That was exactly the reaction Jake was hoping for. The boy grinned to himself and nodded at Cela as she left, before addressing the professor in a more upbeat tone that earlier. "Llluh-later Sssir," he said, giving a mock-salute with his bandaged hand. Afterwards, as he turned, Jake gave Rafe another wink and a solitary raise of the eyebrows, as if to say 'Yeah, calm down, dude.'

"Rafe."

With that, Jake left the room and let the door swing shut behind him.

He hadn't actually done anything wrong; Oh yeah, Jake was playing this smartly.

Rae nodded, then put her cup back on the desk. "I'll most likely join the club then Professor." She said whilst standing up "Thank you sir. I look forward to your lessons." Rae said and she turned to exit the office.

Preston nodded at the Head Girl, and sighed inwardly as he watched the young Hufflepuff leave. Troubled, troubled boy, that one, it seemed. Though, Preston could not quite place the very benign way that Miss Toussaint responded to his queries. Odd. He felt it.. odd.

Preston smiled at the girl, clearly pleased. "Excellent, Miss Quirregen. I'm glad to hear it." He stood, once more, as she made her way to exit. "Please do come back at any time!"

With a small nod, Preston turned his attention to the door. More knocking. At this rate, he thought, there was probably a small army outside.

"If you have knocked," he called out into the hall, "then please come in and have a seat."

Settling back into his own chair, Preston stole a glance at the pictures on his desk. No letter writing this time, after all.

Amy walked inside the office and waited for the people who the proffessor was talking to were finished, when they were she walked up to the desk, Umm proffessor, I wanted to thank you and appologise for yesterday and I also wanted to find out whether I will need anything in particular for lesson

Victoria nervously walked into the office and waited for her turn to talk to the professor, she hoped that she would get animagus lessons.

"No thank you, sir, I'm fine really," Rafe said declining a glass of water. He closed his eyes for a quick moment and thought of happy, pleasant thoughts, and that seemed to put his mind at ease for now. There was no need to blow up right in the middle of this professor's office.

Rafe listened as the professor continued talking of animagi and how it was illegal and irresponsible...blah, blah, blah...A little twitch of a grin in the corned of his mouth slightly formed. "Of course, theoretical," Rafe nodded. "How does it effect a person genetically? If a person had traces of, let's say veela blood, would it cause problems for such a transformation? Could it influence how their mind worked differently?"

Rafe watched as Jake, Cela and that new girl, he'd never seen before leave. Then another two entered. He'd just have to keep an eye out for Jake. Transfiguration definitely seemed a popular subject. But, Rafe was more concerned with a particular branch of it, and not just how it worked for animagi.

Preston smiled when he saw the young Hufflepuff approach his desk. "Good day Miss Samson, thank you for coming to apologize." Preston remained seated so that he was eye level with the young girl. "If you always bring your textbook, your wand and some parchment and a quill, you'll always be prepared," he said, kindly. "If you need anything other than that, I'll post on your noticeboard, ok?"

He smiled at the young girl, again. Fresh start, yes?


Nodding at the other girl who entered, Preston gestured to a seat. "Can I get you something to drink, Miss....?," He trailed off. "Water? Tea? I'll be with you in just a moment."

Preston watched the boy with a great deal of interest. "Oh. Just theoretical. I see. Shame." Preston stood from his chair and walked across the room to one of the bookshelves, speaking as he went.

"Genetics, Mister Lycaon, is a muggle science, and an inexact one at that. It has no bearing here. You are mistaking a change in appearance for a change in essence." Preston paused at the shelf, considering for a moment, before pulling down a number of titles. Levitating the books back, including a rather large one near the size of a first-years torso, Preston dropped them on the desk in front of the two boys.

"Animagi transformations are incredibly complex, but you are still you. Bones elongate or shrink, sinews stretch, colors shift, and hair may grow and become more course or take on other properties. But the essence of you remains."

Preston took his seat once more. "You are rearranging, much like a metamorphmagus rearranged their features, that is all. Unlike a metamorphmagus, however, it is not an innate ability. It is one that must be honed through practice, concentration and control. It is a very rare skill indeed and the specifics are often unique to each individual."

Preston paused, not for a moment having believed that their interest was purely theory. "But since your interest is purely theoretical, may I suggest some reading?" Preston started with the smallest of books.

"Self-Made Marsupial, by Koa Walla is a fantastic first-hand account of the process of mastering the transformation late in life. And this," Preston picked up another book, "is a fascinating treatise on the moral implications of transformation, albeit from an American Perspective: To Bee or Not To Bee, by Buzz Wright.

Preston then handled the largest book, its spine old and cracking, at least 1000 pages long and heavy. Very heavy. He handed it to the boy.

"This is my favorite. Theoretical Transfiguration: Principles and Laws. A Primer. Volume One - Voluntary Human Transformations, by Theosophilus Moretti. I have his entire set." Preston gestured to a shelf where at least 10 volumes, maybe more, we arranged with delicate care. "I believe this should all be a good place to start? You'll return them in the condition you found them in. I'm anxious to hear your thoughts."

Preston looked to Mister Lycaon and then Mister Carter. "You can share them, yes? Anything else?"

Shame? Would a professor really help a student become an animagus? Hmm... it was definitely too soon to tell. Rafe's jaw dropped as the professor began pulling down book after book. This is what they needed.

"So it doesn't have to do with any family background or anything like that? If your parent...or I guess parents were already animagi, would it be easier for their kids to become one?" Rafe was in complete awe of all the books. Especially the last one. It looked like a bit of good reading despite the size. He definitely wanted to get started right away, to read, of course. "This is bloody excellent," Rafe said excitedly. "We'll definitely take good care of them." Rafe looked to Carter to see if he had anymore questions. He was sure after reading they would have some idea of how to get started.

"Thank you so much professor," Rafe said as he stood up and let the other students get to their questions. "I'm sure I could get these back to you before the end of the month." Rafe loved books, especially that of his interest. Maybe he would even read them twice. Surely he could fit in some reading between Quidditch as well?

Preston was, if he would admit it to himself, slightly unnerved by their excitement. "No, even if both your parents were capable animagi, there is no guarantee that you would ever be able to manage. The only advantage one might have would be situational, not physical. An upbringing that prizes hard work and focus, something they would have attained, would be the only advantage." Preston eyed the boy. "And while I appreciate the enthusiasm, do watch your language. As a note, the Moretti text is quite dense and probably too advanced, NEWT level, at least, though I'm curious to see what you make of it."

Preston extracted a piece of parchment, scribbling down the titles he was lending and to whom. With a tap of his wand, the parchment rolled itself up and disappeared. "Two weeks. My office is not a library and I make regular use of those texts. I lend them as a favor since you are interested in the whys and whats of transformation. They will not, however, tell you how." Preston quirked an eyebrow at the boys.

"But, since you told me you weren't interested in the how, that shouldn't be a problem. Have a wonderful rest of your day."

And with that, Preston turned to his other students.

Rafe stacked the books with ease and put the older one on top. This was going to be so much fun. Rafe slightly blushed in embarrassment when the professor called him out on his language, he just could help his enthusiasm on the subject. "Moretti? Can't be as bad as the muggle Shakespeare," Rafe laughed. "Given, my favorite author is Kennilworthy Whisp, but this is an excellent learning opportunity and definitely looks like an interesting read." Two weeks!? That's all the got to digest all of this! They would definitely have to get started right away and gave Carter a worrisome look. The frown only sunk lower when the professor said the books didn't divulge on how it worked. "Umm...thank sir," Rafe said as he forced a smile and took the books in his arms and exited the office.

She smiled as the professor asked her if she wanted a drink, "Can I have a cup of tea please, Professor" she asked him.

Upon receiving the invitation to enter the office, Trixie strolled gracefully in an gave the professor a curt nod. "Trixie Malfoy sir. Fifth Year Slytherin" she introduced herself. "I've just transfered from Beauxbatons and there we were taught manners. So I decided to introduce myself to you" she gave her quarter Veela smile. "I'm most looking forward to your lessons" she smiled sweetly.

Ok Amy smiled happily at the proffessor, I think I have everything, and really it's no trouble at all sir, I promise, well I will try my upmost not to do that sort of thing again, then Amy turned around and went to the door, thank you proffessor, I'll see you in class, then she walked out tripping up and blushed magenta, I'm fine, she muttered embarrisdly as she walked out the door

"I quite like Shakespeare, actually. Quite enjoyable." Preston gave a nod to the boy as he exited, before shaking his head and turning to the next student.

"Of course you can!" Preston reached over and poured another cup, realizing that there was probably only one cup left. "And your name, Miss?" Preston handled the cup over to her, wondering what brought her to his office.

"Welcome to Hogwarts, Miss Malfoy! I am new here, as well. I hope you have found the castle hospitable." Preston held up the pot of tea. "Would you like some? And please do have a seat if you'd like."

Preston nodded, appreciating her introduction. "I'm Professor Kingsley and I look forward to having you in my lessons, Miss Malfoy. Did you have any questions?"

"I believe you, Miss Samson, and I am grateful that you have learned your lesson." Preston smiled and nodded at her, wincing slightly as she stumbled, reacting almost immediately to go to her, when she exited on her own.

Sitting back down, Preston looked to the others in his office.

She took the cup and said "I am Victoria Jaimeson, I am a fourth year Ravenclaw!" she took a sip of her tea.

Preston smiled as he sipped his own tea. "Pleasure to meet you, Miss Jaimeson. What can I do for you today?"

Preston placed his teacup down on his desk, and folding his hands together, leaned forward, eager to hear what question the young eagle had brought him.

At that moment, however, Preston heard a knock at the door. "Excuse me," he said quickly, before standing and making his way over and opening it.

Having stayed a few moments in the hallway, Preston returned, leaving the door open for those following him in.

"My apologies, Miss Jaimeson. Now, what can I do for you?"

Trixie smiled. "Yes please Sir" she said with her charming Veela smiled. "I would love some." The French did great tea so she had high expectatations for this cup of tea. Not that she would mind if it wasn't as good. But then again the British had the best tea didn't they? She shook her head. "I had no questions Sir. I was just going to offer my services. If there is aything i can help you at all with this year sir then just ask me" she grinned. Trixie really had been taught a lot of manners ar Beauxbatons and her parents encouraged her to do this as well.

Preston poured out the last cup of tea with a smile, before setting the pot aside. Water would, unfortunately, have to do until he could brew some more tea. Handing the cup over to the young Slytherin, he nodded.

"I appreciate the offer, Miss Malfoy. I will certainly keep that in mind." Preston sipped the last of his own tea. "In fact, and this goes for anyone currently seated in my office," he added, looking around, "there will be a special announcement at the end of our first lesson that you may be interested in."

Preston watched the girl, noting her manners and her obvious ambition. Never too early to get on the good side of a professor.

Trixie smiled and accepted the cup of tea whilst taking a seat where he had indicated before. Taking a sip she grinned. "The tea is divine sir" she smiled sweetly and placed the cup of tea down. "Well I most certainly look foward to the anouncement. Transfiguration was definitely one of my favourite subjects at Beauxbatons. And I'm sure that you will out do expectations" she said politely. "May I ask sir? What will we be covering this year?" she asked hoping that it would be things she hadn't covered in Beauxbatons.

"I asked my Transfiguration Professor last year that I want to become a animagus, I have been studying all summer" she told the Professor.

Gold had risen to her feet, when Professor Kingsley had popped into the hallway, and she followed him into his office, now. There were, as she had expected, quite a few people - students - inside. "I'll wait until everyone else is gone, if that's okay, sir," she said politely, as she scanned the place with a pair of bright, green eyes.

Now to wait again.

Preston nodded at her. "The tea is my sister's own blend. She has quite a knack for it, don't you think?" He took another sip before resting down the cup and taking a brief pause. It was... different being at Hogwarts without Eleanor. He simply had to make time today to write.

Turning his attention back to the girl, he smiled. "Wanting to run right to the library and get a head start?" Preston tapped the desk briefly. "I am glad to hear of your enthusiasm for my subject, but all I will say is this. In my classes this year, regardless of which spells we cover, you will learn discipline, concentration and control. All are vitally important to spell work and will serve you infinitely well."

Preston tilted his head as he considered the girl. "Will that be all?"

Was everyone an aspiring animagus in this school? Preston pursed his lips thoughtfully. "I see. And you are a fourth year?" Preston considered, rubbing his face with his hand.

"Miss Jaimeson, this type of magic is very complex and can be dangerous if not performed properly." Preston sighed. "I am willing to help you continue to explore the theory behind such a transformation, but I make it a point not to permit anyone younger than a fifth year from even attempting such a transformation under my supervision."

Preston folded his hands in his lap. "And even then, there are other considerations and precautions."

Preston looked up to see one of the young women from outside make her way in. "Understood. That's perfectly alright. Feel free to find a book that interests you, if you're so inclined." Preston gestured to the shelves, recognizing that whatever she had to say, she'd rather say privately.

"I could wait for another year Professor, I am still trying to control my veela powers" she told him as she sipped her tea.

Preston's eyebrow inadvertently shot up. Veela? Didn't that boy before ask about... He let his thoughts trail off as he considered the rest, more relevant, part of her statement.

"Well, that's the thing, Miss Jaimeson. It could be a much longer wait than that. It can sometimes take quite a long time to master, even once you start trying." Preston rested his hands on the desk. "And some, no matter how hard they try, cannot manage the transformation."

Preston cleared his throat and sat back. "When it comes time, if you are still interested, we will discuss other requirements. But in the meantime, I expect that you will demonstrate your interest by continuing to study. Will that be all?"

She listened to the Professor's answer and then said "I will continue to study hard in all my subjects and that is all Professor" she finished her tea and smiled.