The Office of Professor Valon Kazimeriz, esq.
 

Please do not post here until the Professor has invited you in. Please use the office doorway thread to knock and gain admittance to the Professor's office.


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The warm interior of Professor Kazimeriz's office is simply lit with a candlelight chandelier. While it is well organized and fastidiously tidy, the floor to ceiling mahogany shelves are overflowing with thick, ancient books and curiosities that the professor has collected during nearly a century of travels. The walls are decorated with tribal masks and other oddities as well as moving photographs of distant lands and distant people. Several photos are of the professor himself, posing with various wizards, witches, hobgoblins, werewolves, vampires and other magical beings.

At the center of the office is a large mahogany desk with a deeply cushioned leather chair behind it. On the desk are a few artifacts, including a glass-encased hand of glory. There is also a quill, blotter and a photograph of a much younger Professor Kazimeriz with a woman and small child.

At the back of the room there is a large, locked, wood and glass enclosed curio cabinet which contains a variety of objects. Each object has a note card describing the object and the curse placed on it. To the right of the cabinet, there is a brass bell dangling from a wrought iron hook. In this area, there is also a fastidious workspace featuring a triple-locked glass cabinet housing potions ingredients. On the counter you will find an array of potions-making equipment: phials, alembics, stills,and of course several cauldrons in various states of steaming and brewing. The bookshelves are jammed with many ancient texts: An anonymous treatise on the Philosophers' stone, An hundred aphorisms containing the whole body of magic from Ms. Sloane 1321, Basil Valentine's Triumphal Chariot of Antimony, Advanced Potion-Making by Libatius Borage, Moste Potente Potions, Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger, Compleat Potions by Horace Slughorn, and many others.

Comfortable, overstuffed chairs and sofas are positioned within the office near the fireplace sitting area and across from the professor's desk. The smell of tea and warm sugar cookies lingers in the air, mingling with the scent of the burning pine log in the fireplace and the occasional wafting scent of whatever happens to be brewing at the moment.

When you are invited in, please make yourself comfortable.

Professor Kazimeriz led the way into his office; it was set up exactly to his liking; Merlin bless the House Elves of Hogwarts, they never missed a trick. He placed his satchel down by his desk and seated himself in his wingback leather chair behind his large desk. He drew his wand out and summoned his enchanted tea set, which got right to work brewing up a pot.

"Be seated."

He waited for the students to enter the room and explain the purpose of their visits.

ooc: Those who were waiting at my corridor at the time of my last post, Come on in!

Nicoletta entered Proffesor Kazimeriz's office. Finally! Nicoletta sat down. "Umm, hello sir."

Professor Kazimeriz raised an eyebrow. "I do not believe I invited you into my office. Unless you are by chance the second year student who plastered a note on my door, deliberately ignoring my clearly posted sign instructing that you leave correspondence in my visitor's journal on the table?" He raised an eyebrow, clearly peeved.

Nicoletta's eyes widened. Oops, missed that. she though. "Oh yes, err..." cough. "Th-that was me." Oh gosh I'm shaking, breathe deep Nicoletta, breathe. She avoided having another panic attack. Barely. The nurse could thank her later.

"Well, we will call it five points from your house for your regrettable lack of observational skills, and I will allow you to stay. Now... What brings you to my office?" he settled back in his chair calmly.

His attention was diverted by a loud FLUM!BANG sound at the door. He cast his eyes down to the crystal orb on his desk and sighed.

Upstead.

"Would someone please let Master Upstead into the office before he knocks himself unconscious?" he said as a knocking was heard at the door.

It was all Nicoletta could do to keep her mouth shut. Grrrr. "I'll get it sir." Nicoletta walked open and opened the door to reveal a boy on the floor. "Errr, Proffesor? He's on the floor." she said.

Good sweet Merlin.

It had worked.

He had to use that method more often.

Finishing up his coughing fit and sneezing a few times, Jake eyed the girl LOOOOOOMING over him blearily and, instead of standing, butt-shuffled into the room. "Mmmmornin'," he mumbled, clearly dazed from the impact.

"Kaz!Longtimenosuhh-seeeee," he exclaimed, grinning up at the man from the floor and sneezing quietly once more, looking like it took him by surprise.

Wait... there was something he was forgetting to do...

Ssssstanding?

Eh.

Kazimeriz raised an eyebrow. On the floor, indeed. He did not bother rising from his seat... he could see more of the boy than he cared to right from where he sat, thank you very much.

"Not long enough by half for my taste." he grumbled. "Well, get in here, Upstead, before I become accustomed to your position on the floor and decide to transfigure you into a bear-skin rug. Or perhaps a doormat is more to your taste?" He sneered at the young boy disdainfully.

Nicoletta settled back in her chair. "Well you see sir, I-I really enjoy potions but I seem to be having some trouble grasping the concepts." she sighed quietly. Nicoletta admired Proffesor Kazimeriz, she really did. He's just sooo.... intimidating.

bwaha. visual of the Upstead Bearskin
 

Okay. Butt-shuffling wasn't working.

Standing riiiiight up (and giving another sneeze) Jake stepped into the office.

Heh. The floor seemed to be getting lower, and the ceiling ever closer.

What's up with thaaaat?

"I'm beginning," Jake said calmly, brushing the dust from his robes and ruffling his hair so it lay straight. "To guhh-get the im-impression that yuhh-you dislike me, suhh-sir," he went on, raising an eyebrow of his own. Oh yes. He was starting to recognise non-verbal actions for what they were.

"You and Luhh-lawson should ssstart a club," Jake added, his voice becoming noticeably more bitter. Eh. So what? He knew he was disliked, now he was becoming immune to it.

"Puhh-people won't wuhh-walk over me anymore," he muttered, in reference to the doormat comment. Then, he gave a niiiiice big, totally not sarcastic smile.

"I've buhh-been wanting to talk tuhh-ter you."

Dun, dun, DUNNNNN.

"I do not suffer fools nor foolish behavior easily. If I wanted clowns, I would go to a circus." Kazimeriz said shortly. "Now sit down, and I will be right with you. Ladies first." he said, turning to the other student.

"Now, then, young lady. Despite your lack of ability to follow basic instructions and your trouble with potions, I know little about you. Let us start with this: what is your name, please?" Children these days had no sense of basic manners.

"How the huhh-heck am I buhh-being a ffffool?" Jake asked, genuinely bamboozled, but sat down nevertheless, not forgetting his past experiences of sitting in this darned office. The best thing he could do, though, was just lay all the trouble on nice and thick. Being expelled was the only surefire way of getting OUT.

Though... now he thought about it, he'd be in a smidge of trouble back home.

Pulling out his wand, Jake twirled it in his fingers, leisurely examining the office he knew too well.

"Chivalry is duhh-dead," he scoffed quietly. BLAH! He'd always dsagreed with it.

Ooohh. "Nicoletta Davis sir, we met briefly last term."

Kylie entered behind Professor Kazimeriz after he invited her and a gaggle of other students in. She took a stance in a respectful place in his room, waiting until he was free to speak with her. She didn't want to interrupt anything.

Kazimeriz shot him a dirty look and then diverted his attention back to the girls. Upstead would require focused attention; he was just that way.

Kazimeriz thought briefly, then recalled the girl. "Ah, yes, Miss Davis. Now I recall. You did seem to struggle a bit in my class, especially toward the end. I expect that you will utilize the potions lab more this term in order to excel." It was not a question. "What concepts in particular trouble you, child?"

He glanced at the girl who had entered quietly, and gestured to a cozy chair. "Please have a seat; I will see you in a moment. You may have tea.' The eager little teaset hurried over, ready for her order.

What...?

There was something fundamentally wrong with this scene.

Jake looked over at the other girl who just came in, and he tilted his head to one side.

"Don't I guhh-get offered tuhh-tea?" he asked, in a kind of falsely innocent/sweet/nice voice.

Jeez, this guy was like a dementor. Being near him sucked out your soul. Even now Jake was feeling like his good cheer was slipping away... or maybe he was just upset about that look.

Max knew that it was better to let Valon rant and rave sooner rather than later. Thus he made his way back to the Castle and down to the Dungeons. It smells like wet sulphur, he thought as he passed the Potions classroom. Finally, he arrived at the door of his colleague (and former professor).

With a simple (and polite) knock, he opened the door and peeked his head inside. Ooops! Students. "Ah, pardon the intrusion Professor," he said apologetically. "I can come back when you're not busy with students."

"When you are good." Kazimeriz said shortly to the boy. The charmed tea pot, which had perked up happily at the word 'tea', sank back down onto the table as though disappointed that it could not serve the boy yet.

"Nonsense; I am never too busy to entertain a colleague. Please, come in, have a seat-- there is tea and nibbles if you would like." Happy again, the tea pot levitated again, waiting to see where Max would sit. "I was just speaking with Miss Davis, who seems to be struggling a bit with her potions studies. As I recall, there is a time when you could have claimed the same." He smiled at Max as he took him down Memory Lane.

"Only during my first year," Max replied as he entered the office and sat down on a vacant seat. "The key to potions is to study and memorize the measurements as well as the instructional verbs."

The tea smelled good and there were . . . CHOCOLATE SCONES WITH CLOTTED CREAM. Without a single word, he helped himself to some tea with lemon and one of the scrumptuous scones.

"Excellent advice... As well, of course, as the cardinal rules- know your ingredients and how they interact, keep your equipment meticulously well conditioned, and document everything." he said, watching Max dig into the scones. "Those are my favourite as well. I do hope you enjoy them." he grinned. He watched Max and his newly obtained mustache, so similar to his own. A strange and troubled expression crossed his face like a shadow. "Maximus, how is your great-grandmother, by the way?"

"M'always good," Jake mumbled to himself, staring jealously over at Vindictus as HE was offered some tea. Unable to sit still, Jake shifted around in his chair, seemingly trying to get comfortable and failing. The boy tapped his hands on his knees and swung his feet. "Not fffffair," he murmured.

PFFT. Jake didn't care.

He didn't even LIKE tea.

Max almost choked on his scone. "Nana?" he swallowed hard. Odd question considering his great-grandmother had been famous at one time thanks to an expertly mixed single that leapt to the top of the Muggle charts for one week ages ago. "She's fine, I guess. Still trying to get her voice back after singing at a charity event last month." Should I mention that her voice shattered a collection of delicate antique vases?

Kazimeriz made a point of ignoring the boy and his fidgety ways. He kept his attention on Max and his other guests.

Upstead would learn.

Kazimeriz chuckled at that. Voice BACK, indeed. WHAT voice? The woman was tone deaf, in his estimation, but quite beautiful back in the day... the day being many, many, MANY years ago. "Ah yes... The dulcet tones of Kajsa Henriksson. Quite... unforgettable. I knew her well." he smiled a little in memory, then raised an eyebrow. "And your great-grandfather?" he asked with just a little TOO much curiosity.

"Never met him," Max replied rather nonchalantly and took a sip of tea. "Excellent blend, Valon. Very smooth. Goes well with these scones."

Interesting. He watched how Max approached his tea... the way he held his teacup was [very interesting to Valon. "Mrs. Kazimeriz's special blend... meant to complement most sweets perfectly, without overpowering them. I will pass along the compliment." He considered for a moment. "What was his name?"

"Hmm?" That was all Max could say with a full mouth. He continued to chew and finally swallowed. "Err. . . Vindictus. Never really paid attention to what his first name was 'cause gramps never mentioned him. Neither did Nana."

Kazimeriz relaxed back into his chair noticably at that. Vindictus, of course it was. He took a sip of tea, still watching Max warily. "Well... Please give her my best. " he said rather lamely. He sipped his tea again. "How are the quidditch teams shaping up for the season?"

Now that made Max sigh. "I'll let her know when I go visit her next weekend." But how does he know Nana? "Four new captains and I need to speak to Alessia about Slytherin," he said between sips of tea. "Right now, its hard to tell but I'm sure the teams will be ready when the season starts in a few weeks."

Nicoletta sat quietly until the Peofessor turned to her. "I suppose it's mostly which ingredients in a potion work together and which don't." Did that make sense? "The actual potion making isn't really the part I have trouble with. Potions is actually my favorite class." she said the last part more to herself than to Professor Kazimeriz but it was loud enough that he probobly heard it.

Kazimeriz nodded and smiled. "I am sure you will have them all whipped into shape... Your keen eye for the sport outpaces that of even your brother, and your skill for instruction are almost unsurpassed." Almost, of course, because he himself was still teaching. It wasn't egotism if it was honest, after all.

Kazmeriz felt a bit of pride -- she liked his class best. And why wouldn't she? Any subject taught by the old man was likely to be the best- other than flying; he simply didn't have the physical ability anymore. "Well, understanding ingredient interaction is a matter of knowing what ingredients do-- what their magical and mundane properties are. It is a curse and a blessing that ingredients vary so greatly, because in order to really master the subject you need to have encyclopedic knowledge of ingredients, what they do, what strengthens and what nullifies their effects... including how processing can affect their efficacy. You are only a second year; there is plenty of time to learn these things. Study your texts and Ingredient Encyclopedias; most of the information you seek are in these books. Experiment, experiment, experiment- I cannot stress that enough; there is no substitute for lab time. If you focus and work hard, I see no reason why you cannot enter into the NEWT program when you become a sixth year, and you may even follow a path into wizarding university and eventually become a MESOP certified potioneer or even achieve a Master of Potions... and as long as I am here and you put forth the effort, I will support your success, or my name isn't Professor Valon Reginald Kazimeriz, Order of Merlin, Third Class." he smiled warmly at the girl.

Max nodded. It was rare to get a compliment from Kazimeriz without being at the wrong end of a spell coming from the man's wand. Note to self: Tell Less that Kazi is getting soft. "Why thank you. Speaking of education, how are the Potions classes this year? Any exploding or melting cauldrons or pickled newts eyes being tossed about the room?"

"It is going slowly, I admit, due to my absence at start of term. We seem to have a fair number of talented first years, however. I look forward to seeing what the term brings... Of course, we have our... problem students." His eyes cruised the room before returning to Max. "But they will learn, I assure you. As you yourself did, at my hand, so many years ago." he smirked, sipping his tea. "What is your assessment of our new Headmaster, if I may ask? And our... friend... in Defense?" his smirk widened; he and Duskirk knew each other of old.

Nicoletta smiled. Good. She looked down at her bag and noticed her potions book sticking out. She carried it everywhere whether she had class or not. She shoved it back inside, hoping no one had seen it. "Thank you sir. I also had another question, my brother died recently and my family is moving to France this summer." she explained awkwardly. "I was wondering if you know if Beauxbatons teaches potions." it was.... likely, but you never know.

Fidgeting around in his seat, Jake reached into his pocket and stared at the list he held. It was very clearly written, in the kind of font people ALWAYS find easy to read. He studied it for a moment, getting impatient (these chairs were hard if you sat on them for two long) until he heard Kazi mention problem students.

"Am I a puhh-problem ssstudent?" he asked loudly, noting how the man stared around; well, there weren't any other significant troublemakers that he knew of.

And if there were, he'd have to get to know them.

Hearing the other girl mention her brother, Jake snapped his gaze to her and stared. She seemed so... matter-of-fact. And death was a kind of iffy subject with Jake; he always ALWAYS got uncomfortable talking about it, especially after the Huffie cull the term before.

"Tate is a lot like me," Max grinned and then lost his humor. "However Thomas is . . . well, no comment. I'm sure the students can enlighten you on the subject." He placed his tea cup and saucer back on the tray. The office was slowly filling up with students."

"I'm afraid that I'm keeping you from tending to the needs of these students," he said and stood up. "Perhaps we can chat over tea after the Slytherin-Gryffindor game next week."

"Absolutely; though we will hate to lose an eager young student such as yourself, I can state unequivocally that the potions mistress at Beauxbatons is quite... adept." He smiled, a kind of creepy and mysterious smile that hinted that there was more to the story.

Kazimeriz raised an eyebrow to Upstead. "Do you think you are a problem student, Mr. Upstead?" he said, sipping his tea and looking bemused.

Kazimeriz chuckled. "I would like that very much, Maximus. I think you and I may find we have a great deal to discuss... privately." He stood as well, offering his hand to the man. "Thank you for your enlightening visit; I look forward to your return after the Slytherin-Gryffindor match." He resisted asking the man who he favored for the win. Barely. "Oh, and Maximus? Keep a weather eye on Tate... and if you see Thomas, please suggest that he drop in. I have not seen him in years."

"Sure," Jake stated, shrugging one of his shoulders. Man, did he still have those chocolate frogs (Sugar free!) from Vindictus? He was staaaaaarved. "I wuhh-were always cccalled a puhh-problem child... An' nuhh-now I'm a sssstudent here, an' thuhh-there's been puhh-problems around me..." he trailed off, not wanting to get into that subject. He would have gone on to describe how he was labelled as a problem child so decided to live up to it... But Kaz didn't ask for his life story.

Eh. Thinking about it kind of sobered Jake up a bit, and he leaned back from where he sat on the edge of the chair so his head rested against the back and he stared up at the ceiling.

"Bye, Puhh-professsor Vuhh-vuh-vindictus," he added quietly, realising the flying professor was talking about leaving.

Nicoletta gathered her things to go but stopped when she heard Kaz's mention of quidditch. "You wouldn't happen to know when the first match is would you? I meant to write it down but I forgot." she knew when practice was, of course, that part was easy to remember.

"My eyes are always peeled and if I happen to encounter Thomas, I'll pass on your message," Max replied as he got to his feet. "Thank you again for the tea and conversation, Valon. Until next week." He nodded and walked to the door.

But he was stopped dead in his tracks by the questioning of a Slytherin student. "Did you not read the schedule I posted in your common room as well as on the announcement board outside of my office?" he asked her and shook his head. "Go read the announcements and permit me to contact the local weather bureau so that I can make sure the Pitch is ready for whatever weather Mother Nature bestows upon us next weekend."

Without another word, Vindictus left the office.

"Well, I find that in life one rises to the level of one's own expectations. Perhaps you may choose to re-evaluate what you expect of yourself and choose another path, Upstead. Your fate is in your own hands." Kazimeriz said as he watched Vindictus leave.

He noticed the orb on his desk glowing; it showed that there was a student in the hallway. Might as well let her in, too. "You may enter." Kazimeriz said, directing his comment toward the orb.

"Now, then. Where were we?" he looked around to the students in his office expectantly for one of them to speak.

Feh, not really his own expectations. The phrase 'self-fulfilling prophecy' came to Jake's mind though. Man... he really shouldn't have watched all those sociology DVDs his ex-mother had.

"I guess," he murmured, and then sat up straight again. "S'a bit luhh-late for thuhh-that, though."

All the crazy was gone for now, and he figured it was about time he tried this again. "Am I al-allowed to sssspeak yet?" the boy asked, in what might have been a sliiiiightly bitter tone, anyway. "Or is it suhh-still ladies ffffirst?"

Stupid ladies first thing. Girls FAILED.

"Yeah, right. 'course." Nicoletta muttered, but he was already gone. She'd figure it out later... before she got yelled at by Kiri. She turned to Proffesor Kazimeriz. "I-I think that answers my question. Thank you sir." she nodded her head politely and pulled her bag up on top of her feet.

sorry- Work has been nuts. :D
 

"You are quite welcome, and are dismissed. You may take a sugar cookie as you go." Kazimeriz smiled warmly.

"And as she is done, Mr. Upstead, you may now speak. How may I help you today?" Kazimeriz sneered at the boy most sarcastically.

no problem
 

"Fiiiiiinally," Jake smiled, and scooted forwards a little.

It was then that he'd realised... he... couldn't actually remember.

DARN IT!

"Thuhhh-there wwwas a few things..." he started, and then bit his lip. Oh jeez... his list wasn't helping either.

Well... there was one definite thing.

"Can yuhh-you hhhelp me be g-g-good?" Jake asked, as if it was a real basic question like 'Do you have any spare parchment?'.

And it was asking THAT question which brought Jake to the other subjects. The amulet, Tibi... and... errr... something else.

But one thing at a time...

Kazimeriz raised an eyebrow. "Well, ultimately only you are in charge of your conduct. But in case you have been too busy being self-involved and acting out to notice, I have been attempting -- despite your resistance -- to help you forge the path toward becoming a proper and respectable gentleman. How well these efforts succeed is up to you. Pray tell... what do you consider 'being good'?"

"Actually, s-sir," Jake began straight away, thinking of past interactions with Kazi. "You humiliate muhh-me, ssssuh-sneer at me, you ac-act like I'm the luhhh-lowest cccreature on Earth. You hate me. It's gggglaringly obvious. And yyyet I suhh-still come down hhhere."

That last part was kid of addressed more to himself. Jake stared into space for a moment or two, then focused on Kazi again.

"Being guh-good?" he repeated, as though it wasn't something he'd just asked. "I g-guess... Not losing mmmy t-t-temper, you know? Or acting im-im-impulsively. I d-do that alot nnnow. Being polite. And... Ttto do whuhh-whatever is the opposite of whuh-what made or mmmakes you huhh-hate me."

Hmmm... that reminded him of something Lupa mentioned last year... Somehow.

"Whuhh-what about mmy stut-stutter? Pppprofessor Lupa muhh-mentioned last yyyear thuh-that you mmmight help with thuhh-that. Ellocooshun or sssomething?"

Realising he was starting to bombarde the man with tooooo much info, Jake stopped and bit his lip. "Sssorry."

Kazimeriz leaned back in his chair and sipped his tea quietly for a looong moment. He looked up at Upstead and waved off his last comment. "There is no need for an apology, Upstead. But you do seem to be operating under a misconception. I do not 'hate' any of my students, yourself included. You do have severe behavioral problems and a lack of impulse control, but that is something you have the power to change. We will talk about your stutter in a moment, but first, I want you to think very hard: Why do you suppose it is that I, as you say, 'humiliate you'? Am I a sadist? An abusive bully, who gets his kicks picking on a small child? At 104-- er, 105 -- years of age do you think I have nothing BETTER to do with my remaining years than to engage in vendettas against wizards not only not yet of my caliber, but who are not even of age? Do you think this would challenge or excite me? Really... think about what my motivations my actually be before you answer." He smirked a little, sitting back and sipping his tea again as he let Upstead stew on that.

Oh my Maerlyn >.< sorry about the length (and his tactlessness xD)
 

Severe behavioural problems.

Yep, Jake had definitely heard that a good few times in his life.

He listened to Kazimeriz intently, a little frown on his face as he tried to piece everything together in his mind. There was one thing he thought was true (well it seemed true) and he saw no problems in saying it once the man was done.

First, of course, it was right to answer questions in order of being asked. The man said to think hard; maybe Jake was missing something...

"Nuhh-not a sadist," Jake replied thoughtfully, looking intently at the wall behind Kazi as he tried to concentrate on his jumbled thoughts. "No. Yuhh-you p-p-pick on mmme because I'm an easy tuhh-target," he explained, and then hastened to add: "In mmmmy opinion." Yes, Jake was starting to get into the habit of saying 'in my opinion' because he tended to offend people alot. Of course, then people went on about 'If I wanted your opinion I'd have asked for it, nahh nahh nahhh!'.

"An' yuhh-you d-d-don't mind ttttalking to other k-kids. You llllike them. I c-can see it." It sounded a little bit too cliche to say 'I see it in your eyyyyyyes'. "No."

Howwww was he supposed to put this? Well, in pure Jake style. TANGENT TIME!

"You're nnnot the only one wh-who 'has it in fffor me'. Last term with Buh-bunbury. Th-this year Lawson thhh-threw me in the luhh-lake as ppppunishment. Then there was Juh-jack in my fffirst year. N-now Evelyn, D-d-destiny and Josh. It muhh-must be sssomething I'm d-d-doing wrong. B-but I c-c-can't see it."

Like when his grandpa used to say 'Don't beat yourself up about it. The other kids have the problems. Not you'. "P-p-people hate me... bbbbecause I'm different," Jake replied. "I'm a ssscapegoat." He shrugged. It wasn't self-pity. It had just mostly been fact in his life. "So... I guess that's a muhh-moot p-point."

Then he remembered the last question.

"You're old," Jake stated, not thinking it could be offensive or anything. "You c-can't do much. Old people huhhh-hate k-kids for bbbbeing more agile. And, honestly, whuhh-what else c-could you do, physically? Other thuhh-than use mmmmagic to be duhh-downright evil?"

Kazimeriz burst out laughing. His surprisingly pleasant tenor voice filled the air, calm and amused. "Well, no one could accuse you of being overly diplomatic, Upstead. And how little you know of me, to accuse me of hating those who are different!" He gestured to his wall, which was filled with pictures of Kazimeriz throughout his long life. In many he was posed with a woman, but in the vast majority he could be seen with dragons, a vampire, a transformed werewolf, holding a kappa, arm in arm with a goblin, and in many other unusual pairings.

"Does these photos reflect the life of a man who shuns those who are different? Think about it, Upstead. I shall say it again... I do not hate any of my students, and I do not as you say, 'have it in for you' or anyone else. But if this feeling of persecution is accurate and is indeed a pattern you are seeing in your life, it is because you are approaching your interpersonal relationships in the same aggressive, combative manner over and over again? Or perhaps you misinterpret your professors as 'picking on you' when they are in fact attempting to instill in you a sense of discipline and self-control when faced with adversity, so that when you do come across one who truly 'has it in for you', you will have the knowledge and personal tools to defend yourself while showing appropriate restraint. Perhaps we are, in fact, trying to help guide you down the path toward your true potential as a wizard and a gentleman. And make no mistake about it: You have potential. To neglect that potential would be a waste. And I loathe waste."

He eyed the boy, then sipped his tea. "Or, perhaps I am just an old man with nothing else to do than to play at my hobby of bullying small children. After all.. what did I ever do, outside of teaching?" He smirked, indicating that there was more to him than Jake Upstead possibly knew.

The way Kazi suddenly laughed made Jake jump in his seat. He'd been expecting the man to respond in that infuriatingly stoic manner. Even now, Jake would put money on the fact that he'd be totally apathetic about what he'd said to the guy. But Jake wasn't expecting to have insulted him; he'd just been speaking his mind.

Looking over at the pictures on the wall, Jake leaned closer to try and see, eventually getting up on his chair on his knees and leeeeeeaning...

Ahhh, there we are.

"Coooool," the boy muttered, understanding the man's point immediately. He took a good long look at the pictures, and finally leant back again to sit on the chair properly. "But I duhh-don't get why I-..."

He trailed off as Kazi spoke on. Jake sat and frowned in concentration, staring at the desk. What he was going to say was that he didn't understand why Kazi hated him if it wasn't for being different. But he kind of got it, now.

"I d-don't sssuppose there's any puhh-point asking whuhh-why you expppect the wuhh-worst from me thuhh-then?" he asked, thinking mainly about the potions lesson when he had been the first one Kazi thought could have wrecked the classroom. Jake smiled wanly; he kind of had a vague idea.

"Okay," he replied, holding up his hands as in surrender. "People t-t-tend not to luhh-like me because I app-approach things oddly. I ssspeak my muhh-mind and don't think. I'm im-impulsive. You are nuhh-not one of thhhese p-people... I g-get that." Sigh. A guy has to know when to admit he was wrong. "B-but you ccccan't really blame mme for thhh-thinking it."

Could you?

After what the rest of what Kazi said, Jake scrunched his nose. "I huhh-hate lessons on dddiscipline ssself-control. It's... I nnnever used to..." Jake stopped and leaned forwards. "When I wuhh-was expelled from my pppprimary school, even bbbefore that, nobody tttried teaching me that ssstuff. There was nuhh-no point. I ddddidn't respond." To, like, anything. It was why he never really learnt the basics of reading and writing. "My real mmmother... she dddidn't really care. I didn't hhhave any of that... Makes it sssso much huhh-harder now." Even though he'd been adopted and things were getting better, he was at school for nine months of the year; it wasn't fair.

Just as Jake was about to dwell on that, he thought of the Kazi!Age thing. "I dddidn't say you never duhh-did anything super interesting," he corrected. "I muhh-mean, you bbblatantly have-" Here, Jake gestured to the wall with the photos. "Order of Muhh-merlin and everythhhuh-thing. I'm jjust saying... nuhh-now..."

Hmmm...

"I duhh-don't think you'd even bbbeat me in a race down huhh-half a cccorridor. Or a thuhh-thumb war. No offence, like." Hmmm... Jake didn't actually know about the thumb war. "Buhh-but it's irre-... irreve-... i-rre-le-vant." Stupid word. "I... underssstand now thuhh-that..."

SIGH! Nevermind...

"Why ARE you ssso... evil?" Jake suddenly asked. "Ffffuh-for wwant of a better wwword."

Nicoletta smiled, grabbed her bag and left the office as quietly as humanly possible. Besides being scared out of her wits, she thought it had gone pretty well. Hopefully she wouldn't be in there again.

Kazimeriz smirked. "'Evil'... is a matter of perspective, Mr. Upstead." He was quiet for a moment, mulling something over, then a small hint of a smile appeared on the old man's face. "Oh, but the things you comment on are entirely relevant to your situation. And with that in mind... I challenge you to a 'thumb war.' His dark eyes met with Upstead's, glittering with amusement.

EPIC! ^^ I love Kazi. I really do.
 

Yes. It totally was.

...

And Kazi was EVIL!

Ish. He could be nice at times.

When Kazi spoke on, Jake shifted, feeling a little uncomfortable. What if the old man was FAKING the slow movement, and suddenly was able to SPRINT. Jake's little legs couldn't keep up with them loooooong ones.

And then...

"Fffffor real?" Jake asked, making eye contact, his own baby blues sparkling with childish excitement. He used to RULE at thumb wars, before he left his old muggle kid's school. Yeah... Jake had the sneaky tricks under his hat. He began to smile, feeling quite pleased with himself. "Nuhh-now?"

Kazimeriz nodded, extending his arm across to Jake, thumb up, as though he intended to shake hands, ready to engage in Thumb War Battle. "If you are up to the challenge." He watched Upstead, clearly bemused.

I think I read in the term 21 duel that Kazi is right-handed, tell me if i'm wrong
 

"Of c-c-course!" Jake beamed, shifting his chair forwards and getting up to kneel on it so he was on a better level to compete. Man! He got to have a thumb war with Kazi!

As though limbering up, Jake bent and flexed his fingers a little, before interlocking his fingers and pushing out his hands, palm out, so his fingers made a satisfying series of popping sounds. After a small massage of each palm, Jake saw an immediate problem. He was left-handed, and that was Kazi's right hand.

Ah well... it didn't matter.

Now wary, Jake extended his right hand with his fingers curved around slightly, ready to interlock his fingers with Kazi's. Meanwhile, he considered the chant.

ZOMG, SO FUN!

Wow, good memory. :D Yup!
 

Kazimeriz locked hands with Upstead. His knuckles were arthritic and gnarled, his skin tissue-paper thin and liver spotted... but his grip was surprisingly firm.

"I leave it to you to start the contest." He held his thumb up, far from Upstead's reach, as he waited for the boy to count off the start of the game.

Jake had absolutely no qualms about the way Kazi's hands looked or felt; he used to thumb war battle whatever the heck it was with 8 year olds. And they tended to often have ICKY hands.

However, the old man's grip was... well... Jake was a little shocked, but he hid it very well for once. And already he could tell, from the way they were starting, that this would probably be a stalemate-filled warrrrr.

"Okay," Jake replied brightly, and bent his thumb a little. It was, of course, the hand he used to use in thumb wars, because of the sheer number of right-handers. But that was years ago.

"One, t-two, three, fuhh-four," Jake began, doing the whole side to side thing. "I dddeclare a thumb wwwar." Wasn't there another bit? "Fffive, six, ssseven, eight, b-better keep your thumb ssstraight. Nnnine, ten, let's b-begin."

And with that, Jake began by hurriedly swiping his thumb across the space they called 'no man's land'.

The game is afoot!

Kazimeriz grinned. The game was on. He watched for a moment as Upstead swished his thumb this way and that, and then lowered his thumb into an almost 'pinnable' position to make Upstead think he could trap his thumb for the 10-count...

THERE IT WAS! That was Jakey's opening.

... Hmmmm...

At first, Jake did nothing. He kept his thumb poised up, the cogs in his mind turning as he worked out a strategy (yes, a strategy).

And then, with pretty good speed, Jake moved his thumb forwards and down, fully intending to do his little trick which involved pressing down onto the opponent's thumb with the tip of his own, and alot of pressure.

Sometimes, it made the thumb numb for a while. :evil:

So yeah, on Jake went... but if Kazi thought the boy was ignorant of the tricks in this game, he was mistaken. In the few seconds it took to make his move, Jake stayed ready to pull his thumb out of the way again.

Kazimeriz smirked, allowing the boy to trap his thumb for just a moment.

And then, it was time to strike.

Defense!

The old wizard wordlessly made his own thumbs disappear, so Upstead would be trapping nothing. Nothing at all. He kept his grip on Jacob's hand though. Rules were rules, after all.

Counterattack!

He glanced at the small dish of thumbtacks on his desk blotter, and silently transfigured the thumbtacks into thumbs. He levitated them, shooting them lightning fast over to Upstead. The army of disembodied thumbs began poking and jabbing at Upstead from all directions in a full assault.

Well, after all, it was a Thumb War.

BWAHAHAHAHA! Jake had him now!

The boy allowed a small smile to sliiiiide into his features and opened his mouth to start the 'I won thumb war' count.

But then-

"Huh?!"

Kazi's thumb DISAPPEARED! Like, GONE! Not even invisible! Jake felt his own thumb fall the little distance it had to go and, like lightening, he pulled it back up.

And THEN with all the jabbing and poking, Jake realised that Kazimeriz was... was he cheating? Well... he wasn't doing this the muggle way; that would show Jake to establish rules. Or to trust Kazi.

As he tried batting away the jabbing thumbs, Jake tucked the war!thumb back and out of the way, hidden behind Kaz's fingers, in case one of THESE thumbs tried to interfere. "Whuhh-whuhh-what are yyyou d-d-doing?" he stuttered, concentrating on making sure his eyes weren't jabbed.

ooc note: I have Zoe's permission on this :)
 

From behind the desk, Kazimeriz's left hand flicked toward Upstead from in his wand pocket as his right still held firm to Upstead's... His thumb reappeared, but BOTH Jake's thumbs had mysteriously gone absent.

The disembodied thumbs continued to poke and prod at Upstead, trying to provide an effective distraction.

"Winning." Kazimeriz said with a victorious grin. He drew his fist out of his left pocket and opened it. Inside were Upstead's own thumbs.

"Got'cher thumbs... 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10. As I have your thumbs held hostage, I do believe victory is mine. Care to win them back?" Kazimeriz's evil grin widened and his dark eyes twinkled like a grandfather playing 'got your nose!' with an innocent toddler.

WHATWHATWHAT?!

Jake was soooooo confused... he was being all beat up by thumbs and everything and HE DIDN'T LIKE IT!

The boy continued trying to bat away the evil little body parts until he heard Kazi speak again.

D'OH! Never EVER trust an adult.

Jake looked down into Kazi's palm to see a couple of very familiar thumbs. The one he recognised to be his left even had that little callus on it from his teeth when he sucked his thumb. The boy looked like a really little kid who had a sweetie dangled in front of him and yanked away when he tried to grab it.

Raising his left hand to his face, Jake opened his mouth to stick the non-existant thumb in. NOTHING!

"Huhhh-how dddo I do thuhh-that?" he asked, looking soooo sadly at his left hand, and then to his right, where his fingers were still clasped within Kazi's.

Kazi had his thumb back.

Pure. Evil.

Kazimeriz chuckled. "Do not be silly, boy. I removed them while you were distracted." He let go of the boy's hand, shifting the boy's thumbs to his right hand so he could reach for his wand. He stopped the thumbs from their poking (one of them crooked itself as if to 'wave goodbye' to Upstead) and returned them to his thumbtack dish. He then changed them back to thumbtacks once more. "Now then. Let us discuss why you lost. Thoughts?"

Jake simply could not help the miniscule pouted that became present on his lips. He looked dejectedly at his own thumbs, then to his alien looking hands, and then to the thumbs that were flying away.

Quite disappointed in himself, Jake sat back in the chair, back to staring at his hands again. "Yuhh-you can ddddo muhh-magic," he mumbled resentfully, turning his hands over a few times. "I c-c-can't."

Then, as if properly thinking about it, he looked back up at Kazi. "I un-un-underes-estimm-timmmmmuhh... un... d-duh... es... tttim... ate... id yuhh-you," he pointed out, having obvious trouble with that word.

Frowning, Jake went back to looking at his hands. He once again raised his left hand to his face, and this time put his lips over where his thumb used to be.

Siiiiigh. It just wasn't the same.

"Do not behave like a baby." Kazimeriz said rather sharply. "You are correct- you underestimated me and you did not set the rules of engagement. But you are also wrong-- you CAN do magic. You would not be admitted to this school if you could not." Kazimeriz shrugged, rattling the thumbs in his hand as though they were dice. "So now you sit there, with no thumbs. What are you going to do about it?" He looked at the boy, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Jake flinched as Kazi seemed to snap at him, and he frowned, pouting slightly. "I'm nnnnot behaving like a b-b-baby!" he replied, lips still on the side of his hand. He wanted his thumbs back!

Staring at Kazi's hand with dismay, Jake shrugged his shoulders. "I d-d-don't knuhh-know," he mumbled, moving his hand round to stick his pinky finger in his mouth. It would have to do for now as a substitute for sucking his thumb.

"I c-c-can't have a tthhhumb war ffffor them," he said darkly, surprised by his own injection of humour.

Kazimeriz chuckled. "I do not suppose you could, at that. Think on this: What if I were to keep them? What would you do about that?" The old man played with the thumbs in one hand, still shaking them like macabre dice.

One thing was certain. The boy had to earn them back. He was not getting off easily.

Biting on his nails (he could no longer chew on his thumbnail), Jake considered the old man's words. What the heck was going on here? Jake was pretty sure this had started out as a harmless debate. He still had so much to ask the man.

"Errr..." he stalled for a moment, looking around the room as though to get some ideas. "I'd ssssssteal them. And fuhh-fuh-find someone to hhhelp put thhhuh-them back on."

Because he COULDN'T be without his thumbs, in his mind.

"Sssssir. I ggave you tuhh-two examples of ssssomething I'd wuhh-win at, and you ch-chose one and wwwon. You c-c-could give me a ch-ch-choice of two things that would bbbbe a challenge fffor me, and I puh-puh-puh-pick one."

He bit his lip, considering his response. It seemed really stupid now. "I d-d-don't know..." Jake finished, mumbling, and he stared down at his knees.

Steal them? Kazimeriz raised an eyebrow. Then the boy presented an intriguing idea. "What I want from you, Upstead, is not to win a contest or a challenge, nor a game. What I want from you is self-discipline. I want to hear you take honest personal responsibility and to exhibit self control. With that in mind... " He placed the thumbs on the desk in front of Upstead.

"You will have back use of your thumbs, but with a caveat." He took out his wand and cast a spell on the thumbs. The glowed blue for a moment, then returned to their normal though disembodied appearance. "I will reattach them for your use, but you will know this: There are three things in this world which separate us from most animals-- critical thought, personal responsibility and opposable thumbs. Take away either of these and you might as well be a troll." Kazimeriz smirked. His eyes glittered with the possibility of THAT particular transfiguration.

"So-- my little challenge to you is this: You will go about your life as normal. However, you will at all times utilize your aptitude for critical thought and self-discipline. No outbursts of uncontrolled emotion. No impulsive behavior. No misbehaving. You will stop blaming other people for events in your past- inattentive parent, poor teachings. You will instead accept that whatever obstacles you have faced in the past, you can control no day but today. Take personal responsibility for the man, the wizard that you hope to be and act upon that. If you do these things, you will not find yourself having to chase after your own runaway thumbs, for they have been charmed to run away from you with shame if you do not act like a proper gentleman who deserves their use." His livery old lips stretched in a victorious grin.

"Now... Why don't you put your thumbs back where they belong? Carpe diem, Mr. Upstead. Carpe diem."

Was it just him, or was Kazi using alot of really complicated words?

Jake just stared as Kazi spoke, and bit his lip yet again. Basically he had to be good. That was exactly what Jake was asking for help with, but yet it still seemed exceedingly unfair.

In actual fact, at the sight of the grin from Kazi, Jake wanted to say something in retort that would wipe the smile off his face.

But no. Biting his tongue for the time being, Jake reached for his thumbs and balanced them back on his hands, ready for them to be attatched, knowing to put the callused one on the left hand.

"Sssir," he said slowly, wondering quite how far this went. "How lllong will it luhh-last?" Jake changed track straight away. He'd wanted to ask whether sucking his thumb would count as being non-gentlemanly or whatever, since it was something he did when he was upset and stuff... but if the spell didn't include that, he might end up making it so.

Anyway... moving on.

"An'... my sssstutter? Would you huhh-help? An'... an' th-there was sssomething else."

He'd already decided not to bring up Tibi's detentions; that was none of his business and Jake KNEW he'd get angry when talking about that subject.

Jake was trying to change the subject, but he couldn't help but thunk about how often he'd be chasing his thumbs in the future.

"The effects will wear off when I remove the charm or when you are able to self-manage without a concerted daily effort-- when it becomes habit, in other words, to behave like a gentleman should." He sipped his tea, and flicked his wand carelessly. The thumbs reattached as if they had never been gone. There. Now they had a magical contract (of sorts) for Upstead to behave himself at all times... or suffer the penalties.

"As for your stutter, there are potions and therapies that may help resolve or at least lessen the impediment. However, I should like to discuss this with Healer Ashford as it is more her area of expertise. If you like, I shall be happy to owl her and at the lady's convenience, we could meet with you and see what can be done." The man would take your thumb or tongue privileges, or curse you without batting an eye, but he wasn't inhumane. But it was a health issue, and so it was appropriate that a healer manage the case.

Besides, it was a good excuse to meet with Healer Ashford again... He might need to call on her again in his next class, so establishing a rapport seemed like a wise idea.

"What else did you wish to discuss with me today?"

Jake wrinkled his nose and looked at his thumbs. Well... at least he had them back. Almost subconsciously, Jake raised his thumb to his mouth and chewed on the end of it; an old habit.

"The hhhhealer?" he asked nervously, remembering that encounter in Lawson's office with the woman. Plus... how many times had he visited the woman?

Still... "I'd lllike that very mmmuch if yuhh-you could ddo that for me ssssir."

Oh! Speaking of Lawson. "B-b-before I ffforget... that amulet you tttook off me last yyyear was gggiven to me by Lllawson. Cuhh-can I, err... hhave it back?" And then, realising what Kazi might interpret from that question, Jake went on hurriedly. "T-t-to return it. Nnnnot use it. If yyyou tuh-tuh-trust me, that is..."

And now to the final point. The most important.

"I... I errr... wwwwanted to ask fffor muh-more informmmation on thuhh-that pppotion thing from the lllesson. Where I asked... if a ppppregnant woman was to tttake it..." Dang! What was the thing called? It sounded like amortentia, but had the 'agg' in there somewhere. "And... like... dddo you think it's wwwworth me persuading my p-p-parents to get me ch-checked fffor... that thhhing you mmmentioned?"

Kazimeriz considered for a looooong moment. "Absolutely, I think it is worth getting an evaluation. It is possible that Healer Ashford might be able to make such an analysis, though I do not know the scope of her background so it may be something you would need to see a specialist for... someone with a strong background in latent potions damage analysis. I personally learned of disorder when in Auror training; one of our areas of study was applied potions and spell damage in psychological profiling and criminal behavior investigation. It is a fascinating disorder, as aggrotentia is a fascinating-- though dangerous-- potion. And if your mother was exposed to it either before or during her pregnancy, that latent damage could explain not only your difficulty mastering spellwork but also your conduct issues and even your speech impediment. Not that it would excuse you from working to overcome these issues, mind you. You are still responsible for your own choices, regardless of the obstacles you face in life."

He picked up his quill and began dashing off a note. "I will write Healer Ashford at once, and we can meet whenever it is convenient to you-- I will send my patronus to you or an owl when she is available."

"And Upstead?" He slid open a drawer and pulled out a small leather drawstring pouch which contained Lawson's amulet. He handed it to Upstead wordlessly.

"Take care to keep your self-control... and your thumbs " He met Upstead's eyes, as if to say I am trusting you. Do not disappoint me.

The period of silence between Jake's last words and Kazi's response made Jake on edge and downright nervous. He bit hard on the end of his thumb until it started to hurt so bad he couldn't bear it. When he put his hand down again, Kazi started to speak.

"Okay... I'll wrrr-write home sssstr-..." Hmmm... write home? Maybe he'd wait until the Easter Holidays, go home and mention it then. "I'll t-t-tell them."

Jake even managed a tiny smile when Kazi began writing the note. "Thh-thank you sssir. Mmmuh-maybe we... I... err... c-c-could mmmention the pppotion thing t-t-too." Unless Kazi had planned to anyway. Eh. Best to cover all bases.

Then, when Kazi handed over the little pouch thing, Jake knew exactly what was inside. He stared, wide-eyed, at the man at first, not taking it. Then he mentally slapped some sense back into himself and reached forwards to take it.

Looking at Kazi, Jake stayed still and silent for a moment, before he smiled at the man and nodded his head slightly. He'd be a fool to keep the amulet and use it, but that was never his intention. The boy stood and held the bag with the amulet tightly in his hand. "I'll get guh-going nnnow, sir," he stated, and straightened his tie our of habit.

But before he left, he looked the man straight in the eye again. "Th-thank you."

Kazimeriz nodded once. "You are quite welcome, Upstead. You may take a warm sugar cookie as you go." The edges of his mouth twitched upward, threatening a small smile.

He returned his attention to the note he was writing, picking up the quill once more as he dismissed the boy.

Again, Jake smiled, he turned to the door and placed his hand on the wood, the coldness reassuring him that all this really DID just happen; it wasn't a hallucination.

The boy chose not to take a cookie, given his allergies, and he pushed on the door and left.

Things were definitely getting better.

Mmmmm, what was that smell?

Sarah was momentarily distracted by the scent her nostrils were picking up, and was looking around for the source.Spotting the sugar cookies her mouth started to water, before Aaron and Barry filed in behind her making her remember what they were there for.No cookies! Very important business, Sarah get your head together!

She didn't say anything at first, just held out the wand for Professor Kazimeriz to see.After several seconds she launched into an explanation. "Sir, we fear something terrible has happened to one of the Ravenclaw Prefects.Barry here," she gestured to the older boy next to her, in case Kazi didn't know him well, "thinks it's Cela.He recognised the wand we found, and along with the Prefect badge that Aaron found, we sorta put two and two together and came up with her.They were in the alley behind the shops in Hogsmeade, sir, just laying in the dirt.Cela would never allow that unless something had happened to her and she dropped them.We thought you might be able to help us, didn't we boys?" Sarah looked at both of them.She had just babbled the whole sentence and was counting on one or both of them to fill in any blanks if she had confused the old man.Her mind was racing with worry, and fear of being in THAT office.

Barry stared at the cookies suspiciously. They smelled delightfull but Barry dare not touch them, he still for no known reason didn`t trust Kazimeriz fully. But he knew that there was no one else they could turn to. So he took a seat next to Sarah and listened.

Barry nodded in the right places and when she mensioned his theory he spoke up "I`ve had the privalige of knowing Celandine for quite a few years and I am certain that I have seen that wand before. Added with the fact that we discovered a wand as well we think it is her." Barry explained. Then when all was silent he added " Sir we thought you`d be the best to help us find out what happened. We trust you" Hopefully that would warm his old heart, if he had one

Kazimeriz listened, his eyebrows furrowing with concern. He said somberly, "Give me the wand and the badge." The old man held out a shriveled, antiquated hand, palm-up, to receive the items.

Sarah chewed her bottom lip hard and leant forward in the comfy chair in which she was situated.Trembling fingers gripped the alien wand, she looked at it one last time before reaching forward and placing it in the old man's hands.Turning her head towards Aaron, she gestured for him to do the same with the badge. "What do think has happened to her, Sir?" Sarah wasn't sure Kazi would want to answer her, or if he could, but she was concerned about her fellow Prefect and was hoping they could find something out.

Coupled with the distraction of the warm sugar cookie smell and the fascination of all the knick-knacks that were in the Potion Master's office, Aaron remained quiet and let his prefect and Barry do the talking. Actually it was probably MOSTLY because of the sugar cookie scent that kept him quiet for fear of drool leaking out and all over his robes (and the floor).

It was the somber tone of the old man that snapped him back to the present.

Give me the wand and the badge, he had said, as not a choice, but an order.

Obediently, Aaron reached into his pocket and removed the badge, as Sarah did moments before with the wand and then gestured for him to do the same. He didn't need told twice though; even at only eleven, he did know when someone meant business. With one last glance at the Ravenclaw badge, he extended his small arm forward and placed it in the old man's palm before replacing his hand in his pocket.

There was no doubt about it that Aaron felt small and insignificant at that present time. He didn't know HALF as much magic as the others in the room, for starters. This kept the first year oddly quiet, but inquisitive no doubt.

Kazimeriz took the items, inspecting them. He laid them onto his desk and drew his wand.

"Prior Incantato!" he cast. The wand did a funny thing then... A silvery, ghostlike light came forward from its tip, then sputtered off and on.

"Deletrius." He said softly. He out away his own wand and sat, silently contemplating. Then he picked up the wand. He inspected it quietly, his ancient fingers exploring its surface and the runes carved into it. He even drew it under his nose, smelling it.

"We must go to the headmaster; he will need to contact the Ministry and request that they enact the Trace on Miss Toussaint. Tell me again- you found this in the dirt in an alley in Hogsmeade? Which shop was it behind? And did you see anyone else-- or any thing that seemed out of place?"

Barry had no items so he just sat there and watched as his peers handed over the wand and the badge. He was expecting Kazimeriz to tell them to leave now but supprisingly he didn`t. He wanted them to help the "we" proved it.

"I`m not entirly sure which shop it was but it wasn`t a busy shop, mayebe Dervish and Bangers or the Hogs Head?" he answered. He trusted Kazi a bit more now. He would help him. He looked to Aaron and Sarah to see if they knew anything

What was he doing? Ohhhhhh, right, yeah.Seeing what spell was cast with the wand last.Would that help?

Sarah sat silently and and watched as Kazi performed the spell.Not much happened, but Sarah didn't know if that was a good thing or not.Staring at him as he sat thinking, she was slightly startled when he spoke again.

"Oh, yes yes, of course, sir," Sarah nodded, taking in the words, and what they must do.The Trace? Sounded awfully complicated, but if it would bring Cela back....

Tell him again? Right.She scanned her memory as Barry spoke up first, trying to think if she saw anything out of the ordinary, but came up blank on that front. "Yes, sir.I believe, no...I'm certain it was behind the Hog's Head.Aaron and Barry got there before me.I saw Aaron go down the alleyway, that's why I did, to check on him.He'd already found the badge, then I spotted the wand.We had to light the alley with our wands as it was so dark, but I didn't see anything unusual," Sarah chewed her bottom lip again and looked down into her lap thinking. "No, nor anyone.I -- I don't know whether Aaron did?" she looked across at the boys in the other chairs.Barry was looking at her as if he didn't know anything, but then Aaron had got there before either of them, maybe the assailant was nearer then?

Kazimeriz contemplated, then sighed. He was tempted to go over Tate's head-- after all, he was the rightful headmaster, not that ridiculous excuse of a school administrator. Still.. Better to set an example of respect for authority to the students. "Come; we must go to the Headmaster. He can enact the Trace to find Miss Toussaint." And once she was found to be safe, he would have something to say about it with her-- had he not taught her better than this? To be diligent, cautious and aware? Honestly! Her irresponsible behavior was going to get her kil- But away with that thought. A cold snake of concern slithered through him and he rose, grabbing his cane.

"Hurry; we have no time to spare. She may be in mortal peril as we speak." He gestured to the students, ushering them out the door.

ooc- Follow Kaz to the Headmaster's office, please! :)