Front Desk
 

:3
 

He needed a book. Yes, Kevin needed a book big surprise there! But he didn't know if it actually existed or not so instead of wasting his precious time in a boring library, trying to find a book in this maze he walked straight towards the polished oak desk at the centre of the library.

He approached the desk , looking up at the older man standing behind it with his left hazel and right dark brown eyes. His length was about the height of the wooden desk. "I need a book, now" he demanded. "A Transfiguration book where i can learn to change colors and don't tell me to go to HER" he obviously meant the Transfiguration professor.

Ian stepped into the library. It was very much like a sanctuary to him. With the dusty books and shelves upon shelves of leather and paper bound volumes greeting him like old friends. This was the one place about Hogwarts he'd really missed. He was hoping to find more books about his favorite new obsession, Giants. He hoped they weren't in the restricted section. He really didn't want to be disappointed.

He waited his turn behind what seemed to be a very rude young man, demanding things of the librarian, Mr. Kitridge. That was certainly no way to treat an elder, Ian thought to himself.

Same timeline...
 

Leo was in quite a good mood. He had managed to finish all the tedious paperwork and could now fully focus on the joy of flipping through the book catalogue lying in front of him for books to procure for the library since there was a sale going on. Hearing rather than seeing someone approach Leo lifted his eyes to meet those of young boy with unequally matching eyes just as he was addressed.

His good mood flew out the window when he heard the vehemence of which the boy spoke of his good friend Sophia. Clearing his throat Leo said sternly. "That young man is not a way in which we speak of a member on staff at this school. If you continue to speak of Professor Bellaire in that tone, I will deduct several points from your house for disrespect and send you straight to Professor Bentley’s office where you can explain to her why you shouldn’t be sent to detention. Is that clear?"

The boy's demand for a book was for the moment forgotten.

Waiting for the boy's answer Leo closed the book catalogue and shoved it with some force under the counter. The rude boy had ruined his mood and any fun he'd have now in looking at discount books.

When a second boy arrived at the front desk Leo plastered on a kind smile and hopefully a friendl tone as he addressed the second boy. "Good day, can I help you with anything?"

Ian watched the interaction between the librarian and the rude young man who had arrived before he had. He felt his body grow a little smaller as the interaction grew slightly in intensity. He unconciously took a step backward and considered returning at a more pleasant time for the librarian.

When Mr. Kitridge turned to face him with what Ian could only assume was a forced smile, he responded hesitantly. "I...I...." Ian screwed his eyes shut and forced himself to get out the request. It was very rushed and difficult to get out in the one breath.IwannabookaboutgiantsandIdon'tknowwheretolookandth erudeboymakesmenervousandOHNEVERMIND! and Ian began to turn to run away into a quiet corner.

Kevin fought really hard with himself to resist the urge to roll his different colored eyes when the librarian bursted in to stern talk. Blah blah, respect ...blah blah...points blah blah blah Professor Bentley blaaah was he done now? Good, he was. Folding his arms over each other, the rude first year looked up at the old man before he sighed.

"I called her "her" because i didn't know her name!" he said in defence, a lazy one but it was the best he had. "And she was mean to me!" and he held out his right index finger. "She made me wear a really tight and painful clothes pin on my finger AND" he pointed to his nose "My precious little nose!" The tip had been red for a couple of hours. "All because i had pointed at her on the train!" ...aaaand might have mentioned asking if she was too dumb to graduate from school because she looked so old on the train but HEY! Details right?

Turning his gaze away from the librarian, he looked at another student who seemed to have been standing behind them and stuttered in a really fast tempo before he sped off in to a quiet corner. "What on earth is wrong with him?" he mumbled softly, blinking his eyes a couple of times before turning back. "You said if, so that means i'm off the hook from going to my Head of House and can i have my book?" And not because he wanted to but more because he felt like he had to he added a "please" at the end of the sentence.

O.o we are frightening.. *rearranges*
 

Leo didn’t know how to explain but somehow he got the instinct impression during his little well deserved lecture that the little boy zoned out. Having been a young boy once he could relate somewhat to the boy’s situation since he’d gotten his fare share of lectures too but he had never been outright rude.

Folding his hands on the counter in front of him Leo listened, holding back judgement as the boy tried to explain in his own defence why he had spoken the way he had about Sophia. Apparently the boy had met Sophia before and the encounter had had a bad outcome if the boy’s story was to be trusted. Deciding to believe the boy's story for now Leo nodded warmth seeping into his tone. "Yes, you are off the hook. In the future though I suggest you address staff by their job title or a simple Mr/Sir/Madam if you don't know their names. It might keep you from getting into trouble." Somehow Leo doubted that though. With this boy’s rude air it seemed likely he'd be in detention faster than it took for Leo to get a book shipment from England.

Pushing any lingering thoughts aside about the boy's behaviour he asked his usual good mood and kind tone back in his voice. "Now then, what book were you looking for?"



Sigh...

Leo hadn't calculated with the fact that giving a lecture about disrespect to one boy would cause the other boy to get frightened and to stammer, screw his eyes shut and then rush into the nearest corner to hide from. This was surprising and unnerving. Going around the counter Leo headed over to the boy in the corner. Reaching a hand out to touch the boy’s shoulder gently he asked worriedly. "Are you all right son? Don't be scared. It was not my intent to scare you. If I did then I'm very sorry."

Letting his hand fall back to his side he waited and watched the boy in the corner with concern deep and clear in his eyes. This was upsetting. Leo had never frightened anyone to the extent that they’d rush away from him.

As Ian stood in the corner, reveling in the shadows of darkness, he pushed his hands into his pockets and began to count the beads he kept in there for this reason. He really needed to get better about handling difficult circumstances. He truly wanted to help his mum feel like she needn't worry about him so much. He just didn't know how to deal with angry adults very well and they still very much frightened and intimidated him, even when it was unintentional.

As he looked over to the shelves lining this corner, he felt a hand on his shoulder and he turned, startled. He was slightly relieved to find the librarian standing there speaking in soothing tones. Ian did his best to focus on the words. It's not your fault, sir. I....I...I.. as the stammering began anew, Ian closed his eyes, drew and deep breath and tried again with what he hoped was a more confident tone. I came in to find a book and that boy's rudeness and your response were a bit overwhelming. At the release of the last word, Ian exhaled and looked at the floor.

Respect was such a stupid word and meaning because HE had never gotten any respect so why should HE show it? Still, the little boy was kind of glad that the librarian had listened to his story although he wondered if he was actually listening or just judging. Probably the latter, they Always judged him even if he did nothing wrong.

He scratched the back of his neck at the mans words and sighed heavily after he was done talking. "Oh alright....i promise" But what the man could not see was that his fingers were crossed behind his neck as he pretended to scratch some more. A childish way to not keep a promise. Lowering his hand, he placed them on the desk as well and his two different colored eyes looked at the books behind the librarian. "I want to learn how to change colors with a spell....or is that too advanced for me?" seeing as he was only a first year.

*rearranges again*
 

"That’s good to hear." Leo said. Not that he believed that the promise the came from the boys by the counter was very sincere but at least he said the words. Leo felt that he needed to give the upset boy some time and space before he focused his efforts on him again. It was clear that Leo unintentionally had if not frightened but at least overwhelmed the young boy enough for him retreat to a quiet corner.

Taking a step forwards he regarded the boy with the unequal eyes thoughtfully. "I'm not the best judge to know if changing colours would be too advanced for you to learn. I guess you won’t know until you try. But If you really want to know what spells you can learn that fit your age range you could ask Professor Bellaire when you see her in transfiguration class." Leo doubted the boy would do that though but Sophia was the expert not him.
Pulling out his wand he accioed forth a book which landed with a soft thud on the counter in front of the boy. "You could try the colour spells in that book if I recall correctly they aren't too advanced and even hold some nice illustrations." Leo said. But then what was too advanced? That was a philosophical topic for another time and place.

Turning his attention fully on the upset boy Leo shook his head as he said quietly. "If I hadn't spoken the way I did then maybe I could have prevented you from getting upset in the first place. So I'm sorry for that." It was nice to know the reason behind the boy’s actions though. It made it easier to understand.

Smiling kindly he asked genuinely curious. “Was it a book about giants you came here looking for? Giants I think are very interesting creatures.” He was quite glad he had never encountered one though since they were rumoured to be vicious. #What’s your name dear and which house do you belong to?"he asked hoping to build a better connection the boy that went past the scary first impression.

Ian noticed the caring manner in which the man responded to him. He seemed very much like his mum, when she recognized that Ian was having troubles in social situations. It was quite comforting and very much made him miss his mum. The apology was very nice and made Ian feel better. He whispered a quiet thank you. Ian thought he might like being here more, knowing this man seemed to care about taking care of the students. Obviously, the reaction to the rude boy was out of character for this man.

Ian nodded in response to the question about the book. Yes sir. I've been studying some on my own. This brought to mind the horrible boy he'd met (and fought with) in Flourish and Blott's. Oh, what a horrible and embarassing episode that had been. Fortunately, Ian had largely avoided contact with him again Yes sir. I think them to be interesting as well. I quite think they may be misunderstood as well. When asked his personal information, Ian responded as he would to any professor/adult at Hogwarts. With house pride and more confidence (because he knew the answers to these questions) Ian stated, I am Ian Tinker. I am a Hufflepuff. Best house in Hogwarts, if you ask me. Ian felt much better after this interaction. Not nearly as frightened, though he did look around to see if other students were about which might make the situation more difficult.

Different timelines.
 

Ian Tinker

Placing the name to memory Leo beamed warmly at the boy. "It's a pleasure to meet you Ian. I'm Leobald Kitridge, the school librarian." He introduced himself out of habit rather than need since the young man had already figured out that he was the librarian. "Hufflepuff is good house," Leo agreed with a smile. "I was a Ravenclaw myself back in the school days but I had a few friends in Hufflepuff." He said as memories came to him uncalled. "How do you like Hufflepuff? Made any friends?" Hopefully the boy had made some friends at school. Friends always made things easier.

Going over to the giants he shrugged at the boy's comment. "I haven't thought about it but you might be right about giants being a misunderstood race." Leo supposed it was more than one thing that combined led to the current relationship between wizards and giants. "What type of book are you looking for, stories or more facts and information about giants?"



Chewing thoughtfully on the end of a feathery quill as he eyed the parchments scattered out over the whole front desk Leo yearned for a big cup of coffee and a cookie. But not when he was working in the eyes of the students. He didn’t want to give them the impression that the rules he had put in place were okay to be breached. He just had to hang out until lunch.

So into his own bubble and his mind fixed on the task at hand he didn't see or hear the young girl until she spoke causing him to drop his quill on the floor in surprise. Ducking low to pick it up he flashed her a sunny smile, as he reappeared. "Pleasure to meet you Robin; I'm Leobald Kitridge, school librarian." The smile broadening into a big beam he agreed lovingly. "Yes the library is pretty amazing in its vastness and richness of books." He had loved it since his school days.

Considering Robin's question he nodded. "There is indeed a stained glass windows section rather than a room just like the third years told you with cushioned window seats you can sit on. It's by the east wall." He pointed in its general direction. You could just make out a part of a window from where they stood by the front desk. "I also recommend the study area if you want privacy and quiet. It's popular among the older years."

When Bri arrived at the Library, she was amazed, but not entirely surprised, to see so many books in the place. She went to the Librarian Desk to see if he could help her. When she arrived at the desk she saw a little line already there.

She waited patiently for her turn. As she did, she could help but look all around the library, she was definitely going to explore the library soon. When the time came up, the young girl ask softly, "Hello, My name is Bri. I wanted to know where I may find books on Latin Language, I was thinking they may be able to help me understand spells better?" The first year finished off smiling.

Won't know until he'd tried. There was so much truth in that and Kevin nodded. For the first time he was actually listening to what the man had to say. But then he said that it would be best to ask the Transfiguration Professor and he huffed. He was a Gryffindor but that did not mean he was a TINY BIT scared of her. He was even debating of skipping her class. "I'll just..try it myself first" he answered, trying his best to keep his voice normal.

He watched the librarian as he waved his wand and a book flew towards them before it landed on the counter. "Was that the accio spell?" he asked. He had heard of it before , never tried it though and it was on his list to learn now. At the mention of the book having illustrations, the first year opened it and flipped the pages. "YES! pictures!" he exclaimed with innocent yes he COULD be innocent happiness before he beamed at the man. "You're alright man!" he said. "When do i have to return this?" he was a brat not a thief.

Ian smiled sheepishly at the librarian. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, sir. Ian listened as the librarian continued his remarks. The nice words about Hufflepuff were well received by Ian. He was very happy to be a member of what he felt was the house that would make him a better person and more sociable. I'm doing a bit better sir. Me mum told me I needed to not be such a bookworm or I'd not get a full learning'

As Ian listened to the thoughts on giants and nodded. Sir, I'm looking for one about information. I'd really like a book that may have done some anthropology about them. Again, I'm not sure what I can learn, but perhaps I can learn a bit more about them.

With a big book box at his feet Leo stood and ticked off books against a list when one of his first visitors of the day arrived. It was a young girl with dark hair. A first year Leo guessed as she addressed him. Putting the list down for the time being Leo flashed the girl a warm cheery smile. "Hello, pleasure to meet you Bri. I'm Leobald Kitridge, the school librarian." Pausing to think he regarded the girl in front of him. "I do have some books on the Latin language. Do you prefer a thick or lighter book with illustrations?" Everyone’s tastes and preference were different after all.

One point to Leo, he had actually gotten something other than a rude reaction from the boy. It felt gratifying. Winking at the boy he nodded. "Yes, you are quite right. That was the accio spell I just used, a handy charms spell for many uses." Accio was a life saver in a library. There was no way that Leo would go all the way to a specific shelf for a book unless he had time to waste. Grinning broadly at the young boy when he saw the pictures Leo said. "I wish I could draw like those artists who make book illustrations. Do you like to draw?"

"You’ll have 3 weeks before you have to return it. If you want to hold onto it longer than just come by and i’ll make a note of it." Leo said in response to the boy’s first sign of being responsible. He should tell Seren when he next saw her that there was more to this boy than just outright rudeness.

"That's good to hear and you should follow your mum's sound advice. There is more to life than just studying. You should take time to have fun too and make friends." He said with a smile to show that he only meant the boy well and wasn’t in fact lecturing him at all. Leo didn’t want the boy to get frightened of him again.

"A good way to do that is participating in some of the extracurricular activities like quidditch, gobstones and a few of the clubs the professor’s are sponsoring like duelling or divination." Leo suggested. Some of the things which he had wished Hogwarts had had on offer when he was Ian’s age and a student at the school.

Ignoring the fancy word which he sounded foreign to him he gave the boy a wink as he produced his wand. With an easy flick of the wrist Leo accioed up a book on giants holding out the book to the boy he said. "Maybe this will work? It’s 'Giant’s 101' by Dolores Goldman. It has nice descriptive illustrations to go with all the information." Hopefully the pictures would compensate for the books thickness.

Ian listened to the gentleman. It was certainly helpful hearing things reinforced by people not your parents. It seemed that perhaps it was easier to take advice from someone who wasn't so close to you as family was.

He nodded and in a pause in the conversation he mentioned I'm going to try out for quidditch this year. I don't know how good I'll be. I'm a fair flyer, but I live in a fishing village and I'd never even met a wizard or witch before I'd gotten to Hogwarts. All of this was really new to me last year. I feel a bit more comfortable and my parents seem to have relaxed a bit about it as well.

As the librarian winked and produced his wand, he watched as the book was retrieved. It was a remarkably useful spell that accio. Ian grinned as the book was presented and described to him. Thank you very much, sir. I really appreciate your help.

"Good idea. In quidditch you’ll meet lots of new people and if you make the team you'll have be able to make friends with your new team mates." Leo had a feeling that quidditch could potentially make wonder’s with the boy’s self esteem and even make him feel more at home at the school regardless of the results of tryouts.

"You're welcome Ian. I don’t mind helping out. Do you need any another books?" He enquired with a smile. It was Leo's job to help out naturally plus he liked doing it and it was an easy way to establish relationships with the student body.

Oops
 

Bri smiled at the librarian, he seem very nice. "It is nice to meet you as well." The young girl said brightly. Bri frowned as she thought about the question. She normally would prefer a thicker book, she loved to read but... " I think I will start with a lighter book, and then work myself up the the bigger ones." The brunette said, smiling slightly.

He knew he was right! It felt good being only a first year but being able to boost about knowing types of spells. Perks of being a pureblood wizard, he thought. "My dad uses that spell a lot , i think he's really lazy though" Honestly, using Accio for nearly everything wasn't cool. It was at first when Kevin had been little but now he was eleven and it became boring. "That's where i recognized the spell from" he said as he was busy putting the book in to his school bag.

If he liked to draw...Keving gasped and looked at the librarian. If he could draw?! WHAT KIND OF QUESTION WAS THAT? OF COURSE HE COULD! "Yeah DUH! you can't draw? who can't draw?!" he wondered out loud. He was an artist if he had to say to himself. He was really good at drawing especially magical creatures. "I can draw a dragon for you!" he said and without waiting for a reply he took out a piece of parchment, a pencil and placed it on the front desk. "Turn around its a surprise!"

And what a surprise it would be, he laughed in his mind at the idea he just had. He needed to be able to escape fast though after he was done so he looked behind him at the entrance of the library and noticed that only a few students were near it. Good. He then turned back around and smiled at the man all innocent like as his hand went in to his pocket, his fingers touching a box and his eyes twinkled "Drawing dragons is my specialty" he lied. Okay so he hadn't really planned to do this prank here because he was saving it for a certain Potions Professor but...his fingers were itching to do it here. mwuahaha "Three weeks is long enough, i'm a pureblood therefore i am awesome with magic" uhuh. Can he draw now~?

Ian listened and was grateful to have an adult who seemed to understand a little bit. Of course it was ok having other kids around who might have grown up the same way he had, but having an understanding adult gave him a place of support and safety. Thank you. You have helped me feel a little better. I think I will try to be more outgoing.

Ian glanced down at the book and was excited to get it back to the common room and start to read. It seemed like it might be a good place to start. It would have gone well with the book he'd started at the bookstore if it hadn't been for that other boy that got them both into trouble. No sir. I think this will be an excellent start. I'd like to check it out if you please.

A polite young girl with manners Leo concluded. He couldn't pinpoint house affiliation but he guessed that Bri was either a Hufflepuff or a Ravenclaw. Kneeling down he picked up a light book that just arrived with the latest book shipment. Pushing it over the counter towards the dark haired girl Leo said tentatively. "Maybe this will do? It's a beginner's guide to understanding the Latin language as well as how spells are created among other interesting things." He hadn’t read the book himself but the reviews hadn’t been bad.

Sigh.
Not again. Why did the students of this school address him as Professor? Leo was not a professor even if he was a member of the faculty? Letting his brown eyes rest upon the young girl he gave her a looooong look.

He continued to just eye her as the girl proceeded to place a heavy book that landed with soft thud on the counter in front of him explaining that she wanted to borrow the book. Blinking he’s expression changed to a softer one as he said in a friendly tone "Certainly dear. Learning about the school's history is a great way to get to know the place you’re living in to establish a connection to it." Leo usually didn’t stare at anyone but the girl had caught him in a bad mood. The day had just been miserable since he had gotten up that morning and being called professor had made his temper flare.

Did the boy just imply that Leo was lazy for using accio to fetch a particular book or just his dad? Leo shrugged and decided to let the comment slide. The boy clearly didn’t think before he opened his mouth. It would most definitely get him in more trouble with easily offended peers and adults. Licking his lips Leo explained. "I can draw but not very well."

The boy on the other hand seemed confident in his drawing skills and especially of drawing dragons in particular. "Sure, show me how you would draw a dragon." Leo said with a nod. Turning his back on the boy to busy himself with re-arranging the books on the shelves under the counter, he waited for the boy to say that he could look. If the drawing of the dragon was good then he might even put it up in his office as a little memorabilia.

"Anytime Ian, if you need someone to talk to you are always welcome to come and find me. If i’m not here then my office door is always open." Leo offered. He could very well relate to what the boy was going through living away from home at big school. If he could somehow help the boy in any small way then he would do his best. As one of the adults at the school it was his duty to provide guidance and advice to the younglings since growing up wasn’t always an easy straight road. His own school life was an evidence of that.

Smiling Leo nodded. "Sure. I'll make a note of it. Have a nice read. Did you want to borrow any other books?" It couldn’t hurt to ask since Ian had after all made the trip to the library.

=)
 

usually when she would haven't been happy when she couldn't find a certain thing she'd been looking for. But in her case, Cassia didn't mind not finding a book she wanted. Because she liked to drop by the librarian. He who held the first place on her favorite-adult in Hogwarts. There were others there on the list but they left! So Mr.Kitridge got the title and was going to keep it forever.

Confidently and with a smile on her face, the sixth-year approached the front desk then stopped when she reached it and placed her hands on the desk's surface.

"Hello, Mr. Kitridge." He got a beaming face. One only the closest got those days now that she was aiming to look like a composed sixteen-year old. "How are you?" why the rush for the book? She'd get to that soon.