IC Prospective: The Outsider

[extraneus]

Character: The Outsider
Mun: Jamesy
Plot specific: N
-

When the Easter holidays are finally over and everyone is back in the castle, I would like to offer anyone who would volunteer the opportunity to take part in an experiment. As I'm sure most of you are aware, the forest is home to creatures known as Thestrals. They're creatures one can only see if they have witnessed death.

I'm working on a way to make it so that even those who haven't seen someone perish can see them. So if you have never seen anyone die, then I would like to extend and invitation the day after term starts for anyone willing.

In case anyone is worried, it should be fairly safe.

Comments

[papatiger]

Good luck with your experiment. It'll be an interesting experience for the kids.

[Teacher Filter]

That being said I'd like to request that if my sons turn up for the experiment, you'll send them back to the castle. I don't doubt the safety standards that you're implementing, but they're not ready. I don't want them getting nightmares about Thestrals.

[extraneus]

Thank you.

[Filter]

Sheltering them from these things will only do them more harm than good, you know. Thestrals are nothing to be afraid of. People fear them because you must witness death in order to gaze upon their beauty. Death itself is nothing to fear.

Filtered

[papatiger]

I agree with you there, but you know children. Their imagination can run wild. I'm not a superstitious man so I don't believe the tales about Thestrals being bad luck, but I can't say the same about my boys, especially the younger one. He puts a bit too much stock into these sort of things, but I suppose he is still eleven.

Filtered

[extraneus]

It's good that you don't believe them. That's just what they are, superstitions. I have no intention of fueling such misunderstandings such as those. But if you really don't want me to mess with your children, I will respect your wishes. I have plenty of students more than willing.

Filtered

[papatiger]

My thanks! Again, good luck with your experiments. Try not to scare too many of the kids though; you'll probably have to deal with all the over-anxious parents. Why just the other day I got an unhappy letter penned by the mother of a fifth year student, accusing me of being too rough with her boy.

I really have to wonder where our sense of adventure has gone over the years? As a father I understand the desire to protect your children, but there's only so much you can do before you have to let go.

But it's not like I'm one to talk; I'm not ready just yet either. Ah well, I think I still have two years before I'll have to cut those apron strings.

Do you have any children of your own? They must be lucky to have a father who's willing to try something new and brave.