Professor Erikson's Office

[Zellanna]

The Herbology office had been strangely redecorated. Stepping in there are sounds of Mozart and Beethoven, for those who would recognize it. Most often playing is Moonlight Sonata. The walls are lined with black velvet, draped in blue and silver cloth. The atmosphere is dark and humid with exotic plants all around, small suns hanging over each one in different intensities. Some are rare, and some don't look familiar at all. At the back of the office is an oak desk with dark varnish and a black marble top. The chairs are dark oak with plush blue velvet and silver trim.

Behind the desk sits Professor Erikson, smiling softly and inviting you in. He's fairly pale for someone who works outdoor often (though fairly normal for the average person), with contrasting long black hair. Some of it falls into his face, but the rest is pulled back in a low ponytail. His soft blue eyes are accepting of the questions you have. As you have a seat he lowers the music volume.

"Yes, childe?"

[confusion.girl]

Cora skipped towards Professor Erikson's classroom, clutching a package. She rapped softly on the door and peered around it.

"Hullo Professor Erikson!" She said, grinning. "I made you something." She placed the package on his desk, her eyes twinkling mysteriosly. She knew what Professor Erikson liked.

It was a cheesecake, studded with glistening raspberries.

[Zellanna]

Erikson blinked, then chuckled, remembering the cheesecake fiasco the previous term. "Thank you, Cora. It looks wonderful."

[confusion.girl]

Cora grinned. "Well, I'm going to feel bad for the cheesecake incident until I leave, so every term, I'm going to have to make you one!" She laughed, her eyes twinkling cheekily.

"Anyway. I won't keep you any longer! But I'm looking forward to the lessons!" She beamed and then skipped out.

[hermygirl]

Hermy walked past the Herbology office, and a sound piece of classical music caught her attention. It was a piece she had been trying to learn and tackle on the piano all summer, but the middle section had proved to difficult a task for her to complete before coming back to Howarts. She stood, drifting away with the beautiful tones of the Moonlight Sonata. Her fingers twitching in the patterns she had tried so hard to play.

Coming back to her senses, Hermy knocked on the Professor's door, intrigued.

[Zellanna]

Erikson glanced up from his desk, and the cheesecake thereupon, and raised a brow at the door. "Please enter," he called, his voice magically being announced to the other side of the door. Which, he noticed with passing interest, he never got around to replacing with titanium.

[hermygirl]

Hermy opened the door nervously. It was the first time she'd been into a Professor's office, despite it being her fourth year and Hogwarts, and her heart pounded through nerves at what might be inside. The growing sound of the gentle music calmed her, and she stepped inside.

Professor Erikson was at his desk, complete with a cheesecake, but Hermy glanced round the room, looking for a source of the music, but equally ntoing the strange and exotic plants. "The Moonlight Sonata," she said simply, before pausing to listen again. "So beautiful. Well, unless I'm playing it...I tried learning it over the summer, but only managed the first two pages." She looked down at her feet. Hermy had always done well and achieved what she aimed for. To not finish learning that piece hung heavily over her. Maybe Hogwarts had a piano somewhere.

Looking up again, Hermy realised she had no other particular reason to be there, she'd just been drawn there due to the music. Smiling, she thought about Herbology. "Are we liking to be doing any more genetics work this term?" she asked. "I really enjoyed that, I have a feeling my brain is more adept at science and logical subjects."

[Nabs]

An owl swooped in and dropped a piece of parchment on the Professor's desk. Written on it in a loopy handwriting are the following words:

You are invited to a special
Tarot Reading Party
to be held at the North Tower
on Friday Evening.

- Natasha Blaylock

P.S. Come with an open mind!


Another piece of parchment was attached to the invitation, and it read:

Dearling,

I know you may wish to stay away from Tarot readings after last term...but you'll need to watch Damian while I conduct the readings. Or, since you showed such talent for it, you could conduct the readings instead.

With love,
Tash.

[Zellanna]

Erikson smiled, nodding. "The Moonlight Sonata is a difficult piece. I've seen teachers and masters struggle with pieces of it when first starting. It's beautiful, but depressing." He turned down the music a little more and gestured for her to sit down.

"As for the genetics work, I'm afraid there isn't much more we can cover here. There are multiple permits that are required from the Ministry just to clear what should be considered confidential and what can be taught in the school. I would suggest aiming for Unspeakable in the Ministry."

He watched the invitation being dropped on his desk and raised a brow, opening it and reading both pieces of parchment. With a nod he returned them to the envelope and slid it into his desk.

[Nienna]

Slowly making his way from the school to the grounds, Leo made his way towards the Greenhouses, where he knew the Herbology Professor would be. Thinking and re-thinking about what he'll say, he took a deep breath, hoping everything would go well.

Making it to the Man's office, his hand zoomed in his hair. Is this the right moment? Well he should tell him sooner or later, and sooner would be better. Taking one deep breath, he knocked the door, waiting for Erikson to open.

[Zellanna]

Erikson excused himself and went to open the door, blinking as he saw Leo there. "Leo, well... come on in. To what pleasure do I owe this visit?"

[Nienna]

Leo nervously smiled at the Professor. "Hey Professor." he said as he ruffled his hair, wondering how in the world he should say what was on his mind. Walking into the room, he heard a soft musical tune. "You know my dad used to love these." he said, almost in a whisper.

Seeing that there was another student in the room, he clasped his hands together and looked at the Professor. "Can I talk to you alone? It's kinda of a private matter"

[Zellanna]

He raised a brow then nodded. He bowed slightly to Hermy. "If you would please excuse me..."

He opened the door to his rather large storeroom, gesturing for Leo to enter. He followed the boy in and shut the door behind him, warding it against sound. "Here we go. What's up, Leo? Something happen?"

[Nienna]

Looking at the Professor, he gave him a weak smile, thankful that he put a ward against the sound. "What's going on..." he repeated after the older man as he ran both his hands through his hair. "I don't know where to start to be honest, Professor." he breathed, leaning a bit on the wall. "I'd think I should tell you about how I started my summer..." Leo sighed, "Get yourself a chair, Professor. This'll take long."

[Zellanna]

He leaned against a wall. "I'm used to being on my feet all day, don't worry." He was starting to get nervous with the way Leo was acting. What could have happened over the summer?

[Nienna]

Taking a deep breath, Leo started telling him about how his summer started awfully. How the first week he of his summer was stressful. He told him about his father's death and how it still devastated him. Taking a deep breath once more, he looked over at the Professor and frowned.

"See...Lu and I went to Italy this summer, together, just to get away from everything that was around me. And I met some family members, obviously. They told me stories and such and well..." he paused as he nervously ran his hand through his hair. "Well they told me about this family."

[Zellanna]

Erikson frowned, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Sounds like it was rough. Also sounds like you heard a lot that you didn't like." He looked over at the boy, squeezing his shoulder lightly. "You doing okay?"

[Nienna]

"Yeah..." he sighed, looking into his Professor's eyes."See Professor, this family was named Carracio" Leo said as he pulled away from the older man's grasp. "And they had this little boy named Drago." he said as he turned around giving him his back. Walking away from Armand, he kept talking. "This man was named Franco Carracio and he worked for some men in my family." he sighed as he stopped dead in his tracks. "Well, Franco did something very awful that had resulted in his and his wife's death. Their son, Drago, survived and was given to an orphanage."

Pausing for a bit, he turned back to the Professor, his eyes going serious. "Professor...You're Drago."

[Zellanna]

He blinked, a cold feeling entering him as he felt his heart skip suddenly. "Drago..." He shook his head slightly in disbelief. "That's... Leo... How can you know for sure?" He had to hold onto something, and chose a shelf, clinging to it with one hand.

[Nienna]

Sighing, he knew this would shock him for a bit. Putting his hand in his left pocket, he pulled out a golden locket and walked towards the Professor. "This belonged to your mother, Professor." he told him softly as he opened the locket to show him the picture inside.

The picture had the three of them (Erikson, his dad and his mom) in it. The little boy was on his mother's lap and her husband stood above her. Franco looked exactly like Armand did now. The height, the hair, everything. Glancing between the locket and the Professor, He sighed. "I'm sorry, Professor. I just had to tell you about this, it's a bit troubling for me to know something and not tell it to someone who actually cares." Leo said as he rested the locket onto the Professor's palm.

[Zellanna]

He looked down at the locket, holding it tenderly before closing his fist around it. "So then... they were killed, huh?"

He sighed, turning to lean against the shelving, closing the locket without looking at them. "Drago... Carracio..."

[Nienna]

Looking at the Professor he gave him a weak smile. "Guess so..." Leo sighed. "I'm sorry, Professor." he said sighing. "it was troubling me since they showed me the locket."

"You okay Professor?"

[Zellanna]

He nodded, smiling to Leo. "I guess I have a new story to tell. And I can already think of the people I want to tell it to. Don't worry, I'll leave you out of it." He pocketed the locket and took down the wards. "Thank you, Leo. It's good to know."

[Nienna]

"No problem, Professor." Leo smiled at him weakly. "Well, I guess I should go Professor. If you want more information, I mean there's more to this, but I still don't think you're ready to hear it. When you're okay and settled with this new news...I'll tell you more." He told him as he walked out of the room and walked out of the office, leaving Hermy and the Professor alone.

[Zellanna]

He nodded and walked out to his office, smiling apologetically to Hermy. "Sorry about that. Family issues."

[hermygirl]

Hermy sat and waited for the Professor, looking down at her lap, enjoying the music and glancing round the room.

As Professor Erikson re-entered, Hermy nodded at his words. "I know the feeling!" she replied, her mind wondering about what Leo may have said. Are they related or something? Quickly dismissing the thoughts running through her head, since it was really none of her business, Hermy returned to where the conversation had last left off.

"The Unspeakables?" she frowned. She had not come across them before. Hermy barely knew anything of the Ministry. She had been raised by Muggles and had never come into any contact with them. "What is their role then? Is it a good career?"

[Zellanna]

He sat at his desk, his hands clasped in front of him. "I think so. My best friend, Slade, is actually an Unspeakable. They work in the Department of Mysteries. They're the ones that research... well, everything. How things happen, and why they do the way they do." He leaned back, his hands falling to being carefully folded in his lap. "I do some side work for them myself, whenever my particular specialties come up."

[hermygirl]

"The Department of Mysteries?" Hermy's lack of knowledge astounded her. Why had she not learnt all this stuff? She made a mental note to go by the library and do some proper resesarch. It was about time she started thinking about her future career.

"Wow...research...everything?" Now that sounded like a good job. A scientific job. One where she could be helpful to the wizarding world, do something she enjoyed, and not have to be in the limelight for it. She smiled excitedly. "I guess you do research related to plants, but what about other topics or areas? Is it individual work? Where are the unspeakables based?" This was the first time jobs had interested Hermy, and due to her willingness to take on information, she totally forgot she was talking to a professor as she started bombarding him with questions.

[Zellanna]

He laughed, holding up his hands defensively. "There's only so much I can say. I help with herbology and potions, myself. I can't tell you everything because a lot of it is confidential."

He leaned forward, a certain passion entering his eyes, talking about it. "It's deep in the Ministry of Magic, a dark, quiet place where sometimes it seems like you're the only one there. Hoards of knowledge at your fingertips that no one, nothing else is allowed to look at, except you, and your compatriots. A wealth of knowledge only known by the few who make it into the Department of Mysteries."

[hermygirl]

Hermy's eyes widened. All that opportunity to find out new things, working alone to discovered the unknown. That sounded like it was right up her street. She saw the passion that entered the professor's eyes, and now felt a passion to work there flicker within herself.

"So what qualifications are needed?" Hermy hoped she had the brains to get herself into that career. SHe wanted to know everything that would help her get there. "And can I do any work experience, or research work before leaving Hogwarts?"

[Zellanna]

He chuckled, smiling with that sort of pride that had always been reserved for Slade. "My friend got in right out of Hogwarts, with a little of my help. You need to have the ambition for it, though. Don't give up, and don't give in. Start your own experiments now. And of course, choose a specialty. Knowing a lot about many things will help, but having a specialty gives you an edge, because you'll know more than most others about that one thing, and people will seek you for that knowledge."

[hermygirl]

Thoughts were whizzing around Hermy's head. If she wanted to go straight to the Department of Mysteries like the professor's friend, she had three years to do as well as she could and start experimenting. She knew she had the focus and determination to get there if she wanted, as long as her brain power was there.

"When you say specialty, does that mean a Hogwarts subject, or one topic in particular?" She paused a moment. "And where would be the best place to start experimenting - I'm not sure the dorms or Common Room would be too ideal!"

[Zellanna]

He shrugged. "Any of the above, really. Slade and I were always messing around in the dorms. He developed his own specialty that the Ministry was interested in. My primary specialty is in herbology, however that also gives me a strong specialty in potions." He stood, his fingertips flitting along the leaves of one of the plants gracefully as he neared it. "In the beginning, my experiments were no more than what I'm teaching in class now. Pollination, grafting... Just because it's what I had a passion for."

He looked at her, considering her seriously. "Of course, telling you all that we did could damage my career here, so I'm afraid I may not be much help. But I will say... let no one get in the way of what you want to do, if you want to work at the Department of Mysteries."

[hermygirl]

A specialty...but what? Hermy was both lucky and unfortunate in the fact she was pretty much an all rounder. Though maybe she could use that to her advantage, tying together several areas for research.

"I understand you can't tell me everything." Hermy nodded, wondering where she could get more bits of information. "But I wont let anyone get in the way of my thinking and goals." She started to stand up and leave the Professor be, when a thought flittered through Hermy's mind.

"Do you have a venomous tentacula seedling I could perhaps tend to? And maybe a sneeze wort?" She blushed, her face becoming warm and damp, hoping that Professor Erikson would not think her rude for asking for some of his carefully tended plants. "I mean, if you dont mind that is, erm...I can just aid looking after them in the greenhouses if that is alright."

[Zellanna]

"If you wish for your own space in the greenhouses, I suppose you could be accommodated." He smirked. "Let me know what you need, and I'll set something up for you."

[hermygirl]

"Are you sure? My own space?" Hermy asked, amazed and wanting run round the desk and hug him. Yet she refrained, and remembering her manners added, "I mean, erm, thank you very much Professor!" She grinned, but knew that she should try work her hardest with her idea to prove to Professor Erikson that he was right in letting her have her own area. Wow. She could nto wait to get started. A fire had ignited inside her and Hermy was thrilled.

"Do you mind if I come back to you on what I may want? It's just I dont want to rush in - I'd rather plan it all out first, and keep written notes of what I'm hoping to achieve and observations."

[Zellanna]

He nodded with a knowing smirk. "That's just fine, Hermy. I've always believed planning is a good thing. And remember, let me know if you need any help."

[hermygirl]

Hermy arose from her chair. "I guess I better get to the library then, and get cracking on the homework. I can't let myself slip behind if I want to research too." Walking towards the door, Hermy started turning the handle before turning round, smiling. "Thanks once again, I'll be back with plans soon!" She slipped round the door and hurried towards the Library.

[Magical_Mione]

Jasmine stood outside Professor Erikson's office door as she waited for hiim. She didn't feel right going in if he wasn't there. Leaning against the wall, her head filled with so many ideas about what he had to tell her that she soon got a blinding headache. Rubbing the middle of her forehead with her finger tips, she hoped she could handle whatever he had to tell her.

[Zellanna]

Erikson walked up to the door, raising a brow at Jasmine as he opened the door, holding it open for her to walk in.

[Magical_Mione]

Jasmine straightened up as Professor Erikson approached his office. Giving him a slightly shaky smile she went through the door he kindly held open for her. Entering his office, her smile widened. She had always liked his office. Taking a seat in front of his desk, she nerviously folded her hands in her lap and waited for the professor to begin.

[Zellanna]

He locked the door behind him and sat at his desk, wondering faintly where to start. "Let's start with a little news... I've actually gotten information about both of us recently. Not from the same source, of course. Remember that last term I said our parentage does not change who we are."

He pulled the locket that Leo had given him from his pocket and opened it, laying it on the desk. "I do not know my mother's name, though I'm sure I could find it if I wished. My father was Franco Carracio, who worked for the mafia. Apparently his actions led to the death of himself and my mother. My birth name is Drago Carracio."

He smirked to Jasmine. "Armand is a much better name, wouldn't you say?" He opened a drawer of his desk, silently casting a spell to unlock it, and pulled a folder out. "Which brings me... to this..."

He laid the folder on the table, a large hand on it, holding it down. "Is this really what you want, Jasmine?"

[Magical_Mione]

Jasmine's guarded hazel eyes followed Professor Erikson as he sat behind his desk and she felt herself unconsciously stiffen as he began to speak quietly.
Listening raptly to his every word, she gave a slight look of surprise as he mentioned he had found out something about himself as well. She nodded as he refered to a statement she remembered he had made last term. She hoped if the news he had to tell her was...not so good, that, that statement would hold true.

She leaned forward interestedly as he pulled a locket out of his pocket and laid it on his desk. She let out a small gasp as he said that his father was in the mafia but, her eyes held sorrow for his loss as well.

Jasmine couldn't help but smile as she tried to imagine Professor Erikson as a "Drago", and nodded her head vigorously that "Armand" was much better suited. Her smile faltered however, and quickly vanished altogether as soon as she saw him pull a folder from a locked drawer in his desk.

Jasmine felt her heart start beating so hard she thought for sure all of Hogwart's could hear it. With her eyes never leaving the folder under his hand, Jasmine nodded slowly and said very softly but quite clearly, "I-I have to know. I need to know the truth."

ooc: Oh how exciting! The drama! The suspense! The mystery! *dies from waiting* :faint:

[Zellanna]

He nodded and opened the folder, first showing her the picture of her parents. "I couldn't find any of them with you, but you do look so much like a perfect blend between the two. When I saw it, I was rather sure my informant was correct." He turned the folder, leaving it for her to read, but decided to give the highlights.

"Seraphina and Galen Toberani. 'Official' Ministry records state that they died in an accident, and any children were lost. However, when the file went further, a few people who were suspicious reanalyzed the file. They picked out that the acts were far too suspicious, and that something should be done to investigate further, but it was quickly quieted. Family records are in there too, of course."

[Magical_Mione]

Jasmine scooted forward to get a better look at the picture before her. Biting her lip, she tilted her head slightly and for the first time gazed upon the image of her real parents.

She let her curious gaze travel over the face of the woman she now knew to be her mother. Jasmine couldn't help but notice a resemblence to herself and for some reason that unsettled her.
Turning her gaze to the man in the picture, she saw there too a certain resemblence.

Tentatively she reached out a trembling hand and ran her fingers slowly over their smiling faces. They looked so happy. Jasmine felt warm tears slide down her cheeks over the unfairness and sadness of the whole situation.
Pressing her lips together in a determined line, Jasmined refused to become a sobbing mess. Sniffling once she slowly wiped the tears from one of her cheeks and read a little of the file her fingers still resting lightly on her parents picture as if she were afraid to let them go now that they were found. As she read part of the file, Jasmine noticed that certain parts had been blocked out. Furrowing her brow, she looked up at the professor finally and spoke for the first time since he opened the file. Her voice thick and a bit raspy with emotion, she asked him quietly, "Why are there sections blocked out?"

Then suddenly she remembered something he had said earlier. Checking the file to be sure, she said quickly,"Professor. It says here "any children were lost" Does that mean I have siblings? I mean, wouldn't it have said, "their daughter was lost"? You have read the file? Did you find out anything else interesting? Anything that might help me find who ordered them killed? Any names ring a bell in my family records? Because, that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to find out who ordered my family killed. I swear it on my life I will."

Jasmine, for one so young, looked suddenly very much older. Her eyes as she looked at the professor for his response, were quite fierce and her face held a look of pure determination.

[Zellanna]

"Whoever quieted the investigation will have to have had some real power in the Ministry. There was also some real cunning involved. A problem some said was that it was 'too accidental to be an accident.' Investigating further was only stopped quickly. As for siblings, there may be a reason you and your siblings aren't recorded. It's very possible that the target, or targets, were you or your siblings. I can see what else I can come up with, but it won't be easy."

He quietly thought that he knew someone who could do it, and certainly had the cunning for it, so long as he had the motive... and some part of that troubled him greatly.

"I'll get in contact with my sources. I have a few that might... know people."

[Magical_Mione]

Jasmine stared down at the photo of her parents as the professor spoke. At the mention of her maybe being a possible target, she remembered what had happened to her last term and knew that was most likely to be the case. Clearing her throat as he finished speaking,she glanced at him briefly and gently picked up the photo. Laying it over her heart, she placed her hands over it and said in a small voice, "Professor there is something else that has happened that I didn't tell you."

Taking a deep breath, she then told him about her summer. "When I arrived in King's Cross at the end of last term, I was surprised that my...mother was not there to pick me up. Thinking nothing of it at first really, I sat on my trunk and waited. Hours later she still hadn't shown so I knew something was wrong. I grabbed my things and made my way home on foot. Thankfully, I was able to take the Night Bus part of the way, as it is quite a distance. Anyways, as I approached my house I noticed there were no lights on. Not even the porch light. I felt something was amiss so I left my things on the corner and peeked in the window..." Jasmine paused a moment to clear her throat once more and said softly," Th-there was nothing there. Nothing. No furniture, no pictures, not anything. I went to the back door and it was unlocked so I entered quietly. Walking through the house, I couldn't find anything that said I or anyone else had ever lived there. I went to my room and everything was gone. My clothes, my books, my pictures, everything. It was as if...It was as if I never existed."

She stood up suddenly and began pacing, still holding the picture to her chest. "I didn't know what to do. I thought maybe I would stay there for the night until I thought things through. So I went to retrieve my things. As I was returning I saw about four or five men enter the house, all dressed in dark robes. I crouched down behind some bushes and watched them search through it from top to bottom. I couldn't make out all they were saying but, I heard one of them say that "She was here." and they all started splitting up and going in different directions. I knew I needed to get out of there so I used an old "escape" route my bro-brothers and I had made when we were little. It cut through some heavy underbrush between the houses and ended in the woods. We used it when we got in trouble for something or other."

A slightly far away expression came over Jasmine's face as she took a moment to stop and recall the memory. Shaking her head, she resumed her pacing and continued, "Anyways, I was able to get away, but they always seemed to show up wherever I tried to hide. I was able to stay slightly ahead of them, but that meant I was constantly moving. I rarely slept, rarely ate, rarely had time for anything really. I was so happy when it was time to come back to Hogwart's. I knew as long as I didn't do anything stupid like last term, that I would be safe here. At least I hoped so. I barely made it to the train they were so close behind me. I tried contacting my brothers but, I haven't had any response."

Stopping again, she looked at the photo before placing it carefully on the desk. Wrapping her arms around herself, she glanced up at the professor and said, "So here I am. No home, no family, some people trying to kill me, and now a bunch of Herbology homework." Jasmine gave him a slightly lopsided smile at her attempt to lighten the mood a bit. Then she made her way around his desk and with just a hint of hesitation, she wrapped her arms around his neck in a grateful hug. "Professor Erikson, I want to thank you for everything you have done. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have you in my life."

Pulling back a bit, she gave him a worried look and said, "I want to find out what happened and I want to bring to justice the people responsible. But, professor, I don't want you to be in danger for helping me. You have your own family now and if something happened to you because of something you were doing for me that took you away from them then... Well I just couldn't bear it. I couldn't! So will you promise me that if it is too dangerous for you to continue to help me that you will stop? I hear there are certain...people one can contact in Hogsmeade that deal in information. I can be very resourceful you know. So will you promise me? Please?" Jasmine's troubled hazel eyes met his as she waited for his answer.

[Zellanna]

Armand gave her a wry smile, knowing he couldn't say too much but wanting to anyway. "Don't worry, Jasmine. I know danger, and how to avoid it. Even so, I'm not abandoning you just because someone finds out I'm helping you. I've got some powerful people backing me as well, or I would never have managed the information that I did." He stood and put his hands on her shoulders. "We'll work something out, Jasmine. Hang in there. And don't forget," he smiled softly, "you have a family here. Right here, always."

[Magical_Mione]

Jasmine looked up at Professor Erikson with watery eyes and said,"Thank you professor, I promise I will pay you back for helping me someday. I promise."

Leaning into him, she wrapped her arms around his waiste in another hug. "And thank you for saying that. I-I wish you really were.... well, anyways, your son is very lucky."

Pulling back,Jasmine smiled up to him and made her way back to the front of the desk. Picking up the photo she asked softly, "May I keep this with me? Or do you think I should keep it hidden for now?"

[Zellanna]

He smiled softly. "It's not a problem. Hopefully we can get this resolved relatively quickly. As for the photo, I would personally suggest allowing me to keep it safe for you. It's really a question of whom you trust to see it right now."

[Magical_Mione]

Looking at the photo one last time so as to memorize their faces, Jasmine placed it back in the folder and handed the file back to Professor Erikson. "K" she said very softly. She had hoped she could have kept it with her, but, she knew they must use caution at this time. Plus, there was no doubt in her mind that she could trust Professor Erikson.

"Professor, you think there is someone here in Hogwart's that poses a threat?" She asked worriedly. "and do you think it would be ok to tell Professor Maline? She always asks how my search is coming and I would feel horrible keeping this from her. And I trust her."

[Zellanna]

"As do I," he said, nodding. "Just use caution and make sure there's no one listening, as best you can. I don't know if someone here could be a threat, but I know there are plenty who would sell your secrets for the same price you're willing to buy them. Just keep it in mind until we manage to straighten things out."

[Magical_Mione]

Jasmine nodded in understanding and began to gather her things. "Don't worry about me professor, I'll be careful. Do you think it will be ok for me to do a little research on my family name? Or would that be too obvious? It's just I'm very curious and well... I was wondering what my real name was. "Jasmine" doesn't sound very Italian. I bet it was something really pretty. My mother's name was pretty. Don't you think so?"

[Zellanna]

He smiled, glad to see she seemed to be taking things fairly well. "I'm sure that so long as you aren't drawing attention to yourself, you'll be fine." A look of realization crossed his face and he opened the drawer again. "I nearly forgot. There's a girl, only a few years older than you, that goes to Beaxbaxtons. Karen Toberani. I came across the name some years back. I don't know if she's related to you, however. I just remember seeing her name on an application for adoption. If I remember correctly, she was about your age back then."

[Antwone Thomas]

Antwone walked into the office, looking around at all the plants and fungi he did not know. He had been having trouble with his Herbology homework and remembered how he had gotten angry with the professor.

"Good evening professor," Antwone began. "I'm sorry about class the other day. I was already frustrated and I thought you were speaking ill against muggles. And see, me mum and sis are muggles and I took offense. But I hadn't realized you were trying to downplay that Slytherin."

[Magical_Mione]

Jasmine's eyes widened at this information and she said excitedly," Do you think she might be? But, wait, she was up for adoption?"

[Zellanna]

ooc: Door's locked while he's talking with Jasmine, Antwone. Don't worry, we'll be done soon.

Armand nodded. "I don't know the details, but the information's public. I can order it for you easily."

[Magical_Mione]

Jasmine nodded again,as an idea began forming in her head. Now that she knew her family name, there were a couple of sources she could check out. The weekend was coming, and that meant Hogsmeade. She remembered a couple of people her...father used as an Auror. They were a bit shady but,he had said they gave reliable information for the right price. Looking at the professor, she didn't want him to have to do all the work. She would have to be careful of course.

Realizing she had just been standing there not saying anything, Jasmine cleared her throat again and smiled at the professor. He need not know of her plan. He had enough to worry about. He and Professor Maline were all the family she had right now.

"Thank you Professor Erikson. For everything." Jasmine walked up to him once more and stood on tip toe to kiss his cheek and give him a quick hug. "I'll see you soon and please be careful." And with that she unlocked the door and made her way out of his office. As she did she bumped into a student on his way in.

"Oh excuse me!" Looking at the young boy she soon recognized him. "Antwone! It's good to see you!" She gave the nice Ravenclaw boy a quick hug and said,"Sorry I made you wait to see the professor. He is all yours now." Giving him a parting smile and a wave she made her way back to the castle.

[Zellanna]

Armand quickly stashed away the files and locked the drawer before greeting the next student. He gestured to the seats in front of his desk, changing to a slightly warmer demeanor. "Please, come in, have a seat."

[Antwone Thomas]

Antwone blushed as Jasmine hugged him and smiled to him warmly. He watched her walk all to way out of the greenhouses until her bouncing-curly hair turned the edge of a bush towards the castle. It too Antwone a moment to regain himself and realized where he was. He blushed again as he noticed Professor Erikson looking at him. He didn't want to mention what that was about with Jasmine so he got right into his business.

"Good evening professor," Antwone began. "I'm sorry about class the other day. I was already frustrated and I thought you were speaking ill against muggles. And see, me mum and sis are muggles and I took offense. But I hadn't realized you were trying to downplay that Slytherin."

[Zellanna]

Erikson chuckled lightly. "I harbor no lingering resentment for muggles, Mr Thomas. I just know my house very well. My best friend is actually muggleborn as well." He leaned forward against his desk. "Remember, childe, that circumstance is more important than any word. Understand?"

[Antwone Thomas]

"I suppose," Antwone said thinking what he said over. Circumstance is more important than any word. To Antwone, it sounded something a Slytherin would say, something like for the greater good. Antwone shook it off though; he did not have to agree with all the people he met in the world. He spoke again. "About the homework too. One thing we have to do was make a hybrid that represents our house right? I wasn't completely sure about that one."

[Algamus]

Popping in, Algamus gives Professor Eri-tall man's a nodsies.

"Sirnesses, Professor Raisins tells me to givers you this." He said politely, passing on the parchment that had warned the Professors all about Raisin's and Boil's daughters.

and with a snap, he went on to the next Professorerses.

[Zellanna]

He nodded to Antwone, taking the parchment the house elf had given him. "You don't need to actually create the plant, just come up with an idea. And I mean, tell me why, of course." He opened the parchment, rather curious, then folded it away, his actions becoming strangely deliberate. He glanced back to his rooms a moment, then out the door, considering what he should do next. "I'm sorry, Mr Thomas. I must cut this short. Something rather demands my attention."

[Antwone Thomas]

"Yes sir, good night," Antwone said as he was beckoned out. What had that note said? What was that house elf doing their? Antwone couldn't stop to ask questions so he headed out of the greenhouses and went up to his castle. He had to tell the gang.

[Zellanna]

Armand locked up and headed out. He needed to talk to someone right away.

[Torchwood]

'Excuse me, Professor,' Qaz said as she entered the office. She looked around and saw the room was empty, so she left.