With the speed of a turtle hit by the impediment curse, Professor Kazimeriz slowly walked up the stairs and into the Headmaster's office, his cane clutched tightly in his hand. His steps were delicate, uncertain, and he looked somehow older. His face had taken on the sunken, sallow appearance of an old man in very frail health; not at death's door, perhaps, but quite possibly within walking distance. His expression was pinched and pained, for though he had taken his numerous pain potions they barely touched the chronic ache of the old magical wound... An injury which had been held at bay for so long before Truebridge's curse had brought it back in full measure, reminding Kazimeriz with every step of what the word curse truly meant.

"Headmaster." He addressed Bontecou with a respectful nod as he entered the room. "Thank you for seeing me today."

"Of course, it was my pleasure," Rey smiled and pointedly ignored Kazimeriz's frail look. When he'd first learned that the old wizard wished to speak with him, Rey moved his exceedingly comfortable chair around to the other side of the desk and put a bit more traditional office chair in its place. That way, there was no need for Kazimeriz to balk at sitting in the headmaster's chair. "Have a seat. You want some tea? I might have some biscuits, too."

"Tea would be... most appreciated." He spoke in small spurts, despite his best attempt not to sound or appear winded from the climb to the office. Kazimeriz sank gently into the large and comfortable chair that Bontecou offeed. He smiled gratefully at the man he had come to think of as a peer,even a friend, over the course of this last term. It would, of course, be poor form to comment on the swapping of the chairs, but it was noted and appreciated nonetheless. "I trust you have been well?"

"I've been great, actually," he smiled, ever the happy camper. He waved his wand around, readying the tea and finding clean cups. He really should considering accepting house elf help to do some 'spring' cleaning. "And yourself?" he asked, just to be polite, though he wasn't sure it was really all that polite given that Kazimeriz didn't look so hot right then.

"I am muddling through, given the circumstances." He shrugged a little. "I am sure that you have deduced that I am not here merely for our usual tea and conversation, Reynard.. Though I have greatly missed those visits while recuperating." He considered it a small blessing that his duel with Truebridge had not occured until after finals were complete, for he had spent far more time than he liked in St. Mungo's, receiving treatment for his cursed hip. Not that it had helped much. "I greatly regretted missing the Final Feast... who won the House Cup, if I may ask?"

"Yeah, my Tuesday afternoons have been quite boring of late," he grinned again. He didn't really want to think about why Kazimeriz was here. But at the mention of who won the house cup, he grinned more broadly. "Ravenclaw, of course. Took both cups, though Slytherin managed to snag the victory in gobstones."

Kazimeriz smiled. "Well done; kudos to both Houses. It was a tight contest this term, which -- as you know -- is something I enjoy immensely." He sipped his tea quietly, contemplating. "Even as a young staffer, it always gave me enormous satisfaction to see them struggle for the prize, especially when the students are fully invested and fight tooth and nail to win. I remember one such term-- 2034? I do not recall the year- where the cup was won by a margin of just three points between each house. Very enjoyable, watching them struggle." He smiled, remembering it fondly.

"Of course, House politics and strolls down memory lane are not why I am here, either, Reynard. The cursebreakers and healers at Mungo's have done their best. Truebridge's spell, though simplistic--" he could not help it, he had to take a spiteful jab at the younger professor who had caused him such pain-- "was well aimed. It managed to reignite the old dark curse quite effectively; the healers cannot quiet it as they had in the past. My impaired mobility concerns me, and I no longer feel I can be an effective Defense teacher." He sighed a little at this; his shoulders sank. The truth was, he was heartbroken and angry at this turn of events: at Truebridge, certainly, for casting after his concession and causing his downfall. But he was even more angry with himself -- and ashamed-- for allowing his pride to cloud his judgment.

He sighed in relief and actually smiled. The old wizard had specifically stated that he did not feel up to teaching defense. He didn't say anything about not teaching at all. "Well, though I don't wish you pain, I'd like to see this as a chance to extend to you an offer for another opportunity. What would you say to taking over as potion master? I'm afraid I haven't been able to do it justice with my new duties as headmaster and my ever present issue with finding my way around."

Potions? He perked up a bit. He hadn't even considered that there would be another position open, much less one suited to him. He presumed he would leave this meeting having resigned, a lonely old retiree without much purpose beyond socializing once more.

Potions. Hm.

He had learned at the cauldron of the great Horace Slughorn himself, and he had received top marks in potions- as most Aurors did. He even had taken many supplementary courses on poisons, antidotes, and dark potions. Still. Potions? He was adept, quite good, but at heart he was a showman; his skill was his wandwork. He sipped his tea in quiet contemplation for some time.

Well, why not? There was no need for agility or speed in potions classes, well-- not most of the time anyway, unless a student was blowing something up. And then, it was more wand work than physical manuevering. And it would present a challenge-- something the old man seriously needed.

"I do not have a potions master certification." Kazimeriz said, furrowing his brows as he considered. Perhaps commensurate experience was worth something to Bontecou.

Pepe laughed and waved his hand at Kazimeriz. "As if you needed it. But if it would make you feel better I'm sure you could pass the requisite exams before the start of term," he said, still smiling and eyes twinkling. Pepe had far more certifications than were necessary, having insisted on actually passing each cert rather than just having his documents forged (yes, they had to forge them anyway, but it was a point of honor with him since it wasn't like he couldn't pass them). Actually, it had come as a shock to hear that Kazi the Great didn't have a potions master cert. "But, to be frank, I don't think it necessary given your experience and it would be a shame to lose you."

The kind words caught Kazimeriz off guard and he found his eyes start to well with unexpected tears. He closed them gently and willed them away, and when he reopened his ancient eyes it was as if they had never been there. He hoped Reynard had not seen the momentary weakness. He had grown close to the young man, whom he felt an odd fondness for- something in him made him feel as though the lad was like the son he never had. He would not wish to lose his respect through an unmanly display of emotion.

And the truth was, he loved teaching. Reynard was offering him a way to continue... a new challenge. The adventuresome spirit of his youth was stirred by the idea of the chance to do something new. More importantly, to be useful.

"Indeed; My certification has lapsed, but I suppose I could owl the certification office and sit the exam to have mine renewed... It has been over 40 years since I last held certification, but I am certain that passing the exam will not be an issue." That cinched it; he had something to do, something that might make a difference in someone's life. He nodded. "Alright. Yes. I accept the offer, contingent on becoming properly re-certified in the subject. And Reynard?" he looked up over his tea at the younger man.

He'd read the old man right and that pleased Pepe. He was an academic and though he was quite adept at reading people, it wasn't one of his strengths. He was glad to keep Kazimeriz as part of the staff, even if he knew there were others who were less than pleased with him. He knew Less would at least appreciate his effort to keep Kazimeriz close. "I'm quite certain it is a nonissue or I wouldn't have offered the position to you without certification," he said, trying to keep the perpetual smile off his face so he'd look a bit more serious. For some reason it was easier to mask his emotions when he was undercover. With the way he always went around smiling like an idiot one would never guess what he used to do for a living and maybe that was an asset. Anyway... "Yes sir?" he asked, wondering what Kazimeriz had to say.

He sipped his tea and lowered his cup, the china clinking softly against the saucer. "Thank you." he said, his voice wavering a bit as another wave of emotion hit him unexpectedly. This time, however, he was better able to mask it, and his tear ducts did not betray him again. "I suppose there is a final matter that bears discussion, if I shall be staying on: the matter of the duel between Mr. Truebridge and myself." He raised an eyebrow. "I presume you intend disciplinary action, given the circumstances."

Hmmm... yes, he was afraid of that, though he was grateful Kazimeriz wasn't requesting Truebridge's outright dismissal. "Ah... I wanted to speak with you about that, actually. Now, I know things happen and I tend to think Truebridge was in the wrong..." he paused and rubbed the back of his head, clearly uncomfortable with the topic at hand. "There seems to be a bit of confusion as to what happened when and by whom and in the interest of fairness I'm inclined to call it a draw and either the two of you can put it behind you or we enact a sort of two-way restraining order. This would all be strictly between the three of us, of course, and I'll trust that the two of you can at least be civil." Awwwwwkward.

"As instigator of the duel, it would be inappropriate of me to file a complaint with the ministry and so I have not done so. I can certainly be professional toward him, and do not feel the need to impose any restraining order... It was a draw, and at worst, should he attack he will not catch me unaware again, now that I know what a devious and unscrupulous man he truly is." Kazimeriz spoke in a composed tone, trying not to reveal the bitterness he felt toward Truebridge, the man who took so much away from him. "However, his magical attack after the duel's end, which is what caused my injuries, is a cause of concern to me. What is your position with regard to a man with anger management issues and a lack of impulse control such as he displayed working with the students?"

"I do, of course, plan to speak with him on that issue and should anything of the sort happen again, there will most certainly be consequences," he assured him.

Kazimeriz nodded. "I am certain that you will act wisely and well. " He nodded, contemplating. It was his experience over the past term that Reynard always listened and was not closed off to advice from the older man. "If it is not inappropriate of me to suggest... In my experience with the young Ethan Truebridge a mere word of caution held little weight. I think that time has done little to change this. He responds well to a small show of force, however. Perhaps you might consider something... to be put on notice, or a probationary period... to show Truebridge-- and all staff members -- that violence and staff infighting simply will not be tolerated, especially in front of the students. It would also serve to underscore to the students that they are not to follow his example and using their magic against each other or the staff, that it simply is not tolerated." He raised an eyebrow and sipped his tea, quite interested in the headmaster's response.

He nodded. "I was actually thinking of that, though I don't think it needs to be made public," he suggested.

"Indeed not." Kazimeriz sipped his tea to hide a small smirk. "That would seem most appropriate, and I only hope that it will serve to ensure I am the only one who falls victim to his irresponsible use of his wand." he took another sip of tea. "Thank you, and thank you for the tea. I should be going... I have another round of therapy for my hip to attend. Thank Merlin that this particular curse fell out of fashion some years ago... no one should have to bear it." He rose gently.

"I'll see to it," he grinned and got up to assist Kazimeriz should he need it. "And please don't hesitate to ask me for anything you might need, anything at all. I'm at your service." And Rey gave a little bow to emphasize his point.

"As I am to you, Reynard." Kazimeriz returned the bow,slight though it was it is was the best he was capable of under the circumstances. "I appreciate your assistance and your support with regard to this matter... I assure you I will not let my condition, nor my unfortunate prognosis, impede my abilty to instruct the students. I shall see you next Tuesday, for our usual tea, then?"

Forrester paused right outside the Headmaster's door, straightened his robes and knocked briskly.

Cela looked around the office as they got to the top but didn't notice anything whatsoever. Except a chair, which she sat in much like it was the only thing keeping her upright...ish. "I'm fine." she repeated.

"Professor Forrester, do come in. How may I assist you?" Kazimeriz said, motioning to a chair. Merlin, he'd never noticed how badly this office was cluttered! He looked around in dismay; how did the headmaster get anything done? Kazimeriz walked over to the headmaster's chair and took a seat, turning to Toussaint and Morgan.

Kazimeriz examined her, his eyebrows knit in concern. "No... No, I do not believe that is so." He looked at the lethargic little girl, contemplating her condition. "Mr. Morgan, could you please tell me when you first noticed this change in Miss Toussaint's demeanor?"

Though his eyes and attention remained focused on the students, his hands began fussing at the clutter on the desk, absent-mindedly re-organizing Reynard's controlled chaos. If there was one thing Professor Kazimeriz loathed, it was a disorganized work space.