#8 - Prefect Orientation

"Afternoon, Kettles," Anjay returned the Ravenclaw boy's greeting with a smile. "Some paperwork, maybe, and an explanation of what's expected of us. Perhaps they'll assign patrol shifts as well." Was the excitement evident in his voice? Anjay tried to hide it, trying not to sound like a nerd. It was a strange sensation: he didn't care what people like Mardling and Dawson thought of him, but people like Kettles, people he considered to be on his level... he wanted them to like him.

"Are there any Hufflepuff who qualify?" Anjay said with a laugh, hoping he came across as more making a joke than casting judgment- even if judgment was definitely being cast. "Whom do you nominate? Sophia? Phoebe Daywater? Langford, of all people?" he almost spit out the final name, pretty sure his distaste was evident. Oh well. Anjay still hadn't forgiven Langford for the way he behaved during their tryst with Peeves and probably never would.

"Can't believe we beat McGonagall here," Anjay remarked to keep the conversation going. "And where is Doren?" It wasn't like the girl to be late. Come to think of it, he hadn't seen her at lunch either- not that he'd been looking for her specifically. He hadn't seen much of her since their tea with the Minister, now that he thought about it. Would she show up this afternoon? Of course she would. She came from a respectable family- no way she would just abdicate her duties like that.

'Good Afternoon, Prefects,' Professor McGonagall approached them all business-like and with a scroll in hand. If she was aware of Elizabeth's later arrival, she didn't show it. 'Follow me.'

She headed to the Grand Staircase and led them on a path towards the Staff Room, then further on a path more unfamiliar to Elizabeth and Kaspian though Anjay had the previous privilege of knowing what to expect. McGonagall opened double doors to a huge, well-lit common room that was quite luxurious yet still managed to have a sense of comfort to it.

'This room is available to anyone with a badge,'  she said. 'It is where we will start your orientation, and where you'll be attending meetings or resting after a late night of patrol. Please, feel free to look around. Do inform me if you have any questions.'

It was clear by then that Anjay had been there before, despite also being new at his role, as McGonagall turned to him without allowing a chance for him to look around. She eyed a painting nearby of a young man in a feather beret. Anjay would recall that it was vacant the last time he'd seen it.

'Xcalyn, if you will?' She indicated to a piece of parchment on a nearby table, her stern look implying he was meant to read it aloud for the group. He'd seen that look a few times in class, as she often made a habit of calling on him.

The parchment read:

Congratulations on being made Prefect. This is a respectable role which must be taken seriously; you are now a representative of our school and your house. Always set a good example for your fellow students and perform your Prefect duties to the best of your ability.

Your current responsibilities, as 5th years, include: night patrol duties, escorting first years safely to their common room if a situation arises, overseeing various approved extra-curricular activities, supervising duel practice if needed, and reporting any rule-breaking to your Head of House. No student at Hogwarts is exempt from the rules, and it is your job to ensure that - in a professional and non-biased fashion.

If you do your job well, you may retain your Prefect position for 6th year. 5th year Prefects do not have the power to assign detentions or deduct house points. Each transgression must be reported as soon as possible, to which your Head of House will determine the punishment. You may make a recommendation, if feeling confident.

Our Headmistress will now explain your patrol duties, and proceed with the orientation. Good luck to you all.

~ Headmaster Rickard

This thread will be moved around locations as needed, though originally began at the Entrance Hall. Description of the Prefect Room can be seen in the location's image. There's a lot of visual detail there if you'd like to reference anything in your reaction.

Paperwork made sense. So did an explanation of what was expected of them. Kaspian nodded his head in agreement at Anjay, before his attention trailed off off again. He was having trouble focusing on the conversation he started, too worried about where Professor McGonagall and Elizabeth Doren were. Did he read the location right on the note? He thought he did. Anjay Xcalyn was there with him, wasn't he? Kash shook the thoughts away. No reason to worry.

"Fair point." He cracked a grin, taking the Gryffindor's comment as nothing more than a lighthearted joke. But was Anjay lying? Kaspian didn't know if any of his badger friends had what it took. "I suppose I could see Daywater becoming a prefect." He shrugged. "I've noticed her in the library more often. I think she's trying to turn her grades around. Better late than never, eh?" He chuckled a bit, not indulging in the other considerations.

Anjay's question regarding Doren came almost as sudden as the Slytherin girl's appearance. He shot her an indifferent glance, but not a greeting. Kaspian hadn't spoken much to the private girl during their five years, not even in lessons. Elizabeth acted as though she preferred to keep to herself and out of everything else, and Kaspian was more than able to respect that. He'd engage in a chat with her if she liked, but never got the impression she did or wanted to.

"Good afternoon, Professor McGonagall." His reaction to her arrival was a startled smile, but one of respect. If anyone was going to see through his effort of composure, it was her. Kaspian tried to breathe more slowly as he followed her, hoping to calm the thundering in his rib cage. The nerves were there and her presence didn't make it any easier. He remained quiet until he entered an unfamiliar room. He found it ornate and cozy, extravagantly decorated.

"I didn't expect a nice perk like this to come with the position." Kash turned full circle, looking at the room to better orient himself. "I could get used to this." He grinned at the others, softly running his fingers over one of the lavish armchairs in the common room. It all seemed Baroque by design, with ironwork in florid and intricate patterns. It wasn't his style but knew when he told his friends about it, they'd be jealous -- especially Lucky. So he liked it.

Kaspian explored the room as Anjay read the parchment, making mental note of his responsibilities which were vast but reasonable. He hoped he performed well enough to continue his duties into sixth year. He didn't want to imagine not being a prefect now.

He examined a painting of a man in a beret but turned to Anjay at the mention of them being unable to assign detentions and deduct points. There was relief on his face, but not without traces of disappointment. What if someone deserved it? He liked the idea of being able to threaten that power, especially if someone dared to not listen. He'd have to figure something out. Kaspian wasn't the most threatening looking guy, but he was smart. He'd make due.

The painting avoided Professor McGonagall's gaze as she stared suspiciously at it, while Anjay read aloud the aloud the message from the Headmaster. 

'Don't get too used to it, Kettles,' McGonagall said, also noticing Elizabeth's attention towards the dormitory aspect of their location. 'This room is intended for necessity and briefing, as well as, perhaps, a quiet place to study or unwind after a busy day.' 

Though she felt a sense of dread to the fact that now both Kaspian and Luckett had permitted access to the room. Then again, it might be rather exciting for the two boys to share a dormitory considering it wasn't otherwise an option due to being in different houses. 

She awaited any questions, but none came. With a nod, she moved on to explain their patrol duties - as Rickard had indicated she would.

'Patrol duties occur at night, and in pairs,' McGonagall said. 'They are allocated by our Head Hogs at least a day in advance, though forewarning can vary. Do keep an eye out for any messages during morning post. Most duties have already been allocated, but I do believe...'

She indicated to a notice board magically stuck to the wall left to the main doors. 'Ah. Yes, here we are - Anjay Xcalyn and Kaspian Kettles, tonight - at the Main Corridor.' McGonagall nodded, finger trailing across the notice. 'So, how these work: you will be assigned a location together, which is to be patrolled as soon as dessert ends, thus curfew begins, and up until either midnight or you're relieved of your duties.'

McGonagall retrieved the letter from Anjay.

'The rules are as such: wander the assigned location, alert for any trouble or a student out of bed. Many will still be on their way back to their common rooms after dessert, but be vigilant,' she said. 'Anyone caught out of bed after hours must explain themselves then be brought to the nearest Head of House office. We shall deal with them, and you can return to your post. One or both of you may leave your post if a situation arises, though only if necessary.'

She paused, giving them another chance to ask questions or seek clarification.

'Filch may also set tasks for you or require assistance, as may the occasional ghost if they notice something amiss, which we strongly advise only one of you tends to,' McGonagall added. 'It is not uncommon to have various things to do at once, while it is equally common that the night will pass by uneventfully and dull. Oh, of course, 4th years have Founder's Frivolity tonight so are excused... unless you notice any suspicious behaviour. Any questions?'

Anjay listened intently as McGonagall elucidated further on the nature of their duties and protocols of patrol. He made mental notes as the Transfiguration Professor went on, and was happy to hear that he and Kettles would take the opening shift. He turned to his Ravenclaw counterpart and smiled. Kettles was a good choice for a prefect. What were his plans after Hogwarts? Anjay would need to ask. The boy was a potential wonderful contact for life after school- talented intelligent, Kettles would no doubt go far in the Wizarding world, if he chose to stay here.

In many ways Anjay felt that he and Kettles were cut from the same kind of cloth: both precocious and imbibed with natural talent, and not necessarily inclined towards humility, although they did express their bravado in different ways. They were raised differently, after all. Anjay considered himself more measured and with a better constructed façade; Kettles was more a loose canon. Anjay could fall back on the Xcalyn name and lord that over people, even if he did so subtlety; Kaspian, born of a Muggle family, had no such luxury.

A sense of anticipation and almost eagerness welled inside him as Anjay listened to McGonagall describe how they were to detain students caught in acts of rule breaking. Anjay had never once stayed out past curfew- the very thought of it was almost beyond reproach- but he knew students did it often. It was now his responsibility to catch those students and lead them to punishment, and a part of him couldn't wait to get started. What did that say about his personality, that he was excited to get his fellow students in trouble? He shrugged and chose not to explore the thought.

"Hear hear, Kettles," Anjay seconded everything the Ravenclaw boy had said. "Speaking of ghosts, Professor, do we have permission to engage the ghosts when they pick on students?" The events of Halloween night and his encounter with Peeves still irked him. He wanted to know he had permission to confront the ghosts when (not if) they acted out again. Not that his last attempt had been successful, to be fair, but Anjay didn't care. He had a score to settle with Peeves and would find out how to bring him into compliance.

'Mmmhm.' McGonagall appreciated Kaspian's determination, though was aware enough of who his closest friends were to remain a little apprehensive. She had faith in Professor Rivera's selection and that he was as suited for the job as the others.

It was also a bold claim, as it wasn't often that a new Prefect's first night of patrolling went by smoothly.

'Yes, Kettles.' She nodded, having thought the instruction was clear. 'As you are each to patrol an area together, I do advise you stick together for is duration - unless required to temporarily leave your post. However, this is not a set rule. Particularly if two Prefects do not yet get along or have differing views on how to approach things.'

She checked the painting again, but it ignored her. 'Both which should be swiftly resolved,' she continued, now giving Elizabeth a slightly pointed look. 'One's personal opinions of a fellow Prefect aren't an excuse to do poorly in your job.' 

McGonagall narrowed her eyes in confusion to Anjay's question, which then shifted to suspicion. Had something happened she was not informed of, regarding the ghosts? She thought on it, and supposed there was some validity to his question as there was an increase of incidents with the Bloody Baron last week. And not forgetting Halloween with Hogwarts' resident poltergeist. 

'Ghosts are hardly known to cause any trouble, most especially not for bullying students.' She tutted in disapproval of his wording. 'If you are referring to Peeves, or perhaps even Mrytle, I would recommend fetching a member of staff to deal with it as they are rarely known to listen to Prefects or students.' McGonagall left out the part that they rarely listened to staff or adults either. 

She considered possible situations which ghost may be a problem. 'However, I find the best rule, which should be regarded above all else, is to use your instincts and common sense,' she said. 'I trust over four years of magical education has don you some good.' McGonagall managed to seem both stern and amused at the same time.

'Shall we proceed?' McGonagall glanced around, awaiting any final questions or comments before they could move on to the final part of the orientation.