This one looked cheerful. Too cheerful, at that. But from Andrew's recent experience those were the easier type. Because you don't feel obliged talking to someone happy as opposed to a depressed one. So he quite appreciated Tobias's mood and hoped that whatever it was reason behind his joyful spirit would touch others'. Only to make his job easier and for no other reason.

So here it began. The Herbologist was actually curious to learn about the boy's passion of plants because he developed similar interests early in his life as well so it would be interesting to see others having similar experiences.

Nodding his head to the badger's words, the professor was enjoying what he was hearing his blank face was turned into a thoughtful one as if living the boy's story. "The life cycle of each plant is indeed a magnificent thing to watch and keep tabs on," He agreed with the young man. He, too, liked that! Obviously.

Oh, a journal? That was impressive. His eyebrows quirked up barely a centimeter finding that as a sign of true passion and dedication. "Mind if I take a look?" He asked wondering if it was a private thing, the journal that is. But then again why mention it, eh ?

Toby didn't really expect anything less from the Herbology professor; if it was your job to teach and/or study the subject, it made a lot of sense that every aspect was amazing and interesting to you. Well... okay, maybe not every aspect; Toby would allow that a lot of people had parts of their hobbies that they were not so interested in. He, for example, loved Quidditch absolutely and completely, but was not quite as interested in being beaten to death by a bludger, see? That was... the only example he could think of but... yeah.

POINT WAS, that was a more specific interest they shared, which made this meeting all the MORE pleasant, see? Yeah!

"Of course, sir," Toby grinned at the request to see the journal. He reached out to hand it over, having to lift himself out of the chair and sort of stand to make up for the short arms, so that he could reach. "I've actually been looking a little at life cycles and writing stuff down, whenever we get new plants or saplings." Once the journal was passed over, Toby sat again, his eyes lighting up as he got more into his explanations. "I'm trying to dedicate a two page spread to every plant, and there's diagrams, little observations over the year, and as much detail as I can think of. I'm working my way through the greenhouses; just started working on diagrams for the fanged geranium and the chomping cabbage."

Nobody could really accuse Tobias of being a brainiac (although Soph called him a nerd, and often), but once he'd found something that captured his interest, like Herbology, he really went all out with it.

"That journal is the first project I've ever been able to stick with." Did that count as boasting? Probably, so he chose that moment to shut up.

His interest hadn't been flamed in a while, so this was appreciated. Andrew took the journal and started skimming immediately while listening to Tobias speak. He was actually impressed by all the sketches, diagrams and all the little details the boy managed to pick up on and write down. "This is very valuable," he said looking up at Toby seriously. Because it was. Walton was ridiculously touched by this, not that the journal was of him but it might as well have been. He found the fact that someone cared for the plants and felt intrigued by them to this level awesome and was actually reminded of himself when he first started getting obsessed passionate about nature and plants in general.

"I encourage you to continue doing this. And if you ever find yourself needing more information, details, examples or anything; please don't hesitate to ask me," He'd love to contribute to this magnificent piece of art. His eyes turned to the journal again and he continued to flip through the pages delicately and pausing on certain parts.

He tried to take note of all the plants that were in the journal because he wanted to do a quick math of the ones that weren't there, yet. He wanted to help the boy complete his journal. "Do you have an experience dealing with dangerous plants first-hand, Mister Tempus?" He asked trying to learn whether his passion equaled his skills and work on it anyway.

Valuable? Really? Toby had done a good? The Hufflepuff in question watched the professor look at his journal, feeling a little bit... proud of himself for it. Like yeah... yeah he worked hard on that journal, probably the hardest he'd ever worked on anything (academically) in his life, unless you counted the effort he put into trying to concentrate and stuff.

"Oh, absolutely, sir," Toby grinned, nodding along to the advice to keep adding to the journal. And the offer for help if he needed it. "That would be super helpful, professor, thanks!" Boy, today's friendly visit was turning out to be a Very Good Move; help from the Herbology professor would be invaluable.

As for the experience, Toby looked sort of thoughtful for a moment.

"Well, we looked at flesh-eating plants last term-" and they were considered to be quite dangerous, y'know, given that they ate flesh "-and I've spent some time observing the Venomous Tentacula, which I wrote about, but haven't drawn up yet. There's still some plants I've yet to really get close to, like Devil's Snare or Snargaluff pods, that I'm really hoping to get some experience with. I always thought it best to have some back-up with them though, because some of them require some strong handling-" and Toby was a little smaller than other kids his age, though still strong from Quidditch "-and I figured it would be a good idea to wait until maybe my fifth year or something before asking Professor Bentley if it would be okay. I'd really like to get up close to some of the more challenging plants one day, I think they're-" dead cool "-super fascinating, from what I've seen and read so far."

Whew. Was that too much talking for this professor who seemed to be a man of few words? Again, probably, but PLANTS, MAN/

Andrew's hands kept turning the pages so very gently like they were delicate leaves that might rip at the slightest applied force. If anything, this helped erase the bit of regret that he felt when he encountered the Gryffindors! Those lot were so close to be the reason behind his super early resignation. But thanks to Mister Tempus, here, Andrew had faith in his decision and in the future generation once again. Well, not a lot of faith. The man wasn't one with a mind that easily got chanted. But he knew promising students when he saw them.

He nodded his head to the boy's words. The former professor let them near the flesh-eaters? Explains a lot! Then he should be expecting more students who were going to ask be near them again. Another password was absolutely called for.

"I could definitely help you with getting close to these," He said looking up from the journal after finally closing it. He'd never get enough of it so might as well not accept that and give it back to its owner.... in a bit. "They are interesting plants and I'm sure you'll find a lot of facts to add to your journal," he said finally sliding the journal back to the badger.

Fascinating was the word. And Walton was glad the boy didn't show any weird and unusual emotions towards the deadly plants like the Head Girl. How relieving. "Also, the more dangerous and challenging the plants were the more interesting facts you will learn." he told him. "Is it your fifth-year now?" He asked thinking that it probably was but just to make sure.

Sparkly eyes were a thing that was happening. Toby HAD hoped that this professor would be able to help him out with getting up close to some of the more difficult-to-handle plants, but he'd not actually thought about asking that today.

"That would be brilliant, Professor," the Hufflepuff replied simply, still smiling widely as he retrieved his apparently valuable journal. Man, now that he'd had such high praises about it, he was even more determined to fill the entire thing with information every plant he could possibly get near.

Tobias nodded in agreement. "Oh, absolutely. There's so much more I still get to learn about with the more dangerous plants. And it's also kinda good that I waited, because the more I know about Herbology in general, the more I understand the more challenging plants when I get to study them."

He was still all about that whole 'bright side' stuff, even when he didn't need to look for a bright side at all.

"Yes, sir, just started my fifth year," Toby nodded, turning his journal over carefully in his hands.

Now that the journal was no longer in his hands, they felt empty! Andrew obviously had a thing for pretty things that were plants-related. Probably only those actually. Finally, the man entwined his fingers and rested his hands on the book he was reading earlier before Mister Tempus came in.

"Of course, the more information you collect the wider your ability to examine is and the more you could comprehend and notice," he told the Hufflepuff happy that he was having such a conversation with a student. The few other conversations he had had so far weren't as advanced. Not even close. One of them was about the difference of a crush and the very hard to find true love. That wasn't even Andrew's division. He was still annoyed that he had to have that conversation. And alarmed by the other two, which got him to realize that more security was needed everywhere near his precious Greenhouses.

Fifth-year. Good, the boy had full couple of years ahead of him and Andrew made a decision that he would do his best to provide the best opportunities for him. "Any other subjects you equally like or have the same passion for?" A very casual question. One he wouldn't really think to ask a student, any student but he was interested in this particular boy so yeah.

Toby was all about collecting more information on this stuff, yep. It was the subject where, if Quidditch never worked out for him, he could totally see himself doing SOME sort of job in the future which was all about plants. Or maybe studying or exploring or... yeah. Basically, he totally agreed.

He looked thoughtful at the question, wondering the best way to answer it.

"I'm passionate about a lot of subjects," he finally supplied, turning his journal over carefully in his hands. "But I think... none as much as Herbology, and this is the one I'm most talented at naturally." All the others took a lot of effort and hard work which tended to sort of wear him out. Herbology felt almost effortless. "But I really like Ancient Runes, too, I think it's super interesting. And Care of Magical Creatures, because I love animals." Yeah... it was a mixed lot. "Oh, and Astronomy, but it takes a lot of studying to keep up and all. Lots of facts."

Was that i- WAIT.

"Oh! And flying, except we don't have that here anymore of course, but flying is something I'm just as passionate about Herbology." Probably more, actually, but he didn't say that.

Andy's been spending most of his time in his office. He'd do his regular chores and stroll around the Greenhouses to do the regular watering, trimming and other necessary things. But he was still thinking about whatever came over him a week or so ago. He could barely remember any of it. He remembered bits and they all didn't make sense. Not to mention that MOST of his money was gone! And there was no sign of breaking and entering meaning it was not stolen. Good thing his Girlfriend was there to help without many questions. He of course would be telling her what the matter was when he figured it out.

But he was not going to dwell on it much longer, he hoped to be able to unmask it soon, but for now he had homework to grade and other things to take care of.

That was when he heard a knock on the door. He pushed aside the papers waiting for whoever it was to come inside after he told them to. He certainly was not expecting anyone.

Eden heard that voice tell her to enter. Okay. He sounded like normal Walton today. She peeked her head in first before entering. His office seemed normal--he was writing SOMETHING--and she just..entered very sloooowly. And shyly.

And blushy. She was blushy.

"H-hi, Professor Walton.." she said softly, smiling nervously and tucking a tuft of hair behind her ear. "May I..speak with you about something?" she asked. Unfortunately, it was NOT plants related today. it was...well, you were giving all you're money away--related today. She waited for him to tell her to sit before she did so, though, and she just found herself looking at everything but him--his office was...interesting. Planty. She did NOT see her picture of Bulby hanging up anywhere--shame. It would definitely help the decor of the place.

His eyes turned up to see who was it, was it a student or a colleague? It turned out to be a student. Miss Mcgee, the passionate Ravenclaw. Andrew nodded at her as she entered slowly. Why was she wary? Did she anything frightening in the office? Was it him? He wondered if that would be flattering or the opposite.

"Hello, Miss Mcgee, of course" He replied to her and waited for her to sit and start talking because he was not one for small talk. Apparently. But she was too busy checking out his office. Seemed like something every student did whenever they were here. Okaaay.

And since he was not the most patient person in the world, he cleared his throat and motioned for her to sit. He would not mind if it was a fast matter that did not require her sitting but he learned that he needed to make the students feel welcome. Eh. Whoever came up with that rule. "How can I help you?" She surely did not come to check out his office, right?

Eden looked up as he said her name, and she just smiled and nodded--and sat down when he gestured to do so. She slung her school bag down on the ground gently before sitting. And she crossed her ankles, trying to seem...like a lady or something. How proud her Grandmother Howell would be. How LAUGHABLE she would look to Gran, though. Hmph.

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, though, she too cleared her throat to get ready to...talk.

"Um..well..professor..have you..noticed that your money is missing?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. Would he think she took it?! She hoped not--she suddenly cried--"IT WASN"T ME!" and then realized that sounded so......incriminating. "It wasn't but--I know where it went." She said softly, flushed, and very....nervous. Would he..believe her? "Have you heard of the tale...Robin Hood?" Hmm?

Of all the crazy things he was expecting to hear and knew he wouldn't be surprised depending on what he started the term with, what she said was not one of the ideas floating in his head. How did she KNOW about his money? Hm? DID SHE TAKE IT!? Of course as soon as the thought crossed his mind he dismissed it but it appeared like the Ravenclaw could read his mind. He tried not to cringe at the loudness and remained silent masking the surprised expression and curiosity that consumed him.

"How do you know?" He asked her arching an eyebrow not accusingly but because this was an odd situation and he'd been trying to figure out things for a while.

Huh? Tale? Why was she changing the subject. He sighed inwardly and nodded. "Yes, I know of it. Now back to the money situation, what do you know?" Where was HIS money and how could he not remember? It was all fuzzy.

Eden took a deep breath and tried to ....figure out to explain this without seeming absolutely crazy. "Well--we were in Hogsmeade--I mean--I was in Hogsmeade--outside, in the street, on my way to the Three Broomsticks for a simple butterbeer--" she sighed and rubbed her nose. "And well...you started yelling at people--asking if they needed money--and you were throwing it at people--giving it away--" She stopped here in case he needed a moment. And then.."Well..I approached because I obviously knew this wasn't typical Professor Walton behavior--" Cue blush here.

She wished she could have hidden her cheeks right then and there, but she couldn't, so, alas, she had to just guuuulp and continue.

"And you asked if I was a MAIDEN or a PRINCESS." Sigh. "And...well...then you tried to give me money- didn't accept any, though, because I KNEW something was wrong, Professor--" her eyes were now wide-"And then--THEN--you asked for some parchment and a quill--said you had to write a letter--you said you were Robin HOOD!" she suddenly cried, flailing her arms around dramatically. Very Ravenclaw. "And--and--Professor--do you REMEMBER of this?" she wondered...

Andrew leaned back in his seat and waited for the Ravenclaw to start explaining. At first he couldn't figure out what did her trips to Hogsmeade have anything to do with his money being gone. But the story was developing in an unexpected way causing his eyebrows to arch. Now that he thought of it, he did go to Hogsmeade at some point but what had happened there was all fuzzy and he did not remember the way back. Maybe it wasn't significant which was why he couldn't recall it but he could convince himself of this reasoning.

But what was being said was absolutely weird and unlikely. WHY would he be giving money to people and shouting. He did not shout, shouting was a sign of weakness and that was not him.

Robin Hood? Huh?

Walton blinked and scratched the back of his head. He certainly did not remember any of this but somehow that did not sound that new. Why thought, WHY?! He shook his head at the girl, " I do not," He paused then asked. "Are you absolutely sure that it was me and not someone who looked like me?" It wasn't like he thought the Eaglette was lying. He knew that no student would risk pulling this joke off not after they got to meet Andrew and Miss Mcgee wasn't that type of student anyway but he couldn't help not doubt. Because it was SO weird and frightening to think that he had done such things without remembering or meaning to.

Eden was just looking at Professor Walton so SERIOUSLY right now. "Um." She tried to remember the scene--"I'm pretty sure, Professor." She said with a sigh. "He had your voice and all--so--it was definitely you. Just. You didn't know you were you--you thought you were someone else." If that made ANY sense at all, which it probably did NOT.

She could tell he was worried. "You're not the only one though--" she sighed. "Some students have been...acting like different people--and Professor Flamsteed...Professor Morgan." She frowned a bit at the thought. Ugh. "I just thought you all were pulling our tails." She said softly. But he didn't look like he was very worried. "I wonder if there's any way to get...your money back? I can try to help...though..." She didn't know how to help. She just shrugged and bit her lip nervously. She kind of felt...bad...maybe she should have offered to take all his money while he was in that condition so she could have given it back to him now--and then he'd be REALLY thankful--but then he might have thought she had STOLEN it. And Eden did NOT want that..nope.

Andrew did not know if knowing this information was better than him just wondering and trying to remember. The thought of him doing the things the Ravenclaw was describing was so not pleasant and he wanted the picture OUT of his head forever! He didn't want to consider it. In public? He did those things in public? It was a good thing his expression barely changed because he was not amused. And there was no point in doubting the fifth-year or asking if she was absolutely sure because she certainly looked like she was. And it seemed that it wasn't just his case, she obviously had noticed other people. Looked like he wasn't the only professor, he knew it was ridiculous but he was sort of relieved. "Thank you for sharing this with me, Miss McGee," He told the young lady.

Help him get his money back? It was very hard and rare but Andrew actually felt a little bit touched by the offer. His lips stretched the smallest smile in the history of smiles. "That's very appreciated but I handled the situation," He told her.

Pause.

Did he have to do something else? Give her candy? Tea leaves? He wasn't very good at that, he'd usually ask his girlfriend but that wasn't possible right this second.

Eden just nodded and shifted in the chair. She had actually had a normal--ish?--conversation with Professor Walton without being WEIRD. And not that awkward either. She wanted to applaud herself for being so...NORMAL. Ish. "Well I wanted to make sure you knew what happened--I know I'd want someone to tell me. And you're new here--like me--we don't have people lookin' out for us all the time." She said softly.

And then realized it all came out and wanted to hide under the chair now from embarrassment. Could she take that back?

No?

Shucks.

Eden couldn't hide her blush--but she just kind of cleared her throat and when she caught WHIIFFFF of that semi-smile--she could have died a happy Eden RIGHT then and there. MY OH MY. He should smile more often. "Well--good--I'm happy to hear that, sir." She said softly still. Should she...go now? she glanced at her watch. "I--yeah--time's--moving by--" Eden wanted to slap herself--"You're-yeah. Busy. I'm busy--I should go." There. She said it. She should GO.

Finally knowing the case did help a bit, although it di bring up some serious and weird questions. Doubt, too. Maybe coming back to his castle was NOT the best idea. Merlin, the things that happened and went wrong. "Thanks again, Miss Mcgee," He told the Ravenclaw. It took courage to come and tell him those things. And maybe had it been someone else, he'd not have believed much.

Then she stated the obvious about time moving by. Of course, that's what it does, he wanted to say but didn't. "Okay," He nodded. Was he supposed to say something else?

A silvery Eagle soared into the room with a message for professor Walton, "A mysteriously big beanstalk just sprouted out of the ground. Please join us by the groundskeeper's hut. Prof. Botros."

Standing, she made for for his door. "I'll...see you in class--" she said and smiled brightly over at him. And she would have left, too, and gone on to finish some of that Muggle Studies homework---had she NOT heard that patronus. Eyes wide, she looked at Professor Walton--well. This was weird.

"You should--I mean--good luck with that--" she said, and she waved before letting herself out.

Ignoring its surroundings, a silvery giant of a cat slid through the professor's door and opened its mouth in a lazy roar. Only instead of nundu breath coming out, the patronus delivered a message in Anastasia Truebridge's voice:

Attention, anyone on the grounds: We are currently hunting down the mysterious and glowing Fairy Tale Book of Fairy Tales. If you are interested in helping, search your surroundings and then report back to the library. We MUST find this book!

Its job done, the nundu disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Andy was lounged on his chair grading papers while sipping his tea. His eyes immediately cut to the door as he sensed someone entered. It turned out to not be a one but a thing. He recognized the Headmistress's voice and nodded although no one could really see him. Hunting down the book that caused him to lose his money, NO PROBLEM!

Gulping down the rest of his tea, he put the papers away in the drawer then locked it and was out the door in less than two minutes.