Okay, good. Hugo nodded. Still he was suspicious about the sarcastic comment of his werewolf blood because it made sense to him to think that the professor could be a werewolf. Just saying.

So the way to be an animagus was to train hard. He didn't mind though. "Why didn't you chose to be an animagus?" it would come in hand considering Dakest was an auror. Decent enough. Hmm. "Did you got along with professor Quigley?"

"'Cause there aren't many around and just like you said, it can be useful " though Hugo didn't knew what he wanted to do after Hogwarts but for now this was a start "Also it would be cool to transform into an animal at will" obviously.

Well there was an interesting question right there. Sabel considered the kid for a long moment, debating on which answer to give. The short version, or the somewhat longer and more personal version? At long last, it seemed that the 'personality' of the longer version didn't hold anything jepordiazing or otherwise comprimising. He still wasn't sure his walls didn't have ears.

"I was raised muggle, purely. Didn't know a lick about magic, and had a heck of a time getting it around my head when I got here. Was a late bloomer, if you like." He shrugged, tenting his fingers under his chin. "Had enough on my mind about magic to keep me from even considering the option. Enough...complexities to unravel. Didn't need suddenly turning into a puff-ball of fur to be one of them."

Not like Quigley. The mention of the man's name brought a wry smile to Sabel's lips. "We got on well enough, I suppose."

But onto the more important aspects, of why the kid was asking. What the information was to him. Sabel nodded slightly, considering. "I suppose it could be, depending on the purpose you intended it for. If you are considering it, I would recommend finding an animigus to speak with. Maybe write an owl to Professor Quigley. An insider's opinion is often the most valuable."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tazenhani

Not. Yet. Well that was.....a relief?

Sabel was tempted to ask the kid if he knew something about any 'future' trouble, but he let the matter go as soon as the boy started poking his head about, quite literally.

Dropping his arm and stepping to the side, Sabel chuckled. "Afraid nothing so interesting in here. Just a lot of books and paperwork." Oodles of it, in fact. And no pensive. It was interesting that it was the Headmistress's son that was the first to inquire about it. Interesting, but perhaps not unexpected.

He offered a shrug as he moved back into his office. "Might be able to wrangle up some coco if you want some."

As in, the kid was welcome to follow him in.

OOC: You may now post in ze office

Lot of books and paperwork--- "NUH UH," Davie replied, marveling at the wonderful interior of Dakest's office. It was handsome, it smelled good, it gave off a real cool manly vibe, AND it seemed to bring the outdoors in, which was perfectly fine with David. Actually, it was better than fine. This was the best professor office he had seen yet, and it was giving him ideas on how he'd want HIS office to look, if he ever became a professor.

So the first year wandered in and looked around, giving one of the bird's nest a serious poke to make sure it was real before he settled in and took a seat. Comfortable chairs, really. "You get an Outstanding in decorating, professor, I'm sure even my mum would agree." He nodded and slipped off his backpack to be more comfortable, as though he were going to stay here for QUITE a WHILE, or at least until he got all the answers he wanted.

Davie nodded enthusiastically at the offer of cocoa, and waited for the professor to get comfortable before asking any questions. Okay, just one question. "So was the pensieve Professor Botros', but the memory was yours...?" And he didn't know much more beyond that, besides what the older kids had said about it.

Benzi was waiting for a sound of footsteps, of the doorknob being twisted or even a faint "come in". He hadn't been expecting the door to just swing open like that and he took a hurried step back, reaching for his wand because honestly what if this was another test and dear MERLIN he was paranoid. Rider please. Catching sight of the professor sitting calmly at his desk, Benzi rolled his eyes at himself and walked forward, closing the door behind him as per instructed.

...

"Good afternoon Professor, I was wondering if I could have a word with you?" he asked after a pause, still standing as his mind whirled a mile a minute. Obviously he wanted to have a word with him, that's why he was here. Why else would he be here? Perhaps he shouldn't have come. It might make whatever this is, worse. It might even make it a thing because perhaps it wasn't a thing and he'd imagined it? Perhaps it HAD been rotten luck of the draw. What if he was doing it on purpose but for Benzi's good? What if what if what if. What if this moment was the make it or break it and he decided not to give him the recommendation letter?

He was regretting coming. He was so regretting coming. But he was here now and he had to speak, so he attempted to calm his thoughts into something cohesive that he could ask. And preferably without looking or sounding like an idiot.

Sabel had to laugh. Shaking his head he closed the door. "Your mother and I have quite different tastes. But thank you. I'm quite fond of it."

As Truebridge settled himself in and took to exploring, Sabel moved to the fireplace, collected two mugs and a packet of coco and some coffee for himself, and in a right jiffy had two warm drinks in hand. He moved back to his desk and put one in front of the kid. Instead of sitting beside the desk, he wheeled around one of the chairs by the fireplace and sat across, and beside the kid.

No sooner was he about to take his seat, than the first question was poised. Sabel paused for a moment before settling himself down, his tone casual. "I'm not sure if you heard in class, but I was very clear that I will not be answering any questions as to the origins of the pensive or the memory."

Go figure it was Truebridge's son who came up with this. Or, was this the not yet part of being in trouble with his mother?



At the annoucement of a request, Sabel's eyes came up, landing on Rider. He was silent for a moment, taking in the carefully schooled expression of the kid and the light of a mental war in his eyes. "I would suspect that is the reason you knocked on my door in the first place."

That, was kind of what a knock was.

Putting the papers on his desk to the side, Sabel motioned with his free hand to the chair across from him. "Also don't think you'd take 'no' for an answer. Why don't you have a seat and tell me what's on your mind."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tazenhani

Sabel had to laugh. Shaking his head he closed the door. "Your mother and I have quite different tastes. But thank you. I'm quite fond of it."

As Truebridge settled himself in and took to exploring, Sabel moved to the fireplace, collected two mugs and a packet of coco and some coffee for himself, and in a right jiffy had two warm drinks in hand. He moved back to his desk and put one in front of the kid. Instead of sitting beside the desk, he wheeled around one of the chairs by the fireplace and sat across, and beside the kid.

No sooner was he about to take his seat, than the first question was poised. Sabel paused for a moment before settling himself down, his tone casual. "I'm not sure if you heard in class, but I was very clear that I will not be answering any questions as to the origins of the pensive or the memory."

Go figure it was Truebridge's son who came up with this. Or, was this the not yet part of being in trouble with his mother?

True, they did. But Davie had similar tastes to Dakest (or so he was telling himself, now that he had a new hero idol adult to look up to). He accepted the cup of cocoa and watched with bright eyes as the professor took a seat beside him. SEE HOW COOL HE WAS? His chairs swiveled. Take note, Myers.

"Mmmmmmmkaaaaaaay," Davie responded cheerfully, not at all put out by that response. "But would THIS," he reached into his backpack and whipped out a carefully written, sealed note, addressed as FOR PROF. DAKEST'S EYES ONLY, "change your mind? Would it matter if I told you I already heard all about it? All about what it contained?" Mostly? He wasn't fibbing, he was just trying to be persuasive.

Text Cut: Note

Dear Sabel,

David is very curious about this 'killing curse' memory you showed his older classmates. I do not know what the memory contains, nor do I care to know. I trust your judgment (I hired you, after all!) and if you choose not to show it to him, then you have my full support.

Do humour the boy, however. He tends to get very pouty when all of his questions --- and he will ask a lot of those --- aren't answered by the adults he trusts.

Hope you and yours are well,
Annie

This? What was this exactly?

With an arched eyebrow, Sabel leaned forward and took the note. He inspected the seal, the grade of paper and even its integrity before popping it open. Looked legit. Felt legit. Even the writing inside looked very much like the Headmistress's. Sabel let out a breath before he began reading, shooting a quick glance up at David. "Not in trouble with your mother, huh?"

Shaking his head, he scanned the contents of the page. Then, there was another sigh and he folded it up. A small smile played on the corners of his lips. "You do realize this gives me permission to further ignore all your questions."

Leaning forward, he offered it to the kid. Didn't bother him if he saw what was written. Then, he took up his mug, blew on the contents and shrugged. "I expected people would talk, but there's a difference between hearing about something and experiencing it." So if he was asking for a peek, which seemed implied, the answer was still a 'no'. "And knowing what the memory was has no bearing on who's it was or to whom the pensive belongs."

Wrong questions, Truebridge. Asking the wrong questions.

Still, his eyebrow held that expectant quirk. Would the kid start asking the right questions? Apparently, he had a lot of them.

Text Cut: Dakest

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tazenhani

At the annoucement of a request, Sabel's eyes came up, landing on Rider. He was silent for a moment, taking in the carefully schooled expression of the kid and the light of a mental war in his eyes. "I would suspect that is the reason you knocked on my door in the first place."

That, was kind of what a knock was.

Putting the papers on his desk to the side, Sabel motioned with his free hand to the chair across from him. "Also don't think you'd take 'no' for an answer. Why don't you have a seat and tell me what's on your mind."

... Benzi nodded. Stupid question, but manners right? In this situation it was better to ask first and not start running only to be stopped in full steam. It was all because of manners. He could blame his mother for those, and so if Dakest thought him dumb it would be his mother's fault entirely. The seventh year watched quietly as the Professor moved some paperwork to the side and squared his shoulders before sitting down and dropping his schoolbag by his feet. He was right of course, Benzi wouldn't have left without getting a few answers from him first. He had no ideas what answers he even wanted, just that he wanted them because not knowing was driving him crazy.

"Professor, in dueling club, have you been pairing me with the people I care most about in the school on purpose?" he blurted after a few moments of silence, choosing not to elaborate and to the let the question hang. If he'd continue worrying he was going to seem stupid or ignorant in front of his favourite teacher and ex-Auror then they'd be here all day and he assumed Dakest didn't have time for that. So, Benzi reverted back to his default ways; quick, blunt and to the point.

Ah. That's what this was about then. Curious.

Settling back in his chair, Sabel considered the kid across from him for a long, silent moment. Finally, he spoke, as casually as if he was discussing what he had for breakfast that morning. "The points and standings from last duel pair you. The luck of the draw paired you the first time."

Clasping his hands together, he leaned forward, arching an eyebrow. "Do you recall me ever asking who your 'favorite' people were? I don't believe I put that question on the permission forms." And the kid had bloody well not say it was likely he figured it out because he was an Auror. That was likely to turn his mood as sour as curdled milk.

"I believe the question is, Rider, why you have such an issue with it." Obvious question and obvious answer really, but still, if the kid was going to come with accusations, he wasn't about to sit by idly and soothe his worries.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tazenhani

This? What was this exactly?

With an arched eyebrow, Sabel leaned forward and took the note. He inspected the seal, the grade of paper and even its integrity before popping it open. Looked legit. Felt legit. Even the writing inside looked very much like the Headmistress's. Sabel let out a breath before he began reading, shooting a quick glance up at David. "Not in trouble with your mother, huh?"

Shaking his head, he scanned the contents of the page. Then, there was another sigh and he folded it up. A small smile played on the corners of his lips. "You do realize this gives me permission to further ignore all your questions."

Leaning forward, he offered it to the kid. Didn't bother him if he saw what was written. Then, he took up his mug, blew on the contents and shrugged. "I expected people would talk, but there's a difference between hearing about something and experiencing it." So if he was asking for a peek, which seemed implied, the answer was still a 'no'. "And knowing what the memory was has no bearing on who's it was or to whom the pensive belongs."

Wrong questions, Truebridge. Asking the wrong questions.

Still, his eyebrow held that expectant quirk. Would the kid start asking the right questions? Apparently, he had a lot of them.

Not in trouble, no, well not yet because, "That depends on what my next letter home says!" he answered smartly. But no, he HADN'T realized that Dakest could continue to ignore his questions because at the impressionable age of eleven-and-a-half, Davie could still be trusted to carry a letter from one adult to another without ever peeking inside. His blue eyes widening, the boy took the letter back and scanned it quickly as though looking for a mistake.

"She didn't mean that," he mumbled, eying the letter again, "the bit about my pouting. I DON'T POUT. I just... I just wanna know what the point of the activity was? What did I miss? Don't I also need to know how to protect myself from Unforgivables? Harry Potter was only a first year when he defeated Voldemort for the second time in his life, and everybody knows Voldemort's favourite spell was the killing curse."

His pouty lip jutted out just so as the firstie took a sip of his cocoa. "Was that the only time you've had the killing curse aimed at you, sir?" He asked this one much more softly, as though he didn't even need to hear the answer to know what it was going to be.

... Did he expect to hear news of someone dying? Should she have been worried? Evie blinked at him, but didn't question it, and walked past him into his office. Maybe he was just paranoid because no one had been killed or kidnapped by a magical creature this term yet.

Evangeline stopped in the middle of his office and cleared her throat. "You know, it's too bad you didn't pair me and Benzi up for the second duel." Pause. Punchline: "We just broke up and... I feel comfortable saying I could really destroy him if we had another go." And there was the vague 411 on Evie's personal life, whether he wanted it or not.

"But in all seriousness, I do have some real questions on, erm... auror training." Just what he wanted to hear, right?

The Gryffindor gave the man a small grin, before going to follow him into the office. "Oh, uh, that's okay, Professor. I just ate." Not really, but splitting a scone with Professor Dakest sounded kinda weird. Ahem.

He walked into the room, pausing first, but then deciding to sit down not really knowing how long this would take. And er, he was meant to start this, right? Man. This is why he hated office visits. Normally Zander could go on talking for a life time if given the chance, but something about office visits. Always so awkward. Always made him uncomfortable. Always had trouble trying to figure out what to say.

"Errrr... Sooo..." He looked down at his hands, before looking back up at the Defense Against the Dark Arts man. "I sorta owe you a thank you," for y'know... The other day with Sophie in class. "So um, thank you. Y'know for letting me leave with her..." There was more.

Ahem.

Uh....huh. Was that a threat? It sort of sounded like a threat, except that Sabel wasn't particularly phased.

Especially not when the kid ended up reading the letter and muttering disagreement to it's contents. He smiled briefly to himself. Clearly no pouting going on here. Lots of questions though, that was for sure. And more of the kind he could answer.

Letting out a breath, Sabel leaned back in his chair and looked out the window. For once it wasn't charmed to represent the mountains back home. The grounds of Hogwarts spread out beyond it, and he suddenly wanted to change it to home.

"You do." He wasn't going to argue that. Another breath and his eyes went back to the boy. "This is between us." Seriously, he couldn't have this wandering about the castle. There was a time and a place. "If I could have taught it to all years, I would have. However, Hogwarts deemed it wasn't proper for...younger minds to see it quite yet."

Another shrug of his shoulders. "All you really need to know is that the killing curse can't be defended with any magic. You have to physically get out of the way, or put something else in the way."

Really, he should have been able to cover even that much in class, but the line of where he was allowed and wasn't had been a bit faint. But that, should satisfy the kid. "The older kids should have told you that." Curious that they hadn't. That they'd forgotten the main point was a bit irritating.

Then there was that question. Taking a long sip of his coffee, Sabel deliberated on his answer before finally shrugging his shoulder. "Never said that was me." He wasn't going to be dragged into that question when he'd made it clear that he wasn't telling who's memory it was. "But in my career, it has been aimed at me a few times. Closely cast where I thought I would loose my life? Only once."



Sabel paused in shutting the door, blinking over at the young girl with an unreadable expression. What was it with students and thinking he needed to know the in's and out's of their personal life? But, now that it was out in the open, that meant he could comment, right?

"Are you making a comment on the second duel pairings, or the first?" Really, it wasn't his business why the two of them had broken up, but he couldn't help but wonder. Shrugging his shoulders, Sabel closed the door and moved past her to the fireplace. "You two are going to end up working together, in close corridors. Best you work out whatever issues you have, before you get to a place where it could get one, or both of you, killed."

Seemed he might have to write a bit more than expected in those recommendation letters.

Taking a seat at one of the chairs in front of the fireplace, Sabel looked up at Shacklebolt. "I'd hate to hear what your joking voice sounds like." A motion to the chair across from him. "Ask away."



He wasn't disappointed in the slightest. More scone for him, which was perfectly fine with him. A shrug before he bit right into his breakfast, moving around his desk.

While the kid was having his own internal struggle with what to say or figuring out exactly why he was in his office, Sabel fussed over his bookshelf and finally found the tome he was looking for. Pulling it free, he turned and placed it on his desk. The kid had finally decided to speak, and the words caught Sabel up a bit short.

He considered the young man for a moment before sitting down. "I would hope you would have left with her, had I given you permission or not."

So yes. He was welcome, for what Sabel perceived as an unnecessary formality to make things look formal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tazenhani

Uh....huh. Was that a threat? It sort of sounded like a threat, except that Sabel wasn't particularly phased.

Especially not when the kid ended up reading the letter and muttering disagreement to it's contents. He smiled briefly to himself. Clearly no pouting going on here. Lots of questions though, that was for sure. And more of the kind he could answer.

Letting out a breath, Sabel leaned back in his chair and looked out the window. For once it wasn't charmed to represent the mountains back home. The grounds of Hogwarts spread out beyond it, and he suddenly wanted to change it to home.

"You do." He wasn't going to argue that. Another breath and his eyes went back to the boy. "This is between us." Seriously, he couldn't have this wandering about the castle. There was a time and a place. "If I could have taught it to all years, I would have. However, Hogwarts deemed it wasn't proper for...younger minds to see it quite yet."

Another shrug of his shoulders. "All you really need to know is that the killing curse can't be defended with any magic. You have to physically get out of the way, or put something else in the way."

Really, he should have been able to cover even that much in class, but the line of where he was allowed and wasn't had been a bit faint. But that, should satisfy the kid. "The older kids should have told you that." Curious that they hadn't. That they'd forgotten the main point was a bit irritating.

Then there was that question. Taking a long sip of his coffee, Sabel deliberated on his answer before finally shrugging his shoulder. "Never said that was me." He wasn't going to be dragged into that question when he'd made it clear that he wasn't telling who's memory it was. "But in my career, it has been aimed at me a few times. Closely cast where I thought I would loose my life? Only once."

Between THEM. "Yessir," Davie muttered seriously. He understood, loud and clear, over and out. "Who makes the rules at Hogwarts anyway? Is it the Board of Governors? You can tell me, sir, I'm a Head's kid. Not a rule breaker." Except for that one time when he'd punched Blaise in the face and then gotten detention for what felt like a WEEK for it. But Dakest probably didn't know about that, right?

His hand itched for his parchment in his backpack to jot that down, that the killing curse had to be dodged or else blocked with something else. "Does it have to be something big? Can it be reflected, like with a shield charm? Or would that classify as 'any magic'?" Probably, but the important thing was that Davie was thinking now, and thinking like a calm, collected, educated wizard, not a scared firstie. He hoped he was giving off that impression, anyway.

Taking a sip of his cocoa at almost the same time as the professor, the first year mhmm'd softly in response to Sabel's response. "Is it always bad guys who use that spell? Like if you got in an argument with family, they wouldn't use an Unforgiveable, right?" Just asking out of curiosity. "What about a person possessed by the imperius curse? Can they be imperius'd to use the killing charm on someone else?" They wouldn't even be AWARE of what they were doing! HOW HORRIBLE!

Also, he was about 99% sure now that the memory WAS in fact, Dakest's own, and that it was of that one time when he thought he could seriously die... mucho respect points for him. And no further direct questions about the memory.

Text Cut: Dakest

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tazenhani

Ah. That's what this was about then. Curious.

Settling back in his chair, Sabel considered the kid across from him for a long, silent moment. Finally, he spoke, as casually as if he was discussing what he had for breakfast that morning. "The points and standings from last duel pair you. The luck of the draw paired you the first time."

Clasping his hands together, he leaned forward, arching an eyebrow. "Do you recall me ever asking who your 'favorite' people were? I don't believe I put that question on the permission forms." And the kid had bloody well not say it was likely he figured it out because he was an Auror. That was likely to turn his mood as sour as curdled milk.

"I believe the question is, Rider, why you have such an issue with it." Obvious question and obvious answer really, but still, if the kid was going to come with accusations, he wasn't about to sit by idly and soothe his worries.

Did Dakest know that when he did the whole lean a certain direction and silently stare thing he creeped people out? Or at least it made him highly uncomfortable, which was basically the same thing in Benzi's book. He wondered if it was an Auror thing and if he should work on his Lean and Stare technique. Food for thought. Fighting not to fidget, the seventh year waited until the Professor decided he wanted to talk and when he did Benzi instantly deflated. Of course. That made sense. It made sense and he was dumb and he should not have come.

He sighed and shook his head. "No professor... But if the time I have spent here has taught me anything, it's that the teachers know a lot more than they let on," he shrugged and tried for a small smile. He firmly believed the staff knew exactly what was happening around the castle but chose not to act on various problems, allowing the students to sort it out between themselves first. The same way Flamsteed always knew if people were snogging in his Observatory, for example.

Anyways.

"I've been working towards this my entire life," he said, shifting slightly in his seat, "I respect your opinion sir, and I guess I just wanted to make sure." Make sure that Dakest didn't favour other people, make sure that he didn't have some sort of personal vendetta against him. Benzi hadn't formed a relationship with the Professor like Evie had, the biggest competitor in his year, and while it was more his style to work hard than to schmooze his way in, perhaps he should have made more of an effort to speak to Dakest over the past couple of years. He definitely would have been less scared of failure now.

Zander watched as Professor D looked around his bookshelf. The Gryffindor was curious. But also.... Was Professor Dakest gonna start reading while he had a student in his office? Because maybe Zander was wrong about being wrong, which meant he was RIGHT. Sabel Dakest was just as-- Oh. No, he wasn't going to read? Okay. Well, good. 'Cause that would've been rude.

"I would've, sir... But it was nice to have your permission anyways," he admitted sheepishly. He would've walked right out whether or not he was allowed. But at least this way he didn't get a detention for it, y'know? "You mean a lot to her, y'know. She looks up to you, thinks you're super cool." Why? Zander had no idea. Okay... He sort of had an idea. Which is why he was here in the first place. Ahem.

He'd get to the rest soon, but for the moment... His Gryffindor curiosity got the better of him. "What book are you reading, sir?" he nodded at that big dusty thing he had placed on his desk only moments prior.

Full of questions this one. Sabel quirked an eyebrow. "I'm surprised your mother didn't give you the full run-down of who's shoes to shine and who's not to spit on." Then again, Anastasia had never really struck him as a political person. As for not being a rule breaker? The kid got a serious eye for that. "No. You're a Truebridge." Enough said.

After another moment of uncomfortable staring, he shrugged it off. "Governors, parents, Headmaster, Professor. There are levels and checks and balances in place to ensure that the rules are fair and representative." The conglomeration reminded him how much he hated politics.

Talking about Unforgivables, while almost equally uncomfortable, was less unappealing. He rested back in his chair. "The bigger the better. The Killing Curse will cause an explosion if it hits something other than life, so keep that in mind. What you use to protect yourself with, could still end up killing you." On that note, his back decided to give a brief smart of pain. He shifted. "Anyone is capable of casting an unforgivable. But that doesn't mean that just because they can, they will. There's a lot more that goes into play than simple spell work and wand movement. You have to really mean it. Really want it......." He shook his head. "I doubt you need to concern yourself with that in regards to your family. More likely they'd make your own snot attack you."

A slow breath left him at the mention of the next curse. This kid. Had he been talking to Sander? "Technically, under the Imperius curse, they could be told to do anything to anyone. But, keep in mind that the Imperius curse is also a matter of mind control and willpower. If you are told to do something that goes against your entire being, it can break the curse. If, for example, I was under the Imperius and told to kill my wife.....that would be enough to break the curse for me." At least he hoped it would be. "Or I'd at least be able to gain enough willpower enough to do something else."

It was an example he immediately regretted using, feeling suddenly nauseous to the core. A true example, but the mere thought of it made him cold. He shook his head to try and dislodge it. "I don't think you need to worry about unforgivables, Truebridge."

As long as he didn't go exploring with his uncle.




"Be that as it may," the kid still hadn't answered why it bothered him so much, "there is usually a lesson to be learned from such things."

Such as now. Even as Rider finished his sentiment, Sabel let a long draught of silence rest between them. Finally, when he did speak, his voice was quiet.

"What happens, Rider, if the day comes where you have to duel a friend? Or a loved one? In the business you are looking at going into, that is a hard, harsh reality." Thankfully one he'd never had to come across in his Auror days, though his first year at Hogwarts had taken the brunt of that experience. "Not everyone you are going to end up crossing paths with will be an obvious enemy."

Did he still want this?



"Good." It was the one time he could approve of a student skipping out of his classroom.

The next sentiment didn't get as much of a favored response. Instead, Zander got a rather disbelieving look. Sure, he knew of it first hand, but that didn't mean he really believed it or understood why. Hearing it from another student was even stranger. "Super cool, huh?"

Interesting.

Thankfully they were onto other topics for the time being. Sabel's attention drifted down to the book, and with one hand he turned it about on the desk so it faced Adair. "It's on spell traps. Using runes and general magic."

... He probably didn't care. She probably shouldn't have brought it up.

And she didn't understand his question. "Both? Neither? I thought it was fun to duel him, but I wish I could do it again and give him what he deserves." There, now Dakest knew that the breakup was Benzi's fault (and he still probably didn't care, she got that). Evie expected that response; that they would need to learn how to work together closely. "We'll be fine," she said simply, clasping her hands in front of her.

Evangeline took a seat when he motioned to the chair and cleared her throat. "Sooo..." She paused. She wasn't nervous, she was just fairly certain she already knew what his answer would be and was trying to figure out the best way to word her proposition so that his answer would be in her favor. "In the first dueling club meeting you mentioned that the school won't allow you to train us like you were trained in the Ministry... I was wondering if there was a way around that. And I figure you'll probably say no, so you won't get fired, so I'd like to start as soon as school is over and I am no longer your student." That was fair, right? And legal.

Right then. Sabel let out a breath. "If you'd done that, I'm fairly certain I would have had to cancel the duel and disqualify you." Breakups tended to work on such a large scale of emotion. Putting a wand in the hand of person going through such throes was rarely a good idea.

Truthfully though, he wanted to reach out and give the girl a hug. He almost did too, but stiffened his resolve and turned his gaze to the fireplace. He had a reputation to maintain. Still, he couldn't bring himself to be completely cold hearted, and so he let out a "I'm sorry."

Thankfully, the uncomfortable silence of the topic didn't last too long and they were onto more of his area of ability. A small smile touched his lips, one which he tried to cover by rubbing at his chin. Emily was certainly going to have fun with this one. "Well, for one there is joining the YATI program. That is likely your best bet if you want to be trained as I was in the ministry." Heck, he could even include a little request in special treatment of the grilling regime of her training, in the letter to Emily. Lex would surely be able to help with that.

"If you are asking for private lessons, however," because there was a difference, "my schedule is freeing up." He hadn't told many. Not yet. He still wasn't sure when, but it was soon. "Contact me after you've graduated."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tazenhani

Full of questions this one. Sabel quirked an eyebrow. "I'm surprised your mother didn't give you the full run-down of who's shoes to shine and who's not to spit on." Then again, Anastasia had never really struck him as a political person. As for not being a rule breaker? The kid got a serious eye for that. "No. You're a Truebridge." Enough said.

After another moment of uncomfortable staring, he shrugged it off. "Governors, parents, Headmaster, Professor. There are levels and checks and balances in place to ensure that the rules are fair and representative." The conglomeration reminded him how much he hated politics.

Talking about Unforgivables, while almost equally uncomfortable, was less unappealing. He rested back in his chair. "The bigger the better. The Killing Curse will cause an explosion if it hits something other than life, so keep that in mind. What you use to protect yourself with, could still end up killing you." On that note, his back decided to give a brief smart of pain. He shifted. "Anyone is capable of casting an unforgivable. But that doesn't mean that just because they can, they will. There's a lot more that goes into play than simple spell work and wand movement. You have to really mean it. Really want it......." He shook his head. "I doubt you need to concern yourself with that in regards to your family. More likely they'd make your own snot attack you."

A slow breath left him at the mention of the next curse. This kid. Had he been talking to Sander? "Technically, under the Imperius curse, they could be told to do anything to anyone. But, keep in mind that the Imperius curse is also a matter of mind control and willpower. If you are told to do something that goes against your entire being, it can break the curse. If, for example, I was under the Imperius and told to kill my wife.....that would be enough to break the curse for me." At least he hoped it would be. "Or I'd at least be able to gain enough willpower enough to do something else."

It was an example he immediately regretted using, feeling suddenly nauseous to the core. A true example, but the mere thought of it made him cold. He shook his head to try and dislodge it. "I don't think you need to worry about unforgivables, Truebridge."

As long as he didn't go exploring with his uncle.

Yeah, true, his mum probably should have gone over that with him. Then again, she wasn't prone to sucking up to people, and his dad definitely wasn't either. So yeah, he just nodded.

What was with Professor Dakest and all his intense stares? David squirmed in his seat a little and gave a nod to show he understood. So the Killing Curse could cause an explosion. Got it. He almost smiled when Dakest said his family would make his snot attack him. Haha. Nooooooo. Davie was ADORED by his family members, and even the cat loved him. The house elf especially loved him. So he needn't worry about that, whew.

Davie didn't really like the next answer... he maybe felt a bit sorry for asking. A bit queasy, even, and he looked down at his cocoa for a few minutes before he took a deep sip. "Okay, sir, I um... I appreciate the answers." Davie looked back up. He didn't have any more that needed to be answered, not this urgently anyway. "Can I ask you a different question? What's it like working at the Ministry of Magic?" Because DUH everyone knew that Dakest had been an Auror there.

Right.

Zander definitely wished he hadn't stopped by here. Office visits were always insanely uncomfortable. How did some kids practically live in Professors' offices? Like really, HOW? Zander was genuinely curious. This stuff was a lot harder than it looked.... Which was probably evident in the way that he was shifting around in his seat. Uncomfortable. Out of place. Not sure what to say next. He was out of his element.

"Uh, yeah... Don't tell her I told ya so though, she likes thinking that she's a step ahead," talking about Sophie was a lot easier than doing whatever it was that he was planning on doing when he walked in here. Might as well keep on the topic of the Head Girl now that they were already there.

He was, however, trying to look genuinely interested in the book that Dakest had shown him. Except for the fact that it was literally about the two subjects he was the worst at. Runes. And DADA. Wonderful. The only two subjects that he couldn't possibly manage to carry a conversation about. Right. "Oh. Uh. Are you learning stuff from it?" That was a basic question that called for absolutely no prior understanding of the material. And yes, Zander did that on purpose.

Okay, so maybe she was joking about giving Benzi "what he deserves". Because Evie knew better and she knew that Dakest would have to disqualify her if she abused the Dueling Club purposes. She let out a small sigh. "I know. I don't think I actually would. I think if I actually wanted to hurt him back I would've done it by now." Even though it was odd talking about this to a professor, it seemed to be helping.

Evie looked up at the small apology and shrugged her shoulders just a little. "Thanks," she replied softly. What was done was done, it was time to move on.

She was more comfortable talking about this subject with him anyway. Evie nodded. She knew all about the YATI training, so that wasn't the answer she was looking for. She opened her mouth to say so, but then he quickly moved on... and Evie couldn't help but be a bit shocked. He was actually offering to give her private lessons? She thought she was going to have to beg him! Her mind lingered on the bit about his schedule freeing up and she wondered if that meant just for the summer or if he didn't plan on returning to Hogwarts next term. If it was the latter, it didn't really affect her anymore, since she was leaving too. She'd ask for clarification later; there were other important questions to ask.

"I've been planning on joining the YATI program already, I'm... actually quite surprised you offered to give private lessons considering..." Considering.... Oh, how could she put this? "You don't seem very excited about the few of us who want to be aurors..." And clearly that's what this training was going to help her achieve.

Normally, he didn't appreciate making kids uncomfortable and unsettled. These topics however, were of such a nature, and so he was rather relieved when David squirmed a bit. It meant he got it. That he wasn't using a fool idealology to process very serious information. Seeing this, he could rest easy that perhaps the kid wouldn't grow up to be quite like his uncle. Here was hoping, anyways.

He gave the kid a 'go-ahead' nod at the request for another question. And then, he nearly laughed. "The Ministry?" Dear Merlin that might have been the most difficult question all day.

Leaning back in his chair, Sabel tented his fingers under his chin. "It is....interesting. In both the good sense of the word and the bad." It was a bit of a cop-out response, but it covered all the bases. "You meet a lot of people, who are mentors and adversaries. It's....a challenge."



"Not a word." Sabel offered a quarter smile, nodding along with the agreement.

Why did the kid look like he was so uncomfortable? Surely the chairs were up to snuff with padding and comfort levels. That being said, he hadn't often tried them out himself. Perhaps one was getting a bit worn?

Turning his attention back to the book, Sabel hesitated before nodding. "Even old dogs can learn new tricks." And because he could, he gave it a little nudge towards the Head Boy. Come now Adair. It didn't bite.



Sabel let out a breath. She did know that he wasn't equipped to handle students and their relationship issues, right? Best case scenario he would lock them both in a room together, with their wands and see what resolution they could come to.

From the sounds of things, it wouldn't be very pretty. And really, he wasn't sure what to say to that. 'I'm sorry' seemed to invite a more personal conversation, and really he didn't know who to be sorry for. It so happened that his tongue had thought up a solution before his brain had a moment to catch up. "Well, just make sure if you do, you hit him where it hurts."

There it was. Great relationship advice from Dakest. Yours truly.

Thankfully, Shacklebolt had taken to looking quite shocked, and the topic of interest would surely override his comment on dealing with her relationship. He was actually surprised she was so surprised, and even more so at her reasoning.

Letting out a slow breath, Sabel scrubbed at his chin for a moment. "How should I put this....I was in your shoes once upon a time. Swear I was born with Auror blood, I'm sure you understand the sentiment." Few people went into the program without feeling that way. "Truth is, if I didn't have the guidance and support that I did, I would have died a long time ago."

Dropping his hand, he shrugged. "I don't like the idea of young blood going into the cooking pot, but I can't stop you. You're going into the program no matter what I say or don't. What I can do, is try to help you stay alive, and given I can't be a mentor in the MLE for you, this is the next best option."

Her mum was much better with the whole broken heart mending thing. She didn't expect that of Dakest, but it was just... funny. What else was funny was that his only piece of advice was to "hit him where it hurts". Evie let out a snort of laughter and then cleared her throat to compose herself, though a grin stayed on her lips. "Thanks for the advice."

And that was enough relationship talk, probably.

What he had to say next, Evie listened very carefully. She was glad to hear he was still supporting her, since he knew pretty much what she was getting into. And he was right, she was going into the program no matter what he said or what anybody else said. She had made her decision and she was determined. All Evie could do was nod at what he said. "Alright then. I guess that's settled." She was taking him on his offer for private lessons, no hesitation. "I'll come find you at the end of term."

"Thanks, Sir," he nodded back. And if Sophie Brown yelled at him, Dakest was gonna hear from Zander because a deal was a deal.

Um. Right.

Anyways.

This book. Yeah. The Gryffindor attempted to laugh at Dakest's joke... Knowing quite well that the man wasn't exactly an old dog, yet. But instead of a genuine laugh it turned into one of those uncomfortable 'an adult is trying to be funny so I'm laughing in pity so they'll like me' laughs. Which then turned into a cough. Ahem. Yeah.

And before he knew it the book was being nudged over in his direction. Oh. Uh. "It looks... very......" Um. He glanced over the cover, lightly lifting it up to skim over the first few pages. "Informative?" Yes. That was the best he could do. Leave it to Dakest to choose the two most boring topics to read about.

He looked right back up at his Defense Professor rather expectantly.