The Office of Baron Papanoida[7]

[Zero Quinn]

*Zero is obviously relieved to hear of his plan. No owls popping up at random is a good thing. One less worry for Zero.*

*Decides that while waiting for Venus, now would be a good time to mention his task set before him by Voldemort.*

Sir, I have been introduced to the Dark Lord very recently, and also, I have been given a task to prove my loyalty to him.

*Brushes a bit of hair out of his eyes.*

[Baron Papanoida]

*His brow raises.*

A task? What sort of task?

[Zero Quinn]

*Zero's expression darkens, his body tensing up. The thought of actually having to kill someone does not sit well with Zero, and he hopes there will be a way to avoid it.*

*Quietly.*

I am to dispose of the spy within The Dark Lord's ranks, a spy that works for the Ministry.

*Chuckles darkly.*

I'm to off myself, or her.

*Jerks his thumb to Venus.*

[Baron Papanoida]

*He looks between the two, his hands clenched with fingers against his lips.*

So I assume that they are only aware of one spy. And fortunately not who it is.

*He nods to himself.*

Yes, this is lucky at least.

*He takes a moment to try and figure out what to do. Then he points in the air as an idea hits him.*

Of course! By a stroke of luck we have a very simple way of getting the both of you out of this.

Venus metamorphosis skill. You can simply fake the death of her current form, and she can then take on another.

Of course this will mean she will have to infiltrate the Death Eater ranks twice, but it gets you both out of this problem.

[Zero Quinn]

*The moment Nero's plan leaves his lips, Zero's head begins to shake as he frowns.*

No good, she's already been introduced as Venus Ravenheart to one of the Death Eater's I've become quite close to.

Venus isn't a very common name, I'm sure someone will put two and two together.

We need someone that has aroused suspicion on their allegiances, someone that could possibly be thought of as a dark witch or wizard.

[Baron Papanoida]

*He is curious that Zero seems to doubt Venus' abilities.*

I'm sure that Venus can cope with using a fake name to go with her changed appearance.

I should rather not anyone get killed over this.

[Zero Quinn]

[Zero Quinn]

============

*It has been far too long since Zero has last been in the Ministry of Magic to report to his boss, with good reason though. Baron attended the wedding, that's one reason he hasn't been here in so long. The others have to do with his job as a spy.*

*Standing outside of Baron's office door, Zero sighs, still feeling heartbroken over his Death Eater ex-boyfriend, and a whole host of other things for him to worry about. He needs to get a plan together for his deed The Dark Lord has set for him, time is ticking.*

*Figuring that he should probably announce his arrival with knock, he raises his fist, and does just that. Sharp loud raps echo through the quiet and still corridor.*

[Baron Papanoida]

*With a frustrated grunt he looks up at the door and pushes aside the countless unfinished files on his desk.*

Enter.

[Zero Quinn]

*Takes another deep breath quickly before opening the door, and stepping inside.*

*Zero nods, smiling tightly.*

Sir.

*Takes a seat in the nearest chair, and begins absently fiddling with the ends of his hair.*

I know I'm long overdue. Seems my plate is more than full these days.

[Baron Papanoida]

*His eyes thin for a moment, but he sniffs and shakes it off as he reminds himself to stay professional.*

*The things that happened outside of work should not interfere with the important work they had to do.*

*No matter how much it annoyed him.*

So... what have you got for me?

[Zero Quinn]

*Blinks, his head a scrambled mess right now, and he thinks.*

Er... Not much honestly.

*The corners of his lips turn up into something of a smile. Zero's really having a hard time with all that has happened the past month or so. Between leaving Venus at the altar, the Labyrinth, Sebastian, and Axel, Zero's a hot mess.*

I'm gaining more trust by the day. Not that, that's saying a helluva lot, but it still something.

Still need to find someone to "murder" for The Dark Lord. You don't by chance know of any Ministry employees willing to go into hiding?

*Asked halfheartedly, head shaking.*

There was something of a bit of fun for a few Death Eaters, and apprentices. It was a Labyrinth...most amazing thing I've ever seen. Almost as if it had a mind of it's own. I managed not to get killed as you can plainly see, but I didn't finish first either.

*Finger raises to his chin and taps lightly as he quiets, and begins to think about all that has happened, and what to report.*

[Baron Papanoida]

Well this all sounds good. I know these things take time.

*He takes a quill and a scrap of parchment, and puts it upon it, in case he needs to make a note.*

I'm not sure what to do about covering your spy tracks. I doubt Venus has made much progress.

*He pauses, looking at the parchment, desperately wanting to write something of use.*

Have you managed to verify that Nymphadora Tonks has indeed been kidnapped by the Death Eaters? Our lot are still running on a theory.

...

And tell me a little about this Labyrinth.

[Zero Quinn]

*Folds his hands in his lap, feeling very useless.*

There hasn't even been so much as a whisper of her, sir. I can't imagine I would be anyone that information such as that would be just handed to, but my connection with one of their own should be very beneficial.

*So used to having Sebastian to rely on, Zero forgot for a moment that they are no longer a couple. But, when he remembers it's just as painful as when the breaking up actually happened.*

*Closes his eyes for a moment, hanging his head, and focuses, pushing everything but his job from his mind.*

The Labyrinth was most...intriguing, sir. Ten of us were given the opportunity to prove our worth to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Headmaster Snape, Sebastian Bordeaux, Lucretia Black, Sylvan... Not certain of her last name, sir, and myself are only those I can name.

*Lifts his head to face his boss, eyes fluttering open. Zero can envision everyone that attended quite clearly in his memory, and his encounter with the Labyrinth itself.*

Ten doors to enter, one for each, we were given the opportunity to choose which to go through.

*Chuckles, remembering.*

I entered first I believe. Didn't get out first, mind you, but I did win my escape. Some were not so lucky.

I had the feeling the Labyrinth could sense us...our feelings...personalities. It really seemed as though it would know how to challenge us personally as well as intelligently.

I'm only speaking from my own personal experience, sir.

[Baron Papanoida]

*He listens intently as he explains what he had been through.*

Interesting.

*He snaps back into official mode.*

I'd like a report done on that, first chance you get.

And find out for me whether they have Tonks and where she is. Might as well see if anyone else is being held while you're about it.

*He puts the tip of the quill to his lips, thinking, making sure he does not forget anything.*

*He points as one last thing comes to mind.*

Ah yes. And your coin. I still need to apply the charm to it, so that you will be able to portkey messages to me from where ever you are. Up to the minute information.