Office of Professor Ethan Truebridge
 

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/k...Truebsdada.jpg

The first thing you notice about this office is the exceptionally large desk, which, if you look closer; seems to have unusual scuffmarks on its surface. Perhaps it serves a less mundane purpose than simply a desk? A large and comfortable looking chair sits behind it; obviously this is Ethan’s chair though you will rarely find him sitting in it, he is more often found in the duelling arena or gallery.

Three smaller, yet no less comfortable looking chairs are arranged facing the desk, ready for any visiting students to take a seat. While waiting you might notice a large bookcase along one wall brimming with photo frames. Pictures of Ethan in his days as a student at WADA (if you look closely at the one on the left, you might recognize another Hogwarts staff member shuffling a pack of cards and doing one of those hit-with-the-ladies grins that former rockstars are quite good at) , one of him as a serious looking thirteen year old in Slytherin robes, a selection of him a few years ago with various dragons in the background, several cosy looking pictures with Anastasia Bunbury, a recent picture of himself with the Lawsons, one of him on a muggle sailing ship, one of himself with a gaggle of Avalons including former Healer Caroline Avalon and former Gryffindor student Tobias Avalon, another on stage dressed in tights and holding a skull, a picture of himself with two of his former students (Dominic Denton and Copernicus Kettleburn) and one of him in Egypt working with curse breakers. There are also several priceless items which he saved from the lost and found after Professor Lainey found and unlocked his gallery, including a remarkably intact looking Egyptian wand, a dragon-sized harness and an early sneakoscope.

There are two huge bookcases brimming with dusty looking tomes, several lanterns floating about and heavy velvet drapes cover the windows.
An old looking gramophone sits on the bookcase with a selection of records stacked haphazardly to one side, various eras of music are represented; of both the wizarding and the muggle variety. On the walls his OWL and NEWT results are proudly displayed alongside certificates proclaiming his knowledge and familiarity with various Dragon breeds.

There is no need to wait outside the office unless Truebridge asks you to. You must knock and wait to be addressed before entering or you risk losing house points for being disrespectful.

Trixie walked nervously over to Proffessor Truebridge's room. She felt the need to introuduce herself to her new Head of House and DADA proffessor. It was only polite right? And that was what she was taught to do at Beauxbatons. She glided over and knocked politely on the door anticipating an answer. She wouldn't just barge straight in like some other students would do. She'd been taught manners.

Having remembered Professor Truebridge's request to come see him, Miranda walked up the many stairs to his office and was soon outside. She walked up the the door and knocked, but upon turning around, she noticed another girl there. Obviously also waiting.

She gave the girl a smile and proceeded to take a seat in the 'waiting' room.

With his hands shoved, as they always were now, deep into his pockets, Jake eyed the other kids who were gathered around the door and shrugged to himself, knocking once on the wood with his elbow before leaning up against the wall beside the door, waiting for a response.

Uh-oh.

Miranda was there.

Best to avoid all eye contact.

Hearing a whole lot of knocking, Ethan opened the door, looked over the gathering of students outside and stepped out of the way.

"Come in, all of you."

He moved over to his desk and indicated the comfortable chairs strewn about the office before sitting down himself.

He knew why Miranda was here of course, but the others not so much. Though he had to admit he was pleased to see Jake, though a little wary of his purpose.

Trixie creased her eyebrows a little seeing as she was the first one here but she followed him into the room one the less. She smiled at her second cousin and then turned to the proffessor. "Good day Sir" she adressed him politely. "My names Trixie Malfoy. Newly sorted Slytherin. I just transfered from Beauxbatons and there we were taught to be polite. So I decided I'd introduce myself to you seeing as i'm so glad to have been sorted into your house" Even if it did mean having to share it with trouble makers. "Is there anything i could assist you with at all. DADA is my favourite lesson after all" the blonde girl grinned her quarter veela smile.

Satisfied with the relatively swift response, Jake found himself pushing off from the wall gently and spinning on his heel so he turned into the office, sizing up the chairs before selecting what looked to be the most comfortable, though he wondered whether they were all the same.

Still, the boy kept quiet. It was what Kazimeriz always went on at him about, ladies first.

He didn't agree with it, of course, but he'd go with it for now.

Still with a dark look on his face that had lingered somewhat from the opening feast, Jake waited for the girls to sit and state their intention. He was, of course, the last to knock. It was only fair that he'd go last.

Plus, he'd touch upon a... sensitive subject.

"Sir," Jake said quietly in greeting, not really wanting to talk in front of anyone for a highly obvious reason. Stutterbox.

"Ah yes, I see you signed up for the Duelling club. Pleased to have you in Slytherin, Trixie." And of course, he was always pleased by a good show of manners.

"Actually, since you have offered, I do have a lesson which you might wish to assist me with. There is a certain type of dark creature in a protected part of the lake which I moved here before the term began, perhaps, when the time comes, you can be one of those who helps me bring them up to the classroom."

"Hello Jake." Ethan greeted quietly. He figured that Jake would speak up when he was ready to and didn't much mind the boy sitting there until it was time for him to do so.

Trixie smiled. "I most certainly have. Can't miss a great opportunity when it comes your way can you?" she said fluttering her eyelids a little. "And it is an honour to be here and in you house" she smiled. Yes she was a kiss up to the teachers sometimes but who could blame her? She liked people to like her, teachers included.

"Ooo...That sounds exciting. I would love to help out. May I ask what this dark creature is?" she asked bravely. DADA was definitely the subject she was most interested in. Her mother was an Auror after all. She definitely wanted to make a good impression after those trouble makers ruined the reputation of the house.

"Your house too now, Trixie." Truebridge answered.

"Hmm, well perhaps you might be able to figure it out. Its in the lake and its a dark creature. There are two of them in there actually. They don't normally live here, usually you'd find them in Japan, but right now they're in a protected area on the far side of the lake so that the students are safe from them until it is time to bring them out. I'll send you an owl and let you know before the lesson so you can come and help me if you wish."

Watching the girl curiously, Jake raised his eyebrows in slight amusement. Watching kids suck up to the teachers could be quite fun, but sometimes it made him want to cringe.

Listening in closely though trying to give the impression he wasn't interested in, Jake, with both hands bandaged, pulled out a scrap of parchment from one pocket with something scrawled upon it, and his wand in his left hand. "K-k-kap..." he started, but trailed off.

Making it seem like he was merely passing the time, Jake wordlessly levitated the parchment in front of his eyes, watching it bob in midair.

It was the only spell he could master properly, and getting it done wordlessly had taken so much practice but it showed he could be serious about magic. As he did this, the boy looked up at the selection on the wall and found himself letting the parchment droop a little, his face showing disappointment. "Gone." The picture from the climbing was gone.

Ouch.

But soon, the stony look was back, and Jake found himself waiting more impatiently to talk to Truebridge, even if just to SHOCK the man (which was probably impossible).

Trixie nodded. "Well yes I guess it is my house too now" she sighed.

She thought about it for a little while. Trixie had never really had that much DADA time in Beauxbatons as they liked to focus on charms and transfiguration so she was especially looking foward to some advance and skillfull DADA lessons. "I'm sorry sir I don't know" she said cringing slightly. Was she really that stupid? "But it will be wonderful if ou could send me an Owl" she smiled.

She turned to the boy who was talking, or rather trying to talk. "Hello" she smiled sweetly. She had nothing against people with stutters, her great uncle had one anyway.

Ethan glanced at Jake and then at Trixie. "It appears Jake knows the kind of dark creature we'll be studying." But what was gone?

He looked at the boy. "I could use your help too if you are willing to give it when the time comes."

Of course, Truebridge was more than capable of taking care of things on his own, but it would be a good learning opportunity for the students, plus a bit of a challenge for them.

"I certainly will owl you, Trixie."

And Jake... did he have anything to say on the matter? Ethan had noticed the non-verbal casting and he made a mental note to find the Head Girl and send her in Jake's direction for a little one on one help.

From what Jake had heard so far, the boy had gathered that this girl was in Slytherin house, therefore she must hate him. That's what seemed to be the pattern so far... he didn't quite like it either.

At the smile and the greeting, Jake looked pointedly away. No new friends this term. Any new friends would just be taken away from him. Again. No new friends.

And cut back on the talking as well.

"Kuhh-k-k-kappa," Jake said ultra-quietly, focusing on the parchment in front of him which span in the air in time for him to see the word scrawled upon it. When Truebridge spoke again Jake's brain worked frantically, wondering whether or not it was a good idea. In the end, the fact that it was a Dark creature weighed out all the other arguments. "Oh-k-k-kay."

Stupid nerves. He wished they'd go away, but since he was worried about a repeat of the feast, the stutter wouldn't relent until he was calm.

Breathe iiiiiiiin. Aaaaaaand breathe out.

Finding the spell too much effort to keep up, Jake quit trying and caught the parchment in the air between two fingers. And all the while he just glaaaaaaaared at the photographs.

Miranda, hearing the door opening, stood up from her seat and started to make her way inside.

She gave the Professor a curteous nod and went over to sit down in one of the chairs. There, her eyes rested on the old looking gramophone, with what she could assume was old records on the side. Wonder if he has any Beatles...

Her thoughts, as she kept scanning the office, had made her quite unfocused on the present conversations. But she was ofcourse aware there were voices, but assumed that whatever they were talking about didn't really concern her... so she probably wasn't missing anything.

Emma came in beside Trixie. "Sir, I'm Emma Malfoy, a first year Slytherin and I thought it was best to introduce myself to the Head of the Slytherin House and DADA teacher" explained Emma politely.

"Thats right. Kappa. That will be for our second lesson. I'll owl you when the time comes." Truebridge answered, hearing Jake just barely.

Hearing a slight noise just outside Ethan got up to open the door.

"Ah. Lina do come inside and find a chair. Won't be too much longer." Once he'd spoken to Trixie and the other Slytherin, he'd speak with Miranda and Lina. Ethan assumed that Jake wouldn't want an audience after all.

He glanced at Miranda but didn't say anything, attention caught by the younger Slytherin as she introduced herself.

"Pleased to meet you Emma. There will be a lesson soon, I hope to see you front and center."

Kylie had always loved DADA, but, due to her... well, lack of attendance to many of her classes for... other things, the previous year, she felt like she'd fallen out of contact with many of her professors. In an attempt to, well, fix that, she found herself standing outside Professor Truebridge's door. Knocking lightly, but loud enough that he would hear, even with the presumed multiple children she'd find inside.

After knocking, she took a few steps back and started to conjure little ribbons and sparkles, making them move gracefully through the air until she was invited inside.

"Thuhh-thanks," Jake said, his voice now even quieter, so much so that it would probably be a wonder if he was heard at all. For now, he'd just sit and wait for the place to clear out. And so the boy sat folding and unfolding his little scrap of parchment.

His hands were shaking as he raised his fist to knock on the door to his head of house. The man's name was like a a Jennifer Lopez movie, it wasn't rememberable. He tried writing the name on his hand to remember it but then he would get his hand all sticky with sugar and he would have to lick his hand and the name would be gone. The name would come to him, well he prayed it would. But he needed to speak to someone and his dad was always slow to write him back when he owled him.

He couldn't sit still and he was pacing outside of his office. He was jittery and on a total sugar high. Hence the need to speak to someone. He would rather speak to a female professor. They reminded him of his mother, whom he was missing more than he really wanted to admit. He paced back and forth and back and forth. His eyes darting around the corridor. He had eaten and entire box of chocolate frogs and ice mice. He was eating more sweets and candy than regular food. He hadn't been to the Great Hall to eat in days. And he was shocked to even realize that. He reached into his pocket for a cauldron cake and his hand closed around thin air. He pulled his hand out and a small panic started in the pit of his stomach. He didn't have any sweets. What was he going to do? He reached in the other pocket and found nothing. He was starting to crash and it wasn't going very well.

Tears welled up in his little brown eyes.

Cadence practically skipped down the hallways as she tried to decide who to share her cupcakes with. Who deserved her super!special!secret!RA!NBOW cupcakes? Definitely one of the professors. Certainly not the mean Potions professor, and she'd already offered one to the new Charms professor. The Arithmancy professor was okay, but her favorite professor so far, other than the Charms professor, had been Professor Truebridge. So, that was where she was headed with a green-frosted super!special!secret!RA!NBOW cupcake in hand.... green because he was the Slytherin head of house. Clever? Possibly.

As she approached the office door, she gave it three knocks and then waited. Nearby, there was a boy who seemed to be in some sort of crisis, and normally Cadence would want to help him, but there was something... off about him that unnerved her and made her feel like he was very, VERY hungry. Therefore, she made the decision to protect her green-frosted super!special!secret!RA!NBOW cupcake from the boy by not speaking to him while she waited on Professor Truebridge.

OOC: I am just going to RP as if Trixie and Emma have left, and go with different conversations at once here so as not to hold anything up any longer.

Truebridge nodded as the two Slytherin girls left and turned his attention to the others who were still waiting patiently.


"Lina, thank you for being patient and for coming to see me. There are a few things I wish to talk to you about. One is your young friend Violet. She appears to respect you a great deal and I wanted to thank you for being a friend to her though I imagine at some times it must have been difficult for you. I believe she understands that her welcome had almost worn out and she must earn respect as well as show respect to others if she wishes to stay. I'd not like to see her leave and I believe we came to an understanding on the matter. In any case, your involvement, and your kindness did not go unnoticed, but I wished for you to know that I do not expect you to chase after her and pick up the pieces if she does decide not to forge a new path and find a place for herself here. What you choose to do is your own affair and I imagine that when it comes to Violet, whatever your involvement is, will be above reproach as per usual."

That was the first thing anyway.

"Come in." Truebridge made sure there were enough chairs.

Glancing at Jake, Truebridge decided not to keep the boy too long. He cast Muffliato after politely excusing himself to the others in the room, so that only he and Jake would hear one another.

"Are you alright waiting? We can talk now like this if you would like, or perhaps I might meet you later if you'd rather. Perhaps on the grounds. We can walk and talk." Truebridge left it up to the boy.

"Come inside." Truebridge called, hearing an oddly shaking knock. Good thing there were plenty of places to sit.

Merlin.

Truebridge eyed the owl, gently took the parchment and skimmed over it. Alright then. He'd pen a reply and send one of these children to take the message.

"Come in." Truebridge welcomed.

Lina nodded, glad she wasn't in trouble. "I understand, sir. I think to some extent she does try... Her 'bad' behavior is inconsistant. Sometimes it's just her, but other times it seems artificial. I think she has potential. It seems a shame that whatever potential she does have is going to waste. I will probably try to help her. I know it's rare she looks up to someone, or respects someone, to any degree, so I'm hoping the fact that she remains my friend for some strange reason means she'll pick something up."

"I agree. I believe she is a smart girl who has never been taught how to see past the surface, to the true value of a person, or indeed of herself." Truebridge nodded as if in closing.

"I also wished to ask you about the extent of your learning before you came here to Hogwarts, Lina. I'm not entirely sure if you are merely advanced for your age, a natural with magic, or if you have undertaken extra study. You seem to pick new skills and magic up intuitively, much like our Head Girl, though I suspect for somewhat different reasons." He waited, allowing for Lina to fill the silence if she wished to, or simply to dissemble if she'd prefer to do that.

Cadence smiled as she heard Professor Truebridge call her into the office. She walked in, very carefully holding his cupcake, and went over to where he was sitting. "Hello, Professor!" she said brightly before realizing she should probably explain why she was here. "We made these cupcakes in Charms class, and we're supposed to share them with people as part of our homework. So, I thought you might want one!" she explained in a cheery voice as she held the green-frosted funfetti cupcake out to the man, waiting for him to take it.

Jake was... very grateful that Truebridge made sure this discussion was personal, and even moreso that he made his suggestion.

"Mmmeet up lllater, I think would bbbe best," he nodded, folding up his parchment scrap again. At least outside he would not feel so closed in. "Uhh... ppplease."

He looked up as someone called for him to enter. Well he hoped that was meant for him because he was already pushing open the door. His hand wouldn't close around the knob because he was shaking too badly and he didn't have any candy in his pocket to help his current state. He wiped at his eyes quickly and grabbed the first seat in the sea of other students to see Professor Truebridge. Ahha, there he knew if he didn't think about it he would remember his head of house's name. Now if he could just hold on to it when the man spoke to him he would be home free.

Ohh, he had a bag of licorice wands under his pillow in his room. That would be good after this meeting. Yes licorice would solve everything. His were shaking really bad so he sat on them to keep them from shaking, but he was breaking out in a cold sweat and that was never attractive. He raked a shaking hand across his forehead, but his stomach started cramping and he could feel a raging headache coming on. Oh how he hated crashing after a fantastic sugar feast. He smiled remembering the entire bag of cotton candy that he ate that reminded him of Professor Carlton. Hmmm, the pain his stomach didn't ease up but his heart started fluttering just the same.

Alcemee walked up to Truebridge's Office a bit nervously and softly knocked on the door.

Interesting. This one knew things from the past and there was another which managed to know things from the future. All of that sort of thing was rather alarming to Truebridge but at least, from the perspective of the Historian within him, he was well able to appreciate and even logically justify knowledge of the past. Even if something like reincarnation was suspected.

"Have you spoken to the Divination professor about the matter? Its possible you may gain some insight." Truebridge suggested. He thought there was more to the matter than that himself, perhaps some curses, but what kind eluded him for the moment.


Errr. Cupcakes were round. That automatically made them alarming. Though...... if he cut it in half... it would have edges at least. Or a wedge. A wedge was good.

"If its for homework... I suppose I can managed... a wedge." It wasn't the cupcake, it was the roundness.

Gingerly he took the cupcake, placed it on his desk and used his wand to cut it into wedges, much like one would with a full sized cake.

Aware that Cadence was waiting... he picked a piece up and ate it, trying to avoid looking at the rounded edge.

"..."

Actually it was rather... what was the word? Nom.

He swallowed. "Thank you, Cadence."

"Alright. I shall meet you later." Truebridge suggested. "Perhaps... by the Whomping Willow."

"What can I help you with today?" Truebridge enquired as the boy sat down, not noticing his fluttering or jittering.

Another? Well.

"Come in." Truebridge invited.

Did he see a flash of red as the door opened just now? Truebridge wasn't sure.

Cadence smiled as Professor Truebridge took the cupcake, but then she just gave him a confused expression. A wedge? Well... I guess as long as he ate it, right? Watching the professor's odd smile, she stood there waiting to see if he was going to eat it now or if he was going to wait. Apparently, it was a now. As he ate the cupcake, she stood there beaming at him. "You're welcome, Professor!" even though it had obviously taken him a lot of effort to force himself to eat said cupcake.

Alcemee walked in nervously and made some last-minute adjustments on what she had planned to say. She said, "Hi Professor Truebridge" while she did that. Then she said, "Well, for Arithmancy homework, we are supposed to calculate and interpret a core number for someone who is not a student. So... can I calculate one of the numbers for you?" She thought that there was a chance that he did not know what she was talking about when she said "Core numbers" so she quickly added, "The core numbers are the Life Path number, the Expression/Destiny number, the Heart's Desire/Soul Urge number, and the Personality number." Now she hoped she wasn't embarassing herself by "babbling" or saying things he already knew.

OOC: It really said a staff member, but still....

Violet skipped to Professor Truebridge's office she knocked on the door and waited outside patiently.

Diggy tried to focus on Professor Truebridge and he wanted to force his mouth to work but the man's eyebrows reminded him of MARS bars. Diggy got a dopey look on his face and he stood up and started towards Professor Truebridge's desk. He automatically reached out for the man's face without realizing it.

He tripped over his shoelace and almost falling flat on his face brought him back to reality. [B]"Err..." he said trying to shake his head clear of the sugar haze. He went and sat back down on the chair and sat on his hands to keep them from shaking. "I am..sir.. I'm having a problem." He nodded his head going up and down and up and down like a boggle head. He clapped his hands around his ears to stop his head from shaking. He took a few deep breaths to calm himself. He had to tell someone he needed help. Since he had stopped eating real food he had lost 15 pounds, but he was slowing gaining it all back from the sheer volume of candy he was eating. Honeydukes sent him a nice letter telling him that he had crippled 4 owls from the heavy load of candy he was ordering. "I um think that...I," he sniffled. This was hard. He didn't want to give up his candy. But between the stomach aches, the raging headaches and the dizzying daydreams he was about to hit rock bottom and he wanted someone to help him.

A tear rolled his little brown face as he tried to find the words. "I uh have a problem with sugar," he whispered as she sniffed again and wiped at his eyes.

"Alright." Truebridge paused and then he smiled pleasantly. Smiling was growing easier again. Yes.

...

Okay. Enough smiling.

Did she want anything else?

"I see." Truebridge nodded thoughtfully. "I'm pleased to hear you know what the core numbers are. Which would you... like to calculate?"

Lets avoid the Heart's Desire one hmm? No awkward needed.

"Come in, Violet." Truebridge invited the girl, who he could see through the open doorway.

...

"I see that." Truebridge answered gravely. The problem thing.

Ah.

Sugar.

Truebridge shook his head slightly. There were always a few. "Well, you might try sugarfree candy and... I quite suggest that you visit the nurse, who I am sure will be quite able to prepare you something to help with the... after effects." After all, who knew that candy could cause such discomfort? Something most people had to learn the hard way.

"I'm not sure what I can do for you, Dillon, but you are more than welcome to come and speak to me anytime you like. I could write a note for the nurse if you liked."

He shook his head as Truebridge talked. Yeah it was easy to say to switch to sugar free candy. Was he really going to be able to do that? Probably not.

As this was what mothers where for, Diggy thought to himself. His mom would know exactly what to do to help him. But he guessed there wasn't anything more he could have expected from his head of house. He sniffed again and wiped at his eyes. It was times like this that he really missed his mother's hugs. They made everything better. "Oh well I'm sorry I bothered you, sir" he said softly as he slid off the bench. "Thanks," he headed toward the door moving around the other students waiting for their audience with the professor.

Cadence smiled, satisfied that he had at least tried his best to enjoy her cupcake. "Well, have a good day, Professor!" she said with a smile, and then turning around she began to make her way out of the office. Before she made it, though, she stopped in front of the door and turned to look at him. "Just a quick question, Professor. In Transfiguration, fifth years are being asked to try transfigurations nonverbally, should we begin practicing this in Defense Against the Dark Arts, too?" she asked, and once she had her answer she would be on her way.

Alcemee decided to pick randomly and said, "It doesn't matter; the Life Path number."

Eh heh... Sorry... ^_^; My subscriptions didn't show a reply
 

She blinked. "I hadn't thought to, actually. I think reincarnation was mentioned in Arithmancy before, but that's about it. I thought Divination was based mainly in the future?" Which was rather honest... she hadn't much liked Divination. Aside from History of Magic, it was one of her worst subjects.

"Not a bother, Dillon. If you wish for a note for the nurse let me know. You can visit my office anytime you like." Truebridge watched the boy leave.

"If you wish to, once you are sure that you have got the hang of the spells we work on out loud, you are more than welcome to attempt it. Also in the duelling arena if you are practicing you are most certainly encouraged to do so. You aren't required to work on non-verbal magic until 6th year, and in Defense class it is not a requirement." Truebridge answered.

"Alright. My date of birth is the 18th of June 2034." She needed that didn't she? Truebridge waited.

"Yes, Divination is based on knowing and interpreting the future and about knowing in general, but many of the Divinatory practices," As alarming as the whole thing was, Truebridge did not much like the idea of anyone knowing his future, "Are deeply rooted in the past so many divinatory texts contain mention of or allusion to Reincarnation. Reincarnation is lumped in quite nicely with Divination as part of the broader subject of Mysticism, both are also linked through a supposed connection with the soul or spirit and indeed a reading by a Seer may just reveal to you whether or not you have... an old soul." Or whatever you wanted to call it.

Violet nervously walked in. "Professor, I'm going crazy." she said in a low whisper. She glanced over at her fellow students and flinched.

sorry! been busy with emergency studying
 

"Okay..." Jake stood again, looking around at Diggy who he could remember from last term.

Sugar.

*twitch*

"Yyyeah, I'll sssee you later," he nodded, kind of stepping back. He didn't need to give the bloke a time... he'd hang around there for a while. In the meantime, he handed Truebridge his small scrap of parchment with the almost illegible word on it, then he calmly left and headed for the Whomping Willow.

Alcemee quickly calculated the numbers, writing them down on a notebook she had brought.

June=6
18
2034

6 + (1+8) + (2+0+3+4)
6 + 9 + 9=24
2+4
6

Alcemee said, "Your Life Path number is 6." She looked up that number in her Arithmancy textbook and found: Your path will lead you to live responsibly at home and work to achieve balance between giving and receiving. This path is one of aid and service, and once you've learned this lesson, you'll move on to the next phase - achieving balance between giving and receiving. You're a born counselor - sympathetic and caring - which makes others seek you out for advice. Career/vocation options include any job in the service industry where you can make life more comfortable, easy, and luxurious for others, including medicine, decorating, beauty products, training animals, teaching, and counseling.
She tried to basically summarize it without plagiarizing from it. She said, "According to the textbook, you will live responsively at home and work to get a balance between giving and receiving. Your path is of service and aid, and then you'll move to the next phase, achieving balance between receiving and giving. You are sympathetic and caring, a born counselor, and others seek you out for advice. Job obtions include any job in which you can make life easier, more comfortable, and luxurious for others, including decorating, beauty products, animal training, medicine, counseling, and teaching." She hoped that her near-photographic memory did not make it seem like if she was plagiarizing from the textbook. She asked him,"Did what it say sound accurate?" She knew that for some people, it matched perfectly, and for others, it was their complete opposite.

Cadence nodded at Professor Truebridge and smiled. "Thanks, Professor! Hope you have a good day!' she said cheerily before exiting the office.

Truebridge turned to Violet and nodded gravely. "It's quite possible. Why don't you sit down and tell me about it? I can cast muffliato if you do not wish to be overheard." He suggested.

Truebridge took the note and nodded vaguely in farewell. He glanced at what was written there, no reaction on his face.

Hmm.

Interesting.

"Anytime. Owl me if you'd like to walk and talk, sometimes it is good to get out and about." And on the grounds it was easier not to be swamped with visitors.

... Beauty Products?

"I believe you need to make an attempt at applying it to what you know about me." Truebridge answered.

.... Beauty Products?

"I can tell you that I was, before I began teaching and in no particular order, a Dragonkeeper, a historian and a broadway actor. If that helps. But I assure you, unless you apply it rather than rephrasing the textbook, you won't earn full marks on your assignment. It is important to show that you understand the application as well as the words themselves." Because Truebridge wasn't one to just dismiss a child without a lesson after all. It wouldn't ever be so simple to do 'homework' on him.

"And you, Cadence." Truebridge answered.

Violet nodded and dramatically fell down on a chair. "Well, it all started on a sunny day-the worst days if you ask me." she said with a dramatic sigh. "My boyfriend cheated on me so I broke up with him, but I still had to act good so I wouldn't get expelled. So I was acting good and nice to everyone, but they don't believe me! Hardly, anyone does they all watch me like Hawks!" she said. "And I'm going crazy being nice if someone says 'Hey Violet, do you like my outfit!' I have to lie and say it looks wonderful when it really looks like fashion disaster!" Pause. "But all the best, it is kinda fun being nice." she said in a sweet little voice.

Ellie had almost forgot what she wanted to do. She could have asked someone else, like Cela, but thought she'd try the Professor first. So she walked up to his office and knocked. Then she took a deep breath and sighed quietly.

Headmaster Tate strolled down the corridor in long steps, pausing in front of Truebridge's office. His knock was sharp, and he didn't wait for a response before opening the door and peering inside.

"Zan. I need a word with you immediately."

"Come in." Truebridge invited, pleased that the crowds were actually thinning out some. "What can I do for you?"

...

"If nothing else at least you are keeping everyone off balance. I expect nobody quite knows what to make of you right now, Violet. That gives you an advantage in some ways." Because Truebridge was going to ignore this... boyfriend business. Yes.

Ethan turned his head slightly.

"Yes?" What did he want? "Take a seat." Surely the man did not expect for him to dismiss the students who were present? Ethan hoped not and did not intend to do so.

Was he being... social? Scratching his chin, Truebridge considered this, trying to figure out the reason for this unexpected visit by tone and expression.

Not exactly his strong point.

Ellie walked in and immediately eyed the headmaster... "Err.."

She kept her gaze on him, not sure whether he would want her to leave or not. He sounded kinda urgent. So she spoke fast, "I was wondering if you could help me with the spells we learned after I went to the hospital wing. I heard what they did and they sounded kind of difficult, so I was wondering if you could help me..." Her eyes flicked to the DADA teacher, then back to the headmaster, then rested again on Professor Truebridge.

Okay, Miranda had sort of... zoomed off into her Quidditch dreamland or something, because before she knew it, people had left and now Headmaster Tate was here. Eh.

She raised an eyebrow at Professor Truebridge and then glanced at Tate. Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaybe she should come back, yeah? Situation? Hm, what had happened now? More people wanting to ruin students life? Or maybe just a crazy wizard out to take control of the world. But, that was Lori's mission - and she wasn't crazy.

"Sir...s." Heh. "I'll come back...later, perhaps?" Yeah, could be best?

That was all? Wasn't keeping people off balance a bad thing?

"What is that supposed to mean? Your my head of house your supposed to give me advice and take care of my problems though...sir." she replied nervously.

And then she saw Tate come in she faked a smile towards him. The last time she saw him was....oh right. The start of term feast, bad memories.

"Of course." Truebridge answered. "Perhaps you would like to meet me in the duelling arena when you have a moment? That would be the best place for you to practice."

"Certainly." A situation? Truebridge considered the word. Merpeople? Deaged professors? Werewolves? Missing students? Jake Upstead doing Jake Upstead type things? What precisely constituted a situation anyway?

"What is the problem?" ...

..

"...Casey."

There. They were friends, right? Yes.

"I don't mind you staying, Miranda, if you wait quietly of course." Likely whatever this situation thing was, it wouldn't take long.

"What problem?" Honestly she hadn't specifically said she had a problem. "And actually, my role is to help you develop the skills to solve your own problems, Violet. You know by now that I will not simply hand everything to you on a silver platter. Now if you wouldn't mind waiting just a moment, the Headmaster wishes to speak with me. Of course, you could come back later if you wished to."

Truebridge turned his attention back to Tate, waiting patiently for the man to speak.

"Well." Tate glanced at the students who were still in the office. Was this appropriate to discuss in their presence? Probably... not.

"I've received a letter from the school governors. Regarding your employment. And mine."

Violet sighed. "Oh okay then." she replied. "Well thank you for your time, professor." she said and skipped out of the office.

"Oh, yes sir. Ofcourse, I'll wait quietly." She nodded and then...sort of tried to sink low in her chair.

And then she watched Violet skip out of the room... Uh.

Catching Tate's glance, Miranda smiled akwardly, but quickly dropped it as the Headmaster seemed tense. Was that the right word?
Anyways... the man's next words made her sitt still...and listen because she got pretty curious now. What the...

Letter? Governors?? Employment!?


La la la la-la la allaaa...

"Alright." Truebridge answered, clearly not yet seeing the situation part. They both did their jobs well, no? And it wasn't like he was on probation any longer. "What kind of letter?" Because clearly Tate wanted him to ask.

Well she'd certainly turned over a new leaf. And polite too.

Truebridge simply nodded at Miranda and fixed his attention on the headmaster once more.

Tate put his hand to his head and gave it a slow shake. Was Ethan so distracted or so naive not to read the clear signals he was giving him? HE DIDN'T WANT TO DISCUSS IT IN FRONT OF STUDENTS.

"Apparently there have been a number of complaints from parents regarding the recent departure of our Potions Professor, and the governors have decided to reinstate her. And they say... there is nothing I can do about it." It was HIS school. What right did anyone have to say what he could or couldn't do?

Ellie nodded. She almost, almost, slapped herself on the head. Right. The Duelling Arena.... How could she forget about that, honestly. It was where they had class, was it not? And duelling club... Yeah, that was a.. Not very Ellie moment.

"Right. I guess I'll see you there..." Mhm. She had failed this time. Way to look like an idiot, Ellie. Way to go..

She turned to leave and gave a shifty look at the headmaster. He said WHAT?! W-was that really allowed to happen? Was she allowed to say something. No, that wouldn't help. Yikes.

"S-see you, P-professor.." she gave a small smile and wave before leaving.

"I had been under the impression that Hecate chose to leave." Which wasn't something he had expected of her. He kept his voice level, though that might have simply been because he wasn't one have emotion inserted in his tone particularly often.

He still wasn't completely sure what his thoughts were about the whole fire thing. Honestly, worse had been done to him in his own time as a student at Hogwarts, but considering the circumstance and the fact that several of the students had insisted that there had been real pain...

... well he hoped they'd learn from it and that Hecate would be a little more sensitive considering the trauma many of the students had already been through over the past few years.

"Not a problem, Ellie." Truebridge nodded at her, not noticing any discomforture and generally quite pleased that she'd requested to catch up on her missed work.

"She did," Tate agreed. He knew his frustration was NOT with Ethan Truebridge, but he felt so tight and tense and cranky... it was hard not to take it out on the other man. "They've asked her to reconsider. The stipulation, now, is that..."

Sigh. "They want her as Slytherin Head of House, Ethan. I drafted my angry letter telling them where they can send future owls... it involves certain anatomical impossibilities. But the person who loses in this situation is you. And Slytherin House."

"Are they aware," Ethan spoke carefully, "That Hecate is in her first year teaching? That she does not have any expertise, save for her undeniable ability in the potions field, which would lend to her being particularly suited for such a role?" At least, at this point. Sure, she was once a prefect but it was not as if such a thing had much bearing on these matters.

There was more to it, surely.

"They are aware... that the current Head of House is a former inmate at Azkaban," Tate said, his eyes closing as if in pain. His fault. He had put Truebridge in prison for the greater good and now it was coming around to bite him in the bum.

"I'm sorry, Ethan. This is on me. I'll move heaven and earth to make this up to you."

Right.

He digested this, green eyes unfathomable, but certainly not accusing.

"And my position as a professor?" He inquired, almost softly, back straight and eyes steady.

"Untouchable, as far as I'm concerned, and they haven't asked for your dismissal. I think we could mount a reverse letter writing campaign should that ever come up, but as far as I can tell, Head of House was a stipulation of Lafay's return and the governors are grasping at straws to please the parents," Tate rubbed his forehead. He would walk out if they tired to fire Ethan. He would.

Expression turning just a little shrewd, Truebridge considered this. "Of course, my salary will not change." In other words, he wouldn't get a pay cut over this.

Hmm.

"Might I inquire what prompted the board to make this decision?" Surely it had come from something?

"Pay raise, I think. For both of us," Tate perked up over that. Sure, they could make it as uncomfortable for the governors as possible. Why not?

"You know... I think it was the parent letters. The school governors always bend to popular opinion for fear of losing their own positions, and this smacks of that tendency. Do you know any unhappy parents?"

"Well, I suppose that is something." Not that Truebridge was particularly willing to simply settle. The thing was, he had been reluctant to accept the position to begin with. He shot a glance at Miranda before looking at the headmaster again. That was partly why actually. While he was Slytherin himself, and was proud to be, he had not particularly liked the idea of him being head of house effecting his relationship with other houses.

"No I have not. Especially not from any Slytherin students." Ethan rummaged in his desk draw and pulled out a rather thick file. "They have, as a house and as individuals, increased their grades across the board this term and are showing a remarkable amount of unity and house pride." He offered the file to Casey, meeting his eyes.

"And I'm proud of them." He added simply.

"I am too, and I'm proud of you," Tate stood and offered a hand across the desk for Ethan to shake. Part of him wondered if the man would take it, but he HOPED he would. "I think Lafay is a proud woman, proud of her accomplishments and her big old brain, but she isn't a bad woman. I always thought she had it in her to be a really good professor someday, although I resent the governors telling me my business."

He glanced at Miranda as well. "I know the inclination may be to make this about us and what we're losing, but I hope you will continue as you always have. No... I'm sure you will. Continue to support the students above all other things."

"She was a good prefect." Ethan answered quietly. "I'm not sure if you recall." Not a particularly hands on prefect, or a particularly kind one, but she did her job.

Slowly Truebridge stood up. "There is more to this." There had to be. "Hecate was always ambitious even beyond the stereotype."

Another pause and Ethan sat down again. "Would you mind if I spoke to my... the Slytherin Prefects and Quidditch Captain, informing them of this development personally?"

"I wish you would, actually. I'd like us all to be on the same page, present as united a front as possible," Tate's handshake had been rebuffed, and he put both hands flat on Ethan's desk.

"She'll be back almost immediately. In fact, she may be back now. I wish we had more time to plan."

"Perhaps it would be best for me to owl them to meet us both in your office, Casey." Ethan suggested thoughtfully. There may be reactions after all, particularly courtesy of Raiden who had developed an obvious loyalty to him. That seemed to happen now and then for reasons Truebridge wasn't entirely sure of, though he supposed he did not at all mind being a role model of sorts, even one who had spent some time in Azkaban, to his students.

Oh. This...this sounded serious.
Miranda tried to sink lower in her seat, but it was proving difficult. If she tried any more she would be sliding down and flop on the floor. Heh.

They were talking about Lafay...and she was coming back?? Why would anyone let her? Miranda hadn't been present at that scary burning lesson, but the way people told it, it was beyond horrifying.
Aaaand some old bearded people in weird clothes wanted her as Slytherin Head of House. Squint. Really? Frowning, Miranda simply sat and listened, most dissaproving, but the 'anatomical impossibilities' part made her snort loud. She quickly put a hand to her mouth and looked down at her lap. Eeek. Hehe. Tate was funny though.

Gah, sometimes, this calm Truebridge dude made her frustrated. Why wasn't he ready to go all kick butt on people? And then Tate glanced at her...Heh. And noooow they were getting all mushy with the proudness and hand shaking. It took some will not to roll her eyes at that.


But...hold on. Truebridge was actually going to give up being HoH??
That wasn't right. Not right at all. Sure, the Captain didn't know Truebridge that well and stuff, and he kind of scared her sometimes - but he was a great Professor and you tended to get protective of the teachers in this school after so many years.


This was...weird.
If Masterson pulled anything like this...

"Set it up and we'll all meet as soon as possible," Tate agreed, removing his hands from the desk in order to cross his arms across his desk. He glanced at Miranda again.

"Should we invite Lafay?"

"Good. This isn't the end of it." Ethan almost warned. It wasn't . He intended to find out precisely how Hecate had swung this, be sure her reasons were best for the students and of course it wouldn't be as if he'd simply wash his hands of them.

"No." No Hecate. Things might be thrown. "Perhaps we can request her presence once they have been informed, however."

"I'll see you in my office shortly," Tate nodded his head, once to Truebridge and once to Miranda before heading for the door.

"I appreciate your understanding, Zan. It isn't an easy situation, nor a happy one, but keeping a level head certainly assists in getting through it and getting the students through it unscathed."

Miranda watched Tate through her lashes...and then caugh his glance. Heh.
Invite Lafay!? No, no no. Miranda shook her head, looking terrified at the prospect of someone meeting her...all....angry like.

Yes, request presence later. Sounded better. Miranda nodded, toterly agreeing with the Professor's thoughts. Erm, or what she thought were his thoughts anyways.

Oh, he was leaving. Miranda smiled akwardly as he nodded. He was going and then Truebridge was going and then they were meeting up with Lafay and everyone was going to get BURRRRNED! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek.

'...getting the students through it unscathed.'

Oh, yes please.

Ethan nodded. It was always about the students for him. Likely it would always be.

"I'll be along soon." He agreed and sent off a few quick messages, little flying paper planes to his... the Slytherin Prefects and Quidditch Captain.

He turned his attention to Miranda and offered a small nod.

"I suppose I had better be brief, and you have been waiting so patiently too."

She watched the little planes fly off an could imagine to whom they were flying towards. Cool thing to do, that.

As Truebridge adressed her again, Miranda sat up in her chair, no longer feeling the need to hide. Hehe. "Oh, um, yes sir." Uh-huh. "Well...I was wondering if it would be possible to get some extra help with Defence against the Dark Arts?" Liiiiike, "More specifically duelling."

"I was actually intending to offer precisely that, Miranda. For starters you should sign up to the Duelling club, but I did notice last term that you seemed particularly..." impatient? Eager? Frustrated? "...interested in the subject."

Truebridge nodded at her.

"And of course, if you like, you might wish to begin by helping myself and a few others out with collecting the Kappa for the next lesson. If you are interested, I will owl you when it is time to meet at the lake to do so."

Oh, he was? Well...that was great. Heh! And here she thought she was going to have to ask and hope he would be able to help.
She listened to the Professor, definitely remembering to´sign up for the Duelling club.

Ack...last term. Not her greatest moments. "Oh...yes sir. I'm sorry about that sir. It was just that...after what happened with..." Ugh. She took a breath and continued. "After the whole incident I felt like I was wasting time not learning everything about how to protect myself. But I know it will take time and hard work before I can go hunt down people like Remí." And that was the first time this term she had said his name out loud. And boy did it not make her wince like it used to. Hah! Take that you worm.

Helping out with the Kappa? For sure!
"Oh, yes sir. I'd really like to help out. It would be really interesting!" She nodded, looking excited about getting to do more this term.

"Yes. I understand that." Ethan flexed his arm idly. He could feel the scar tissue from the old arrow wound pulling, not to mention the scar tissue on his hand from the duel with Kazimeriz too. Yes, he'd been in his fair share of duels.

"Foundation skills are important. Knowledge is important. As is history." Well. No surprises that he found history important, surely. "Do sign up. There is a noticeboard outside the duelling arena. We've had our first meeting already... perhaps you might ask one of the older students who attended to share their notes. I taught a self-armouring charm during the meeting."

As for the Kappa, "Excellent, I'll let you know when I need you. I'll be pleased to have your help and then perhaps you can share what you learn with the class when it begins too." As for now... Ethan stood up. "And I have a meeting I must attend to, unfortunately as you are aware."

He understood...she had imagined he would. Truebridge had afterall been there, protecting the students when the Barman had invaded the school. Thankfully, the curse had somehow been removed before they had all met him in the stairs or something. No good thinking what could have happened.

She smiled weakly and nodded a little, listening to the man. Yep, all of that stuff was important, she knew...learning it eventually. It just agitated her that it took last term's events for her to get that. And she'd probably sign up the first thing she did after walking out of the Professor's office. "I will, thanks for letting me know, sir." Self armouring? Oh, maaaaaaaaaan! "Sorry I missed that. It sounds like it was a very interesting meeting." Crapitty. Who could she hunt down to get the notes? Hehe.

Kappa hunting. Whoa. And sharing...right. "I'll do my best sir." Oh, but now Truebridge stood up and Miranda did the same. The meeting, no doubt it wouldn't be fun. "I'm sorry to hear you won't be Head of House anymore, but it's just a title, right? A good title doesn't define a person if you don't have what it takes to live up to it." With a flat smile, she walked towards the door, "Thankyou for your time." A nod and she was out of there.

"Anytime Miranda." Ethan didn't smile back. This whole thing was ridiculous.

"Normally I would take points for eavesdropping." Truebridge answered. "As for right now, I have a meeting regarding that very subject. Your prefects will inform you of the particulars Zane. If there was anything Defense related you wished to talk about you are more than welcome to wait outside for me, I don't intend to be gone long."

And Truebridge left his office, locking it behind him.


ooc: Nobody is left in there, just FYI to anyone who stopped posting at any point.

Anni knocked once on the door and then stood back, waiting for the Proffessor to answer. She hoped he'd get there soon, before the stupid hammer battered Eli to death or something.

Eli followed Anni down to the office, the bammer tap tap tapping behind him all the way. He waited beside her, standing rather like a restless flamingo, first on one foot and then the other, trying to keep his toes out of the relentless bammer's attack zone. He toes were starting to feel crowded and swollen in his shoes from being smacked so often.

The billywig-feeling in his stomach was worse; he felt he might throw up from nervousness. "Anni? Is the Dark professor nice? Because... well... I've been skiving his classes. Ow!" The bammer hit his toes especially hard, as though it did not approve.

"My mother says he was in Azkaban. She was real real mad that he was even a teacher here; she wrote letters and everything. I almost didn't let me go to the school, but my father- stepfather- said I had to come. But my mother said I shouldn't go to his classes because he was probably a killer or something." He gulped hard. His stepfather probably just hoped that the Dark Arts professor would murder him and then they wouldn't have to deal with him anymore. His real dad would never have wanted him to go to schools with murderers! Of course, he had never met his real dad. But that was beside the point. He would undoubtedly have been the best dad in the world, if only he had stuck around.

Anni shook her head
'I don't know, Eli' she said slowly, racking her brains trying to find a possible spell to stop the hammer. 'I'm new here, I arrived last night. So I haven't been to any classes before' She ignored the comment about Azkaban. Talking about that place made her feel sick. She did, however, reach down and give Eli a little hug. He looked so scared, she couldn't help it.

Eli gaped at her. New? No wonder he'd never seen the gothy Ravenclaw before!

He smiled and turned red as she gave him a small hug. Nobody had hugged him since he couldn't even remember when, except maybe his mother when they saw him off to Hogwarts, that is. Nobody else. Certainly not a girl-person. He hoped he didn't catch cooties, but then Anni seemed too cool for cooties.

BAM! The bammer didn't approve of the hug, and went quickly smacked Eli harder on the toe than ever before. "Owwwww!" he wailed, kicking at the thing to no avail.

"He was in Azkaban, so he probably is a killer. But maybe he only does it in his spare time? Either way we should probably be extra super nice to him." he told her softly. Then a thought occurred to Eli.

"Anni? When we first came to Hogwarts they said the Dark Professor was Slytherin Head of House. What if... What if he's worse than those girls? What'll we do?" They needed a plan, in case the Murderous Dark Slytherin Professor turned out to want to bammer them to death or something.

Anni shuddered. Azakaban... any mention of the place freaked her out. She giggled a little as he gaped at her, and a little more when he went red. Then she frowned again as the hammer hit him; seemingly harder than before as well. A thought occuring to her, she dived for the stupid thing, trying to pull it away from Eli. that didn't work, it simply skirted around her as she darted back and forth trying to grab it. Damn.
'Oh, he's not Head of House anymore' she said, thinking about it 'The potions woman is... Proffessor Lafay, isn't that her name?

Eli thought about that. "Professor LaFlame is super mega evil - I mean, she set kids on fire in class! But I reckon being a murderer is way way more evil than that. So maybe the Dark Arts professor was too evil for Slytherin, even, and that's why they gave it to the second most evil professor!"

He chewed his thumbnail. "Maybe we shouldn't ask him. I mean... He's real real evil, to be a murderer. And he only got out of Azkaban because if he got his soul sucked out the Minister of Magic was going to die. He had a Dark spell on her so if he died she would just die, just like that. And... the Headmaster is imperiused to let him work here, and so he could just murder us. My mother said so." He wasn't quite sure what all he had overheard his mother gossiping about, but that sounded close. "He could bammer us to death or Avada Kedavra us even, and no one would ever know. The headmaster would tell our parents it was a 'tragic accident' or that we blew ourselves up because we were bad at magic or something."

He nodded wisely. "Maybe we should just - ow! - get out of here, and try and figure out a spell ourselves. Like in the library or something, I bet they have a 'stop bammering' charm or something." He was suddenly very frightened of the Dark Arts professor, having built him up in his mind as Voldemort's more evil little brother.

Anni was shocked
'Hang on, what? She set kids on fire?! And she's still teaching here?' really? What ind of teacher set kids on fire? 'Eli, don't worry. I'm sure that's ust gossip about him being in Az... that place' she said, reassuring until she tried to say Azkaban. Even talking about it still scared her. Jeesh. 'No. We should stay here and wait. I'm pretty certain he's not evil'