Kazimeriz walked slowly into the office, a bit winded from the loooong walk and a bit taken aback once again by Reynard's living habits. They had passed through the younger man's quarters to get to the office, and his lack of organizational skills were, quite frankly, appalling.

Perhaps the younger man had never been taught to properly perform cleansing or organizational charms. Perhaps he was simply a slob. It was a pity. An effective leader paid attention to detail and knew how to keep things well managed and orderly, and Reynard's room was the antithesis of both. A man's habits proclaimed his values, after all, and the walk through Reynard's rooms had been quite the education on the man's psyche. In fact, Kazimeriz now felt he knew far more than he ever wanted to about the man's habits and most especially about his personal tastes.

However, Professor Kazimeriz, ever the gentleman, kept his opinions on this matter to himself. There were weightier topics on his mind at the moment... though his mind kept going back to something he had seen in Reynard's quarters. Something that should NOT have been there. He kept his concern well buried, however. "Your muggle artifacts collection is quite fascinating, Reynard." he said, smiling congenially. "I should love to hear of their acquisition, if you are ever up to a little show-and-tell. I had no idea you were such an afficianado." And what other secret interests are you keeping, Reynard? I believe I know one...

He turned his attention to the matter at hand, entering the room and nodding to Jake. "Hello, Mr. Upstead." he said quietly.

"I'd love to show you some of my 'collection' some time," Pepe grinned. It wasn't really so much a collection as a bunch of stuff from his flat that he was still attempting to get working amidst the magic of Hogwarts. But now wasn't the time and he too turned to the boy still sitting in the chair by the desk. Headmaster Bontecou hurried forward to pull out a chair for Kazimeriz and pulled his own chair around to the front of the desk so they were sitting in a semi circle.

Sitting with his head in his hands and watching his feet dangling below the chair, Jake heard a familiar voice, one he could not BELIEVE he had to encounter again at a time like this.

Though... admittedly, maybe he did want Kaz there. He trusted the man, whether he liked to admit it or not.

Looking up when the voice addressed him, Jake stared bleary-eyed at the man, his hair a little scruffy from where he'd sat with his head in his hands. "Sir," he said weakly, looking round to Bontecou as he did so.

Why did this not look good?

"You must see the Headmaster's collection of talkie-walkies and his-- tubetype, I believe they are called, the thing that is half-tubeyvision and half typewriter?" he looked to Reynard for confirmation about what the devices were. "Muggle technology really is remarkable. They must invent so much to overcome their extraordinary lack of fundamental skills that we in magical society take for granted." he commented casually, sitting back as though they were gentlemen conversing over coffee at a social club. He glanced to Reynard, waiting for him to bring up the real reason for the visit.

"Uh..." Okay, correcting Kazimeriz was kind of scary even for the headmaster. "An iPhone and a laptop, among other things, yes," he said. "Perhaps once we've settled this current matter I can show you, though I'm afraid I haven't quite figured out a charm to get them to actually work with all the magical interference.

"Now Jake, could you please retell your experience for Professor Kazimeriz?"

Trying not to look too whiny about having to repeat his story, Jake shifted again in his chair to get comfortable, feeling somewhat intimidated by the adults. He ended up repeating his story pretty much the same way, in a more listed fashion.

"Got a detention from Bunbury, 'cause of not knowing 'bout personal space. When we was in the greenhouses, she, like, proper shouted in my face. And, when she did that, I pushed her away... but she didn't even move," Jake added, remembering he hadn't told that part earlier. "I ended up making myself fall back a bit. Anyway, so... like, she took my wand from me and told me to sit on some plant... and I did. I mean, she was angry... and, well, my foster mother says I should do what I'm told especially now I'm older," he pointed out. Of course there was also the part that Bunbury would have probably just pushed him down. "And, like... I didn't know there was any danger... so I sat... And then..."

Jake trailed off again, gulping down a lump that was present in his throat. He took a deep breath and went on, voice shaking a little. "It started to strangle me... It grabbed me, and it held me down, so I panicked. I didn't know what it was... we'd never learnt about it. I screamed for help, and she silenced me with my wand, and the plant started to choke me, like, round my neck-" here, Jake showed Kaz the bruise that went around his neck, like he had done Bontecou "-and she just ignored it. When I started to black out, she let me up... but said I wouldn't be able to prove anything. And then... then I woke up in the hospital wing..."

Jake stopped and looked between the men. That seemed to be it. If he had left out some bits in either story, with both of their knowledge, it was all true. "I think that's it. I forget things these days..."

Kazimeriz nodded slowly. "To make sure I am understanding the situation... You state that you were detained by Professor Bunbury for a lack of understanding about social mores and personal space. In this detention, she illustrated the discomfort one feels when personal space is violated by allowing a rather rude sentient plant-- most likely one of the snare plants, they have no understanding of personal space -- to violate your personal space... choking you to the point of near-unconsciousness, causing you to be bruised and frightened. Is that accurate? Allegations of professional misconduct are quite serious, Mr. Upstead. I hope you recognize this. Are you stating that you wish to file a formal complaint against Professor Bunbury?"

Pepe hadn't actually thought of it like that and he was glad to have brought Kazimeriz in on this meeting. He really didn't want to have an awkward conversation with Bunbury about professionalism, probation, or anything like that. It would put a serious damper on any moves he may or may not be planning to make. Since Kazimeriz seemed to have tis interview under control at the moment, the headmaster just put n an encouraging smile and waited for Jake to answer.

"I totally did pass out. Sir," Jake added hurriedly, eager for the man to see he was being serious. "And it was Devil's Snare... she told me... and she said something like that..."

Blinking a little and feeling very confused with the way Kaz was wording this, Jake nodded slowly. Yes. That was exactly what he was trying to say, though why Kaz had to make it sound so AGAINST JAKE he didn't have a clue. "Yeah..." he said slowly, looking between the men and beginning to panic. "You don't believe me!" he exclaimed, on the verge of hysteria. "It's true... I swear! Take the memory... It's not fair! I didn't do anything bad enough for that," the boy said, his frantic rambling suddenly giving way to the horror he felt. This wasn't going well at all. Tugging his glasses off his face, Jake covered his face with his hands, as though that might stop any tears that were dare thinking of escaping.

"Calm down, Mr. Upstead. There is no need to get so hysterical." Yet. "We do, however, need to know exactly what you did do -- in detail -- to earn that detention. Specifically, when you did not show respect for personal space... what is it you did? Leave nothing out." Kazimeriz spoke calmly, in a low tone, scrutinizing Jake's body language and expression, holding his eye as he spoke.

As Kazi told him to calm down, Jake couldn't help but feel that little bit more hopeless. He wiped at his eyes with the back of his hand and then looked back up, staring straight ahead without really seeing. "I..." he paused, and raised a hand to rub the side of his head with ever-increasing frustration, trying to remember. "I took this leaf from the top of her head," he explained, voice still stammering like it had done throughout the whole of this little 'meeting' thing so far. "And she started complaining 'bout her hair... so, you know when like... well, see my foster mother does this thing where she licks her hand and tries to flatten my hair, so I did the same thing," Jake shrugged, seeing nothing particularly WRONG with that.

"Yeah, and she put on this really weird hat, so I offered her mine, and she went BESERK, and blew it up, and then sent me straight to detention," he added, looking between the two. That reminded him... he needed to write home for a new hat.

Pepe actually snorted. He tried really hard not to let any sound escape but it just... came out. At least he wasn't laughing completely. He took a deep breath and shook his head. "Oh Jake, you're too young yet to understand, but some women are VERY particular about their hair and do not appeciate having spit in it," he seriously explained, though his eyes twinkled in amusement. "I do think Ms. Bunbury may have gone a bit overboard on the punishment, though I'm sure it seemed perfectly justified in her mind."

Kazimeriz listened to the boy and then the headmaster's response. He raised an eyebrow, pressing his lips together, thinking. "The sensitive, dramatic, and even hysterical behavior of a woman is part of their natural mystique. While it does elude the more rational male mind, as gentlemen, we must of course afford ladies an extra measure of understanding, for they simply cannot help their often seemingly erratic behavior. However. That does not mean that the claim does not merit investigation. Your complaint shall be taken seriously, Mr. Upstead. You have our word on that." He met Reynard's eyes and nodded once as if to gain his agreement.

"If you would, please step into the corridor for a few moments and wait on the bench. The headmaster and I need to discuss the situation privately."

Giving the headmaster a somewhat dazed and confused look, Jake thought for a moment, coming to just one conclusion: girls were weird. I mean sure, he wasn't too happy that time it happened to him, but Jake hadn't tried to kill his foster mother. He just wasn't a killing person.

Feeling greatly relieved at Kazi's words however, because he was ready to go off on a tangent about Bunz's sanity after want Bontecou said, Jake nodded once and without another word, got up and left the office, now only slightly worried. "Thank you," he said quietly, before shutting the door behind him and waiting.

Bontecou waited until Upstead was out of the room before leaning in toward Kazimeriz. "So what do you make of all this?" he asked. "I don't think he's lying but I find it hard to believe Bunbury went so far..."

"I do not think he is lying, though it is possible his fear has distorted his perception. I personally can understand it perfectly if she feels it appropriate to dole out harsher penalties for Mr. Upstead than she might normally, as the boy has been known to be irresponsible, erratic and unresponsive to average disciplinary tactics. Mr. Upstead is a special case-- it takes an extra effort to make an impression on him." Kazimeriz smirked a little at this.

"That being said... the punishment seems to have far outweighed the crime. I am interested in hearing what Professor Bunbury has to say about the situation. It could be that she was in complete control of Upstead's safety the entire time, and merely affected his perception to make an impact on the lad. If this is so, she will no doubt be completely honest about the situation and her actions. If not... Well, especially in these controversial times it is our responsibility to see that student safety is given the highest priority and that we at Hogwarts are unified, with a zero-tolerance policy for student abuse. Especially given your own ...unique condition... it is critical that your commitment to student safety is clearly communicated. Do you agree?" He raised an eyebrow, looking directly at Reynard to make sure his meaning was clear.

"Absolutely," he agreed. "I think it might be better if I approached Professor Bunbury on my own and in her own office rather than summoning her here before the two of us like some misbehaving child, though." He had absolutely no ulterior motives for that either. Nope. None.

"That decision is, of course, yours, Headmaster. However..." He contemplated for a moment, a strange expression crossing his face for but a moment. "Under the unique circumstances, and given the current social climate, perhaps it would be wise to consider having a neutral third party present at such a conference about student safety? After all... The Upstead boy is a known troublemaker. If you find that you support Professor Bunbury's disciplinary approach, and he or his parents escalate the issue with the Department of Magical Education -- or worse, the press -- would it not be in your best interest to have an additional, neutral figure present who can corroborate the details of your conversation? Memories can be modified, if it came to that, after all. It seems to me that you would do well to tread carefully in this situation, Reynard. Very carefully. There are many eyes on you at this time."

Pepe considered his words carefully and nodded as Kazimeriz spoke. "Perhaps a private meeting at first and then have you come in later on in the meeting. I don't want to cause her distress or to become agitated simply because I'm afraid of what people might think," he said. He was a logical person and the idea of catering to the judgement of people who couldn't think properly never entered his mind.

Kazimeriz bowed his head deferentially to the much younger man, shrugging as though it were of no consequence to him. "As you wish. I have a phial of veritaserum, should you require it, and I am of course at your service... Headmaster." he said, that odd expression on his face again, his eyes dancing with a dangerous, bemused light; his lips pulled into a tight, strained smile that was nearly sinister.

Perhaps it was merely the pain in his hip causing the man's strange disposition. Yes. Perhaps.

Pepe cocked his head to the side and narrowed his eyes a bit. "Are you well?" he asked in response to the strange, seemingly pained, expression on Kazimeriz's face.

Kazimeriz smiled. "Perfectly." he said softly. "I suppose we should let the Upstead boy back in... Are you interested in testing him under veritaserum, or do you wish to speak to the professor first?" he raised an eyebrow.

"I'd rather not resort to vertiaserum at all if I can help it, but if you think it wise to do so, then I think we should," he said, differing to the elder wizard's judgement. "At the very least we can tell Upstead we're looking into it."

Kazimeriz smirked. "As I am sure you know, Reynard, one does not need to actually use Veritaserum in order for it to be an effective tool... Especially when one is dealing with a child as prone to hysterics and open to suggestion as young Master Upstead seems to be. Perhaps a little theatrical display is all we would need to verify the veracity of his claims... Shall we invite him to join us for a cup of tea?" Kazimeriz grinned wickedly at the Headmaster.

"You were in Slytherin, weren't you?" Pepe chuckled as he walked over to the door. In a good cop/bad cop scenario it was pretty obvious which of the professors would play which role. He opened the door and smiled at Jake. "Could you join us again for a moment, Jake?"