Business as Usual ((Wynd))

[Pyro Blackfire S5]

A single candle was all that illuminated Pyro's study and bathed in in a soft orange glow. Pyro sat, chin held in his hand, elbows lightly resting against the table in front of him and thought things over quietly. The table before him was littered with many pieces of parchment, most of them were random reports of his many different 'businesses,' but a few were important notices from contacts of his out in the field. It was over one of these such notices that Pyro was focusing his main thought process over. It came from a Wizard who had been around long enough to deal with Charles, and was one of the few that had proven himself useful enough to remain on board during Pyro's reign. The man was good, not even Pyro was sure he knew the man's real name, and there were none better at gaining information than he, which also meant he came at a high price.

With a sigh Pyro pushed away from the table, as much as he hated being summoned by someone else, it would be foolish to pass up a chance to squeeze some information out of Rasiter. An impatient snap of the fingers brought a house elf into the room carrying Pyro's traditional cloak. Pyro picked it off the small creature and quickly fastened it around his shoulders, "Clean up while I'm away." He said motioning toward the table. Pyro was already turning on the spot and had apperated away before the elf even bowed. With the customary Crack! Pyro reappeared at the entrance to Diagon Alley.

A quick glance to make sure the coast was clear was all that was needed as Pyro entered the alley and wrapped his cloak tightly around himself. Pyro resembled a Dementor as he swiftly glided in and out of the crowds that always filled Diagon Alley. He made no noise at all as he drifted through the throngs of people and caused hardly even a whisper of a breeze as he passed. He knew the side alley well and easily found it and slipped into its dark embrace. Once he was safely in the cover of the darkness Pyro removed his hood and scanned the alley. His sharp eyes easily picked up the dirty figure leaning against the wall.

"You walk a dangerous line demanding a meeting with Rasiter. You forget, it is I who contacts you and arranges the meetings. This had better be good." Rasiter merely chuckled as he moved away from the wall and into better view. "Dont worry Master Blackfire, you know my information is always good." With a sly smirk Rasiter held out his hand. "I'll still take my usual fee."

Pyro's eye twitched in irritation but he remained calm. "Half-price, seeing as you forced me out here to mingle with all this blood traitor filth I'll take half your fee as grievance pay." Pyro stated this simply as he pulled out a Galleon and began to twirl in in between his fingers. Rasiter's face quickly twisted into one of outrage. "Now you see here..........!"

Rasiter's words were cut off as he found himself sitting on the ground with a wand pressed firmly against his nose. Pyro's face was mostly hidden by shadow but his eyes shone out bright in the darkness. "No! You see here. You are not my equal, you do not sell information to me. You serve me and I reward you based on your information. Do not mistake me for my father. He was a weak man and easily manipulated. I promise you, I am not the same." Pyro leaned in, bringing the two faces close together. "Now, what did you want to tell me."

Rasiter's face clearly trembled in fear as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a slip of parchment. "Here, its all here." He stated as he handed the slip to Pyro. Pyro placed it into his pocket without even a glance and quick as before he had stepped away and replaced his wand in its sheath. "Remember, I reward those who serve me well, so don't cross me again." With a flick of his thumb Pyro twirled the Galleon into Rasiters lap and turned away. Pyro replaced his hood and stepped out into the hustle that was Diagon Alley.

[Wynd Lehane]

The best part of the summer holidays was being back in the real world. The world where Wynd did not have to deal with mudbloods and half-breeds every single day. Here in the Lehane manor, Wynd just had his father, his sister, and their house elf to deal with. Every now and again their grandmother would come to visit but she was pure as well. It was nice to be back with people who thought the same way that Wynd and Ruby did. Sometimes it seemed like the Lehane twins were the only true Slytherins in the school. Valmer certainly was not. But then again, Wynd had a personal grudge against the boy. Olivia certainly was not a true Slytherin. She even hung out with muggles and mudbloods as if they were the same class as wizards. Still, Olivia was very attractive and so Wynd didn't mind her too much.

Wynd was on his bed reading when a knock came at the door. "Yes?" he responded without looking up. The door creaked open and their house elf walked in. Wynd liked their house elf. He had always been kind and did whatever he was told in a very timely manner. Wizards were expected to look down upon their house elves but as a firm believer in the Study of Magical Creatures, Wynd knew better. He knew that elf magic was much stronger than wizard magic and when the Lehanes rose to power, the elves would be a great asset. The house elf walked right up to Wynd and handed him a note. "Thank you," Wynd said to the poor thing. The elf then bowed and quit the room without looking behind him. Wynd set aside his book and unfolded the note. He recognised the handwriting as his father's right away. Wynd's blue eyes traveled from side to side as he read the note in his hands. After he was done, he looked up and sighed. Wynd placed a bookmark in his book and hopped off his bed. He stopped at the dining room table to pick up the money his father had left for him and headed for the fireplace. Grabbing some floo powder Wynd could not wait until December. He and Ruby would be turning seventeen then and he could apparate when he needed to go places. "Diagon Alley!" Wynd said to the green flames as they enveloped him.

The streets were crowded. Wynd secretly hated his father for sending him on an errand that made him be in the same air as mudbloods and half-breeds. Wynd much preferred Knockturn Alley as it was much less crowded and all the true wizards could be found there. However the Aurors kept a close watch on that part of Diagon Alley ever since the Dark Lord's downfall. Wynd weaved in and out of the crowds as he made his way to the Apothecary. He cursed his father under his breath. Wynd really did care for his father and sister. He was more annoyed than angry that he had to do this favor for his father. Wynd wanted to help his father whenever possible to let him know that his family was there for him. His thoughts were interrupted as Wynd side stepped to avoid a collision with a group of giggling girls and he had to stop in his tracks as a hooded person seemed to appear from nowhere. "Watch it!" he snapped at the hooded figure.

[Pyro Blackfire S5]

Pyro quickly played the meeting over again through his head. There were a few odd ends that needed clearing up. Rasiter had worked under Charles, and then had immediately shifted his alliance over to Pyro after Charles’s death. Rasiter knew the rules and he played by them quite well, for if he didn’t, he’d probably end up dead in some gutter. Requesting a meeting in such a public place like Diagon Alley was the risky business, and one Rasiter knew not to take lightly. The second thing that bothered Pyro was Rasiter short little stunts of resistance, another thing that Rasiter knew never to take lightly since the consequences were very dire for one in that profession.

Could something else be going on behind the scenes that Pyro was unaware of? Could Rasiter have another employer, something not unheard of, who was protecting him? Pyro bit his lip, could the information that this slip of parchment held be viable, or was it a mere ploy to divert Pyro’s attentions to other matters. Pyro made a mental note to look into this more deeply. He paused for a second, moving this incident into a folder deep in his mind and getting it out of the way. Now that he was in Diagon Alley, he may as well make the best of it. There were quite a few other business ventures that needed checking up on.

Though it appeared that something else required his attention first. Pyro sighed as he stepped out into Diagon Alley and heard someone shout at him to watch him. When it rains it pours. Thought Pyro as he easily stopped his stride. Pyro’s wand appeared in his hand as if it materialized out of nowhere and within a split second his arm was fully extended pointing the weapon out to the side in the direction of the shout. Pyro didn’t have to look to know that the weapon was pointing into the face of the offending party. Why must I always be charged with cleaning up the trash around here? Thought Pyro to himself as he slowly turned his head to look at the offender.

“I would be careful about what you dem…” Pyro’s sentence was cut off as he finally managed to get a good look at the boy standing next to him and the recognition came almost immediately. Wynd Lehane, twin brother of Ruby Lehane, and also a partner of Pyro’s. “Well well, Mister Lehane. You put me in an awkward position. Do I just let a simple insult go, or do I hex a trusted partner and associate.” Pyro pivoted his body to fully face Wynd and twirled his wand in his fingers and quickly brought it back and slipped it into the sheath on his hip.

[Wynd Lehane]

Wynd looked down at the wand that was pointed at him with an air of defiance. He sighed with frustration and moved a strand of hair away from his eyes with a brush of his hand. Anyone who was this quick to get a wand out seemed to lose himself to anger easily. Wynd didn't show any emotion. He knew that if this person was smart he would not attack another wizard in the middle of Diagon Alley. Wynd waited until the unknown person faced him. It only made sense to remain calm while there was a wand pointed at you. Wynd hoped that this hooded wizard was smart enough to know not to attack when surrounded by a crowd by he didn't know how jumpy he was. Any sudden movement may have sparks flying from the wand pointed at his face.

When the stranger turned Wynd was surprised to see that it was Pyro Blackfire. Wynd knew that Pyro had taken over his corporation at a young age and that he had sometimes dealt with Wynd's father. Wynd also knew that Ruby had recently talked to Pyro and asked him to join the fight. Wynd had waited for the day when he would run into the infamous Pyro Blackfire himself. Little did he know that he would run into him on the filthy streets of Diagon Alley.

Wynd tried to reach out to Ruby with his mind. To feel what she felt about Pyro but she was unable to reach her. The distance must be too great, he rationalised in his mind. Well, if Pyro had met Ruby and she told him her story it only made sense for Pyro to now meet with Wynd and hear his spin on things. "An insult? If you thought that was an insult, you obviously don't have enough enemies." Wynd smiled as Pyro withdrew his wand and put in back in its sheath. "And even though you are a partner and associate of mine, I still do not want to bump into you as you appear randomly. But if it would lighten the mood, I apologise." His smile did not fade or change. Not that he was exactly happy at this moment in time but he did want to show Pyro sincerity. "What brings you to this mudblood breeding ground, Mr. Blackfire? Business as usual I presume?"

[Pyro Blackfire S5]

“I can assure you, I have my share of enemies in this world.” Pyro smiled, a slight glint in his eye, “And quite a few that aren’t.” Pyro gauged Wynd carefully, he had already met one half of the Lehane team, and that half proved to be a slippery obstacle, it was time to get to know the other half and truly find out what he was dealing with. Pyro allowed a slight frown to slip onto his face, but it was gone in an instant, as Wynd addressed him with Pyro’s hated title.

Mr. Blackfire had been a title that his father had reveled in and enjoyed quite immensely. Every time Pyro had to stand in front of the cameras, shake some ones hand, answer more and more inane questions that title plagued him, bringing forth image after image of Charles. “Pyro.” He stated. “Mr. Blackfire was my father, and I’m quite sure you know my history with my father, so there is no need to bore you with the details.” Pyro turned to look out at the vastness of Diagon Alley. “Yes, business, business, business.” Pyro sighed slightly.

“You’ll find that with a giant family that wants to bleed you dry of all your fortunes you must constantly seek out new business ventures to keep the vault full.” Pyro turned back toward Wynd and smiled. “And there is no better place to make legal money than in this invested breeding ground.” Pyro’s eyes followed a particular group of people as they moved through the crowd. Apparently this was a new incoming first year, and they were muggle at that, one only had to look at the bright and curious eyes of the adults to deduce that.

“Mudbloods may be protected by our laws better than the minister himself, but flash them the simplest of wizarding tools and they pay fortunes to get their hands on them.” Even though Pyro was talking about making money off muggles his tone was laced with disgust. There was truth to his words, muggles were a cash cow for any wizard in the business, but muggles were hardly worth the effort, but Pyro was only one man, right now the only thing he could do was cheat the system behind the scenes until better arrangements could be made.

Pyro’s eyes returned to Wynd. “As it just so happens, my business here has been concluded. How about yourself? Not to busy to grab a drink are you?” Pyro’s and the Lehane’s alliance hadn’t actually gone through completely yet. Pyro was interested in their proposition, but he still needed to do a bit more sniffing before he would bite onto their plan.

[Wynd Lehane]

"Pyro," Wynd corrected himself with a little nod to the other boy. Wynd wasn't sure if he trusted Pyro Blackfire. Ruby did. Wynd was always a little hesitant toward the boys that Ruby trusted. True, one could call Wynd on overprotective brother. But Wynd was also thinking of the future. Ruby did not need any more distractions that she already had. The last boy to get close to her was Valmer. Wynd hated that he was forced to share a room with the boy. They had not really talked to one another since that one night where Wynd had to spell everything out to the daft boy. Regardless, Wynd was now more than ever wary of boys who were close to Ruby. The fact that Ruby had approached Pyro disturbed him even more. He would be a great business partner and has countless assets but Wynd hoped Pyro would keep his relationship with Ruby purely platonic.

Wynd's gazed turned with Pyro's and looked on the visitors to Diagon Alley. A gaggle of muggles were passing by. It was obvious to spot the ones who were brand new to the wizarding world as they wanted to look at and touch everything. After years of taking the class of Muggle Studies, Wynd had a new look on muggles. He still did not like the fact that wizards and witches had to hide in shame from the muggle world, but he understood it a little better. Muggles had their own history and culture that was very delicate. They would be saddened to learn that the destruction of London during the war was not completely based on muggle weapons. Wynd rolled his eyes and looked away. "Agreed. They serve their purpose in society. But I can't say that I would know about doing business with them," he added with a soft smile. Just because Wynd did not fully trust the boy who had just threatened him with a wand, there was no reason to be impolite.

Pyro's invitation intrigued him. Ruby had left him with an offer on the table and now maybe he had made his decision. Wynd looked down at the piece of parchment in his hand. Quickly memorising what his father had written he took his wand to it. "Incendio." Instantly, the parchment burned to a crisp and the ashes fell slowly to the ground. "Nothing would give me more pleasure," he answered Pyro. "I have an errand to run but nothing that cannot be put off until a later hour. We can talk... about the future. Lead the way."

[Pyro Blackfire S5]

Pyro eyed the younger boy carefully. Pyro nodded as Wynd agreed with him about the uses for Muggles when it came to the business world. He noted though, with an arching of his eyebrow, that Wynd seem to cut short the statement. Pyro thought about this, trying to decipher any deeper meaning behind the words. With a shrug Pyro moved it to the back of his mind, perhaps there would be a chance to understand the boy later in the conversation. Pyro sighed, “Luckily I don’t have to deal with them as much on a personal level. Though every now and again I’m forced to smile and shake hands with some muggle figure, depending on what organization I’ve just funded.” Pyro had his fingers within many pies, not only did muggle organization give him many profit opportunities, they also gave him an inside seam. He had access to their security, inside and out, any of his muggle organizations could be hit and cause devastation in the muggle world thanks to his security information.

At the moment though, much to his distaste, Pyro saw no need to deal such a blow to the despicable creatures. Especially not with the Ministry breathing down his neck and ready to pounce on any wizard violation on muggles. In fact, Wynd’s own mother proved to be a shining example of this. Being sent to Azkaban for defending her own family, this was a sore subject for the Lehane twins, this Pyro knew. Pyro smirked, if only they knew how much leverage Pyro had within Azkaban, would Ruby step up her efforts to recruit him if she knew? Pyro’s mind quickly returned to the present just in time to notice Wynd ignite the note within his hand. Pyro watched this with growing curiosity. The simple action had caused an avalanche of ideas to run through his head.

If the note said something that Wynd didn’t want Pyro to see, couldn’t he have simply placed the note in his pocket? Pyro was quite skilled at sleight of hand maneuvers and probably could pick pocket the young boy successfully, was Wynd afraid of that exact thing and therefore didn’t trust Pyro? Ruby should that she trusted Pyro to an extent, if Wynd didn’t trust Pyro could there be a rift growing between the twins, and if there was, how could Pyro profit from it? The incident only took a second and Pyro quickly acted as if he hadn’t noticed, he smiled and acted delighted that his offer was accepted. “Great. I know just the place. Quiet, out of the way, and not bogged down with the common filth.” Pyro stated as he once again let his eyes roam around the alley and take in all he muggle ruckus.

With that Pyro made his way through the alley, weaving in and out of the large throng but at a pace that Wynd would be easily able to keep up with. After a few twists and turns they both turned down Knockturn Alley and Pyro made his way to a small pub. The place was small, but it was clean and mostly empty. Most of the muggle crowd never ventured into Knockturn alley, and therefore this pub was free of them. Pyro nodded at the bartender who knew him and made his way into a nearby booth. The table held a small gem embedded into the center which flared up as soon as the pair sat down. “I’ll have the usual.” He stated, meaning his usual Firewhiskey. “My guest will have….” Pyro looked up at Wynd, inviting him to take over.

[Wynd Lehane]

Wynd nodded slightly telling Pyro to lead the way. As he followed, he wondered if Pyro had seen the piece of parchment. He would be surprised if Pyro had not noticed the ashes falling from his hands but the other boy said nothing. But Wynd knew that meant nothing. The language of thought and the language of speech were often separated by fathoms. It was a purely innocent act. Wynd's father had sent him on a mission to pick up a less than desirable item from Diagon Alley and Wynd did not want the list to fall into the wrong hands. He was going to burn the list anyway but wondered if he had chosen the wrong time to do the action. Wynd felt the words of explanation wanting to escape his lips. Telling Pyro that he was not hiding anything but he held his tongue. Wynd did not owe the other Slytherin anything. Not yet. If he was curious, let him ask.

Soon they turned down Knockturn Alley and the crowd seemed to immediately thin. Pyro turned into a small pub that was mostly empty and the few patrons in there seemed not to care about the new customers. Wynd saw Pyro give the bartender a nod. Making eye contact with the barkeep Wynd raised one half of his mouth, his usual "Hello." Pyro brought them to a nearby booth and ordered his usual. "A glass of your house ale," Wynd finished the statement. There was a moment of awkward silence waiting for the drinks where Wynd took the opportunity to look around. The pub was dimly lit but appeared clean. On one of the walls Wynd saw a Falmouth Falcons poster. The team’s falcon zooming about as if the poster was not enough room for it to spread its wings. The poster made him think of the Slytherin Quidditch season and how easily they beat Ravenclaw but then were humiliated by Hufflepuff. He clenched his fist in anger under the table but did not let the feeling affect his face.

The drinks were bought to them and the boys nodded their appreciation. “Firewhisky, eh?” Wynd broke the silence. Wynd liked to drink firewhisky when he wanted to have a good time but for a plain drink he preferred ale. “I would say we should toast but we have nothing to toast about. ...Yet.” Wynd raised one eyebrow. Ruby and he were certain that they had Pyro’s curiosity but would that be enough for him to agree to help? Ruby said she had been vague on the specifics but that it would be enough to convince Pyro Blackfire to join them. Pyro had the resources to find out the twins’ history. He would most likely be able to guess what they were planning. The one thing he would not know is the how. "However, I hope we soon will be." He took a swig of his drink wondering what else to say to the boy in front of him without revealing too much.

[Pyro Blackfire S5]

Pyro allowed Wynd to finish his order and then sat back. He allowed the silence to play out as Wynd got himself acquainted with the surroundings. Pyro had come to this place quite often, he was well known here. This place didn’t allow riffraff to enter, and it was a great place to go and be alone during private business matters. Instead Pyro regarded the younger Slytherin curiously as they sat there. Pyro could only guess at the Lehane’s plans, and he couldn’t only guess at what they needed him for. He also knew that the twins had some kind of symbiotic relationship with one another. Both of them worked together, playing off each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Although they were two separate entities, they both worked as one unit to achieve a goal. Pyro knew that Ruby was ambitious about the future and her goals, that would mean that Wynd concentrated more on the past.

This entire ordeal intrigued him, the two twins together were indeed formidable, but what were they missing? Whatever it was Pyro apparently had it, since Ruby had made it a point to try and recruit him directly. Pyro quickly thought over his assets. He had money, but so did the Lehanes, he had a large network, but so did they. Although Pyro had to admit he would be an asset on any team or organization, he couldn’t quite place the urgency. It seemed like Ruby really wanted him on their side. Pyro’s attention returned to the twin before him and he realized something odd. Even though they both played on their house Quidditch team, the same position in fact, the two had rarely spoken, even during a game. Pyro had exchanged more words with Ruby, who he had no connection with at all, than he had with his own team member.

After a short while Wynd’s examination of the pub seemed completely and Pyro quickly drove the thoughts out of his mind, it was time to tune in to the present. Pyro grinned and regarded his Firewhiskey. He knew that the drink was rather strong, but he found that if one took the drink slowly it didn’t affect them. Pyro remembered that he used to hate Alcohol of any form, finding that it ruined his judgment when he required complete discipline for his training. Yet ever since he had taken over the Blackfire name he found that an occasional drink helped settle his nerves, still, it was rare of him to drink to excess. Pyro lifted his drink but didn’t take a sip yet, he wondered about his options. He could press Wynd, perhaps trick him into revealing some information about this proposition of Ruby’s.

That would be a dangerous avenue to explore though, because if Wynd caught on to what Pyro was doing it would ruin relations between them. Pyro took a sip of his drink as Wynd did the same with his and he carefully picked apart those words. Yes, there wasn’t much to toast at the moment, but there could be something in the future. A sudden though struck Pyro, “How about we toast to this.” He held up his glass, “To the future, and may it turn out as we both envision.”