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therealpm*The first thing Peter does is to ring George, partly because he misses him, partly because he's overheard whispers of a reshuffle and if anyone's going to have inside info, it's going to be George. He still hasn't managed to crack the charms on the phone, but he moves the equations from the manuscript to campbell's book for safe keeping, reasoning that people were somewhat less likely to pick up and flick through the latter.
He ignores breakfast when it is brought. Magical binding or not, Peter has read that some werewolves are able to transform voluntarily and if that's the case, then it's a weapon he means to add to his currently meagre arsenal. He stares at his hands, trying to draw up the feeling of transformation. Are the hairs on the back of his hands a little longer? Perhaps not. He refocuses and tries again.
By lunch time, Peter's famished and in need of a nap. He's just about managed to get fur to grow, but his human self reasserts itself after about 5 seconds. He collapses into a chair and almost inhales the plate of food, ignoring Black Rod's disapproving glare. After lunch, he curls up on the bed and dozes off.*
He ignores breakfast when it is brought. Magical binding or not, Peter has read that some werewolves are able to transform voluntarily and if that's the case, then it's a weapon he means to add to his currently meagre arsenal. He stares at his hands, trying to draw up the feeling of transformation. Are the hairs on the back of his hands a little longer? Perhaps not. He refocuses and tries again.
By lunch time, Peter's famished and in need of a nap. He's just about managed to get fur to grow, but his human self reasserts itself after about 5 seconds. He collapses into a chair and almost inhales the plate of food, ignoring Black Rod's disapproving glare. After lunch, he curls up on the bed and dozes off.*
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Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 03:57 pm (UTC)Back again - here we are, then.
*John enters the cell and puts the drink and biscuits down on Peter's table. He stands back and smile at Peter, expecting him to drink the coffee and potion in short order.*
Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 04:12 pm (UTC)He is less pleased to read the ingredients list. The potion was going to taste vile and he was going to need to drink at least half a pint of it every day.
The process itself looks easy enough, or at least, forgiving of any minor errors. It may not taste nice, but if Vince accidentally cuts the scorzonera into quarter inch rather than third inch cubes, it shouldn't turn poisonous or stop working.*
It needs to be taken with food. I will try drinking it this evening, with dinner.
Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 04:17 pm (UTC)Oh fine, oh fine, have it with dinner then.
Actually, there's something else I was meaning to talk to you abou-
*John's phone starts ringing. The name on the screen makes him decide that picking up is a good idea.*
Excuse me for a moment, if you please.
*John picks up the phone, but makes no move to leave the cell.*
Vince, what a pleasure to hear from you. I would have thought you would be busy with the reshuffle - how are you?
Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 04:19 pm (UTC)In fact, that's what I'm calling you about.
I'm bringing Jo Swinson to BIS to deal with consumer credit.
Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 04:24 pm (UTC)Very well, that's interesting, Vince, but I don't see why you would call me to inform me of your new team at Business. Would you might, awfully, elaborating on that?
Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 04:26 pm (UTC)In other words, since you offered me your werewolf to help at BIS, I thought we needed a liaison to coordinate between us. Jo is extremely capable and will be able to identify appropriate areas for his ...expertise.
Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 04:30 pm (UTC)I'm sure that would be more than...
*John catches Peter's eye. John may be Peter's legal owner, but he knows Peter's not likely to take orders from him, particularly in areas where Peter knows far more than he does.*
Actually, I'm going to hand you over to him - no point negotiating and agreeing these things through a third party when there's absolutely no need.
I'll speak to you in a moment.
*John hands his phone over to Peter to let them thrash out the details.*
Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 04:32 pm (UTC)Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 04:40 pm (UTC)Good afternoon, Vince. Perfectly well, thank you, and yourself?
Good.
John has given it to me, yes. He tried to say I should take it with biscuits, the man has no idea what essence of awlwort can do to an empty stomach.
Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 04:43 pm (UTC)Meanwhile, I don't know if John has talked to you about this, but he suggested that you help out at BIS in order to help free up some of my time to work on the 'cure' potion. Is this something you would be willing to do?
Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 04:47 pm (UTC)*He glares at John*
...patience never was his strong suit.
Of course. I am very greatful for your giving up your time to brew the potions- I know how busy BIS can be. Do let me know how I can be of assistance.
Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 04:51 pm (UTC)With the reshuffle, the department has a new member, Jo Swinson. I don't know if you know her?
In any event, my thought was that she could be the coordinating point between BIS and yourself. She'll be watching a good bit of my work while I research and brew the potions, and would know where your skills would best be employed.
Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 04:56 pm (UTC)The name rings a bell, but Vince...
...I would prefer news of my lycanthropy not to be spread far and wide. I'm sure she is perfectly dependable, but I would still prefer she sign a confidentiality agreement.
Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 04:59 pm (UTC)I wouldn't ask you to disclose unless it was necessary, but I simply can't run the department, brew the potions, and coordinate as well. I'm an old man, Peter.
It goes without saying that I have not disclosed your name to her myself.
Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 05:01 pm (UTC)Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 05:04 pm (UTC)Would you rather... should I fully brief her on the situation before she arrives or would you prefer to talk to her yourself?
Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 05:06 pm (UTC)Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 05:08 pm (UTC)Speaking of being fully briefed, shall I send over some summaries of what we are currently working on? I believe the department is somewhat different now than it was in your time.
Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 05:09 pm (UTC)Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 05:11 pm (UTC)Let me know if you need anything else. If you have any suggestions for the potions, I'd be most grateful for that as well. As you know, some of these ancient texts are not exactly the most transparent of documents.
Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 05:15 pm (UTC)*A few further pleasantries and phone numbers are exchanged before Vince hangs up. Peter passes the mobile back to John and waits. John doesn't appear to be leaving the room.*
...what is it, John?
Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 05:22 pm (UTC)There's another stipulation that DEFRA require.
I-I-I want you to know that I think it's preposterous and that I've tried to find a way round this, but the alternative is far, far worse, I assure you.
*John reaches into the bag and reveals Peter's gift.*
Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 05:35 pm (UTC)*he crosses his arms, leans back in his chair and glares at John*
No.
Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 05:40 pm (UTC)It-It isn't a dog collar, it's a specially designed werewolf accessory.
If you wear the collar - as DEFRA request - then your magic will no longer be bound by France or I.
*John takes the instruction leaflet out of the bag and carefully places it on the table.*
It is, of course, your choice, Peter - I can't make you wear it.
*John begins to back out of the cell.*
I'll give you some time to read the booklet and think things over.
Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 05:48 pm (UTC)Re: Some point that afternoon
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