Running An Errand (Open)

Nilson walked into that famous train station. King's Cross... Earlier that day he had received a message from his anonymous contact. It explained why it had taken until March to follow up. Apparently he's had a few changes to the plan. Originally it was going to be in the middle of the night, but it was now scheduled to the day. There was some trouble with the operative he was meeting with for a bit. On top of all that, there have been added things to look out for. The biggest thing he needed to keep an eye out for was an employee, and there was a code that Nilson had to greet with. Of course, how the contact put it, the operative would have no problem finding him. They'd likely see him first, non-sense. They were going to direct him to this "nine and 3/4 platform" what ever that was. There wasn't a specific meeting point either. Nilson was really tempted to step out, but a select few members of this gang ushered him to go. He was becoming more and more certain he was in the dark about something.

Nilson walked around the station, which was a little busy for his comfort. He went to another thought, trains. He liked trains. That was more concerning though. He recalled his call with the contact, they already knew this would interest him. Was it because of the trains? It couldn't have been that though, Nilson has never really talked with anyone about his history with trains, as simple as it was. So how did this guy know? Nilson pushed the thought aside, surely the contact was talking about this "errand" and what it brought. He continued to walk around the station looking for this operative, being sure to try and avoid suspicion. Suddenly a woman approached him, an employee no doubt. She greeted him with "Hello, sir. You seem to be having trouble." It was her of course. Looked young and had a steady air about her. He pulled out his wallet knowing what he had to do in this situation.

"Here are the nine dollars and seventy-five cents you asked for," He handed her the money. "So where are we going." Nilson asked she quickly signaled for him to follow. They reached Platform nine and continued a little before going under an arch-way. He was confused as she stopped and looked around, but didn't show it.

"You are lucky Mr. Forrest," The employee said. "No one is here at this time of year, aside from people on the other side." Nilson was completely confused now. He looked around and saw people were at the other trains, and what was that about the other side?

"Well, if this is ideal," Nilson shrugged. "Shouldn't we get started?" The woman pulled something small out her pocket, was it a weapon? Nilson got himself ready, but she waved it around and Nilson could already feel something. He didn't know what, but something changed. He checked around his body, no wound, no change, nothing happened seemingly, but he still felt something. "What did you just do?"

"What he asked me to Mr.Forrest," she turned towards the arch and smiled. "Follow me if you'd like to know what." Nilson saw her put a stick into her pocket, it was molded into it's shape. He was curious, why did she pull out a stick? What did it do to him. Little did he know this was only the start of his questions. He...? She knew who the contact was? "Right, try not to over react to what you're about to see, that should go without saying for you though."

"What does that mean?" As he asked she ran at the wall and vanished. His eyes widened. He was speechless. What just happened? Was he dreaming. He rubbed his eyes and pinched himself. Nope real. "Alright then... Let's see what you've got." He glanced around, no one was looking. He ran towards the wall, which was a pleasant brick, and braced for an impact. An impact that didn't come. Instead he found himself on another train platform. Nine and three quarters! He looked around, it was another station entirely. He brushed off his shoulder as if nothing special happened, on the inside he was about to break down believing he was crazy.

"It worked!" The woman exclaimed. "Well, I guess he'll be pleased with his spell's results."

"Ok," Nilson started as he was trying to calm his mind. "I have numerous questions to ask,
but for now, what are we doing?" The woman regained her composure, she was more excited than Nilson was, of course that was on the outside.

"Well, I guess you get to look around," The woman explained in a calm manner. "Follow my lead. You could easily find trouble here with the people here."

"Funny, trouble tends to find me."

Edith was determined to get as many praises for the Ministry Reform as possible; she was enjoying the rush of money she was getting from the Death Eaters, and she enjoyed being able to snoop even more than usual to publish as many propaganda pieces as possible. She wasn't too concerned about morals or ethics. Why should she be anyway? She'd do anything to make a quick buck. Edith looked around with her automatic writing pen and her notepad clutched in her hands trying to find somebody to interview. Spying a man who appeared to be just about bald, she decided to might as well see what she could get out of him. To her, someone who happened to be just about bald was perfect to interview due to seeing the Ministry in various phases over the years. "Good afternoon, sir," she greeted. "I am here from The Daily Prophet to interview people. What are your thoughts on the Ministry Reform that's in progress?"

Nilson's escort glanced at the journalist, fully aware that the question she asked was certainly beyond Nilson's knowledge. The escort was about to intervene when she noticed that Nilson was surprisingly calm, but seemingly willing to talk. Did he already have an idea on how to respond? She waited to see what he would do.

"My apologies," He began in a sophisticated manner, but his accent was still there. "I just moved here the other day from America. I regret to say that I have ill looked into British politics." His escort was a little impressed with how he handled the question. Little rough due to how big the news was, but passable. What he asked next was what showed her how good he was at his job. "You're a journalist, right? Maybe you could be a beautiful rose and enlighten me so I could give a better answer?" Not only was he dodging a question, but trying to get information in a reversal! Nilson kept a smooth and calm tone to his voice across it as well. Of course, he kept his guard up.

"Oh, I see," Edith replied looking at the two in front of her; she did have her suspicions regarding the woman that stood beside him. If Edith was lucky, her explanation of the reform would allow her to give it the positive press it needed. "Well, the Ministry is under new hands now. They aim to make sure the people know that the Ministry is working for their benefit. They plan on improving the education system, job opportunities, and create new programs to help the less fortunate." She sighed. "In all of my 30-some years of living, I'm just glad to  be growing up in a world where my daughters get to grow up in a Ministry that'll finally begin to benefit them after all these years of being corrupt. Surely, you'd understand being an American yourself."

@Nilson Forrest

"Dealing with corrupt people is part of my business," Nilson put in a simple manner. "Plus being from America helps, like you've said. I've learned a lot, like not trusting that promises will be as pleasant or as true as they sound." Nilson took a brief moment to contemplate. "That was an okay answer, but you said that the people in charge are new, right?" The woman was slightly concerned with where this seemed to be going, but something told her Nilson had other plans.

"Ah, here I am rambling. I'd hate to bother a busy journalist over the little background details, so no need. I can form my own opinion as I settle down and can become more... Involved." Nilson explained. "Besides, an associate of mine will fi-" Nilson's escort cut him off there."Sorry about him, he tends to ramble. I know you've got a job to do. We shouldn't waste you're time." The woman apologized in a bit of a hurried manner. "If you want to interview him, perhaps you could talk something different. If you're set on wanting to talk about the ministry... I guess I'm open for that. I am on break after all." Nilson hid his relief. This woman was quite helpful. It's no wonder he needed an escort for this "errand" and what it inquired. This meeting may have been accidental, but it still has value so he paid close attention.

She raised an eyebrow hearing the man's response. getting an acceptable response out of him was going to be harder than she thought. It was a good thing she happened to be quite good at stretching details and quotes to fit an agenda... Edith listened to the women beside him and pondered for a moment trying to formulate a reply. "As it is a story on citizen's thoughts regarding the Ministry reform, it would be very much appreciated to stick to topic." Suddenly, a thought came to her. If she got their names, she could pass it towards the Death Eaters to keep an eye on them; it was rare, in her opinion, when a citizen would try to avoid directly answering questions. "Before I forget, what are your names? It is vital that we attach names to the thoughts of the people. The Ministry looks forward to helping the people after all."

Nilson recalled to his early time in his profession. One of the first lessons he learned was never go by his real name when it goes to the Government. A ministry wouldn't be any different, especially with what his associate seemed to imply. Not only that, but there was something fishy with this journalist, one thing gave it away for him, and he wasn't going to let it go ignored. "You didn't seem to only forget to ask that question," Nilson began. "But you also seem to have forgotten to introduce yourself. I shouldn't criticize you on your job, but isn't it common manners for the interviewer to introduce themselves to the interviewee first? Then again, perhaps that is an American thing." Nilson didn't want to disrespect her, but he inquired how she would react. He also knew it would be unwise to linger on the subject unless this woman became too bashful. So wasting no time, he answered her question. "Nevertheless, my name is Andrew Weyland."

"Anya Paisley." The woman added. "Nice to meet you miss-?"

"In these parts of the wizarding world, everyone knows who I am. My husband and I own The Daily Prophet. it is our responsibility to make sure the people know the hottest new stories," Edith replied crossing her arms. She could excuse Nilson not knowing due to being American, however, she couldn't excuse the woman who clearly seemed more British to her? How dare her name not be acknowledged?! Edith felt slightly suspicious about the names, but at least it would give her something to tell the Death Eaters so they know who to look out for when it came to suspicious activities, especially with the man's talk about corrupt governments. "Grayson. Edith Grayson, and that's Mrs. to you."

"Oh, you're Edith Grayson?" The woman said genuinely surprised. "I couldn't recognize you. You look more beautiful in person than I expected." Nilson was pretty sure that was a genuine reaction. He shrugged to seem like this was everyday, the floating pen and paper was certainly a little distracting, but that was normal apparently. "Right you'd like to talk about the Ministry?" Nilson's escort confirmed. "Well, I can say with certainty the extra hours are nice. A lot of people coming and going, you know. Generally to be expected with the figures in charge. They appeal to some, but repel others. As for me, I like the paycheck that's been coming out of it."

Nilson caught all of that, but was still a little confused. He realized what it implied, but what did it have to do with him? What did all of this have to do with him?

She smiled at the woman feeling quite flattered by her compliment. "You look quite nice as well, dear," Edith said slightly breaking away from her usual assertive tone. Edith listened to what the woman was saying feeling rather quite pleased by the response. So, to her, that meant they probably weren't as suspicious as she thought though Edith felt as if she should still say something to the Death Eaters in case it would assist them. "Well, one thing I'm sure everyone hopes for is that there will every citizen will find someone in the Ministry that appeals to them. I have high hopes for Minister Desdemona myself," Edith said watching as the pen wrote the words being spoken.

Nilson's escort continued the conversation. "Right, I'd say Desdemona is certainly one of the best choices among them." She checked her watch real briefly. "Of course, it's a little different having a teacher in charge. Not that that's terrible, in fact, I'm sure teachers will enjoy the raise that may come from it. Was that right? There are a lot of new people, and I may have that wrong."

Nilson had difficulty keeping track of it himself. This was helpful information that was quick to help him vaguely keep up. He decided to give a comment. "A teacher in high position, eh?" He decided to trust what his escort said. "Well, teacher or not; if someone so involved with journalism believes that this figure will be successful, who am I to argue?"

"it is to my understanding that the professors at Hogwarts are paid bu salary. If the Ministry tries to pass any tax cuts, however, there is a possibility there'd be a pay raise. Being such a prestigious school that does so much for our society, I'd hope they get paid as much as they deserve," Edith replied watching her pen write the responses. 'it is to my knowledge that the Ministry is trying to fill every position with the most capable workers they can hire. That means more will be done and more efficiently too." She looked over at Nilson and nodded. "As you're from America, I'm sure you'll easily be able to find some reading that'll help you stay in the loop with all of the happenings here. I'm sure many will be glad to help you out."

@Nilson Forrest