Permission to Leave

[D'rorah Philosophy]

D'rorah's eyes narrowed in confusion. "Pardon me? The Headmistress thinks I might have had something to do with the deaths of my parents? I do not know how she would come to such a conclusion. I barely know the woman myself. And as far as I know, neither did either of my parents."

Her face remained immobile as her mind raced. What would even possess the Headmistress to say such a thing? Did she truly believe it?

"Other than her disposition, which I find to be sunny to the point of being nerve-grating, I have little quarrel with her. She does disapprove of my manner of dress for some reason... but she saw to my injuries after a trip which did not go well. I was thankful to her for that, to be honest."

Of course, Professor Serlaen and Miss O'Connell did say they suspected she was not trustworthy. But she couldn't imagine why the woman would dislike her. Of course, D'rorah had been vague and stand-offish when called to the Headmistress' office for questioning about the happenings in the forest.

"The very idea that I might have in some way participated in the deaths of my own parents is absolutely preposterous. I was attacked that night as well and the entire memory is profoundly unpleasant." Her words lacked emotion... indeed, the notion that D'rorah might have killed her own parents left her somewhat numb with shock. Her eyes closed briefly, as though they might shut out the scene that replayed in her head. These were the same sorts of rumors that had followed her throughout the last summer while she was in New York. She had never been well-liked, and her peers had jumped whole-heartedly at the notion that the quiet girl who spent all of her time researching the Dark Arts was, in fact, evil herself.

"I suppose, in times such as these, the only correct thing to do would be to keep an eye on both of us, Professor Choi," she concluded finally. "I would expect nothing less."

[janet]

Janet remained silent for the entirety of Drorah's speech, her lips pursed slightly in concentration as she absorbed every minute detail she could take in. There was a very important difference in information between Caira and Dee: Caira claimed to have known Drorah's father, and Drorah said that neither of her parents knew the Headmistress. Drorah mentioned being healed by Caira, and Janet would decide who was lying or ignorant later with reflection.

"I understand that this accusation may be troubling to you. But you must understand that after Caira mentioned this to me I should at least ask you about it before deciding you were an evil person," Janet said with a hint of humor.

"I must admit that hearing about how shadows were around the school was not something one wants to know about during your first week," Janet said off-handedly. "I found it somewhat coincidental that I lended you a lexico for a book on shadows the week before Caira said they were roaming around the perameter of the castle."

She was staring directly at Drorah now, her dark eyes were much more serious than the light tone in her voice. She leaned over her desk, clearly trying to send Drorah a nonverbal message.

"Do you have that lexicon with you? I hope you found it sufficient to translate your texts."

[D'rorah Philosophy]

Ah, so Professor Choi had managed to see some of the text during her fist glimpse the other day. "It would seem logical, Professor, to assume that a student who finds herself in an environment where shadows are present would wish to learn as much about them as possible," she replied as she stood her ground, resisting Janet's intimidation. "I did find the lexicon mostly sufficient for my needs," she added as she reached into her satchel to extract the book. "I appreciate the use of it."

She set the lexicon on the desk before Janet. "Did you know, for example, that the only form of magic effective against Shadows is a patronus? On even that only has a mild effect? And that there is a cyclical nature to the increasing and decreasing prevalence of Shadows in our realm? Really, the information was fascinating. So, I suppose it might seem an odd coincidence at first glance, but really, it is only logical. As you may have already noticed, I tend to prefer to know things... really, if the Headmistress or any of the other faculty at Hogwart's is concerned about Shadows, someone should instruct the students in conjuring a strong patronus... and in teaming with others to produce a combined patronus. At least then, students who find themselves confronted by these Shadows might have some hope of defending themselves." She shrugged. "Perhaps the idea simply has not occurred to the Headmistress. Removing the Defense Against Dark Arts Professor from his position seems a particularly unwise course of action, given the current situation."

She stood casually, as though she were simply any normal student making an observation of her own research. "However, if I might ask. Did the Headmistress mention how she knew my parents? I am particularly curious about that."

[janet]

Drorah's long speech about shadows and their properties was something Janet was not expecting. The girl was being open with her research, giving her a little tidbit of information that might make Janet trust her more...she was clever. And her argument that it wasn't exactl a wise decision to remove the Headmaster at this juncture as also a very interesting observation. Janet made a mental note to ask the Headmistress about that the next time they spoke. Although Janet was aware that the tension between Drorah and Caira would make the young student more biased in her interpretation of the events.

Janet peered at her own lexicon as Drorah finished, running her index finger along the runic inscription on the front. It was odd for a girl to possess a book so full of information about dark magic. And even if she did prefer to "know" things, wouldn't it be more prudent to ask Caira or other professors for books on the subject? Presenting a text about shadws from one's own library would be sure to raise suspicion...but maybe the girl hadn't thought of that. She raised her eyebrows in an amused way before looking up at Drorah.

"Sometimes those in authority have information we do not and are not able to share it. Caira may simply have known there was something more pressing for Mordred to do, or ...well it's not my place to suggest things," she said, scooting back in her chair.

Janet's eyes flickered slightly when Drorah asked how Caira knew her parents. Janet could tell she was getting deeper into this mess than she wanted, but she wasn't sure which would be the easiest way out. Of course, if this quarrel with Caira was deeper than it appeared, there was more at stake...

"I think that should remain between the Headmistress and myself," she said, smiling politely. "I know your father was involved in sensitive and top-secret matters. It wouldn't do well for me to spread knowledge that might not be for others to know."

Janet sighed, feeling a retort coming on, "I'm not saying you don't have a right to the information, but there may be a reason it was kept from you. If your mother and father didn't tell you, it may be they didn't want you to know." She shrugged slightly, taking the lexicon from her desk and placing it on the shelf next to her. She turned back to Drorah, standing now she leaned on her desk and folded her arms.

"I'll need to do some more research on shadows, it's been years since I've read my own texts on it but I believe there are warriors who are able to defeat the shadows. I think it was something to do with elements...but I can't remember," she said, her eyes glossing over as if trying to recover a long-lost memory.

Janet's eyes snapped back to Drorah, as if suprised to still see her in the room, "Oh, you're free to go," she said, waving her hand toward the door.

"Unless you have anything else to add?" she asked, raising an eyebrow

[D'rorah Philosophy]

"I suppose I shall simply have to check my father's personal files for myself the next time I am home," she replied quietly. "I had rather hoped to save myself a step."

She turned to leave but stopped and turned back. "Oh, and you are correct, there are warriors and it was something to do with elements... regarding the shadows. I simply thought I might save you the trouble of looking up that vague fact."

She continued on her way to the door. "Good day Professor. I shall see you when we return."

With that, she continued through the door quietly, pulling it closed behind her.