The Realization of Dreams Closed

As Quillius revealed his prosthetic more clearly, Violet's smile faded only so slightly. One thing she had learned from her own trials growing up was that pity was seldom seen as anything but a nuisance. Apologizing for his injury or bringing to light what a shame it was would, undoubtedly, strike a man where pride had more than likely already left quite the scar, and she had no intention of wounding the Flying Professor. Instead, she gave a small nod.

"I suppose then, we've something in common. I believe with all my heart that it is our most important job that these students should feel as though they matter. As though their futures matter. And in so many ways, they do. We've been given a gift, in being able to teach them, and it's very encouraging, indeed, to know that there is at least one other professor here at Hogwarts with a passion for their work. Though I do hope we aren't the only ones." With a soft laugh, she shifted off her desk, and moved to Cassiopeia's cage, reaching in a finger to dust across the owl's feathered crown.

"I'll admit I was a bit surprised when Ackerley informed me of the on going issue with this masked figure. And from what you tell me, it hasn't much improved. It worries me, greatly..." Pulling her hand free again, she turned back around to face Quillius, frowning softly, "I don't think paranoia is completely out of line, Quill. In fact, I dare say perhaps there isn't nearly enough concern. I would never suggest anyone was being intentionally lax... but I am afraid the matter is being overlooked more than it ought to be. These children are our responsibility while we are here... and if something were to happen to any one of them on my watch, I would never forgive myself. Knowing that there have been attacks? That students have been put in the Hospital Wing over this...? There must be something we can do to ensure they are better protected."

Violet’s gusto was infectious, yet Quill still chuckled at the thought of Flying being on par with the impact and knowledge received from a subject such as charms. With things like Portkeys and the Floo Network, or even aparating, brooms were not the typical mode of transportation unless there was no other way. Or unless the witch or wizard decided to pursue Quidditch. He had an impact he would not dismiss despite this notion.

“I don’t think we are the only ones,” he said as she walked over to her pet owl. Her air turned resolute as she looked back at him to express her concerns. Children were at risk, and as much as they could encourage them and teach them how to defend themselves, they shouldn’t be placed in such a situation to begin with. There needed to be measures taken to protect them better than what was already done.

“It’s fairly disturbing,” he admitted. “I suppose we have the summer to contemplate it. I’m headed to the States here soon with my family. I’ll do my best to think of something while I’m out. Maybe hit up a few friends while I’m out there and get their take. Hogwarts isn’t the only school out there with it’s issues and obstacles over the years. Sorry, this was supposed to be a nice first meeting and I’ve made it all about solemn business. You’ll have to forgive my lack of focus on the proper things.”

[quote]Privately, Violet hoped intently that Quillius was right. It wouldn't, however, be the first time in the history of Hogwarts that something serious had been unintentionally overlooked or underestimated by the staff. It was an enormous undertaking, such a large, busy school and she could hardly fault someone letting something fall through the cracks. But the severity of the incident was clear enough, now, plain and impossible to ignore... And she had to think the others felt the same way. Just what would or even could be done about it though, was an entirely different predicament as a whole.

As Quillius nodded, Violet considered her own options, "I'll poke around here then, while you're away and see if I can't find some more information. Get a grasp of just what's been done, thus far, to ward against further incident." It wasn't a perfect plan, but it seemed to be the best she could do, until there was more to glean from. She would simply need to ask around...

A brow rose at Quill's last statement, and softly, Vi laughed, "Well, I can hardly blame you. It's a bit preoccupying, all this. Seems a shame, though, to waste a perfectly good introduction on all this dreariness. Do you like scones?"