Clock Tower Courtyard

"I'm not out to destroy you though... Look, you're like the closest thing I got to a friend right now so I just want to help."

'And i already told you, i don't need help.' he persisted yet again, growing annoyed.

"Fine... don't blame me when you're wrong though..."

'You're my friend Crouch, if i'd needed your help, i would ask for it. This conversation is going in endless circles.'

"Agreed... so... see you later?"

'Maybe we can drink tea and share makeup secrets.'
Lukas kicked the ground again, unearthing various bits of dirt with one shuffle of his foot.

I chuckle insanely, "Doubtful, tea lacks that certain... iron content I need if you catch my meaning."

'I concur with that.' he nodded, the start of a sadistic grin forming on his face. 'How about we go outside these walls for a while, find something nice to eat?'

"it'll be nice to lower my guard for a bit..."

His eyes flcikered briefly around the courtyard, considering. 'You wanna go now?' in all honesty, lukas needed a break too

"Yes, I haven't had any wanton annihilation in far too long!"

'Great!' he nodded, thinking. 'Diagon Alley?'

"Works for me!"

'Awesome. See you there.' Lukas took off, heading for the outside of the Hogwarts Grounds.

I follow!

Why am I here?

I knew that question was obsolete as soon as it popped in my mind. I had a purpose, I always did. I don't do anything without reason. And right now I was perched beneath a wilting Sycamore tree and rapping my fingers against my knee. I was focused if not anything else.

If I was going to find Eagle, the clues would be here, in this castle.

Maybe I was jumping to conclusions, but I had not seen my dear.. friend in a while. Wait - friend? was that all he was to me now? Well, obviously not if I was coming all this way to seek him.

Come on Ace, get yourself together. I could feel my flurry of thoughts were sending distress signals through my body, warning myself that I was not as rational as I should've been, that this careful, logical pretence was becoming unstable, and fast.

So I sat, staring out across the courtyard, still contemplating my first move. Admittedly, I needed help, and nobody to go to.

Time to suck up my pride I guess.

Crest was sitting by his lonesome, thinking of all that had happened.

His home was destroyed. And he had to catch the one responsible. One he didn't want to be responsible.

Her gaze travelled over to him dubiously, studying his form for a long moment.

'Crest...?' her tone was equally curious and apprehensive.

Crest turned to face her, looking neither welcoming or displeased to see her. "Ace."

'How have you been?' She was almost desperate to break the ice, continuing to rap her fingers on her knee.

The fewer people who knew of the Strayers fall the better, "busy as usual, you?"

'Do you want the honest answer or the party line?' Ace muttered, combing a hand through her blonde hair.

He raised an eyebrow, not understanding the phrase.

'Do you want me to lie so you don't feel an obligation to help me?' her tone was flat, listless.

"No... What is it?"