Ian nodded as he was invited in to the office. Yes ma'am, thank you. I don't want to be a bother, but thought you might be able to help me with some questions I had. He saw the professor step to the side and allow him into the office. The office is nicely appointed, though there does seem to be the clutter of a professor who is knee deep in a term.

Ian saw a fwooper and greeted it. Hello there! He had walked up near her desk and stood there, sort of awkwardly not sure if he should sit or wait to be invited to a seat. Always a question of etiquette. He stood, waiting for direction.

"Oh, of course you're not a bother!" Nessa beamed at Ian as he walked in. She always tried to make it a point to be as available for students as she could. "I will certainly try to help you with your questions.. what did you want to ask?" She would assume it was related to the subject she taught, but of course it could be about something else..

She glanced over to her fwooper as he greeted her before she took a seat at her desk. "That's Ophelia," she smiled brightly as the bird ruffled her feathers a bit and began scratching at her perch. "She tends to get a little fussy when she's not able to sing for a long time, but I find it necessary to keep the silencing charm on as much as possible." Hopefully she'd behave herself while they had a guest though. Noticing that Ian was still standing she gestured towards the little sofa across from her. "You're welcome to have a seat if you'd like.."

Ian smiled in the direction of the fwooper as the professor explained about the singing. He'd only seen them a couple times, but they were rather intriguing creatures (as were all magical creatures to him). When she said he could take a seat, he turned his head and made sure of his place before lowering himself to the couch. He liked to make sure he didn't add to his discomfort by falling to the ground instead of landing on a seat. When he was on the couch, he sat on the edge, because really he was nervous about the questions. He'd had no issues at Hogwarts. He was treated well as a muggle born, but he really, really was struggling with the idea that he couldn't talk about himself back home. It may even necessitate moving when he got out of Hogwarts. It was very difficult for him to hide who he was because of other people's ignorance.

Ian cleared his throat and began. Well, professor. I've been struggling with some things this year. I was hoping you could help. I spoke with Professor Morgan and she was comforting and all, but it really didn't address my thoughts and feelings and so I thought perhaps some history would help me sort through things. He shifted a little on the couch and noticed that he was fidgeting with his hands as he tried to figure out how to broach the subject. He still hedged a little as he did. Professor, I think I'm different. At some level, I feel like an outsider here and at home. I'm still trying to come to grips with who I am, I suppose. He wasn't sure if this was helpful, but it was helpful to at least say it.

Nessa nodded as Ian helped himself to a seat on her sofa, watching a bit curiously as he seemed awfully nervous, but she smiled brightly all the same to try to put him at ease. She gave him her full attention, feeling that what he had to ask her must be important given his demeanor, and she listened as he began. She couldn't help but too smile a little bigger as he mentioned her dear friend. She was sure Cassie was likely kind and attentive to Ian's inquiries. But he needed to relate whatever it was to history? Yes, she supposed she could understand why he sought her out then.

"Well, I will certainly do my best to help, Ian," she said, smiling kindly. Her smile faltered slightly into an expression of concern as he continued. He felt like an outsider? That wasn't exactly a pleasant feeling to have and her heart went out to the boy. "How exactly do you feel that you are different?" she began. "What I mean to say is, what kinds of things make you think of yourself as an outsider?" Perhaps he was Muggleborn and that would make sense at home, though maybe not as much at school. But hopefully he could shed a little more light on his meaning. And how did it relate to history? She needed him to expand on his thoughts a little more so she could best help him.

Ian noticed the professor seemed to be doing her best to make him feel comfortable. He was grateful for that, though it wasn't exactly the most life shattering thing he was here for. It was more or less to feel how it was to be from a muggle family in a wizarding world.

Thanks, he told her. At her question, Ian looked at her. Well. I suppose it's partly my own fault. I had friends when we got on the carriages, but I screwed that up from that point forward on the carriage ride and into the opening feast, but Professor Hadley helped that particular situation. I don't know how to explain it. Maybe it's normal teenage boy stuff. Everybody seems to be coupling off and well, other than one girl, I haven't really been interested in that. I feel like maybe I'm different that way. Now, even that one girl doesn't really interest me. He shrugged and looked at his toes as he talked about this part. Seemed a bit odd to be throwing that all on the professor, especially since she hadn't exactly had much contact with him before. That wasn't even the main issue, though it kind of mattered here at the school.

The big issue though, and took another deep breath and continued is more about back home. I talked to Professor Morgan and she said it was normal. My parents won't let me talk about being at Hogwarts or anything else. They said, and Professor Morgan agreed, were trying to protect me from people. I'm curious how the issues between muggles and wizards happened. How come there is a statute about keeping magic secret from muggles? It seems like if we were more open with who we were, maybe muggles would be more accepting of us. I feel like I have to hide who I am at home and I don't think that's fair. Why can't I be proud of who I am? I didn't choose to be this way. Ian had read about how people were mean to people who were different than they were. It was wrong and he wanted to understand.

Nessa nodded, still giving Ian her full attention.Hmm.. it saddened her that he thought he had damaged some friendships or thought that he no longer had any friends. But it seemed that Josephina had taken care of things, hopefully to the boy's satisfaction, but she knew the Hufflepuff Head of House was very kind and helpful. She had little doubt. And she didn't think she knew a lot about teenage boy stuff, but she did think she knew where he was going with it and a look of understanding crossed her face.

"Oh there is still plenty of time for that," she smiled kindly. It did seem to her that there were a lot of younger couples recently which was cute in a way but also struck her as odd that there were so many. "Not everyone is ready for that kind of thing at the same time. But I do understand what it is like to feel that everyone around you has a boyfriend or girlfriend and if you don't, maybe you feel left out.." She knew that from experience and it wasn't always a good feeling. "It's completely normal to not want to be in a relationship at your age.. not different at all.." Though perhaps if many of his friends were, she could see how he'd feel that way.

But there was more and she looked at him curiously, giving him her attention once again. Oh yes.. her initial thoughts had been somewhat correct, though she wasn't completely sure that he was muggleborn, perhaps just more attuned to the differences between magical and non-magical folk. She remained silent for a moment once the boy had finished, thinking on how to best proceed. "Yes, your parents and Professor Cassie are correct," she finally started. "At least with those who are unfamiliar with wizards and witches. It is to protect us and them.. and it is a little complicated. Perhaps I should have a lesson on the secrecy statute.. do you think that would be beneficial?" She thought for a moment. If she could make it fun and interesting, that might be a good lesson for her to have. She wasn't sure she could fit it in this year, but next year for sure if she couldn't.

"A long time ago, witchcraft and wizardry was not hidden.. it was practiced out in the open. Many muggles did not like this for one reason or another.. it's been speculated that they might be jealous or frightened of what they did not have or did not understand. Some just thought it was evil. And then people were getting hurt or killed because of it. Many were muggles accused of witchcraft and they could not defend themselves or escape with magic because they could not use it. And so magical people thought it would be best to put in some laws to help protect everyone."

That was a really heavy question and she wasn't sure that she was thoroughly explaining things, but that was it in a nutshell. "But you shouldn't feel ashamed of who you are," she said giving him a reassuring smile. "Be proud of being a fine young wizard. We don't hide because we are ashamed, we keep things secret to protect those who need it or can't themselves." It was like they had a duty to do. She wasn't sure if she had answered his question or if he had more about the statute but it did give her some ideas..

Ian looked down at his feet when she talked to him about the boyfriend/girlfriend talk. His mom had told him similar things and had tried to encourage him to just be himself. It was a rather solid bit of advice and perhaps now he should just be comfortable being Ian, not Ian plus one.

He wasn't particularly thrilled with the next statement about the correctness of the other adults. He really, really felt it was unfair. Then she went into actually providing a more thorough answer about the history of the secrecy statute. He listened attentively. He'd read some of the same things, but he still didn't think that made things less unfair. If anything, it seemed that the more time passed, the more bias and hatred would cement in the muggle/wizard relationship. He decided to probe just a little bit more.

I understand professor. I still think it's unfair. He swallowed before the next question. I haven't asked my parents this, but it's something I'd like to know. When a muggle-born gets a Hogwarts letter, how does the ministry deal with incredulous parents? If indeed the statute is a way to protect muggles and wizards alike, wouldn't it be better to not even acknowledge it? It would seem a better way to keep the secret. Except of course for a child like me.

He was extremely grateful for Professor Nessa's encouragement to be proud of himself. Perhaps a future job in exploring muggle/wizard relations would be beneficial.

Nessa watched Ian carefully as she tried her best to explain things to him, wondering if what she was saying was of any help to him or just making things worse. From her viewpoint, he either seemed to be really thinking things over or just not happy with her explanation. This thought made her frown just a bit.

Once he spoke, she gave him a sympathetic smile. "Well.. in some ways it isn't fair. Some things in life are a trade-off. You have to accept the good with the bad." She knew that might not be any consolation for the boy though. She grabbed a quill and jotted down a few notes on her parchment tablet so that she wouldn't forget, then turned back to Ian. That was an interesting question indeed.

She began carefully after a moment's thought. "I don't know the exact procedure. But from what I know, there is a person who is trained to patiently and carefully discuss things with a muggle-born's parent. If you don't mind me asking, are you muggle-born, Ian?" He hadn't exactly come out and said it, but she had suspected that he might be based on some of the things they had been discussing and his choice of words. And if he was, perhaps he had his own take regarding his parents initial reactions that could help her better explain things. Smiling lightly, she shook her head. "Oh but magic is such a special, remarkable gift. I don't believe it's better to keep it secret from a child who has it. It can be nurtured in that child and they can be taught how to control it." That was far better than not acknowledging it at all, because it wasn't as if it would just go away on its own.

Quote:

Originally Posted by emjay

Aww, wasn't that just so sweet! Nessa beamed at Penelope again as she confirmed that the cookies were for her. "Well, thank you, Penelope.. That was so very nice of you and quite thoughtful. Did you bake them yourself?" Even if she had bought them or had the elves do it, it was still very nice and she appreciated them all the same. "Sure.. come on in!" She opened the door a little wider and stepped to the side so the Ravenclaw girl could walk in.

Professor Glendower appreciated the cookies! "I baked them myself" She had felt like baking cookies, so she had baked cookies. Penelope entered the office.

Penelope took out the origami butterfly that had been carefully placed in her pocket so as not to squish it. "Thank you for the origami butterfly. Can you show me how to make them?"

"How wonderful!" Nessa beamed at Penelope as she welcomed her into her office. "I didn't realize you were such a baker!" And by the looks of it, it seemed that the girl had made many different kinds. "Do you mind if I try one now? You can have one as well of course." Even if she had made them for her, she certainly didn't mind sharing and wouldn't even think of eating in front of her without at least offering.

"Please, have a seat," she said gesturing to her sofa as she took her own seat in her chair near her desk. So.. what did Penelope want to talk with her about? She was just about to open her mouth to ask when brown eyes fell on the little origami butterfly she had made for the girl in class and she smiled. How nice of her to have kept it! "You're welcome! And sure.. I could show you. I have a room just down the hall with lots of craft supplies, but I think I have some paper we can use in here." She opened up a desk drawer and rummaged around before pulling out a few squares of paper.

Reaching over, she handed one to Penelope. "Alright, for a butterfly, first you need to fold it in half horizontally, vertically, and on both diagonals." Nessa folded her paper, demonstrating and creasing each fold sharply before unfolding it all flat again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by emjay

"How wonderful!" Nessa beamed at Penelope as she welcomed her into her office. "I didn't realize you were such a baker!" And by the looks of it, it seemed that the girl had made many different kinds. "Do you mind if I try one now? You can have one as well of course." Even if she had made them for her, she certainly didn't mind sharing and wouldn't even think of eating in front of her without at least offering.

"Please, have a seat," she said gesturing to her sofa as she took her own seat in her chair near her desk. So.. what did Penelope want to talk with her about? She was just about to open her mouth to ask when brown eyes fell on the little origami butterfly she had made for the girl in class and she smiled. How nice of her to have kept it! "You're welcome! And sure.. I could show you. I have a room just down the hall with lots of craft supplies, but I think I have some paper we can use in here." She opened up a desk drawer and rummaged around before pulling out a few squares of paper.

Reaching over, she handed one to Penelope. "Alright, for a butterfly, first you need to fold it in half horizontally, vertically, and on both diagonals." Nessa folded her paper, demonstrating and creasing each fold sharply before unfolding it all flat again.

"Of course you can try a cookie now!" Penelope took a seat on the sofa. Ooh, Professor Glendower had a room with lots of art supplies! Taking the paper that Professor Glendower had given her, she folded it just like the professor had shown her. Half horizontally, vertically, diagonal, and the other diagonal. She made sure that the creases were folded sharply like Professor Glendower's before unfolding it. "Like this?"