It had taken a lot of restraint to stop himself from pogoing to Professor Tyner's office this term, but he'd managed it. Thing was, as Toby was getting older and (kind of) taller, he found himself getting a little clumsier, even when he used his pogo stick (thankfully years of skateboarding meant that he was still pretty agile on a board). So really, he wanted to avoid unnecessary broken bones. And bouncing around meant that his hair uniform got messed up much quicker, which was starting to be a pet peeve of Toby's.

So it was sans pogo stick that the third year Hufflepuff arrived at Professor Tyner's office. He checked the nameplate at the door, just in case there had been another change of professor here (again, he wasn't one for really paying attention to speeches at the Hogwarts feasts), but was pleased to find that the name had not changed. Tobias smiled to himself and gave three knocks on the door, before stepping back and off to the side a bit, bouncing on the balls of his feet as per usual.

"Now where is that-- ah, there you are!"

She picked up her newly-found quill and dipped it in the inkwell. Noting the low level, she made a note to head over to Scrivenshaft's after dinner. Her gaze fell on the clock over her door. I should have plenty of time to dash off this letter before the meeting. She really wasn't looking forward to this staff meeting, but hopefully it wouldn't take too long.

The scratch of her quill and the ticking of the clock were the only noises in the office until three successive knocks could be heard on the door. Tiara glanced again at the clock. Still thirty minutes before I have to be up at the castle. "Come in!" she called.

Moments after he'd knocked, Tobias heard the comfortably familiar voice beckoning him in. He wasted no time in pushing the door open and sticking his head inside first to show who it was. Hellooooo!

"Hi Professor Tyner!" Toby said cheerfully, stepping in properly. He wasn't sure if he needed to introduce himself again or if the Quidditch official would remember him, so just left it. "I was wondering if you had time for a quick chat?" he added, pretty much buzzing with his regular enthusiasm.

Ah, it was Tobias. "Hello there, Tobias. Please do come in!" She smiled and gestured towards a chair in front of her desk. "Of course I have time. What is it you would like to talk about?" And if she had to be late for the staff meeting... so be it. No one would hear her complaining about that particular... misfortune.

Tobias beamed and made for the chair that Professor Tyner gestured to, finding himself fidgeting mere moments after taking a seat. Feet tapping, fingers drumming, the works.

"Thanks Professor!" he said cheerfully, because he was always grateful when the professors here could spare some time to talk to him. "Well, basically... Quidditch." Of course. What else did Toby ever talk about? "I'm more determined than ever to play professionally in the future, so I was wondering if you think it's worth going for, now you've seen me play?"

He paused there, as if considered what to say next. But it seemed like he quickly decided to go ahead because he soon went on. "I was thinking of trying out for the England Under 17 team over the summer but..." Tobias waved a hand vaguely in the air in front of him. "There was some family stuff, and that came first. So I was thinking maybe next summer, so I have loads of time to prepare for it. Even if I don't get on the house team this year, I could still practice flying in my spare time."

Tobias was even more enthusiastic about Quidditch this year than ever. When he spoke about the sport, his face positively lit up, and he grinned widely. Now, he sat forward slightly on his chair, as if the enthusiastic energy within him might cause the Hufflepuff to take off in flight right now, broom or not broom.

"I just wondered what you thought, 'cause you'd know probably better than anyone here about all this stuff," Toby added, nodding as well, 'cause that's what you did when you were serious. Srs nodding.

Goodness, the lad had grown quite a bit over the summer, hadn't he? His body was beginning to mature so that his build looked more and more like that of a Quidditch player. He must have been training over the summer. Tiara nodded in approval, though she knew the boy would not know why. But any time a student put in work outside of what was expected in order to pursue success she was proud: Quidditch player or not.

She chuckled internally to see that he was still fidgety. The teenage years were so... Indescribable. That was the only word for it. "You're welcome," she said with a small smile. She raised her hand to indicate that he should proceed.

As was her style, she let him fully explain himself before interjecting any thoughts. "I am glad you seem to have found a goal to pursue in life, Tobias." He had been undecided when they last had this conversation, if she recalled correctly. "As you may have noticed, many of your peers have yet to do so. However, I think it was also wise of you to have realized that your family should always come first." Perhaps not every teenaged boy was a lost cause?

"But you didn't come here to listen to me talk about that," she said, waving her hand dismissively. "I think if you're serious about this, then the U-17 league is a must-do this summer. Is there a particular coach you were hoping to work with? I could speak to them for you if that is something you decided to pursue." Though most of her contacts were with the European League, her brief stint as a substitute official this summer had garnered her several more acquaintances within Britain.

"The other thing is that you need to focus in on a position. It is still very worthwhile to have knowledge and skills in the other positions, as this will help your overall strategy and understanding of the game when interacting with them." Tiara Tyner valued game smarts just as much as physical prowess, if not more. "However, rare is the player who can play more than one position at the professional level. If you wish to be signed out of Hogwarts, then you will want to focus your attention on a particular position by.. probably fifth year."

Tobias made sure to listen carefully to Professor Tyner. After all, why wouldn't he? Sure, the boy was rather easily distracted, an at times quite inattentive, but he'd come here specifically for the professor's advice. He continued to tap his hands and drum his fingers, never relenting, as though it was somehow vital that he never stop moving if he was to properly process the Quidditch official's words.

The main thing he picked up on was that the professor approved of some of his decisions. That, of course, made him smile wider, and the thirteen year old subconsciously sat up a little straighter in his chair, and remained sitting like so for while he listened to the rest of what Professor Tyner had to say.

When he sensed that she was probably about to stop talking, Tobias nodded. That last part made him chew on his lip a bit, but first things first.

"Well, I was talking to Ella about the U17 thing this summer, and she mentioned to me that a few sixth years from here made it onto the Under 17 England team," Toby explained. She'd originally suggested he'd go talk to West, the Slytherin captain, about it, because he was on the team. He hadn't done that quite yet, because there hadn't been much opportunity. Plus, when there WAS an opportunity, Toby would end up inexplicably nervous. "So I thought that by next summer, they might be getting too old to play for that team, and there would definitely be spots open." Which was a roundabout way of saying thaaaaaat... "I kinda wanted to see if I could get onto that one. The national team. Maybe." At that point, the Hufflepuff kind of blushed a bit as he realised he was probably grossly overestimating his abilities with the idea he could make it straight onto the national team, and quickly tried to backpedal. "Or I mean... I don't know. I've always liked the Magpies; I support them. If they have an under-17s team... I mean, that... I..."

Ahem.

Tobias leapt quickly onto the last point. "I think I'll probably focus on either Chaser or Keeper," he explained, fiddling with a lock of his hair now as he spoke. "I've played three games as each now, and I've never tried the other positions. I just always liked to be open to wherever Ella wanted to play me." Because Ella was always super good at mixing up the rosters so they worked out well. And Tobias didn't realise it, but by saying he was open to wherever, it kept other people happy, and keeping others happy seemed to be the most important thing to him. "But I'll see how it goes this year, if I get on the team." Kaiden might turn out to have completely different strategies, after all.

The fidgeting was actually starting to bother her if she was honest with herself. He needs something else to occupy his hands. And in her experience, such weighty conversations about futures often needed some lightening up anyways. Both things led her to cast a nonverbal Summoning Charm. "Excuse me one moment," she said, opening the window that overlooked the pitch. A warm current of air rushed in, along with the two objects summoned from her Hogsmeade home. Holding them out for him to see, she said, "Would you care for a popsicle? It's warm outside. Red or orange, I like both."

Sitting back down in her chair, she commented, "They're bewitched so they won't melt or drip, so feel free to take your time on that." She certainly would not be falling prey to a brain freeze. "Wingardium Leviosa," she said simply, swishing and flicking her wand. Her own popsicle hovered obediently about three inches off the desk. "So it doesn't get dirty," she said by way of explanation. Then, folding her hands, she addressed his concerns.

"Right. Now, practically speaking you are correct that the national team may be a stretch. But you will never know if you do not at least attempt to make it. I will see what I can do." With another flick of her wrist, the quill in front of her sprang to life, inking itself and then scrawling off a memo. Contact Bartholemew and Dirk concerning Tobias Tempus it read. "And how will you be this summer, Tobias?" The gentlemen would certainly need to know that information.

"As for your other comments: Mr. Yarborough would be very lucky if you did not make the team, because that would mean he had managed to find ten other fliers that are even better than yourself. Between you and me, I would say that is highly unlikely given the relatively small sample size he is working with." In other words, Tobias really didn't have much to worry about in that regard. "As for his strategies I cannot say. But I have watched you fly now quite a bit, and if I had to pick a position for you purely based on these experiences, I would say you may consider giving Chasing your consideration." Which did not mean that he was not a good Keeper, just that, in her opinion, he was a better Chaser. "I have seen your attention to detail in your turns, ability to course correct, and of course your aim. That particular skill set is more beneficial in Chasing." Although they could be used for Keeping in a different manner. "However, what it really boils down to is which position you feel the most comfortable or natural playing, and which you have the most fun doing."

The former Ravenclaw reached for her popsicle. Lick. Lick. Lick.

Tobias nodded at the professor and looked over at the window as she made to open it. And... popsicles? Neat!

"I'd love one, thank you, Professor!" Tobias grinned, and reached out tho take the red one. Red flavour was good flavour. And, with it still being September and summer, it was perfect popsicle weather. The boy smiled happily, and now had something to sort of occupy him a bit while he listened.

He was definitely relieved that Professor Tyner didn't immediately dismiss his suggestion about the natural team, and smiled to himself. "That's brilliant, thanks." Grateful Hufflepuff is grateful. "Oh, my birthday is the end of September, so I'll be 14 when summer's here," Tobias responded to the Professor's question straight away, momentarily pausing his consumption of the popsicle.

Tobias sat and listened patiently, and it wasn't long before he found himself sitting there just sort of... stunned? Taken aback? Well he was SOMETHING. Because that was definitely a compliment about his Quidditch skills, and for some reason Tobias wasn't used to compliments. Especially when they came from someone with Professor Tyner's sort of experience or whatever. He opened his mouth to say thank you yet again, but shut it quickly because Tyner made to carry on talking. Instead he just grinned even moar and continued with the popsicle. Yup.

When Tyner finished talking, Tobias continued licking the popsicle thoughtfully. He was about to point out that he had fun doing pretty much everything, so it was difficult to use that as a gauge. But then it kind of occured to him that if he enjoyed playing in every position, then he couldn't really go wrong. "I gotta admit, Chasing's pretty fun, 'cause I love to move around a lot," he responded. It was true. Sometimes it was kind of easy to lose concentration when he had to be still. And then there was all those skills Tyner had mentioned, and he grinned again. "I'll definitely put some thought into it, and see how it goes this term." Nodnodnod. He licked at the popsicle again, which was now pretty much in two halves, absolutely requiring both hands to hold it by this point. "I really appreciate your help, professor. It's good to get an unbiased opinion in this stuff." He paused, and then went on with another little smile. "I just... yeah, thanks." Hearing good things was GOOD.

"I can get out of your way now, if you need me to," Tobias suggested. He'd pretty much asked all the things he'd needed to, and the Quidditch official had afforded him her time, information, opinion AND a popsicle. It had already been a very successful visit.

Orange flavor. She was satisfied with that. And somehow, red seemed to suit the young Hufflepuff, anyhow. A vibrant color, full of life. "You're welcome, my dear."

"Excellent. You're quite welcome." With a flick of her wrist, the words Age 14 were added to her memo. "That ought to be adequate, thank you." Besides, if she needed more, she knew where he lived.

She chuckled. "Yes, I have noticed that you always seem to be a young man on the move." A nod indicated the pogo stick. Muggles would certainly have him on some sort of chemical capsule they are so overly fond of. The idea of shoving a small piece of plastic down your throat did not appeal to the former Ravenclaw. But back to Tobias. "Mr. Tempus, I assure you that there is not necessarily one correct answer and all the other choices are completely incorrect. This is not a decision that needs to be made today, anyhow. The point of the U-17 league is to help hone skills and make these types of choices." Plus the coaches could get a much better idea of their players' flying than she could herself. Tiara had to watch 14 fliers all at once, after all.

After another lick of her icy treat, she smiled warmly. "It is certainly not a problem, Mr. Tempus. That is what I am here for, after all: the students." Though some of her colleagues certainly did not seem to share that same attitude of availability. "I am more than willing to speak with you whenever you need. Except for in the middle of the night when I am, in fact, sleeping in my home back in Hogsmeade." A small wink followed this comment. "If you wish to leave may, but I will not force you out. I still have," she glanced at the clock, "fifteen minutes before I must leave for a meeting."

Young man on the move indeed. Tobias gave a little smile that pretty much said 'ehehe, guilty!' and nodded. YUP. So people noticed, then. Of course the did... Toby figured it was kinda hard to miss.

The Hufflepuff listened carefully whilst he alternated between each half of the popsicle, as he now held a half in each hand (though his feet were still tapping slightly, but only slightly). He felt comforted by the insistance that there was still plenty of time to think about this, even moreso by the fact that there was no one right answer. Which he did know, but sometimes it was good to be reminded.

"Oh yeah, for sure," he agreed. "I expect it all takes time, and I have loads of time left at school to consider things before making any final decisions." He just loved to speculate, and kinda sorta daydream. "So I'm just going to enjoy working it all out." Quite literally playing the field.

Toby grinned again. No, he was pretty sure he'd never have a Quidditch crisis so important that he'd need urgent advice in the middle of the night, so at least they had that, eh? Well, unless a bludger somehow escaped and found its way into his dormitory and tried attacking him at 2am. But there was a very slim chance of that. Though, when at Hogwarts...

ANYWAY.

"Brilliant," Toby said, probably for like the bazillionth time, as he got to his feet again. "I should probably be off. I need to make sure I get some reading done before my classes tomorrow. I'm told it's very beneficial," he added, but jokingly, because he'd always been painfully aware about the importance of studying. "I'll probably see you soon, though; I'm out on the pitch almost every day." So maybe it was more likely that she'd see him, with that handy dandy window right there.

Taking another lick from her charmed popsicle, she smiled faintly at the sound of a light tapping on the floor. So apparently it's not just his hands. "That's the spirit! You do have quite a bit of time left here, and you should enjoy it while you can. There's nowhere else in the world quite like Hogwarts." He got a rueful wink after this sentence, for it had been a fairly large understatement.

Just what every proud Ravenclaw wanted to hear: the benefits of reading. "I expect your professors would feel very gratified to hear that. Sounds like an excellent plan." And yes, they probably would be seeing each other fairly soon, what with meals and his almost daily presence on the pitch practicing. "I look forward to it. Have a good first week back!"

Nowhere in the world quite like Hogwarts? "You can say that again, Professor!"

And see? Look! More approval! Now that just made Toby stand even taller or as tall as this Toby-o could stand at the moment.

The Hufflepuff made his way over to the door and paused (because each hand was holding a half of the popsible), before he made use of his elbow (to work the handle and pull open the door a couple of inches or so) and then his foot (to nudge and hook and pull the door open the rest of the way).

Holding the door open with the foot, Tobias looked back to say a proper farewell for the day.

"Thanks Professor Tyner; you too!"

He waved goodbye with one popsicle-armed hand, and then went through the door, made sure it didn't slam shut or anything, and went on his merry way back to the castle with a spring in his step.

Tessa was bouncing with excitement as she arrived at Professor Tyner's office. She hadn't spoken much to the Flying Professor, but she had heard great things about the woman and knew that she had a great knowledge of Quidditch. Tessa was sure she and the woman would get along.

When she arrived at the door, she smiled at the sign and raised a hand to knock at the door a few times. Until the Professor answered the door, Tessa turned her attention to the Pitch outside. She hoped Professor Tyner would be able to offer some pointers about her flying and maneuvers- especially since she had try-outs this summer for the professional teams. And some insight into the Quidditch professional world would certainly help.

Tiara had arrived to a chilly office this morning. The stands did not provide much insulation from the chilly Scottish winds, and she could tell that the fierceness of winter would soon set in. So it was that when a knock came at her door she was busy shooting a hot air charm around the room. "Come in quickly!" For all the cold inside, it must be double out there.

Tessa did just as the Professor said, quickly skirting inside the door. When she felt the warm air inside the office, she shut the door behind her as quick as she could. Once inside, she sighed as the warmth hit her, and she began rubbing her hands. Everything had started to get stiff and achy in the cold, and she moved her arms and legs to get them feeling normal again.

"Hello Professor!" she said brightly. "Thanks for seeing me." She took a few more steps into the warm office, not sure whether she should sit down or not. "I'm planning on trying out this summer for the pros, and I was hoping you could offer some advice."

As predicted, a rush of cold air entered the room as soon as the door opened. Busy holstering her wand, Tiara hadn't gotten a chance to brace herself against it. "Hello hello, Miss Hedge. Please, do sit down." The woman gestured towards a chair in front of her desk. Taking a seat herself, she began to rub knead her hands. The cold was wreaking havoc on her joints five times more than usual this year, and they had hardly gotten into the thick of winter.

So she wanted to try out for the pros. Tiara knitted her brows together. "I was under the impression that you were currently in your sixth year. Is that incorrect?"

Tessa shivered, glad that the room at least was warm. "Thank you," she said, settling into one of the chairs. She saw the Profesor rubbing her hands and she had to agree. The cold was really affecting everything- and everyone.

"I am," she said with a nod. "But I've heard of others my age, or younger competing. I figured I would add my name to the list," she explained. "I'm up for the challenge, I just need a chance to prove myself," she told the Professor boldly. She had been waiting for this chance her whole life, she wasn't going to let it pass her by.

Tiara admired the girl's drive. I'll give her that much. The official saw her teenage self in Tessa, and she didn't want to see the Gryffindor make the same mistakes. "Right, then one clarifying question." She shifted slightly in her chair to ease off of her aching hips. "When you say you'd like to try out for the professional leagues this summer, do you mean the U-17 leagues just during the summer for people still in school, or are you talking about a full time position and not coming back to Hogwarts for your seventh year?" Because that made all the difference as to the direction this conversation was about to go in.

Tessa sighed at the Professor's question. "That is one of the things I wanted to ask you about," she said. "I would like to return to Hogwarts-" Or, finish her education anywhere for that matter. "But if it would be better for my career, I would rather go to the Professional leagues. There's the possibility of tutoring, right?" she asked, sitting back in her chair.

"Is there one you would recommend?" she asked thoughtfully. She was open to advice, after all.

So it sounded like she had yet to make up her mind, then. Unbidden, her father's words from so many years ago flashed through her memory: focus on your future, Tiara, that's all that matters. Her face took on a glazed look. It was as if the entirety of her teenage years began to play as a movie on the screen of Tessa's face. Long, lonely nights at the gym. Medals upon medals. Meeting the Olympic coach. The fall. Doctor visit after doctor visit. The dreaded confirmation she'd never be at that level again. The second chance Hogwarts provided. The friendship, the unforgettable memories.

Bringing herself back to the present, she realized that Tessa was still talking. All she had heard was something about tutoring. The official sighed. "Tessa," she said. For anyone that knew Tiara well, the use of a student's first name would signal how emotionally involved she was in this issue. "I know that right now you are trying to figure out your future, and rightfully so." N.E.W.T. years were all about focusing on a career after Hogwarts. "But I encourage you to not forget the importance of the time you are currently spending at Hogwarts. I had similar ambitions from a young age, and hours upon hours of my life were spent training for my one shot." Unbidden moisture crept into the corners of her eyes. "But trust me when I say that you shouldn't be too anxious to leave your school years behind. They're some of the most precious times of life, and I'd give anything to trade the long hours of practice for more."

Mentally shaking herself, she attempted to return to her usual, more formal self. "I have seen far too many young people leave school early and regret it over the years. Besides, leaving school early, as ambitious and forward-thinking as it may sound right now, does not look good to future employers. Like it or not, you cannot be a professional athlete your whole life, and the wise individual has a skill set to fall back on when this happens." She had also seen that happen far too often in her time. "I will not venture to say that I know what is best for your life. However, I hope you take my experiences into consideration."

Had she given her enough to think about? Most likely.

Tessa listened carefully to the woman's words, noting the gravity of her tone and the distance in her eyes. This woman had lived it, Tessa realized. She had sensed the Professor was good, but others had merely held a love for the sport and never actually competed professionally. This woman had.

"Very well," she said, after long moments of silence. "So, it sounds like I should try-out for the NC-17 teams?" she asked, wanting to clarify. "I would still love you to observe me flying, when you get the chance," she continued. "And, when I return next year, I would love your help in getting ready for the Professional team- as long as it's not too much trouble. The more prepared I am, the easier it will be," she reasoned with a grin. After all, dreams were still dreams, even if they had to be postponed for a little while longer.

She had been wondering how well the girl would take the monologue. But after long moments of thinking, Tessa seemed to come to a conclusion. "I would recommend the summer leagues, yes." Tiara nodded. "But of course, dear! That is part of my job, after all. I'd be more than happy to assist you as necessary." She shifted in her chair once again. Why were her joints so painful today? "Is there anything else you'd like to discuss?"

Tessa nodded at the Professor's words. "Then the summer leagues it is," she said, her thoughts immediately making a note to research the teams and see what they would be looking for and which one might suit her the most. But, that was for later.

"Thank you, Professor," she said with a broad smile. "I'll look forward to your comments!" Now she would just have to figure out what exactly she would want to do- granted, she was sure the Professor would have some things in mind also.

"Well, I have been looking at different teams to try-out for," she said. "Even though I'll be changing my plans, I was wondering if you had any advice for what to look for in a team. Granted, it may be better for you to see how I fly before we can begin to think of team names," she said thoughtfully, partially thinking aloud.