The Office of Professor Tiara Tanner
 

It didn't take very long for the man to show up, surprisingly enough. Really she had only had enough time to mark half of her third years' essays before the sound of knocking had interrupted her. Well, she supposed it was Roderik Plumpton Hirsch, though could be someone else. What were the odds Plumpy could make it here this qui--

She should really just tell them to come in now. "Enter!" she called expectantly.

We'll just go with separate timelines for these visitors
 

The sun was shining and Tiara's mood reflected it. This time of year was wonderful. Students were still excited to be here and her energy was full. So it was that when a knock came on her door, she enthusiastically replied, "Come in!"

She cracked the door open and peeked in, as if cautious, first, then entered, closing the door behind her. The southern Californian took her time surveying the room, despite there not being much over all. The broom caught her attention noticeably and she studied it until seemingly noticing that she was being watched. Of course.

Haddie moved to the chairs at last, and seemed to find how rickety her chair was amusing and fun. "You're the flying instructor." It wasn't a question. At least not anymore. What little was in the office confirmed it for her. The blonde girl looked pleased by this. "I'm looking forward to learning how to fly. But I was also wondering, why brooms? Why not other things? Like a vacuum?" She didn't want to fly around on a vacuum any more than a broomstick, but she had seen a movie where one of three witches did fly around on a vacuum once. It was funny. "Can other things be made to fly like brooms?" She knew what she'd pick if they could be, but wanted to know if it was possible first.

Ah, one of the young eagles! Tiara was making a point of still getting to know the names of the young Claws, even though they were no longer her official responsibility. This young lady was.. Haddie Denaker? Yes, that was it. And she was not in any hurry, apparently. "Feel free to look around," she said unnecessarily, "then take a seat if you wish." She did wish. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit, Miss Denaker?"

Ah, she had found out a bit of Tiara's past, it seemed. "Well, I used to be the flying instructor. We have not officially had flying at Hogwarts for some years now since a threat was made against our student athletes." So whatever information this girl had, it was only partially good. "So you may have to wait awhile to learn how to fly, unfortunately, unless Headmistress Moxley changes her mind." And that was all she was going to say there.

Tiara smiled broadly. It was rare to find a curious mind interested in history! "Brooms, and the carpets our eastern compatriots favor, were both chosen because they were easy to hide from muggles. Back when brooms were first getting off the ground--" she stopped, wincing at the bad pun. "Sorry, that was awful!" she laughed and began again. "When flying was first getting popular, the Statue of Secrecy was not in effect yet, so witches and wizards were still living side by side with muggles. They needed something that no one would find strange to see if they walked in unannounced. So that is why the broom instead of a vacuum. But of course, anything can be made to fly with a simple charm you will likely cover in your lessons very soon."

Haddie winced a little when Professor Tanner seemed to already know her name, well last name at least. She guessed that's what happens when you're one of the only two Ravenclaws to participate in the food fight, and was the one that participated the most.

She avoided meeting the Professor's eyes at least until Professor Tanner delivered the news about flying. That had been one of the things she was most looking forward to learning. And they weren't teaching it anymore! That was -that -but-but... that was totally unfair!

Although the news that she would be learning the flying charms soon, and in class no less, helped cheer her up a little again. Especially since they were reportedly very simple charms. Unless they were talking about two different things. Because if those charms were easy, why wasn't everyone just making their own brooms instead of buying them? So we'll learn the spells they use on broomstick in class? This year?"

She also wanted to ask about how she could learn to fly if Hogwarts wasn't teaching it. Where there private lessons that could be taken? But if there was confusion, it was probably because Haddie was asking too many questions at once. She had a tendency to do that. Especially now that the means to make ideas of hers, both new and old, into reality was hers. Well would be, once she learned it. Natalie, her twin, wasn't here to help her slow down. She had to figure that out on her own. One question at a time was a start.

Haddie took a deep breath. "So we learn how to spell our own flying objects, like, if we didn't want to use a broom, we could use something else instead?"

Tiara was having trouble getting a read on this girl. First she was completely absorbed by her surroundings from curiosity, then she could barely look her professor in the face. And yet she was excited about charms and flying on a deep level. To top that, she was instantly indignant when Tiara mentioned they had stopped teaching flying - due to a threat, no less. "I can see you are less than pleased, but as I said, I do not yet know Headmistress Moxley's stance on the issue. We may yet have a lesson this term." It would likely fall to the Board of Governors to decide that, and trying to predict their actions was like trying to keep a niffler away from a pile of galleons - impossible.

Ah, she had not been very clear. "Commercial brooms have tens, if not hundreds, of spells placed upon them. I was referring to a basic incantation that levitates objects and which makes them 'fly.' So while you may learn a spell used on a broomstick, I would not recommend using it as a substitute for a real one." Not as a first year student with rudimentary magic, at least. And actually, with the last question, Tiara felt she had better nip this in the bud.. whatever 'this' was. "Plus, the Ministry has immensely strict guidelines on flying objects because of their danger and their risk for breaking the Statute. So.. I would run any grand plans you have by your charms professor first," she finished, flashing the girl a wink.

This pleased Haddie even less. How was anything else gonna break statute any more than flying around on broomsticks. The girl was determined though. Sure she wasn't gonna get her first year, or probably even her second year, but eventually she would. No silly brooms for her.

The blonde Californian simply nodded. She'd have to find a list of those spells used on the brooms. Then she could practice and teach herself all of them and do it. If she asked would Professor Tanner give her a list of the spells? She doubted it, but worth a try. Before she left at least.

"Are there any places that teach flying outside the school?" That was the other thing she wanted to ask. Maybes were maybes. If a maybe turned into a yes, great. If a maybe didn't turn into a yes, well better to plan for that from the start. "I know you said that the Headmistress might okay lessons, but if she doesn't, how do the students learn? Are there flying lessons taught over summer or something?"

Tiara could tell the young lady did not want to let this issue go. But.. if she wasn't going to pursue it, then Tiara wasn't either.

"Yes, there are places. Our Ministry usually runs a Quidditch camp in the summers," which she had helped with herself once. "Or I know plenty of people would be happy to do private lessons if you want something formal. Other than that, any witch or wizard that knows how will do." It wasn't something that required extensive knowledge, after all. Basic rules were basic.

It didn't, indeed. Luckily, the woman had only been a set of stairs away, or more if the moving staircases wanted to have a bit of fun of their own. Merlin only knows how many times he'd been stuck on one and had to wait or find another way around. Annoying, it was. Downright annoying. But the man had managed to bound as quickly as he could up the stairs before they could move and now......

........ now he was here. Standing right outside her door and waiting for her to tell him to come inside, all the while feeling oddly like a child who was about to get told off.

At her words, Roderik entered the office and took a moment to look around. There was something so clean.......... so organised about this room. Maybe he should be taking notes instead of staring at the Arithmancy Professor's office.

And speaking of the woman..... "Tiara! You called?" He held up the note that had flown into his room, just in case she forgot.

Haddie nodded. It was a relief to hear that she there were other places that taught flying. "Could I get a list of those people?" It would be nice to have private lessons, and if the Hogwarts Professor knew them and recommended them, it would be easier for her to talk her parents into letting her take them.

Haddie hesitated for a moment, unsure if she should ask her next question or not. But she was done, so it was worth a shot. "Do you have a list of the charms they put on the brooms, or do know a book that might list them?"

Thanks for being patient through this time of my family's loss, guys. <3
 

My, this young lady was persistent. She clearly wanted to learn to fly. "I do not have a list of them, no. But I would imagine that the Ministry has a list of certified individuals if you owl the Games and Sports division." It had been several years now since she had made much use of her Quidditch contacts, which was something that made her conflicted inside. Tiara adjusted in her seat, hoping it didn't come off as squirming.

As for the second list the girl asked for, she could be a little more helpful there. Reaching behind her, she picked up a well-worn book. "This is Quidditch Through the Ages, which is a top notch read. It has a decent introduction into the evolution of the racing broom and also touches on why we use brooms, if memory serves. You are free to borrow it if you would like." Or the library likely had several if that made her more comfortable.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was Plumpy after all! "Roderik! I thought you would be swamped for at least an hour with the lineup you had of visitors back there." The man was popular, an instant celebrity. "Yes, I did call, and I hope it was not too presumptuous of me. Please, do come in, sit down!" she said graciously, indicating the seat in front of her. "Tea? Biscuit?" she asked.

Haddie took the book and looked it over. It was clear that this was a very loved copy. She wasn't sure. What if she ruined it? No no, she could take care of it. It's not like she'll have soda or food in her dorm room. So there would be nothing for it to get ruined by. "Thank you. I promise to return it to you exactly as it is." She got up. "Thanks again Professor Tanner. You've been very helpful."

Tiara could tell that Haddie was a bit conflicted. Come to think of it, she would have been nervous herself if a professor had offered to let her borrow a personal possession. Then again, it was already in poor condition so.. one more student reading it wasn't likely to hurt it any worse. "Oh, surely not exactly how it is now. I expect it to have earned another time's reading," she said with a wink. "And if that is not thorough enough, I suggest you speak with Mister Kitridge in the library," she finished, getting up as Haddie did. "You are most welcome dear, any time!"

"Have a wonderful day!"

No sooner had Haddie left then another knock was heard on the door. Well, three knocks, actually. She took a moment to gather herself and her thoughts before calling, "Come in!"

Katherine took a deep breath, and entered a... clean room. This earned the woman immediate points in Katherine's eyes. And if she taught arithmancy, she must be an awfully clever witch.

Katherine wanted to impress her.

After a brief inspection of the room, she quickly turned her eyes at the woman and smiled.

"Hello, professor," she greeted, "I just had one question." If that was okay?

Ah, a young first year. Tiara knew she had seen the girl around before, but couldn't quite place her name.. "Hello, dear. Please have a seat," she said, indicating the chair in front of the desk. "Ask away!" Of course it was okay. Professors were there to enable inquiry, after all.

All of the professors were so kind! Katherine had always been someone who had excellent communication with teachers anyway, but this just put her mind at ease. She took a seat and paused briefly before talking.

"I'm Katherine Moss, first year Ravenclaw," she said, "and I know that first years aren't supposed to take Arithmancy, but I was wondering if I could? You'll see that I'm a great student! And your subject is very interesting..." Yes? Please?

Mhm. Tiara had seen the girl around before. It hit her particularly strongly in this moment that this girl likely had no idea.. none at all that Tiara used to be involved with Ravenclaw. Only a year ago, they would have been having this conversation as more than just student and professor. It was all the woman could do to avoid sighing and just concentrate on what Katherine was saying.

She forced herself to relax and just smile. "It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Miss Moss." Now what was it that she wanted to speak with her about?

Ah, yes. "Well, when I was in school, it used to be something that no one could start until third year. But it seems that in the intervening years," which wasn't that many, thank you very much, "the subject has been opened up to all years. If you would like to take the course, then please by all means!" Plus, it wasn't every day that someone said the subject was very interesting.

"Knock, Knock knock Knock, Knock", Sabbath tapped out a rhythm on the Professor's door.

As requested by Professor Tanner, he was here to face the music for tossing a paper note to Noelle in class. He didn't know why he'd been so careless not to check if the teacher was at least looking away before tossing the note, but the truth was, he was rather preoccupied at the moment. He hoped he wasn't going to end up with detention in his first class back from being released from his kidnapping debacle.

Sabbath took a breath, put on a face of humility, and waited...

She hadn't been back in her office more than thirty seconds before she heard several knocks on her door. She was almost certain that it was Sabbath, but just to be safe, she didn't use his name. "Come in," she called, shuffling some papers off her desk.

After hearing Professor Tanner's response and request to enter, Sabbath took a breath and lifted the door latch, pushing the heavy castle door back enough to step in over the threshold. He quickly surveyed the room and saw Professor Tanner at her desk flipping through some paperwork. He closed the door behind him and approached her desk, addressing her in his heavily accented English, "Professor Tanner, you wanted to see me?"

Ah, there he was. "Yes, I did. Please have a seat, my dear," she said, indicating one of the two chairs reserved for just such a purpose. "Tea, biscuit?" she offered. "Oh, chocolate frog? I just received some yesterday." Sure they were a gift from her husband, but what Jason didn't know wouldn't hurt him in a trivial case like this.

Tiara cleared her throat before beginning the reason for his visit. "So to the point, you were passing notes in class. That in and of itself is not worth a visit to my office, clearly." She wasn't - well, she needn't think badly of any of her colleagues. "Really, I simply want to check in with you. I know you have been debriefed and interviewed into the ground since your ordeal, but I want you to know that I am here for you however you may need. I know I may not be the one you want to talk to, but if there is any help I can give you please let me know." She could connect him to counseling, academic tutoring, and much more.

She may officially be helping with Ravenclaw anymore, but Sabbath was still one of her eagles in her book.