19 Jan 2025, 18:12
The Sword and The Shield
English | ParseltongueThe visit of the international schools was supposed to be an event of celebration and collaboration amongst both the students and teachers, but so quickly had erupted in flames and chaos, and Mateo could only mourn for the loss that everybody had experienced. More than that, he didn't envy the sudden burden of responsibility that had befallen the new teachers that had to guide so many others and remain calm in a time of total crisis. Running the Library at Hogwarts was a large enough responsibility, he couldn't imagine having to take charge of the entire school.
However, the fact that all he had done was just be at the school, not even present at the crisis, did hurt him a little. He'd always been one to dive into action, and get stuck in or help wherever was needed, and the fact that he hadn't been there was slightly killing him inside. If there was anything he could do to help now, he would gladly do so.
Since the event, nearly a week had passed by now, and Mateo was almost tired that it seemed there was nothing he could do. His inability to help was rendering him restless, and whilst he tried to preoccupy himself with his usual tasks around the library, it wasn't working too well. He loved his job, but the library's isolation was keeping him unable to do anything, and he was beginning to feel useless. He'd managed to rush through all of his tasks for the day, and now was sat tapping one of his quills against his desk as he surveyed the rest of the space.
"What do you think Buddy?" he muttered to his snake companion, who today was coiled up on his desk rather than in his usual tree. "Any chance we'll get given a task whilst confined here?"Date: Oct 20th 2024 | WC: 307 | Interaction: @Célestine de la Croix-Valmer
◉ Not all who wander are lost ◉
20 Jan 2025, 18:55
The Sword and The Shield
English|Parsel
Célestine was still shocked by the realization of how unprepared they all seemed to be for that day. She spent time thinking about how she could better protect her students. She sighed, looking at her snake. Fleur, do you think I could find something today? Maybe I should go try finding something in the library? She sighed.
So much time wasted with thinking, and so far she had no idea. Célestine thought she was prepared. Thought she could protect them. But at the end she was proved how little she actually knew what to do that day. But how could anyone possibly be prepared for that? To make it all harder, she still had no clue what was the reason that caused that tragedy. It shouldn't be anything on the carriages. They took quite some time getting to other schools and getting them to Hogsmeade. So it must've been something in the landing place. Something that was prepared there in advance or left by one of those who were there. So Célestine also didn't know if she should have been trusting everyone. If she were more honest with herself, she'd admit that the disappearance of one headmaster was rather suspicious.
Deciding to finally try her luck at the library, Célestine stood up and made her way to the castle. She had visited Hogwarts enough times to know where to search for this place. She entered and heard someone speaking in Parseltongue. Just for a second she was surprised. Until she remembered that Hogwarts was accepting everyone for a long time, unlike her and other schools. I think you might, if there's any chance you could help me with something. She half smiled softly, talking to who must have been a librarian.
I'm sorry, I just happened to hear you while coming into the library. I'm Célestine de la Croix-Valmer, from Beauxbatons. I was hoping you could help me find more information about all the ways to protect others.
@Mateo Sáez
La seule limite est celle que vous vous posez
| Linda Ramirez - PC | Kaya Rose Bennett - first iNPC | Ryusei Ishikawa - new iNPC |
The only limit is the one you set for yourself.
20 Jan 2025, 21:02
The Sword and The Shield
English | ParseltongueAs if someone had answered their call, Mateo heard a voice and looked up. A woman about his age, maybe ever so slightly older, had approached, replied in parseltongue, and offered him a way to finally do something. To Mateo, this seemed nothing short of a miracle. Doing his best to remain professional and not seem to shocked - the last thing he would want to do in this moment is offend her - he returned her smile.
Hearing she was visiting with the French school Beauxbatons, Mateo regretted not taking more time to study and maintain his French skills. He knew it would've been impressive to her if he had been able to communicate with her in her native language, especially when she had been able to communicate in parseltongue to him. Alas, plain old English would have to do for today. Perhaps in the future, if he improved his French skills, he may be able to redeem himself.
"Miss de la Croix-Valmer, it's very nice to meet you."
Usually now, he would ask how her journey had been, and how she was finding the UK, but that felt insensitive, with all things considered. Instead, he got right to business.
"I can definitely help with that, but I fear our resources might be limited here. Is there anything you are looking for specifically?"Date: Oct 20th 2024 | WC: 222 | Interaction: @Célestine de la Croix-Valmer
◉ Not all who wander are lost ◉
21 Jan 2025, 18:03
The Sword and The Shield
She waited for his reply while looking at him. He must've been somewhere around her age. Maybe just a tiny bit younger, but it didn't matter much. It must be amazing to not have to hide his talent from others. Célestine could only dream about it. Although lately she was slowly moving in learning to not hide it. Though she still remained cautious back in France.
Nice to meet you too. She smiled, distracting from her thoughts and dreams. After all, she came here not to discuss how to be more open about this talent. I definitely hope you might know something, even if it's not in this library or not something I can access. Célestine replied in a soft voice. I'm looking for a way to improve protection of the building and the one that can protect students from most of the things. She didn't have a more clear explanation, the goal being of not losing more students should anything like explosions or fire happen again.
Maybe it would be enough? After that day, Célestine was thinking mostly about it. She still remained calm and composed. Students were here for a ball and meeting their friends. The last thing they needed was to see her panic. She was getting great at hiding her feelings. Always caring more about others than herself. So even now she was searching for a way to protect others, protect school, but not herself.
@Mateo Sáez
La seule limite est celle que vous vous posez
| Linda Ramirez - PC | Kaya Rose Bennett - first iNPC | Ryusei Ishikawa - new iNPC |
The only limit is the one you set for yourself.
25 Jan 2025, 21:55
The Sword and The Shield
English | ParseltongueAh. Her request made complete sense - he couldn't fault her for this, given all that happened. Instantly, the wheels in his mind began to turn as he considered the possibilities for what could be accessible, and what she may be allowed to take from the library. Frankly, he wasn't sure if there was even resources here in the library to answer what she was looking for exactly - this was likely very high-level magic she would be looking for. However, he wasn't about to let her down.
"This is a very high level of magic that you must be looking for," he ultimately responded, after giving his response some thought. "I cannot guarantee that we have what you are looking for within our resources, but I am sure that there must be something I can do."
Grabbing a small roll of parchment, from the top of his head, Mateo scribbled down some notable authors regarding protection spells and magical defences, before sending off one of his house-elves to scan the shelves. "I just sent Mika to see what titles we currently have from some authors that I know have books regarding protection. It will be nothing too advanced, but it will be a start. Is there any more specific area about protection that you are looking to learn more about? I understand you want to protect your students and your school, but is there a certain way you wish to do so?"Date: Oct 20th 2024 | WC: 241 | Interaction: @Célestine de la Croix-Valmer
◉ Not all who wander are lost ◉
5 Feb 2025, 15:19
The Sword and The Shield
Célestine stood waiting. She didn't know if she could find something, but she was wishing to at least try. It would be absolutely great if she could read something today. Any information might be helpful, so she stood there looking at Mateo and waiting for his reply.
Anything you can find or tell me would be definitely appreciated. She smiled in respond. High level of magic. She supposed it was so. After all her request wasn't as simple as a way to protect herself. She sighed, looking around the library from where she was standing. What a shame she was here only now, when she was so focused on protection. Otherwise it could be much more interesting time to visit library.
Célestine noticed house-elf taking small roll of parchment from Mateo and going somewhere else. His next words, however, made it clear. She smiled in gratitude. That's great, thank you for searching. She paused for a while, thinking. What is it more specific that she was looking for? Something strong enough and hopefully from as much things as possible? She didn't really know. These days were certainly not the best and she felt exhausted. Célestine needed answers. Questions were doing nothing more than damaging more.
It's a good question. Something from explosions and its consequences. Something from smoke that appears because of fire. Hopefully something that could be strong enough to hold on longer. Something that can be used in different situations. She finally replied after some thinking. Perhaps this could be enough. An answer she was searching for all these days.
@Mateo Sáez
La seule limite est celle que vous vous posez
| Linda Ramirez - PC | Kaya Rose Bennett - first iNPC | Ryusei Ishikawa - new iNPC |
The only limit is the one you set for yourself.
16 Mar 2025, 23:22
The Sword and The Shield
English | Parseltongue"Of course, it's why I am here, after all." Mateo smiled gently. That was why he was here, after all. To help, in whatever way he could. If this was the best he could do, he would do his damn best with it.
"Woah, that's a fair amount," he tried to lighten the mood slightly, hoping his tone wouldn't come across as plainly insensitive. It only made sense that there was so much on her mind, and so much that she wanted to achieve with her visit. "That would begin to fall under a few different subsets of defensive magic, but I am sure we must have something that can help."
It didn't take long for Mika to return with a hefty stack of books almost as tall as herself, placing them on Mateo's desk as he examined what she had brought. "Thank you, Mika," he nodded, his eyes perusing the titles of the books. Carefully, he removed a few from the pile, presenting them to Miss de la Croix-Valmer.
"I think these would best fit the purpose you seek them for," he explained. "They contain some details on variations of protective charms, for our older year advanced readers. This one also has a lot of details on fire-based spells and protections against them, which might be of use as well."Date: Oct 20th 2024 | WC: 221 | Interaction: @Célestine de la Croix-Valmer
◉ Not all who wander are lost ◉
28 Mar 2025, 13:37
The Sword and The Shield
Célestine smiled at Mateo. It could be wonderful to get at least some answers to the questions she had for quite some time. She was willing to go with any help he could offer. Even if there would be nothing advanced. Maybe, back at France she could look into more books. There should be something there. Even with all the elegancy of the school, it still required protection.
That much was expected. She chuckled. It's been on my mind long enough for me to finally decide to start searching while I am still here. In any other time she would probably wait till going back to France. But now, proven yet again that it was impossible to be prepared for everything, she was no longer certain she knew enough. And she still would have to return back with students. Now, without headmaster, it would be different.
Her thoughts were interrupted when house elf showed up again with some books. Célestine looked back at Mateo, listening and waiting. Thank you so much for your help. She spoke, taking the offered books and looking through them quickly. She'll spend a quality time reading these books and returning them before going back to France. It's wonderful. Now I can finally get to read something instead of keeping thinking. Thank you. You helped me a lot. She spoke grateful for the help. It didn't matter how small or big it was. All that matters is the fact of help.
@Mateo Sáez
La seule limite est celle que vous vous posez
| Linda Ramirez - PC | Kaya Rose Bennett - first iNPC | Ryusei Ishikawa - new iNPC |
The only limit is the one you set for yourself.