Pamela Dawes

Pamela the student by PhantomRin

**Pamela Dawes** is a supporting character in *Ninth House*. She is a graduate student at Yale University and the current Oculus of Lethe House. As Oculus, she is charged with maintaining Lethe safe-houses while serving as a research assistant to Darlington and Alex Stern. While she has her own apartment ,Dawes spends most of her time working on her dissertation—an examination of Mycenaean cult practices in early tarot iconography—at Il Bastone.

## Biography

### Pre-Series

Pamela Dawes has an older sister. Pamela is currently a graduate student at Yale and as such, she is employed as a teacher's assistant. She was selected by Lethe to be Oculus because of her research topic. She has been Oculus for nearly 5 years, in that time working her afternoons and evenings to maintain Lethe residences and provide research assistance to Dante and Virgil. also theoretically has Fridays off from her duties, however, she's often at Il Bastone anyway working on her dissertation. Otherwise, she lives in her apartment located in what is colloquially known as the grad school ghetto.

### Ninth House

#### Fall

Pamela Dawes was introduced to Alex Stern in the fall by Darlington who informed Alex of Pamela's position as Oculus. Pamela, reserved and awkward, misses Alex's teasing joke directed at Darlington before leaving quickly as she can, informing them that the kitchens at Il Bastone and the Hutch are stocked. In the fall semester. Alex and Dawes could only manage short interactions, often preferring to politely ignore each other. Dawes frequents Il Bastone often. According to Alex, Dawes could be counted on to be in the first floor parlor of Il Bastone with her laptop, hyper-focused on her dissertation that she has been working on for six years.

The night of Alex's first ritual with Aurelian, Pamela made smoked salmon, egg and dill sandwiches, and avgolemono, which is Darlington's favorite soup. She felt pleased when Darlington complimented her cooking. When Darlington and Alex came back from Aurelian, Pamela was still in front of the fireplace in the parlor with her index cards and texts.

Pamela was present at Il Bastone when Alex told her and Dean Elliot Sandow about Darlington's sudden disappearance. She was upset, crying even as Sandow talked about possible rites to return him.After Darlington's disappearance, Pamela took it upon herself to care for Black Elm and Cosmo, Darlington's cat. She would spend time researching there.

#### Winter

Pamela, along with Darlington when he was present, kept an eye on homicides in the New Haven area, just to make sure there was no chance one of the societies broke the rules regarding unsanctioned rituals. The night of Tara Hutchins' murder, Dawes texts Alex to call her, though she didn't pick up until several texts later. She informs Alex that there was a body found in front of Payne Whitney Gym, a possible homicide, and that Centurion is already on site.

After a failed attempt at researching Lethe homicide protocols, Alex sought Dawes out, intending to recruit her to get information from Tara's body at the morgue. Dawes was on the floor of the parlor next to the grand piano, surrounded by her laptop, books and index cards. Pamela was reluctant to go against the directions of Sandow and intervene with Turner's case. Alex persuaded her, saying that she needs more information for her report to Sandow and that someone should make sure this case is not related to the societies.

Pamela eventually agreed and she and Alex drove in Darlington's Mercedes to the morgue. After a moment of deliberation, Alex made Pamela give Alex her sweatshirt, intending to disguise herself from the college student look. She instructs Pamela to come in five minutes after her and keep a look out. Once Alex got in however, Pamela was caught by Turner in the waiting room and was sent to the car. She did not end up giving a warning to Alex, causing Alex to be surprised at Turner's appearance. Dawes and Alex parted ways near the divinity school, and Alex told her that she'd drop off the Mercedes to Darlington's home. Pamela was initially reluctant, but agreed.

The next day, Dawes received an SOS text from Alex. Walking down the stairs of the Hutch, she was shocked to find Alex lying down on the stairs, in pain and with blood on her face. Hauling her up the stairs, Pamela tried to get answers as to what happened from Alex. Recognizing that it was a gluma and corpse beetles that attacked Alex based on her description, Pamela quickly gathered brimstone and brought the cup to Alex's mouth for her to drink. Pamela was perturbed by Alex's smile and being called Hellie before Alex passed out.

While she was unconscious, Pamela placed pillows beneath Alex for her comfort. She called Sandow, informing him that Alex was hurt. When Alex woke, Pamela gave her axtapta, a green liquid of goat's milk and mustard seed thickened with spider eggs, to cure the damage brought on by the brimstone. She tells Alex that the wards have been chiming, signifying that something is brushing up against the wards. Alex informs her that it was the Bridegroom.

When a low gong sounded, Pamela informed Alex that it was Sandow and became indignant when Alex was annoyed that she notified Sandow of the attack. To her dismay, when Sandow sat in the Hutch's parlor, he told the pair to ready themselves for the possibility that Darlington won't come back. When Alex tries to tell Sandow about the possible attack on her life, possibly by Book and Snake, Sandow tries to raise the possibility that Alex's presence, with her innate ability to see Grays, might have attracted the gluma to attack.

Pamela thoroughly shut down that line of thinking, coldly reprimanding Sandow for using the logics of victim blaming. When Alex tries again to convince him, Sandow has Pamela pull up the camera footage of the gluma attack, which she did so using her laptop. Sandow goes to convince them to stand down from investigating, to which Pamela tentatively agrees before Alex feigns agreement as well. When Sandow leaves, however, Alex asks Dawes on how to talk to the dead without Book and Snake's help, to which Dawes points out Wolf's Head's magic.

The next morning, Pamela distracted the Locksmith on guard as Alex retrieved Wolf's Head's Romulus and Remus statue from Scroll and Key. The pair walked to Wolf's Head, and Pamela protested Alex's idea of receiving help from the Bridegroom. When president of the delegation Salome Nils opened the tomb's door, Salome was surprised to see Pamela with Alex, as most people didn't know Oculus existed—the person and the position. Salome wouldn't let them into the temple and Dawes was startled when Alex suddenly wrapped Salome in a chokehold and threatened to pull her earring out. Salome relented and relinquished the key to the temple. Inside, Pamela explains the ritual to enter into the borderlands, tying Alex's hands with papyrus stalks, giving her the carob pod, and drowning her. Dawes began to panic as Alex fought to wake from her temporary death and comforted her as she did wake, choking on mud.

Back at the Hutch, Dawes prepared Alex some hot chocolate. She listened as Alex described what she saw in the borderlands. Despite the bizarre details of the borderlands, Pamela protested at the notion of Alex breaking into Tara's apartment, arguing that if anything, Turner won't let her get close to wherever Tara lived. Alex asked whether she knew anything about a 'Jean Du Monde' or a 'Jonathan Desmond,' only for Pamela to say she didn't know. Alex informs her that North claims Darlington isn't in the borderlands, much to Dawes' relief. Alex inquires how Pamela got into Lethe and she tells Alex she was chosen because of her dissertation topic, how being Oculus was boring work until Darlington befriended her. Upset at the topic, Pamela rushed back into the Hutch.

The next afternoon, Pamela lying on the floor of Il Bastone doing research and was startled by the sudden presence of Turner and Alex. Dawes became horrified at Alex's injuries, briefly insisting that she should go to the hospital, before relenting to Alex's arguments and told Turner to please get as much goat's milk as he can from Elm City Market. Dawes lugged Alex to the second floor armory, briefly distracted when Alex asked about Scroll and Key's waning magic. She described how Scroll and Key's portal magic was speculated to be draining the nexus their tomb was built on. Dawes propped Alex against Hiram's Crucible as she rummaged through the armory drawers, explaining that they'll be performing a reversion on Alex's body as healing magic is too tricky. Dawes helped Alex get out of her clothes, retrieving a bed sheet from the Dante bedroom to cover her up when Turner arrived with the goats milk. As he gingerly placed her in the Crucible, Dawes warned him not to touch the milk. As Alex was submerged, Dawes and Turner grew nervous and shouted Alex's name to come up. When she did, she already looked significantly improved, with the milk slowly turning clear. Done with the situation, Turner left for the police station. Knowing that Alex will be hungry when the reversion was complete, Dawes went down stairs to prepare a meal. When she came back to the armory with a tray, she warily agreed to leave Alex alone with her meal, going back downstairs. While Alex was upstairs, Dawes went to her apartment to get some clothes for Alex.

Turner soon came back from the police station with a laptop and the files on the Tara Hutchins' case. He and Dawes scanned footage, spotting where Lance portaled to escape. When Turner prompted Alex to explain her investigation, Pamela grabs the whiteboard. Alex hypothesizes that Tara and Lance were growing Merity for Manuscript and then also dealt that Merity to Blake Keely. When Alex mentions that Tara had a tattoo from "Idylls of the King," which connected her to Scroll and Key, Dawes peers over the autopsy photos to see the tattoo, but gets distracted over a photo of Tara's bedroom. Looking over the photo as well, Alex saw Tara's jewelry making tools and spots a small golden dish. Dawes confirms that the dish is a crucible. Since Merity is used in its raw form, Dawes didn't think that's what the crucible was for.

Thinking, Dawes states that psilocybin, or mushrooms, were used by holy men for the opening of doorways and that it's possible that whatever Tara and Lance made with the crucible could facilitate portal magic. However, Dawes tells the pair that the Houses of the Veil would disband any society that shared information with outsiders as they consider it an unforgivable offense. Alex and Turner agree that it's strong motive for Scroll and Key. Pamela hesitantly suggests that if Darlington was investigating, perhaps he found out about Scroll and Key and they might be responsible for his disappearance. Turner is surprised at the news. Dawes tells him that they have a ritual to get him back on Tuesday during the new moon, explaining that rituals are more effective when during an auspicious time at an auspicious place. Alex reminds them they couldn't rule out Manuscript's role or how the gluma, conventionally controlled Book and Snake, is involved.

Frustrated, Turner told them that there was no credible connection between the societies and Tara that he could present to the Chief of Police. Alex agrees and says its better if Turner's investigation doesn't make it back to Sandow to which Dawes argues, informing them that Sandow has no motive, being perfectly compensated as a tenured professor. When Turner prods for financial problems, she slowly says that Sandow has been in court for two years after a nasty divorce with his ex-wife. Yet Dawes protests that the dean wouldn't endanger Lethe. Turner disregards this, knowing that he could have done it for the right price.

On Wednesday, Pamela helped Alex and Turner sneak into the county jail, proving them with tempests in a teapot to ensure the cameras don't cause them any trouble either. The pair watched as Dawes made the tea, using dried leaves from a tin with the St. Elmo's logo on it. When Alex brings it up, Dawes confirms that St. Elmo's has been campaigning for a new tomb, but notes that its futile without a new nexus to power their magic. Confused, Turner says that they're performing magic just fine without a nexus. Dawes and Alex refute this, stating this was much smaller magic than what St. Elmo's and the rest of the societies perform. Handing Alex the tempests in a thermos, Dawes explains that it would short out the cameras for around two hours.

In the evening, Pamela took a car to Black Elm for the new moon ritual. Arriving early, she turned on some of the lights of the house and prepared avgolemono and the wine and snacks for the ritual participants. She greeted Alex as she came in early and later the other particpants as they arrived. Dawes felt some commisery with Alex as Sandow, Michelle Alameddine, and the Aurelian members talked lightly of Darlington and Lethe and both felt reassured when they heard the hound-dog casting relied on Darlington's attachment to Black Elm. Dawes explains to Alex that the activation of the Black Elm deed should be enough to pull Darlington through, but if it didn't work perhaps some portal magic from Scroll and Key would work. Dawes took the eastern compass point, facing Michelle. As the Veil's layers thinned, Pamela along with Alex, Michelle and Sandow, rung the silver bells in effort to call Darlington back. However, they instead summoned a terrifying demonic presence. Sobbing, Dawes realizes what the hellbeast's presence means. Michelle explains to Alex that it was a hellbeast who stole Darlington's voice, that someone must've summoned it to consume him that night in Rosenfeld Hall. Sandow states that no soul can survive a hellbeast, that the voice they heard was merely an echo. Sandow asks Alex to call a car for her and Pamela to Il Bastone, stating that he'll join the pair later to plan what Lethe House will do next.

At Il Bastone, Alex desperately conjectures to Pamela that perhaps Sandow messed up the ritual on purpose. When Alex asks what incantation Sandow used, Pamela told Alex that Sandow essentially barred the presence— the echo of Darlington—from ever entering Black Elm. Dawes dismisses Alex's theories and asserts that only a demon could've survived a hellbeast. Dawes goes to prepare for the dean's coming arrival, and informs Alex she wants to get work done on her dissertation first. Agreeing, Alex goes upstairs to order pizza and shower. Idly holding her headphones, she was defenseless when a voice outside Il Bastone demanded to be let inside. Effected by the Astrumsalinas, Dawes unlocked the door, only for Blake Keely to slam the door open, throwing Pamela against the banister and hitting her head against the wall, rendering her temporarily unconscious. Waking and panicked, Pamela grabbed the bust of Hiram Bingham III from the entrance hall and, finding an injured Keely beating Alex, smashed Keely's head with it, killing him. After which, Pamela promptly dropped the bust and vomited, being sure to turn away from Alex.

Soon enough, Turner and emergency services arrived, taking Pamela to New Haven Hospital. She was treated for shock, sedating her. At least a day passed before Alex woke up and snuck into her room down the hall. She informed Alex on the dean's condition. The pair realized that, with Gatdula on their case, Lethe and the societies were likely going to cover up what happened that night. Later, Turner wheels Sandow into the girls' room. Sandow apologized for not looking into the societies' illicit activities. Turner explains that the murder charge against Lance Gressang will be dropped and brought up against Blake Keely. Alex argues that Keely didn't kill Tara, but Sandow explains it away. Sandow credits Alex for continuing to investigate the societies despite his inattention and—with Dawes' prompting— promises Alex that she'll have a 3.5 GPA for the semester.

Sandow leaves and Gatdula notifies Alex and Pamela of the arrival of Pamela's sister. Pamela is staying with her sister in Westport for a while to recuperate after the past few weeks. Although Pamela invites Alex to meet her sister, but Alex rejects the offer and leaves her room, wishing her a good rest. For about a month, Pamela stays in Westport with her sister and unplugs.

#### Spring

When she gets back, she apologizes profusely to Alex for not being there when she confronted Sandow and Belbalm. The day of Sandow's funeral, she and Alex walked the perimeter of land Tara Hutchins was murdered at, in front of the Payne Whitney gym. Then, pair made their way to Grove Street Cemetery for the service, where they signalled Michelle over to talk. In a secluded area between two sphinxes, Alex bluntly tells Michelle that Darlington isn't dead, but turned into a demon when he was consumed by the hellbeast. At Michelle's skepticism, Alex explains how she heard the phrase, 'Gentleman Demon' in the borderlands, and believes it to be referring to Darlington. Michelle argues there's only one sin that allows someone to be survive a hellbeast and transform into a demon: murder. Dawes is aghast at the notion. Alex reminds the pair it is entirely possible and that in any case, they were going to get Darlington back from Hell.

### Hell Bent

#### Summer

Pamela went to her sister's place in Westport, Connecticut for the summer, spending time looking of her sister's children and researching possible gateways to hell. A few times throughout the summer, Pamela took the train to New Haven so that she and Alex could find a place to start together. The one time Michelle joined the pair, she made chicken salad and lemon bars yet the lunch they shared was quiet and stilted. Two weeks after Michelle's visit, she and Alex found a diary entry that detailed a Gauntlet having been built by old society boys before 1938 on "hallowed ground." Since then, Pamela has been researching every possible location that would constitute as hallowed in New Haven.

## Personal Attributes

### Personality

Pamela Dawes is often seen as reserved and impersonal to strangers, very much preferring to stick to her research. However, she is very caring and protective once she gets close to someone, such as Darlington and Alex. While its a part of her duties as Oculus, Pamela shows she cares for someone by doing household chores and making meals for them. According to Darlington, Pamela liked being praised for her cooking almost as much as she liked being acknowledged for her scholarship. Her ability to pay close attention to detail makes her the perfect Oculus. She values her work and the security the Oculus positions gives her, which motivates her tendency to follow the rules. However, Pamela can be motivated to break the rules for things she feels is too important. Dawes is shown to be hesitant in forming relationships with others, and was originally only close with Darlington. Eventually, she becomes friends with Alex in the same way.

### Physical Description

Pamela Dawes has red hair, pale skin and dark brown eyes. She can frequently be found wearing various bulky, colored sweatshirts large enough to sink into, often wears headphones.

## Powers & Abilities

Though she is not known to have any innate magical abilities, Dawes is renowned at Lethe for her proficiency in ancient research and often contacted by Alex to perform healing rituals.

## Relationships

### Alex Stern

Pamela and Alex's relationship starts off coldly polite. Alex initially thought Dawes distrusted and disliked Alex, as she was the opposite of Darlington. Dawes’ reserved nature and Alex’s reluctance to let people get close led to their relationship being largely based on their jobs within Lethe. Their relationship shifts over the course of *Ninth House,* with each girl becoming protective and fond of each other. Alex lets herself be cared for by Dawes, who has a naturally nurturing nature. In turn, Dawes became more assertive and more willing to break the rules. Both women have a lot riding on their position at Lethe, but are united in their equal desire to protect the ones they care about.

### Darlington

Pamela and Darlington are close, both as friends and members of Lethe. Although it took some time, Darlington eventually got Pamela to warm up to his companionship, being the only person to affectionately call her 'Pammie,' and she attributes Darlington as the reason why working for Lethe became less lonely.

## Quotes

* **Alex, on Pamela Dawes**: “Lethe was her hiding place, her bunker. There was no way she was going to risk losing it.”

## Gallery

### Fan Art

by PhantomRinby romviteOculus by estrophysics

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Ninth House Chapter 4 (Last Fall)
2. ↑ *Ninth House* Chapter 23 (Winter)
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Ninth House Chapter 1 (Winter)
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Ninth House Chapter 7 (Winter)
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Ninth House Chapter 9 (Winter)
6. ↑ https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2005/11/07/in-defense-of-off-campus-housing-the-city/
7. ↑ Ninth House Chapter 6 (Last Fall)
8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Ninth House Chapter 11 (Winter)
9. ↑ Ninth House Chapter 3 (Winter)
10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Ninth House Chapter 8 (Winter)
11. ↑ Ninth House Chapter 12 (Winter)
12. ↑ Ninth House Chapter 14 (Winter)
13. ↑ “Dawes looked up. Her eyes were a warm, dark coffee, and sunlight caught in her messy bun making the red in her hair glow brighter." (NH: Chapter 14)

*Coming soon...*