Besides anything related to science, potions, plants, and animals, Davie definitely enjoyed a good read about History. The more factual and knowledgeable the text, the more he seemed to like it. Today he had a big book under his arm entitled A Beguiling Guide to Hogwarts' House Ghosts and Resident Ghouls.

It was an okay read. Honestly, the text needed more identifying images of these ghosts and ghouls and occasional demon if he was going to remember that much detail about each one.

Floating into the her 'office' the brown haired lady weren't expecting to have a visitor waiting for her. It was bound to happen naturally since the students at Hogwarts were curious by nature and especially those of her mother's house though. Floating closer to the boy clad in bronze and blue that she had met during the opening feast, Helena smiled "Hello David," stealing a glance towards the book David was carrying under his arm she asked quietly. "Have you come to ask me more about life as a ghost?"

LOOK! Oohoooooooooh oooooooooooooooh. History had come to life here with the Grey Lady's presence. Davie looked up with wide eyes at her floating, pale figure. He pushed his glasses up higher on his nose and nodded.

"Yes ma'am. Actually.... I was wondering...." he pointed to his book, "How come Isfret isn't in here? He isn't in any of the books I've been reading actually." And yet he'd been able to possess and entire plant and Davie had heard alllllllllllll about it. HOW and WHY?

Of all the things young, inquisitive David could have asked her about, Helena didn't expect Isfret to be what came over the boy's lips. She was silent for several moments before she replied in a curt tone that conveyed that she did not like the topic. "Isfret was a spirit that did terrible things to this school and those who live here. We don't talk about him. He was a disgrace to ghost kind."

Picking up her fan for some solace Helena added quietly smiling thinly at David. "Just because something important has happened doesn't mean it gets put down in books right away. It takes time for history to catch up."

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Originally Posted by Grey Lady

Of all the things young, inquisitive David could have asked her about, Helena didn't expect Isfret to be what came over the boy's lips. She was silent for several moments before she replied in a curt tone that conveyed that she did not like the topic. "Isfret was a spirit that did terrible things to this school and those who live here. We don't talk about him. He was a disgrace to ghost kind."

Picking up her fan for some solace Helena added quietly smiling thinly at David. "Just because something important has happened doesn't mean it gets put down in books right away. It takes time for history to catch up."

Well, yeah, Davie knew that much. And although he wasn't the best at picking up on feelings and stuff, he could tell that the Grey Lady was uncomfortable with this subject.

So he'd just ask her a tiny bit more about Isfret.

"Maybe I could write a little about him, if you tell me stuff, and we could get it published so that history catches up a little faster?" Davie squinted hopefully at the Grey Lady. "My mum told me he possessed an umbrella vinora? How is that even possible? Can YOU possess objects?" He was just a curious first year, don't hate him, Grey Lady!

Why was David needling her about this? Could he not tell that Isfret was a topic she didn't wish to delve deeper into? Helena was still blaming herself for her mistake many years ago when she and the others had welcomed him into the circle of ghosts and Isfret had made them regret that trust many times over. Lives, pets and books had been lost because of their misplaced trust. She didn't like being reminded by that by anyone.

If David wasn't one of her precious claws she would now have stared darkly at him before leaving without another word. But since he was an eagle Helena stayed her tone was though coloured by her displeasure. "If you were not an eagle David then I would by now have left I hope you understand that. Talking about Isfret upsets me."

With a small inclination of her head Helena said gravely "Yes you can possess objects by the use of legilimency or by using the unforgivable imperious curse. If you have more questions pertaining to those topics I suggest speaking to Professor Dakest."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grey Lady

Why was David needling her about this? Could he not tell that Isfret was a topic she didn't wish to delve deeper into? Helena was still blaming herself for her mistake many years ago when she and the others had welcomed him into the circle of ghosts and Isfret had made them regret that trust many times over. Lives, pets and books had been lost because of their misplaced trust. She didn't like being reminded by that by anyone.

If David wasn't one of her precious claws she would now have stared darkly at him before leaving without another word. But since he was an eagle Helena stayed her tone was though coloured by her displeasure. "If you were not an eagle David then I would by now have left I hope you understand that. Talking about Isfret upsets me."

With a small inclination of her head Helena said gravely "Yes you can possess objects by the use of legilimency or by using the unforgivable imperious curse. If you have more questions pertaining to those topics I suggest speaking to Professor Dakest."

Okay, okay, Ms. Grey Lady. David Truebridge could take a very direct and impossible to ignore hint. He let out a little sigh at her sharp retort. "Yes ma'am, I understand. My apologies." He'd just have to go bother Mr. Kitridge about books relating to the Isfret incident, then, that was what this 'Claw was getting!

He perked up a little at the new topic of legilimency, though. "I will ask him, good idea." Davie swung his legs again from the bench he was sitting on. "You've probably met a lot of people here who knew legilimency, and occulumency, right? Have you always lived at Hogwarts for your whole entire ghosty life? Can ghosts LEAVE the places they're assigned to haunt? Does the Ministry assign you to a place? How does that work?" He rested his chin on his hand and peered up at her innocently, and quite curiously as well.

"Apology accepted David." Helena said a faint smile pursing her lips. Finally the boy was smart enough to pick up on how upset she was by talking about that spirit. If only Sir Nicholas was there to bring some sympathy, but he wasn't, she'd definitely seek him out after this. He'd brighten her mood.

Shrugging her shoulders Helena said "Many brilliant witches and wizards have taught at this school like the great late former headmaster and professor Albus Dumbledore over the years. Some of them like Dumbledore have probably been skilled at those practices of magic. I have not actually seen it though." Why was David so intrigued by this very advanced magic? It made her curious.

Nodding she confirmed. "Yes, ever since I became a ghost I've lived at Hogwarts." Shaking her slightly she said "No, a ghost can't leave the place they haunt. The place a ghost haunts has some extraordinary connection to them and how they died. I can't leave the castle and Moaning Myrtle for instance can't leave her bathroom." Helena knew there were exceptions though but she didn't bring those up. David didn't need to know everything.

"The spirit division in the Department of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures at the ministry have some degree of power and jurisdiction over all existing and known ghosts and they chose where we shall live and see to our welfare but that doesn't mean they are always kind to us."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grey Lady

"Apology accepted David." Helena said a faint smile pursing her lips. Finally the boy was smart enough to pick up on how upset she was by talking about that spirit. If only Sir Nicholas was there to bring some sympathy, but he wasn't, she'd definitely seek him out after this. He'd brighten her mood.

Shrugging her shoulders Helena said "Many brilliant witches and wizards have taught at this school like the great late former headmaster and professor Albus Dumbledore over the years. Some of them like Dumbledore have probably been skilled at those practices of magic. I have not actually seen it though." Why was David so intrigued by this very advanced magic? It made her curious.

Nodding she confirmed. "Yes, ever since I became a ghost I've lived at Hogwarts." Shaking her slightly she said "No, a ghost can't leave the place they haunt. The place a ghost haunts has some extraordinary connection to them and how they died. I can't leave the castle and Moaning Myrtle for instance can't leave her bathroom." Helena knew there were exceptions though but she didn't bring those up. David didn't need to know everything.

"The spirit division in the Department of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures at the ministry have some degree of power and jurisdiction over all existing and known ghosts and they chose where we shall live and see to our welfare but that doesn't mean they are always kind to us."

Oh good, he'd managed to avoid getting on the Grey Lady's permanent bad side. He'd heard she was touchy, he just hadn't known what she was so touchy about... til now.

"I..see," Davie slowly responded to the Grey Lady. He wanted to ask if any of the other ghosts knew anyone who could do occulmency or legilimency but that would probably just upset her again. He would have to take these questions to Professor Dakest, for sure.

David was pretty sure he had seen Moaning Myrtle outside her bathroom before, especially during the summer, but he didn't argue here. He again answered with a small, "Mmhmmm." Why wasn't the Ministry kind to the ghosts? "How old is the oldest ghost, Miss Grey Lady? Do you know?" Because she was pretty old and had seen a LOT. "What happened to Professor Binns who taught here a long long time ago?"

Shrugging Helena responded. "I don't know how old the oldest ghost is David since ghosts live for eternity. We will never pass over to the other side." Other side being death obviously. "Professor Binns feared death and that was why he chose to stay earthbound as a ghost for the whole of eternity just like me so I believe he is still out there in the world somewhere teaching history to kids but not at Hogwarts anymore." But honestly it was hard to know, it wasn't like she had kept in touch with Professor Binns.

"I must say that you surprise me David. You're mother showed that she was uncomfortable around ghosts every time we spoke while you on the other hand don't seem to mind my company and even seem to be intrigued by me." It was a mystery. It made Helena very curious.

It had taken him a little while to get around to it, but he couldn't drag his feet any longer. Adjusting his school tie - as if that would make the situation easier - Zeke moved along the first floor corridor until he came to the HoM classes, AND... the room. Yes the ROOM... cause Ghost Prof's couldn't really USE offices?

Eh.

Stepping inside, Zeke looked along the shelves first before calling attention to himself, "Excuse me? Professor Helena?"

Would she even know who he was? He wouldn't think so... but maybe. Had Professor Flamsteed or Sabel caught up with her discuss... him?

Floating into her 'office' Helena didn't hear the boy calling out for her or even see him until she was about to float straight through him. Darting sideways to avoid giving the lion who she recognized from classes as one of Nicholas students a cold shower she let out a small strained giggle. "Hello Mr Browne," Floating a little to the side she put her hands together as she asked curiously "To what do I owe this unexpected, but welcome visit?" Hopefully Zeke wasn't one that froze easily. She always drew the warmth out of the room a ghostly side effect.

He was realising that the room was empty, only, just as he had come to that conclusion he could feel a cold presence pass close by him. He knew what it felt like to have a ghost pass through him, it'd happened plenty of times before, but he was thankful the Grey Lady had somehow side-glided him. Heh, side-glided.

And would you look at that, she DID know his name. Was this an 'uh-oh' moment?

Unexpected but welcome visit? ... Weelllll... she was right about unexpected.

"I um... came to apologise, actually," he started, figuring it would be best to get this over and done with. "I'm... yeah, so, I'm sorry for not attending your lessons... and I was wondering if I could... come back?" Did he need to explain why? Or could he just cut straight to the making up bit?

Had she heard right? Zeke was there to apologise to her for not attending her lessons. Helena was just a little bewildered by the notion. "I accept your apology Zeke." Helena responded a faint smile pursing her transparent lips. "Would you care to enlighten me as to why you have not attended my lessons? I thought all student's would be thrilled by the opportunity to be taught history by someone that has lived a very long time and pretty lady at that?" Or was that where the foot scuffed? Zeke didn't want to be taught by a ghost because he felt uncomfortable in any spirits presence? But that sounded too farfetched. Most students got over their fears against ghosts when they had gone here a bit and Zeke wasn't a first year. It was a conundrum. "You can of course come back to class. I do though wish you to do something for me if you are willing?"

..... no detention? No... yelling? No swooping through him a million times out of revenge? He was totally down with this. WHY hadn't he done this sooner? But as for WHY he hadn't attended. "Oh no, it's not you Professor," he started quickly, because it wasn't her at all. Really, he didn't know much about her lessons, hadn't cared enough to. And... did she just refer to herself as pretty? He supposed, she wasn't NOT pretty.

.... except that she was a ghost.

"I've never liked the subject, it's always been... hard, y'know?" Did she know? Probably not, after all, she had lived through a lot of it. "I always have trouble remembering things, and honestly, most of the time I just don't know what the point of it all is." Not to mention he really wasn't the dress-up/acting type of person, he'd rather break every bone in his left arm than play dress-ups again. It was, getting old.

But, success! He was allowed back! --- of course, he'd have been happy too if he was told he couldn't, because as much as he wanted to 'get back up' and 'fight' this and not give in, it was hard work, and he wasn't confident he could pass. Doing something for a ghost though, he supposed he could. "Thank you, and sure... what would you like me to do?"

Nothing good had ever come from the line 'It's not you----'. How many times over the years had she not heard that? It was one start to an explanation that she despised above all others. It was nice to hear though that Zeke's lack of attendance in class wasn't because of her teaching methods. "History can be a complicated subject at times." Helena admitted contemplatively hovering in front of Zeke. "But history is always a part of us. We can tell ourselves it's not important or its too hard to remember." Here she paused to smile thinly. "But it always comes back to haunt us if we chose to ignore it. Our history matters whether we like it or not and it's an integral part of who we are. It tell us where we came from, how society has developed over centuries into what it is today and on a more individual level how our choices have shaped our lives and future."

"The point of all history is to see the past and learn from it." Helena finished off feeling like she had just given a class lecture which hadn't exactly been her intent. Oh well.

Moving forward to what Zeke could do for her she asked "How well do you know Sir Nicholas?"

Complicated, that was one way of putting it, and he thought it was a MILD way of putting it. And the whole history being a ‘part’ of them thing, he didn’t understand, but he nodded along anyway. He wouldn’t tell himself it was hard anymore, but it wouldn’t men he would understand it still. Zeke mirrored the Grey Lady’s smile, but listened as she continued speaking.

Really, she WAS being quite understanding of it all.

And… did she just pull a ghost joke? Like… it would come back to haunt them? HAHAHAHA… ahem. Zeke continued nodding, it was all he could do to keep from laughing.

"I get that, I do… but it’s the little stuff, like understanding why we need to know about a goblin rebellion that took place eons ago, or like the chick that invented gillywater. I can never make the connection of why I need to know these things. How will it help me?" Or was he being selfish for thinking like that?

Anyway, he had a favour to do, or something. And… Sir Nicholas?

"Um… pretty well I think." Why? WHY?

"It's the little things sometimes has the most effect in history." Helena said quietly. "Everything is connected. Learning about goblin rebellions from eons ago as you put it are supposed to give you an understanding of why the goblins rebelled if it were to happen in the future, and learning about the inventor of gillyweed is supposed to inspire you and show you that anyone with the right motivation, drive and dedication can invent something that will affect the daily lives of witches and wizards across the wide wizarding world." Helena understood Zeke's wish to know why and how but she wasn't all knowing. He had to figure it out his own solution since he'd soon enough would need to take an OWL in history.

"Good, then you'll do perfectly Zeke. I want you to organize and throw a death day party for Sir Nicholas."

She was speaking, and he was listening, but he still didn't get it. Like he did, but he didn't. He still didn't KNOW all those things, and that was the problem, he wasn't get THAT knowledge in class, so... what WAS the point of it all?

...

But he didn't say anything, there was no point in going around in circles, especially when there were more interesting things on the cards.

"His Death Day party?" Really? He was getting THAT responsibility. "Okaaaaaayyy... where? when? who should I invite?" Did she know she was speaking to someone who has NEVER in their life organised or even THOUGHT of organising a party?

Helena had managed to surprise Zeke. It flattered her. She didn't think he was easily surprised. "Yes I want you to be in charge of Sir Nick's deathday party." She affirmed. "I have every faith that you'll do wonderfully." Helena reassured. "The last party was held in the dungeons but you can choose another place if you want like the RoR or somewhere." Not everyone was fond of the dungeons since they were pretty cold and dark to begin with. Add a big number of ghosts to it and it'd be almost freezing down there.

"I was hoping you'd invite all the house ghosts, the headless hunt and the entire student body and interested staffers. To make it a big splash of Nicks deathday on October 31st. You'll have the whole summer to organize it." Was it too much to ask? Pondering Helena said as after-thought. "You can of course ask someone to help you arrange it, but you can't tell Sir Nicholas. I want it to be surprise for him."

He was nodding, there was lots of nodding. Somehow he became a Party Planner, and his first gig was a HUGE one. Merlin. "Right," he mused, nodding. Dungeons weren't too bad in his opinion, but he could see how it wasn't to everyones liking. Something BIGGER and warmer and BRIGHTER would be nice though, especially for such big an occasion as that.

House ghosts, that was a given, the Headless Hunt, yep... though he would need to make sure it was a SIR NICHOLAS affair and not a stupid-Headless-Hunt affair. Ghosts could be nasty too. It still amazed him that Nick wasn't included in their hunts, he was headless enough in his opinion. Student body, easily done, and staff members too... too easy. "You can count on me, Professor Helena," he nodded with conviction. Seriously, if this was all he had to do to make up for is non-attendance, then he had it pretty good. For a while he was worried it might end up being a lifetimes worth of homework and extra assignments.

So... could he go now? Before she changed her mind?