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Cassirin · 08-28-2010, 04:57 AM

Because the Headmaster has no use for a second office, he has re-purposed this room for an entirely different use. The room is larger than it should be; the fact that Tate reduced a wall into an adjoining room is obvious by the fact that his ‘office’ has two doors along the same long wall. Rather than leaving an empty office or reinventing the standard dueling area, the room now serves as a training facility for those with an interest in Defense and Defense related careers: Aurors, Hit Wizards, and the International Task Force (among others).

The two windows in the room face out over an inner courtyard and let in tree-filtered light throughout the day. Beside one such window, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves have been stuffed full of countless Defense texts. The titles range from ancient tomes in spidery indecipherable scripts to glossy hardcovers featuring some of the premiere Defensive authors of the day. The long table is conducive for transcribing notes from the various books, but there are also a few deep chairs pushed together for general reading or quiet conversation. There is a sign posted on the bookshelf.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sign on the bookshelf

ALL BOOKS ARE CHARMED TO RETURN TO THE SHELVES AFTER USE. THEY ARE NOT PERMITTED TO LEAVE THE ROOM WITHOUT PERMISSION.

Along the opposite wall, leading from the far door halfway to the window, Tate has set up various pieces of exercise equipment, intending for those interested in pursuing a Defensive career to develop themselves physically as well as mentally. A punching bag is suspended from the ceiling in the corner, sitting beside a stand of free weights and other odds and ends, mats and exercise balls and the like. Stretching along the remainder of the space to the window is an enormous climbing wall, complete with hand and foot holds all the way up to the ceiling. There are no ropes, but the floor is generously cushioned with a charm.

Between the two windows sit a series of padded dummies, perfect for any dueling practice needed for class or just to be used in the process of learning new spells. Drag one or two out and practice. Either of the windows onto the courtyard may be opened and, weather permitting, training can extend into this open space. Try not to kill and trees or squirrels in the process.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sign by the dummies

DUELING BETWEEN STUDENTS NOT PERMITTED IN THIS ROOM WITHOUT TATE'S APPROVAL. SUPERVISION REQUIRED.

Tazenhani · 02-28-2011, 03:50 AM

"You're not crusty and you're not old." He wanted to scrub his hands over his face. "But hanging out with you does have a significant role in my life." Even though it wasn't everyday. The man didn't realize how significant an impact he had, period, did he?

Letting out a heavy breath, he pushed himself to his feet, considering taking the rope with him before deciding against it. "You're going to start scaring me, if you keep covering." Definitely not the most respectful tone to take with the Headmaster; he really needed to stop thinking he could converse with the man like he was a close friend.

This time he did draw his hands over his face. "I just meant..." Dropping his hands he cast his eyes back to the rope on the corner of the desk. "You're like a second father to me...and I worry about you." He was probably going to be told it wasn't his place to worry, but he didn't see it that way. Not one bit.

Cassirin · 02-28-2011, 04:12 AM

"You want me to tie you up, or do you have a burning need for the rope?" Tate reached for it, letting the length snap taut between his two hands. It was perfectly good rope, but if the lad didn't want it, he was going to banish it.

And then the kid called him a second father. Which was rather touching, considering his own son was a cranky, mean thing who wanted nothing to do with his reprobate father. Tate dropped the rope back to the table and blinked stupidly at Sabel for a long moment. "Well, that's just... thank you. Not for worrying about me, but I'm... fond of you too."

And as for the whole scaring him thing? Tate sighed over it. Finally, he just blurted, "Well. I'm probably going to get married in the next few months, and it seems sort of hypocritical after what I said to you about... not having hope."

Tazenhani · 02-28-2011, 04:42 PM

The frown turned into a strange look as he glanced from the rope to the Headmaster. An equally strange expression for the strange question Tate had offered. "No...I'm...good. Thanks."

It didn't take long for that frown to turn into a slow smile at the sentiments and then a wide grin at the news. Excitement nearly eradicated consideration of the apology Tate was given, and served very well in pushing it to the back of his mind. He didn't even know the Headmaster had someone, but then he wasn't one for sharing his personal life with students. Still, it was one of the best pieces of news this year.

"Congratulations!" He wasn't sure whether he should shake the man's hand or give him a hug, so he settled for just standing there, grinning.

It was only after a moment that he remembered where this conversation had started, and that it would be rather rude not to acknowledge the apology. "Personally, that wasn't the message I got from you. Your concern lay with holding nothing back, and not to quote the cliché, but being all that one can be." Sticking his hands in his pockets, he shrugged his shoulders a little. "You were right, I am young and don't fully understand all the consequences, or how to stand strong on my own." There was after all, a difference between being strong individually and when one was around those they cared about.

"But thank you." His grin was back alongside the overwhelming happiness he felt for Tate. "I'm glad you've found someone that has given you your hope back." Because Tate needed someone that could make him smile more.

Cassirin · 03-01-2011, 04:48 AM

"Well, considering she took my hope in the first place, I'm fairly pleased she finally gave it back," Tate rocked on his heels in the self-satisfied gesture of a man who is sure of himself with a woman. And after all this nonsense between them, he was finally sure of Caroline.

"But I'm glad you read my meaning and not my poor attempt at saying it. You should always have hope, but you need to use your head too. Especially now, when you're in the process of deciding what steps to take next in life. There's plenty of time later for... women." He didn't mean to say the word so dismissively, but that was exactly how it came out. Distractions to be handled and hurdled later.

Tazenhani · 03-01-2011, 10:39 PM

She had taken his...well that put a bit of a damper on things. But not much of one. Whatever discrepancies they had shared, it seemed to have prepared them for the next step and it was for that wonderful news Sabel couldn't stop grinning.

And then there was that bit about keeping his head and using it, something he seemed to be trying to learn throughout all his years at Hogwarts. Tucking his hands in his pockets, he let a light shrug roll off his shoulder at the same time as a nod. "I know...and I will." Another slight, self-conscious shrug of his shoulder, his face redding a little in embarrassment. "Some distraction...is good."

Cassirin · 03-02-2011, 01:09 AM

Tate didn't agree on that point in the least, but all he could do was shrug. It was Sabel's life, and if he wanted to be distracted, then he was the only one who had to live with the consequences. "As you say."

And now that they had hurdled that awkward situation, Tate was ready to escape to the safety of his office. "I should send you on your way."

Tazenhani · 03-02-2011, 03:46 PM

Tate didn't appear to impressed with his defense, but clarifying what he had meant by the point didn't seem productive or a good idea. While part of him wanted to share with Tate the commonality of hope fulfillment, he somehow felt that bringing it up would decrease the respect and value towards what the man had said. There was a lesson in each of their conversations, and he wasn't about to shrug it off for a story.

A nod came first, followed by a respectful bow of his head. "Thank you again, Headmaster." Simply turning and leaving seemed a rather awkward and lacking scenario, and so instead, he replicated what Tate had done in his office upon their previous conversations and extended his his hand.

Cassirin · 03-03-2011, 12:48 AM

Tate took up Sabel's hand and shook it with vigor. "Keep your chin up, lad. I hate to put a damper on a good talk, but things don't get more clear as you get older. Chin up, chest out, and try to keep rooted to who you are."

And that was pretty much all he could say about that.

Tazenhani · 03-03-2011, 03:34 AM

Sabel returned Tate's handshake with a firm one of his own, a grin pressing onto his lips. It was a serious ending to their conversation, but then when one actually considered tilting his chin out and puffing his chest out in the literal sense there was an honest humor to it. That and the good news had outweighed any of the downer parts of the talk.

"I will, Sir. Thank you." A last shake to Tate's hand before he released it and tucked his own back in his pocket. "I think I'll stick around and practice for a little bit."

Cassirin · 03-03-2011, 04:37 AM

"Fair enough," Tate gave a slight nod of his head, wiggled his fingers in a brief wave, and headed toward the door. "I'll speak with you again, I'm sure."

Tazenhani · 03-03-2011, 04:26 PM

"Definitely." Sabel held up his hand in a small wave. Even if they didn't have another one of their talks before the semester's end, he wasn't leaving without saying a goodbye.

With a small sigh and square of his shoulders, he redrew his wand and turned his attention towards the dummies. Not exactly the same thing but practice was practice.

Felixir · 03-04-2011, 04:16 PM

Aaaaaaaaand Sabel was gone. They'd been talking for a while and Jake had been unable to really hear from where he was sitting up against the climbing wall.

All at once he scrambled up from where he was sitting and darted forwards, not exactly gracefully but he wanted to catch the man before he left or something.

"Sir!" he called out, jogging gently over by this point. "Sir... sir, you said we could..." he gestured lamely at where he and Sabel had been duelling, his expression more hopeful than it had been in a long while, which was slowly kind of failing. The man would want a break, he was sure. "... duel."

Cassirin · 03-05-2011, 05:03 AM

"I did say that," Tate agreed slowly, giving Jake a measured look. Now where exactly had he just come from? "I said that, and I meant it. But aren't you supposed to be preparing for a certain party?"

Felixir · 03-05-2011, 01:27 PM

Oh.

Well.

Jake's face kind of fell a tiny bit. He'd waited for the man and then sat and watched his duel with Sabel, which was admittedly quite a good idea in the end.

And then Tate mentioned the party. The social function which Jake would be attending WITHOUT Neptune, who was really the person for all of that. The young man glanced over at the 7th year Gryffindor who was over by the dummies. The bulletin board said he was going, too. "Yeah. I guess I am," he responded, looking only a little disappointed for the moment. "Then I'll... let you get off. We can, like... d-duel another time, for sure."

He turned to go back to the climbing wall, or maybe the punching bag. Jake hadn't missed his little escaped stutter, either. That got to him a little.

Cassirin · 03-05-2011, 06:59 PM

"We can do it now if you'd like. I just didn't want to keep you," Tate frowned at the boy's back. It wasn't as if he'd said no, or that he wouldn't duel eventually, but if Jake wanted to do it now... well. They could do it now.

"Or if you'd prefer, you could duel Mr. Dakest and I could observe. Whatever."

Felixir · 03-05-2011, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassirin

"We can do it now if you'd like. I just didn't want to keep you," Tate frowned at the boy's back. It wasn't as if he'd said no, or that he wouldn't duel eventually, but if Jake wanted to do it now... well. They could do it now.

"Or if you'd prefer, you could duel Mr. Dakest and I could observe. Whatever."

Jake turned back and looked over at Sabel. Maybe he would duel the other kid at one point in the future, whenever. But he was unsure if that would then mean that the Tate duel was then over. Eh. It hurt his head.

"Nah, it's alright," Jake shrugged, eyeing the bookcase now on the other side of the room, as opposed to the fitness stuff. "It can wait. I'm not really up to it, I think."

He'd been distracted by books.

PLUS, Tate was like... old. So HE probably needed a break. That happened to the elderly and the infirm.

Hehe.

Tazenhani · 03-05-2011, 07:39 PM

He had definitely heard his name. And hearing one's name entitled one to turn their head to see what context their name was being used in. So, that was what he did. Pausing in his practice he spared a glance over his shoulder, blinking at Tate and Jake. He gave the Hufflepuff a small nod when he caught the boy's eyes before flicking his eyes to Tate in question. He hadn't caught the full gist of what they had been saying but then again, it wasn't really his business so he shouldn't snoop, despite his curiosity.

Giving a slight nod to both of them again, he turned his attention back to the dummy before him, refocusing his attention into his next spell.

Cassirin · 03-06-2011, 09:09 PM

"Fine." Tate snugged his hands down into the pockets of his trousers, and with his shoulders hunched up near his ears, he looked more like a naughty school boy than a Headmaster. "We'll try for a later date. Have a good time... on Diagon Alley."

Because if he could help it, he was going to skip the whole mess.

Felixir · 03-06-2011, 09:18 PM

"Sure thing sir," Jake nodded, watching the man go and heading over to the bookshelves. It wasn't until he was halfway there that he realised what the man had said.

Didn't the bulletin board say Tate was going? Was he really going to let them all be escorted by LAFAY?! Well... among others.

But.

LAFAY?!

Jake... would have felt more comfortable with Tate there, but he supposed they'd written it wrongly on the board. He shrugged and looked around to Sabel.

No duel. Not right now.

"I'll see you in the Entrance Hall, then?"

Best to... mention it?

Tazenhani · 03-06-2011, 11:08 PM

If he had heard what Tate said about enjoying the party in DA, Sabel probably would have let out a rather loud protest and string of questions. As it was, he didn't hear anything of the further conversation until he caught Jake looking at him from the corner of his eyes.

Blinking, he turned slightly to the boy, blinking as the words slowly sunk in. A small smile touched his lips as he nodded. "Will do." Pursing his lips, he drew his wand into his holster and tucked his hands in his pockets. "What...do you think about this whole...party thing?"

Felixir · 03-06-2011, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tazenhani

If he had heard what Tate said about enjoying the party in DA, Sabel probably would have let out a rather loud protest and string of questions. As it was, he didn't hear anything of the further conversation until he caught Jake looking at him from the corner of his eyes.

Blinking, he turned slightly to the boy, blinking as the words slowly sunk in. A small smile touched his lips as he nodded. "Will do." Pursing his lips, he drew his wand into his holster and tucked his hands in his pockets. "What...do you think about this whole...party thing?"

Jake only shrugged. "I considered turning it down, but I need to get out," he explained. "I only wish Tune was going... she's the one who's good with the parties and junk."

He looked a little thoughtful. "Maybe we can find out more about this whole curriculum change, why everyone's going on about changing the statute."

Which was GRRRR in his opinion.

"You met Lord Borr, right?"

Tazenhani · 03-06-2011, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoerawrr

Jake only shrugged. "I considered turning it down, but I need to get out," he explained. "I only wish Tune was going... she's the one who's good with the parties and junk."

He looked a little thoughtful. "Maybe we can find out more about this whole curriculum change, why everyone's going on about changing the statute."

Which was GRRRR in his opinion.

"You met Lord Borr, right?"

Sabel gave Jake a slight nod. "I was hoping we could get some answers too." Both of them asking questions, maybe they could glean something then put their heads together if the answers were vague. That was, if they got answers at all. He still had no idea why they were invited, but he wasn't about to back out.

"I'm sorry Neptune wasn't on the list." He was relieved and worried at the same time that Arya was coming. She was a comfort to have around, but then if something happened at the party...

Shaking his head again, he dislodged the thought. "I haven't met him. I think he was around the year before I was transferred. Not entirely sure though. What's he like?" May as well know a bit about the person summoning them.

Felixir · 03-07-2011, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tazenhani

Sabel gave Jake a slight nod. "I was hoping we could get some answers too." Both of them asking questions, maybe they could glean something then put their heads together if the answers were vague. That was, if they got answers at all. He still had no idea why they were invited, but he wasn't about to back out.

"I'm sorry Neptune wasn't on the list." He was relieved and worried at the same time that Arya was coming. She was a comfort to have around, but then if something happened at the party...

Shaking his head again, he dislodged the thought. "I haven't met him. I think he was around the year before I was transferred. Not entirely sure though. What's he like?" May as well know a bit about the person summoning them.

Jake shruuuuuugged. "I think she's the most wound up about it. Imagine, Neptune Bott not invited to a social function, for shame," he smiled slightly. Oh deary dear.

Anyway, yes.

"Uhhh... Lord Borr. He's... big. Literally. And he has the biggest ego I've ever encountered. Hilarious, though, though I'm sure he doesn't intend to be. Quite gassy, too. In the worst way."

The.

Worst.

Way.

Tazenhani · 03-07-2011, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoerawrr

Jake shruuuuuugged. "I think she's the most wound up about it. Imagine, Neptune Bott not invited to a social function, for shame," he smiled slightly. Oh deary dear.

Anyway, yes.

"Uhhh... Lord Borr. He's... big. Literally. And he has the biggest ego I've ever encountered. Hilarious, though, though I'm sure he doesn't intend to be. Quite gassy, too. In the worst way."

The.

Worst.

Way.

The small smile Sabel had at the image of Neptune receiving the news of not being invited to the party was quickly thwarted by Jake's description. Nose wrinkling and eyebrows knitting together, he couldn't help the frown that tugged at the corners of his lips. They were going to a gaseous man's party to be subjected to an ego that would suffocate them all along with his stench? He had been right. There was plenty to worry about.

"That is just...wonderful." Shaking his head, he scrubbed the back of his neck with one hand. "Thanks for the warning." Really, it would have been a terribly unpleasant surprise.

Felixir · 03-26-2011, 09:25 PM

It was sunnier now... a beautiful day, if Jake said so himself... so of course he was staying inside. The young man had a pale complexion... going outside would turn him into a blast-ended skrewt!

Nuh-uh.

He was at the Training Room, ready to do this duel ferr sherrrrrrrr... and whilst he was waiting... there were the books he hadn't had a chance to look at before.

Eyes hungry, Jake headed straight for the tomes. When he was in front of the books, he flicked his wand out of the holster on his left hand and threw up a shield charm. After spending the percentage of time of his life with Kazimeriz that he had... it was kind of a habit.

With that, Jake peered at the spines of the books, glad his hair was no longer completely in his eyes.

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