31 Mar 2020, 01:21
Have you seen this man?
Alaric was overwhelmed, though, that resulted in him trying to be more observant and quieter. He tended to crawl back into himself when he was at a loss of what to do. Hags?! His vermillion eyes flicked between Caradoc and Elliot. An American voice rang out, and he turned to look at the new divination professor. This was another one he did not know. Most people knew Alaric was American when he spoke, but his accented had steadily been developing a British/Scottish like lilt as the year had progressed.
A woman he knew somewhat made her entrance, stopping him from introducing himself to the new divination professor. Nora declared that her students were still recovering from a spider attack. This furrowed his brows as he was not someone who believed in coincidences at all. Artemis now made his entrance someone he vaguely remembered being attacked by the flying professor as they had tried to guide the new children to the school. Another professor made his entrance, Boniface, as he introduced himself. Someone Alaric did not know well; in fact, he knew very few of them outside of Caradoc well given that until he became HoH, he had a very opposite schedule from them all.
Another man followed in shortly one he did not know the name of, but he did know that the man taught history of magic. Alaric had done at least one thing, and that was trying to put the faces to the topics taught even if he did not know their names. Cypresse, the blind transfiguration teacher, now joined them. He had watched and listened as Caradoc tried to greet everyone individually only to be cut off by the next person who had entered.
Finally, Caradoc moved toward the center of the room and started to speak. The only thing that Alaric found odd so far was that his letter from Solomon was in December when he became HoH. If he had not been seen since October, this was suspicious indeed. The ball was something he had left early to assist Mr. Deathmote with Nora and Olphie. He had heard rumors about what had happened from the students, but nothing set in stone. Why didn’t he investigate sooner? He should have reached out to the others. When Caradoc spoke about the Hags, he stared at his old friend very intensely. A close call for the three of them was too close. Any kind of call was too close for three professors.
All of the new information was heavy, and the largest thing that stuck out to him was the man in the shadows reading a damn book. “The letter-" He passed to Elliot. “Was sent to me in December with my appointment of Ravenclaw Head of House. It mentions that the ministry will no doubt have issues with me being a Dhampir. I expected this even coming on as a professor to be fair. However, I am sure they will be trying to watch me much closer now. It tells me to do my best to maintain my kind’s interests. I take this is making sure that no one can do what happened to Mr. Deathmote during the ball, which was a race bating. Someone was purposefully making themselves bleed to force an attack. I was a victim of this myself back when I was in school, and if it weren’t for some very timely intervention, I probably would have drained the kid dry.” He did not finish the sentence how he wanted to, which was that the kid would have deserved it. “I feel this can be avoided if we make all Dhampirs visit with me during breakfast and dinner to have a dose of blood. It would make it impossible for them to be baited into a blood rage. It also states that We need to put our trust in our peers as we are stronger together than we are apart, which is what makes me intently curious as to why-" His dark vermillion eyes sought out and locked harshly onto Griffith. “Our Care of Magical Creatures professor has his nose shoved so far into a book that he couldn’t possibly be able to read it.” He did not know the man well true, but surely it would do more to pay attention than to have your nose shoved in a book. “Surely given your profession and how close your class is to the forest, you must at least have some interesting information on hags to share with those of us who might be not as well versed.”
Alaric crossed his arms and watched him; he wanted it well known to the man that he was watching him. Sure some people were just right out odd, but when something was happening all around you, and you bother to show up to a meeting that you should share your knowledge. He wondered if the man himself was affected by hags being so close to the forest. Was he here as a spy? Just stay quiet and sit in the corner and find out everything you can. You won’t be noticed right? Except for the other thing in the room that likes to go bump in the night.
Sorry, this is very late and terrible.
A woman he knew somewhat made her entrance, stopping him from introducing himself to the new divination professor. Nora declared that her students were still recovering from a spider attack. This furrowed his brows as he was not someone who believed in coincidences at all. Artemis now made his entrance someone he vaguely remembered being attacked by the flying professor as they had tried to guide the new children to the school. Another professor made his entrance, Boniface, as he introduced himself. Someone Alaric did not know well; in fact, he knew very few of them outside of Caradoc well given that until he became HoH, he had a very opposite schedule from them all.
Another man followed in shortly one he did not know the name of, but he did know that the man taught history of magic. Alaric had done at least one thing, and that was trying to put the faces to the topics taught even if he did not know their names. Cypresse, the blind transfiguration teacher, now joined them. He had watched and listened as Caradoc tried to greet everyone individually only to be cut off by the next person who had entered.
Finally, Caradoc moved toward the center of the room and started to speak. The only thing that Alaric found odd so far was that his letter from Solomon was in December when he became HoH. If he had not been seen since October, this was suspicious indeed. The ball was something he had left early to assist Mr. Deathmote with Nora and Olphie. He had heard rumors about what had happened from the students, but nothing set in stone. Why didn’t he investigate sooner? He should have reached out to the others. When Caradoc spoke about the Hags, he stared at his old friend very intensely. A close call for the three of them was too close. Any kind of call was too close for three professors.
All of the new information was heavy, and the largest thing that stuck out to him was the man in the shadows reading a damn book. “The letter-" He passed to Elliot. “Was sent to me in December with my appointment of Ravenclaw Head of House. It mentions that the ministry will no doubt have issues with me being a Dhampir. I expected this even coming on as a professor to be fair. However, I am sure they will be trying to watch me much closer now. It tells me to do my best to maintain my kind’s interests. I take this is making sure that no one can do what happened to Mr. Deathmote during the ball, which was a race bating. Someone was purposefully making themselves bleed to force an attack. I was a victim of this myself back when I was in school, and if it weren’t for some very timely intervention, I probably would have drained the kid dry.” He did not finish the sentence how he wanted to, which was that the kid would have deserved it. “I feel this can be avoided if we make all Dhampirs visit with me during breakfast and dinner to have a dose of blood. It would make it impossible for them to be baited into a blood rage. It also states that We need to put our trust in our peers as we are stronger together than we are apart, which is what makes me intently curious as to why-" His dark vermillion eyes sought out and locked harshly onto Griffith. “Our Care of Magical Creatures professor has his nose shoved so far into a book that he couldn’t possibly be able to read it.” He did not know the man well true, but surely it would do more to pay attention than to have your nose shoved in a book. “Surely given your profession and how close your class is to the forest, you must at least have some interesting information on hags to share with those of us who might be not as well versed.”
Alaric crossed his arms and watched him; he wanted it well known to the man that he was watching him. Sure some people were just right out odd, but when something was happening all around you, and you bother to show up to a meeting that you should share your knowledge. He wondered if the man himself was affected by hags being so close to the forest. Was he here as a spy? Just stay quiet and sit in the corner and find out everything you can. You won’t be noticed right? Except for the other thing in the room that likes to go bump in the night.
Sorry, this is very late and terrible.
Sta|8| Eva|18| Str|18| Wis| 2 | Arc| 2 | Acc|12|
Dhampir | Terrible Presence | Martial Artist | Evasive Maneuvers | Perfectionist
Dhampir | Terrible Presence | Martial Artist | Evasive Maneuvers | Perfectionist
31 Mar 2020, 23:51
Have you seen this man?
Giving Caradoc a nod in answer to his question about his health, Zahid was about to return the question when he was interrupted by the arrival of (most likely) the school's youngest Professor and Caradoc's subsequent beginning of the meeting.
The description of, let alone the actual state of the room was worrying enough – but to hear that it might have been in this state for going on to five months now? That was nothing short of horrifying. And hearing that there might be a connection to what happened on that night certainly did not help either. He could not help a shudder at the reminder of that incident.
When Caradoc paused and looked toward him and Price presumably to see if they wanted to add something, he gave Caradoc a slight shake of his head. He didn't think he could add something helpful to his friends short recounting of that encounter and if he had nothing useful to say he would much rather not speak about it at all. So, when Caradoc straight out asked them he stayed silent.
Absently noting the arrival of the Gryffindor Head of House, he listened to the proceedings before leaving his spot at the wall and moving closer to take a look at the letters that Elliot put onto the sliced-apart desk. He could not help but wonder why the Professor had not stepped forth earlier if he was in possession of such information. It was a shock to hear about this S.C.A.R organisation. Maybe he should have bothered more to keep up with current events.
Stepping back to get out of the way of whoever also wanted to take a closer look, Zahid returned to his spot at the wall – freezing for a second as he noticed the Professor reading a book of all things. What in the world?
He hoped the Hags were not behind the Headmaster's disappearance but on the other hand, a separate threat might be potentially worse... The devil you know and all that. And there had been yet another attack on students? What was it with this school? This school almost made him miss the time he was teaching during an actual civil war. He never would have thought taking a teaching position could ever come with this many dangers.
Their Head of Ravenclaw was a Dhampir? How had he missed that? He really needed to spent more time with his colleagues and keeping up to date with things, the latter of which he had never really bothered with being far more interested in history than current happenings.
♦ Until the lion has his or her own storyteller, the hunter will always have the best part of the story ♦
1 Apr 2020, 02:39
Have you seen this man?
Why was all information presented now? Five months after the fact? Did everyone hold onto these letters and important information all this time and not care to hold a meeting to share them? The gap between when the hags and giants invaded Hogwarts to now was crucial. There could have been quite a bit of planning on the opposition. Maya believed that the staff who had information within the entire five-month time-span were irresponsible. It slowly began to enrage Maya.
Maya bit down on her bottom natural colored lip. Listening to each professor sharing their personalized information, she bit down harder and harder. The worst of them all was the hidden messaged ones. All this time, they could have had the answer, but instead, someone kept it to themselves to try and crack it. How was that helpful? One of them literally was asked to give to Nora. And yet, it was five months later. Taking a slow and deep breath, Maya continued to remain calm.
There was one professor, however, that made her stomach sick. While everyone was keen on one another and figuring out clues as to where the Headmaster could have gone, there was one professor who thought it a good idea to nonchalantly read a book. It was a professor that Maya was not a fan of, Professor Griffith. Their first and last encounter with one another was ages ago and it still stuck with Maya. He had a pureblood mindset and she thought of him as grotesque. Maya, about to explode on his actions of showing no empathy or compassion of another human being missing, was halted when another professor, Alaric, called him out on his actions. To read a book so close to one's face. Was he hiding something?
To make things even more surprising, Alaric had shared his race. Maya felt there was something different about him, but to hear outright that he was a Dhamphir and still working at Hogwarts was incredible. She had never met one before and to be working with one was an experience. His idea to control other students who are Dhamphir's was a possibility. "What blood will you be supplying them? Would it be enough every morning for them to feel content?" she asked, ensuring that Alaric's plan would work. Who knows what student would strive for more because a drink a day wasn't enough.
Maya, still peeved that all of this information was coming out now, five months later, kept her cool about it and just focused on the present. They needed to keep the students safe and they had to work together.
Stamina: 11 || Evasion: 7 || Strength: 7 || Wisdom: 20 || ArcPower: 15 || Accuracy: 10
2 Apr 2020, 02:27
Have you seen this man?
Well...
Griffith's train of thought, which had previously been occupied with the mating habits of a distinct sub-species of moke, screeched to a halt, and assessed the situation. He had been bored, and too obstinate to actually pretend to be interested, which had now cost him his place at the background of the investigation. The astrology professor was the culprit, the one who pointed out Griffith's place to the back with his book, or more accurately, the late headmaster Solomon Lear's book.
He had been listening enough, though, enough to be slightly put off by how many professors had individually encountered some form of weirdness. That implied the presence of so much more scheming than he had previously thought. He wasn't surprised by Solomon's letter being addressed to the snake queen, either. Out of all the professors in the room, she was the only one that he believed had an honest shot of taking him down.
Sure, the others would be able to win in a fight, but Griffith wasn't exactly a fighter. He ran, he moved from place to place with smoke and mirrors, avoiding detection, and going on daily runs to keep himself in shape. Spells were good and all, but a heavy leather coat with enough wards to choke a relaxed anaconda and two long legs were usually all you needed. The only thing that the letter did tell him was that whatever this was, the late headmaster had decided that needing some sort of british-ninja-snake-wizard took priority over any of his older contacts.
Part of him wanted to just be cooperative, to show the dolls that he was even then carrying around in his pocket, and tell them his account of what had happened with the hags. It had been a pain, two of the students had simply passed out, the others had been less than thrilled, and certainly less than safe. But Griffith didn't like to cooperate, he liked to know what was going on, and he liked that stream of information to only go one way. Perhaps it wasn't the best strategy, but he didn't care.
Well, whatever. Professors that studied magical creatures weren't usually known for their brains. He would play to that, use it to his advantage. He was just an eccentric oddball, that was all. If he was really shrewd, wouldn't he have made a better professor of some study that actually required smarts? He might not be able to get the suspicion entirely off of him, and that astrology professor may exist on his wavelength, but no one would believe the star gazer, assuming he picked up on it at all.
He had talked with very few professors, and every time had come across as unlikable and coarse. Intolerant and obsessed with his creatures. He could play to that, and then keep staying out of this farce. Besides, he couldn't leave now even if he did want to. What would look more suspicious?
"Wh- me?"
He lowered the book, with a look of confusion written across his face. He looked at Alaric, but didn't meet anyone's gaze. It was hard to play ignorant when your eyes were light and sharp, the very picture of what you weren't trying to come across as.
"Oh, I don't know, I like staying in my stables, and this seems a little, you know..."
Griffith gave a sheepish, small grin.
"I'm just here if it turns out you need a magizoologist for something, murder stuff isn't my speed. I avoid people, and they avoid me. I like it, but it means I don't get a lot of news. Oh, and, after you've all checked them and stuff, I'd like to bury the puffs."
Nothing helped a lie along like a liberal sprinkling of honesty. Reaching into a vast pocket, he selected a scrap of paper, and placed the bookmark between the pages he had been reading, closing the book so it was clear he was trying to pay attention. He'd return to it after this circus had closed it's curtains
Griffith's train of thought, which had previously been occupied with the mating habits of a distinct sub-species of moke, screeched to a halt, and assessed the situation. He had been bored, and too obstinate to actually pretend to be interested, which had now cost him his place at the background of the investigation. The astrology professor was the culprit, the one who pointed out Griffith's place to the back with his book, or more accurately, the late headmaster Solomon Lear's book.
He had been listening enough, though, enough to be slightly put off by how many professors had individually encountered some form of weirdness. That implied the presence of so much more scheming than he had previously thought. He wasn't surprised by Solomon's letter being addressed to the snake queen, either. Out of all the professors in the room, she was the only one that he believed had an honest shot of taking him down.
Sure, the others would be able to win in a fight, but Griffith wasn't exactly a fighter. He ran, he moved from place to place with smoke and mirrors, avoiding detection, and going on daily runs to keep himself in shape. Spells were good and all, but a heavy leather coat with enough wards to choke a relaxed anaconda and two long legs were usually all you needed. The only thing that the letter did tell him was that whatever this was, the late headmaster had decided that needing some sort of british-ninja-snake-wizard took priority over any of his older contacts.
Part of him wanted to just be cooperative, to show the dolls that he was even then carrying around in his pocket, and tell them his account of what had happened with the hags. It had been a pain, two of the students had simply passed out, the others had been less than thrilled, and certainly less than safe. But Griffith didn't like to cooperate, he liked to know what was going on, and he liked that stream of information to only go one way. Perhaps it wasn't the best strategy, but he didn't care.
Well, whatever. Professors that studied magical creatures weren't usually known for their brains. He would play to that, use it to his advantage. He was just an eccentric oddball, that was all. If he was really shrewd, wouldn't he have made a better professor of some study that actually required smarts? He might not be able to get the suspicion entirely off of him, and that astrology professor may exist on his wavelength, but no one would believe the star gazer, assuming he picked up on it at all.
He had talked with very few professors, and every time had come across as unlikable and coarse. Intolerant and obsessed with his creatures. He could play to that, and then keep staying out of this farce. Besides, he couldn't leave now even if he did want to. What would look more suspicious?
"Wh- me?"
He lowered the book, with a look of confusion written across his face. He looked at Alaric, but didn't meet anyone's gaze. It was hard to play ignorant when your eyes were light and sharp, the very picture of what you weren't trying to come across as.
"Oh, I don't know, I like staying in my stables, and this seems a little, you know..."
Griffith gave a sheepish, small grin.
"I'm just here if it turns out you need a magizoologist for something, murder stuff isn't my speed. I avoid people, and they avoid me. I like it, but it means I don't get a lot of news. Oh, and, after you've all checked them and stuff, I'd like to bury the puffs."
Nothing helped a lie along like a liberal sprinkling of honesty. Reaching into a vast pocket, he selected a scrap of paper, and placed the bookmark between the pages he had been reading, closing the book so it was clear he was trying to pay attention. He'd return to it after this circus had closed it's curtains
“If this is a complaint would you mind sending it with an owl? It's easier to ignore."
6 Apr 2020, 00:45
Have you seen this man?
Caradoc would smile as Elaine entered. Bowing his head towards her in appreciation for her arrival. He preferred all four Heads of Houses to be present. With Pendrast being their official voice that extended towards the ministry, her opinion would matter and he thought she would appreciate all the information gathered within this room.
"Yes, five months, professor Kibitzer, right?" He would smile politely at the newest member of their little staff team. "Sadly us Heads of Houses have been stretched too thin over the work needed to keep this school running. We had, until you arrived professor, three open subjects. Professor Equinox managed his old position of Astronomy while professor Pendrast did the same for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Elaine has been in contact with the board of Governors for us as well. I handled Divination, up til now it seems..." He gave Rosalind a quick look. "Leaving professor Jensen to handle ALL patrols." He stepped over to Artemis and looked him right in the eye. "Tell me professor, exactly how stretched are you over your precious time while you keep yourself locked up in your room for weeks?" He turned heel and found his place back in the middle of the room.
"They got INSIDE this castle!" He shouted as he pointed across the room. "Which easily means ANYONE of you could be in league with them!" His head hurt like hell. Fire lashing out in his head as he tried to focus. Shaking it off he recomposed himself and stood up straight. He grew quiet as he rubbed his eyes and brushed his hair back. "As for Dolores. There is only one Dolores I know of." He directed himself towards Nora. "Not that I am sure it is her. There's no evidence, it could be any Dolores." He shook his head and planted both fists in his sides as he hopelessly looked around for a chair.
His eyes rolled over Price's evidence once more while a sigh escaped under his breath. Looking over at Nora he apologised. "I'm sorry to hear about Slytherin. It seems we failed again. But no, I did not invite anyone other than the professors.” Taking a seat next to Maya on the few steps of stairs that led to the desk. With closed eyes he listened further to the others. Alaric explaining his letter and Maya asking a question regarding the blood. Thoughts of conspiracy swirled in his head. SCAR, hags, part-giants, the ministry, Lear,... it all became chaos in his head and all he could worry about was his little girl waiting to come over to the castle. It was almost time for her to arrive, yet she couldn't. Not when danger was this close, he spent so long keeping her from harm at all cost and now all this was coming down on him. Alaric pointing out Griffith caught his attention. Doc's head rose to look at the Care of Magical Creatures' professor. Eyes narrowing as he listened to the man's explanation. Cocking his head was all Caradoc could do while he inspected the curious professor. Was he an idiot? He never figured the man for one from what briefs glimpses he had seen him.
"Yes, five months, professor Kibitzer, right?" He would smile politely at the newest member of their little staff team. "Sadly us Heads of Houses have been stretched too thin over the work needed to keep this school running. We had, until you arrived professor, three open subjects. Professor Equinox managed his old position of Astronomy while professor Pendrast did the same for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Elaine has been in contact with the board of Governors for us as well. I handled Divination, up til now it seems..." He gave Rosalind a quick look. "Leaving professor Jensen to handle ALL patrols." He stepped over to Artemis and looked him right in the eye. "Tell me professor, exactly how stretched are you over your precious time while you keep yourself locked up in your room for weeks?" He turned heel and found his place back in the middle of the room.
"They got INSIDE this castle!" He shouted as he pointed across the room. "Which easily means ANYONE of you could be in league with them!" His head hurt like hell. Fire lashing out in his head as he tried to focus. Shaking it off he recomposed himself and stood up straight. He grew quiet as he rubbed his eyes and brushed his hair back. "As for Dolores. There is only one Dolores I know of." He directed himself towards Nora. "Not that I am sure it is her. There's no evidence, it could be any Dolores." He shook his head and planted both fists in his sides as he hopelessly looked around for a chair.
His eyes rolled over Price's evidence once more while a sigh escaped under his breath. Looking over at Nora he apologised. "I'm sorry to hear about Slytherin. It seems we failed again. But no, I did not invite anyone other than the professors.” Taking a seat next to Maya on the few steps of stairs that led to the desk. With closed eyes he listened further to the others. Alaric explaining his letter and Maya asking a question regarding the blood. Thoughts of conspiracy swirled in his head. SCAR, hags, part-giants, the ministry, Lear,... it all became chaos in his head and all he could worry about was his little girl waiting to come over to the castle. It was almost time for her to arrive, yet she couldn't. Not when danger was this close, he spent so long keeping her from harm at all cost and now all this was coming down on him. Alaric pointing out Griffith caught his attention. Doc's head rose to look at the Care of Magical Creatures' professor. Eyes narrowing as he listened to the man's explanation. Cocking his head was all Caradoc could do while he inspected the curious professor. Was he an idiot? He never figured the man for one from what briefs glimpses he had seen him.
If you're reading this... You're awesome.
Calming Presence/Healing Sage/Wandless/Non-Verbal
STA - 16 | EVA - 6 | STR - 15 | WIS - 16 | ARC - 8 | ACC - 4
6 Apr 2020, 17:12
Have you seen this man?
Hjørdis would have greeted her fellow colleagues if she was in the right frame of mind. Perhaps not all of them but certainly Pendrast, who arrived shortly after she did.
This was really happening... This was not a joke... Hjørdis stared at Caradoc, searching his face for answers. He actually saw hags. They have suspected a coven of hags on the grounds... The school was still open, despite that. Should they close it down? Would the children be safer outside of these walls? What could they do? How would they protect the students, and other staff members from a coven of hags? Why were hags attacking professors? It would make sense for them to come after children but they seemed to intentionally lure the professors into a trap. At least, she knew Caradoc was lured out on false pretenses. Questions flooded her mind. Outside of Hogwarts... was it even safer? The S.C.A.R. attacks were getting worse. They even got into the Leaky Cauldron. Was it them? Were they responsible for these attacks on the school or were they a separate organisation. How did Lear know... Where the hell was Lear...
Her heart pounded, her eyes still staring at the letters on the table. A part of her secretly hoped that Lear meant another Nora, one who knew a completely different Finley, one that knew who this Dolores lady was... One that understood what 4.4.24 meant. If he meant her then he would be horribly disappointed in her. Why could she not recall a Dolores? Why did the date not make sense...? A number combination of some sort? A note from the future or a prediction from a seer? A warning of the number of causalities? The date that the 'evil blood war' would end? And who the hell was Dolores? And why, oh god, why was no one naming another Finley...
Equinox explained the letter, bringing her attention back to the conversation in hand as her mind continued to freak out. A letter from Lear? Speaking a warning of how he might be treated for being a Dhampir? Hjørdis recalled the day in question, with Deathmote. She hated the fact that everything Equinox said had actually happened. It was disgusting to think that racism and blood purity was still an issue. But it was. This evil blood war that Price spoke of might be looming.
Her mind was racing, making it difficult to concentrate. There were too many questions and not enough information to answer them. What did the spiders have to do with the hags or the SCAR group? Did they have any connection? Despite the questions in her head, she listened to the conversation, knowing that sharing the information was far more valuable now.
Professors started to question why this information wasn't shared sooner. Did that even matter anymore? Of course, in an ideal world, Hjørdis would have wanted to know before too. Especially when one of the injured was someone she had grown to trust and believe to be a friend. It kind of hurt that he did not share something that affected him so much with her. Perhaps she trusted him more than he trusted her. But that was a debate for another time. Today, there were far more important things to discuss.
Her attention was caught by Caradoc's raised voice. He said the words she was thinking. These attacks were happening under their noses. It was easily possible that anyone in this school was involved. It could have been a few students, but it could easily be any member of staff. Perhaps even more than one. Her eyes flickered back to the letter, spelling out Finley. He had to be suspected. As much as she hated the idea that they had been blindly trusting him with the safety of their students - that she had allowed him to be in charge of healing her injured - she needed to know for sure. Any one of the professors in this room could also be in cohorts with them. Especially the ones who were silent, not sharing any information, as though they had just been blissfully unaware of everything that had happened.
She nodded towards Caradoc, accepting his explanation of Dolores. He knew one. That was a starting point. She knew of one Finley. It may not be the same one, there was no evidence like he said. But it was a starting point to figuring out these letters. Before she could react, he spoke about Slytherin before she reacted. His words hit her. The glare dropped off her face, allowing it to return back to normal as she looked down at the desk - almost as though she were ashamed. Hjørdis sighed audibly. They had failed. Again. He was right. It stung that they had failed but they had and there was no way to take that back. She had failed her students.
Finlay Vancleaf was not invited to this meeting. That, at the very least, told her that he had not purposefully ignored the request. It was not a lot but it gave her a bit more information.
"More than you know..." She continued, "Fi-" She stopped abruptly. The Head of Slytherin was about to name 'Finlay', saying he had told her something. But... If it was the same Fin then she should not trust his diagnosis. Or perhaps, he was able to diagnose it because he had caused it. Her head hurt, racking through all of the questions. The lack of trust was evident. Caradoc had said exactly what she felt when he claimed anyone in this room could be in league with them. Hjørdis did not trust each and every person in this room. Some were too new for her to know well, others she might not have spent much time with but most, she probably just did not trust.
Now that everyone had time to process the information, she added more details, "The students that got bitten... have apparently been cursed." She continued, "We administered a treatment. I don't know if it will work. I also don't know what sort of curse. But we need to get this looked at." Hjørdis continued, glancing at her aunt Elaine. She did not know how many others could help but she did know Elaine was likely a suitable person to investigate this. Perhaps the most suitable. Hjørdis was going to research cures for curses but she needed to know what she was working with to know if a potion could cure it and if so, which one.
The Ravenclaw Head gave a practical suggestion to help the dhampirs retain control. It was only the start. There was a lot more than needed to be done. If a blood war truly broke out, they would have to protect each and every student. They would have to make sure everyone was safe. This would not be limited to Dhampirs. It would not even be limited to humans. Blood purists would emerge from the folds. The school could break out into a war right under their nose if they weren't careful. But his suggestion was still a good one. It was a good start. It would, at the very least, give dhampirs more control and the bullies less power. It would, at the very least, help others to be less afraid or the victims of a forced blood rage. "I approve of your suggestion." She simply stated, voicing her opinion. She saw how he had been with Deathmote. There was little time to debate every little suggestion. She felt he was the most equipped to handle this and thus, would allow him to do so without question. Perhaps it was trust after seeing how he handled Deathmote.
Hjørdis was honestly not surprised when she heard Equinox question why that intolerable Care of Magical Creatures professor had his nose in a book. Without even looking over to Griffith, she could already hazard a guess that the book was most likely not even helpful. If it was about spiders or hags, there would be some logic to his actions. But without even looking at the cover, she would assume it was neither of these. The man was insufferable to her for many reasons. This was just one of the many things on the list.
He replied, in a sheepish voice. Her head snapped to his location, following the sound of the voice. There was a distinct glare on her face. One far harsher than he would have ever seen on her. He annoyed her a lot, irritated the heck out of her. However, she had never been as infuriated as she was at this moment. She was like an angry mother, trying to protect her child from getting hurt. She would stop at nothing and tear anything or anyone that stood in the way apart. If looks could kill, her glare would certainly be a contender for it. Surely, it was acceptable to use one of the unforgiveable curses on such an insufferable being? Hell, she ought to get praised for it. He was despicable and she was disgusted. With every word he spoke, the urge to hit him grew stronger and the harder it was to resist.
Her anger was visible in her clenched jaw, biting back her words. It was noticeable in the glare on her face. Clear as day in her fingers that were clutching the edges of the desk with the letters. She was leaning on it. The Professor who normally stood up straight, composed and in control, was leaning on the desk clutching at it as though she was about to fall.
They had spoken about spiders attacking out of nowhere. Surely, as the magizoologist, he would have something to say about that. They spoke about a coven of hags, somewhere in the forest. Surely, he had creatures that might be able to smell or sense them out. Perhaps he even saw things in the forest when he visited for supplies. But no... He did not have any information, nor did he even bother to try and suggest offers. There was plenty he could do. He just chose either not to do it, or not to share it with the group. And then had the audacity to talk about burying the bloody puffs.
Don't get her wrong, Hjørdis was the last person who would want puffs - or any creatures - to get hurt. But if they did not do something soon, they would be burying hufflepuffs, along with every other student. She was ready to throw the desk at Griffith's stupid ugly face.
The fire burning in her chest was hard to control. But losing her temper would not help. She knew that. Her anger would likely just be another reason for him not to help. Staring at the letters, Hjørdis searched her brain, trying to calm down. "I have third years that thought they could beat the spiders, because of your teachings, that almost died. Despite pulling through, they are still cursed. No cure has worked so far. This could be permanent." Hjørdis simply stated. Third years who believed in Griffith and trusted his knowledge of magical creatures may be cursed for life because of their trust and belief.
Turning to face him, "Tell me, magizoologist, do you not think you might be best placed to investigate the spiders? Perhaps find out what type of spider or poisonous bite they had, so we can find a cure for this curse?" She asked him. She was not actually asking him. This was clear by her next words, "You can start by investigating the dungeons. I have yet to clean the chaos, so if there's any evidence, you should find it." The spiders were in the dungeons before they disappeared. They could have left some sort of evidence. A few strands of hair from their body might be enough for him. The idea of actually having him snoop around and be anywhere that she could bump into him kind of disgusted her. But she had no choice. Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer. She did not trust him so she would have to keep him close to watch him. If he was innocent - or skilled enough to be a double crosser, though, perhaps he could actually find something that might be of use.
"We also need to find this coven of hags. Locate them so we can keep an eye on them and know if they move. Given your close proximity to the forest and the arsenal of creatures at your stables, you might be able to smell them out or locate them somehow. Any information you can bring is vital right now." She instructed. Did she really need to tell him that? No. He was supposed to be capable of thinking all by himself. But apparently, that was too hard for him. 'Murder stuff' might not be his speed but creatures had abilities that humans did not. They could help locate the coven, keep an eye on them. At least, if they knew where they were, they could find out if they were moving closer to the castle or hopefully be able to see if they were moving to attack before they did.
Turning her attention back to the rest of the group, "Does anyone know anything else that might be useful?" She asked, hoping someone named another Finley or could provide information that might help them protect against these attacks. If no one else spoke, she would name Vancleaf. But given the letters were addressed to her - assuming no one else named another Nora, she hesitated to do so. Any name or information she gave about the letters now would instantly be a suspect. They would be doubted, even if they were innocent, just as she was doubting him now. She had to be sure but she also wanted to be careful and cautious. Perhaps it was better to risk doubting an innocent man than risk another student getting hurt.
This is my former staff account.
I also play: Serena Towers (Graduated PC), Arjan Oberoi (Graduated iNPC), Xiomara Torres (Current Student)
I also play: Serena Towers (Graduated PC), Arjan Oberoi (Graduated iNPC), Xiomara Torres (Current Student)
7 Apr 2020, 01:01
Have you seen this man?
They were all talking at once.
Elaine let the voices wash over her, her mind alert and senses sharp, but it was less the content of their words she was paying attention to and more the way they said them. She'd had an orderly, calm mind, ever since she'd been a student herself. It was what had made her qualified to study the art of Occulmency, but also what had separated her from her peers, the girls she'd shared her dorms with, had made her boring to her ambitious year mates. Temperance was her middle name - her parents had gotten what they'd wished for, in a sense.
All around her tempers were rising. First Elliot Price's story of hags conjured confusion, maybe even fear, in some, then Professor Vernatis was attacking Caradoc, Alaric - obviously concerned for the Dhampir students in the school - lashed out the Care of Magical Creatures Professor. Nora looked shaken, but before Elaine could answer her, try to console her, the argument tipped over completely. Suddenly the Hufflepuff Head of House was screaming. It was something she considered uncharacteristic for him, but then again she didn't know him that well, did she? How well did she know any of them, really? Nora was her family, Barnaby Ryker she had cared for, but most of the others... Elena had never put in the effort to try and befriend them, knowing that her company was dry at best and boring at other times.
She didn't even have time to make up her mind about how to react to his outburst when her niece was the one fighting for composure, her hands clenched around the desk of the broken Headmaster's desk.
Hags on the grounds. A woman named Dolores. Lazarus Plott in the ballroom. Solomon Lear missing. Magical spiders in the castle. Cursed students. Cursed students.
They were getting distracted, side-tracked with petty arguments and personal accusations.
Elaine weaved through the professors in attendance, moving past them in a way she wouldn't normally have. The sleeves of her long, dark brown gown would have brushed the side of Professor Vernatis as she went past him if he hadn't moved aside in time, her skirt would have caught on Professor Price's leg for a second before she passed by.
They were deliberate contacts, bringing her closer to other living beings than she had been in months. It was a strange feeling, one that set her on edge, that made the shadows on her skin move as she moved, always closer to where her clothes didn't cover them, curious and agitated in equal parts. Foe or ally, they were asking, or at least she thought they were. Pitch-black horns appeared from below her collar, a canine muzzle came to lay on the back of her neck unseen.
The last person she would move past would be Caradoc, the fingers of her left hand brushing his sleeve in a fleeting gesture if he was standing in the right position. It would be a gesture of reassurance, made even more obvious by the fact that it exposed her hand and the dark, spotted paw that covered the whole of it - a slip that Elaine never allowed unintentionally.
For a moment she wondered. What would the tattoos do if she intentionally touched one of the other people in the room, skin on skin, real contact? Nora was family, but the others… she couldn’t remember when she had last touched a person who wasn’t family. Had it really been that long? What would happen? Would her guardian curse consider the unfamiliar presence an enemy? Would the shadows rip them apart, jump from her skin to theirs, become alive, kill them from the inside out?
Her dark eyes considered the Head of Hufflepuff. He was young, lively. A pity if he’d die, really, but he’d live long enough for her to- she slammed the thought down violently and shoved it back into the far corner of her mind where it belonged. It was a place she rarely looked at these days.
She took the place beside her niece, trying to offer her silent comfort, offering a hand – and the dark image of feathers that was imprinted on it – to steady her should she accept it.
“I am sure we have enough qualified professionals at hand to prevent the Slytherin students from coming to any permanent harm through this curse,” she assured the other woman quietly, her eyes wandering over the assembled professors. She deliberately didn’t take another glance at the Head of Hufflepuff.
“I do think we should consider what to do,” Elaine paused for an instant, “should the Headmaster not be found in a timely fashion. The presence of Dark creatures inside the castle suggests that the wards are already weakened. They are old but I cannot estimate what will happen if his absence continues indefinitely.”
She didn’t mention Lazarus Plott. The Headmaster’s Office had been compromised long ago. The walls might have ears.
Cu ochii deschiși.
7 Apr 2020, 21:02
Have you seen this man?
In every meeting or discussion, there was a peaking point. It seemed that Caradoc had reached his. The way he was raising his voice and looking to his colleagues was sad to Maya. To her, he was going through a breaking point. Which, in her opinion, he had every right to do so. However, there was a time and place to point fingers. His finger seemed to go straight towards the new Divinations professor, Rosalind Kibitzer.
When Caradoc sat back down next to Maya on the stairs that made the Headmaster's Office into a split level. Both Elaine and Nora both began to try to figure out the note and Maya could not help but to keep her attention on Caradoc, who to her, looked like he was breaking inside. Naturally, Maya would not have cared and moved on from listening to his emotional banter, but since that night when he put her burden on his shoulders, it sort of taught her to do the same.
"Calm down," she whispered through her teeth, only loud enough for Caradoc to hear. "If you continue to show your emotions now, then you become an easy target later," she added, finally giving quick eye contact to he colleague and quickly looking away. One thing she was taught was to never show her emotions, even in times like these where someone in their staff was a spy for the enemy. Right now, it was thin ice.
It seemed her question was undermined with the approval sent from Nora about the Damphirs. Maya, a bit careful about showing her own emotions worked hard to hide them. She did not want to look irritated, especially to a colleague that she does respect. It was just that at this moment everyone was on their toes. No one knows what to expect other than what has already been expected, which was not good at all.
Maya's attention went back to whomever was speaking to the group. At this point, it was Elaine. She mentioned that the ward was down. Maya's power was not as strong to help with the ward, but she was able to help with the patrolling if necessary. "Please count me in with the hunt of creatures through daily and nightly patrols," she offered. What else was there to do other than to keep the students safe from any more creatures that may be poisonous?
Stamina: 11 || Evasion: 7 || Strength: 7 || Wisdom: 20 || ArcPower: 15 || Accuracy: 10
8 Apr 2020, 19:43
Have you seen this man?
Alaric kept his intense gaze at Griffith, a man so oddly insistent on not making eye contact. He hoped he was making it clear that he did not trust the man. Much like Elaine, he let everyone else speak only moving once taking a few steps toward Caradoc and if allowed setting his slightly clawed hand on the man's shoulder. Regardless of his hand placement, he would speak to him. “Caradoc, We cannot blame those who did not know. We are all frustrated and rightly so. We need to come together and make an official announcement to the school before the end of the term. Though I think the meeting about what will be said there should be held in a place that does not possibly have ears of its own.” His eyes glanced around the walls of the office around them.
Giving his attention back to Maya, who had asked him a question about the blood. “I would be giving them the same donated blood that I get. I have been well open about what I am since I started and never tried to hide it. Even told all of the students in all of their first classes what I was so that we could move past it, and if they had questions, they could talk to me before classes. I get blood from the ministry, which has been donated by willing participants. With Elaine working with the ministry, we can get enough blood for the students that require it and myself for a dose in the morning and in the evening. Yes, this will be more than enough to sustain them from being able to blood rage or be race baited, considering it sustains me just fine. We also still have access to blood pops which help curb cravings when necessary, and I have a stockpile of them even though I have never had to use them.”
Giving his attention back to Maya, who had asked him a question about the blood. “I would be giving them the same donated blood that I get. I have been well open about what I am since I started and never tried to hide it. Even told all of the students in all of their first classes what I was so that we could move past it, and if they had questions, they could talk to me before classes. I get blood from the ministry, which has been donated by willing participants. With Elaine working with the ministry, we can get enough blood for the students that require it and myself for a dose in the morning and in the evening. Yes, this will be more than enough to sustain them from being able to blood rage or be race baited, considering it sustains me just fine. We also still have access to blood pops which help curb cravings when necessary, and I have a stockpile of them even though I have never had to use them.”
Sta|8| Eva|18| Str|18| Wis| 2 | Arc| 2 | Acc|12|
Dhampir | Terrible Presence | Martial Artist | Evasive Maneuvers | Perfectionist
Dhampir | Terrible Presence | Martial Artist | Evasive Maneuvers | Perfectionist
9 Apr 2020, 03:27
Have you seen this man?
Rosalind let out a slow breath from her nostrils. The room had turned away from her for a brief moment, distracted by Elliot's material evidence. A new professor had entered, a woman with a dark air about her. Her face had a horribly severe quality that made Rosalind tense up once again. The new Divination professor did not notice herself shuffling back from the new entrant, her fingertips tapping the blocky shape of the deck of cards in her pocket, trying to ground herself with the familiar object.
The potions professor brought the situation into focus. She recognized some of the words and names from the headlines - she had browsed the Daily Prophet on her visit to Diagon Alley before traveling to Hogwarts. She never put much faith in publications like that - they existed to fly off shelves and earn a quick sickle for wizards who really ought to know better. Had it all been true? The signs were right there in front of her - two foreign headmasters had avoided Hogwarts due to safety concerns. She thought it might have been simple prejudice - fear of the Hogwarts half-breeds and afflicted. She glanced at Alaric. Maybe they were right to avoid this place.
Professor Kibitzer found a strange sort of comfort in her deck of cards. Cartomancy was her method of choice for divination, and the act of shuffling the cards felt immensely powerful if you believed that each card held a piece of your future. She didn't even notice she had started, holding the deck near her stomach and subtly rearranging each card in the deck until they were in a different arrangement. It was a symbolic gesture - there was some part of her that believed that by putting the the cards in another order, the future could be subtly changed. A polite request for a do-over, addressed to fate.
Her quiet shuffling stopped and she held the cards tight in her hand as Professor Jensen described the situation in Slytherin. Rosalind's heart felt like it dropped in her chest. Those were just children. Children that should have been safe in their own home, even if that home was a dank dungeon. Why hadn't she seen anything? Were there signs she was missing? The woman reached up and brushed her hair back with her fingers, trying to decide what purpose could have brought her here for this moment. She was too preoccupied with herself to pay much attention to Griffith's explanation of his behaviour - it wouldn't make much difference to her, anyway. He had made a strong impression.
Caradoc's voice made her jump slightly, startled as she was addressed again. She squirmed under his gaze, feeling like a bug in the sun, desperate for a rock to crawl under and hide. She didn't move, however - she just slid one card off of another, placing it somewhere in the middle of the deck in her hand. Professor Browne was yelling, now, and Rosalind felt her cards bending as she squeezed them tighter. She chose not to say anything - it seems they were hatching a plan. She gave a quick nod to show her support, not wanting to seem as checked-out as the other professor, but with nothing to say herself.
The potions professor brought the situation into focus. She recognized some of the words and names from the headlines - she had browsed the Daily Prophet on her visit to Diagon Alley before traveling to Hogwarts. She never put much faith in publications like that - they existed to fly off shelves and earn a quick sickle for wizards who really ought to know better. Had it all been true? The signs were right there in front of her - two foreign headmasters had avoided Hogwarts due to safety concerns. She thought it might have been simple prejudice - fear of the Hogwarts half-breeds and afflicted. She glanced at Alaric. Maybe they were right to avoid this place.
Professor Kibitzer found a strange sort of comfort in her deck of cards. Cartomancy was her method of choice for divination, and the act of shuffling the cards felt immensely powerful if you believed that each card held a piece of your future. She didn't even notice she had started, holding the deck near her stomach and subtly rearranging each card in the deck until they were in a different arrangement. It was a symbolic gesture - there was some part of her that believed that by putting the the cards in another order, the future could be subtly changed. A polite request for a do-over, addressed to fate.
Her quiet shuffling stopped and she held the cards tight in her hand as Professor Jensen described the situation in Slytherin. Rosalind's heart felt like it dropped in her chest. Those were just children. Children that should have been safe in their own home, even if that home was a dank dungeon. Why hadn't she seen anything? Were there signs she was missing? The woman reached up and brushed her hair back with her fingers, trying to decide what purpose could have brought her here for this moment. She was too preoccupied with herself to pay much attention to Griffith's explanation of his behaviour - it wouldn't make much difference to her, anyway. He had made a strong impression.
Caradoc's voice made her jump slightly, startled as she was addressed again. She squirmed under his gaze, feeling like a bug in the sun, desperate for a rock to crawl under and hide. She didn't move, however - she just slid one card off of another, placing it somewhere in the middle of the deck in her hand. Professor Browne was yelling, now, and Rosalind felt her cards bending as she squeezed them tighter. She chose not to say anything - it seems they were hatching a plan. She gave a quick nod to show her support, not wanting to seem as checked-out as the other professor, but with nothing to say herself.