#19 No Rest for the Wicked

Without warning, there was a huge BANG from within the Staff Room. The door rattled from the force of it, then swung open by magic. Greyish-purple smoke vented across the floor, sweeping over Kassia's shoes and the hem of her clothes. It smelled like normal smoke, and quickly faded.

Despite all of this, there was no coughing or commotion. If anything, she heard some constrained laughter from various Professors.

'What happened here?' Professor Hathmore asked, no doubt startling Kassia as she hadn't seen him approach her to stand at her side -- a fellow observer, though far less concerned or bothered by the abrupt scene.

Hathmore waved his wand and the smoke vacuumed into the tip, clearing it out. None of the other Professors emerged, though no one seemed harmed or otherwise.

'Pardon me, did you need something?' he added, giving Kassia a curious glace. Noticing the box, he assumed he wasn't needed but remained to hear who to seek instead.

'Yes, I expect you would,' Professor Hathmore said rather cryptically. Wand still drawn, he carefully entered the staff room -- and inhaled a sharp, near-yelp breath through his nose when Fairburn herself appeared in front of him with a wicked grin on her face.

'Oh. It's you.' She sighed, though remained amused. Spotting a student over his shoulder, which he jabbed a thumb at to imply she was needed, Fairburn dusted herself off and left the room. 'Having a good morning? I certainly am. What's up? Do make it quick; I'm needed on the grounds.'

A moment later, Professor Rivera emerged wearing a flower crown -- which appeared to have been made using the Never-Wilt roses displayed in vases during breakfast. She gave Hathmore a sympathetic pat to the shoulder as she passed by, then stood with Fairburn.

'You're finished?' Rivera asked with a smile, retrieving the box when she noticed it. 'Did you observe anything interesting during the process? I have another task for you, if you're interested? Now or another time -- whenever you're ready.'

'Oh, very well.' Professor Rivera said, as Kassia quickly switched subject gears. 'I see my job here is done.'

She raised her hands and backed off, amused as all the focus shifted to Professor Fairburn. With a friendly smile to her colleague, Rivera headed off along the corridor as lunch would be starting soon. She didn't fancy a smoked meal.

'Of course, you're more than welcome to help out.' Professor Fairburn nodded to Kassia, though gave her attire a glance over. She bit her lip not to comment. If Kassia didn't change into something more practical first, well that would be a good lesson for her to learn when it came to handling magical beasts.

'I did issue a notice that some homeless Boarites needed help,' she added, a bit rushed as she had other places to be. 'It included all the information to get started, without needing to seek me out just yet. But yes, simply bring Hagrid a piece of meat and an apple. He'll guide you from there.'

Fairburn offered the Slytherin a bright, encouraging smile -- then headed off after Professor Rivera, before taking a sharp turn to a very different path.