As an Exotic Species Tracker, Anya was often sent out into the field to do research on whatever animal the ministry needed to keep tabs on or need to know more about. Currently, it was said that there were a flock of Augureys living under the Brighton pier in South England. So Anya had taken two days to apperate to Brighton and find a place to lodge her for a few weeks while she did her research and figured out how they could keep the birds hidden from the muggles who lived in the small coastal town and visited the pier often as a sort of entertainment. She had finally found a hotel where she would stay for a few weeks, on the Ministries dime of course, they always paid for accommodations when they sent researchers out. She had to keep Hank hidden in her pocket while she checked in and as shown to her room, the hotel apparently had a not pet policy, but Hank wasn't a pet. He was her side kick. Her partner in crime. The little Squirrel even came to work with her, there was no way she would leave him to live outside while she left nice and cozy in a hotel. And, if someone were to come along and see Hank, she knew how to wipe their short term memory. That was something that the ministry taught their researchers right away.

She left her hotel and walked along the rocky beach towards the pier a little ways down the shore. The sun was setting over the waves and a wind was blowing slightly. It was still quite warm, but Fall was certainly present. She let Hank walk on his own, exploring the rocks and sea, but she kept a close eye on him, so no bird would be able to swoop down and pick him up. She began to skip a little, enjoying the feel of the cool ocean air. It was when she attempted a twirl when the stones around her foot moved and caused her to fall on her butt. The young women let out a small gasp as she hit the stones, but then she sighed and laughed a little. Hank burst towards her, making sure that his friend and caretaker was alright. "That was graceful, wasn't it?" She asked the little guy and picked him up, letting him nuzzle her cheek.

Fleur needed some time to herself. It was difficult to have such time when she had married into such a large family. Yes she loved the Weasleys and dearly, and of course she loved her husband and children. But like any human being, magical or not, she needed a bit of quiet now and then. In this case, it was because she had been dealing with a great deal involving this Ollivander case. Everyone in the Ministry seemed to not have a clue as to where the man was... if he was even alive. As an Auror dedicated to her job, this made her feel quite ashamed.

Fleur knew of a place in South England that she could get some air on without too many following her around. She had traveled there before with her family and friends... and yes alone at times when she needed to think. The beach by her home, The Shell Cottage, was a beautiful one, but this one had something magical about it... so to speak. That magic, in her opinion, was being able to clear her head simply by taking everything in. Yes, that was the place to go. The place to find a bit of calm.

Fleur apparated there once she had gotten off work at the Ministry. She didn't expect to see anyone there, and at first she didn't. It wasn't until she removed her shoes and walked down the beach that she suddenly saw the girl fall. Part of her was a tad annoyed that someone was out there. But her better judgment told her that this was not a place simply reserved for her, and perhaps it might be nice to have one other person around. Perhaps she could be a listening ear and in turn maybe she had something Fleur could help her with.

"Are you alright?" she asked with concern.

ANYA MARINA HIGGS

Anya loved her job. Getting paid to travel and research magical and exotic animals was basically everything that she could ask for. And, when she was home, she could still dance as much as she wanted after and before work. Though, back in London, she didn't do much work, once her research was done in the field and she had applied it in her study and presented her findings to the lead research team, she was basically done until she was given her next assignment, possibly a week later. She had so much freedom. She had so much time to spend with Hank; even though he was always welcome in the office. All of the employees animals were welcome in the office so long as they didn't disrupt work. Everyone who worked there loved animals, normal and magical. A handful of them even had gifts similar to Anyas.


She looked up when she heard the woman's voice near by. She hadn't realized that anyone else was around and had seen her fall so gracefully onto the stones. "Oh yes, I'm quite well." Anya told her. "Just learning that ballet and stones don't mix." She insisted and helped herself stand up, letting Hank go back onto the stone for now, but as he didn't know the woman nearby, he stayed close to her foot but stood on his two hind legs to make himself look taller and more threatening in case of danger.

Fleur looked over at the girl as she drew closer. As an Auror, Fleur was always all the bit more cautious about strangers she encountered. Most were not dark wizards or dark witches, but there was always that rare occasion when one crossed one (well not quite as rare if one wondered into Knockturn Alley or a few other places.) And often some dark magic users could pose as noble wizards or witches, another thing to be cautious of. However, getting a good look at the girl told Fleur that she was far from evil. Not only that, but she appeared to have a squirrel with her. Most with wicked hearts did not have squirrels as companions.

Fleur then chuckled a little when the girl spoke to her of how dancing and stones didn't mix. The laugh was good-natured though. Fleur found a rock and sat on it.

"I imagine a number of things do not mix with stones," she joked. "But I am glad you are alright." She then smiled at the cautious Hank and gave a little wave. "He's a protective one, isn't he? But I promise you both I am far from a threat. I'm an Auror in fact... off duty at the moment."

She then extended her hand to the girl.

"Fleur Weasley, lovely to meet you," she said. "Do you enjoy dance? I was something of a dancer myself at one time, and still do it now and then, though just for my own amusement. I am an alumna of Beauxbaton and it is actually one of the recommended courses there." She then laughed again. "Forgive me for going on like that. It's just nice to encounter another who shares my love for dance, even if it is on an otherwise empty beach." She gave the girl a warm smile.

ANYA MARINA HIGGS