Darkness Wakes (and stirs imagination)

[Professor Arcane de Winter]

Arcane scowled at her reflection in the mirror, tightening the pins in her hair. She looked proper, like every pureblood woman should, and the image was getting tiresome to say the least. She longed for the days when she could just lounge around the house in almost nothing when her family was out of the house, hell when they were home. The problem with that image? People. People were constantly coming around for tea or for parties and while she enjoyed the company from time to time she longed for just a little time alone. She couldn't win either way. Either she had her manor to herself (and yes it was hers since her parents' deaths) or she was required to entertain because her brothers needed use of the place. They had that agreement going from the beginning given that she got the biggest place, the one in France. She was bored, it was the easiest way to put it. She'd been raised to be proper but she'd also been told to be herself and this wasn't her. She glanced down at the outfit and sighed. She needed to shake things up a little bit, at least for the time being, but that would have to wait, she had something to do and it was rather urgent. Grabbing her purse she headed for the fireplace. It had been a challenge over the years to learn to floo without damaging her appearance but she'd done it, it was either that or apparate and she still wasn't going to deal with the sensation of being sucked through a tube alone. Throwing the powder in she called out her destination, stepping out moments later into the lobby of the Rose Thorn Inn.

Arcane glanced around the pub in distaste before exiting onto the streets. It wasn't entirely wise for a woman to be in these parts, at least not without a chapperone. A woman alone was easy prey for some of those that hid under the cloaks in wait. Arcane had business to attend to, however, and she did not want to disturb any of her brothers for a journey into the alley so, as usual, she escorted herself. Being associated with Alejandro, more than her other brothers, had it's perks, however. He had a reputation for being somewhat... dangerous at times. She wasn't sure where that had come from but it was a reputation that lingered around the man and she wasn't about to miss out on taking advantage of it. She adored her brother but whatever her had done, she didn't want a part of it. Not now, not ever. She sighed to herself, the rhythmic clicking of her heels on the cobblestone road echoed off the walls around her, the grimy windows in the shops that she passed making the streets look nothing more than abandoned. That was if you didn't count the beggers that sat on the sidewalks, shaking tins and begging for money or selling black market items.

Just as she was approaching her destination, an apothecary that sold only the darkest of potions ingredients (honestly! why did the damn recipe call for all these exotic things anyway) she saw a familiar face and her curiousity peaked once more. She began to quicken her pace but it appeared that her conquest had disappeared between the rows of potions ingredients. She could have been certain of who it was, but then again one could easily be mistaken. She stopped at the door and pushed it open gently, the bell at the top tinkling lightly to signal that another had entered the store. Waving off the store clerk she decided to do her shopping first, she would not suffer the consequences of not making this particular potion. She was not ready to deal with her sister getting into that situation just yet, should someone take advantage of her. Arcane loved potions, she was even rather good at the subject, it wasn't a subject she was as good at as History or Runes, and not something she loved as much, but she enjoyed it. There was something entirely relaxing about a softly simmering cauldron and the scent that wafted from it at times. Of course it was rather difficult to drink a potion when one knew what went into it, some of the ingredients were a little... Disgusting! Never the less, she needed to make this particular potion before she ran out of her current stock. She had been in Diagon Alley earlier to pick up the more legal ingredients but there were still a few things that she needed. The thought was amusing given that almost everything was legal these days, with the new regime and all.

"Newts eyes, Rat tails..." "Bat Wings."

She heard the mutter of the person she had seen earlier as she was picking up a jar of pickled slugs eyes (which in truth looked like nothing more than green sludge). She was certain that voice belong to... But no she must have been mistaken, certainly! She sighed and then moved down the shelf further, grabbing a few more ingredients. Once she was done she headed to the counter just in time to see someone leaving the store in a flurry of clothing. She cursed under her breath and told the clerk to owl them to her at de Winter Manor, ensuring that nothing broke or she would be back to deal with him in the most horrible way possible. The clerk shook slightly as he nodded, not sure what to make of the 5'7" woman who appeared so authoritive. Throwing the money down on the counter and heading to the door she turned briefly "and if anything is removed you will have to deal with the wrath of my brothers, I'd advise against it" she added as an after thought. This had him positively quaking, Alejandro was nasty at the best of times, especially when someone he cared about was hurt, but when he was angered not even Arcane's temper could rival his. She smirked, satisfied, and left. As she turned around a corner she had to take a step back to avoid running into someone coming in the opposite direction "watch where you're going, wouldn't want to get hurt now would you?" she said, darkly.

[Professor Tobias Isthil]

Fear. It was the most curious of human emotions; able to completely destroy logic and reason in a way that very few other things could. Fear drove people to do things they normally wouldn't dream of, pushing them beyond boundaries they had thought as sturdy as the earth itself. It was a powerful motivator and an excellent weapon and an often invisible hand guiding the world.

Tobias Isthil felt none of it.

As Headmaster of Hogwarts and the Dark Lord's unofficial right-hand-man, Tobias was granted certain privileges. His reputation always preceded him wherever he went, though what exactly that reputation was varied depending on the person that he was encountering at the moment. Some, especially former students, knew him as the kindly old man that was always willing to help a struggling student or sort out a disturbance. Others, those that had been close to Voldemort just after the takeover, knew him as a powerful and deadly duelist, professional and perfect in form, seemingly effortlessly dispatching four of the previous candidates for Headmaster of Hogwarts. Still others knew only of him as the man closest to Voldemort, and some said that he had replaced Dumbledore as the one wizard Voldemort feared.

While he doubted that Voldemort truly feared anyone, Tobias knew that he had the Dark Lord's grudging respect. If nothing else, Voldemort was happy to have him as an ally, and for the moment, that suited Tobias' needs as well. Powerful as he was, opposing an entire army of Death Eaters, never mind Voldemort himself, was suicide, and Tobias was not in the practice of that. For now, he would bide his time, raising the students as best he could, shielding them from Voldemort's eye as much as possible, and hope that they would not fall to the pull of Dark Magic. His only gift was education, but he would give it freely.

Knockturn Alley's name alone was enough to send shivers down the spines of those of weaker will. Even before the takeover, it had been a place of ill repute, and now it was little more than a cesspool for common criminals and underworld dealings. Voldemort - Lord Voldemort, as Tobias reminded himself he should think of the man - had little care for enforcing the trafficking laws, but he was, after all, the man atop the heap. Death Eaters ran the Ministry under his often careless eye, and those that had become obsessed with their power had started to crack down again.

Some things never changed.

Walking down the streets of the alley did not bother Tobias. He carried a confidence that came from power; some would have called it arrogance, but none that knew him would ever label him as such. His mind was constantly as alert as it was relaxed, his fingers ready at his sides. Tobias still needed a wand for more advanced magic, but he had long since learned to cast simpler spells without it. To disarm him was to weaken him, but not to render him helpless. Many a wizard and witch had learned that, to their own destruction. Seeming to glide rather than walk, Tobias wandered aimlessly about the shops, not really looking for anything in particular, merely wishing to spend some time away from the castle during the summer months, and perhaps pick up a trinket or two that caught his eye. Tobias had an interest in powerful items of intense Dark Magic, or Dark Artifacts, as they were more commonly known. He possessed a small collection, and taught a NEWT class on them, but he was always interested in more.

Allowing his mind to wander slightly, Tobias found himself nearly running into - or rather, nearly running over - a woman rounding a corner. Before he had even looked down at her, the sharp tone of her reply made her instantly recognizable to him. Tobias had an excellent memory, and by now he would have been rather ashamed if he could not pick out the Head of Slytherin House by her voice alone. "Ah, Arcane. How is your summer coming along?" Tobias brushed off her biting comment with ease. It was simply the way the woman was, and he did not allow it to get to him. One of the other things Tobias had become known for, especially around the school, was his seemingly infinite reserves of patience and tolerance, especially in the face of rudeness.

[Professor Arcane de Winter]

Arcane had little care for most people, it was a fact. She didn't care what they thought of her, she didn't care about them, she just didn't care. Although she was a bitch, she was capable of love, for the most part, but most of it was disinterest. There was one other stance she took on a person, however, and that was respect. The fact was that the person standing in front of her, the person she'd just recognised as none other than the Headmaster who she worked under, was one of those men. She was thankful that she didn't turn red easily, that her face was partially hidden by the cloak she wore, or it might have shown her embarrassment. There was something intimidating yet patient about the man and it was something that Arcane couldn't quite place. It confused her and, yet, at the same time, it made her calm down just that slightest bit. Still, the embarrassment of speaking as coursely as she had lingered.

"Ah, Arcane. How is your summer coming along?"

"Tobias" she said, shortly, a nod of her head the greeting that should have gone with the words. Arcane was a woman who got to the point, she got there fast and she didn't look back. It was pure habit, most of the time, but other times she did it because it felt right in that situation. "My summer has been most productive, thank you" there was something about the way that the woman spoke that suggested she was of a pureblood upbringing, it was something that she couldn't hide, not even if she had wanted to. "I am curious, however, how has your break been, thus far? Productive too I hope" there was a hopeful way to the tone of her voice but her face was as blank as always. The slight tilt of her head, the way that she kept her lips in a firm line. It was a polite enquiry but one that she was genuinely curious to know the answer to. Arcane was a woman who could never have enough knowledge. It was habit to be curious.

Turning her head towards a few people who were passing, deeming it appropriate to listen in on the conversation, Arcane glared. "Perhaps it would be more appropriate to continue this discussion in privacy" she said, her eyes still firmly on the passing pair. Arcane prided privacy, it was something that wasn't hard to know about the woman. Perhaps one of the first things that anyone learned about her upon meeting her "if you deem to do so, Sir". The words were added as an after thought, another tilt of her head a sign of respect before she turned on her heel and headed for the pub she'd come out of when first arriving. The place was the only decent one in the dingy alley but it was easy enough to move towards the back and pretend it wasn't a pub filled with pompous wizards on the journey to intoxication.

She didn't look back to see if Tobias was following her, he either would or he wouldn't. Moving through the door and quickly to the back she positioned herself as far away from the bar itself as humanly possible. Had there been another, less alcoholic place, that was appropriate to sit and converse in she might have chosen it. Arcane did not like pubs, especially the smell of stale alcohol and sweat that seemed to assault her nostrils as she had entered through the door, ignoring the glances of the patrons. Most were glaring back, eyeing her off or just politely curious after all. Well, as polite as it was possible to be. She set herself into a seat and wrinkled her nose slightly "there needs to be more appropriate settings for this" she murmured under her breath.

[Professor Tobias Isthil]

Being that he was over six and a half feet tall, never mind being who he was, Tobias was accustomed to people staring. It did not bother him; he was always careful with his words and his actions in public, and being the center of attention did not unsettle him in the slightest. Still, he could understand the need for privacy, and was happy to move into a more secure location if it would put Arcane's mind at ease. There was not much true privacy in Knockturn Alley - not without a little magical help, which he would provide - but there were places where it was more feasible than others.

"Busy, though I am not sure I would call it productive," Tobias replied, offhandedly. He was often bored during the summer months, living for the time when he could teach again. He loved teaching, and Dark Arts in particular, and prided himself on his ability to connect with his pupils on multiple levels. Most students learned very quickly that his open door policy was quite genuine, and there was no such thing as a Headmaster too busy to provide a little extra aid for even the most struggling first-years. There was always more time; he could make it if he had to.

Giving the slightest of smiles at Arcane's words, Tobias shook his head slowly. "Please, Arcane, I've told you before. When school is not in session, there's no need for formalities." Tobias even encouraged some of his higher level students to address him on a more personal level, never mind the teachers directly under his command. He did not believe in forced respect, and preferred to see as many people as possible on equal footing.

Unlike Arcane, Tobias enjoyed the atmosphere of a pub. While he was not a heavy drinker himself - though he was quite partial to Firewhisky; the drink was known among the faculty as an excellent staple if they needed an idea for a Christmas gift - Tobias did not mind the smell of alcohol, nor did the mildly unpleasant odour of the patrons unduly bother hm. It was merely an atmosphere, and being that he did so love the company of others, regardless of their state, Tobias found a smile making its way onto his face as he settled himself across from Arcane, making a note of her discomfort.

"This is Knockturn Alley. This about as appropriate as it gets here. Still, if the atmosphere bothers you..." Tobias waved a hand idly, and instantly the sounds and smells of the pub vanished, replaced by silence and the faint aroma of fresh bread - Tobias' favourite scent. In addition, if Arcane was paying attention, she would notice that the patrons' eyes slid over their table in much the same way that Muggle eyes slipped over the Leaky Cauldron. It was a simple enough spell for a wizard of his talents, and it gave them the privacy that Arcane wanted.

"I've had a visit from our Lord," Tobias said after a moment in silence. "He wants to change up a few things around the castle. And he's going to pay us a visit at Christmas too; pick out the best and brightest for fast-tracking." The tone of Tobias' voice was completely neutral. He did not express feelings one way or the other about the actions of Voldemort. It was safer that way. "Actually, he wanted me to talk to you...but, let's get drinks first." Dropping the bubble, Tobias got himself something with a bit of a kick and Arcane whatever she wanted before replacing the trick and resuming his story.

"As Head of Slytherin House, he believes that you have certain responsibilies, above and beyond even mine in some cases. I imagine he is looking to Slytherin for prime recruits, and he expects you to be familiar with them." Tobias sighed, folding his hands in front of him. "Bluntly, Arcane, he wants you to teach a core class. Something where you will be forced to get to know many students, not simply those that choose to indulge themselves in Ancient Runes." Tobias could see the logic behind the demand; Runes was not a popular class by any means. Voldemort had not gone so far as to demand it be dropped altogether, but Tobias had sensed that he had nearly ventured to that extreme. Hopefully, it would not come to that.

[Professor Arcane de Winter]

"You associate with the school too much" she said, offhandedly "your Summers never seem to be of much interest to you. You need a hobby or something of the like". Arcane wasn't about to tell him how to live but all the teachers knew that he lived for his job. It wasn't hard to see after all. Arcane nodded, but she knew she would fall into the same routine one more. She had been taught to be polite, even if she disliked a person. Her Mother might have been a strict woman but she did care for her to some degree. After all, the woman had given birth to her. They might have their differences but there was always some sort of emotion there. "Tobias, then" she said, nodding lightly. It felt uncomfortable. Not because he was older than her or the fact that he was her employer but, essentially, he was her better as well. He was higher ranking politically and, perhaps, socially. The age and employer status seemed to factor in there as well. "Though you know as well as I do that I will slip up" she added with a small, half laugh. For her, it was not something that was forced, it was something that came naturally, that she was use to, and that was why she fell back into the routine time and time again.

As she sat down, Arcane lowered her hood, dark hair falling over her shoulders as if it had simply been waiting to come loose from the fabric that held it back. It was probably true too, but it was of little consequence to her. Tobias waved his hand and the sounds and smells vanished, causing Arcane's lip to twitch jus slightly as if she were attempting to smile. "I am aware it gets no more appropriate than that, it does not cease my distaste for the stench of sweat and stale alcohol, however" she said, taking a deep breath and inhaling the scent that surrounded the area now. She was aware that the patrons were overlooking the table but she said nothing on the matter, she was still slightly tense, her back straight as it always was. There was definitely such a thing as too much conditioning. She nodded as Tobias mentioned Voldemort visiting. It was not something unusual, that was for sure, but often when the Dark Lord visited it meant that something was going to change. She placed her order, preferring to go for a simple butterbeer rather than anything strong and potent, it was safer that way for her, especially since she was travelling via Floo to get home. Once the privacy charm was back in place Tobias continued what he'd been saying.

Arcane's eyebrow raised towards her hairline and she fixed her cold gaze on the Headmaster. "You know as well as I do, Tobias, that I only took the Runes position because there was no other class available at the time. I have my Masteries in Potions, History and Ancient Runes, you were aware of this upon my appointment last year. I have no desire to change my direction now, not when bringing in another Professor would be inappropriate at this stage. Arrange for me to do both, and I will take on a core class as well, it's not like I have a life outside the walls of the castle". Arcane had not been teaching at the school for long, mainly substituting where needed. She'd turned down positions time and time again to finish her Masteries first, unable to put it off with how dedicated she was to the subjects she learned. "Contrary to popular belief, however, I do actually associate with the students in my house and I do tutor most of those in need. I also recieve reports monthly on which students are achieving highly in which classes, I run my house efficiently, even if I am not associating with them in a class setting. Still, if it is the Dark Lord's wishes". She let her words drift off, she was not pleased with the idea, Runes was something she was passionate about after all, next to History of course, but she would take on more than one class if needed.

Arcane wasn't really siding with anyone on the political matters. She did what she had to do and politics meant nothing to her. The Dark Lord was in charge, so she did his bidding, just as she would have if he'd lost. It wasn't really anything more than that to her. She took a neutral stance on everything, perhaps because her history was far more important to her than anything else. Politics were useless, she never understood them and she never would. It was best if she stayed well away from such cases. She kept her voice as neutral as possible most times as well, preferring not to express her opinions on the matter one way or the other, there really was no reason to, especially when it could mean death.

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[Professor Tobias Isthil]

"I did mention that, yes, but he was...shall we say, unmoved." Tobias knew that he had a certain amount of freedom to converse with the Dark Lord - an infinite amount more than any Death Eater - but when it came down to it, Voldemort got what he wanted, and he wanted Arcane in a more active teaching position. It did just so happen that their most recent potions master had run afoul of Voldemort and had been...removed...from the position, which freed it up nicely for Arcane to take. Not that Arcane knew this, of course, as that had been the other reason for Voldemort's most recent stopping-by at the castle.

Privately, Tobias had his own theories for Voldemort's opinion. The Dark Lord was no fool; he would not have placed Arcane as head of Slytherin House - his house - if he did not believe she could do the job at least adequately. Moreover, if he truly thought that Ancient Runes was a useless class, he would never have allowed it in the first place. No, he was up to something more, and Tobias had a feeling that he knew precisely what that was. Still, he did not speculate aloud his theories about Voldemort, and kept his mouth shut on that matter. He could investigate himself if his thoughts rang true.

Sipping at his drink, Tobias reclined in the seat, reflecting on how exactly he would break the news to Arcane that preparations already had been made. He was making this a pleasant conversation, but in reality it was an order passed down from Voldemort, and was going to happen one way or another. While Tobias strived to know as much as possible about the staff, he had no idea whether or not Arcane had gotten along with the previous Potions master. The man had been clever, and a former Slytherin student himself, but had gotten a little too ambitious for the Dark Lord's liking, which was ironic, really.

"If you believe you can handle it, I will arrange for you to maintain your position at Ancient Runes, but you will also be teaching Potions. It's not a core class, but it is the only one available and it will have to do." If nothing else, Potions was a primary elective, and historically the most popular one. That would satisfy the Dark Lord's wishes. Tobias saw no need to fully explain the situation, though Arcane could ask if she wished. The implications were obvious, and Tobias was not really at liberty to discuss the details of the decision to remove the previous Potions master. Especially not with someone whose politics were private.

Tobias took no risks.

[Professor Arcane de Winter]

Arcane knew that would be the fact. It wasn't hard to figure that the Dark Lord would not be swayed by the words of anyone once he had made up his mind. Such was the price that one paid for being under the rule of Lord Voldemort. Arcane shrugged just slightly, the gesture only a light movement of her shoulders. There was nothing she could do about it, she would take what was dealt to her and that was that. She didn't appreciate it, she didn't like it, but it was something that had to be done and that was what she kept telling herself. Arcane was neutral, she held no alliegence, to anyone other than herself and her job, her family came in there somewhere. She could see both sides of the coin, the good and the bad, but she dared not speak out of turn, her life was far more important to her, that was for sure.

She watched as Tobias reclined in his chair. She knew that he knew something, he always knew something, or, rather, more than the average person did. She didn't bother to question him on it, though, there really was no point to it. "I can handle it, I wouldn't have suggested it otherwise" she said, nodding her head once and taking a sip of her drink. "Besides, that class A moron that use to teach the class has probably got all the students up to date. I could never stand the guy but he knew what he was doing as far as a curriculum was concerned". Her brow furrowed slightly. The previous Professor had grated on her nerves, though she wasn't sure what it was about him that upset her. He just seemed to rub her the wrong way, so to speak.

She didn't believe that the Professor would have resigned but she didn't question it either. Arcane knew that she wasn't as trusted as those who were marked Death Eaters. She knew that she never would be, not even given the fact she came from a Dark family. Still, she wasn't going to do anything to bring suspicion to herself, to look like she was collecting information. She cared more about her History than gaining information on the here and now at any rate. What had happened to the last Professor, she was probably better off not knowing. "I appreciate your help, however" she added "I am passionate about the Runes, Tobias, losing that class would make me hate teaching. I would rather do something I am passionate about and take on an extra workload".

She let her words drag off just a little but it wasn't because she was unfinished, it was more because she was thinking. Sure, she could have taken the offer to teach at Beauxbatons, but it was Professors like Tobias she respected to a degree. "So" she began, changing the subject completely "tell me. What is on the agenda for your classes this year? New students coming in, surely that gives you some fresh blood to shape". She decided that it was best to get off the topic of the Dark Lord's orders. There was no changing them and she didn't want to appear as if she wanted to change them. She could be swayed either way, depending on what either side offered, but Arcane chose to appear politically neutral and firm in her decision for a reason: it gave her an out no matter what happened in the future.

She avoided persecution.

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[Professor Tobias Isthil]

One didn't get to Tobias' age as a stand-alone figure without developing certain skills. The ability to be ruthless and to duel peerlessly well were valuable, but they were by no means the only ones that Tobias had seen the need to hone over the decades. One of the largest ones was the ability to gain and seek out knowledge. It was, after all, power, or so the saying went, and Tobias had found that this particular proverb held truer than most. For this reason, Tobias had become very skilled with both magical means of discovering things - and hiding them - via Occlumency and Legilimency, and more Muggle techniques such as the reading of body language and the subtle clues in tone and word choice. Just because he was more or less on the same side as Arcane did not mean he had let his guard down, and she was sending up red flags.

Most prominent was her phrasing regarding the previous Potions master. Arcane did not normally use lines like 'class A moron', though she was known for nastier language. It was just a little more base than was required. Moreover, it was not as if Arcane did know to whom she was speaking. Being the Dark Lord's right hand had advantages, yes, but it also meant that people were more guarded than was normal around him, and Tobias, truth told, could definitely have done without that aspect of it. He loved conversations, and he was extremely trustworthy, but he could understand her reservations. After all, anything she told him could make her a heartbeat away from execution. That sort of underlying threat was enough to make anyone keep their mouths shut.

Draining his drink in the manner of a man a third of his age, Tobias stared across the table at Arcane, the pleasant smile ever-present on his face. "Come now, Arcane. That's not how you really feel about the situation, is it? Well, I know you have a particular affinity for Ancient Runes, yes..." He paused, chuckling, "But Professor Barnes a 'class A moron'? I think not." Tobias truly did have no idea how Arcane truly felt about the previous Potions professor, but his gut was telling him that she wasn't telling the whole truth, and Tobias Isthil always, always went with his gut.

She had, however, asked him a question, and Tobias was not so rude as not to answer it at all. "That it does, but nothing new, I am afraid. Bring in new teachers to replace the old ones, send owls to the necessary people, and so on. It's all quite dry. You should be thankful you're not Headmistress. I am most definitely getting too old for this." Tobias' sense of humour was both exceedingly dry and completely deadpan, resulting in most of his jokes sailing clear past their intended targets. He had gotten used to it.

[Professor Arcane de Winter]

Arcane had thought, for the briefest of moments, that she might have gotten away with her statement. It wasn't until he pointed out her phrasing that she wanted to mentally hit herself for what she'd said. She rolled her eyes "my opinion does not matter in such situations, Tobias, you know I prefer to stay out of anything political. I enjoyed his company, he was an intelligent man, I just do not wish my association with him to result in my own demise. I am not a fool, I know what happened, at least vaguely, needless to say I value my own life." She was being evasive, it was plain to see, but she had to be. It wasn't that she didn't trust Tobias, it was that she didn't know just how much got back to Voldemort, how much could affect her and her position at Hogwarts. She was already in danger as it was.

"Forgive me, Tobias, but I do not know how much of what I say to you is returned to the Dark Lord. I am in a terrible position claiming neutrality as it is." The words were said as if they explained everything and, to a degree, they did. Arcane was uncomfortable with the conversation and she would rather drop the subject than risk her own life. "Let us just leave it at I liked him somewhat". Somewhere in her mind she knew it wasn't going to be that easy to avoid the conversation and, if she were honest, she would be a little disappointed if it was that easy to redirect the thoughts of the Headmaster. She just hoped that nothing said in the privacy of their little bubble got back to Voldemort. She did not need a bounty on her head, that was something she didn't want at all.

"You're young as far as wizards are concerned, Tobias" she said, shaking her head lightly. Most wizards lived well into their hundreds after all. "To be honest, I care little for running a school even if the position were afforded to me. I do my job, I finish it off, I knock off at the end of the day, save the head of house duties, that is all I need to do. I am contented with that life". She shrugged and took a sip of her drink, draining the last of it, making the action look rather feminine and elegant even if it wasn't. Arcane sighed and set the empty cup down. "If you don't mind me asking. What is on the horizon for the school this year?" she asked, curiously.

Arcane was a naturally curious woman. Perhaps it was a curse, as some people deemed it to be, and perhaps not. Still, one never knew if a companion was willing to answer a question unless they asked it. Arcane felt the question was relevent to her situation anyway, especially given that she was affected by what happened at the school.

[Professor Tobias Isthil]

The position of neutrality was one that Tobias did not, precisely, believe could truly exist. To be neutral, to have no opinion at all, was not in human nature unless they both did not have a vested interest in the subject matter at hand, and they knew little to nothing about it. Arcane was in neither position. She had a very personal stake in how things went, seeing as her life was on the line, and as a Head of House at Hogwarts, she knew more about the situation than most, even despite her efforts to stay out of it. No, Tobias suspected that, like himself, Arcane was on a third side; her own.

Her hesitation, though misplaced, was understandable, and Tobias' smile did not falter. He had the respect of his staff and students, but he wanted their trust as well, and Arcane was still fairly new, which meant he had a long way to go yet, but he could definitely start here. "You needn't worry about that. The Dark Lord is too consumed with his other responsibilities to think to ask me of the thoughts of every member of my staff. More to the point, I don't feel it is any of his concern what your opinions are. I am neither blind enough nor loyal enough to assume that his rule comes with everyone's assent, even a decade later." It occurred to Tobias that it was mildly hypocritical of him to keep his own ambitions so very private, but then again, he was in considerable more danger for sharing his opinions than Arcane was.

Knowing that he had struck the truth when Arcane admitted to liking the previous Potions master, Tobias was not about to let it go so easily, despite that, and indeed partly because she made an effort to return the topic of conversation to something that he had already said all he had to say. There was nothing special on the agenda for the year, and if there was, he would have told it to her by now. No, Tobias was an obstinate man, and not about to be deterred. He was always polite, but students and teachers alike learned swiftly that his kind demeanor did not mean he was easily pushed around or distracted. "For me, teaching is much more than that. Some of the administrative duties are tiresome, yes, but it is worth it. Being Headmaster allows me to connect with all of the students, and the faculty as well." Folding his hands in front of him, Tobias leaned closer. "Especially the Heads of House. My offer to my students is also open to you, Arcane, especially as our relatively new Head of Slytherin House. You can always come and talk to me. And you can rest assured that Voldemort will know nothing of it." He smiled, tapping his head. "Even the Dark Lord hasn't figured out how to get in here yet." Tobias had made sure to brush up on his Occlumency before agreeing to serve under Voldemort. He liked keeping secrets, both his own and those given to his confidence.

[Professor Arcane de Winter]

Arcane raised an eyebrow but she said nothing in response. Yes, it was true that the Dark Lord had other things to attend to but how could she be sure? What exactly could motivate him not to spill whatever she said to Voldemort? Arcane had to admit, she had little going for her as far as Tobias was concerned. They were not friends, they'd only been working together a short time. Yet, she found that, on some strange level, she trusted him at least a little bit. She said nothing in response to his words, however, chosing to remain silent. It was probably for the best in this case after all. Still, he wasn't ready to be distracted and Arcane had learned that in a few short seconds. She sighed a little and nodded. "Thank you" she said, not wanting to say much more for the moment. She was considering just how much she could get away with, just how much she should tell him. She wanted to believe that there was a friend in all of this who would defend her but Arcane held no false illusion. This was about survival of the fittest and if you needed someone to have your back, then you probably wouldn't survive. It was sad really.

She shook her head lightly "I care more about my own survival than achieving another man's goals" she admitted. "I can see the strengths and flaws in both sides of the coin, History shows us that mistakes are destined to repeat themselves if we do not acknowledge them". History, the only other source of amusement for her. She had not outright admitted to disagreeing with the way things were and, to a degree, she could see some points that were appropriate. Still, she'd not admitted to agreeing either. As it stood, she could see the other side, she could see their ideals. Arcane could see the need for balance, and she knew she was not the only one. She sighed once more and traced the rim of her empty drink glass with the tip of a slender finger. "I do not appreciate being jostled around like my job is of little significance, they are children not warriors. That is initially what I disagree with but it is in the best interest of all involved that I do not argue the point. While I could never consider Professor Barnes a friend, he was a close associate, one that I had an amicable relationship with. I do not fool myself into thinking that he may have come out of a confrontation with the Dark Lord alive".

She let her words drift off, she'd already said to much as it was. Arcane had never spoken of such things, not even to her brothers, yet here she was admitting it all to the Dark Lord's right hand. Should she be afraid? Perhaps. Should she worry? Perhaps. Did she care that this might be one of her last days on earth? She would be foolish not to. However, she found that it didn't terrify her as much as she thought it would in the beginning. "Even the man with the most noblest of intentions can harm the man he holds closest to his heart" she said, after a moment's silence. "As they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. The question is whether we enjoy the journey." Her words were cryptic and she knew she'd be surprised if he figured it out, even given the man's intelligence.

[Professor Tobias Isthil]

Arcane spoke in generalizations, proverbs, and flowery language, as well she might, but Tobias could see that there were truths to be found underneath it all. At this point, it was more a challenge to his intellect to sort out the pieces than anything else, and Tobias did so dearly love a challenge. Apart from teaching, puzzles and challenges were the things that got him through everyday life. One did what one had to do to keep life interesting, not that there was ever really a dull moment when Voldemort could pop by at any time with no notice.

"That is a popular viewpoint," Tobias replied. "Those who choose to serve rather than die, but whose loyalties extend no further permeate the staff. Some, of course, are truly loyal to Voldemort, and I am certain that others plot against him even now." Tobias did not, of course, name names, but he had his suspicions, not that he bothered to share them with the Dark Lord. They were speculation, nothing more. Such things were best kept to oneself; Voldemort required no proof, only suspicion, and Tobias was not about to needlessly condemn one of his teachers to death. If they had to die, they had to die, but there was no point if there was no cause for it.

Shaking his head at her next words, Tobias frowned; a rare expression on his face. "They will be warriors before their time at Hogwarts is up. My job description was to ensure it. Whether they will be fighting for the Dark Lord or against him, however, that I cannot say." Tobias was not, and had never been, a political voice, despite his standing. He taught from a neutral position, and while this had earned him some ire from the more loyal staff members, none dared directly oppose him. He had said once that the children would only rebel if they were forced into servitude. Loyalty was earned through choice, not force. Even the most obstinate of Death Eaters could hardly argue that Tobias' methods worked; he was hugely popular among the students and Voldemort trusted his judgment, so that was enough.

"As for Professor Barnes..." Tobias sat back in his seat, looking rather displeased. "No one ever does survive a confrontation with Voldemort, though I doubt he was so much as given that chance." Though more...sporting in earlier years, Voldemort's executions had become incredibly efficient. Tobias was just thankful that most of the recent ones had not been staff members.

With nothing to say to Arcane's cryptic final words, Tobias dropped the charm again, signalling the barkeep for more drinks. Only when he had a fresh glass did he speak, the smile at last creeping back onto his face. "To the journey then."

[Professor Arcane de Winter]

"This is a time when our true loyalties shall never be revealed. There needs to be a balance between darkness and light, when the world is out of balance, things do not feel right, no-one can truly feel comfortable". Arcane spoke like a seer at times, though she was nothing of the sort. She'd had a distant cousin with the sight, someone she'd spent time with as a child, perhaps it was the way of speaking that had rubbed off on her. It was a way of communicating a message without giving the person time to actually answer straight away, they had to think. Typically it brought a few days to get away from the source of danger, but, in this case, she wouldn't need it. "There are many on the staff whose lives I fear for. At the same time, I do not care to get close enough should one meet their bitter end. I hold no loyalties to the Dark Lord or to the disbanded Order, Tobias, and if that becomes my destruction then at least I die knowing that I did not betray my father, my family and myself." It was the first time Arcane had ever spoke of anything in that regard, the first time she'd mentioned her father and the first time there seemed to be something more human to her.

The younger woman frowned slightly, though she knew the words to be true. "Whether or not they shall be warriors it does not change the fact that they are children" she said. Her brow was furrowed still in what could only be described as annoyance. The emotion was far from directed at Tobias but Arcane held certain morals close to heart. "Children should not be fighting a man's fight" she said, speaking the words aloud. Typically it was a thought she kept locked in her mind but she needed to voice it. Children should not be expected to fight a fight that was brought about by their parents and what have you. Sure, some of them were legal adults by Wizarding standards but they were just children. She could only imagine the fate that would befall a lot of them at the end of it. They had no proper training, they had no part in this other than fight to live. "It does not matter who is right and who is wrong, everyone is wrong when a child's life can so easily be sacrificed for a war he had no part in. The war may be over, but the battle is not".

Arcane said nothing more on the topic of Barnes. She knew that he had not made it out alive, she knew the moment he'd been summoned that he was not coming back. They'd not been friends, not by a long shot, but that didn't mean she didn't feel a slight pang of loss. The charm was dropped and more drinks were summoned. Arcane waited until the charm had been raised once more before she nodded her head in that same, light manner. "To a journey that can only end in destruction" she said, somewhat morbidly. She didn't drink to it, her eyes diverted to the street outside the grimey window. She'd noted the smile on Tobias' face and she'd been unable to completely return it. "War cannot bring peace, it takes so much, and I fear that war is what is on the horizon once more. There are whispers, rumours, of which I cannot be certain are even true." She said, softly. Turning her head back she raised her glass "to the hope that we do not deal with as many casualties as before. I was not in this country at the time, but I am old enough to remember it clearly".

And to that, she drank.

[Professor Tobias Isthil]

For the most part, Tobias was a patient and accepting individual. People had their own opinions and could make their own decisions, informed or not, on how they were going to see the world. As long as it did not oppose demonstrable fact, Tobias saw no problem with this. He enjoyed friendly discussions and debates, and was always open to changing his own opinion when he was presented with a strong argument for a different point of view. What Arcane had just said, however, touched on one subject where he was more stubborn than most. He detested when the age of the students was brought into the argument. Children or not, this was their war now; the adults that could oppose Voldemort were dead or in hiding, and no one was learning more about how to combat the current regime than the students at Hogwarts. Tobias knew first hand that children could be just as capable as adults. Yes, it was regrettable that their childhood could not be enjoyed more fully, but such was the way of the world, and there was no point pretending it was otherwise.

Still, he said nothing, choosing to let Arcane express herself uninterrupted. If nothing else, he could distract himself from her once-again cryptic language, though he doubted he needed to concern himself too much with it. The way she was talking reminded Tobias of Seers, a branch of magic that he put almost no faith in at all. Truly having the Sight was a rare thing indeed; most of them just spoke in generalizations or vague truths, and that sort of language was one of few things that Tobias had minimal patience for. Arcane did say one thing, however, that made Tobias pay rapt attention. She spoke of loyalty, but not to the Dark Lord or the ideals of the organization that had stood against him, but instead to herself and her family. Having no family of his own, Tobias had always struggled to understand the connection that many people had to their flesh and blood, but he had come to accept it as a powerful force. One not to be ignored, and to be exploited if necessary.

The talk of war was another subject that caught Tobias' ear, especially when Arcane drank to fewer deaths, something that Tobias had no doubt would happen. If there was a war on the horizon, it would be a massacre; Voldemort was at the height of popularity and power, and the resistance was completely underground, to the point at which Tobias had not even heard rumours, though Arcane evidently had. Ever a seeker of knowledge, no matter how suspect, Tobias pressed that point. "What have you heard, Arcane? Even the most fanciful rumours may be grounded in truth." Voldemort could not be bothered with theories or rumours, unless they began to be believed, in which case death would swiftly follow, but Tobias never discounted any sort of information.

[Professor Arcane de Winter]

Arcane had always been loyal to her family, well to most of it. Her father was a man she would never dishonour if she could avoid it. He was a man she had respected in his life and in his death. Her mother, perhaps she could do without the woman. Then there were her brothers and sister. They were the only family that she had left at the moment. She would do anything for them, would defend them to the death. "My father died by my side and made me promise to always do what was best for my family. I may not be the eldest child, but Alejandro and I see eye to eye more than people can imagine" she said, softly. It was the first time she'd spoken of the man's death to anyone, not even her family had heard the story.

Arcane shook her head lightly "I'm sure they're just rumours, Tobias. No-one speaks of an uprising against the ruling power in a public place. Too much chance of being overheard, though, admittedly, less so than in a less crowded place." Despite the words she'd spoken she sighed. There wasn't a chance she was going to distract Tobias enough to have him get over it and not quiz her until she answered. It was far less painful to just answer and get it over with. "There was talk of a meeting to discuss plans. I missed the next part of the conversation, hence why I wouldn't put a lot of stock in it, but the final part said something about overthrowing the Dark Lord. I do not operate on heresay unless there is some validity to the statement, however." Arcane was one for cold, hard facts. If she heard something, she tried to uncover the truth. This was something she didn't want to dig into, however. It meant that she was probably going to get thrown from her political neutrality and that was not something she wanted.

The thought in itself amused Arcane. Most people believed that, by being neutral, she was claiming she had no opinion. Arcane was usually specific, ensuring she said she held political neutrality. This indicated that she had a neutral viewpoint on both Voldemort and those who may, or may not, oppose him but said nothing of how she percieved herself. Arcane was one who believed that dark did not mean evil and that everything had to do with intentions. After all, a stunning spell at the edge of a cliff could easily be a murder weapon. The cruciatus curse, in moderation, could stimulate nerve endings that were dead. Nothing was truly evil, only the intentions that a Witch or Wizard put behind it.

She took a sip of her drink and fixed her eyes on Tobias once more, realising she'd been partially lost in her thoughts. "There will never be peace while another side thinks it can run the world better. If you ask me, there will be another battle on hand in the future and there is nothing that will stop it. I am just worried for the loss, Wizards are already far and few between and without fresh blood coming in, they're so inbred that squibs are starting to result. I can see some points the Dark Lord makes, but if the world is going to deteriorate, then between you and me, perhaps it would be best if I returned to Finland where he has little direct affect."