I Am My Brother's Keeper . D'rorah

[Sam Kelley]

As Sam trudged toward the library, it wasn’t the sights of passers by that graced his mind or even the events of the day, but a hushed conversation in the Gryffindor common room the night prior. It had been a continuance of an exchange that the Kelley brothers had held before, but certainly more aggressive than those that had proceeded it, at least from Sam’s perspective. Aggression was something that he had come to know well in his life as an athlete, in fact, it was that very instinct that defined him. He was a competitor, a proverbial fighting Gryffindor that would stand for what he believed in and be defiant to the bitter end.

These qualities in the lad drew a stark contrast to his partner in the conversation and older brother, Bryan. Bryan too was a Gryffindor, but he embodied those facets of Godric more internally than his counterpart. Where Sam was one to confront his enemies head on and directly, Bryan was more silent; he was the creative dreamer of the pair.

For as different as the two brothers could seem at times, they did have things in common. They were both extremely close and caring for their family and willing to protect those close to them with their lives. In fact, it was this very thing that sparked said conversation between the Gryffindor brothers. Months ago Bryan had let slip the fact that he had become involved with a group called the Lightfighters, only telling his brother vague information about the group. That exchange had been followed by others, others where the concerned younger brother probed for more information about the mysterious group and what it was that they did.

Though Bryan did his best to deflect the attentions of the inquisitive boy the prior evening, information slipped and even more was forcefully taken. At last Sam had enough of a clear picture of this thing to definitely not like the fact that his brother was involved. It wasn’t that he thought Bryan was unable to contribute or be useful to such an enterprise, he just didn’t like the idea of the older boy being in harm’s way. No matter how much Bryan believed in what he was doing, that didn’t make much different if some shadow ripped his head off. Sam was a protector of his family and Bryan was too really, but the boy that now arrived at the large doors of the library was much more direct in his methods of protection.

Why was he at the library? Certainly not of his own desire. This Gryffindor wasn’t especially studious, often struggling to maintain passing grades in academic classes. Wandwork was one thing that the boy excelled in, but if the class involved reading, research, or anything of that nature, he was probably screwed. No, it was the utterance of the name that brought him here now, a name that was wrenched from the mouth of its speaker on the prior night. To his credit, Bryan didn’t want to tell the name, trying to hard to keep Sam from any involvement for those very same reasons that Sam pursued the information. The Kelley clan always had and always would protect its own, even if that aim seemed to conflict with itself at times as it did now.

D’rorah Philosophy. The name was still at the forefront of the boys mind as he pushed through the imposing oaken doors of the Hogwarts library. Sam knew the Ravenclaw girl by name and reputation alone and that reputation was what led him here now. This was her haunt, her home turf and Sam made no illusions to himself on this truth; he was definitely the visitor in this match.

Eyes the color of the Mediterranean scanned the landscape of the great room, freezing and locking on to a lone figure that sat at a corner table. It wasn’t hate or even anger that settled into the boys gaze as he watched the Ravenclaw from across the room, but more annoyance. Sam didn’t hate the girl that he was about to confront, this wasn’t at all about her or even him, it was about blood, about family.

I am my brother's keeper, he whispered silently to himself, answering the simple question that his father had posed to the two boys so many years ago. With a deep breath, Sam briskly approached D’rorah’s table. Upon arrival he pulled out the chair beside her and sat down, turning to face the girl as he settled down against the cushioning charm of the wooden chair. He leaned in close, invading her personal space without regard and spoke. ”What the hell do you think you’re doing with my brother exactly?” he quizzed, his tone brash and his volume totally disregarding the expectation of silence within the room.

[D'rorah Philosophy]

As she was accustomed to doing, D'rorah had taken up her table in the back of the library. She was surrounded by stacks of texts in a dizzying array of languages. Her quill scratched steadily across sheaves of parchment as she translated, made notes, cross-referenced, and consulted other texts in different languages. Knowledge was powerful in this war, and she intended to have a great quantity of accurate knowledge at her disposal. The reason for translating was more to do with the other Lightfighters... D'rorah could fluently read the texts before her, but she knew the others could not... with the exception of Mister Weiss, whom she was currently training as a scribe.

Her mind was solely focused on her work, all other thoughts pushed to the side so that she would not be distracted in her work. Her austere robes were securely fastened to her throat and her sleeves brushed she edges of her palms. Grey eyes scanned language upon language as she quietly shuffled through pages. Though it appeared she was simply another quiet student immersed in her studies, her mind was working quickly, urgently. This was no ordinary day at the library. But then, very few things were ever ordinary around D'rorah.

She did not notice Sam's approach until he was within a few steps of her table. Even then, she did not look up, assuming that anyone moving with so much determination must be bound for one of the shelves behind her. However, she found she was clearly mistaken as the chair beside her scraped back from the table and a student deposited himself in that chair. She looked up, arching an eyebrow sharply as her personal space was invaded, but not flinching back. Certainly, this young man was no more intimidating that the various evils she had faced. He looked to be about her height, though of a more solid build, being male and correspondingly broader about the shoulders.

[blue]"Ah, Mister Kelley the younger,"[/blue] she remarked quietly in response to his loudly stated question. [blue]"As you can clearly see, I am not tutoring your brother today."[/blue] The second statement was made with her voice raised just enough to carry to the surrounding tables. From the corners of her eyes, she surveyed the room to be certain no one had taken too much notice of her newest visitor before muttering a charm silencing charm to ensure a bit of privacy. [blue]"You would do well to keep your voice down. I prefer people not realize that I have anything at all to do with your brother... as a means of ensuring his continued safety."[/blue] Her eyes flicked back to her notebook and she pursed her lips before setting her quill aside, annoyed at the untimely interruption. When she raised her eyes to meet Sam's her gaze was calm and collected... if he thought he would intimidate her with rough tones and demands, he was to be sadly mistaken. She waited a few beats, asserting her control over the conversation. [blue]"Now then, Mister Kelley, would you like to re-state your previous question in a manner that is more specific and less abrasive so that I might be inclined to provide you with an answer? Or shall I assume you will continue to be rude so that I can safely ignore you and return to the work you have interrupted?"[/blue]

[Sam Kelley]

The stern expression remained across Sam’s face as the girl addressed him by name, or at least by last name. It was an odd way of speaking, he thought to himself as he listened to her continued words. He offered no immediate rebuttal to her mention of tutoring, seeing her intent well enough. Prior to how some may have viewed the boy, he wasn’t unintelligent, he was just a bad student. His true strength lie in his perception. It was a skill that he had bent to serve him well in the sports that he played and it was what held his tongue despite his annoyance with this girl.

Again D’rorah spoke and again the Gryffindor kept quiet, this time granting her words full consideration. If there was one way to command his attention it was bringing up the safety of his family and that was precisely what she did. Instantly Sam understood, even the basic information about the conflict being enough to justify the need for discretion. Though this stirred a bit of regret over how he had initially allowed emotion to determine his approach, it did little to stifle the concern within the lad.

Those seconds of pause seemed like an eternity, the audible tick of the library clock keeping perfect cadence for the duration. In those seconds Sam found himself pondering his quarry. She was controlled and calm, certainly a change from what he had expected thus far in the meeting. He had come here with his blood up and looking for a fight and already it was being made apparent that that wasn’t what he would find in the girl.

Again he sat on the edge of the seat and allowed her to speak, the tension in his shoulders making no attempt to leak away. He continued to occupy the space with the Ravenclaw, his imposing manner making no apologies for the confrontation. This time, however, he could not resist the urge to reply, especially seeing in how her next statement ended in an inquiry. ”You won’t ignore me, I’ll see to that,” he shot back, that Gryffindor defiance in him begging for release. Though his body made no move to recoil away, Sam appeared to relax a bit, at least audibly.

”I’m asking you why you think you can just get my brother wrapped up in something where you could get him killed. I realize that to you he’s probably just another warm body or whatever, but some of us care more about him than to put him in harms way.” Sam’s tone was razor sharp as he spoke, matching perfectly to the accusatory word choice. ”Listen, from what he’s said, you mean well...but there are other people you can go to for this stuff...this isn’t something that students should be fighting in.” He lied. The truth was that the boy felt that students had far more potential that people gave them credit for and as part of the world affected by something, that they should take a part in defending it. However, such truths betrayed his interest in the here and now.

”Let Bryan go, surely you can find others worthy of joining your little group.” His words were softened from their earlier state but just as demanding. This was something that Sam would go to battle over and he was prepared to do so if that’s what it took. ”Let him go and I’ll keep your little secret for you,” he concluded, not even trying to somewhat veil what might be interpreted as a threat. His azure eyes locked with those of the Ravenclaw girl, telling all too well that he was prepared to stand his ground on this topic.

[D'rorah Philosophy]

D'rorah sat, unmoving, as Sam shot back that he would not be ignored. She continued to listen quietly as he spoke, deciding she would let him speak, as he had not interrupted her when she had spoken earlier. Clearly, he was concerned for his brother... and she would attempt to keep that in mind as she replied, though she wondered exactly what all Bryan had actually told him. It didn't seem as though he really had much information. That seemed fitting, knowing Bryan's strong inclination for keeping secrets. Of course, Sam had somehow managed to extract D'rorah's name from his brother, but she supposed that meant he was trustworthy, at least.

[blue]"Your brother really would do well to warn me before sending a project my way,"[/blue] she remarked wearily as she closed the tome closest to her, one written in a spotty Aramaic with letters partially worn away from age. She rubbed her eyes, not thrilled with having this confrontation here and now, but she would do the best she could with it.

[blue]"I believe there are several points on which you require clarification, Mister Kelley. The first is that I am not the one who chose your brother. His involvement with our... little group, as you so eloquently put it, is a result of who he is and the abilities he possesses. I cannot choose who is or is not an Elemental Master. He did, however, have the choice of whether to join or not. He chose to fill his role. And, you may not have noticed, but I am a student as well. Trust me, he is far safer as a Lightfighter than he would be on his own. You obviously are unaware that there are those who would hunt his kind down. To them, he is nothing more than a warm body... and one they wish to see cold and dead."[/blue]

She closed another tome, pages covered in Jurchen fluttering and slapping closed, sending forth a slight breeze. [blue]"I have been protecting him and training him. And he, in return, has protected me more than once. I require the link I have with him in order to survive, so I can assure you that I am well-invested in his safety and well-being."[/blue] She scoffed, her eyes narrowing slightly. [blue]"As far as your attempted threat, you will keep our secret, regardless... if, that is, you are truly concerned for his safety."[/blue] Her eyes flashed and narrowed as she spoke again. [blue]"And you would be wise to abstain from threatening me. The safety of my comrades is a matter I take quite seriously... and whether you are Mister Kelley's brother or not, I have no compunction about fiercely defending us from discovery and danger."[/blue]

Her gaze as she ended was challenging, though her voice had maintained a calm tone throughout. She had never really appreciate impetuous behavior, and she didn't appreciate having her work interrupted. She supposed that Sam had no reason to trust her, other than the fact that Bryan trusted her. Apparently however, that wasn't going to be enough for the younger boy.

[Sam Kelley]

Project. The word resounded in Sam’s mind as the Ravenclaw girl spoke it in reference to this meeting. He pondered it for a moment, trying to decide whether or not he should be bothered by such a moniker. A moment later he shrugged the word off, deciding to let it go. After all, a project wasn’t something that someone gave up on and the fact that she continued to speak said as much. He could handle being a project for the time being if it meant getting more information on what Bryan had gotten himself into.

In the manner that had worked for the meeting thus far, Sam chose to let the girl speak. If she opted to be forthcoming, it would certainly be counterproductive to stop her. The truth was that she could’ve blocked him out or walked away when this whole thing and if she were still here making an attempt to reason with him, that had to mean something. What it meant the boy wasn’t exactly sure of yet, but he was now determined to find out.

”Elemental master?” Sam asked with an eyebrow arched high and his ears perking up slightly. The title certainly sounded impressive. At this spot many siblings may have opted to feel a bit of jealousy over their brother being something that they obviously were not, but not even a wisp of jealous assailed this Gryffindor. In fact it was a smidgen of pride that a small part of Sam felt, the more significant portion of himself feeling pure concern and trepidation over the seemingly important title.”So this is something that chose him and he’s just stepping up to his responsibility” If there was one thing that Sam could understand it was duty, that was what brought him here now, duty to his family.

Again the girl spoke and again Same listened, his eyes studying her throughout the duration. The way in she regarded him did not escape his notice and only served to spurn him on, bringing that notorious Gryffindor defiance our through his pores. With each narrow of her gaze he simply bore his further into her and he stood stalwart against her judging eyes. She was obviously not appreciating having to deal with him but Sam couldn’t find it in himself to care, the Kelleys were a package deal in other areas of their life so why should this be any different?

”That’s makes two of us without compunction,” he finally responded, mimicking the word that he would never use on his own. His voice retained that same forcefulness and conviction, the Gryffindor obviously not intimidated by her words regardless of the fact that logic dictated that he probably should have been. ”So I suppose this does make it our secret now after all...” His voice trailed off in an almost rhetorical manner, his blue eyes drifting away from the Ravenclaw and to the tomes before her.

Behind that astray gaze Sam’s mind worked at the impasse that the two had seemed to reach. The boy knew all too well that Bryan was not leaving the organization, he knew his older brother better than any other and that had not ever been an option. That was why Sam had sought out this girl, somehow hoping that he could get Bryan cut loose so that the choice was made for his brother, but now it was quite apparent that he was someone important. More importantly it was now apparent that Bryan was in need of this group and the protection that they could offer him. They weren’t a bad group Sam reasoned, their cause seemed noble.

After silently following the various paths of thought winding within his mind a small nod came to the boys head, almost as if he were in the process of convincing himself of something. ”Fair enough,” he finally replied, his ocean blue eyes once again meeting those of D’rorah. ”We’ve seemed to have reached a bit of an impasse here. We both know that my brother trusts us with his life. We both know that he isn’t leaving the group. We both now know that he is an important figure to you and your allies. And perhaps most importantly, it appears as though he requires the protection that you can offer...” Sam’s voice trailed off again for a few small seconds before he drew in a deep breath and refortified his intent gaze.

”So I suppose that means that you’re looking at your newest member then.” Not a hint of uncertainty or inquiry lingered in the Gryffindor’s words, his statement sounding more like a decree than a request for consideration.

[D'rorah Philosophy]

D'rorah waited for Sam to follow the course of his thoughts and kept quiet as he spoke. It was when he named himself the newest member of the group that she frowned internally, though she did not betray the expression physically. He was, by virtue of even knowing of the existence of the Lightfighters, practically a member of the Order of Light now. [blue]"I suppose that would be a valid assumption,"[/blue] she replied slowly. She didn't want this rash young man under her command. He would feel first, act, and then think only after there was a problem. She knew of the difficulty that that sort of behavior could cause. Already, she had problems with those who preferred not to submit to authority... or at least, to her authority.

[blue]"Just to establish a certain degree of clarity between us, Mister Kelley, you will not order me about. You have no power here to issue decrees or make decisions regarding the welfare of our group. I realize you believe you can somehow assist with protecting your brother and I respect that. Loyalty is a quality I prize. However, the enemy we face is dangerous, cunning, and subtle. It must be met with an equal degree of subtlety and cunning. Failure to recognize this will endanger everyone. I know all too well the atrocities the Mage is capable of... and I can assure you that you will wish to do nothing that might place your brother directly within her path. Our goals are the same, and it would benefit you to remember this whenever you consider challenging me."[/blue]

She pursed her lips slightly. [blue]"You would do well to keep your affiliations secret. And you would do well to abstain from involving any other members of your family. They are safer not knowing for as long as the Mage is unaware of your involvement. I understand the value of family. I do not wish either of you to endure the tragedy of your family being harmed in any way."[/blue] She met his eyes, searching for something other than brash Gryffindor defiance to reassure her that Sam would not be more trouble than he was worth. [blue]"Do we understand one another?"[/blue]

[Sam Kelley]

Sam was helpless to stop the slight twitch at the corners of his mouth at D’rorah’s concession. He hadn’t expected much resistance from her on his basic request of membership. She seemed like a wise girl and even his mind could see that the situation had painted her into a corner in this regard. Besides, there was something in it for her too, whether she felt secure enough with the Gryffindor to acknowledge it or not. He was offering up his loyalty, his most prized possession. While his methods needed tempering to fully mesh with her way of things, one couldn’t argue that unwavering loyalty and commitment were commodities to be valued.

As she launched into the speech, Sam simply nodded his head in response. Whether or not D’rorah was his favorite person in the world, he granted her the advantage of experience and would heed her words. After all, it was the acknowledgement of how dangerous and dire this entire things truly was that had brought him here in the first place. Sam understood that he was new and that he had things to learn of this new affiliation, he might have been brash and bold, but he wasn’t thick. ”You’re right, I make no illusions about running the show or having a say in things. I’ve been a part of teams for years and I get it, I’m an indian, not a chief. My only request is that you don’t placate me and keep me at distance. I’m here because I want to help with the cause and try to look out for my brother.”

The aggression had faded from his voice steadily over the course of the statement, turning softer and more solemn. He appreciated the girl no putting up a fight to the way that he had essentially barged in on her operation, but he also needed her to realize that he wasn’t just looking for involvement by word alone. Title meant nothing to the lad, he was here for family and now for the greater goals of the Lightfighters as well.

”We understand each other, D’rorah. Mum’s the word.” Sam offered her an acknowledging nod. It wasn’t in the lad to fully submit to another, but he had managed well enough on the various football and quidditch teams that he had been a part of over the years and he would translate those same skills over to this endeavor. ”I’m on board and part of the team, the only thing that I ask is that you truly allow me to be.” The way he spoke now nearly bordered on respectable despite the way his earlier attack may have made such a thing seem impossible. Sam had gotten what he had come for and not he could cease the feelings of frustration that Bryan’s omissions had been causing him.

”So I guess we’re finished here?” he asked with an eyebrow slightly arched.

[D'rorah Philosophy]

D'rorah waited as Sam made his reply. Her hand found the quill she had been writing with earlier and she absently ran her fingers along its fronds. He came across as the sort who would dependably do the things he said he would do; so at least that was something positive. Now that he had a better idea of what was going on and some fulfillment of his wish to work alongside his brother to help guarantee his safety, he seemed pliable. Perhaps he would not be quite as maddening as she had initially surmised... only time would tell.

[blue]"For now, we are finished. However, I will need to assign someone to train with you... or perhaps I will do it myself. We shall see. At any rate, keep some flexibility in your schedule. And please, no more obvious encounters. One never knows who is looking."[/blue] She looked down at the texts before her, trying to decide whether to continue her research for now or move on to another pursuit. Opening the Jurchen text, she set her quill to the sheave of her notebook. As she cast her eyes downward to resume her writing she spoke to Sam. [blue]"Do not look so solemn when you leave. Someone may think you have sworn some sort of oath to me..."[/blue]

She looked up and gave him a baiting smirk, the kind cultivated expressly to annoy people. It was a look that conveyed a feeling of intense superiority. It wasn't a communication of actual emotion; rather, it was motivation to help him comply with what she would say next. [blue]"Look angry when you leave, Mister Kelley. I am certain you will have little trouble dredging up the excess emotion for that."[/blue] With that, her quill was once again scratching hurriedly against the pages of her notebook and it appeared for all the world that she had never even taken note of Sam's existence.