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

[when_turks_fly]

Fairly safe. I don't suppose I really need to inform you how ominous that sounds coming from you of all people. [ Really. ]

[extraneus]

Any ominous feelings present in that statement are completely coincidental.

[when_turks_fly]

And yet, it may prove to be just the push you need to draw in certain morbidly curious students and faculty. Do try to keep them in one piece, will you? Although I expect that if anyone can given whatever it is you have in mind, it's you.

[extraneus]

A hook is always a necessary part of teaching and progression. If there isn't something to capture attention, no one would be interested. And I have to question the reason behind your words. They are flattering, to be sure, but what brings on such faith in me?

[when_turks_fly]

I'm inclined to agree.

[ As her students, the teachers, and the remainder of the faculty will soon find out, if they haven't gotten the idea already. Sleeping in her class? Ha. That really won't be a problem unless someone is particularly talented at entertaining the Sandman and even then, it won't be for very long. ]

Come now. In the time we've known each other, have you ever given me reason to doubt you?

[extraneus]

Of course you would. You've always been one to need a good hook, after all.

No, I haven't. But I still want to hear why you think so in your own words, rather than the lack of reasoning I've given you. Call me curious. But I suppose your answer will suffice for now.

[when_turks_fly]

And you've always delivered.

It's a rather good thing you aren't a cat, then, hm? But in all seriousness, I believe that would be a discussion better had in person, don't you?

[extraneus]

I don't like to be disappointed, so I try not to disappoint others. That would be why.

If you wish to meet in person, who am I to deny you that? Unlike most people, I don't find your presence as boring. I will meet you in your office in a moment.

[when_turks_fly]

How admirable. [ Not to mention a case of great minds, but that goes left unsaid. ]

I'm flattered. I'll see you in a moment, then.

[extraneus]

[There's a knock on Valeria's door shortly once he's made it over to her office. He stands in front of it, waiting for permission to enter.]

[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.

[strideallknight]

havent seen anybody die before
guess i wouldnt mind if thats what the experiments for
why is it that we can only see thestrals after witnessing death anyway

[extraneus]

No one knows for certain why one can only see them after witnessing a death. Studies have been conducted, and perhaps it's simply because they themselves have a connection with death. That doesn't mean they are inherently bad, however. Death is nothing to be afraid of, just as Thestrals aren't.

[strideallknight]

the thestrals arent bad i can agree with that
its like how people thought crows and ravens were awful and bad omens and shit like that
death itself on the other hand
its scary
frightening sometimes
its a huge unknown because we dont know whats even going to happen after we kick the bucket
not to mention it can happen to anyone at anytime

[extraneus]

Amusing, is it not, how people can take simple creatures and make them far more than they actually are?

But I disagree with you on death being scary. There is nothing to fear from it. It makes me wonder, just what is it about death that scares you? Is it just simply the fact you don't know what happens when you die, the unknown aspect of it?

If that's the case, are you afraid of the dark?

[thisissogay]

So are you just going to kill one of us?

[extraneus]

Don't be ridiculous, of course not. Dumbledore would never allow something like that, would he?

[wwistful]

I suppose it would be rude for me not to share my wealth of experience when it's of some value to you.

[extraneus]

Oh, it would be quite nice to pick an Auror's brain on the subject, yes. You've probably seen a fair bit of death in your field of work, haven't you?