Private eyes

[grandhighwizard]

WHO: Rhys Rhydderch and OPEN
TONE: Varied, but probably some element of creepy
RATING: PG-ish, unless something weird happens
WHEN: Throughout the day and evening, Novermeber 15
WHERE: All around Hogwarts
WHAT: Rhys has some questions about one of his students
STATUS: Ongoing

Rhys had to admit - Hogwarts didn't disappoint when it came to interesting things happening. No, it wasn't anywhere near so high stakes as the Wizengamot, but then things were more chaotic and he appreciated that about the environment. The volatile mix of teenage hormones, children's bad judgment, and a staff that seemed prone (and least some of them) to interpersonal drama made for a constant source of amusement, anyway. He was part of none of it, of course, knowing better than to get his personal life mixed up with work, but he did enjoy how incredibly unprofessional so many of his colleague could be.

But lately, something had started to engage him personally. Or someone, rather - the older Makara boy. The younger one was talented at potions, certainly, but it was the elder that had that intriguing edge, that intellectual curiosity and inherent darkness that made him stand out. But he had to know more, and that meant doing more than just examining school records. That meant questions.

He knew Kurloz was close to Dolores, so he'd start with her. But he thought it might be good to talk to some of the other students he'd seen hanging around the boy, as well. Of course, he'd have to be discreet about it. Take them aside after class, or speak to them briefly in the hallway for those he didn't teach, and depending on the conversation, possibly a little memory charm to modify things just slightly. It wouldn't do to be seen as too interested, after all.

[OOC: Essentially this post is open to anyone, teacher or student, who might have ever interacted with Kurloz. They don't have to be pals - Rhys doesn't know which students are friends and which have just talked to him in passing.]

Comments

[wavesofjade]

Ah, Kurloz? I would like to think that I know him well. Is there a problem?

[grandhighwizard]

Not exactly, or at least, not an immediate problem. Could we speak privately?

[wavesofjade]

Of course! I was just on my way to my rooms, or we could go to your office if you'd prefer.

[grandhighwizard]

I don't intend to inconvenience you, your rooms would be fine. [He'll follow her, then!]

[wavesofjade]

As you wish, come along with me.

[It's not far, and they're greeted with the light chittering of her three pet bats as they enter the room.]

Can I get you something?

[grandhighwizard]

No, I'm fine, thank you. [He smiles faintly at the bats chittering - he finds the little animals charming.] How much do you know about Kurloz? I haven't been here long enough to know much about him previous to his trauma.

[wavesofjade]

Only as much as he's seen fit to tell me.

[She takes a seat and gestures for him to do the same, then brushes a crease from her skirt.]

Of course, you understand that there's only so much I can repeat to you. I wouldn't like to break confidentiality. He's a sweet boy, though understandably troubled.

[higherthaneverybody]

I understand - I wouldn't ask you to say anything he told you in confidence. [Or he would, if he thought she would talk, but he's sure she won't, so it's easy to be gracious about it.] What is your general impression of the lad?

[wavesofjade]

He's troubled, as I said, but that much is easy to see if you only spend five minutes speaking with him.

[Dolores smiles slightly.]

But he is kind, thoughtful and.. astoundingly intelligent. I do think that he bears watching, but not because he's dangerous. He is.. a sensitive boy, Rhys. I would not like to see harm come to him.

[higherthaneverybody]

Something in him inspires a certain protectiveness, doesn't it? It's easy to see how the wrong influences could damage him. [sighs, then taps his finger against his lower lip thoughtfully] And what do you know about ... I understand it was some sort of accident? That caused his mutism.

[wavesofjade]

[Dolores sighs quietly.]

The mutism.. It is not that he cannot speak, but rather that he will not. I have left that alone. I think that his decision not to speak is something that he will need much time to work through, if it is something that he ever overcomes. His friend Mituna worked very hard to learn sign language so that he could speak with him. It was good for both of them, I think.

[higherthaneverybody]

But what specifically brought him to that point?

[wavesofjade]

Ah.. that is not something that I think I should share. It's rather personal.

[higherthaneverybody]

I see. [Damn it.] Can you give me some vague idea without violating his privacy? I'm concerned.

[wavesofjade]

[She pauses to think, then shakes her head.]

I do not think so... It would be better coming from him. I would not want to break his trust in me. You understand, don't you?

[higherthaneverybody]

Of course. [sighs, and spins of his rings absently on his finger] A boy's trust is a delicate thing. Can I ask then, have you noticed any change in him lately?

[wavesofjade]

Lately..

[She feels a small twinge of suspicion, but pushes it aside.]

He had a strange turn after a class with Murdoc, but many students find themselves shaken upon facing a boggart. From what I can see, he has recovered well enough.

[higherthaneverybody]

Hmm. All right. I suppose I'll simply have to keep an eye on him. Would you let me know if you think he might be having extra difficulties, though?

[wavesofjade]

I will let you know as much as is appropriate, I can promise you that.

[higherthaneverybody]

[He nods, though truthfully he's a little irritated.] I appreciate it. Do you think he would be willing to talk to me about it? I've considered broaching the subject, but I thought it might be best for him to bring it up if he feels the need.