*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.*
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
Date: 2012-09-04 05:53 pm (UTC)I've got to head back to the house but I'll be back later - is there anything in particular I can get you?
Re: Some point that afternoon
Date: 2012-09-04 06:03 pm (UTC)He shakes off his tattered clothes and begins to explore the room from an entirely new perspective. There's still a vague, small, human voice at the back of his mind, this is nothing like the blind rage and hunger during the full moon, but it takes a back seat to the wolf.*