Requesting Prefect Status

[mallan]

Standing outside of the Headmistress’ office, Mallan poured through his thoughts looking for reassurance. To him, he believed that all the prefect positions should be filled, especially now that there were more dangers than he first knew to be. He knew that he was not the highest qualified but no one else seemed to be taking the position and no one else had been appointed yet. Mallan figured that he would just take up the position until someone else came along and requested it or Headmistress Caira appointed another.

He had not seen the headmistress since arriving at Hogwarts and he wanted to make a good impression. Mallan did not like looking a fool or an idiot. Taking a moment, Mallan fixed his thoughts together and knocked on the door to her office. A moment later the headmistress opened the door. “Ah, Mallan. It’s been awhile. You must have something on your mind. Come in, come in; we can discuss it over some hot tea.” She was well mannered and was always pleasant; Mallan always felt comfortable around her. Mallan followed her in and waited to take a seat until she was at hers. Hearing her French accent triggered Mallan’s speech to slip into French.

Remercier vous Manque Caira. J'ai en fait quelque chose sur mon esprit. J'ai considéré le statut du Gryffindor le préfet mâle et aimerais ouvrir un argument pour mon acquisition temporaire du titre.

((ooc and in English: Thank you Miss Caira. I do actually have something on my mind. I have been considering the status of the Gryffindor male prefect and would like to open an argument for my temporary acquisition of the title.))

It was at the end of his reply that Mallan realized he had begun speaking in French. Mallan always appreciated his mother and godmother in insisting that he learn French. It made him proud to be able to use a second language and it was always convenient to be able to say something without others eavesdropping. The words he had prepared slowly slipped from his mind. The room and her French accent put him at ease. He almost felt at home; not the home with his parents but the more comforting home of his godmother, Gabrielle.

[Caira LaPointe]

Caira smiled brightly as Mallan began speaking in French. "En francais?" she asked, an air of surprise in her voice.

((ooc: I don't actually speak French and don't have time to slog through a translation at the moment, so we'll just pretend she's answering in French... sorry if it's a bit of a cop out.))

"So, you think you should be a prefect? This is your first year in a wizarding school, no? Do you think you would be able to fill the position? Do you really think you can keep up with it on top of everything you have to learn? I know you came here with the intention of graduating next year. You're old enough to be a sixth year student, but... well, you just have so much to learn."

She began quietly pouring tea from the perpetually ready tea service on the table in her sitting area, gesturing for him to take a seat as she did. She sank into her own chair gracefully and extended a cup and saucer toward him. "Well, let's hear your argument then."

[mallan]

Sitting down, Mallan waited for her to finish pouring the tea and then rose from his seat to accept the cup and saucer that she offered him before sitting back down. He took a moment to make himself comfortable but kept good posture as it seemed that the headmistress’ manners were subconsciously rubbing off on him. Not that he had a strong slouch normally; he just was not normally as upright. Taking a sip from his tea, Mallan began rearranging his thoughts that he had previously prepared. Having gathered them once again he took another sip from the cup and then began with a casual but an almost invisibly arrogant tone; continuing in French.

Well, as I am sure you know, there are rumors that there are dementors in the Forbidden Forest. I have not seen them; however, this does tell me that you need as many eyes as you can afford to watch over the school grounds. That aside, I think that positions of power should not be held solely for those of high standing or great skill in the magical arts. Would it not speak of your wisdom to offer the position to someone of character without those qualities? Also, I believe the position should not remain open. I suggest that I fill that position temporarily until someone more worthy volunteers or is found. Of course, I understand that this duty will require time and if it interferes with my learning I will renounce the title. However, I would like to think of myself as a quick learner and therefore do not believe that I will have trouble.

He was no master conversationalist so it did not occur to him to keep his points separate. He thought that they were all strong enough points that she would consent and name him prefect. Arrogance occasionally caused him problems. Mallan sipped at his tea while he waited. The tea was incredible; no sugar, cream, or lemon and the tea was still amazing. He would have to comment on it later.

[Caira LaPointe]

"So you want... a sort of probationary period as a prefect," surmised Caira as she took a sip of her tea. She tilted her head slightly and looked over Mallan curiously. "I know about the rumors you've mentioned. I've heard students talking about dementors in the forest too." That was it, that odd aura about him... but surely someone who only recently began expressing magical abilities... she let the thought trail off. An idea came to her slowly. And it was this, that perhaps having him as a prefect would give her an excuse to keep a closer eye on him. Prefects did tend to have more reason to see the Headmistress without becoming suspicious. And it was certainly true that no one else seemed fitted for the job at present.

She pursed her lips slightly, as though thinking. "I don't know, Mallan. I mean, this is an important position of authority. Let's talk about it a little more. Tell me what it is you think a prefect does? We wouldn't want you coming into this with any unrealistic expectations."

Yes, that was it. Best not to seem too eager to grant his request. That would likely arouse some sort of suspicion. Perhaps not, he didn't seem the overly suspicious type, but she wasn't going to play her game any differently than usual, just in case. She brought her teacup back to her lips and took another slow sip as she considered the possibilities that this might open up. She wondered whether he had already been discovered by the other Lightfighters... whether he might be useful in helping her to gather information about them, perhaps without realizing it.

[mallan]

Sitting there drinking his tea, Mallan noted that Caira had not mentioned his statement, or rather question, of wisdom. It was an interesting note and Mallan just stored it away without really thinking and continued listening to her in anticipation of her bestowment of prefect title or resistance to it. As he listened, a slight of fear came upon him with her uncertainty. Was she not going to give it to him? Interrupting was rude and so Mallan politely waited until she was finished speaking to give his rebuttal. Though as she continued he was reassured in knowing that the only reason she seemed unwilling to give the title was because she was fearful that it may stress him too much. Mallan actually thought it would help relieve some of the stress instead of add to it. As Caira continued she brought up a good point; it would not be right if he had a misconception of the duties required of a prefect. So, continuing in French, Mallan stated what he believed they would be or should be.

I believe a prefect is a bridge of responsibility, connecting the words of the students with the disciplines of the authorities; bringing one to the other and vice versa. It would be the duty of a prefect to uphold the laws and guidelines set by the Head of Hogwarts; in this case, you the Headmistress. Not only that however, but it would also be a prefects duty to make sure that the voice of the students are heard by the Head of Hogwarts; again, as the case is, you.

Mallan understood that she did not want a laundry list of duties and requirements that a prefect must uphold and so gave her the underlying core as he understood it. Hopefully she would not look at him as being overly naïve, or even worse, completely missing the point of a prefect. Mallan sipped his tea to prevent himself from looking worried or apprehensive though he also understood that she probably would pick up on that. She was older and her status was not given to people without social skills. Growing a little uncomfortable sitting in the same position, Mallan shifted to mirror the position he was in previously. He did not even realize that it was mainly a subconscious feeling of discomfort toward her presence instead of his posture.

[Caira LaPointe]

"A bridge of responsibility... I've never heard anyone call it anything like that." She pursed her slips thoughtfully. "Well, if you want to act as the liason between students and staff, perhaps you'd like to tell me some of the things you've observed. Concerns the students have? Things that are happening that might need to be addressed immediately."

She took another sip of her tea, continuing with the image that she was just having an ordinary conversation with Mallan even though it was carefully crafted to bring her the answers she needed from him. "I think... I think you've nearly convinced me of your argument. However, I'm going to task you with the problem of bringing me three major concerns from the students and with upholding the Hogwarts rules for one week. After that week, if you've performed in a satisfactory manner, the job is yours. If not, we'll revisit it again at that time and see what we come up with." She smiled warmly. "I'm looking forward to working with you Mallan. I'm sure we'll have quite a time with each other."

"Of course, if you know of any concerns now... well, we might be able to expedite the whole process by discussing while we're both here." She watched him curiously, a warm smile on her face. It would be interesting to see what he had to say or to do if he spoke now. She was almost certain it would be prove interesting and very informative.

[mallan]

Mallan was glad to hear that Caira had not heard his description before. It would have been awfully embarrassing had she remarked that it had sounded like someone else applying for the position instead of him. He was even more excited to hear that she already wanted to give him the position. Of course, she wanted something in return. Mallan actually appreciated the care that Caira showed in concern over the students. She asked for three major concerns and so he drank some more of his tea while thinking on the matter. After a few moments of thought while Caira continued talking, Mallan found two concerns of the students and continued their conversation in French.

I have heard a few concerns already, if you would like to hear them. (Thinking that she would, Mallan continued) The first and foremost being the disappearance and death of Wysteria and Dien; the students are wondering why you have not made mention. The other concern is the rapid succession of professors. Then of course, the rumors of the Forbidden Forest; however it is a forbidden forest for a reason I’m sure.

He had no intention of telling the Headmistress how to do her job or which concern to uphold the most. Those things were for her station and Mallan was afraid he would be too pushy or a meddler if he had. So instead, Mallan just stated the straightforward concerns that he had heard. Hopefully she would accept those and not merely turn them away. Of course, he would have to doubt her integrity if she had. Going to take another drink of tea, Mallan noticed he was about finished and so he held his cup out politely.

Is there more that I may have Headmistress?

[Caira LaPointe]

Caira sipped on her tea lightly as Mallan began to list off three of the most current concerns of the student body. The issues he spoke of, were indeed, three of the most pressing issues that concerned Caira. The recent disappearance of the previous Hufflepuff prefect was something that she wished not to get the entirety of Hogwarts involved in, as she had caught word of her rather unfortunate plight, she felt it would be best if the subject was left well enough alone. As for Dien, she felt similarly. Now, it was true, Hogwarts did have an alarming turnover rate for professors. It seemed just yesterday that Phoenix Albion had signed on as the Divinations professor, and within a blink of an eye, he had turned in his resignation papers. He finished his three most pressing matters with "rumors of the forbidden forest". Yes it was indeed forbidden, but Caira knew very well that a certain band of students had shown such blatant disregard for the rules, resulting in the death of a young Gryffindor boy, Mongol.


"Is there more that I may have Headmistress?"

Caira quickly acquiesced to his need and filled his cup with more piping hot tea.

"Ahh, Yes, you have a very keen eye, Mister Baine." She nodded gracefully as replaced the tea pot and took another sip from her tea. "I have yet to address those issues concerning Wysteria Edwin and Professor Serlaen for a reason, my dear. I don't feel that I will digress any further on that subject either." She said as politely as possible before she snapped her fingers, summoning a house elf immediately.

"Tilda, please go and fetch some of those Butter-Rum wafers that I love so much, thank you." She asked the little house elf warmly. The elf nodded and disapparated with a loud crack. Caira looked back up to Mallan.

"As for the issue concerning the professors, I am fully confident that the issue will work itself out eventually. Trust me when I say I have a long list of applicants just dying to teach here at Hogwarts, it's just finding the professors that don't mind teaching the more obscure and abstract forms of magic, such as Divinations, and Arithmancy..." Her voice sounded a bit put off as she ended her sentence, as she had been battling this issue fervently. Unbeknownst to the students, Caira had in fact been dealing with the staffing issue as best as she could, finally feeling comfortable with the professors hired on to teach the core classes.

With a loud crack, Tilda apparated into the room, setting down a silver tray of what looked to be vanilla wafers, but in reality, were the Butter-Rum wafers that Caira had ordered.

"Thank you kindly, Tilda, that will be all." She nodded to the house elf as it disapparated, and then began to continue with speaking to Mallan.

"Your last issue is the most troublesome of them all..." Caira began. "The Forbidden Forest, and how to ensure that it remains Forbidden...I've thought of everything, yet students and some staff still treat it like it's some amusement park." she said sardonically. "You must have heard that a group of students had ventured out into the Forest one night, then? The life of a young Gryffindor boy was stolen that night. In the presence of a Hogwarts Professor..." She sounded remorseful, yet an underlining tone of anger was clearly present.

"The ministry almost had my job for that." She said as she shook her head, taking a wafer from the silver tray. She made an offering gesture toward the platter, in case Mallan would like to indulge in the wafers as well.

"Alright, I shall accept those three concerns. You're in a probationary position for the next two months. You shall report to me directly at the end of each consecutive week. I would like to know what the eyes of a new student can pick up. I feel that sometimes the other prefects get clouded with their own working, and perhaps overlook things. You on the other hand, you're completely new to magic. It should be interesting to see how you operate." She said as she finished her cup of tea and reached for another wafer.

"They're so addicting..." She said with a small shrug and a happy smile. "Now, is there anything else that you wish to address, Mister Baine?" She asked him before popping the wafer in her mouth and chewing it subtly.