Alessia ignored her surrogate father... not on purpose... she was just so... enamoured by her Maxie... was he ignoring her? That wasn't right... not right at all. "Maxiepoo? Tell Papa Valon of the punishment you'd like to have brought to the Headmaster's attention..." She sat up and turned to the large picture and mouthed a kiss to it.

Kazimeriz's jaw literally dropped slightly to see his goddaughter acting so foolish. He turned his attention from her to Max... he would deal with her in a moment. "Punishment? Do tell, Vindictus."

"Professor Kazimeriz, you taught me everything I know when it comes to DADA and detention punishments," Vindictus said respectfully and nibbled on a tea biscuit. "Each detention we shared was unique and I'm sure it amounted to over a thousand hours. Do you have any new punishments you'd like to share?" He glanced over at Alessia and smiled. "This man is brilliant. His ideas are pure gold."

"Oh I know," She said looking at her surrogate father. "He isn't my mentor for nothing..."

Kazimeriz smirked. Was this really what he was called here for? So this jock could try to dissect his brain, learn his ways? "Well, my detentions and disciplinary choices are all tailored to fit the specific error I wish to correct. However, I will tell you this: if you ever usurp my authority in front of my students again, Professor Vindictus, especially in a crisis situation, I guarantee you that I will not show the professionalism and restraint that I showed in the library the other night... you will regret your actions if you cross me again. May I also say that I find your portraits' behavior toward my goddaughter crass and inappropriate and I expect that you -- and any pictoral representation of you -- begin to treat her with the courtesy and manners she deserves, as your colleague. If I do not see a change in this behavior immediately I will showcase some of my latest disciplinary ideas. I think I shall start by penning a letter to your wife.' He glared openly at Vindictus. The very idea-- his portrait flirting with Less openly, and being belligerent to him in front of students! Vindictus apparently still needed detention as a grown man. And apparently, so did his Alessia. He shot her a disapproving glare.

Oh My... Alessia didn't realize how upset Papa Valon was going to get... She stood and went to him, "Sorry Papa Valon... I do not what has come over me..." She turned her back to the portrait so she was facing her godfather and leaned down kissing his cheek. "I will go to my room now and meditate on what I have done..." As she skipped towards the door she turned around and waved at both Max and the portrait, "Buh Bye, thanks for the tea!" and she bounced outside.

Even if he wasn't married, it would have never worked out... I mean... he wasn't as ancient as Papa Valon... but just now she realized, Maxiepoo was real old!

"You're joking, right? Good one!" Vindictus laughed and his portait laughed with him. "That portait was painted ten years ago when I was a carefree bachelor without a loving wife and two sons." The portait suddenly started waving at the Alessia who had left the room and Max waved at her, too. "I can't believe you made Alessia run off. Perhaps we should have tea another time when you're in a more agreeable mood and not getting irate over my hexing of Brennan Cooper in the library. I was only following your classroom directives for the DADA homework and you didn't have to give me detention for a well-placed hex!"

Wh--Whaa? Professor Kazimeriz furrowed his eyebrows, utterly bewildered. He considered calling after Alessia, then abandoned the idea... he would speak to her later. For now, he had Maximus to deal with. "Quit your whining. I have no issue with you and your hexing of Cooper. That was years ago. My issue with you stems from the events of the here and now, disobeying my orders and undercutting my authority in front of my students. As a head of house and fellow professor I expect you to behave in a more professional manner, especially in a crisis situation. Your behavior, Vindictus, is most erratic... why would you think I am punishing you for a transgression resolved years ago, anyway?"

"Because you're jealous," Vindictus retorted arrogantly. "You know that I'm going to be a famous Quidditch player after I graduate and the thought just irriates you!" His portait began posing and swinging a Beater's Bat. "You're gonna be stuck in this stinking school while I travel the world basking in fame and glory!" His eyes glazed over at the thought and then he suddenly shuddered.

"Are the tea biscuits not to your liking?" he suddenly asked and looked directly at Kazimeriz. "Did you happen to speak with Headmaster Bontecou regarding the demise of that unfortunate Hufflepuff student? He was reserved when I broke the news to him but poor Professor Shackleton is taking the news hard. Tonight, I plan on patrolling the corridors after curfew because whoever the perpetrator is might come out of hiding after hours."

Kazimeriz narrowed his eyes at Vindictus suspiciously. "Maximus, I feel there is something very wrong with you. Your behavior is erratic... strange... I apologize. I must be going. " Kazimeriz stood and turned toward the door, then suddenly turned back, swiftly drawing his wand and casting with a jet of light silently at Vindictus.

Max's eyes went wide as the bolt of red light hit him directly in the chest and he keeled over. His body hit the tea table, causing everything on the table to become airborne. THUD! Vindictus hit the floor and the tea service came crashing down around him.

Kazimeriz lips peeled back in an evil leer. He rose his wand again and cast again. "Mobilicorpus!" he said softly, levitating Vindictus' body and taking it with him out the office door.

Cale with Noland the gnometruckle still on its borrown harness and leash walked up to Professor Vindictus' office ad knocked. "Professor?" he called out. I haven't been here in a while....wonder what he's been up to besides acting wonky. Tobi had mentioned that Professor Vindictus had gone the route of Captain Nutters.