Never Ask Questions Ashley completed

Ashley's day was already going well from the beginning to the end, and he had been feeling alive ever since he entered Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Although after the Sorting Hat ceremony, what appeared to be his shadow was no longer the black figure of his identical features, but rather his curiosity.

It really is extraordinary to see the multitude of wonders and magical creations of the school. His anti-social behavior draped over him like a cloud of monsoon, while his attitude was as ferocious as thunder.

Ashley paused quietly wondering if it was a good idea to enter the office of the prestigious Hogwarts headmaster. He knew the headmaster was a busy person, but he couldn't be busier than to welcome a first-year student, right?
He questioned himself, yet the question remained rhetorical because no one would answer except the headmaster himself. The young boy was standing in the headmaster's tower, observing the drab patterned structure of the building. What charmed him was the tranquillity that swamped the region. Ashley could plainly hear his own thoughts and feel the light zephyr touching the layer of his skin, regardless how quiet it was.

"Oh, how I wish my dorm was here." He murmured.
" Hmmm... It's open." The young bloke pondered as he moved towards the entrance of the headmaster's office, mounting the grey-colored stairs.

When the youngster entered the office in less than a minute, walking gently and without urgency, his light footfall nearly made no noise to the magnificent office but seems like he was noticed. However, upon his entrance, he quickly recognized the Sorting Hat he had seen during the ceremony and instantly moved his focus to the headmaster, who appeared to be rather busy.

"Someone appears to be extremely busy today." He uttered as he looked at the headmaster, who appeared to have noticed the lad's presence.

"Where have my manners gone... Greetings?"
He cleared his throat after greeting Prof. Lear. Ashley hoped that the headmaster would not really find the boy's behavior derogatory.

@Solomon Lear

He did not bother to keep it locked when he was there. If they came for him again, they would rip their way into this room if the door was locked or left open. Locks and doors could be broken asunder, torn from their hinges, vanished from reality. Barriers were not barriers in the same way for wizards as they were for muggles, rudimentary defenses such as chains and walls held little relevance. His defenses were more subtle and to the pre-teen that wandered into his office, they were not even apparent.

He did not know Ashley Dinero Montez, but he would have known their parents. They were students during his time in Hogwarts, but they did not share the same social circles. Solomon was rather popular, his interest and relative success with the ladies was a thing of legend. Well, in truth he was a bit of a cad. Maturity came in response to tragedy, everyone grows up at some point and Solomon Lear was no exception.

He would look up at the lad. There were not many that wandered this far up the tower. Usually a dare by one of their peers, an act of 'bravery' to scamper in... remain for several minutes and then rush away 'unscathed' to show their 'courage.' "Salutations and salamanders," he replied pleasantly enough as he continued with his efforts. "I am not sure how long you were goaded to remain but take a seat and finish up your time," he offered. The room was strange, the air almost sterile and the man human but 'not right.' He looked fine, his trimmed beard and his eyes that could be termed as kind if there was any light in them. It was more a sixth sense that there was something 'wrong' with either this place or this man.

He would sign his name to the bottom of the page, a large sweeping S followed by the rest of his given name written in a small, looping script. A large L followed b the rest of his name written in a single short, curled stroke. Everything was a sort of progress, different from muggles. It was the way it 'always had been.' "You know," he commented as he let the ink dry. "Often students here try to act in the way they feel they should be seen and in the process loose who they are," by taking unnecessary risks. By making friends with all the wrong people, thinking they are the 'right' kind. "Who you are is the most natural thing to be... make sure you know who that is before you start trying to change or redefine it."

Ashley nodded as the headmaster welcomed him and motioned for him to take a seat.
He first adjusted himself to his seat while intently observing the headmaster.
Having said that, the youngster observed a sizable "L" on a piece of parchment that was written by Professor Lear. He moved his eyes to glance at the headmaster.
" Thank you, Professor. " He replied.

The headmaster abruptly became philosophical, talking about how "students losing themselves for some type of popularity." Ashley was astounded by the headmaster's comments because he had also observed some of the Hogwarts students' actions and he never thought the busy man was also observant as he is. Although, It was disappointing to discover that some people still believe they are all capable, particularly those who consider themselves "pure" and undermine "the half-bloods."
Ashley had little interest in any of the aforementioned issues, but he would not put up with arrogant behavior from individuals who believed they were the school's "IT."

Who you are is the most natural thing to be... make sure you know who that is before you start trying to change or redefine it.

Ashley paid particular attention to what his headmaster stated since he knew that his words would one day be very essential.

"I hear you, professor. I appreciate you taking the time to welcome me with such delicacy and wise words; one day, I will treasure them above all else and most importantly, remember who am I." Ashley spoke softly while looking at the headmaster.
Although he felt nervous, he did not express it outwardly. He cleared his throat while taking a deep breath and tapping his index finger tensely on the table.

'Should I ask him?' was a question that persisted in his mind. He didn't want to offend the prestigious Lear, the headmaster, by acting rudely or arrogantly.
There was a little period of stillness in the room before Ashley made the decision to explain the reason for his visit.

" Headmaster, I have been watching... I have been wondering... The questions pose rhetorical until the one who has answers is able to provide them. I am one to seeks privately, the one who has a distinct personality of observing like a hawk, although before we get to that point- I am curious about something. When we were welcomed here at Hogwarts, we went through what every student went through, which was getting sorted into the four notable houses. And surely you have seen and heard, so it will be hard for you to forget. The Sorting Hat said to me... "Although one aspect of your personality outweighs the other, both are incredibly engaging. You exhibit characteristics of a Slytherin, however as noted, one trait outweighs the other despite being almost equal."

Ashley asked, "Why wasn't I sorted in Slytherin house then?," pausing for seconds before continuing.
However, how terrifying can one be if they had Ravenclaw and Slytherin traits?
He inquired while sounding sternly.

@Solomon Lear

"I hear you, professor. I appreciate you taking the time to welcome me with such delicacy and wise words; one day, I will treasure them above all else and most importantly, remember who am I."

The problem with remembering is knowing in the first place. A stick of crimson wax, it looked like a stubby piece of sidewalk chalk, only in a richer, deeper hue and he would hold the end over a flickering flame. The wax would grow soft and as it did he would bring the small bar with a steady hand over a parchment that he was rolling with restless finger. A drop of wax would fall from the end of the wax stick but it was not a careless error as the wax met the seam of the rolled parchment, sealing the pages. A small, metal stamp would find its way into the Headmaster's hand and he pressed down on the quickly cooling globule of wax while Ashley found their courage.

He had time. That was the one thing he had in abundance.

"Headmaster, I have been watching... I have been wondering... The questions pose rhetorical until the one who has answers is able to provide them. I am one to seeks privately, the one who has a distinct personality of observing like a hawk, although before we get to that point- I am curious about something. When we were welcomed here at Hogwarts, we went through what every student went through, which was getting sorted into the four notable houses. And surely you have seen and heard, so it will be hard for you to forget. The Sorting Hat said to me... "Although one aspect of your personality outweighs the other, both are incredibly engaging. You exhibit characteristics of a Slytherin, however as noted, one trait outweighs the other despite being almost equal."

Their question was a common question. Many children saw themselves as belonging to a certain house, be it a generational alma matter or merely an extension of a vision they had of themselves that failed to manifest. "Often a lovely girl thinks they are ugly because someone else said they were. Because they saw someone else and thought they were prettier... While we have the most intimate knowledge of ourselves, we do not have the most 'complete' view," he admitted. It is easy to develop an unrealistic expectation, to romanticize others or to overlook glaring deceits and flaws in oneself or others, a sort of personal bias. "What we think, and what other people see are often very different things. And sometimes, our view is twisted by thoughts of what should, what we aspire to be and what other people," his eyed flickered over towards the hat "or hats..."[/b] earning a minor chuckle from the only sentient resident besides himself "tell us."

"Why wasn't I sorted in Slytherin house then?"

Why indeed. "I can see why rather plainly since you entered the room. Observing, assessing, anticipating and questioning... like a Ravenclaw. The Slythern trait I have seen," if any "is ambition." There was something about House Slytherin that called people. The idea that you are some sort of evil or ahem cunning child full of ambition stood out when compared to virtues such as wisdom, courage and friendship. This opportunity to feed the ego, to excuse the darker and more selfish portions of ones self as part of this irrefutable nature that was identified and nurtured the moment they were placed in Slytherin. The birthplace of 'dark wizards' as some romanticists would say.

"There is nothing wrong with ambition or cunning, but some allow it to become an excuse. Some use it as an accelerant, but" he shook his head. "You think a lot. Maybe sometimes too much. That can also be a problem sometimes. But if you do what you do best and think back," to the sorting, the actions that brought them there and then to Solomon's office they would see a common thread. There was a spark of ambition, that verdant ember. Yet, what was in full blaze was their intellect and wit as they considered what was said and what was observed. "If anything," he warned "I would assume you will find relations with Slytherin students to be difficult. You may have an ambition, but you are led by your mind not by your want, or your heart or your duty."

Ashley contemplated old man Lear as he sat motionless. He shifted from tapping with his index finger to tapping with his pinky finger on the table. Despite how anxious he was, his facial expression kept every nuance of his emotions hidden.

"Often a lovely girl thinks they are ugly because someone else said they were. Because they saw someone else and thought they were prettier... While we have the most intimate knowledge of ourselves, we do not have the most 'complete' view,"

Ashley looked perplexed as the headmaster uttered these words, He was trying to figure out the literal meaning of them but as he said..."What we think, and what other people see are often very different things. And sometimes, our view is twisted by thoughts of what should, what we aspire to be and what other people," .. He kind of got the idea where this was going.

Ashley coughed as his throat began to scratch. He wanted to tell the headmaster something, but he refrained. After the headmaster had offered Ashley some kind of explanation for why he had been placed in Ravenclaw, the boy finally said something he had never imagined saying.

"Headmaster, I have too much ambition, but it seems to be working in my favor because it is bolstered by wit and wisdom. All this bravery does not pique my curiosity; it feels draining." He made a fist and then continued.

"Mom passed away shortly after giving birth to me, Dad passed away two years later, leaving me with Grandmother, and Grandpa passed away after Dad had passed away.
What is the point of living? People?. My grandmother is getting close to 100 years old. Mother was a well-known witch doctor, and father dedicated his life to defending this wizarding world he led the military of wizards to protect Against evil people and evil things. My attempts to establish my worth in my own manner cause me anguish. I am more focused on acquiring power an knowledge than anything else. Despite the fact that my parents' demise is not bringing me peace shakes me, I feel like there is more to their death than what seems naked to the eye."
Tears welled up in the boy's eyes as he finished his sentence, making it clear to everything present in the room that Ashley still had some humanity in him despite his habit of suppressing his emotions.

"Recall Adams and Monahan??" the lad questioned. "While Adams was in Gryffindor, Monahan was in Slytherin." he said calmly out of interest.
As Ashley looked inside his pants for a photo of both of his parents in their Hogwarts uniform, he wiped away his tears and his face was back to showing no emotions.
He gave it to the headmaster after seeing it in the hopes of receiving a favorable response.

@Solomon Lear

"A bit like that, but not quite," he answered. What she said was true, but the truth went deeper than that. "People will always have a different view of you, but their view does not matter," easier said than done. Something the glory-hound knew well enough from his gilded days of fame and what he had given up to stay in the limelight. "We hold ourselves to standards that was untenable, because we see other people showing us their best, or at least a face that they want us to see. So they are lovely, as long as you never see them without make-up, they are tidy, unless you open the closet or look under their bed, you think they are confident and charismatic but you never see them psyching themselves up, fretting over the words they said or preparing those 'spontaneous' jokes." People see what they are told to see.

What is the point of living?

"When everyone is dead, what is the point of living," he parroted. "That is like saying why take a ride on your broom after the flight is done, eat that roast after it is reduced to bones. Why perform a journey at all if you will eventually complete it?" He was not entirely sure what the 'military of wizards were' (I thought he was an auror, and not head auror because that is a single position so something Index cannot grant but this may also be something you are already working out with Index so I will refrain from further inquiry). "I could just tell you that everything happens for a reason, but I doubt that there is a plan... but this is a journey, and sometimes it is not the conclusion that is worthwhile, it is what you do, who you see, and who you touch along the way that matters. And someday you will die too and hopefully that will be a sad thing, and hopefully someone will cry for you too." Like they cried for their parents, who died separately in childbirth and in another incident years later. It was unlikely they shared a common thread beyond incompetent mediwizards in their mother's case and an unfortunate incident likely with a criminal wizard in their father's case. Not that Solomon was going to steal Ashley's coping mechanism, if they needed to feel that there was 'something more' to their parents death (if there was please reach out to Index as they need a papertrail for approval).

Adams and Monahan.

Names vaguely familiar, but common surnames so they failed to spark immediate recognition in the headmaster. The images they procured however brought Solomon back over a quarter-century. He was not friends with either, it was a dark time in the wizarding world, he has seen in his life the rise and fall of a dark regime and the failure of good men when faced with terrible odds. "Yeah," there was a slight smile. Nostalgia. "I remember them," he confirmed. "Had no idea either of them had passed," like many, he did not keep in contact with his peers the years thereafter. Like most he was busy building a life and a 'brand' that would one day become irrelevant but it was a part of his journey. "I'm... sorry for your loss," he re-routed as he remembered he was in the present and not the past. He was not going to ask what happened but left Ashley an opportunity to add more to their conspiracy theory if they wanted to say more.

"They were always my favorite couple," he lied. It was one of those small fibs he told just to say something kind to a paranoid child who thought their parents were killed, that a sentient hat had tossed them into the wrong house. "I wish you had more time to know them both, I have a feeling you will make them proud regardless."

He made the conscious decision to pay attention and never disagree or question anything that was said after the headmaster answered to each and every query the small kid made.
The reply from the headmaster was not what Ashley required. Even the part when the headmaster said... "I could just tell you that everything happens for a reason, but I doubt that there is a plan... but this is a journey, and sometimes it is not the conclusion that is worthwhile, it is what you do, who you see, and who you touch along the way that matters. And someday you will die too and hopefully that will be a sad thing, and hopefully someone will cry for you too.".

Ashley sighed harshly and his eyes looked around as if he were searching for something that was missing from his possession, but in this setting, the solutions he was seeking were still concealed in the headmaster's comments.
He said to himself, "How dreadful! " as his eyes now met the headmaster's.

As the conversation went on and the headmaster started to respond to inquiries concerning his late parents, his brows organically arched from their initial position, and he exhibited a facial expression that looked to pique curiosity.
"I remember them,"... As soon as Ashley heard the headmaster mention that he remembered his parents, he experienced the thrill beginning to creep in. As elated as he was, the euphoria dissipated the moment he said that they were his favorite couple.

Ashley clenched his hand aggressively while maintaining his composure because of the lies the headmaster told. Ashley was well aware of the history of his parents(His parents never dated when they attended Hogwarts together, they started dating 3 years later, after graduating from Hogwarts. They both married in the muggle world as it was his mother's dream. After they returned to he wizarding world, they always remained low-key about everything and decided to focus more on their jobs). This is what his grandmother had told him. He murmured incoherently, "How could you lie to me? " so that no living thing could comprehend. He had a searing glare that made him feel like he may explode, but instead he got to his feet and addressed the headmaster "I've heard enough.—Thanks." Ashley made a comment.

He said these statements to the headmaster before leaving. "Transparency enables you to maneuver around what is hidden whereas deception empowers one to conceal their authentic nature. Transparency is required for simple things. One should be able to see the bottom portion. One should be able to understand another's imagination, much like a reader of novels or other publications."
Ashley turned around and left without pausing to consider what the headmaster would lie about next.

@Solomon Lear

And Solomon must have said something to set the pre-teen off. Unintended but intention was a secondary matter, it was the actions done and their effect that mattered. Pep talks and life lessons parsed down to saccharine words and platitudes, they would ring hollow on this day.

With that the eagle that wished to be a snake that could no longer soar but rather slither in the grass would leave abruptly. The receding footsteps would fade from his senses and deafening silence would replace the chatter and the noise. With a sigh and a wave of his wand, the door would shut behind Ashley. In the end, Solomon would not know what had set the first year off and he knew better than to pursue them. They were the type to ask questions, but he was not sure if it was ever answers that they sought or if it was a confirmation of something.

Perhaps he spoke out of turn, a kind word and a caught lie. A small one? He would not dwell on it for long. He could not dwell on it, it would drive him mad with something other than grief or regret. With words true or not that he wish he had said when he had the opportunity. Soon enough he would carry on with his day, to tarry on for a few more hours still.