Only a moment

[Professor Geovanna Adler-Cade]

Now that Geo had reached the end of her first semester, exams behind her and ready to head into the holidays, the third year knew that there was still something she needed to do. It was no secret to those closest to her that her favourite subject had increasingly become Defence Against the Dark Arts, and it wasn't entirely down to the subject material. She'd been meaning to come to talk to Professor Styx a little sooner, but after the event that had spiralled out of control with Sophie and Elly she'd left it a few days to feel better. Sophie may not have totally approved of her decisions, but Geo wasn't one to hold back when she had her mind set on something.

She hoped that Professor Styx had managed to pick up on the hints that she'd been dropping over the last year, as early as the rose she'd sent him back in February. Many people seemed to be intimidated by the man but that was exactly was she liked. He was confident and knew how to control the room, and every time she laid her eyes on her Professor she felt the goosebumps raise on the back of her arms. Not even Jess had managed to achieve that. Nervously, the Hufflepuff had taken herself down to the dungeons, knowing she wasn't going to be able to wait another six months to find out the answers to her questions. This was important for her and the sooner she knew what to do the sooner she could move on with her life.

Approaching the door of the handsome mans office, Geo carefully knocked on the door, adjusting the blonde hair that she'd kept most natural in an attempt to give off the impression that she had a good reason to be here and would be taking it very seriously. She waited for a moment, hoping that he was in. She hadn't put all this effort into her outfit for nothing. After reading the Hogwarts Monthly, Evelyn certainly seemed to know her stuff and had taken a leaf from her book, hoping it would impress.
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[Kalif Styx]

Kalif finished the exams a Dan the holidays were upon him. The last thing he wanted was to go home but it seemed like he didn’t have much of a choice. His father needed to go over some things with him. Then there was someone that might require some of his attention. And his son that managed to multiply so quickly. So much it gave him a headache. Kalif looked up from his desk when he heard a knock on the door. With lessons and exams being over, he didn’t expect anyone to come forth so willingly. Sighing, Kalif gestured with his hand and the door sprang open to reveal a Hufflepuff. She was certainly not in school uniform but he knew the students enough to know which ones were in which houses. Names, on the other hand, Kalif often second guessed himself. But this one, he thought was named Bolt or Volt. Something along those lines. “What do you want,” demanded the Slytherin head of house.
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[Professor Geovanna Adler-Cade]

Geo didn't have to wait long before the door sprung open, and a bright smile appeared on the third year's face as she realised she would have her chance. No doubt the Professor would be very busy, and she didn't want to waste any of his time. She'd have to make sure the trip down here was worth it and it would have been a shame to leave with no progress. She entered the room, peering around the office that she'd never been inside before, wondering where he kept things that were important to him. She approached his desk, not wanting to take a seat because that would hide the skirt she'd spent so long trying to decide on. She didn't exactly wear dresses and skirts outside of special occasions, and she'd had to trust other people's judgement, but she thought it suited her.

"Professor Styx," she greeting him with a smile, resisting the urge to perch on the side of his desk. Now that she thought about it it was probably a step too far. She didn't want to be too obvious. Maybe she should have brought refreshments. She began to play with the ends of her hair with one hand, doing her best to begin her enquiry as systematically as possible. "I know I'm only a third year, but I wondered if I could ask you some.. personal questions?" She asked, her blue eyes trying to cling to his in an attempt to give off a vibe that said she could be trusted.
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[Kalif Styx]

Kalif watched as the student entered the office, not taking a seat. This must be quick then. Perhaps a slytherin got into some mischief and she wanted to earn her house some points by turning him or her in. Yet, what she asked made him lean back in his chair a bit. Personal questions? One thing for certain was that Kalif never got personal with any student. For any reason. He didn’t get personal with staff members either. Except Pendleton once. That was awkward enough. Though former staff members, maybe. “Excuse me?” Kalif finally spoke, noting that she seemed to hold her gaze against his well. Not many students were that brave. Or stupid. Whichever it was.
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[Professor Geovanna Adler-Cade]

Geo watched as Professor Styx leaned back, his eyes never leaving hers. Perhaps she was better at this than she gave herself credit for. All that time worrying that she would instantly be dismissed may have been for nothing. She smiled at his question, glad that he was pushing the topic rather than reflecting it. "You're a smart man Professor," she began. She could have listed off a huge number of additional traits for him but she felt as though that wouldn't really work in her favour right now. "I don't doubt that you know the benefits and difficulties of magic of the mind." He'd certainly performed that magic on hers. This semester Geo had heard rumours around the school for the Professor that sat in front of her, and even if they were false she trusted that the man she considered to be the most intimidatingly proficient in all aspects of their world, the man she'd spent the best part of a year admiring from across the room during their lessons, would have the answers she was looking for. She swallowed for a moment, hoping she wasn't about to ruin the conversation with her next words. She was after all only looking for personal guidance, but at the back of her mind she worried that he'd consider it a step too far for someone of her age. "I want to be the best sir," she said confidently and truthfully. She wasn't taking all the electives this year for nothing. "I want to learn Legilimency and Occlumency, but I don't know where to begin." She finished, never once breaking eye contact. ​

 

[Kalif Styx]

As the third year started to speak, Kalif felt moderately relieved at such statement, thinking of anything but what related to the school. This was better than just staring and trying not to behave like he would outside of school, which was a much darker person. She went on to speak about the magic of the mind, guessing what she would want to learn. And thus, he was right. Kalif never had the opportunity to learn from school. He had his father, and his mother, who were both successful in at least one of the abilities. Kalif was lucky enough to have mastered both, though Occlumency came as a struggle. "You begin by making it to your OWL year. That's all I will have to say on that subject." Kalif didn't exactly let it be known that he knew both, and could teach students as such. He only wanted to have the students that came to him directly, unknown whether he mastered the skills or not. That proved some of their worth. The rest came with the vigorous lessons that followed. "If that is all, then feel free to leave," Kalif dismissed the Hufflepuff. Third years were no where near old or advanced enough to learn such magic.
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[Professor Geovanna Adler-Cade]

Geo had been grateful that she'd not yet been shooed out already, and now that she'd had the chance to state her queries she knew she was finally getting somewhere. Clearly Evelyn's tips were working out for her. The third year stood opposite her idol, listening intently to what she needed to do. although she quickly felt as though she was trying to grasp at air at his reply. If nothing else at least she knew she didn't have to worry about it for another year and a half, but that didn't help her if she wanted to be prepared. She expected nothing less from him when he mentioned she was free to leave, he was a Professor and she'd probably wasted enough of his time already, but if she was as determined as she said she was she wasn't completely satisfied. "Are you saying Professor that once I'm a fifth year, we can return to this conversation?" she asked, her blue eyes remaining fixed on her target, not wanting to leave without a definitive path ahead of her. She had no other threads to go on, and she needed Professor Styx if she was going to make this a reality.
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[Kalif Styx]

Figures she would press on. Kalif left that open intentionally but didn’t think she would catch it. Perhaps she was brighter than she appeared. Kalif glanced to the side to see the picture of his family. Back when Kailie was alive. “That is exactly what I am saying.” Kalif smirked very subtly. He didn’t need to digress further into the topic. He bought about including it within the sixth year course. At least an introduction. Perhaps fifth year. He had some time to think. He didn’t see himself leaving the school for a long time.
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[Professor Geovanna Adler-Cade]

Geo relaxed a little when Professor Styx confirmed her query, finally breaking her eye contact to follow his gaze to something, although from this angle she couldn't tell what he was looking at. She looked back to the Professor, tilting her head a little as she tried to access what was running through his mind, although hopefully in a few years it wouldn't be a matter of guess work. Her job here however was done, for now. She nodded, "Well then you should expect to see me then." she replied matter of factly, holding him to his word. It was a shame that she would have to wait until her fourth year to have another lesson with the DADA Professor, but it was something to look forward to. She was well aware it was time for her departure from the room, but she was much more hopeful than she'd been when she'd entered a few minutes ago. "Have a lovely Christmas Professor," she said with a small smile, turning on the spot and heading out the door of his office, blonde hair catching through the hair as she walked quickly, leaving the beautiful man to his own company.
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