Daniel hadn't been inside a professor's office since his first year at Hogwarts when he and Victoria got called to Professor Schmoe's office after an altercation in class. So it was kind of fitting that he'd see another office in his final year except this time he wasn't in trouble.

He was surprised to find the door wide open and wondered if the professor had forgotten to close it. He looked at his watch; he had planned to arrive an hour after dinner so he was sure that they weren't teaching a class. As he stood in the doorway, he took his hand from his robe pocket and knocked on the door. "Excuse me, Professor. May I come in?"

SPOILER!!: Daniel! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuckyLinJi

Daniel hadn't been inside a professor's office since his first year at Hogwarts when he and Victoria got called to Professor Schmoe's office after an altercation in class. So it was kind of fitting that he'd see another office in his final year except this time he wasn't in trouble.

He was surprised to find the door wide open and wondered if the professor had forgotten to close it. He looked at his watch; he had planned to arrive an hour after dinner so he was sure that they weren't teaching a class. As he stood in the doorway, he took his hand from his robe pocket and knocked on the door. "Excuse me, Professor. May I come in?"

It was drawing closer and closer to the term’s end, even if that end seemed some distance away. Dhruv was someone who liked to be prepared so getting ahead of ensuring the DADA end of term exams are prepped was number one on today’s to-do list. Of course, unless there was a visiting student. Which there seemed to be.

Their brain had already registered the voice to whom it belonged even before they looked up. “Hello, Mr. Yoon. I daresay you may.” Smiling, Dhruv gestured to the vacant chairs for Daniel to take his pick. “It’s lovely that you’ve stopped by for a visit.” They set down their quill on the desk, an indication that the Hufflepuff was having their undivided attention. “Is there something in particular you need to discuss?”

He walked over to the nearest empty chair and sat. He appeared tired. His hair was unkempt and he had dark circles under his eyes from lack of sleep. Though physically tired, his dark brown eyes were alert as he looked around the room for a moment. It was tidy, which he appreciated. An organized workspace equals an organized mind.

His older brother would disagree with him about this though...

"Yes, I do" he said and went straight into his reason for coming here. "You see, I've been intrigued by wandless magic for a couple of years now," since his third year to be exact. He became interested in Animagi around the same time as well. "But it wasn't until after our duel that I tried to do some research on top of my NEWT studies." Huh... maybe that's why he looked awful.

"I went to the library, but it has little to no information on this branch of magic, and I suspect that books for it are in the Restricted Section," he paused briefly before continuing. "You're clearly skilled at wandless magic, Professor, and I wondered if you could tell me how you learned it" he said "Which books did you consult? Did you learn it alone or did you have a mentor? And how difficult is it to learn? Do you think I'll be able to learn it as well? And how long would it take me to figure it out? And are there courses for it in University???" He wished he spoke calmly but he didn't, he spoke fast and his eyes seemed to spark with curiosity.

SPOILER!!: Daniel! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuckyLinJi

He walked over to the nearest empty chair and sat. He appeared tired. His hair was unkempt and he had dark circles under his eyes from lack of sleep. Though physically tired, his dark brown eyes were alert as he looked around the room for a moment. It was tidy, which he appreciated. An organized workspace equals an organized mind.

His older brother would disagree with him about this though...

"Yes, I do" he said and went straight into his reason for coming here. "You see, I've been intrigued by wandless magic for a couple of years now," since his third year to be exact. He became interested in Animagi around the same time as well. "But it wasn't until after our duel that I tried to do some research on top of my NEWT studies." Huh... maybe that's why he looked awful.

"I went to the library, but it has little to no information on this branch of magic, and I suspect that books for it are in the Restricted Section," he paused briefly before continuing. "You're clearly skilled at wandless magic, Professor, and I wondered if you could tell me how you learned it" he said "Which books did you consult? Did you learn it alone or did you have a mentor? And how difficult is it to learn? Do you think I'll be able to learn it as well? And how long would it take me to figure it out? And are there courses for it in University???" He wished he spoke calmly but he didn't, he spoke fast and his eyes seemed to spark with curiosity.

Dhruv peered over at Daniel in great concern. Immediately they thought about the pressures of NEWT examinations. The reason for Daniel’s lacklustre appearance could be due to that or something else. “Have you not been sleeping well?” they questioned mildly. If not, Dhruv would be recommending a trip to the Healer; perhaps even escorting the Hufflepuff there if need be.

The response to their question delighted Dhruv. “I wish more students expressed an interest in the subject area. It may be a difficult thing to study and to practice but the reward?’’ Daniel saw what that reward was firsthand. Much like Daniel, they had started their journey on the subject with research. And quite a lot of questions.

The DADA professor chuckled at being bombarded but was ready to provide answers. They leaned back, eyes glinting with happiness at the level of curiosity being displayed. “Firstly, I can provide you with a permission slip for access to the Restricted Section if you would like.” Now, as a matter of fact. “I learnt through books which can only aid in so much, but I was mainly self taught with the occasional aid of an old friend who attended Uagadou. As you would know, students who attend Uagadou are known for a number of skills inclusive of wandless magic. It was a challenging but enlightening path; my patience, concentration level and determination were tested continuously.” Dhruv paused, letting that settle in not because they wanted to discourage Daniel but because they wanted him to know what he was about to get himself into. “I don’t just think that you’d be able to learn; I know you’d be able to, based on what I’ve observed about you during classes. The length of time varies according to one’s intent, focus and determination and of course, the amount of time you put into it. Unfortunately, Wandless Magic isn’t a course currently being offered but with the right tutor, it can be taught to you.”

Not only were the exams keeping him awake at night. He also had to keep up with a study group, as well as personal studies and hobbies. He knew he wasn't the only one who had trouble sleeping these days, but not everyone was stressed out about their exams like he was. Anything less than an Outstanding was considered a failed grade, and he could NOT have another school report like that. "I'm fine" he said, rubbing his right eye. He hadn't had to make a draught of peace yet.

As the Professor mentioned providing a permission slip for the Restricted Section, Daniel sat up more in the chair. He'd only been inside that section of the library once before. When he was twelve years old, he obtained special permission from the Headmaster to search for any clues that could aid in the school's rescue. He'd never set foot inside again after that, despite the fact that he and Lisa had tried numerous times to break in. "I would like that, yes" he said with a rare small smile on his face.

"Maya Nam taught me about Uagadou and how they primarily use wandless magic," He remembered their conversation in the domes vividly. He felt neutral about her now but back then, he had to admit that she had been his first teenage crush. Good thing his best friend never found out about this, that would be embarrassing. "I became interested in it but since Hogwarts doesn't offer any classes and I was too young to get into the restricted section, I put my study on hold" he said as he stifled a yawn.

Daniel's ears turned bright red at the compliment, at least he interpreted it as one. He'd discussed it with Professor Paton before, but it was his dream to become a curse-breaker, and he believed that learning wandless magic would keep him safe on the job.

The Hufflepuff frowned slightly as he processed everything. "It sounds like a lot of work, but I'm willing to put my heart and soul into it" in a figurative sense. "I don't have any connections with people from Uagadou so I'd like to ask if you could be my mentor" he said. "I'm well aware that I'll be graduating soon and that I won't be returning to Hogwarts, but perhaps I can keep in touch with you to see how I've progressed or when I have questions or hit a roadblock?" he asked, fidgeting with his fingers and nervously waiting for a response. "I can pay, money is not a problem for me"

SPOILER!!: Daniel! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuckyLinJi

Not only were the exams keeping him awake at night. He also had to keep up with a study group, as well as personal studies and hobbies. He knew he wasn't the only one who had trouble sleeping these days, but not everyone was stressed out about their exams like he was. Anything less than an Outstanding was considered a failed grade, and he could NOT have another school report like that. "I'm fine" he said, rubbing his right eye. He hadn't had to make a draught of peace yet.

As the Professor mentioned providing a permission slip for the Restricted Section, Daniel sat up more in the chair. He'd only been inside that section of the library once before. When he was twelve years old, he obtained special permission from the Headmaster to search for any clues that could aid in the school's rescue. He'd never set foot inside again after that, despite the fact that he and Lisa had tried numerous times to break in. "I would like that, yes" he said with a rare small smile on his face.

"Maya Nam taught me about Uagadou and how they primarily use wandless magic," He remembered their conversation in the domes vividly. He felt neutral about her now but back then, he had to admit that she had been his first teenage crush. Good thing his best friend never found out about this, that would be embarrassing. "I became interested in it but since Hogwarts doesn't offer any classes and I was too young to get into the restricted section, I put my study on hold" he said as he stifled a yawn.

Daniel's ears turned bright red at the compliment, at least he interpreted it as one. He'd discussed it with Professor Paton before, but it was his dream to become a curse-breaker, and he believed that learning wandless magic would keep him safe on the job.

The Hufflepuff frowned slightly as he processed everything. "It sounds like a lot of work, but I'm willing to put my heart and soul into it" in a figurative sense. "I don't have any connections with people from Uagadou so I'd like to ask if you could be my mentor" he said. "I'm well aware that I'll be graduating soon and that I won't be returning to Hogwarts, but perhaps I can keep in touch with you to see how I've progressed or when I have questions or hit a roadblock?" he asked, fidgeting with his fingers and nervously waiting for a response. "I can pay, money is not a problem for me"

Dhruv would take Daniel’s word for it. After all, it wasn’t uncommon to see many an OWL and NEWT student sacrificing their sleep for the sake of the exams. All they hoped was that the students took care of themselves in other ways as well: eating right, taking breaks from having their noses buried in books, and in other positive manners.

With the matter settled about the Restricted Section and Daniel’s not-seen-so-much smile, Dhruv reached for a slip of parchment. They began to write a short and specific note to Tapio. Why specific? They made mention that Daniel had permission to borrow any book pertaining to Wandless Magic. It was then signed with a flourish and handed over to the Hufflepuff. “This should be of much help, I should think.

“Ms. Nam would be correct. The students there are quite capable of Wandless Magic. A pity that you’ve had to put this interest away, Mr. Yoon, but no more.’’ There was a strong sense of determination on their part to help Daniel achieve his goal. Choosing to ignore the tomato red ears, they sat back again at the precise time surprise washed over them. They had been thinking of connecting Daniel with someone but the request of being his mentor…

True, Daniel would be graduating soon which could put a certain amount of damper to the learning process in terms of the necessary guidance he would need. The challenge, however, reeled them in; they had never taught anyone Wandless Magic. “I accept your request to be your mentor,’’ Dhruv responded with an easy smile. “Though payment is not necessary.” They were only too grateful that they had an opportunity to pass this skill onto someone else. “I’m sure we can put arrangements in place for you. Would you prefer to start over the summer or can you squeeze in some time during NEWT studies for some basic theory and/or practice?”

Daniel appreciated that the Professor did not press his questions any further. He was well aware of his limitations, and he was tired but not exhausted for the time being. In fact, he became more exhausted by others telling him he needed a break than by the work he was piling up for himself.

He placed his elbows on the desk and leaned forward as the Professor wrote the permission slip and then took the piece of parchment that was handed to him. "Thank you, this will be of great help" he said as he read the note for his Head of House and librarian, folded it, and stood up from his seat to put it in his back pocket before sitting back down.

The Professor's surprised expression worried the Hufflepuff a little. Was this a good sign, or did they think he was crazy to ask them to be his mentor? He bit his fingernail and when they accepted his request, he stopped biting.” Truly?” he asked. "For real?" he said, double-checking that he had heard correctly.

Despite his desire to begin training as soon as possible, Daniel knew that he wouldn't even have time to do so during his NEWT studies. His mock exam from yesterday had demonstrated this, as he had made an error on his Herbology test. And he couldn't afford to make a single mistake! "Over the summer, if that's alright with you" he requested. "Perhaps somewhere in August?" That way he still had some vacation before going to University.

SPOILER!!: Daniel! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuckyLinJi

Daniel appreciated that the Professor did not press his questions any further. He was well aware of his limitations, and he was tired but not exhausted for the time being. In fact, he became more exhausted by others telling him he needed a break than by the work he was piling up for himself.

He placed his elbows on the desk and leaned forward as the Professor wrote the permission slip and then took the piece of parchment that was handed to him. "Thank you, this will be of great help" he said as he read the note for his Head of House and librarian, folded it, and stood up from his seat to put it in his back pocket before sitting back down.

The Professor's surprised expression worried the Hufflepuff a little. Was this a good sign, or did they think he was crazy to ask them to be his mentor? He bit his fingernail and when they accepted his request, he stopped biting.” Truly?” he asked. "For real?" he said, double-checking that he had heard correctly.

Despite his desire to begin training as soon as possible, Daniel knew that he wouldn't even have time to do so during his NEWT studies. His mock exam from yesterday had demonstrated this, as he had made an error on his Herbology test. And he couldn't afford to make a single mistake! "Over the summer, if that's alright with you" he requested. "Perhaps somewhere in August?" That way he still had some vacation before going to University.

Dhruv was only too happy to help any student excel at studies. Students who had such an aptitude reminded them of themself. And if any student they offered permission slips to access the Restricted Section tried to wiggle their way into accessing other books that were not covered by said slip… well, of course Dhruv would hear back about it. But they trusted Daniel; he was rather serious about Wandless magic. “You’re welcome. Use it wisely,’’ they remarked, humour in their voice.

Oh, it was a good sign, all right. They just hadn’t been expecting the request and needed a minute to wrap their head around it. By the looks of it, Dhruv’s reaction had influenced Daniel’s. “Yes, for real,’’ they responded, laughing quietly. “You might want to not continue biting your nails though. That’s not hygienic.”

Dhruv wasn’t expecting the lessons to get started right away, and was more than willing to work with Daniel’s schedule. August was a good place to start. “That works for me.” They had no plans aside from catching up with friends, visiting their parents for a bit and generally unwinding for the new term. Now that they had these lessons to add to their days, it just meant that there might be the illusion that summer will fly by. “As the month approaches, we can work out the details. Time, place and so forth. But for knowledge's sake, is there any place you'll you most comfortable that we can meet?" The environment played a huge part; and since Apparation was an effective mean to travel {for the most part}, it didn't even matter if the lessons were held in another country. "I must add that I’m looking forward to teaching you wandless magic. It’s a skill that I hope you will someday be able to pass on.” Since it was one that wasn’t that popular.

Daniel thought the Professor had played well when they wrote that he could only be allowed access to books about wandless magic. If they hadn't, he would have taken advantage of the opportunity to sign out a large number of unrelated books. "Does this permission slip only apply to me, or can I bring someone else into the Restricted Section?" he wondered, as he thought of Lisa.

Tsk. The Professor sounded eerily similar to his grandfather. He, too, stated that biting one's nails was unsanitary. Daniel lowered his hand and tried not to roll his eyes.

For a brief moment, the soon-to-be graduate leaned back in his seat and thought. As he did so, a frown appeared on his face before he sat upright again. "My parents host parties in our ballroom, but they have nothing planned for the summer. I could ask if we could use the room. It's large enough to cast spells inside" he said as the thought of failing a duel he had with his brother. Losing to the Professor had been difficult, but losing to his brother, who had neglected his education, had been disastrous. "My brother has already set up protective charms around the Manor so it should be safe" He had done so after the war in fear of any Neo Alliance members targeting his family and had never lifted them. "If that is not a good option i'll need to talk to him about this, he works at the Ministry and perhaps he can pull some strings and find a place"

The Hufflepuff casually shrugged his shoulders. He considered joking that having him as a mentee would be an honor, but he decided against it. "Perhaps one day I'll teach it at Hogwarts" he stated. "Imagine, me a Professor" he snorted loudly, to the point that he coughed. Ugh He was tired.

SPOILER!!: Daniel! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuckyLinJi

Daniel thought the Professor had played well when they wrote that he could only be allowed access to books about wandless magic. If they hadn't, he would have taken advantage of the opportunity to sign out a large number of unrelated books. "Does this permission slip only apply to me, or can I bring someone else into the Restricted Section?" he wondered, as he thought of Lisa.

Tsk. The Professor sounded eerily similar to his grandfather. He, too, stated that biting one's nails was unsanitary. Daniel lowered his hand and tried not to roll his eyes.

For a brief moment, the soon-to-be graduate leaned back in his seat and thought. As he did so, a frown appeared on his face before he sat upright again. "My parents host parties in our ballroom, but they have nothing planned for the summer. I could ask if we could use the room. It's large enough to cast spells inside" he said as the thought of failing a duel he had with his brother. Losing to the Professor had been difficult, but losing to his brother, who had neglected his education, had been disastrous. "My brother has already set up protective charms around the Manor so it should be safe" He had done so after the war in fear of any Neo Alliance members targeting his family and had never lifted them. "If that is not a good option i'll need to talk to him about this, he works at the Ministry and perhaps he can pull some strings and find a place"

The Hufflepuff casually shrugged his shoulders. He considered joking that having him as a mentee would be an honor, but he decided against it. "Perhaps one day I'll teach it at Hogwarts" he stated. "Imagine, me a Professor" he snorted loudly, to the point that he coughed. Ugh He was tired.

Experience was a great teacher in anything one did, and of course, some bit of initiative - this was why the permission slip was rather specific. “Is this person also interested in Wandless Magic? And which friend of yours is that, may I ask?” The slip could easily be amended if necessary.

Now, Dhruv had heard of Daniel’s family being extremely well off but still. Hearing that there was a grand ballroom… well, it did raise their curiosity about Daniel’s family. But they were not about to pry; there would be plenty of time to learn more about their student. “Not to worry, a ballroom will be spacious enough for all the practice and for any accidents that may happen.” Their tone was light when it came to the accident bit; with Wanless magic, things were bound to be chaotic for a first timer. Speaking from experience, Dhruv had had objects flying about when that had not been their intention on his very first attempt. “Your brother doesn’t play when he comes to keeping his family safe, does he?” Having residual fear about attacks on one’s home from what the Wizarding World had gone through some years ago was understanding.

Dhruv laughed at the joke but mainly it was because Daniel’s laughter was contagious. “It can happen though I need to warn you that you’d need to socialise a bit more. There’s not so much you’d be able to do with your nose in a book while there is a constant stream of students who need your attention.” Then Daniel was coughing from all the mirth. “Do you need a glass of water?”