A little owl told me some bad news... scorpy

[addedna flysly]

It had been a good day. A very good day. The sun had graced them with a comfortable heat, a gentle wind calmed any hotspots and a mass of flowers had bloomed on the ridge of the flowerbeds beside the lakes. It was such a good day, that it made it even worse when Edna heard some upsetting news. She found herself having to deal with mishaps everyday but for some reason she thought it would be different that day. Unfortunately, it didn't seem the fates had tipped their heads in her favour. Ridding an itch from her nose, the mature witch was awaiting the student in question - passing the time with a signature here and there. Her in tray was always full so it made it difficult to keep up with the demanding paperwork so she made an effort to avoid it at all costs. But when she had a free seconds here and there, she was quick to sign a few scrolls to make the pile look slightly less daunting.

She had sent out the owl quite a few minutes ago so she was expecting him any time soon. Quigley, her very own personal owl, had become somewhat of an omen among the students. If it dropped a letter in your lap - generally, it wasn't good news. Sometimes, however, it was merely an invitation to a luncheon. But that was a rarity reserved for those students who where hardworkers and not troublemakers.

A creak of the floorboard took her attention and she looked up to see who it was before returning to her work.

"Ah... Mr. Malfoy. Sit down." Her tone and choice of formality signalled that something was amiss. Addedna was a believer in equality calling herself a true egalitarian and so treated her students accordingly. In the same respect as a mother, she only used students surnames when she wasn't happy with them. However, she never did raise her voice or give any clues to how angry she was - so the student would never know how bad they had been exactly. It was all psychology and Addedna wasn't really aware she was doing it.

"Care to explain what happened in Astronomy?" she asked, perking her eye up from her parchment whilst resting the feather of her quill on the tip of her chin. She always liked to hear the other side of the argument before casting any nets. If there was doubt in her mind, she would never lay down her cards.

[scorpius hyperion malfoy]

When the owl had come Scorpius had stared at it for longer than he had really been comfortable with. It wasn't unusual, not really, to have owls fly into the specially designed entrances for them in the Slytherin comfortable. It wasn't even unusual to have some fly in addressed to him. But this owl... well, he had never imagined it to come and land on the back of his chair, nor tug at his hair with its beak in order to gain his attention. And it wasn't something he really wanted to deal with. Being repeatedly pecked by the irritated bird (they always seemed to annoyingly dedicated to their jobs) had made it something he would have to deal with, however. It was either that or losing a finger or two.

There was no real way to describe the feeling that emerged as soon as he had untied the note (and the owl had flown off again with a prim ruffle of its feathers). It was something akin to daunting, something akin to fear, and something akin to the desire to just go and lie down and prepare to play ignorance the next day. He didn't do that, of course not. No matter what the feeling was he wasn't a fool. It was, however, with those jumbled feelings coursing through him that he quickly packed away his work from his private study session, slung it into his bag and then left the room.

It didn't take as long as he had really hoped to get to the office, her office, but then again, putting things off had never been Scorpius' strong point. It had been something of a woe to his father, that little almost Gryffindor trait, but it was there. At least as soon as he stepped into the doorway (the always open doorway, thanks to the missing door, which he still somehow managed to find amusing), he didn't appear to be nervous.

The first problem (beyond the entire being actually summoned to her office in the first place, of course), was the fact that she looked down after looking up, blocking of access for him to see her lips and leaving him standing while she spoke... but unable to tell what it was. He rolled his eyes at that, and simply took it upon himself to sweep gracefully into the room and sit himself in one of the chairs before her desk. People did tend to forget that little fact, the having to position themselves so he could see them when they spoke (if they weren't using their hands). It wasn't always a bad thing.

Care to explain what happened in Astronomy? He read that question fine enough, and the movement of her lips sent his heart sinking slightly in despair. But his exteriour remained the same, slightly confused and unsure, as if why he was here was not something he was aware of. He even added a little innocent blink a select pause after she had inquired. Ignorance was, after all, bliss. Even if it wasn't technically the truth.

[addedna flysly]

At the blank expression she recieved from her enquiry, Addedna was equally as perplexed. Her brow furrowed only slightly in her confusion - the skin above her nose crinkling under the force from each side. Did he really have no idea what she was talking about? Not one to play games, Addedna tried again.

"Has your memory forsaken you?" she asked, her free hand unconsciously signalling in sign language. Scorpius was the first deaf student that Addedna had encountered in her time as headmistress as he joined the year that she was appointed. And feeling it necessary (as well as an excuse to gain a new skill) she added learning sign language to her list of to-do's. However, as a ravenclaw, to-do lists were more like hobbies as she lapped up new knowledge like it was warm milk on a cold day. And with seven years practice, Addedna had become quite astute in the communication form - if she were so bold to admit it herself. It had become a handy tool after she learned her three year old grandchild was begining to lose her hearing gradually. She vowed to teach her the art herself.

"Scorpius, how do you expect me to pass judgement unless I hear your side of the argument?" she asked, her motherly instincts kicking in. She was never good at staying angry at someone. Unless she really wanted to, that was. "Professor Octavian was particularly expressive in his retelling on the incident." She chose her words diplomatically not wanting to sway the conversation in any way. The Slytherin had some explaining to do and she wasn't about to help it about it.

"Perhaps you could enlighten me of what happened?" she raised her eyebrows hopefully. As she spoke, a silver teapot floated through the air toward her and began pouring warm orange squash into a teacup. It did this under it's own timing without Addedna giving it any guidance. One of the many things in her office that was bewitched with a mind of it's own. Once it was finished, it poured a second cup for floating away to settle on a wooden shelf high above the two of them. Setting down her quill, Addedna slid one of the cup across the table before taking up her own.

[scorpius hyperion malfoy]

Has your memory forsaken you? Those words were clearer to understand, clearer to read, both on the lips of the headmistress and also on the newly dancing fingers. Sign language was better for him than lip reading, even if he was a self admitted expert on the latter. His experience in both forms was equal, however, people having the tendency to speak (what he would assume was aloud) as they signed. It had given him ample time to practise over the years, with his parents and later with his friends in this school. Still, no matter how well he could understand them, some questions had answers that were slightly hard to think of.

"My memory is fine. I don't believe I'm being accuse of having done anything which harmed anyone else..."

[/i][/color] he offered after a moment, hands dancing even if his gaze was full of the stubborn nature the Malfoy family, even now, was somewhat famous for. His words (as they were) were truthful, however. He didn't believe he had harmed anyone else at all. Still, he had hoped to avoid this.

He should have avoided this. He was a Malfoy, Scorpius Malfoy, and he was a prefect. He wasn't the type of person to get caught... but Astronomy was so irritating. He still had to take it, it wasn't optional, but how exactly was he meant to pay attention to instructions while looking down a telescope at the same time? The professor, Octavian, just didn't seem to understand that. While he hadn't harmed anyone, he was pretty convinced he had finally managed to get his point accross. Oh I've no doubt he was... that thought was a rather anger one as it went through his head, but unlike other people who suffered from speaking without thinking, Scorpius had a greater degree of control of such a thing. Using his hands was a good thing in that area, after all.

"You mean you're not going to automatically take the side of one of your elite staff members?"[/i][/color] If those words had been spoken aloud (not that they ever would be, of course), the tone would have been thick with sarcasm. But his fingers were rather polite, as a Malfoy should be, even hesistant, as if he was an honest believer of that little idea of staff members sticking together. After a moment, however, he added on a slightly brighter "Thank you,"[/color] with one hand as he reached for the offered cup. [/blockquote][/justify]

[addedna flysly]

"You don't need to harm anyone to cause.. hurt" she paused for a moment as the signal escaped her mind before it popped up out of nowhere. But at least now she knew he was aware of what this was all about. Her frown deepened ever slightly though due to his evasiveness. It was never easy to speak to Scorpius. Or any of the Malfoy family. The boy's father was foul-mouthed in every respect but Addedna dared not say anything of it. He had some sway about the Ministry despite the previous Voldemort association. Edna was glad to never had met the dark wizard or feel the full brunt of his mischief's manifold. She had been teaching in germany at the time and the academy had been unplottable so she was safe. However, if she had ever encountered him - she was sure she would have felt awfully uncomfortable and uneasy at the least.

His next sentence was almost an accusation, one which she did not appreciate. His words were the exact opposite of what she stood for. Segregation between staff and students wasn't a healthy enviroment to be learning or teaching in. Friendships between ages was both allowed and encouraged under her leadership. She knew from experience that she could remember the best lessons from the professors who had put that extra effort in to be friendly and helpful. Stuck up teachers were difficult to get to know and understand. Of course, that wasn't to say she disagreed with strict punishment and stern warnings. There was a time and place for everything and for everything it's place and time. She couldn't have students running amock without any consequences. If she did, they would have a nasty shock when they'd get into the real world. Law enforcers arrested people for far less than graffiting school property.

"Of course not." She urged, taking a brief sip of the hot beverage. Setting it back down on her desk, she winced slightly showing it was far too hot for her liking. "I value your opinion as much as I do any member of the faculty. Understood?" She wanted to make that clear. They were all the same. Wizards and witches alike. "Now, come. What happened?"

[scorpius hyperion malfoy]

Oh, he knew that. Draco Malfoy had been very particular about educating his son in the finer points of psychological warfare over recent years - a small activity Scorpius knew had been passed down his father's family for tens of generations. Hurt was much better when it came from words and not physical confrontations. Of course, occasionally he did forget such things. Perhaps this was such a time. Perhaps. "Is it meant to be my fault how...sensitive some people can be?"

[/color] That was an honest question as well, and one he seriously did not know the answer to. Why were people so openly sensitive, to only then complain about being hurt by words? He didn't understand.

But still, he didn't think he had done anything wrong. He'd not actually said anything, had he? Or signed. Really. "What did he say?"[/i][/color] That may be nosy, and not beneficial, but really, what could one idiotic astronomy teacher (which was one of the only classes he did not enjoy doing even if the knowledge was incredibly interesting) claim he had done? No voices had been raised, and really, Scorpius was not the type to punch someone. Hex them, perhaps, but those were performed silently, and he had never been caught before. "I don't think he likes me very much."[/color] And the feeling was completely mutual.

She didn't seem to like the accusation, Scorpius noted as he sipped from his cup. It hadn't been the smartest of moves then; and one which would now require strategy to form into nothing once more. The headmistress had always seemed to be a strong believer of the 'everyone to be treated the same' thing, he had gathered, which was something he had come to respect about her despite his father's rather foul words about the current headmistress (though from what Scorpius knew, he hadn't exactly been fond of one of the previous ones either, but that was not something ever mentioned).

Understood. Not really. It was illogical to believe that in some senses, after all. Professors were generally older than the average student, and with age came wisdom about certain matters, along with experience. To ask a first year for an opinion on the matter would not be the same as asking a world-worn, war vetern defence against the dark arts professor. But he could bow his head and pretend, in this context, at least. And again, another long pause stretched out, before he raised a hand to sign back to her the simple, closing word of denial. "Nothing. I didn't do anything."[/i] Well with a bit of added information, at least. [/blockquote][/justify]

[addedna flysly]

"So, you did say something?" she asked, deducting that from his words. If her was claiming people were too sensitive, then he had definitely said something that would cause a stir. It was classic Scorpius behaviour and attitude that she had come to know and in some senses; love. But this wasn't the time for games. If he was straight with her and explained what happened then she would be perfectly happy that the issue was dealt with and they could move on to a pleasant conversation but that would never be enough for the Slytherin. He and his kinsmen always liked to mess with people's minds and Addedna was tired of it quite frankly. "How sensitive somebody is, is regardless of the matter at hand. It is the intent behind your words that has caused this trouble." She withheld the information about how upset Octavian was over this occurrence. Despite his rugged and weathered exterior - he was an impressionable man at the heart of it all. He was passionate about his work and a student not paying attention and distracting others was upsetting to him. Personally, Addedna was made of sterner stuff but she was in no position to pass judgement on Octavian's personality. If he wanted to continue his career at Hogwarts, he'd have to toughen up a bit. The young had a vast vocabulary of insults that good professors had just learned to see through and even quip back when necessary. There was nothing funnier than seeing a student dressed down by his teacher, in front of all his comrades, in his own lingo. Addedna couldn't count how many times she'd done that. And a secret part of her enjoyed it. Well, someone needed to put them in their place.

"What he said is none of your concern." She answered, unyielding at this point. She wasn't about to betray the trust the professor had instilled in her. She cocked a brow somewhat at his next comment. "What makes you think that? Octavian is a Hogwarts professor, he and the rest of the faculty teach the student body without bias." If Octavian really was picking on his then she would have to take the matter further, but something told her that this was just a part of the ol' slytherin deception.

She mentally breathed a sigh of relief as he finally said what had happened. It wasn't the answer she was looking for but it would do. "Alright." She said, as if starting another conversation. "I believe you. I am putting my trust in your evaluation of what happened. What happened was merely an accident, a misunderstanding or an exaggeration on Octavian's part, yes?" She played her hand. It was a trick that Addedna had been using for years. If Scorpius was lying, then she bet the guilt would build up in him eventually. Even if it took a while. She had placed her trust in him and it was up to him to do what he wanted with it.

Pulling out one of the many drawers of her desk, she produced a plate of puff pastries and set them on the table. "Care for you?" she asked, already bringing one up to her lips.

[scorpius hyperion malfoy]

"I... may have done. If asked a question."

[/i] This was not a conversation the sixteen year old Malfoy heir wanted to be having. Not at all, not by any stretch of the imagination. Why couldn't the 'incident' just be brushed over? It hadn't actually been anything serious, after all. And Scorpius couldn't help but think his own personal school record should be taken into account. He'd never had so much as a detention for failing to turn in a piece of homework by the due date, after all!

It is the intent behind your words that had caused this trouble. Well... obviously. Really, his previous experience, time spent with Professor Addena Flysly, had shown the woman to be a witch of intelligence, and not one to so stupidly go about stating the utter obvious. Why else would he have said anything if it hadn't been to have some sort of intent behind them. Not that he had said anything at all, but the point still stood. He didn't really care whether the other professor in question was upset. If anything he felt a slight surge of sadistic glee over that tiny fact, something that was rather typically-Malfoy, and which fit the general public opinion of his family (a public opinion in most circumstances Scorpius did not agree with at all).

Without bias... Scorpius' eyes narrowed into a glare at that, and he clenched his hands into fists. Not in a show of anger, of course not; anger for Scorpius was a private thing which was expelled through a harsh dance of fingers or roughly written words, or, occasionally, the sting of a non-verbal hex cast on the thing which the anger originated from. Of course, he could not perform the latter here - expulsion was not something that was ever going to happen to him. But he had to clench his had to stop writing something or signing somethign he would later regret.

And perhaps it wasn't even anger. It might be guilt... but the idea of it possibly being guilt was the cause of more anger. He didn't like feeling guilty about things, especially if he felt that he hadn't actually done anything to deserve such a thing. From what he had seen being discussed by others, it was a popularly performed party trick of the headmistress for those who were 'troubled'. Or who had caused trouble. Scorpius felt like he fell into neither of those categories.

After a moment, the blonde teenager inclined his head sharply, and only once. Yes, it had been a misunderstanding. Or an exageration, perhaps even both if they conjoined in the right way, on Octavian's part at least. He did not wish to discuss it, or admit anything. His father would hardly be pleased, after all, or proud, and Scorpius wanted to make his family proud. Having them lose such faith in him because of one little incident was worth betraying the headmistresses trust.

No matter how much he may have come to like her, and enjoy their little chats, family came first.

But still, if his response had been verbally spoken, it would have left a bitter taste in his mouth. The urge to face facts and admit what had happened, perhaps. It was something he would have to ignore until he'd managed to get all of the facts straight. Instead of expanding on the nod, however, all he did was shake his head in response to the inquiry towards the pastries. For some reason he felt like anything he ate right now would simply taste of ash. Even the drink was now remaining untouched before him.[/blockquote][/justify]

[addedna flysly]

Addedna sighed heavily as he spoke his answer. Placing her arms on the table, she leaned in somewhat to stress her words. "Why must you be so evasive? This was a minor incident that could be solved with a simple explanation of the events that transpired. Instead, you feel the need to avoid answering any questions straight leading me to believe the worst. And I do not wish to think that of you.." she admitted. He was a very pleasant fellow when he wanted to be but at the moment, he was doing himself no favours at all. Something must have happened otherwise Octavian wouldn't have brought it to her attention. Even if it was a misunderstanding, a simple explanation on Scorpius' part could have cleared up the whole business and they could move on to a more positive conversation. Scorpius' testing record was impeccable. There was much she wanted to discuss with him regard his future but when he was being difficult - it made it difficult for her to want to talk at things. Why should she put in the effort if all he was going to offer was a few sly commented here and there. But being who she was, she would never hold off on such a potentially beneficial discussion.

"Now, let's speak nothing more of it." She wiped the slate clean on the conversation, using a napkin to rid her fingers of the sugar from the pastry. "What's done is done. On a different note, I'd like to discuss your current grades and other subjects." Taking up a list of the subjects that he was taking, she reviewed it momentarily before starting at the top. The first was astronomy, so she wisely skipped it and picked one at random. "Well, I see you are more than capable in Defence Against the Dark Arts - earning yourself a constant high grade. And as for Transfiguration, I can tell you myself that you are a pleasure to teach." Unlike many headteachers' before her, Addedna had opted to continue teaching her subject despite the vast amount of duties that came with being headmistress. If you weren't teaching the students yourself, then it was difficult to keep in contact with them and seeing as it was a core subject - she saw all students at the school.

"Do you have a preference in subject?" she asked, wondering what his goal was in life concerning career options.

[scorpius hyperion malfoy]

I do not wish to think that of you. The only response the woman's words gained from the blonde teenager was a slow blink. An expression caught between false confusion, bemusement and innocence that he had found worked wonders when he really had no need to even make the effort to communicate. He did care what she thought about him, of course he did; the idea that a Malfoy would not care about his public image was rather idiotic now, wasn't it? But for Scorpius, he only cared for the attention in a positive light. He saw no point in embracing someone's viewpoint if it was negative towards him. There were too many people who thought negatively of the Malfoy family already. Scorpius was going to change that.

He knew his grades. Scorpius was a studious pupil, who more often than not put private study sessions before anything that could be considered social. He had the work ethic of a Ravenclaw, and it was not a part of himself that he had ever made an effort to hide. Homework was unacceptable if he gained a grade lower than an E (and even the printed black letter E gained him a feeling of sadness and inadequacy). A's were only acceptable in certain situations, such as forgetting a test was coming or being ill on the day. He wasn't naturally clever - not one of those people who could solve problems with a blink of the eye, or compose stories that were beautiful and so real. Scorpius was book smart, as well as the obvious pureblood intelligence. He did not need the teacher in front of him to reel off how well he was doing in his classes.

Yet despite it being a waste of time, he couldn't entirely complain. It was better than discussing astronomy class, at least.

"Not really,

[/color] he signed, pausing for a moment before curving his lips up into a small smile as he added, "Though I can quite truthfully say it's not really potions."[/i][/color] Oh, he didn't mind the subject. Potions were as fascinating branch of magic, he was aware of that, and he did enjoy learning about them (and their ingredients). But being taught by his dad? That would be something he would rather be without, truth be told. It was just awkward, and gained him more than one hissed accusation of favourtism for his high grades in the subject, and the fact that he was never told to be quiet. Well.... duh, really, to the latter. Scorpius had no tolerance for people who were that thick.[/justify][/blockquote]

[addedna flysly]

Addedna had known the young slytherin for long enough to see straight through his vacant expression. She knew there were words inside of him but he refused to let down his guard and tell her. It was this kind of cunning that earning him his place in slytherin house. It did not amuse her. And she didn't appreciate it. But it was in his nature and there was nothing she could do about it. However, she was confident that she'd gotten her message across so she set the matter aside - leaving it in his hands. She saw no use in putting out her time for those who didn't take advantage of it. After all, in any other magical institution - some time with the headteacher was an honour and hardly heard of in places such as Durmstrang.

As he smirked, she joined him in a smile before beckoning over the teapot again to refill their cups with warm squash. However, as it poured - it had miraculously changed colour to blue but tasted of cherries. "I can only imagine how odd it must be to call your father 'professor', let alone be taught by him." She took a brief moment to imagine herself in that same position. Jonas, her father, was an extreme pleasant and kindly gentleman but she could imagine that she'd get alot of stick off of her fellow housemates. She could see the good points but after some careful consideration - she shuddered at the thought. It would be very distracting. Taking a sip of the freshly poured drink, she savoured the taste for a few second by mulling it around in her mouth before ultimately swallowing the lot. She never did understand the idea of drinking water with nothing in it. It was so tasteless and boring.

"Well, you seem to be getting 'O's regardless..." she signed, after a quite glance to the parchment in front of her. "Have you thought about what you'd like to do in future? Something constituting both potion making and practical magic, perhaps?" She enquired, intrigued as to what his ambitions would intail. Something told her they would be rather big goals.