= Wands High =

Chapter 63 - 26 May 1998, Tuesday

- Thanks for meeting me here at such an early hour, Principal. I'm sorry for the inconvenience but I prefer to meet face to face when possible. Especially now – Amaltiya Smith nodded briefly instead of a formal greeting, when the Principal entered the atrium.

- Please, don't worry about it. With the Ministry inspection and a day full of enlightening raging teenagers – bright, promising, and ambitious, but still, teenagers – in the matters of sexual education, I feel almost eager to get back to the investigation – Ashdrake admitted, her smile barely visible and almost apologetic. There wasn't much room for lightheartedness these days, but the Principal despised all sorts of overly dramatic situations and usually did her best to avoid the needless drama. Especially at the very start of days like the one currently ahead of her.

- Weren't you teaching Study of the Ancient Runes?

- I do, but I am replacing Ms. Sonnenwind until the end of the week.

- Personal matter? – Smith raised an eyebrow. Asdrake nodded.

- At least that is what she told me. Anyway, is there anything I can help you with?

- Yes, I know it's not a great time, but I'd like to continue our frequency experiment. The first try was far from successful but it definitely stirred up something.

- With Griffin still in the hospital wing, would you like me to ask Sor... Prof. Phaedros to assist you?

- Yes, I wanted to ask you about that. And I know you'd like to put several Hit Wizards in the room this time. I can't object to that but we need to warn them to stay as invisible as possible and not to interfere magically unless absolutely necessary.

- I will take care of that – Ashdrake nodded. – When would you like to make the next attempt? Ms. Firethorne is supposed to be back at school tomorrow.

- I was hoping to do it ASAP but we'll have to wait for her, I don't want to get any more people involved. I'll reach out to her personally when she's back, to see if she'll feel fit for the task.

- She may need a day or two... - Ashdrake began to protest softly, but Smith nodded.

- I'll keep that in mind, don't worry about it. I know how it feels to be in her shoes.

- Thank you, Auror.

- One more thing, Madame – Smith added quickly, though immediately after that she seemed hesitant for a moment. – It's not my business to interfere in the school affairs, especially in such way but... I find it appropriate, if not necessary to let you know that certain colleague of yours was making some implication regarding your work as a head of the school more than once yesterday, in front of the Ministry inspectors. He was obviously mindful about not pointing fingers and naming names. However, the way he voiced his concerns would earn him immediate transfer in another unit had he been my subordinate, for example.

For a moment, Ashdrake seemed genuinely surprised to hear that, but she managed to regain her composure almost immediately.

- Not unexpected, I must admit, but unpleasant nevertheless... Thank you for the honesty, Auror.

- Don't mention it. Tiny, rat souls can be found everywhere, unfortunately. Have a nice day, Principal. At least as nice as currently possible.

- You too, Auror.

Both women took different directions – Smith outside, to supervise the morning patrol, Ashdrake – to Ms. Sonnenwind's classroom.

"So that's how it's going to be..." - the Principal thought while striding through the corridors and staircases leading to the third floor. "Stirring the waters amidst already troubled times in order to grasp a little bit more power, is that right? I've always thought that you had at least a tiny bit more dignity than that..."