At this point, all the attempts at ignoring things were getting it be highly amusing to Renée. She almost was wondering when Ellie would reach the breaking point, and be forced to actually notice things, admit them. The self-control was rather impressive, although she was forced to hide another smile at the thought abotu the headmaster. Somehow it seemed she was hitting nerves without really trying, and the fact it seemed the ravenclaw feared Headmaster Tate more than others was fascinating, as she didn't find the man frightening at all. Excpet for maybe his history, but that just made him more interesting.

She felt sorry for Bowie, though. The poor puppy wasn't used to being ignored, and after a few more moments, he got up again and padded back to her for some pets. Obviously he wasn't being held against his will, even though that was yet another ridiculous thought. It seemed Ellie really was trying to find ways to dislike her, but then that just told her that eventually all of the reasons would shatter like the fragile glass they seemed to be. She'd taken a tissue, at least. That was progress. Microscopic progress, but it was still a start. Waiting Ellie out would occupy some time, when she wasn't working on other topics. It would happen.

She raised an eyebrow as it seemed the redhead was going for confusion again, though. And the nickname for Jared was rather interesting. "I was simply curious if you would be against anyone in my position, or if it's just myself. And I suggested if Professor Descoteaux had taken over for Professor Reynolds, as an example," she said gently. Ellie was a Ravenclaw. If she actually had been thinking, she should be able to understand that. Her words weren't that complicated, although she could make them so if she'd wanted. She wasn't that evil, however, even if the girl thought she was.

Oooooh.

"Well, yeah." Sniffle. "Divination belongs to Reyn." Totally. He owned it. For sure.

So Bishop shouldn't really take it personally. Though Ellie didn't like her attitude. Or what she perceived her attitude to be.

But even if Little Professor had taken over Reyn's spot...she probably wouldn't be calling him Little Professor. Or anything really. 'Cept for 'that man'. HMPH.

Well, it seemed like Ellie's brain had kicked in that time, or at least she'd understood the second try at the hypothetical question. It revealed a bit more to Renée though, as to what she was up against, and she nodded. "Okay then," she said simply, before ceasing to pet Bowie in order to stand up again and loop around the desk so she was leaning against it again. "I understand where you're coming from, as you only ever had Professor Reynolds. But by that same argument, anyone could say the subject belonged to their professor. I could argue that it belonged to Professor Blaylock," she continued calmly, with an unsaid rest in peace.

"I just wanted to give you a little perspective, that's all." And find out exactly what she was up against. It did make her feel a little better that she wasn't singular in the disappointment, even though she felt bad at using Jared to prove that. It wasn't his fault she knew practically everyone loved him, or had crushes on him. But for now, Ellie could continue to argue, or be free to leave. She had a feeling the conversation, as it was, would continue for a while anyway. Even just in the girl's head.

But..But.. It wasn't the same. Because whoever 'Professor Blaylock' was, probably wasn't the only reason she went to class. However, Reyn was Ellie's reason. And Reyn just wasn't some boring professor. He was awesome, and amazing and different.

HMPH.

When Bishop got up and moved around the desk, Ellie felt just how close, physically, they were. And really, she didn't want to be so close to someone she disliked so much. Bishop could give her mean-professor-cooties!

So, as much as she loved sucking Bishop's time, and leaving other students outside, feeling inferior because Bishop would rather talk to Ellie than them, she stood up as well and began edging to the door.

She didn't think she got any 'prospective'. And this meeting was totally unsuccessful, but she could leave now. All she had to do was write to Reyn. At least he could know the truth about his awful replacement.

And she never had to see Bishop again. Because she learned just now that her previous plans to attend Divination, and make it a horrible experience for the teacher, wouldn't work.

Mean, stubborn professor who didn't fall victim to her rants.

HMPH.

Ellie had gotten to the door now, standing just to the side of it. We go now?

Or no. No. Ellie didn't need permission to go. She didn't need permission to come in, she didn't need permission to go out.

HMPH.

And so, with one last GLARE at Bishop, the girl turned the handle, walked out of the office, and slammed the door behind her. BAM.

Selina was panic stricken when the Professor invited her in. What if she thought she was a freak? What if she was? She needed answers and she knew that Professor Bishop was the only one who could supply them to her. Why was everything so confusing?

She had always had little visions when she was younger, but she just attested it to being a carefree child. Now that she was in Hogwarts it was getting worse and that moment in Divination had scared her.

Taking her place in the office she said, "Ma'am. I need your advice."

Nerida turned when she heard the door open...She smiled and took the invitation in and after remembering her manners she said Hello Proffesor Bishop! I am Nerida Eventideholding out her hand for a shake...She giggled and then freaked out when she saw...THE BRID! She smiled and asked Is that a Pheonix?Nerida was fasinated by them, now like her twin sister who was obbsesed with dogs and cats..Nerida was fasinated with Pheonixs and Centars!! She just noticed that she had stepped towards the Phenoix she stepped back a little and smirked hopeing the Proffesor didnt notice..

As the first two students took her up on her offer, Renée walked away from the door again, leaving it open for the other two to enter if they so chose as she returned to lean against her desk. Hopefully Bowie wouldn't wake up and make a run for it, but then there was always her wand to hopefully get the door shut before that happened. The crup was usually pretty good at not leaving the office unless he was with her, though. Habit from having to be cooped up when she was in New York, due to her sort of not really following the crup law exactly. She hadn't been able to stomach the idea, so she usually tried Disillusionment charms if he needed to go for a walk. But first she brought her attention to the girls who had entered. "It's nice to meet you, Miss Eventide," she responded to the girl who'd introduced herself, intending to shake her hand. But before that could happen, it seemed the little Ravenclaw had noticed someone else in the room. "Yes, in fact that is a phoenix," she said with a smile. "Her name's Anastasia. She's pretty friendly, but I'd still be careful around her." At least she wasn't hiding in the corner again, like she had before. It seemed Anastasia knew she was being admired.

While Nerida was occupied, Renée chose to turn her attention to the other of the first two visitors. "Miss Skylar, correct?," she asked, before nodding and returning to her position leaning against her desk at the request. "Of course," she replied. "I'm assuming this has to do with what startled you in class?," she continued. It seemed the girl was still shaken up, and she wanted to understand what was bothering her. Without needing to resort to other options, and the fact she'd come to speak with her indicated a desire to speak of whatever it was anyway. She wasn't going to force her, though. Scared students wouldn't get helped if they felt they'd had to explain their fears. Facing them had to come at their own pace.

Selina was shocked, Professor Bishop had guessed right off the bat at what was bothering her. Had she really been that obvious in class? Part of her wanted to run out of the room, what if she thought she was a freak. But she needed answers. Her Aunt Jennette had not given her any and who better to explain it than Professor Bishop.

"Ma'am, I'm scared..."

Breathing in she pressed on, "In class the other day, when we were doing readings, my friend Violet and I were going and forth. When I went to reveal her card it was like I knew it was coming. Then the next card I tested my theory. I called aout what card it would be and then flipped it over. It was the card I had seen in my head.

"I don't know what's happening to me! Ever since I was little I could feel things were going to happen, but I've never had a vivid image. In class the other day I wanted to scream. And ever since then I've been seeing things before they happen. But it's hazy, like I can't fully make them out."

Selina then began to tear up, "Is something wrong with me?"

Nerida smiled and said I love them, there my favorite magical creature...Noticing she was rambiling she stopped and bit her lip and said trying to cover her tracks My mum's best class was Divination and its my twins too! But i just have trouble with it...I am only good at tarrot cards is there anyway I could improve my skills?

It seemed the trajectory toward Anastasia had been diverted, at least, and Renée smiled as Nerida spoke to her again. Granted, the conversation was still about phoenixes, but the actual one on her perch wasn't under discussion. "They are certainly fascinating creatures," she replied, another brief smile creeping onto her face as the little Ravenclaw seemed to stop herself from babbling, switching to the reason for visiting. "Ah. Well, I'm sorry you don't feel like you're at the same level as your mother or your twin," she said, slighly tilting her head to one side. "Cartomancy is a good start, though. It's not required you be adept at everything." She herself wasn't necessarily adept at much more than that, although she had an understanding about all forms of divination. "I'd suggest trying to read as much as you can about the subject. Practice would be good as well, but keep in mind that not all types of divination are really able to be achieved by practice. I wouldn't suggest trying anything dangerous either." That was how she'd gotten where she was, through careful research.

Turning to Selina again, a sympathetic look crossed Renée's face at the first comment out of the girl's mouth. She didn't say anything, though, as it seemed the Gryffindor got past the initial trepidation and forged on with her explanation. Nodding at what she was told, she stood up from her lean against the desk again before speaking. "Well, it seems to me that you seem to have tapped into a bit of clairvoyance. I'm not sure if it qualifies as direct Seeing, given the evidence, but you're certainly tapping into something not many others can. And nothing's wrong with you, Miss Skylar. I can assure you of that," she said, picking up a box of tissues and walking over to the girl with them as she noticed the tears starting.

"Unfortunately, I can't claim to be able to really help you, as that's an ability I don't have." Not Seeing, that is. She did have others. "But I could suggest some books. And concentration, to maybe see if you can clear the images up when they come."

Selina nodded as the Professor talked to her about Seer abilities. She was a what? What did that even mean? "Ma'am what exactly does that mean? I'm not sure what a seer is?" She wasn't so sure from this evidence thus far that she was not a freak.

"Can you just tell me how to stop it?" Selina pleaded. Things were getting worse.

Nerida smiled and said Well your the only one that thinks so, you see my mum is fasinated by Divination and says every women on her side of the family was best at Divination and I have to too! And well my father cant keep her to stop because then she gets mad, but no offense on what I am going to say...But If I had to choose Potions over Divination I think I would choose Potions but I would deffinitaly have both of them on my schedule...She hoped she hadnt offended her, she wouldnt want to hurt the proffesors feelings...She smirked and said And I was also wondering when will the next lesson be?She hoped she hadnt babbled..

Renée felt better insofar as it seemed both the girls speaking with her now seemed to geniunely want her help. Especially Nerida, as she was a Ravenclaw like Ellie, but that was neither here nor there. As nerida spoke, she turned to her with a gentle smile. "At least somone thinks so. That sounds difficult, battling against a legacy like that. I can't say your mother is wrong, since obviously that would go against my position here, teaching you Divination. But you should go after what you love, not what your mother wants you to love," she replied, completely unoffended by the comments about classes. "Perhaps you should still do some reading up on Divination anyway, just to at least appease her a bit?" She wasn't going to get involved in a family battle by giving her permission to not study her subject. "And the next lesson will be soon," she concluded, remaining vague but giving the Ravenclaw another smile. "Keep an eye out and it'll come before you know it." She had a bit of planning still, but it was getting narrowed down. Anticipation was always good, though.

However, looking back to Selina as the little Gryffindor spoke, Renée held back a sigh. Here was someone who wasn't anticipating things, but rather remaining frightened by them. "What does clairvoyance mean?," she responded. "'Extrasensory sight or perception'," she quoted, before going into a more detailed explanation. "Clairvoyants, of which Seers qualify as one form, are able to find out things that others cannot. They see them, 'hear' them, any matter of possibilities. In the case of Seers, they often experience pictures of future events, or of anything exactly that isn't right in front of them where anyone can see." Not extraordinarily dissimilar to Legilimency, but she more specifically could see into peoples thoughts, memories. When she chose. Being a Seer, especially an untrained one, was highly different.

"I don't see why you'd want to stop it," she replied, at the desperate plea. "I'd try to understand it first." She wasn't entirely certain it could be stopped, but then she'd need to contact people who might know that better before she'd make that leap. There was a bit of a disadvantage here, but she didn't want to let Selina down.

Selina bit back her lip and looked up at her Professor. She wanted this to stop, but from the sound of things it was only going do develop. Nothing was ever going to stop with this kind of ability and she knew that somewhere deep down. One day she would either have to accept her issues or talents as this teacher viewed them, or pretend they did not exist. The latter sounded like no way to live. So she took a deep calming breath in and pressed on, "You don't think it's going to end, do you ma'am?"

She did not even wait for the answer- she knew it. Pulling her red hair back in a pony tail she said, "If it isn't going to stop... how do I help it. Make it something I can control? I don't want to keep just seeing things without being able to control it."

Then an idea popped into her head, "Maybe... you could help me? Just for a little while until I figure this out!"

Nerida smiled and said Thanks! Wow your great!!Proffesor Bishop was her favorite teacher now!! I think I will and thanks for your help..She nooded at the next lesson and then looked down at her watch OH NO!! She then said I really must be off, I promised my twin that we would go see if we made the Qudditch Team or probablly go down to the Care of Magical Creatures class..Thanks again and good byeShe said waving as she left the office of her favorite proffesor..

Renée started to feel like her idea that people did want her at teh school was more founded as the conversation went on with Nerida. Even the conversation with Selina as well, although in a different way. A less excited way. "You're welcome. And thank you for the compliment, even though I didn't do anything to deserve it," she said with a smile to the Ravenclaw's animated response. "Feel free to ask fro help any time." It was part of her job description, really. As she was then informed there were places the girl needed to go, she gave her another smile. "Good luck," she said rather vaguely, letting the comment infer to making it to class or making the team. "I can't say I ever was big on Quidditch, but perhaps Ill try to make it to a match or two." No, her and Quidditch had never really meshed, but then a dislike of flying was behind that. "I'll see you in class, and you're welcome again," she said finally, giving the girl a wave as she ran off. That was a pleasant encounter.

Miss Skylar was another story altogether, and Renée's animatedness from Nerida sombered a bit as she went back to leaning against her desk as the little Gryffindor tried calming herself. She gave her a sad smile anyway at the statement that came, though. "Unfortunately, no. These things seem to want to stick around once they've started. In my experience, at least. It's really not something to be afraid of, though," she replied, trying to reassure the girl at the end of the statement. It didn't seem necessary, however, as the girl simply forged on to ask about how to help it. There's where things got a bit more sticky, when it came to her helping.

"Well, once again, all I know about it is from research. Books and the occasional interaction with people who have the ability," she reminded Selina. She'd said she'd help to her ability, though, so she kept talking. "I'd suggest learning everything you can." The library, her own collection of books if Selina so wished. "And possibly, trying to focus. See if you can clarify the next vision that comes. Make it come into more detail, which could help you understand." She just hoped the next one was as innocent as the one that sent Selina to her office, and not something foreboding. "The ability is part of you, not the other way around." Not as far as she considered, and even then she was connecting it the slightest bit to her own skills.

She tried not to sigh at the renewed suggestion for assistance, but managed to disguise it as another smile. "I said I'd help where I could." Eventually it would get past research and minor practice, at which point she'd need to direct the girl elsewhere.

Wings flapping erratically, the small scops owl ducked through the open window, flying around the office in wide, indescribable shapes. He was hungry, but the package attached to his little leg was making it impossible to hunt for mice on the way. Stupid thing would brush against the ground and scare away all his prey!

Mangig was very put out.

Settling the thing on the desk, he hovered above it, looking to see if anyone would remove it from him. When someone hadn't presented themselves to do so in the microsecond after he'd arrived, he promptly set to work gnawing through the string that attached it to his leg, and as soon as it was cut through, gave an indignant hoot and flitted out the window, pooing on the sill as he went.

Take that, package. Mangig was going to have some mice now.

Selina listened as her Professor spoke. She did not seem to possess anything like what Selina had. Lucky her. It was no gift, it was a curse. Now the visions were trivial and minor. But eventually, as time went on they would get more complex... more important. They would no longer be as simple as the next card flipped over in Divination Class or what Violet was going cheer at the Quidditch match. She would start to see things that she did not want to see. Tidbits of people's lives that she could not help but know. It was the worst form of invasion of privacy and yet here she was. Stuck with her ability.

Bishop was right, though. She had to read and study. If she knew more than she could perhaps control it more. And the focus sounded good, perhaps meditation. Violet had always tried to previously convince her to meditate with her in the Courtyard. Now it looked like she had a reason to.

At the suggestion of study Selina nodded and said, "Professor do you have any books I could borrow? I mean just to get started. I have no idea were to even begin."

As it seemed Miss Skylar was choosing to simply think over her words, Renée found herself simply watching the little redhead, smiling a little at the thoughts about how she was lucky she wasn't a Seer. That she wasn't privy to others' personal lives, the sense of invasion of privacy, all of that. If the girl only knew. Seers weren't exactly the only ones, although she had to admit that must seem like more of a curse than her own ability. At least she could choose when to use it, whereas visions chose on their own. And at that thought, her expression turned serious again. She didn't want her student to think she was amused at the situation when she wasn't. She was honestly concerned about the girl, and how she'd get through this.

As the Gryffindor spoke, breaking the contemplative silence, she returned the nod, getting up from her lean against the desk to move toward the shelves. "Of course," she replied, eyes scanning the titles on one shelf before moving to the next. After a few seconds, she'd selected a couple of books, then returned to the girl to hold the tomes out. "Why don't you start with these? Unfortunately, I don't have many in my personal collection regarding Seers, but at least you can get an idea, then perhaps check the school library." If she was correct, there were references in at least one of the books she was letting Selina borrow.

-----

Returning from a brief wander through the grounds, Renée sensed a bit of a disturbance as she'd opened the door to her office again. As if someone had entered in her absence and startled Anastasia, as she knew Bowie was too high-strung to really worry. And besides, the crup was with her, since she'd decided to give him some exercise before the weather got entirely too cold for the puppy. Walking into the room, she let Bowie go sniff at his bed again as she went over to her phoenix, wrinkling her nose as she saw the bird poo on the sill as she passed it. That could have done it, and after settling Anastasia again, she spun around, wand out, and vanished the mess. At least that could be gone, and then she glanced toward her desk. Where any owl deliveries probably would have ended up, and she tilted her head to one side as she saw a box lying there.

Hmm, she thought, removing the chewed string from the box and admiring it for a few moments. She hadn't been expecting anything, even given that it was her birthday. She'd expected any gifts from her father or Sebastian to be late, as she knew both of them probably would have forgotten until today to buy anything. Therefore this was a mystery, even assuming it was a birthday present. Opening it, she noted the coolness emanating from the interior before smiling at the contents. Reaching inside, she withdrew the bouquet and set it on the corner of her desk opposite the wooden box, before reading the card. "Unsigned," she murmured to herself, wondering who might have known. Obviously they either knew her or at least knew her employment file, which narrowed the options decidedly, but she decided she'd let the enigma rest for now and just enjoy the gift. Although she carefully closed the box again, leaving the gelato inside and setting it into a drawer of her desk. As long as the charm held, she'd leave that for later. And contemplate sending a treat to the owl post, for the owl who had left, understanding their reasonings the tiniest bit.

Once Bishop handed her the book Selina felt the leather bind on her skin. It was an odd sensation, it was like no book she had ever touched. True that it was a book bound like every other and had a beginning, middle, and end similar to the books from her past. But this book was different. It was the landmark to a new chapter in her life. She would have to leave ignorance behind and embark on a life of knowing. It was not going to be easy.

She felt the cover under her cool finger tips and tried to soak in the sensations. It would be the last string to her niavity of the world she was about to enter. As soon as the first page was wrinkled Selina would be a different person. But she could not control this change. It seemed fated that this would be the course of her life.

Her glass, blue eyes looked up at Bishop and she smiled. The first true genuine smile she had been afforded in days. "Thank you, Professor. This isn't going to easy, but thanks for making the burden a little lighter."

She turned to leave, but turned around and asked one final question, "If I need any help... can I come here?" Selina found comfort in Bishop. Something was sweet and warm about her face that made Selina feel more at peace with her ability. It was a nice escape from the chaos of her ability.

As she'd returned to where Miss Skylar had been standing, Renée kept her eyes on the girl. Not out of any sense of suspicion, but just as a way of keeping tabs on the girl's nerves. The Gryffindor was so young, and taking on such a topic was a lot. Her own discovery while she'd been young was one thing, this had more importance, in a way. It wasn't a parlor trick or anything, not something that could be used for amusement. The thoughts going through the girl's head were promising, though. At least it was a good start, and it seemed they'd broken through the fear a bit She might not be able to do much, but at least she could reassure her. Research went over better on a clear head.

The smile she'd been given once Selina had looked up at her was another good sign, and she smiled back. "You're welcome. You're right, as well. It won't be easy, but I'll always try to help where I can. And if not, we can always try and find someone who can help more," she replied, letting the girl fully take the books with the unspoken reminder that they were borrowed. She didn't think their return would be too difficult, however. The Gryffindor seemed trustworthy enough to respect belongings. "I'm always here for you, and any of the students. No matter the reasons," she added, as Selina headed for the door. "Until next time. Class, if not before, and good luck," she concluded, returning to her desk as she sent one last smile to the girl. Things seemed to be on the right track, at least in this case. There were others that still needed contemplation.

Selina now was less hesitant about throwing herself into the world of her ability. She hated it and all it stood for, but it was who she was. Bishop made her realize that she could not run from it. That alone was naive and destructive. Selina would have to own her ability and try to work through all of the problems that would come with it.

With one final plunge she stepped out of the door. She left behind all of her negative emotions and headed straight for the library. It was time to learn as much as she could. Life still had to be lived.

Kurumi made her way into Professor Bishop's office holding Walnut tightly in her arms. The first thing she noticed was not the light green walls and comfortable atmosphere, but the gorgeous phoenix sitting on its perch.

Completely forgetting to ask about how to help her first year friend, Kurumi dashed over to the beautiful creature with her eyes almost popping out of her head. "Professor Bishop! Is this...is this a real phoenix!?" she chirped hardly able to contain her excitement.

As Kurumi entered, Renée looked down with a bit of a grin as Bowie noticed the tightly held cat and went back to his bed slowly. As if the crup puppy figured that meant no attention for him, and due to that she'd followed him to her desk to give him a scratch as she let the Gryffindor make herself comfortable. She looked up with a laugh as she heard the animated question, however, to see the girl over by Anastasia.

"In fact, she is a real phoenix," she replied, amusement in her tone of voice as she walked over. The phoenix in question had turned one tawny eye toward the cat and then turned to look out the window imperiously, and she hid another smile. "She's generally pretty friendly, but it seems she's not quite sure what to think of your cat," she explained. At least, Anastasia was friendly when it came to people who respected her. It wouldn't harm much to let whatever question Kurumi had actually had wait a few seconds to give that respect.

"I've never seen one..." she was about to say in real life, but she didn't want to appear to be that naive. "...up close before." Kurumi gazed at the phoenix in aw still clutching Walnut in her arms. The cat had his ears down in displeasure for being held with his stubby legs dangling in the air. It just brought more attention to the fact that they were stubby and it would do his mistress good to remember how he was rather shy about his stubby little legs. "She is beautiful," Kurumi continued as she smiled at the phoenix and bowed her head a bit.

She noticed the phoenix take a glance down at Walnut. "Don't worry, Walnut knows better than to try and do anything to a creature like yourself," Kurumi said nodding towards the phoenix and then setting the cat down on the ground. He immediately sat on one of the chairs in the room and curled up into a ball. "See."

Kurumi took a step closer to the phoenix still with an awestruck expression on her face. "But, Professor, I thought that phoenixes has a XXXX rating by the Ministry because few wizards have ever succeeded in domesticating them. Does that mean that you were able to do so?!" Kurumi's head snapped around to look at Professor Bishop.