John Dawlish

Auror. 25. Dark Wizard Catcher.

[aurorjohndawlish]

nursexelenapd‌:

Despite herself, a giggle burst out at his words; they always teased each other and this moment would be no different, of course. She couldn’t imagine a time when they wouldn’t be teasing each other. It was enough to give her the edge on pushing the tears back and when he pulled her in, she moved to wrap her arms around his neck and press her face to his chest. “You didn’t need to do that,” she said quietly, “but I’m glad you did.” Her letter had been more maudlin than normal for her, and she should feel guilty about taking him away from work but she couldn’t. They’d been apart for months now - they were supposed to be married by now, and instead he was off at some school and she couldn’t even see him. He had earned a few days to himself, especially after everything that had happened. 

When he shifted, she looked up at him, her tears replaced by a bright smile. She knew he couldn’t be here for good, so she didn’t want to waste any of their time on tears or feeling sorry for their situation. “I’ll look at that in a moment. I want to look at you first.” Her hands cupped his face so she could study him; he looked tired, but that was to be expected. He was under so much stress at the moment. But aside from that, he was her John and looked as well as could be expected. She’d have to make sure he got some sleep while he was here. “Well, it appears that you’re in one piece so I can relax. Now let me see what you brought me.” 

He adored the sound of her laugh and the way she could still find humor even at the edge of tears. He loved the way she refused to let him see her watery eyes as she hid her face in his chest and held him tight all the while keeping her tone bright. She was so brave- probably the bravest person he’d ever met. It was a wonder to him how she could feel so deeply and yet so unselfishly- always finding and focusing on the bright side of things even when faced with the darkest. She’d taught him so much in their time together about love and happiness and resilience- and John was better for it. With everything that had happened lately, it was so easy to forget to fight to see that good in the world, to let the despair overwhelm him. “No, I needed to do it.” He said, his quiet tone matching hers as he pressed a kiss to her hair. If not for her sake, then for his own. He’d been going absolutely stir crazy in the castle without her, and it had only gotten more difficult with recent events. To be here with her once more, even just for a moment, was enough to put things back into perspective and suddenly his burdens didn’t seem quite so heavy. 

John met her gaze as her hands cupped his face, memorizing the way her eyes glittered with unshed tears even as they crinkled at the corners with her smile. He was serious for a moment, allowing her to make an honest assessment before filling his cheeks with air in an attempt to make her laugh. Once she was sure he was alright, John unwound an arm from her waist to reveal the bouquet he had prepared for her with a flourish. “For you.” 

[aurorjohndawlish]

aurorjackiechittock‌:

Tears burned in her eyes but Jackie forced them away. The last thing she wanted to do was cry, because that would only make all of this worse. She meant it when she said she didn’t expect him to forgive her but she had a suspicion that she needed it in order to move on. She’d tried to move on for all this time and had never been able to and she wasn’t sure if it was simply the fact that she’d never been able to even apologize or if it was that she couldn’t forgive herself. If he couldn’t forgive her, and he had moved on and was happy then how was she supposed to forgive herself?

“I don’t want to talk about it forever. I just - I wanted to apologize, John. And you never so much as let me even try. That’s all.” She took a breath, shifting her grip on him to hopefully make it a little easier for him - despite her frustration over the entire situation, she was grateful that he was doing this and she really didn’t want him to suffer for it. “I was scared,” she said again, voice softer. “I just - I didn’t know what was going on and I panicked. I never meant to hurt you. And I don’t expect it really, not now or ever because I know I was awful and I don’t deserve to be forgiven. I just - do you think you ever could? Someday? I’m just - I’m stuck. I can’t - I can’t move forward and I - it’s not …” Her voice trailed off as she tried to figure out how to word her thoughts - and it oddly felt like when they were in school and John was one of her best friends and she had never been afraid of telling him her thoughts and feelings. 

“I know it can’t be all on you,” she finally said. “I can’t put all my … growth as a person on you. But I don’t think I can ever forgive myself if I don’t think there’s even a hope that you can.” She’d never wanted to hurt him. She had been scared and panicked and then too proud to go back to him and explain, and she just couldn’t forgive herself for it.  

“I knew you were scared.” He shot back, unable to hide the strain in his voice though whether that was from the physical exertion or the emotions welling up inside he couldn’t be sure. “I know you panicked. Why do you think I never came running after you? I knew it wasn’t what you wanted or needed.” The hike uphill made it difficult to catch his breath, but after a few moments he managed to continue. “So I let you go figuring you just needed space to sort everything out and you’d be back- even if that meant you changed your mind about it all- but you never came back, Jackie- never.” And despite how much John wanted to deny it, it still hurt to admit that she had left him without so much as a parting word or an explanation. The damage had been done, she’d hurt him deeply, and an apology now after so long- John didn’t want it. He’d picked himself up, dusted himself off, and moved on without closure from her and it made him angry she couldn’t seem to do the same. But if he was honest, John would admit that he was sick of being angry. 

By this point his steps were slowing and John knew he needed a break. Easing her weight down to the ground, John turned to steady Jackie on her good foot and caught a glimpse of the sincerity in her eyes. She looked sad, remorseful, and all the bit what he imagined she would have looked like had she returned all of those years ago. “But like I said. What’s done is done, and I don’t much see the point in holding it against you any longer. I’m- I’m tired, Jackie. I spent enough time being upset about what happened and I moved on. I just- I figure you should do the same. And if all you need to do that is my forgiveness, well, you have that much.” 

[aurorjohndawlish]

nursexelenapd‌:

Elena wasn’t sure what had come over her lately, to make her so glum. It was likely a combination of things - lack of sleep, missing John, busy time at work, missing John. But she kept on with everything, because there was nothing else to do and it was the right thing to do and if she was busy at work, she wasn’t busy thinking about her fiance fighting a wizarding war. Sometimes she still couldn’t believe everything he’d told her, but times like this made it easier. Still, when she was given a weekend free, Elena didn’t fight about it. It was a relief to have time to do the things she’d been neglecting. Her footsteps were a bit lighter as she walked into the apartment, already cataloguing her chores for tomorrow - tonight she planned to eat an entire carton of ice cream and go to bed early. 

She stepped into the apartment and hung her coat and purse up automatically, a smile curling her lips at the sight of John’s trench coat. She always thought he looked dashing in that - every bit the spy her father insisted he was, despite John’s words to the contrary. Elena took a step away before it hit her - John’s trench coat. Turning back, she rubbed her eyes to ensure it wasn’t a hallucination but the coat still hung there on the hook he’d claimed and that meant -

It was too good to be true, but that was John’s coat and John’s voice and Elena turned, hardly daring to breathe as she met his gaze. “John? John -” Although she wasn’t a crier by any means, Elena felt tears sting her eyes and covered her face, trying to will them back. She wasn’t going to spoil their time with crying. “John, are you really here?” 

John’s gaze flickered across Elena’s face, his smile widening as he watched the confusion and disbelief flash one after the other across her features before finally settling on something that was difficult to name. He might have found the words to describe the emotion in her eyes if he’d been given a moment more to gaze at them, but Elena’s hands lifted to hide them from view. Are you really here? John couldn’t help but laugh, his hands settling on his hips as his words took on a teasing tone. “Well how would you know one way or the other if you’re not going to look at me?” Hands dropping at his sides, the bouquet nearly forgotten in one hand, John closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms around his fiancee, tugging her close against him. “I got your letter. I took the weekend off just to see you.” He said, his tone brighter than it had been in months as he could hardly fight the joy he had at holding her close once more. 

Oh how he wished it wasn’t just a few short days and instead he had returned home for good. John swore to himself he’d never again accept a mission that kept them apart for so long, though he knew that was hardly a promise he could keep. Unpredictability was just part of the job, a job John loved most of the time. Not wanting to spoil a moment of their time together, John pushed away such thoughts and pulled away just enough to look down at Elena, his smile returning at the sight of her in his arms. “Aren’t you going to look at what I brought you?” He asked, his hands crinkling the paper around the bouquet in his hands which were wrapped securely behind her back. 

[aurorjohndawlish]

Who: John Dawlish & Elena Paget-Devereux When: March 10th, 1978. Evening. Where: Their shared apartment in muggle London.

John Dawlish had been away from home for far too long. When he’d accepted the assignment at Hogwarts months ago, he’d been ready for a challenge, but he hadn’t expected the case to drag on as it had with absolutely no end in sight. After all of the challenges he’d faced, the lies, the betrayals, and now the familiar faces of his past suddenly drudging up old memories best left forgotten, he’d found himself in dire need of a break from it all. It wasn’t like Dawlish to ask for a day off, but after Elena’s most recent letter he’d gone straight to Dom’s office and asked for a long weekend to himself. And as he stepped inside the apartment he hadn’t seen since Halloween, John couldn’t bring himself to be the least bit sorry about taking a few days to get away.

One glance at the coatrack told him Elena wasn’t home yet, and another glance down at his watch told him it was only a matter of time before she would be. His timing was perfect. Shrugging off his trench coat, John relished in the familiarity of hanging it in the usual spot before straightening his boots by the door. He was eager to get out of the clothes that were still damp from the long Quidditch match that day and into the muggle clothes he had come to enjoy so much but had to leave behind. It hadn’t taken him long to change, but knowing he was short on time, John had turned to a little magic to straighten up the apartment and prepare a bouquet in the moments before he could hear Elena opening the door. Glancing down at the flowers in hand, John straightened a few stray petals, wanting everything to be perfect, before rounding the corner with a wide smile. “Hey stranger”  

@nursexelenapd

[aurorjohndawlish]

hitwitchbexchittock‌:

Rebecca Lynnette Chittock was well aware that she was a whirlwind of a person. Rules were not made for breaking but for finding loopholes to. Cartwheels in hallways were only dangerous under a particular set of circumstances. A) If the hallway was crowded B) If there was something on the floor to make it slick and C) If there was anyone around to witness it. With none of the boxes ticked off she couldn’t help immediately whirling through the hallways only coming to stand upright when she saw what she thought, though it was definitely blurry after all that spinning, was a familiar face. “That’s right” Bex said with a triumphant smile, “I’m back” 

John refrained from groaning at the sight of yet another Chittock roaming the halls of Hogwarts. He really did have the worst of luck. Not only had he been roped into confronting the woman he had once thought he’d marry, but now he was subjected to facing nearly her entire family on a daily basis. With great effort, John managed to only frown slightly. “Good to see you, Bex.” He said, though memories of her trouble-maker attitude had him even less thrilled to see her. No doubt she’d spell some sort of chaos for the aurors in her time stationed at Hogwarts. “They warned us you’d be coming.” 

[aurorjohndawlish]

auror-alexfawley‌:

Alex nodded along when he spoke, not being able to help herself from letting out a huff in agreement. She never thought that Charlotte would do something like this. Then again, she never thought that Charlotte had been involved in her parents death. So it wouldn’t even surprise her anymore that the girl was capable of. That didn’t stop her from feeling sick over the fact that her own family was capable of such things. She supposed that was something she would never be able to get over, though that wasn’t surprising. If anything that was probably the most normal thing about everything going on at the moment. “You’re telling me.” Was the only comment she could muster on the subject and it came out more mumbled and to herself than anything. 

Family. That was something she was trying not to think of. The letter she’d sent to her parents had been heartbreaking. The letter they’d sent back even more so. “There’s no reason for you to be sorry.” She told him, knowing that neither of them should feel sorry about what had occurred as it wasn’t either of their faults. That certainly wouldn’t stop either of them from apologizing though. “And my family is taking this as can be expected. Actually-” Alex began to correct herself. “I believe they’ve kind of checked out and disassociated from what’s happening. So I think they may be taking it worse then expected. They’ll adjust soon though. Thank you.”  

John simply nodded as she spoke, her words unsurprising. He couldn’t blame the Fawleys for being reluctant to accept that one of their own had been responsible for not just one tragedy, but two and likely many more. John had a difficult time wrapping his own head around all that Charlotte had done, though the guilt of not seeing it coming still weighed on him. “I wish there was something more I could do.” He admitted. “But I’ve been asked to stay away from that particular case for obvious enough reasons, and I suppose you have been too?” 

[aurorjohndawlish]

dom-marchand‌:

Dom’s head shot up as John entered his office. It was nice to see his old trainee smiling again, especially after the tense couple of minutes they had had during their last meeting. Since last they had spoke Dom had been hard at work in the lab to try and get John out of trouble at least in that regard. Finally, he had managed to find a bit of information on the curse that had been placed on the blades enough to run them for print history. John was not a match. ‘Ah, so I see that Edward really did make his rounds” he said with a shake of his head, “Thank you, John” 

“He started before breakfast.” John added with a laugh, though thinking of the Auror’s excitement over his partner’s birthday left a hollow sort of feeling in his chest when he thought of his last partner’s recent disappearance and how his new partner seemed to hate her assignment. “Happy birthday, Dom.” John wished his mentor sincerely. “And I’m not just saying that because Edward told me to.” He added. 

[aurorjohndawlish]

dom-marchand‌:

He wished that he knew a better way to help him other than obtaining lab clearance. Dom was good at his job but with each new student he found a way that he wished he could have been better. The trainer took notice too of the skills that others had that he simply didn’t. Edward would have had the words to make things seem better but Dom didn’t so he said nothing more than the words that every single person who had gone through Auror training was trained to say, “We’re doing the best that we can” 

We’re doing the best we can. It was the last thing John wanted to hear. How many times had he heard that phrase, used it himself, when there was simply nothing more that could be done. It was a hollow sort of sentiment meant to provide a bit of reassurance or comfort, but it simply meant that no solution had been discovered yet. Hope wasn’t necessarily lost, but it felt so very far away. “I’m sure you are.” John muttered the rote response, his shoulders sagging in defeat. “I suppose I ought to let you get back to it then.” 

[aurorjohndawlish]

hitwizardpennington‌:

“Pleasure to meet you,” Archie said as he took John’s hand. “I suppose I should probably ask for assistance in finding my actual office.” He should have written down the directions or asked for help earlier. “I’m fairly certain I’m in the right corridor, it must just be one of the other rooms.” He glanced toward the door, suddenly hit with the feeling that he ought to recognize the Auror. Surely Gen had written - “Did you say Dawlish?” He turned back toward John suddenly, the missing piece falling into place. Gen had written about him, very upset at being assigned as his new partner. Which meant - his eyes fell on the empty desk and he smiled, recognizing the picture on it. “I believe you know my Gen.”  

“I’m afraid I don’t know which one is yours in particular, but I’d be happy to help you look.” John offered, eager to get out of the office for a little while and distract himself with some other task that was actually achievable. He liked to feel productive, and hadn’t for months, spinning his wheels and accomplishing next to nothing in the time he’d spent at Hogwarts. “Yeah, Dawlish, John Dawlish.” John repeated, his brows narrowing. It wasn’t as though his name was uncommon, but John wondered at why his name seemed to ring a bell with the American. “Gen?” He asked, his gaze darting toward his partner’s desk and the picture on it with the American featured front and center. “Oh! You’re Gen’s Archie?” 

[aurorjohndawlish]

aurorjackiechittock‌:

“I’m fine,” she snapped. This whole encounter was humiliating and he wasn’t helping things in the slightest. She just wanted him to leave - if he couldn’t listen to her apology, she didn’t want to be around him. And no matter what he said about moving on and not hating her, she didn’t believe it for a minute. If he really had done all that, he would let her say her piece. “It’s not going - I can figure it out. What do expect to do, carry me back to the castle?” She made the comment sarcastically but there was an expression in his eyes that she didn’t really like. 

In the end, it didn’t matter because he was right, no matter how much she wanted to fight him on it, and she ended up on his back as he walked back to the castle. She didn’t trust him not to drop her but there hadn’t been a better solution and as grumpy as she was, she did realize one thing: she had a captive audience. Unless he just planned on dropping her - which she wouldn’t put past him - then he couldn’t walk away and ignore her. “I have something to say and you’re going to listen this time and if you try to interrupt, I’m just going to keep on so you’d better just be quiet and let me say this.” She took a deep breath, tightening her grip on him before she finally spoke again. “I’m sorry. For the way I ended things. I shouldn’t have done it that way. And I can’t move on and let it go because you won’t let me apologize. I was young and scared and didn’t know what to do and -” Well, she’d never meant to be gone forever but he didn’t need to know that. She might not like him but she didn’t want to interfere with his life now. “I’m sorry, John. I wish I had handled things better. I don’t expect you to forgive me, but I want you to know that I’m truly sorry.” 

What do you expect to do, carry me back to the castle? In all honesty, John knew the comment had been sarcastic as neither of them wanted him to carry her back to the castle, but John determined to take it as a challenge. He couldn’t just leave her out on the grounds alone and injured, and she was too proud to accept any solution he could have offered, so he took her up on her ridiculous idea instead. Ironically, John was also too proud to admit that it had been a horrible mistake as the majority of the hike back to the castle was uphill and he was in no mood to chat. Though he didn’t think it was possible, his mood was even worse as he paused for a moment to bounce her weight higher onto his back.

The close proximity to the woman he had once loved was enough to make him uncomfortable, but as her grip tightened and she began speaking, John considered leaving her behind after all. For a moment he wondered if she really was hurt, or if this had all been some elaborate plan to get him to listen to her harp on the past. Deep down, John knew that Jackie wasn’t so conniving, but he still resented the fact that she had finally cornered him.

Old memories of heartbreak stirred at the mention of their breakup, if it even could be called a breakup, and John did not welcome them. He’d promised Jackie his future and his love only for her to up and disappear without so much as a parting word. He’d waited for her, tried his best to be patient and understanding, but as the days turned to weeks, and then to months, John had given up. He’d grieved the loss, nursed the heartbreak, and he was stronger for it. Only when it had seemed he’d finally put all of those feelings to rest, Jackie had waltzed back into his life and demanded to stir them up again. “I wish you had handled things better too.” He grunted, shifting her weight once more. “But what’s done is done and I don’t see how talking about it anymore is going to change anything.” 

[aurorjohndawlish]

auror-alexfawley‌:

Even though the mess had bothered her, she simply waved it off. There was definitely more important things to focus on than having a messy office. Plus, if he was able to find what he needed than it shouldn’t matter what she thought of it. The mentions of Dom and Edward made her shift, though she didn’t blame him for thinking that it’d be one of them visiting and not her. After everything happened she knew that it was only a matter of time before one, or both, spoke to her. Thankfully it had only been Edward. Alex was unsure what she would have done had both questioned her together, even though she was completely innocent of everything. 

“Yup, really rung me out.” The girl laughed a bit, though it was awkward. She supposed that it definitely could have been worse. It certainly would have been worse if she had ever even suspected her cousin of such a thing. “I didn’t know either, which is the most surprising out of everything.” It wasn’t as if Alex was particularly close to her cousin, but she didn’t think that they had been that different either. She certainly thought that she had made it clear that Charlotte could come to her with any sort of issues she may have been dealing with.  

John nodded, expecting as much. Out of all of the Aurors in the Department, they were the two who had known Charlotte best. It was only logical that the Department leadership should be thorough in their investigation, making sure that Charlotte’s disloyalty wasn’t shared. The burning question on everyone’s minds, however, was why. They’d all known Charlotte, or thought they had at least, left reeling after her betrayal as it had seemed so out of character. “I never thought she was capable of this sort of thing.” John admitted, running a tired hand over his face.

“Don’t get me wrong, she’s always been effective. Committed, when she’s put her mind to something. I just never thought she’d put her mind to this.” John supposed he didn’t need to explain any of this to Alex of all people, who would likely be feeling the same if not worse. After all, Charlotte had merely been his partner, but to Alex, she was family. “I’m so sorry, Alex. This must be terrible for your family. If there’s anything I can do, please, don’t hesitate to let me know.” 

[aurorjohndawlish]

constxntvigilxnce‌:

Why did you? A valid enough question, considering how much he liked to complain about having to be here. “You would suppose correct.” He answered gruffly, looking back down to the drink in his hand. The answer was simple enough to Alastor, but he wasn’t quite sure it would make as much sense to John. “Because it was asked of me.” He replied, taking another sip from his drink. That was the short answer, and the easier one. “And also because of Professor Dumbledore.” A longer, and more complicated answer. Long before there was ever Dark Lord or a You-Know-Who, there was still Grindelwald. Alastor was but a boy during his first rise to power, many years ago and it was during his fourth year of Hogwarts that he came to be defeated. Albus Dumbledore was only a Transfiguration Professor back then, but to a young Alastor Moody, he was everything and more. Albus was his friend now, but there was a time when Alastor looked up to him nearly as much as he did his own father. He couldn’t think of anybody that he held in higher regard.

Alastor titled his glass back and forth, watching the whiskey swirl to either side. He would need a refill soon enough. He glanced back to John, and then over at the papers on the desk. “They didn’t.” Moody answered smoothly, looking back. If they had found anything of interest, Moody would have heard about it. “I thought that you might have, though. You knew her better than any of us ever did.” A giant mistake on their part as leaders, he thought. He would take great care to ensure such a thing never happened again. 

Because it was asked of me. The answer did nothing but leave John with more questions, though that was almost to be expected when conversing with Alastor Moody. And also because of Professor Dumbledore. He would be lying if that last part didn’t pique his interest, though John knew better than to ask more about it. Even if he was in his final hours as an Auror and could soon leave disgraced after his partner’s betrayal, John couldn’t bring himself to nose about in Alastor’s business, knowing all too well that he wouldn’t appreciate John’s curiosity. Instead, John only nodded and debated whether or not he wanted another sip of his drink.

“I figured as much.” John said, turning back to look at his mentor. “Otherwise I wouldn’t be sitting here now, I’m sure.” If any evidence had been found in the office, even if it had only been in Charlotte’s desk, John would have been implicated as well. It would have only been protocol to remove him from his post and launch a full investigation into his potential involvement. As bitter as he might have been about Charlotte’s betrayal, she’d at least spared him that much. Though John was finding it extremely difficult to feel grateful.

You knew her better than any of us ever did. “Did I though?” He asked after another sip of his drink. “The woman I knew would never have been capable of attacking children like that.” John said with a shake of his head. “I trusted her, Alastor. I trusted her with my life. Merlin knows how many times she’s saved it.” And it was true. For some reason Charlotte Fawley had kept him from dying on countless occasions, and whether that was to keep her cover or because she somehow valued his life more than the ones she’d tried to take, it didn’t make John feel the least bit better. “Hell, I went to her parents’ funeral. I was there when she’d received the news they were killed by Death Eaters. And all this time-” John let the sentence hang in the air, unfinished as he tipped back his glass, draining the last of it. 

[aurorjohndawlish]

dom-marchand‌:

Now that John seemed a tad calmer Dom reached out and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Perhaps not, but none of us were expecting this. Edward, Alastor and myself included and we’ve all been in this business near as long as you’ve been alive” he reminded in a soft tone before dropping his hand from Dawlish’s shoulder. His eyes darted about the room quickly. He’d come to reassure John, but he probably should have found some other reason to actually be here that didn’t have the potential of ensuring that he would receive a stern talking to later. “This wasn’t exactly something that I trained you for” 

The last of John’s anger seemed to leave him as Dom’s hand came to rest on his shoulder, leaving him feeling rather deflated, tired, and disappointed. “No, I suppose you didn’t.” John muttered, though the fact he hadn’t been trained to expect betrayal from his own coworkers did little to lessen the guilt settling in the pit of his stomach. “So why does it feel like I’ve failed?” He asked, the mention of failure tasting bitter on his tongue. All throughout training, John had been a bit of a hot shot, learning quickly and mastering skills easily. He’d worked hard, no doubt, but it was rare that he’d experienced significant failure and he didn’t much like the feeling now. 

[aurorjohndawlish]

auror-genevieveking‌:

It seemed that as quickly as a trace of a smile appeared it vanished, and Gen couldn’t help but feel a bit of defensiveness rising as John spoke. Her words hadn’t meant anything. She had been rambling to someone she hadn’t spoken to in years, it seemed only fair to assume that he wouldn’t care about the life she left when taking her new position.

It wasn’t that Genevieve had ever blamed John for the situation with Jackie. But when it had all happened, what seemed like a lifetime ago, Jackie had needed her. Even though she had been the one to instigate it all, she was still hurting, and in those moments, Gen needed to be by her side. She was only now starting to realize all that that meant - she had left John just as much as Jackie had. And while she could recognize that it wasn’t right or fair, it also didn’t excuse how John was coming at her.

“Look, I’m sorry for what Jackie did to you. I really am.” There was a truth behind her words, and a slight power in them - she and John had never spoken of the breakup. “But that doesn’t mean that you can try to claim that you know what my life is. I needed to be there for her. And I’m sorry that that meant pushing you away, but she needed me.” Saying it out loud, Gen was starting to realize how unfair all of it was, and how twisted it had all become. 

She pushed her hair back with a huff before letting her hands fall and making eye contact across the room. If he wanted to know, now was his chance. Before she could think twice, Gen took a deep breath and started. “I hadn’t felt comfortable anywhere. School and home and London were nice, but I just felt like it was never me. Traveling, seeing the world? That - that was when I started feeling alive. But no matter where I went, no where was sticking. Then, finally, I get to Morocco, and something feels right. And then I met Archie and -” She paused, looking down. “Things are right with him. Morocco, and Archie, it’s where I’m supposed to be.” Meeting John’s gaze again, Gen shrugged. “But here I am.” 

“This isn’t about Jackie.” John said shortly, his arms crossing tighter over his chest. Sure, maybe the personal experience he had been drawing from had something to do with his ex fiancee, and sure, maybe the break up from so many years ago hung heavy in the air between them since Gen’s arrival at Hogwarts, but John refused to make this about her. “And I’m not claiming to know your life, Gen. All I’m saying is that I get it, okay?”

For a moment, John thought he might leave it at that and ignore any further mention of the break up, but the words that he’d wanted to say so long ago sat afresh on his tongue and before he could think better of it he continued. “I know she needed you.” He said, his arms uncrossing as he leaned in, his voice dropping. “Merlin knows she didn’t need me. I wanted you to be there for her. Because despite everything she put me through, I figured something was going on, and if I couldn’t be there to help her I knew you should be.” Though John’s voice remained even, he could feel the heartbreak from so many years ago bubbling back to the surface, though much duller after so much time. “If we had to go back and do it all again, I wouldn’t change a thing about that, Gen. But I didn’t just lose a fiancee all of those years ago, and while no one seems to remember it, I was hurting too.”

With a deep breath, John looked away, no longer wishing to meet Gen’s eye. They’d never spoken of the break up, at least not after the initial news that Jackie had left him. Afterward, Gen and Jackie had both pulled away from him and he had been left heartbroken and alone. Well, he’d managed on his own just fine and that was in the past. Perhaps now that they had addressed it, they could move on and finish the task at hand so they could part ways once more. “I’m happy for you, that you’ve found where you’re supposed to be.” He said sincerely, though quietly as he turned back to meet her gaze. “Let’s just focus the job, then. Get it done and then you can get back to Morocco. It’s only a temporary assignment anyway.” 

[aurorjohndawlish]

dom-marchand‌:

Who: Dom Marchand & Anyone   When: March 3rd, 1978. Morning. (His Birthday. Happy 41st Dom!) Where: His makeshift office

Birthday’s had always been a strange experience for Dom. His family had been rather poor and though they tried to do something it didn’t always pan out. The Bones always did something for him firmly cementing the fact that they were a far better family than Dom could have ever possibly hoped to be adopted into. Growing into adulthood he had stopped caring about it. Beyond seventeen there wasn’t much to look forward to. Somehow though, and he suspected Edward’s hand, most of the people in the auror office and those in the extended Bones family had found out about it so when there was a knock on his office door he suspected that that’s what it would be for. “Come in” he called.  

Edward Bones had made rounds that morning, checking in on the Aurors under his command and tying up loose ends before his upcoming departure. John Dawlish would be lying if he said he wasn’t sad to see the man go, as he’d enjoyed working with the skilled Auror for the past few months. Still, Bones had seemed to be in a better mood than he had been in a while, and John could understand the desire to go home after being away for so long. Somehow, however, John figured the visit was less to go over last minute details and more to remind everyone that it was Dom’s birthday and they’d better go wish their mentor a happy one if they hadn’t already.

John pushed open the door to Dom’s office, a small smile tugging at his lips. “So I hear today is something of a special one?” He said, making his way further into the office. 

[aurorjohndawlish]

constxntvigilxnce‌:

What was going through John Dawlish’s mind, Alastor wondered as he watched the man inspect his drink? He must be conflicted, there was no doubt in Alastor’s mind about that. He couldn’t imagine the shock, the betrayal, the self-doubt he would feel if he were to discover that Edward or Dom were working for the Death Eaters right underneath his nose. Their situations were different, no doubt. Edward and Dom had been his coworkers for going on two decades now. They weren’t young like Dawlish and Fawley. And yet, they used to be, once upon a time. There was no doubt that this would be a defining point in Dawlish’s career. Alastor made a mental note to see him through the other side, in the way only a mentor could. 

Yes, sir. The boy wasn’t feeling very talkative. Well, that was alright. Alastor could do the talking for him, for now anyways. “Nasty business.” He shook his head. “Makes me wonder why I even agreed to take this job. I’ve grown into an old man this year. Don’t ever take your youth for granted, boy, it sneaks away from you one day.” He sighed heavily, and took another long gulp from his glass of whiskey. It burned less going down his throat the second time, but just enough to make him close his eyes happily. 

He was quiet then, enjoying this one, solitary moment of peace. It ended all too soon as his eyes opened again. He glanced around, his gaze settling on Fawley’s desk, and the assortment of papers resting on the surface. John had likely been snooping. Understandable. He would have done the same. “Did you find anything interesting in her desk?” He asked, motioning with his drink. 

John nodded dutifully as Alastor imparted his wisdom, though for the first time since he’d known the Auror, John wasn’t listening very intently. His mind was elsewhere, clouded with thoughts of betrayal, of the could haves, the should haves, and the would haves. Perhaps it was a waste to wallow in regret, but he had been blindsided by his partner’s actions, and John was determined to find some flaw in himself that would explain how he had been made into a fool. His own partner, a woman who had saved his life countless times over the years, who pushed him to be better, who had earned his trust totally and completely. Obviously she had played her part well, but no one could be so perfectly dishonest, and John blamed himself for falling for her tricks.

“Why did you?” John asked, still studying the drink in his hand. “Take the job, that is. I don’t suppose you’ve ever said before.” It was a bold question, bolder than John was usually willing to stray with the man he looked up to so. He supposed the fact his career might very well be drawing to a close emboldened him to ask, that and the liquid courage that burned warmly down his throat as he took another sip of his drink.

At Alastor’s question, John found his gaze flickering back to Charlotte’s desk, with the stacks of sorted papers across it’s surface, the drawers still hanging open after John ransacked each one meticulously. “Nope.” He said simply, his tone darkening. But John wouldn’t have found anything, would he? Not when Edward and Dom had already searched it, searched his desk too while they were at it. “I wonder if Edward and Dom did, though, considering they beat me to it.” 

[aurorjohndawlish]

hitwizardpennington‌:

Who: Archie & John ( @aurorjohndawlish ) Where: John’s office When: still in the right date range mid afternoon

Archie had been reunited with Genevieve, reported in to the Aurors in charge, and settled into his quarters in relatively short order - he didn’t really travel with much. Most of his belongings were in his London apartment, though he had the necessities here. He carried more work paraphernalia to be honest, and anticipated setting his office up would take a bit more time. Gen had, regrettably, gone back to her own work, though it was probably for the best since he would be too distracted to get anything done with Gen around. 

He stepped into the office, or what he thought was his office. Seeing as it was currently occupied, with two desks, he came to the quick conclusion that he was wrong. “My apologies,” he said quickly, glancing from the young man at the desk to the other, empty desk. “I must have miscounted doors on my way here. I’m Archie Pennington, here to assist the Aurors.” It seemed like a safe assumption that this man was an Auror himself, although theoretically he could be a professor. 

John sat back in his chair with a frustrated sigh. He’d reviewed the same collection of evidence dozens of times and still, nothing was any clearer. The Aurors were no closer to catching those responsible for the attacks on Hogsmeade, let alone the attack on Halloween, and it was wearing on his patience. Now that her true allegiance had been revealed, John could see Charlotte’s hand in it all. A small cover up here, a missing piece of evidence there and no wonder the story wasn’t adding up to any conclusive results. He was a fool for not seeing it sooner.

As his gaze wandered the surface of his desk, John found it lingered on the picture of Elena. Merlin, he missed her. It had been far too long since he'd been home and letters just weren’t enough. He was going stir crazy in the castle, even more so after recent events and the arrival of Jackie and Gen. What he wouldn't give for just one day back home with her. His thoughts were interrupted, however, at the sound of the door opening. “No worries, mate.” John waved away the apologies, though he studied the stranger carefully. American. John didn’t recognize him, and though he had heard the Department was sending in further assistance after Edward Bones left, he hadn’t known they meant help from MACUSA. “I’m John Dawlish, one of the Aurors stationed here.” John stood, reaching out a hand to introduce himself. “Is there something I can help you find?”