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

[innocent_insanity]

[And such a formal question requires a proper response. Kurloz wets his lips nervously and answers, voice soft and broken from disuse, far deeper than he remembers:]

Yes.

[He has to fight with his body's now instinctive response to using his voice, gritting his teeth to stop his jaw from working to bite out his tongue, fingers white as they grip his chair to stop from cramming his knuckles into his mouth to keep his tongue safe. He keeps his eyes on Rhys though, refusing to look away.]

[higherthaneverybody]

[Ahhhh ... Rhys rolls that voice through his mind, savoring it, and he wonders how many people have heard it since Kurloz went mute. Not many, he'd wager, not many at all. Such a response, in turn, requires something more than simple acknowledgement.]

You're strong enough, I'm sure of it. [And he reaches across the desk, lays a hand on Kurloz's shoulder. If the boy is who he thinks he is ... he has no doubt he'll come through the trials, not only intact, but so much more powerful.]

[innocent_insanity]

[Kurloz's smile is thin and tight though his muscles seem to relax as the large hand comes to rest on his shoulder. He's not game enough to try speaking again so soon - it was hard enough fighting back from biting his tongue with just one simple word after all. The quill picks up and writes:]

guess we'll just have to see about that.

[higherthaneverybody]

We will, indeed. [sits back and steeples his fingers] After the holidays, when you return to school, we'll move on to the next step. For now, I want you to continue with the dream journalling, and we will continue to meet and discuss the content of these dreams. You're doing well, and I expect extraordinary things from you, Kurloz.

[innocent_insanity]

[Ducks his head with a pleased smile before glancing up and asking:]

what's the next step, if you don't mind a brother asking?

[higherthaneverybody]

That will depend on your progress. But if you're doing as well as I think, then we'll start with some of the trials. I need to see where you are in your ability to shape your mind. Once that's established, I'll know what's needed. [Explains.] It will make more sense once we've started.

[innocent_insanity]

[Doesn't pretend to understand all of what Rhys says and just shrugs, completely trusting.]

sounds like a plan.

[higherthaneverybody]

I look forward to seeing what you've got.

[innocent_insanity]

a fucker will try not to be getting no disappointments happening here. should i get going sir?

[higherthaneverybody]

Mm, I will see you in class, later. [sliding the sketch book back to him]

[innocent_insanity]

[Smiles and tucks the book and charmed parchment away in his bag along with the ink and quill. He stands and gives Rhys a small salute, grinning as he turns away and walks out, closing the door behind him quietly.]