Back in Hogsmeade.

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

It's been a very long couple of weeks, and Inara is pleased like she hasn't been in a while to be back in her apartment above the bookshop. She goes downstairs after apparating into her bedroom in order to pick up her mail that arrived while she was away (not much, all told) and to check in with Ivy.

Afterward, it is just Inara in the storefront, changing the window displays for the week.





Right before dinner, Inara also takes a walk around the town. Nice to get the ground under your feet sometimes.

[ooc: catch her either place.]

Comments

[veneficusvenato]

"And you plan to do that, how?"

It's not an attack. It's just an even question.

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

"The owlery had been my first choice."

[veneficusvenato]

"I can assume you're already well versed in the spells around Hogwarts."

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

"I am. Which also makes having an Animagus talent helpful, to circumvent at least some of the problems which occur when trying to work one's way onto the grounds."

There are plenty of records, now, about how Animagi lived in the castle for years.

[veneficusvenato]

Jo nodded. There were ways. No several. But some.

"We have members inside who will help you when you need it, too."

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

"Sokka. And Leah, I assume."

[veneficusvenato]

Her face doesn't even shift the slightest.

(If anything, they should come before her. They were.
At least here. Jo wouldn't be here but for her own orders.)



"We have several members in the staff and keepers of Hogwarts."

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

"I'm aware," is all Inara says in reply.

"Do you have any questions for me?"

[veneficusvenato]

And yet she chose to 'assume' only two.
She chose to direct a personal statement at Jo.


Sadly.



There was nothing personal about her professional side.

There was nothing personal about her WHD work.
Even if she was doing this now and her as Jo.

Even if she's uncertain she's not being tested.
Not by Inara. For her five years of rule flouting.
For how much or how little they'd effect her work now.


It was a very thin line. Liking the threat on neither side.



"If I asked, would you tell your goals and motives?"
There's something calmly, unpointed about this.
At least acknowledging everyone has them.

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

"My goals or those of House Madrassa?"

[veneficusvenato]

"Yours."

As Jo would hold Inara in active responsibility here if.

"But I wouldn't turn down both, if you're offering."

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

Inara was not offering.

But how to phrase it?

"I believe in Hogwarts. What it should be, and what it needs to be. If I can help keep this safe, I want to.




"It is important to me."

[veneficusvenato]

"And what do you think those are?"

As that was a very opinion-based statement.
Without any reveal about that thought behind it.

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

"Is this an interview?"

[veneficusvenato]

"You were the one who asked if I had questions."

Jo's mouth has finally curved. "I hadn't realized it was rhetorical."

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

"I hadn't realized your questions would have less to do with what I can help with and more about my personal philosophy."

[veneficusvenato]

"Your personal philosophy has a basis in your actions."
Jo would know all about that. The worst parts even.


"In choices you'll make in a pinch."

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

"Did you know of me very well in school?"

This is related.

[veneficusvenato]

"As well as anyone you live in a small space with for seven years." Everything got around about everyone every time. The wonder of living in a microcosm.

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

"I came terribly close to never having the chance to go to Hogwarts in the first place. Once I did, I..."

Never wanted to leave?

Never really thought of London as home anymore?

"Became as attached to it as many of the other students in the castle. The idea of someone corrupting it is unconscionable."

[veneficusvenato]

Jo conceded with a nod.

"I'm sure you understand why I was asking, then."

And why the asking meant not believing immediately.

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

Frankly, Inara thinks quickly, No I don't.

But she doesn't offer it aloud. (What is it about seeing classmates makes Inara's emotions revert to school-age?)


"Do you have anything currently in place that I need to be aware of?"

[veneficusvenato]

"Several." Jo answered honestly.

"Unfortunately you'll have to wait for Thursday at least."

[veloxepistola.livejournal.com]

Waiting for everyone to be in the same place.

"Some sort of protections."

[veneficusvenato]

"Protocol at its best," Jo said with something mixing apology and dry amusement.