#12 Heading for Trouble?

Saoirse had recovered from her traumatizing experience with the Quidditch match, and had decided to throw herself into something that would hopefully keep her busy enough to avoid the next match. She was still curious about the Sacred Four article from the paper a few days ago. While in bed the previous night, she had remembered that the Headmaster had his own book collection in his office.

Saoirse had hatched a plan. She'd wanted to ask Grace to join her, but was rather embarrassed after her conduct in the Quidditch stands. So, that morning she'd requested to help rearrange the books in the Headmaster's office. She'd babbled something about wanting more House points- something that the teacher definitely hadn't believed, but Saoirse's request had been granted nonetheless.

That afternoon, she found herself at the headmaster's office. Hopefully he'd forgotten her request from a few days before. As she approached, she noticed another boy knocking at the door. She recognized him as an older Gryffindor, but didn't recall his name. She stopped a few feet away from the door, folding her hands. The upper years could be nasty to first-years, so she would wait a safe distance away.

Waiting patiently at the door of the headmaster's office, Rylan was aware of someone approaching from behind. He glanced around to see a girl he recognised as a first year fellow Gryffindor, but before he could acknowledge her properly, the door opened to reveal Headmaster Rickard.

"Good afternoon, Professor", he greeted him cheerfully, but with a smile tinged with nerves. "No sir, but we know now. That has to count for something!", he then answered his question. He had no idea that he would have even entertained the idea of students just turning up and asking directly, but it seemed that perhaps the man was a little more approachable than he seemed.

Following his gaze toward crates of books, which needed to be arranged alphabetically by author before being placed on the shelves. He assumed the latter part, anyway!

"So, arrange by author's surname, write them down and then stick them on the shelves?", he asked for clarification, just in case he assumed incorrectly.

Once left to their work, he offered the girl a smile, figuring that he could at least be friendly. He had noticed the Sorting Hat on top of the shelves, as well as it's apparent reaction to their presence. Interesting.

"Hi, Hat!", he called up and waved to the magical headgear, before turning his attention back to the younger Gryffindor. "and hi..., sorry, can't say I know your name. I'm Rylan, by the way", he introduced himself. Unlike many older students, he was reasonably patient with first years. He had been once, after all. Sometimes he still acted it.

Looking at the crates thoughtfully, he gulped when he did indeed realise that there was a lot. maybe they could empty a crate and start digging out as many as they could find beginning with 'A'?

Rickard nodded at Rylan's clarification-seeking, though his dismissive hand indicated he may not have fully heard him. It was fine though, as he'd have surely noticed if Rylan said something he wasn't meant to do? He went back to his work, which absorbed all of his focus.

The hat watched the students, and the folds that resembled eyebrows raised when they greeted it. 

'Bee in your bonnets?' it asked.