Looking for advice TAG: Professor Powell on Crotalus Commons

Talitha Cumni

January 27, 2008 4:58 AM

Looking for advice TAG: Professor Powell by Talitha Cumni

Talitha absentmindedly stroked Owl’s feathers as he perched on her shoulder and received an affectionate nip on her ear as a reward. It was really getting too heavy to ride around like that, but her shoulder was it’s favorite perch. That was another thing about Owl that was strange. Predatory birds, as a rule didn’t like to be touched. It made them feel vulnerable. They liked attention and to be spoken to, but touching wasn’t something normal raptors liked.

Talitha put Owl back on his official perch by her by and gave him an owl treat. After a final scratch, she donned her school robe which had been freshly pressed. She checked her reflection in the mirror to make sure her normally disobedient hair was still in an orderly braid. She changed out of her sneakers to a more fitting pair of black flats. It was the first time she’d ever approached Professor Powell face to face before. Even though she liked the Head of her House, she couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous and she wanted to make a good impression.

She gave her hair a final pat and headed downstairs to Professor Powell’s office. She’d had a lot of things on her mind. Normally, she would have just owled her mother, but she felt she needed to speak in person with some one.

Because Owl was part of her concerns, she supposed she could wait until Professor K. returned from her retreat with the older students, but her HoH seemed like a wise woman who would know how to counsel her anyway and she didn’t want to wait. Her subject in her Noveling Fury writing centered around her relationship with Owl and she wanted her questions answered as soon as possible.

Another concern she had was her classes next year. Even though she’d already talked it out with Adam and he’d offered to help her, the idea of taking all three electives worried her. She wanted to be a good student. The greater the work load meant her chances of falling behind increased. That simply would not do. The problem was, which courses should she not take?

If pushed hard, she might reluctantly give up Muggle Studies as that was something she was familiar with. But students said the class was a great deal of fun with all the hands on experiments and all. It would be very discouraging to give up Divinations. She didn’t have her grandmother’s Sight, but there were many spells and other methods that anyone could learn. After visiting the Ancient Runes classroom, she was more intrigued than ever to study them.

Talitha bit her lower lip, thinking hard. If she asked all the questions that were tumbling through her head, she would be in the professor’s office for hours. Perhaps she would start with one subject or another and see where it went from there. She took a big breath and let it out slowly and knocked on Professor Powell’s door.
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0 Talitha Cumni Looking for advice TAG: Professor Powell 102 Talitha Cumni 1 5

Professor Powell

January 28, 2008 5:54 AM

What advice were you seeking? by Professor Powell

If there was one thing Sadi had learned in her years on this planet, it was that there was never enough time; a sentiment that mocked her as she sat in her office, amazed into silent stupor with the length of her to-do list. There were always essays to grade, translations to correct and future lessons to plan. In addition to her staff duties, Sadi also strived to keep watch over the students in Crotalus (a task simplified by the general good behavior of those in her House), and maintain correspondence not only with her family, but also with friends and previous colleagues who could provide invaluable support, both privately and academically.

Despite all these mundane pursuits, Sadi’s primary task for the day was to clear out her quarters, as the usually orderly professor had allowed for the rooms to become less regimented of late. They were still tidy in essence, but robes and books alike were not in their designated places, and should either be returned thus or disposed of altogether.

Sadi began with her office, as it was most frequently visited by those other than herself, and had made fairly steady progress; the floor was clear of everything but furniture, and assignments and books now stood in formidable stacks upon her desk. She was spared the need to decide which pile to deal with first as a knock sounded at her door. Sadi hadn’t been expecting company, but staff and students alike were free to call on her whenever they so desired.

In soft steps Sadi made her way across the room, and opened the door to reveal one of the younger students. In such a small school it had been relatively easy for Sadi to learn the names of her students (although she couldn’t deny she often still had trouble with the first years), even if she knew little about the children past what to call them.

“It’s Talitha, isn’t it?” Sadi queried the girl at her door, though with some certainty she had assumed correctly. “Come on in.” The professor gestured towards the two more comfortable chairs to the side of her room not occupied by the desk, and closed the door before turning to the young student. “How can I help you?”

0 Professor Powell What advice were you seeking? 0 Professor Powell 0 5

Talitha

January 28, 2008 7:56 PM

Well, its like this, see... by Talitha

Talitha took the proffered chair and sat, perfect posture, hands folded in her lap. Again, she fought against the feeling of being a kid and wanting so very much to be all mature and grown up. Why had she Walked if not to enter into adulthood? Less than two centuries ago, she would have been betrothed and a wife and mother within a year or two. What was so different about today and then?

Professor Powell didn’t scare her. It was her own insecurities and she knew it. She should get right to the point. The woman was a busy lady and just sitting and fidgeting was wasting her time. But now she wondered what was more important, the classes or her owl? Better to stick to what she’d rehearsed in her mind. The other would wait until the proper time.

“I was wondering if you knew anything about familiars, Professor.” Talitha began. “Owl, that is my owl, has become so special to me. It seems to know what I am thinking. It comforts me when I am sad. When I practice my assignments, I do better if it’s around. How do you know when a pet is more than a pet?”
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0 Talitha Well, its like this, see... 0 Talitha 0 5

Professor Powell

February 02, 2008 8:56 AM

Oh, I see. by Professor Powell

Once her student had selected a seat, Sadi followed suit and lowered herself into the chair opposite. Talitha didn’t waste time in voicing her concerns, and although Sadi listened whole-heartedly, she knew that, unfortunately, this was a matter in which she could provide very little assistance.

“I’m afraid I don’t know a great deal about familiars, having never had a pet myself,” she said gently, hoping not to disappoint the girl too much. Sadi’s research had always involved a great deal of travelling, so until recently, having a pet would have been neither practical nor convenient. “However, I don’t see why any animal can’t offer comfort or encouragement, as your owl seems to. Animals, and birds, are often equally capable at sensing emotions as humans ought to be,” Sadi smiled.

The cynic in Sadi was a little wary of accepting that a creature could have an effect on assignments scores merely through its presence, but she wasn’t going to rule out the possibility. Furthermore, the belief of a thing was often more relevant than its existence or lack thereof, so if Talitha felt her owl was helping her to progress in her studies then Sadi wasn’t going to remove her confidence.

“I don’t know if there are any books in the library on the subject, if you’d like to know more. I can accompany you there, if you like,” Sadi offered. “Or you could try talking to Professor Kijewski, who, I’m sure, will know a great deal more about it. Would you like me to contact her on your behalf? Or is there anything else I can do for you?”

0 Professor Powell Oh, I see. 0 Professor Powell 0 5

Talitha

February 03, 2008 12:44 AM

Then we both have sight by Talitha

Well, that’s one quaffle that didn’t hit the goal. Talitha hid her disappointment. She’d really hoped for an answer before Professor K. got back. Professor Powell was right though, she should have asked her instead. Oh, well. Familiar or not, Owl was still one of her best friends and that what was important.

“I’d appreciate it if you could make an appointment with Professor Kijewski. But I can go to the library on my own. Mr. Reynolds can help me there, I’m sure. You must be busy with teachery stuff.”

As she was just about to thank her Head of House and leave, the professor let her know that the floor was still opened for more questions. Good. I’ll try classes then. This was Professor Powell’s job after all. She wasn’t the HoH just to police the commons and wipe homesick tears from first years' eyes. She was their mentor and advisor too and rumor had it that she knew each student’s grades and behavior records. Next to her parents, she would know if someone could handle the course load Talitha was contemplating taking if any one did.

“There is one more thing.” Talitha began. “I don’t know how to choose my electives. It’s a good thing that there are only three, ‘cause I want to take them all. But I don’t want my grades to fall in the required ones. Is that way too much? Adam said he did it but he’s really smart. I’m smart too but it seems like an awful lot of studying.”
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0 Talitha Then we both have sight 0 Talitha 0 5

Professor Powell

February 10, 2008 11:32 AM

And other senses besides by Professor Powell

It was a disappointment to Sadi that she couldn’t provide further guidance, however she did summon her quill and make a note of contacting Kiva to arrange a meeting on Talitha’s behalf. She then settled her attention back on the second year, who had more questions to ask.

The question of which subjects to study was one that Sadi was sure most students struggled with, and she had given advice on more than one occasion; this was a subject Sadi felt equipped to deal with efficiently. However, each student was an individual in the most extreme sense of the word – there was no given answer for a conundrum like the one Talitha had posed.

“Taking all three electives is undoubtedly hard work,” Sadi began once she was certain her student had finished talking, “and is often unnecessary.” There had been students in the past (and there would be more in the future) who merely took on as much work as possible because they felt it would empress any number of people: parents, teachers, fellow students, prospective employers, etc., whereas it might not have been beneficial to the student in question. On the other hand, if the want was genuine, there was usually no reason to prevent a student from taking as many classes as the timetable would allow, and performing to a most satisfactory level. Therefore Sadi hastened to continue.

“The workload will obviously increase with each elective class you take, but you still should find ample time for study. You aren’t on the Quidditch team,” (Sadi was fairly sure of this, and only mentioned it because game practise did tend to take a great deal of time which could otherwise be devoted to study) “and as far as I am aware you haven’t had any trouble completing assignments in any of your classes so far.” Although Sadi would like to be omniscient, in reality she couldn’t judge the progress of her students unless they were performing either below or spectacularly above the expected standard. Lack of information about Talitha’s schoolwork led Sadi to the conclusion that this particular student was faring well with her studies. In addition, she had described herself as smart. “So you should be able to keep on top of the work, if that’s what you want.”

“However, I must ask you to consider whether this is what you really want. If you’re only taking electives to build an impressive resume, then I will discourage you from doing so. With such a full timetable you must really, genuinely want to do the work, otherwise you’ll find yourself struggling to keep up. Is this what you want to do, Talitha?”

0 Professor Powell And other senses besides 0 Professor Powell 0 5

Talitha

February 14, 2008 11:45 PM

Sense and Sensibilty? by Talitha

Talitha hung on the professor’s every word. She tried very hard to be as mature as possible. If Professor Powell had said she didn’t think that Talitha could handle it, she may have argued a bit but would ultimately follow her advise. If she would have encouraged her to try, she would have done her best to stand up to the task.

Her head of House didn’t say either of those things. She was honest and objective and left the decision up to her. Talitha felt unbalanced. She was so used to grownups giving her input and listening to her side of the story but in the end, they usually pushed her in the direction they wanted her to go. Other times, more often than not, they told her what she should do. She didn’t resent it. That was the way of the world when you were a kid. It felt safe, really. Somebody older, wiser and more experienced was always there to guide her steps.

On the other hand, there was something very empowering about the way Talitha was being treated. She felt respected. Professor Powell treated her as if she trusted Talitha had the answer hidden within herself. It surprised her that she admitted, in so many words, that she didn’t understand Talitha’s motives. So many adults liked to appear omniscient around children. It made Talitha want more than ever to make the right decision.

Is this what you want to do, Talitha?”

Talitha wrung her hands as she searched her heart. She thought that she wanted to be a Healer like her mother. Nothing could be better than helping people. But teaching was helping too. Perhaps that was what she was meant to do.

Then there was the vision in her dream journey last summer when the spirits she met told her that she was not destined to remain with the community. Her path would eventually lead her away from the home she grew in. There was one thing she knew she loved in the here and now. One thing that gave her more joy than anything else.

Talitha met the professors eyes. She trembled a bit as a truth welled up from deep inside of her. She knew she could trust Professor Powell to understand. Her cheeks felt cold, as if all the color had drained from her face but her eyes burned with the passion on a Zealot.

“All I know, Professor, is I want to learn!” Talitha began in a hushed voice, thick with emotion. “Everything!”
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0 Talitha Sense and Sensibilty? 0 Talitha 0 5

Sadi Powell

February 19, 2008 11:35 AM

Don't always go hand in hand by Sadi Powell

There was something satisfying about being able witness students grow from a confused child in their first year to a confident graduate seven years later. The changes were gradual, difficult to monitor. Yet once in a while it was possible to capture a moment, a single event that triggered such a progression. Sadi felt as though she had just shared one such moment with Talitha.

“All I know Professor is I want to learn. Everything!”

Sadi smiled; the thirst for knowledge was a familiar sensation. “Then you’d better take all the classes,” she calmly replied. “Though it won’t enable you to learn everything (I’m not sure that particular Grail is actually attainable) it will be a good start. Remember, Talitha, if ever you feel you have too much work, don’t hesitate to ask for help.”

With most students, asking for help was often a barrier, but seeing as Talitha had already demonstrated her ability to ask for assistance in seeking her Head of House, Sadi wasn’t worried that aid would be an issue. In fact she was sure that Talitha was perfectly capable of doing well in all her classes, if she put her mind to it; she looked forward to seeing her in her own classes next year.

“Is there anything else you want to talk about?”

0 Sadi Powell Don't always go hand in hand 3 Sadi Powell 0 5

Talitha

February 24, 2008 8:48 AM

What about Pride and Prejudice by Talitha

Talitha smiled and ducked her head. She still felt a bit shy around Professor Powell. Time in class with her would help overcome that. The truth was, Talitha was so grateful for the encouragement and support just offered, the woman would have fallen victim to one of Talitha’s random acts of “hug-ness” if she hadn’t been trying to act so well mannered. It meant a lot to her that her Head of House told her she could ask for help if the need arose.

Back at home, Talitha was surrounded by adults that she felt close to. Relatives, neighbors and friends all took the raising of children very seriously. Many times her parents knew what Talitha was doing long before she ever crossed the threshold for dinner. There was always some one ready and willing to teach a skill, tell a story, listen to her hopes and dreams or be a caring shoulder to cry on. Surrounded by such a gallimaufry of mentors, Talitha was used to a safe, warm cocoon to grow in.

If she missed anything at all at Sonora, it was that. She adored most of her professors and she knew they cared deeply for their students, there was this formal barrier that rarely was breeched. In a way, it was good. It forced her to think for herself and make decisions on her own that she would never have considered doing normally. It made her grow up a bit faster than she would have at home. Still, it would be nice at times to have some one as a safety net. Professor Powell’s assurance of support was a great relief.

Not wanting to overstay her welcome, she stood, signaling her willingness to be dismissed.

“Thank you, Professor, I’ll let you know if things get tough.” she beamed at the woman.
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0 Talitha What about Pride and Prejudice 0 Talitha 0 5