The Seating Area Outside Professor Dakest's Office
 

http://i1371.photobucket.com/albums/...psyt7lvwty.jpg

The most noticeable trait about the seating area, is that it resembles an outdoor patio more than an indoor room. A small, charmed fire-pit resides in the center of the waiting area, surrounded by a few padded wicker chairs and benches. The fire within the pit is constantly burning, crackling and popping with real light and real heat. Nearby, a tiny water fountain gives a pleasant, bubbling white-noise and if one stains their ears enough, they may be able to hear the rustling of leaves or the distant chirping of a song bird. Where, exactly are you again?

If you're feeling peckish, a small wooden box labelled 'smores' sits beside the fireplace, and contains all the ingredients one might need to make a warm, squishy treat. Or, if you prefer, a bag of marshmallows has also been tucked in the box, and a few roasting poles are stacked nearby. There is a hand-written label on top of the container, which reads:

'Help Yourself,
Enjoy Yourself,
Clean up After Yourself.
('Smore construction instructions inside)'
Knock on the door, and then feel free to take a seat on one of the chairs, or on the edge of the slightly raised fire-pit, and make yourself a snack while you wait for the Professor to become available. There may also be some muggle 'Magic Fire' packets tucked away in the box. Rip open a pack, toss it on the flames and see what color the fire turns.

Be forewarned, however, while the fire is charmed to prevent injury or spread in the event of an unfortunate accident, the Professor is not likely to take kindly to irresponsibility around the pit. Just as he is unlikely to be too pleased with sticky fingers coming into his office. Look in the box, find the napkins. Please.


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OOC: Please post here FIRST and WAIT to be invited into the Professor's office, by the Professor. I will get to you as soon as I can, and Sabel will either invite you into the office or hold the meeting out here, depending on circumstance. Please be patient. I will treat posts on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Conversation is encouraged here, interact with one another while you wait, but please keep it to a respectful minimum. It will be hard for me to find your request if I have to read through pages of chat ;-)

Please make sure you have read the Rules, before posting. Thanks, and have fun! :-)

Different Time I guess
 

Kace decided to come visit the Defense Against the Dark Arts office. He really wanted to meet the new professor because I mean why not? He could be a cool dude. He also wanted to discuss career options because he got an E on his OWLS. I mean he was pretty good at it. As he made his way to the firepit he noticed Benny was here too. Huh....I guess he wasn't the only one. He knocked on the door and then went to sit by the fireplace.

He sat there gazing into the fire wondering what questions he was gonna answer. He even wondered what this new Professor looked like. He will know soon enough.

What she said.
 

Separate timelines for the girls and the boys, as indicated :)
 

It was a distinctive smell creeping under his doorway, one that permeated throughout the office slowly and took it's time in triggering a reaction from him. A warm, baking smell. It had drawn his eyes up to the door with suspicion. The fire couldn't burn, but it could cook and overcook. And there was always the chance that charms failed or spritzed.

He had been in the process of putting his quill down and raising himself from his desk to investigate when the knocks came. For some reason, that startled him into rushing over to the door. There was no screaming or shouting for help yet, no smoke seeping under his door from piles of s'mores overcooked, but there were knocks and that smell...

The door opened a bit more quickly than the situation outside warranted, and Sabel paused in mid speaking-breath as he caught the tail end of the casual, non-endangered conversation of the two girls outside his office. One eyebrow arched as he looked from the one closest to the door and over to the one with ... a tray of cookies. Well, that explained the smell. But...why cookies?

"I'm more partial to otters, myself." His eyebrow went up a bit higher, wondering just what about his persona made him seem like a ferret person. "How can I help you ladies?"



One thing he hadn't really considered when he had taken the position of Professor, was office hours and how to keep them. It was an interesting balance, moving between the practice halls and his office to try and tag each student that came to this area of the school. And slipping lunch in there somewhere, which, admittedly was where he had been this time.

It was a bit of a surprise to return to his office to find two students waiting on his return from the kitchens. Sitting quietly and without conversation, or s'mores. His attention slipped briefly to the box by the firepit. Was he out? Surely it was too early in the semester to be out already. Or maybe they just weren't hungry. But then, it was s'mores. Hard to resist. Hard crowd, maybe?

"Gentlemen, it's a bit early in the year for such serious looks, isn't it?" Who was first and what was troubling them? And, would he even be able to help? A bit of nerves were swallowed as Sabel moved over to the s'more box and lifted the lid with the toe of his shoe. Nope, still full.

His attention, and a small smile, returned to the two waiting students.

Sophie thought it was cute that Eves was so visibly excited by the seating area and noted that they DEFINITELY needed to return and make this a regular place to hang out. Well... HOPEFULLY they would be allowed to, if this new fellow liked them enough.

"Y'can't judge a book by its cover," she replied to Eves' observation, though Sophie also knew there was some weight to first impressions as well. The inquiry about knocking was irrelevant, so Soph went right on ahead to open her mouth and started to reply to the ferret bit when... the door opened. And there he WAS in all his gorgeous glory.

Then there was some VERY uncharacteristic nervous giggling bubbling in the throat of one Sophie Brown, and she managed to swallow it before shrugging nonchalantly, "That's a shame, 'cause my patronus is a ferret. Thought it was gonna be an otter for a long time, before I finally got it to take proper shape, but it's definitely a ferret." It wasn't a boastful tone - just conversational and thinking aloud. "Hopefully you'll still like us even though we're not otters, sir."

Very smooth, Soph.

... "Cookies?" She held the plate out to the man, letting him see it properly, half of it stacked with plain chocolate chip cookies and the other half stacked with peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. The latter was her personal favorite and specialty, but... just in case he had a weird allergy or something. PLAYING IT SAFE.

Help her, Eves. She was drowning.

New professor. That meant a visit, yes?

Leah walked into the seating area outside Professor Dakest's office, only to find herself... outside. Or a room that looked outside. Hmmm, nice interior design. Her brown eyes scanned the patio for a moment before landing on the SMORES. They were the awesome muggle treat she had tried a couple of years ago. Although she did want to try it again, she knew that the purpose of her visit was not for THIS. Therefore, she headed to the door and knocked.

Maybe if the professor was not here, she might as well grab some marshmallows to eat.

What, was with the giggling? Sabel looked between the two girls with all the reservation of a neutral expression as he could manage. Seriously? It felt like he was back in grade school.

Oh. Wait......he was.

But still, why with the giggling? No, you know what, it was better he didn't ask. Didn't question. There were more important things to worry about, like if the cookies being offered were laced with some type of poison, Veritaserum or even butterscotch. Merlin forbid it all, but students could be strange. And easily offended. Perhaps this batch wasn't tampered with, but if he refused such a generous offer it was very likely the next batch would be.

With a smile, he took two cookies off the offered plate. "Thank you, very much." He'd save them for later, bring them to Quiggley for testing. Or maybe even Flamsteed, though the results were likely to be skewed. Hm. "I have no beef with ferrets. Think they're quite cute actually. Each to his, or her, own. Congratulations on discovering your patronus, by the way." He'd keep that in mind.

And then there was that. The stuff. The writing. The interview. The quill.

As hard as he tried, he couldn't quite keep the grimace fully off his face. A reporter in the making? It was just his luck. He nearly stuffed the cookie in his mouth right then and there in the hopes that it would knock him right out, let him avoid this. But there was nothing like slamming a door in a young kid's face and hopes. And did they ever look hopeful.

Stepping to the side, Sabel opened the door to his office fully and refrained from sighing in resignation. "I'll be honest with you, I'm not partial to interviews. But come in and we'll talk about....stuff." Merlin only knew what that entailed.

OOC: You two may post in Sabel's office now :)



Sabel chuckled a little to himself. Professor. Boy did that ever sound strange, but he couldn't well tell the kid not to call him that. Then they'd do so for the other Professors and well, not everyone played well on a first, or last name, basis.

Letting the lid close to the box, Sabel tucked his hands in his pockets and looked to the boy that had spoken. He was still working on names. Surely, they would remind him. Hopefully. Maybe? "Most people don't aim to look serious." Deep thoughts then? Still early in the semester for that. "Mr. Atreyu was it? And..." Merlin help him...Lucky? Lethi? Lec... "Mr. Lecium." Nailed it! "What can I help you with?"



Who would it be this time? And what, exactly, did they want?

Those were the two questions that always popped into his mind whenever there was a rap, or occasionally bang, at his door. He had made a bit of a game of guessing, based on the softness or firmness of the knock and the number of knocks and a variety of other factors. So far, he wasn't landing very close with his guesses, but he was still new at this. Soon, he would have it down pat.

Today, he suspected a fifth or sixth year, who was having trouble casting a defensive shield. Probably the wrist movement and maybe the pronunciation....

Opening the door, all thoughts and speculations screeched to a halt and Sabel sort of just blinked down at the kid. It took him a moment to match the tinge of recognition to the face. Zeke. Emily's boy. He had almost forgotten he attended Hogwarts, and the height thing...he'd grown.

"Mr. Rogers, I presume." Straight face, he would do this all straight face. And probably get a Howler from his mother tomorrow. "If you are looking for insider advice on how to become the greatest dark wizard of all time, my office times for such inquiries are between the hours of no and never."

But, the kid didn't look too happy. Maybe joking about was a bad idea? Did Zeke even know who's office he had come to. Probably. He was a smart kid, after all.



At the sound of a knock, Sabel had roused himself from the paperwork on his desk and moved to answer it. A few sheets of parchment went with him, occupying one hand and his eyes as he closed the distance to the door and pulled it open. Glancing up, he was both somewhat surprised and mildly disappointed that the girl waiting had not helped herself to some s'mores. Or the magic fire. Commoon students.

Maybe he was answering the door too quickly? Perhaps he should let them stew and wait for a time. Couldn't well make a s'more in under ten seconds, now could they? Fair enough.

Lowering the papers to his side, he gave the young lady a friendly smile. "Afternoon, Miss Abbott. How can I help you?"

Admittedly, he hadn't worked on prioritising his questions just yet, and as a result had no idea what he was going to say first, or what he was going to lead with or HOW exactly he was going to start this interrogation. But he needed answers, and maybe something on the side.

When the door opened and Sabel appeared, Zeke couldn't help but GRIN... because SURELY there were more pro's than there were con's to this whole alien situation.

Wait.

MR. ROGERS... he presumed? HE PRESUMED TO KNOW HIM?! WHAT WAS THIS? As for the name thing, he was working on it. And was REALLY going to work on it.

"Just Zeke... no Rogers," he stated simply in response. Mr. Rogers had been his father once upon a time, but he AND that, was no more. "You should know that by now." Standards and expectations, this third year had them.

Furthermore what surprised him was that Sabel was being totally RUDE. "Don't be silly, I'm not stupid enough to ask for for advice on that directly, it's all about the bread crumbs," he acknowledged, "little things that seem perfectly innocent, I can't have people knowing my plans that's too much..." what was that word Elijah always harped on about? ... "anti...sipation." Something like that.

But um. Awkward much? Zeke inhaled a breath to help him stand taller, and swung his arms a little at his sides.

"You know it's rude not to invite people in? Generally people invite people in, does mum know about your manners?" If not, he could always inform her, he was sure she would love to hear that he was being rejected by her own friend where help with his class was involved. Woe is him.

As Kace was staring to the fire, he noticed the Professor called him out. He lifted his head up and got up and turned to face him. He saw other students so he wasn't the only one coming to him for help. "Well first I wanted to introduce myself but I take it you know my name already.." he joked with a friendly smile. More importantly he said, "I am also here to discuss career options as well because I got my OWLS score and I did well in the DADA section. I was wondering what jobs to get with that.." he said hopefully he didn't sound too desperate. He was just curious to know what his options were.

It was difficult, to maintain a straight face. Especially with the initial excited grin of the boy, and the subsequent lecture that he got. By the end of it, Sabel couldn't manage and the genuine smile he'd been retaining came forth with a belt of laughter.

"By Merlin's socks, Zeke, you take so much after your mother. It's good to see you." Opening the door, he stepped to the side to let the kid in. "You sure you want to come in? There are s'mores out here." Though, he supposed he could pull a few into his office. Why was no one interested in the s'mores. Perhaps he would have to try a different food.

OOC: You may post in Sabel's office now if you wish :)



Sabel's eyes went from Atreyu to Lecium, his mood sobering a little at the question that was presented. So far, this was the second student to jump from OWL scores to a career destination. The true question was, how was he to put the answer delicately?

Propping his foot on the edge of the firepit, Sabel scraped the heel of his shoe on the edge of the stone. "Well, congratulations are in order for your OWL scores, of that there is no doubt. But, it's not a direct link from test scores to a career choice. Scores are a requirement, but not the deciding factor. The biggest question you need to start asking yourself, is what career your personality is lined up for. Scores can change, personality is harder." Talk about a vague answer. "You can do a lot with good scores in DADA, as you can with good scores in other subjects, but that just means you can get in. Not that you'll do well."

Separate timeline. ^^
 

Kace saw the new Professor take a while to answer. He seemed to be thinking and it seemed more like a rejection answer. He was prepared though for anything. He heard the test scores aren't a direct link to a career choice. Hmm that was interesting. He thought it did. He actually had no idea what his personality is lined up for. I mean he did love creatures because of his farm life. He actually found his answer was somewhat vague but helpful at the same time. Maybe he can ask out of curiosity. "That is true. Thanks...?" he trailed off to get his name. He didn't think he said it or even mentioned it. I mean he probably had his name on his desk.

"But what career choices do you think you can get with something dealing with Defense Against the Darks Arts besides an Auror?" I mean he wanted to know. Maybe he had a pamphlet somewhere?

When he heard the knock, Sabel decided to test out his new theory. Wait, and perhaps s'mores would be used. As of yet, there hadn't really been a student who had taken to making themselves a few, or even one. Perhaps they thought the box was charmed, cursed even? Perhaps they thought it a trick. He would be impressed, however he had a suspicion most of it was on account of either lack of observance or impatience.

It didn't help his disappointment any, when he opened the door to find yet another student empty handed without s'mores or even magic fire. Pity.

His eyes went to the firepit and then back to the young girl. Interesting, it also seemed to be the higher years that kept showing up. So far, Zeke was the youngest to have knocked on his door. "Miss Carrington, right? How can I help you?"



One eyebrow rose. "Professor Dakest." But really, could he expect all students to remember all Professor's names so early in the year. No, probably not. So, no harm done.

And the kid didn't want to be an Auror? That was interesting. It seemed the most common jump from DADA was Auror or Hit Wizard. Granted, Lecium hadn't said 'not Hit Wizard', but he was going to deliberately leave that suggestion out. If he wasn't interested in Auror, chances were he had no interest in becoming a Hit Wizard. That, and it would do nothing for his conscience to suggest to a young mind they pursue such a career, regardless of whether they wanted to be an Auror or not.

Shifting his weight, Sabel sat down on the ledge of the fireplace and considered the two boys. The other one was rather silent, perhaps needing a more private conversation? Perhaps just listening.

"Well, Accidents and Catasrophe's could always use a hand, as could the Department of Mysteries. A member of the Invisible Task Force, Oblivator," though that one made him cringe, "Unspeakable. There's also Security Officers in the Law Enforcement Department, or forensics and investigators. Curse breaker with Gringots, or elsewhere. You could find work with the Magical Creature Department. And that's just inside the ministry. There's always need for teachers, tutors, private investigator hires, ward makers and breakers....." Did he see where Sabel was going with this?

Perhaps he should try a different approach, especially given the kid seemed rather interested in trying to flesh out a career choice. He spread his hands. "What other areas are you interested in, or do you excel at?"

There he was!!

And he knew her last name already? Wooooooow. Lux was impressed. She wondered how he had managed to do that seeing as this was their first time talking. Maybe she was famous or something. Haha, not really. She was just a lameo. "Yes, I am Lux Carrington!" And she was happy to meet him because he liked s'mores and as such had amazing taste in food.

Why was she here?? That was a good question! "Well, I wanted to welcome you to the teaching staff and say hi!" It was always nice to welcome people even though she was pretty sure that he had attended Hogwarts when he was younger. Weren't most professors former students if not all of them??

Kace couldn't help but snort at the name. Then he realized it was so rude and he covered it up with, "Oh I am sorry I just find it ironic. Your name is Professor Darkest and your teaching a dark subject. I just find it kind of ironic in a way." he smiled and couldn't help but grinning. Anyhow when he asked his question, he saw him shifting his weight and Kace didn't wanna make him feel uncomfortable at all. That was the last thing he wanted to do or maybe he was thinking hard? That could possibly be it. He saw Professor Darkest look at Benny and he did seem silent. He looked at him and maybe he needed a private conversation which he could understand. Kace used to be shy.

After hearing the suggestions, he was thinking and picking and choosing between the two. The department of mysteries sounded realllyy cool and mysterious too hence the name. He was smiling and said as a comment, "Hmm the department of mysteries sound cool." He saw where he was going with this and he nodded. "Oh okay wowww I didn't know there was a lot of jobs with that. I mean thanks for the ideas..." he wished he had a pencil or pen. "Do you have a pen and paper per chance?" he asked and grinned sheepishly. He wanted to write it all down for his parents to see.

So Professor Darkest wanted to know what areas he excelled in? Kace thought about it and said, "Well I am kind of into everything right now. I mean I do have an interest in Astro, COMC, DADA, not so much potions because my sister is in it. But I do love creatures because I have a farm back home and my dream would be to work with Dragons and such around the world.." he shrugged. "I guess he found my calling huh?" he asked him and felt bad for wasting his time.

Well, that would have been embarrassing if he had mixed up names. First official meeting, though he had seen her about the school. Did that mean they should make it official? Handshake or something? Really, he wasn't sure how Professors did this. So, he stuck out his hand in greeting. May as well. Couldn't hurt. "Nice to meet you officially, Miss Carrington. And thank you for the welcome, it is very kind of you."

Was that it then? No questions? No concerns?

Sabel tried his best not to eye her, while eyeing her. Perhaps that really was it, or maybe she needed some time to get the words out. Once the handshake was done, he motioned to the firepit. "I fancy a s'more. Would you care to join me? There's little point in making just one."

Two birds with one stone. S'mores and conversation. Maybe...




Alright, he could understand not knowing every Professor's name, but this? This got a seriously raised eyebrow and something of a blank stare. He was pretty sure he had articulated quite well, but then again, maybe he hadn't. Best to try again, while he agreed with the irony of it, that was not a nickname he wanted going around.

"Da-Kest." Say it with us kid. "Professor D, if you must." Not that it was any less cring-worthy, but it was the lesser of the nickname evils.

Letting it go, figuring that one correction was enough, Sabel listened to the boy's revelation, watching it grow in his eyes. He nodded slightly, a small smile touching his lips. "There are a lot of fields the skills of DADA can be applied to."

He was only starting to understand why Tate had discouraged him from being an Auror. The thought brought a brief frown to his lips, as he absently padded around at his pockets, looking for pen and parchment. When he came up empty handed, he gave the boy a 'hold-that-thought' gesture and disappeared into his office. It was a moment before he returned, passing quill and parchment to Lecium as he took a seat on the edge of the firepit again.

Folding his hands in his lap, he watched the kid scribble notes down. "I would recommend writing to the Ministry, Care of Magical Creatures especially. I've heard they have a Dragon department, and goodness knows they could always use help." He hesitated before rolling one shoulder. "There's also the ITF, International Task Force. You'd work in Tibet, with the Yetis."

Awww, Professor Dakest was just so sweet. He reminded her of Professor Culloden in that way, and of course her boyfriend was the sweetest person in the world. Happily she shook his hand. "Likewise." And with that out of the way, she got the idea that he wasn't sure if she had an ulterior motive for being here or not.

Well then. At least there were s'mores?

"I'd love to join you!" As if he needed to ask her twice. She was already heading to the seating area. Maybe she would ask him a few things while they were at it since Defence Against the Dark Arts was important for her becoming a potioneer. Might be best to wait a moment before bombarding the man with questions though.

Kace chuckled to diffuse the tension and felt soooo embarrassed because he got the new teachers name wrong. "Sorry Professor Dakest.." he sheepishly grinned. He will remember that calling him Professor D. Aaah there was many fields DADA can be applied to? Interesting but he did love creatures wayy to much. He found them fascinating. When he asked for parchment, he noticed Professor Dakest was getting him some like he requested. He was still sitting on the firepit watching the flames dance. He titled his head and asked, "Writing to the Ministry? I didn't know you could do that.." he said more to himself out loud. "There is a Dragon Department?" he asked skeptically. Now come on he must be pulling his leg. "Nahh I would rather work with Dragons than Yetis in my opinion.." he told him honestly.

eeee we're FINALLY here!
 

Kace and Sabel---catching up.
 

Zigzag zigzag ZOOM!

On a mission, the crimson envelope flew right into the Gryffindor's face with an unceremonious SMACK and stayed there. He would have to pull the it off his face, because it was not going to budge.

Best do that soon. Would be something awful if the Howler were to explode as it was.

He heard a hiss and a zip yet Benny still didn't expect something coming at him and smacking him in the face. From the position it was in, the sixth year couldn't help but be reminded of the parchment that had been unceremoniously been stuck to his nose the previous spring when he had fallen asleep while studying in Gryffindor tower.

Benny picked at it, removing it from his face, only to widen his eyes when he noticed the red color of the envelope. A howler?! "Wha---" he got out before swallowing in concern and realizing he had to do something. Like open it...fast! The Gryffindor did just that, wondering what it could possibly be about.

Sorry this is so late everyone! <3
 

Oh so they were going to make use of the s'mores then? Excellent.

With a nod and a smile, Sabel pulled the door to his office shut behind him and made his way over to the firepit. Pulling out the ingredients, he passed them one at a time to Carrington. "So, one more year till the big graduation." Small talk, he could do it. "Got any pressing plans for your final year?"



Sabel waved off the apology. No harm done, really. It hadn't got around, it hadn't become a nickname. Easily forgivable.

Ah but now he could see the wheels turning. Good, very good. He nodded and nodded again. "You can and there is. If you want, I can help you with a letter. Or, it might be in your better interest to go speak to Professor Thompson. He might be better able to direct your inquiries and give you some insight into the questions you need to ask."

And speaking of Thompson, it seemed that Atreyu had found something to comment on. A very good insight, and helpful coming from a classmate. For some reason, that gave legitimacy to a Professor's words. It must have been a student thing. "You can encounter a lot of Dark Magic with magical creatures, especially dragons. It's important to know how to defend yourself, and others in the circumstances you might be faced with."

But two dragon boys. Now that, was interesting.

He was about to inquire into Atreyu's research, when a paper visitor came to greet the boy. Rather rudley too. But then Howlers were often rude. One eyebrow went up as the boy started ripping it open. So, he didn't want privacy? Alright then, this should be interesting.




Two knocks. That was different than the usual three. So, he surmized someone was either in a hurry or had a few nerves working against them.

With a yawn, Sabel pushed himself out of his chair in front of the fireplace and moved to the door, opening it wide. "Mr. Adair." Merlin why did so many kids look so nervous. Perhaps he should start answering the door with a terrifying mask on, or something. Really give them something to fear.

Stepping aside, he held the door open. "What can I do for you?"

OOC: Feel free to post in Sabel's office :)

Taking flight once again, the Howler hovered in front of the Gryffindor's face to deliver its message. Try not to mind the ribbon as it flicks you in the nose repeatedly while the familiar voice of a certain third year lion shouts at you.

"BEN YOU'RE A COOL DUDE, THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP AND FOR BEING THERE WHEN I WAS BORED OR NEEDED YOU. YOU MAKE AN AWESOME GRYFFINDOR BROTHER. RRRAAWWWWWRRRR."

Message delivered, the Howler burst into flames and left a fine pile of ash on the ground.

Kace was relieved that Professor Dakest accepted his apology but he might use it as a nickname now. He could say it jokingly when he passed him in the hallways. He nodded and he said, "Well actually I am going to make an appointment soon with Professor Thompson. You're right though he is the best candidate." He heard Professor Dakest's talk about dark magic with the creatures and he asked, "Would you be able to teach me about this Dark Magic? Give me some pointers?" I mean why not. Then after his request he looked over and noticed a Howler made it's way to Professor Dakest's office. Hmmm who could that be for?

OH! It was for Benny. Bloooddyy merlin those things were loud! He never though it would be that loud.

S'mores time!! Lux loved this. Some of her dates with Bay consisted of them making s'mores together. Yep. They were THAT awesome.

With a smile, she took each ingredient from the Professor in turn before sticking a marshmallow on her stick and placing it in the fire pit to get all gooey and hot . "I'm going to work my butt off next term because I need really good marks in six of my classes to become a potioneer." Yep, that was her career plan. "DADA is one of those classes, so I'd really like it if you gave me really good marks."

Haha, just joking. Well, not really.... She DID want great marks in his class, but she knew she had to earn them and she would try her best to do just that.

Sabel just sort of blinked, at the Holwer, momentarily distracted from Lecium's question. It was only when the paper reduced itself to ash that he stired, putting one finger in his ear to try and stop the echoing yell that had filled the small waiting area. "Well, that has to be the most pleasant Howler in the History of Hogwarts."

He didn't catch what Benny had breathed, and figured the boy had some inclination as to what the loud letter was about. As far as it pertained to him, or this conversation, it didn't matter much. So, he shrugged it off, unconcerned. "Not like you asked for it."

Ergo, he couldn't really be blamed, now could he?

Once satisfied that he could properly hear out of his ear, Sabel returned his attention to the matter at hand. "You'll learn some of it in classes. As for the more particular and detailed occurrences of Dark Magic and creatures, I would speak to Thompson first. See what pointers he can give you, and then come back if you have further questions."

It wasn't that he was trying to ship the kid off to another Professor. Simply that Thompson was the creature's Professor, and ergo much more suited to such topics than he was. It was a matter of taking one thing at a time. He just hoped the kid didn't take it as a rejection.

His attention slid to Benny, both to see if he had regained his composure after the Howler and if he had any inquiries of his own to make.



Sabel did his absolute best not to make a face at the career choice. Potioneer. Sure, he was completely biased on his opionion of potions and anything to do with them, which was why he strode for a semi-interested to neutral expression. No sense in bringing her excitment down just because he couldn't imagine such a career. Plus, she was actually indulging in the s'mores with him, so he could try for a little bit of understanding.

"Sounds like you're all set with a good plan." But hold on, what was this now?

One of his eyebrows went up as he passed her two graham crackers. This was the second one as of yet. "How about, you worry less about what marks you're going to get, and more about what you stand to take away from the class and remember."

Maybe he could talk to Truebridge about hexing the whole 'mark' system of DADA. It didn't seem to line up with the purpose of the class. Marks, for how well they did on learning how to defend themselves, how to stay alive. Really, alive was alive and dead was dead. It was one hundred percent, or none. Though he supposed, that made his answer pretty simple. They would all pass, provided they all stayed alive. Or didn't pull something horrendously stupid.

ooc: Different timeline - Post lesson
 

Cilla had really enjoyed DADA class which was something that surprised her considering how she felt about the class last term. She decided that she would make a coffee cake as a thank you/welcome to Hogwarts present. She tucked the red cake box she had handmade under her arm and knocked three times on the door. Her knocks were loud enough for Professor Dakest to hear but not too loud to make him potentially jump. After she knocked, Cilla sat down since she was a bit tired from the lesson.

Kace nodded and got what all he needed to know. "Well thank you Professor Dakest. You did help me a lot.." he took the sheet he made notes on. "I will come back if I have any more questions.." He did know where he was going and where his future was heading that was a start. "I shall see you around in lessons.." he said and shook his hand. Then he got his backpack and left the room and on his way to go make an appointment with Professor Thompson.

Different timelines :)
 

Hugo had important stuff to talk with Dakest. Very important. Therefore he made his way to the DADA office and knocked twice.

He had thought about the answer the professor gave him last class. 'What's down?' And he was sure it was a riddle because Dakest looked suspicious. The professor should be puzzled by his greeting, not the other way round and besides, he had to ask him about his patronus but that wasn't so important compared to this, even though Hugo had no idea what Dakest meant by his answer, he was curious and had to find out.

Sabel gave Lecium a smile and a return handshake. "See that you do. My door is always open." Alright, so not literally open, there was knocking that was required, and sometimes waiting, but the concept still stood.

"Enjoy the rest of your day Mr. Lecium." Hopefully, Professor Thompson would be able to further direct the kid in the direction that was best suited to him. And hopefully he didn't mind the referral. He still wasn't one-hundred percent on the personalities of the other staff members.

His attention returned to the less flustered Atreyu. Ah, so this one was a Thompson-returned candidate. Sabel absently wondered how many students they would end up shipping back and forth between each other.

Despite his best attempts at masking it, Sabel couldn't fully surpress the wince at the mention of OWL grades. Why was it always with the grades in his class. Grades did nothing against Dark Wizards or Magic. He let out a breath and immediately tried to suck it back in.

"So, you want to work with dragons and magical creatures?" Just, to make sure he understood the boy's future plans and how he could best try and help. "Is there a specific section of DADA that you are struggling with, or some topic Professor Thompson suggested that you focus on?"

DADA was kind of a broad spectrum. Unless, that's exactly what Atreyu needed help with. A general flavor of....everything.



There was something that he was going to have to learn, and that was that office naps didn't work. Especially office naps after lessons.

He was just starting to drift off when the knock at the door pulled him back. With a groan, Sabel turned his head and peered at the door. It took a minute of convincing himself before he pushed up and out of the chair and made his way to the door. A wide yawn later, and he opened the door, blinking at Ashcroft and the suspicious red box tucked under her arm.

"Afternoon, Miss Ashcroft. What can I do for you?"



It seemed to be a thing. Two knocks, or three. Never one. Never four. Definitely not five. Three seemed to be those with less urgent matters to discuss, two seemed to be reserved for those with important and pressing matters or a great deal of nerves.

When he opened the door, he was rather surprised to find a rather conflicted, but determined, looking third year at his door. "Mr. Foster. Everything alright?"

Cilla stood up and smiled rather nervously. "I made you a little something as a welcome present and I also wanted to talk to you about the lesson we just had."

She awaited his reply. Hopefully, Professor Dakest would allow her into his office.

Hugo was still standing up, thinking about the riddle or whatever it was that Dakest meant. Maybe it was something dark because he was the DADA professor. Okay, maybe not but he surely was a mysterious human being.

Then the door was open. He cleared his throat, "Yes and no..." and also 'hello' "In fact, I have some serious stuff to discuss with you" not that serious but you get the idea.

It seemed as if Professor Dakest was trying not to make a face at the mention of her career choice. It was hard for Lux not to notice, and she wondered what the man had against potions. However, he was being so nice so she wasn't going to inquire about it. Maybe he just wasn't particularly good at the subject because a lot of people found it difficult. "Professor Culloden has been giving me help and advice. He said I'm going to be a great potion inventor and he will brew my creations!"

Accepting the graham crackers with a thank you, Lux wondered just how many kids came up to him about getting good grades. "I was only being silly. I'm planning to try my hardest and learn as much as I can." So no need to worry. The skills one learned in Defence Against the Dark Arts were very important and Lux tried her hardest to memorize everything so that she would be okay if any difficult or dangerous situation arrived.

She got the feeling that Professor Dakest wasn't a big fan of the whole marking system. He had to agree with him in general when it came to the subject matter of the course...but still. She DID need a good mark. At least an E as far as she could remember from the discussion she had with Culloden at the start of last term. "What do you think are some of the most useful spells for defence?" she asked him curiously. Of course they had gone over this kind of thing during last term's class, but she wanted to know what someone who had worked as an Auror thought.

Sabel's eyes trailed down to the red box the young girl held. After a brief moment of wary contemplation, he stepped aside to allow her into his office. "Very kind of you, Miss Ashcroft. Thank you."

As long as it wasn't poisoned, of course. "What's on your mind?"

OOC: You may now post in Sabel's office ^_^




One of Sabel's eyebrows went up at the boy's choice of words and tone. He opened the door a bit wider, hoping that 'serious stuff' didn't translate to teenage-life-crisis-drama. "Come in and we'll chat."

OOC: You may now post in Sabel's office ^_^




"That's quite a compliment. No doubt born from hard work. Congratulations." He managed an honest smile, despite his conflicting opinions with the subject matter. It was a good success, and one that she should be proud of.

He nodded in acknowledgement of her joke, relaxing slightly that he wouldn't have to argue his way out of giving a student an 'O' or an 'E' or whatever mark they thought they deserved. It was a tiresome game, and completely defeated the purpose of the class. At least, there were students who appreciated the fruits of hard work.

Her next question surprised him, though in retrospect he supposed it shouldn't have. Sticking two marshmallows on a stick, Sabel turned it about in thought before lowering it into the fire. "Good question. I'd say it depends on the circumstance you are in."

So very vague, he turned the stick, pursing his lips slightly. "Sheild charms and reducing charms are always a good baseline, as is the patronus charm." How was that coming along for the young student? He turned the stick slowly again. "Your next best set would be disillusionment and disarming charms. Binding spells, tripping spells and the like. Anything to imobilize your opponent."

The marshmallows were withdrawn from the fire, checked for the golden color and then returned. "It's a hard question to answer, given the numerous scenarios and situations, and spells they each warrant. So, I would say that your most useful line of defense is creativity and resourcefulness. You'd be surprised what defense you can get out of a simple spell."

Such as a throwing spell. Worked wonders against the killing curse. And who would have really thought? Sabel's eyes darkened for a brief moment before they refocused on the marshmallows, a beautiful golden brown. He withdrew the stick with a smile. "Crackers ready?"

Nothing specific. So did that mean a general, 'needs help with everything' then?

He eyed the boy for a moment, waiting to see if there would be some further explanation or extrapolation as to what exactly he needed help with. When there was nothing additional, Sabel let out a brief sigh and nodded.

"I can give you some extra pointers during class and during practice if you like. If there is anything, any spells or concepts you find yourself struggling with, ask me and we can set up some additional training time." He wasn't sure what else he could offer. If he didn't know where the boy was struggling, it was hard to provide any real suggestions or tips that might help.

Though, he supposed he could try a general suggestion overview of sorts. "All I can say, Mr. Atreyu, is worry more about the content and usefulness of my classes, than the grades of your exams. You may find that one follows after the other."

Legit advice. Also perhaps a bit insulting, as that was the general advice behind any subject or test. His own words had him wincing slightly. "That, and practice. Practice till your fingers fall off." Not literally, but surely the kid would understand that. "Practice is key."

Professor Dakest was so sweet. Lux found herself liking him more and more and beamed as he congratulated her. "Professor Culloden is just wonderful, isn't he?" One of the kindest people she knew though of course no one was kinder than Bay.

It was nice to see him visibly relax on noticing that she was joking, and she giggled to herself as she worked on the s'more. He was giving her good advice and she was thankful that she had asked the question. Lux knew how important it was to be able to defend yourself against dark magic and creatures. Sometimes that involved offensive spells on top of defensive ones. Flaming arrows came to mind. "What about Cheering Charms? Could they be used against a dark wizard to make him happy?" What? It was her favourite spell, and a valid question in her opinion. If Dakest laughed, she wouldn't be offended.

"Crackers are ready, sir!" She was on top of this!

Wonderful? He wasn't really sure how much he could agree on that term. Truth be told, he hadn't had much of an opportunity to interact with the man outside of general Professor duties and meetings. So, he settled for a reserved agreement. "He seems like a decent man."

As most men did before one got to know them. Really, it could go either way.

The young girl got an arched eyebrow and a sidelong glance. He worked his thoughts around for a moment, before offering her an unsure shrug. "I suppose it depends on how dark the wizard is. Those that aren't truly warped might be affected. But those that are, who have strong minds and convictions...I fear it would be more dangerous than effective."

For instance, Peverell. The thought had him wincing, and he turned away from the young girl, hoping to hide it.

It was enough time to see that the marshmellows were done. With a grin, Sabel pulled the stick up and turned back, placing each carefully on the crackers. "Wanna know what I like most about s'mores? They're not complicated."

Despite the cold weather, he'd taken to more walks recently. Out of the confines of the castle and just around the grounds. It was the knowledge that he had to spend at least some time at his office, and be available, that had him returning often and with snow encrusted boots.

Like today. They got a stomp-stomping as he made his way towards the waiting area, half-debating taking a seat in front of the fire and snacking on a few of the untouched s'mores that seemed to have earned the students caution.

He couldn't determine whether he was surprised or expectant of the student that lingered by his door, and with a sigh he dispelled all notions of s'more snacking. This one looked serious.

"Miss Greyvson. I hope I didn't keep you waiting long." Shrugging out of his coat, he moved to his door and pushed it open for the both of them. "Please come in."

OOC: Feel free to post here or in Sabel's office ^_^

Lux was glad that Professor Dakest seemed to like Culloden. That was her favourite Professor right there, and he was a huge help to her with her career aspirations. She just wanted to give the man a huge hug.

But there were S'MORES happening right now, and that was amazing. "I could eat s'mores every day. Have you ever had s'mores in a cup?" Because yes, that was a thing. "So that's a probable no to the Cheering Charm then." She made a mental note of that. "Have you ever faced Dark Wizards?" Because if so he must have some awesome stories to tell.

The chocolate followed on top of the marshmallows, but not before the young girl got a curious look and a raised eyebrow. "In...a cup?" His nose wrinkled and he shook his head slightly. "Rather defeats the purpose, doesn't it?"

S'mores were supposed to be finger-food. Like hot dogs and pizza. One didn't stick those in a cup, now did they?

His grin returned, albeit briefly. "No cheering charm." It was agreed as the graham cracker topping was put in place.

The curiosity in her voice dismissed his smile completely. Even after the class where he had tried to discern some insight into the curiosity surrounding Dark Wizards, he still didn't understand it. Turning back to the basket beside the fire, Sabel shuffled about and pulled out a packet of magic fire.

"I have." He tossed it onto the flames, waiting in silence for a moment before the tell-tale snap and crackle had color joining in the heated dance. Purple and green and blue. "Too many for my liking."

*eons later*
 

There were some students he had hoped would show up at his door, some he had expected to show up, some he would never had dreamed to see, some he never expected and then some he just didn't know. Rider had been in the first few two categories shortly after the patronus lesson. But as the term wore on, he quickly realized that was not the case.

And he was not about to chase a student down and hound them. It simply wasn't his way. The only reason he wanted to see anyone at his door was out of their own volition, or if it came down to it, to have a very serious discussion about improper behavior. So far, he had avoided the later.

It was with some surprise then, to find Rider on the other side of his door when he opened it. A surprise, which he carefully kept off his expression. The kid looked just as serious as that questionable lesson. "Mr. Rider. Good to see you." The 'at last' was left unsaid. "What can I do for you?"

Lux couldn't help but giggle at the look on his face at the s'mores in a cup comment. "I suppose that's true. You're way is much better and sometimes I make them in the common room. Did you ever do that?" She wondered what House he had been in at school; it would be so cool if it was Gryffindor because that was the best of them all.

Right. No Cheering Charm. Nod. She would remember that for if she ever faced a Dark Wizard. BUT HE HAD. Lux had to admit that was pretty awesome. "But being an Auror is nice, right?" Was...that a dumb question? She hoped not.

The DADA area always put Benzi in this very alert mindset, like something could jump out at him at any given moment. At first he thought it was a side effect of the obstacle course, but he'd realised after a month or two that the 'something' was often the DADA professor himself. When he'd started avoiding the professor out of class he'd become very paranoid he'd bump into him and have to explain himself.

Therefore, when Professor Sabel opened the door and his first words where "good to see you", Benzi's back stiffened. Okay, professor. Okay. "I was wondering if you have a few spare moments to talk to me, sir," he said, feeling his heart begin to thunder in his chest.

This was a big deal for him. "About the Patronus lesson... and a possible career in the DMLE." No point in beating around the bush here.

from the Forbidden Forest timeline!
 

Toby didn't stop or slow down the entire way up here, running on pure anxiety adrenaline. He'd still not come here since speaking to Dakest out on the grounds, despite saying he'd come and having every intention to. Things had just... happened, and his willingness to talk about anything... to anyone... had started to disappear again. But he was here NOW... though... not exactly for a calm, casual chat.

Nope. Not at all. In fact, when Toby finally rocked up at the seating area outside of Dakest's office, he was running at full pelt. He didn't so much stop as let himself slam into the wall beside the door to the office, finding that to be a much more efficient brake. Even though it did kinda hurt.

Breathless and slightly flushed from the run here and the sudden transition from the winter air outside to the warmth of inside, but also from the unbridled panic that Toby had, quite frankly, let get out of control, the seventh year knocked insistently on the door.

"Professor Dakest?" he called out, a tiny little voice in the back of his brain nagging him about manners and 'what if he's busy'. Toby didn't call out again. He'd noticed the edge of panic to his voice and didn't want to risk speaking again until he needed to. He wondered vaguely if he was overreacting (he realised he had, uh... dramatic tendencies sometimes), but Javy had specifically asked for the DADA professor, and he'd SAID the words 'HURRY' and 'DON'T HAVE A LOT OF TIME', so... y'know.

Finally, Toby looked back. The whole way up here, he hadn't checked back over his shoulder to see if anyone had followed, but now he had the chance to look, he did so. And bounced on his toes. And gnawed at his finger nails.

With Tobes <3
 

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He'd seen her coming, reaching the seating area just as he turned to look, watched her approach the door and fully expected for her to knock even though he'd clearly just done so. But Toby HADN'T quite been expecting the words that poured from Soph's mouth. It wasn't like he didn't know it was all true or anything, but he had been trying to calm himself down. To hear everything reiterated again, at high volume, inches from his own ears... it scared the life out of him all over again. Because now he knew he wasn't overreacting. If Soph was freaking out, that meant there was reason to panic.

Toby stared at the Ravenclaw with wide, overly-shiny eyes, then looked from Soph to the office door, then back the way they'd come. He had the urge to run back to the Forest before remembering that he'd left because they were no help there. Feeling helpless and completely useless he looked at the office door once again in anguish, backing a way a few steps because he needed space to breathe, and running a hand through his hair.

Henry, poor Henry. He so wanted him to be alright. It hurt his heart to think he, or the Groundskeeper, might not be.

"Did I ever do that?" The question was repeated with a tell-tale tone of it being a rather rehtorical and obvious question, complimented by a brief bought of laughter. "It's where I perfected my s'more making skills."

Not that they were greatly perfected because well, squishy marshellow and running chocolate still made for a great mess. But that was part of the fun, wasn't it?

And then there was that question, the one that took the fun right out of everything. A whisper from when he had been hired ghosted through his mind as he munched on his s'more, tried to keep his expression neutral and think of the best way to respond. It took him to the end of his s'more before he finished, and perhaps it was the chocolate that helped, but he was able to grin at the young girl. "Being a Professor, is much cooler."

Hopefully, it was a successful diversion.



It took a stern reprimand of his own thoughts to keep him from scowling. Potions pursuers went to the Potions Professor. Care for Creatures to Professor Thompson. Ancient magic and runes to Professor Botros. And so on and so forth. So, it stood to reason and expectation that those interested in a career against the Dark Arts, which admittedly namely stood in the form of the DMLE, would come to him. It made sense. And his personal reservations had no place getting involved.

Taking a step to the side, Sabel held the door open a little bit wider. "Always have a few spare moments." Possibly dangerous words if they got around the castle, but there they were.[/color]

OOC: You can now post in Sabel's office if you would like :)



Had it not been for the knocking, Sabel never would have heard the kid's voice on the other side of the door. That's simply what happened when you put a wooden slab between concentration and meekness. Or was it something else, Sabel tilted his head to try and place the tone of the words that drifted through his office to him. They were familiar, sparking recognition ---

The second voice he hadn't been expecting, and it startled him so bad he ended up knocking the ink pot all over the documents he'd been stewing over. The black stain got a disdainful look, but it was short-lived. His feet were already moving, his mind clicking into the quiet calm he knew so well as he snagged his coat from the peg near the door.

Pulling the barrier open as he tugged his arm through one sleeve and the other, Sabel didn't even pause at the sight of the two kids. If they were quick, they'd move out of his way and fall in step and take up explanations and questions on the way. He did, however, spare them the courtesy of a once over, first and foremost to make sure they were both fully intact. Which, besides nerves spilling all over his seating area, they seemed to be.

They also got a raised eyebrow in turn. "Why, is it always you two?"

The problem was, with stuff that was happening, accompanied by all the panic and worry that he wasn't able to suppress, Toby was torn between wanting company (Soph's company) and wanting to be alone (alone hiding under his bed). The conflicting needs all but tore him in two and, just like everything else today, they made his head hurt.

Luckily, he could delay dwelling on that for a little longer, because seconds had barely passed before Dakest was there, opening the office door and pulling on a jacket. Good, that was good, that meant he was wasting no time in going to help.

Toby let go of Soph's hand automatically, not wishing to get in trouble for inappropriate hand-holding or something, and quickly sidestepped out of the way. He was just about to reiterate what had happened when the professor's words caught him off guard, and he blinked, totally misunderstanding the words.

"But... I... no, I... we didn't..." Toby shook his head, and extracted his wand from its holster again so he could wring it between his hands or otherwise fidget as he followed after Dakest. He was intent on insisting that it hadn't been them that had hurt or scared anyone - Hippogriff or human - before remembering that he had been right there, beside the Hippogriffs. Oh. Oh Merlin. What if it had been HIM that had scared them? What if this was HIS fault? The (misinterpreted) notion threw him off guard, and so when he spoke again, his words were all sorts of jumbled. "... Henry ran off and I wasn't allowed to follow him and then we couldn't get in but we heard screams and m-... Thom- Professor Thompson and Culloden told us to get you and the Headmistress and explain and please can you help them?"

All the words had come in such a frenzied outpouring that seemed to make perfect sense to the Hufflepuff, though he left out a lot of details and added more unnecessary ones because his mind seemed to be racing faster than usual. Really, it was lucky Soph was here; she was always a lot better with words and explaining things, even if she did like to yell them at a high volume from time to time.

When the door opened, Sophie was relieved to see that Dakest had his coat and he was all ready to go, and she broke her hand-hold with Tobes and fell in step on the other side of the professor from Tobes without even giving it a conscious thought. As they strode in a swift pace down the corridor, she opened her mouth to protest Dakest's apparent accusation, but she let Tobes talk instead - she looked over at him with worry creases in her forehead and sad eyes that seemed as though they'd start welling up with tears all over again at any moment.

Tobes' explanation was jumbled and she threw him a deeply sympathetic look - she knew his emotions and uncooperative brain functions were getting the best of him now - before launching into her own follow-up of what the Hufflepuff had said, "What Tobes means is Javy 'n Culloden were leading the Cartographer's Club meeting which s'where we map the grounds and stuff and when we were in the playpens with the hippogriffs mapping stuff there the hippogriffs got SUPER spooked by something and they got all scared and crazy on us and one escaped from the pen and Javy," she wasn't even realizing she was calling him by his first name, she was just speaking entirely too fast for her brain to process her words, "sent a patronus to the groundskeeper to catch the hippogriff before it GOT to the forest line because it was headed toward his hut and when we went after them to try to catch up we could hear the screams and shouts of the groundskeeper coming from the forest so we knew the groundskeeper wasn't able to catch the hippogriff in time and we tried to go IN after them to help but it wouldn't let us in, only Javy 'n Culloden. It was me 'n Tobes, and two other prefects. Wouldn't let any of us in even though we're of age, and they wanted us to come get you for back-up and Javy said there wasn't much time. Like, word-for-WORD that's what he said, like he thought something really bad was happening or going to happen or..."

She was calming down just a little now, her sentences less slurred and hurried, but she was still very visibly on high alert as they went along and she couldn't finish her sentence. Self-awareness that her voice was clearly giving away how fearful she was made her swallow her words, and awareness that Tobes' dad was in there made her realize her own showing of fear was only going to make the situation worse.

But... Dakest needed to know everything that had gone on, didn't he? He NEEDED to know how serious it was and that they really should've been running again. Could she quicken their pace and work them into a run? She was gonna try.

He didn't catch the misinterpretation of his words, or how it had emotionally impacted either of the students. His thoughts, and his attention, were beyond that. Namely, trying to figure out who Henry was and what the screaming might have been from.

Thankfully, Brown was present to interpret for him. And her desire to run? It was granted by the time she got to 'wasn't much time', except that it was hardly full speed for him. With his height, and near a decade spent running, it wouldn't take him long to surpass the winded students. That, and if there was trouble, he needed a reserve of energy to deal with it and he needed to remind both himself, and the students, that there was a calm and logical way to approach danger, rather than rushing headfirst. How utterly un-Gryffindor of him.

"I take it the Headmistress has already been informed? If not, one of you best scramble up there and get her." And the one, being Brown. He didn't trust that Truebridge would have time or patience to try to decipher Fuller-Thompson's jumbled words. "Otherwise, take me to the exact spot you left them."

The forest, let alone the edge of the forest was a big place. Wouldn't do to go in at the wrong spot.

Lux couldn't help but snort at the way he answered her question; of COURSE it was rhetorical - the man clearly loved his s'mores. It would be wonderful if all the Professors loved them. Maybe Culloden did too, she'd have to ask him that later! "Were you in Gryffindor? You give me total Gryffindor vibes." This was a GOOD thing because they were the best House.

Making a mess of her s'more, Lux honestly hadn't realized that she had asked the wrong question. If she had paid attention to the man's face, she would have noticed but gooey food was always a distraction. "So you like it? Because Kace told me he can see me becoming a Potionsmaster at some point...I just don't know if it will happen though." Not like she didn't have a lot of time to work it out. For the moment, though, she wanted her career aspirations to focus on inventing and selling potions.

Sabel couldn't help it. He burst out in laughter, an ungraceful gob of mellow-gunk spewing from his mouth and into the fire. Embarrassing, but his amusement overshadowed any guilty feelings he might have had. "Gryffindor vibes." A bit more laughter, but he was calming down now. "Really? I thought I'd doused the most obvious of those. Going to have to work on that."

So, that was a most definite yes, if she was wondering.

He sobered a bit more and nodded. "I do enjoy it. You've got to like ickle children though. And be tolerant of teenage drama." What was the point in beating around the bush? Still, his words were said with a good-natured grin. "But other than that, if you've got a passion for your subject, then it is a good aspiration." A considerate glance was spared to her. "Would you want to teach potions?"

The area was clean, despite the fact that a cobweb here or there might have added to the 'outdoor' feel. But the simple fact was that while he harbored no ill will towards the spiders or their kin, the delicate structures were an unnerving reminder. A mental image of a trap set. And that was not something he was inclined to seeing these days. Not given all going on with the Prophet.

And the missing groundskeeper.

It was from another search that he was returning. A search that had proved both fruitless and pointless all in one go. It was getting pointless. The man had been gone for some time. Maybe he had just decided he didn't like Hogwarts anymore and wanted a change of scenery. That was, currently, the scenario he was trying to convince himself of as he came around the corner to his seating area.

The presence of a student, of Brown, knocked him right back and good into the present though. He paused, blinking at her cheeks stuffed with marshmallows and couldn't help the arching of his eyebrow.

Moving over, he plopped down beside her, holding out one hand for a marshmallow. "I like to try to look like a chipmunk when I'm having an off day, too."

While stuffing her cheeks full of marshmallows, Sophie Brown heard the approaching footsteps, but she didn't think much of them. No, it was either some kid looking for Dakest - in which case she didn't care, because she had no business with them - or it was Dakest himself, which meant he would undoubtedly seat himself by her and strike up a conversation. Either way, she didn't have to do anything more, so she continued her marshmallow endeavors quite enthusiastically.

It was moments later that the person plopped down beside her, though, and she didn't even have to look up from the bag of marshmallows to know who it was. She playfully gave his extended hand a high-five as if she didn't know he was expecting her to share - though she absolutely did, she was just being a cheeky turd - and tried speaking through the eight marshmallows that were currently stuffed on either side of her mouth, "Who 'aid m'avin'a'ff day?"

She made eye contact with him for the first time to extend her playful expression to him directly, accompanied by a marshmallow-y grin, and she offered him the whole bag. "M'fine. M'alway' fine." Didn't he know? People who were prefects and at the top of their class in loads of subjects and had a reputation to upkeep weren't allowed to be less than fine. They just weren't, despite any contradictory beliefs Flamsteed had expressed to her.

No. She was totally having a fine day. No such thing as an off day. Never for Sophie Brown.

Sabel just sort of blinked at the girl and then his empty hand. Had she just....she had. Left him devoid of marshmallows. How....rude.

Still, he couldn't hold it against her. Not at all. Not when she was being all cheeky and had that mischievous, playful look to her. He knew it well, and it was nice to see someone enjoying themselves around Hogwarts. Taking the bag from her, he followed suit and pulled out a handful, placing the bag between them both.

"Maybe it's just me then." And the first marshmallow was popped in. He winced a little, abruptly grabbing one of the roasting sticks and spiking his next marshmallow on it. They were much better toasted.

The girl got side-eye and arched eyebrow at that statement. Always fine. He'd heard that before. And from who, he wasn't really surprised. A grunt of acknowledgement said as much. That he didn't believe her. But he wasn't going to push the topic. He was fine with going with her being fine. Would make for more pleasant conversation anyways.

"Ready to be done and out of this place?"

Now that she had company, there was no point in continuing her marshmallow-stuffing - she tried chewing now, trying to do so as quickly as possible so she could speak more clearly to him when she needed to do so again. She'd chewed up one and swallowed it when he made his first comment, to which Sophie just grinned over at him again, and she watched him roast his marshmallow, grateful to have an extra few moments to try to rid her mouth of the marshmallows without just spitting them out all over.

Be done and out of this place? Sophie actually laughed a little at that and took another moment to finish chewing a few of the marshmallows from the left side of her mouth, swallowed them, then replied with just a few obstructing her from speaking entirely clearly, "Nah, I love it here." She let him digest that for a moment before chewing and swallowing another mallow. "I've got everything I need here - best friends, plenty of things to do, a healthy amount of trouble to get into, a bit of freedom, a good reputation, parental figures, really great scenery to play as a backdrop when I go for my runs every morning - hang on," she took another moment to finally completely swallow the rest of her food, then went on, "but no, I love it. I never wanna go home, even when weird things happen and people die and cobwebs are everywhere. Comin' here was my childhood dream, and I'm livin' it. I wanted to be a top student 'n have lots of friends 'n people who love me 'n be a good role model 'n help people 'n stuff, and I feel like I've done that. I like where I'm at. I like having people like you 'n most of the other professors around, 'n friends like Zander 'n Tobes - err, Tobias, y'know - and Evie and people like that. Y'guys are all, like, my family."

She shrugged a shoulder. She never wanted to be out of this place - except when the people she loved weren't there, like when Tobes left or when she missed Piers or her mum or Cat or Mo. But... mostly, she knew this was where she belonged - here with people who made her feel important and empowered and loved.

It was such a great thing that the Professor they needed the most had his office close by the Entrance Hall. Yoongi ran as fast as he could, ignoring the webs sticking to him as he ran knowing that every second counted. He hoped the others were keeping their grounds. He was sweating, breathing heavily and a look of sheer panic was on his face. WHY was this happening on his first and last year here?! He did not want to die here! He was going to another wizarding school soon since his parents gotten a different job.

He ran through the seating area. A place he would have looked at in awe because It looked beautiful but he had no time. As he reached the office door, Yoongi banged both of his fists against the door. “PROFESSOR! HELP! PLEASE OPEN UP!” Bang bang bang bang “ACROMANTULAS ARE IN THE GREAT HALL, THEY GOT ADI! AND TWO OTHERS ARE IN DANGER AS WELL, PLEASE HELP!” More banging on the door frame. Everyone could hear the panic in his voice. Hurry uuup! T_________T

Merging timelines
 

That wasn't exactly the answer he had been expecting. Most students were over-joyous. Jumping with joy.

Then again, Brown wasn't exactly what one would call 'most students'. No, her answer while unexpected, was to a degree, understandable.

Sabel pulled out another handful of marshmallows and plopped them in his mouth one at a time, thinking as he did so. He was about to ask her what her next dream was, after the wonder that was apparently Hogwarts. Surely she had one. Couldn't become a Professor right out of student-hood.

Surely she had---



Sabel blinked once, twice at the student that ran right by them. It was the silence, wasn't it? Their mouths preoccupied with marshmallow munching, that they weren't even seen. That and the fact that ---

The boy's words drew a chill right down his spine. Before he knew it, he was on his feet. When he had swallowed the marshmallows, he didn't even know. Hopefully, his digestive system wouldn't suffer too much for it.

"Hyland." His voice was grave, matching the seriousness of the panic on the kid's face. He was still trying to piece things together. Acromantulas. In the castle. His eyes tracked over the kid, over the cobwebs as sickening realization twisted his gut. And then, the words were out of his mouth before he could stop them. "Haven't you ever heard of a patronus?"

Really, it would have been a bad idea. He'd admitted that to himself already. The kid running all the way up here, it was the best idea. And he would tell him that later. Right now, he needed focus. For himself. For the two that were unlikely to stay behind if he ordered them to it.

His gaze slipped to Brown and then back to Hyland, wand slipping into his hand. "You two, will come with me, but you will stay behind me, got it? [i[No[/i] heroics. Nothing of the sort. Shields spells. Defensive spells. Fire works best against these creatures. But your first objective is to keep yourselves safe, and only if it is safe, help your classmates." His gaze went to both of them in turn. "The best line, is a solid line. Got it? Good."

Because there was no time for waiting for a confirmation. He was already walking, a pace that was already turning into a run.

OOC: To the...entrance hall first? :) I'll wait before posting there in case you would like/need a response here from me again ^_^

Really, Sophie Brown was lucky that she believed she wasn't allowed to have off days because there was no TIME to have an off day on a day like today. She'd just gone for another marshmallow when hurried footsteps rang in the distance, growing closer by the second, until the Gryffindor made his appearance and... didn't see them at all.

But the panic that rang out from his entire being made her eyes bug, and she was on her feet before her classmate had even stopped talking. Acromantulas? INSIDE the castle? But-- how? Why? Were they back to eat more students? Did their feasting on Gregoire last term make them realize they had a school full of food for them and they were just coming out and GETTING IT? And poor Adi, what did Yoongi MEAN by "they got Adi"? Did they EAT him? Was the Hufflepuff prefect, a boy from her own year that she'd been associated with since her first day at Hogwarts, dead?!?!

She was torn from her processing thoughts by Dakest's oddly calm, but serious tone, and she slipped her own wand from her holster as he spoke, falling in line after the professor the moment he started moving down the corridor. Not even questioning the man's orders, she sought advice as they hurried along, "Okay so Incendio most of all-- d'you think Glacius'll help, too, making the floor slippery? Would that have an affect on the way their legs grip the floor so they won't be able to charge? Or just Impedimenta? Immobulus? Stupefy? Relashio if they've got someone? Ligatenous to bind 'em in chains, keep 'em from going after anyone but still give 'em the opportunity to talk to us?" She was running through various scenarios in her head, her mind moving at a mile a minute - she didn't so much need Dakest's approval right now as much as she was just talking out her game plan. Considering all the scenarios. Running through options.

Preparing for war.

*Hyland* EEEEEEK they knew his name?! Yoongi had not even seen or heard the Professor and Brown sitting in the seating area. His eyes had been focused on the door so when he heard his name he twirled around and pointed his wand at the two but quickly realised they were not the acromantulas but at least one of the people he looked for. He lowered his wand, gasping for air now as his side hurt. He hated running with a passion but he had to t help his friends right?

Patronus? NEVER HEARD OF A PATRONUS?! serious, Sir but THATS the first thing to come to your mind?!Yoongi huffed and defensively said "i can't do a patronus yet, okay?". The Gryffindor looked at Sophie. She looked more like a Gryffindor than he did. There was determination in her eyes as she was preparing for battle. Honestly, he ran for the most part to save himself but disguised by running for help. He nodded his head after the Professor gave his instructions and ran behind him. Sophie was already making up stategies to attack and defend while Yoongi himself was still pale and shocked, running behind them. "There ar three of them, Sir. Adi saved me and Penelope but got caught in the act. Penelope ran back down to help him out and Henric hit the scene at the time." he said in a short briefing in case they wanted to prepare themselves. "Adi was being wrappe--- i shouldn't have left. I ran for help, thinking we wouldn't stand a chance without an adult but what if i made a mistake by doing so? Penelope is younger than me. She should have been the one to run for help but I ran. What if i made things worse by running instead of helping?!" he was already feeling the guilt. If one of them died and he could have prevented it... could he cry noooow? T____T

oh, nearly at the entrance hall, he prayed that he wouldn't find a scene where students were hurled up near a body. He'd rather enter a scene werre the acromantulas were still there and everyone alive. Please?

Wrapping up here, will post in the entrance hall as soon as I can :)
 

Sabel listened as they ran. It was strange, being in a state of near calm while those around him were panicked. Age and experience he supposed, though there was nothing those two feats could do for the cold dread that had twisted his gut.

The dread from knowing the kid wasn't lying. That this wasn't a prank. Wouldn't have pulled his wand on a Professor if it was. Wouldn't have looked so pale. Said such things.

"You did the right thing. You are no good to anyone captured, or worse. You were right." Even if a patronus would have worked better, but at the same time, he was glad the kid didn't know how yet. Kept him, at least for a time, out of harms way. "Remember that when we get there."

At the stairs, he took them two at a time, trusting on faith only that he wouldn't trip and fall flat on his face. "Any spell works. Anything that keeps you safe, and helps your friends. Any thing that keeps you from heroics."

Seriously. The last thing he needed, the school needed, was a student going down in what they perceived as glorious sacrifice.

But talking to the spiders? Truthfully, that hadn't even been a thought that occurred to him. They were in the castle, attacking students. Talking, hardly seemed like the appropriate response. But perhaps Brown had something of a point.

"Just stay close."

But as they approached the entrance hall, from the sounds of things, talking might not do a lot of good by this point.