would have access to such a database that allows them to pick out such personal information so quickly, right? The only people who have the kind of knowledge you hold in your hands are cops and criminals, and obviously you don’t seem to like the law very much.” Aviva said as her eyebrows rose in suspicion. Before she could even come close to a cheeky answer, another woman arrived. Wait, she wasn’t a woman. If Aviva knew her facts, she would be one of the Merciano girls. A teenager—one with a full grown bodyguard that was definitely on the run from the police.

Aviva allowed herself to be whisked away, not sure which party she was better off with. She allowed herself to be ushered into a seat. The girl spoke quickly and urgently. “Listen blondie, I have no idea what you’re trying to find here, but going after Damara Hemingway isn’t the way to do it. If you need dirt on them, we’ve got it. We happen to know that your little murder investigation? Well, it’s not the daughter, but you’re close. Now I suggest you take my father’s card, and he can get you the information you need. The only thing we ask in exchange is that you keep certain things quiet for us.” The girl said, not bothering to reveal her name. “Well to be honest, this whole gang business isn’t exactly my area of expertise. I’m doing a favor for a friend.” She lied, much better at pulling it off than the young girl was. “And even if it was, I wouldn’t be able to cover anything up for you. I’m an honest officer, but I’ll give this over to my friend. He’ll give your dad a call. You are?” Aviva said, skeptical about the girl’s intentions. What did she have to gain from this little arrangement? “Angela Merciano. Now take this and get the hell out of here before you get yourself killed. I don’t want to be blamed for you, no offense. I’m already standing on some pretty thin ice.” The girl spoke quickly. Aviva didn’t need to be told twice. She vanished moments after her warning with the card in her hand, disappearing with a large crack.

[Damara Hemingway S6]

Damara rested her chin in her palm. How much longer would this take? No one could out do her. She was Damara Hemingway for God’s sake! Hemingways didn’t give up and they never backed away. And there was no way that Aviva could prove that Damara committed a murder that she didn’t anything about. Damara was too young to be involved in those cases. She stared at Aviva. The girl lived her whole life to stop families like the Hemingways and Damara knew that. But Aviva couldn’t bring down the Entourage. A gang that had been going strong for centuries couldn’t be tampered with. Aviva had to know that. Damara shook her head slightly and raised an eye-brow. Was Aviva trying to scare her? What did she expect Damara to do, apologize and cry like a baby? Did she know anything about the Hemingways at all? Damara grinned darkly as she pulled back her hand and shook her long red hair out gently.

“Oh if it was a threat, you wouldn’t have had to ask that Ms. Morgan.” Damara said in that sweet girl tone that for some reason seemed genuine every time she used it. But it was front as were most things in Damara’s life. Damara’s eyed flicked over to the Headmistress and then back to Aviva. “Risk what? I don’t know what you’re speaking of.” She said innocently using her fake coy again. “I’m sure that the headmistress would be interested in hearing that right after I finished dinner with my mother who I only get to see every other Hogsmeade visit, I was ordered to answer questions by an officer who isn’t even working on this case and who is as she knows, out of her league.” Suddenly Damara’s innocent smile was replaced by a dark one. She was nothing but a great liar and an excellent story teller. Actually, Damara would make an excellent actress if she wasn’t already sure of her future career.

Damara smirked. Of course she knew what to say to this question. It was practically the first thing she was taught after her mother told her of her family’s real business. But, she figured she should mix it up a bit for her own enjoyment. “Entourage? Is that a band?” It was a simple, naïve teenage question. Of course it didn’t sound like something that Damara would say, but she did pull off naïve in a unique way. Damara scowled when Aviva talked about how Damara got her information so quickly. “My mother is very protective. After what happened with my..” She trailed off and looked to the side. Then, she scowled back to Aviva. “We have money to pay for the best so we get the best. It seems that you are unaware of the many investments my mother manages. “ Damara sighed. “What would someone like me have against the law?” She asked innocent once again. This was too much fun.

And then the fun ended. “What are you doing here, Merciano?” The name stung in her throat. Don’t think about him. She urged herself. What was Angela doing? She approached with an obvious Cavalieri member at her side. Scum. He glared in her direction and Damara glared right back? Damara could feel the blood rush to her face and she couldn’t stop it. She would be glad to be rid of Aviva but not if Angela was with her. Angela obviously wouldn’t give the huge secrets away to Aviva about either of the gangs. If she told her about the Entourage, it would quickly result in a Cavalieri bust. She wasn’t that stupid. But, Damara didn’t want to take her chances and there were certain things Angela could do to bust the Entourage. Angela quickly swept Aviva away and Damara stayed sulking in her seat. It didn’t take long for Aviva to apparate away. Damara hadn’t heard a word of their conversation, but she could imagine it pretty decently. Damara was on her feet in a second. She strode over to Angela. “What the hell are you doing, demon?” This was of course her own personal little nick-name for Angela. Why her parents named her something so close to Angel, Damara would never understand? “Whatever you told her can be fixed in two seconds without any tears shed so nice failed attempt.” She said sarcastically with that look of venom in her eyes. “And don’t ever do it again.” She said darkly in a way that only Damara could manage. “You can go back to your thug boyfriend now.” She said soundly as she reached into her jacket, clutching her wand in the pocket. She didn’t want to have to use Henry and Owen in a fight. She could handle herself. Damara glared at Angela thinking of all the possible ways to get rid of her once and for all.

[Angela Merciano S7]

Angela sat back in her seat, admiring her work. Angela didn’t plan on saying much, but she knew her father was prepared for this kind of situation. He had files full of cases and people in the Entourage who could be sold out in an instant without harming the Merciano reputation. All they needed was for someone like that blonde Morgan woman and those men would be in jail in no time. Of course, the only Entourage members who had done something illegal and couldn’t be related to the Cavalieri were the unimportant low level ones, but it was still a win for the Cavalieri side. She was sure the Hemingways would not be pleased when their newest recruits were sent off to jail because of a tip from one of the Mercianos. This thought alone delighted Angela. “Nena, are you crazy? Why didn’t you just let her tear that officer to shreds? How am I supposed to protect you when you’re always trying to get us killed?” Emilio pleaded with a smug faced Angela. She turned to him slightly and glared. “Call me nena again and I swear to God I’ll rip your arm off.” Angela growled as Damara Hemingway headed their way, a murderous look on her pale freckled face. Angela merely chuckled under her breath as she always did when she had successfully managed to do something to get Damara angry.

As she approached, Emilio stepped forward, his wand raised and a snarl on his face. “Take another step and I swear I’ll blast you across the world.” Emilio warned, his wand raised so it pointed straight at her chest. Angela smiled sweetly and pulled him back. “Now now Emilio, remember what we said about staying calm? Sit down and let me have a little chat with my dear roommate.” She said sweetly before muttering under her breath to Emilio, making sure her whispers were too low for the Hemingway to hear. “Horita, Emilio. La profesora esta aquí.” She said calmly to him. He grumbled under his breath but did not respond. “Now I already told you what I was doing, or did you not understand me before? I’m pretty sure I was speaking your language.” Angela said as her tone darkened. She smiled smugly as she added in the small fact that Damara couldn’t understand the Spanish language. Angela would often hold her conversations in this language knowing that none of the Hemingways knew or understood what she was saying. Most of them tried, but Angela’s family spoke too quickly for any of them to catch more than a word, even if they had bothered to become fluent in their enemy’s language of choice.

“I had scheduled a meeting with the woman about matters that had nothing to do with you or your family. So I suggest you put that wand away. Professor McGonagall just glanced this way and I’m sure you aren’t looking forward to a detention with me anymore than I look forward to one with you. If you want to fight, you know the terms. We have to wait, otherwise both our families are screwed.” Angela said simply, sitting herself down. “And I’m just so hurt that you would think for a moment I’d try to bust you and your…wonderful family.” Angela exclaimed in a tone that was so sarcastic it was obvious to see the hate behind her words. “And of course, if I had spilled the beans, you wouldn’t be the one to do the job, would you now? Mummy dearest has got you under a lock and chain, doesn’t she? Let me ask you something, m’dear, have you even ever killed anyone before? Robbed a bank? I mean really, I don’t know how on earth you put up with that. I’d be absolutely crushed if I wasn’t allowed to get in on any of the real fun. Ah well. I’m sure you’ll be playing with the big girls eventually.” She said nonchalantly.

Emilio squeezed Angela’s knee in caution under the table but she didn’t even flinch. She wanted Damara to make the first move. Once she acted and McGonagall saw, it would be her getting in trouble and not Angela who was merely ‘defending herself from the brutal attack.’ She smiled wickedly. “I’m sure your mummy has her reasons for not wanting you to get involved too early. I mean, after what happened to poor Benjamin…” Angela knew she was only fanning the flames she’d caused from the cop by bringing up Damara’s dead father, but she didn’t mind one bit. Pushing Damara to her limit was far too much fun. Not to mention when Damara finally decided the rage was too much to contain, Angela could take her down in a second, and she’d be laughing the entire time.

Translations:

Horita, Emilio. La profesora esta aquí. : Later Emilio, the professor is here.

[Damara Hemingway S6]

Damara chuckled. This was amusing actually. Damara glanced from Angela to the guy, then chuckled again. A ready-made pair, they were. Damara could tell. Even if Angela didn’t want it, it would only be a matter of time before her parents forced it on her. Of course the Entourage as well as the Cavalieri gang only wanted their daughters to marry the best. And for some reason, the best was this thug? Didn’t they have more class than this? Damara let her smirky smile settle on her face. Fun. “Smile little boy. You might hurt yourself with that thing. Think, smart one. If I really wanted to kill her do you really think my place of choice would be in front of this many witnesses? Think before you speak. But, your chivalry is adorable.” Damara turned to Angela. “I’m sure mommy and daddy approve. Don’t know why.” She pointed to the man she now knew as Emilio as she fought back the eye roll. That would be childish. Damara wasn’t a child and she wasn’t about to act like one. She would not stoop in the Merciano level. Not now, not ever.

Somewhere in her mind, it registered that Nico was a Mericano. The boy she loved was one of them. In fact, he was Angela’s cousin. They were probably more alike than she knew. Damara erased the thought from her mind at once. Her beloved might be a Merciano but he wasn’t a thing like them. He was different. He loved a Hemingway; he had to be different. Damara shook the thoughts away. They were getting in the way. Damara sighed. Angela whispered something lowly to Emilio. Of course Damara couldn’t understand. It was Spanish. Damara could speak several languages: English, French, German, and she was beginning with Latin. But her parents never felt the need to have her learn Spanish and Italian. Go figure. “Yes you did tell me what you were doing and I also know that you Merciano can lie out of your arses. Not very well, but at least you try.” She said sharply.

“Will you never learn?” Damara asked darkly. “She can’t give me detention for protecting myself after all. Emilio threatened me.” She winked to him slightly playfully. She would use his threat in a second as an excuse to McGonagall. Besides, Damara wasn’t afraid of that old hag. She wasn’t afraid of anyone. “Why not?” Damara asked. “I am already graced with your presence in our dorm and in nearly all my classes.” Yes it was a cruel word but partially because Damara liked it that way. It made her stronger. “I don’t want a fight. Not today anyways.” It would have to wait. But, Angela Merciano would pay for what her father did to Damara’s father. They would all pay. Damara glared at Angela with venom in her eyes. “Why would I kill innocent people demon?” She said sweetly and rather loudly for anyone to hear. She then glared back to Damara. Damara didn’t want to kill people who didn’t deserve it. In the end, only the Cavalieris would die. “My mother has kept me alive and thriving so far and so far she hasn’t thrust a greasy, tattooed boyfriend on me. So I say she is going a rather fine job.” Damara let the venom saturate her tone as she stared icily at Angela.

The ice in Damara’s eyes was replaced by fire the second Angela murmured her father’s name. She would snap. She could snap. She would go in a fit of rage and murder Angela Merciano. Damara could hear Henry and Owen behind her. They would stop her if she tried anything. They couldn’t risk it. This wasn’t the time or place. They didn’t dare speak to her though. They knew she was fighting an inside battle. She was screaming in her mind and setting fire to Angela Merciano. Calm girl. Don’t do it. It wasn’t her voice she could hear. It was her father’s. She will have her time, Damara. Calm down my sweet girl. And she could calm down. She would she could do this. The fire faded at once. “Low blow Angela.” Damara couldn’t wait to see the fire within Angela’s eyes. She thought her roommate would snap like she usually did. “Too bad I have more class than you. Next time. Go for something that stings like my clothing choice or something. After all, isn’t that all you care about?” She asked with her sweet girl voice. Damara was stronger. Stronger than anyone knew. She had just won the hardest battle. The battle inside her. Damara turned to Owen and Henry. “I’m ready to go.” She said almost sweetly. She stopped in her tracks. “Oh and Emilio.” She said nonchalantly. “You know, body guards look so much better in suits.” She said glancing to Henry and Own. “But your get-up is much better suited as the demon’s husband.” She said to Angela. “Best wishes by the way. I can already hear the wedding bells.” She laughed coldly. “And the funeral dirge.” And then Damara turned and walked out of The Three Broomsticks, imagining the current look on Angela Merciano’s face.

[Angela Merciano S7]

Angela had come to know by now that while the Mercianos were obviously the superior gang family, the Entourage wasn’t to be underestimated. There was a reason they were the only group of people that ever stood in Angela’s family’s way. They were good, but the Cavalieri were great. They would always be better, and Angela wouldn’t let Damara Hemingway get in the last word. It seemed that this petty form of fighting was the only thing the two hateful teenagers could do right now. Both of them would like nothing more than to see the other burned alive, but both of them also knew that would have to wait. The agreement to wait for the battle had been decided pretty much the first time they met. There was no way around it. Damara would have her time to suffer in the way Angela wanted her to, but until then Angela would just have to deal with this ongoing battle of the wits. Emilio was the only one that was really getting angry at Damara’s words, but that was nothing new. He could never really ever keep his temper under control. Angela’s grandfather was constantly bailing Emilio out of trouble with new identities and other little tricks because he lost his temper and decided to knock someone off. That was another thing Angela didn’t like about Emilio. His horrid temper.

Angela merely eyed Damara. She did not glare—in fact, she actually looked quite amused as she observed the disgustingly tall red-headed teenager. She didn’t understand what her cousin had ever seen in this horrid little creature. She wasn’t beautiful, she wasn’t anything special in her studies, and she didn’t play any sports. Not to mention she was capable of an even worse temper than even Emilio was at times. Angela remembered pushing Damara Hemingway throughout the years to a point where she had to do that stupid counting thing she probably thought nobody noticed. At first, Angela drew the conclusion that it was all a hoax. Damara probably feigned love to Nico to learn about the family secrets. That would explain everything. That was the original reason she had decided to tell her father about Nico’s affair. Because he was so blinded by his love for the girl, he could not see the truth. So, Angela had decided to find a way to get him away from the witch’s spell on him before she obtained any other useful information on the Cavalieri. Sure, Nico received quite a few violent beatings after his removal from Hogwarts, but that was his own fault for letting her trick him in such a way. He was going to be killed, but Angela had convinced her Grandfather that he had been quite literally placed under her spell. It wasn’t the full truth, but Angela couldn’t just let Nico die and let Damara stay blameless. In the end, Angela had been quite surprised. As it turned out, the Hemingway brat actually did love him. She remembered how empty his absence had left her. It made Angela’s day every time she saw that broken look on her face. Making her lose her ‘love’ was only the first of the many ways Damara would pay for her family’s stupidity.

Angela merely chuckled smugly at Damara’s attempt at a comeback, ignoring the comment about Emilio. “Ah of course, this coming from the Hemingway who can’t even lie to a simple muggle cop. I’m sure your mummy and daddy will be disappointed. Oh crap, I forgot. Daddy’s not around anymore is he? His own fault really, he shouldn’t have started the fight. Well at least you don’t have to worry about disappointing him with your horrible attempt at hiding the big secret.” Angela said with a casual shrug. Emilio muttered in her ear, in Spanish of course as he glanced up at the guards standing behind the Hemingway. He warned her about what she was getting into, but Angela merely shook her head. He should know she’d never dream of doing anything in front of the Headmistress herself.

“Why would I kill innocent people demon?” The girl’s fake sweet voice was starting to make Angela sick. Wouldn’t she ever shut up? She spoke like she knew what she was talking about, when even Angela probably had more of an idea what the Hemingways were up to than even she did. Angela answered her with an even sweeter voice that was much louder. Angela’s next words were so loud in fact, that it made the Professor turn around in surprise, finally noticing the confrontation going on behind her. “Well your mummy dearest seems to have no problem with stealing the lives of innocent people. I mean, didn’t your family kill some elementary level muggle teacher just last night? Cold and heartless, with no care for the lives of the innocent. Like mother, like daughter I’d say. You two are practically identical.” Angela said with a cheery smile as McGonagall eyed them suspiciously. Angela laughed at Damara’s next hurt words after the mention of her father. “Like I said m’dear, I wouldn’t have anything to say about your daddy if he hadn’t tried to go up against my father.” Angela said; her voice low and murderous this time. It appeared as if Damara had had enough, because she stalked off fuming with her two bodyguards just behind her. Angela snarled as she walked away, stealing the glass the officer drank from earlier for fingerprints later on. “Of course she hears a damn funeral dirge. Makes sense doesn’t it? Her death is right around the corner…” Angela muttered as Emilio apparated her back home to have a chat with her grandfather.

((So where to now? We go right into the mini plot? I already have ideas for the NPC...Send me a pm. We'll talk. ))