A Conference Call and Proposition [lestrange!]

[BIANCA BEAUMONT]

Miss Beaumont,

Please report to the headmaster's office as soon as possible.

Thank you.

Bianca had never been called to an office before. She had never been called to the headmaster's office at least - what was this all about? Bianca ransacked her mind, trying to come up with an answer. She had done nothing to draw any negative attention for herself, that was for sure. But, had she done anything remarkably superior? Yes, Bianca often tried to win the favor of her professors as well as maintain an admirable reputation among her peers, but she could not pinpoint why Professor Lestrange would request her presence.

Unless, it was because of the meeting held the previous day?

Yesterday, Bianca had spoken out, but that was upon the very request of Lestrange to hear the views of his pupils. Even so, she could not have imagined she said anything derogatory or disrespectful in the slightest; that Ravenclaw boy, on the other hand, had practically asked for expulsion. Bianca had done nothing of the kind, it was true, and she had even agreed with Lestrange on the matter of the addition of the Dark Arts course to the curriculum. Considering that, there would be no reason for Lestrange to have felt the need to contact her - unless, she was missing something.

Frustrated at her lack of being able to come to a perfectly logical conclusion, she finished the last few steps leading up to the third floor. The halls were already ghostly vacant (no pun intended, what with the actual ghosts floating around and what not) as many students had left as soon as classes were out. Bianca, on the other hand, had figured it would have been a madhouse trying to move along with the crowd, so she figured she would wait a while before returning to Paris for the time being. Besides, from what she knew, her mother and father were doing business of some sort in Germany and would not be home anyways.

Arriving at the Headmaster's Office, she immediately spotted the gargoyle and just about slipped out an unladylike phrase. She suddenly remembered that in the letter, she had not been informed of any password. That was how she needed to get in, right? She had heard that there was a password created by the headmaster, and usually it would need to be spoken or order to get the gargoyle to move. However, Bianca had no idea what kind of password Lestrange would have, and if she could guess something even remotely close.

Bianca walked closer, hoping to get a better observation of the gargoyle and possibly a clue. As soon as she was within a meter of the statue, its eyes opened as its facial features exercised themselves into an animalistic snarl - within a second, the gargoyle had rotated, revealing a circular staircase. Bianca could not deny that she had been caught off guard by the beast - even a little frightened by its grotesque appearance. Still, the girl persevered and climbed the spiral steps, the Gargoyle rotating and closing behind her.

Eerie thing.

Not too much time passed before Bianca reached the top stairs, and soon the leveled-off ground. For a second, she stupidly wished she had a mirror - not that she was concerned with some trivial, girlish matter. However, Bianca did want to look presentable; she had always been taught to do so, especially in the presence of an authoritative figure. She did not linger too long, and quickly found the entry way to Lestrange's office. Seeing the door was ajar, she silently pushed it aside, entering the room. "You wished to see me?"

[PROFESSOR LESTRANGE]

Alistar was conversing with one of the paintings on the wall. One of the more older headmasters, one that was around when Dark Arts was just coming into play. He was trying to figure out if there was anything that he could use for his purposes within the school grounds. There were still many places that he had to check, even to see if it was true that Merlin's tomb was indeed located somewhere near by.

Once he heard the gargoyle move out of place, he began to quick wrap up the conversation. Turning around as he saw Miss Beaumont walk into his office, he could only smile and gesture for her to come further in. "Come in and take a seat, I have a few things I want to discuss with you. Just so you know, this is not a disciplinary meeting but more of a social one. I really have to commend you for standing for you beliefs and having the same views as I."

[BIANCA BEAUMONT]

So, she was not in trouble? Bianca's concerns regarding disciplinary action began to diminish, although she still maintained her guard. It was not that Lestrange had given her a reason to do so, but at the same time it as more of a precautionary step; Bianca was not one to openly soak up every word for its individual worth. She was always sure to analyze, observe, and dissect the situation. The meeting she was currently having with Professor Lestrange was no exception.

And it couldn't be that simple.

Not that Bianca was not grateful - on one end, she felt her heart flutter with excitement at the thought of having her headmaster's approval on her own personal stance. It was miraculous alone that she maintained a composed, reserved expression throughout his commentary - nevertheless, something subtle twinkled in her golden-brown eyes. Was it pride? Yes, it was a little bit of pride. But, there was something else there, whether Bianca had come to recognize the mixture of emotions or not, but in a strange way she was content feeling this mixture.

She did as Professor Lestrange suggested and nodded, taking a seat. Her movements were surprisingly graceful for someone her age, but at the same time signified the traditional upbringing and strict etiquette taught to her. "I'm glad to have your approval on such a matter," She said, her voice level. Usually she would have said anything to please one of the staff members, however she found herself being strangely genuine with Lestrange. Possibly out of admiration for the man?

Goodness, she was losing herself. Bianca stopped herself from feeling so in awe of Lestrange. She admired him for his political power and intellect, but at the same time she felt like a silly little girl, and that was a feeling she simply did not enjoy. She reminded herself that there had to be something more behind this meeting, whether the conversation was meant to be social or not. Lestrange always had a reason for the things he did; Bianca did not feel this conversation was spared in the least.

Her eyes skimmed around the office. Books, statues, magic...it was all typical things to be found in an office. Yet there was something remote and withdrawn about the office, and although it did not make Bianca uncomfortable, it did make her wary. "Of course, I'm curious," She softly began to speak and her eyes looked around ever so casually, "You never striked me as one to call in students for social purposes, if you will." Bianca's eyes then flickered back to Lestrange. "And I am quite intrigued by how of all the students here, you called me of all people in. After all, I simply can't be the only one to have a similar view as you."

Bianca then smiled. That sweet, darling, pretty little smile. "Do forgive me, headmaster. Sometimes I can get a tad bit a head of myself," She said in a soft, pleasant tone, "but you know how Slytherin students can be. Analytically brilliant and wonderfully paranoid."

[PROFESSOR LESTRANGE]

Alistar kept his place at by the painting as he listened to her words. This girl was very good with them, that was why he had selected her. That he saw the pose of a well educated and superiority that not a lot of students could command at her age. This girl would be a key part in everything that he had planned.

"I have made this more of a social call, cause I want you to speak as freely as you want. In these chambers you may call me Alistar, Bianca. I want you to take you under my wing, I see a potential in you that I have not seen in any other student as of yet. You know your place and you know how to rise above it. While most just would rather stay content where they are at."

He walked over to his desk and sat in his chair facing her. "We are going through a new era. An era that will mostly depend on you generation. I want you to be on the top of your generation. You have the beauty, the knowledge, and the silver tongue for it. How do you feel about following in my ways?"

[BIANCA BEAUMONT]

The last thing Bianca had expected was to be given such compliments - no - an honor by Lestrange. That was the only way she could even describe it: an honor. The simple fact that the headmaster had taken note of her various characteristics was almost overwhelming to her. At the same time, she felt a surge of remarkable gratification. Bianca had always strived from approval of the elites, and now it appeared she was getting it.

As Lestrange continued on, Bianca felt the heat rise to her cheats. Immediately, she scolded herself as she tried desperately to focus on other things such as the responsibilities and expectations that Lestrange was bestowing upon her. Still, she found it difficult to avoid thinking silly, girlish thoughts. Such thinking would never be approved of by Lestrange - no, Alistar. He said she could call him Alistar. Surpsingly, she was able to keep a collected expression when he brought that up. That could have easily been because she had been caught off guard, and she had learned that the best default expression was a calm one.

He went on about how she knew her place - it was true. But he wanted her to be on top of her generation? Could he truly mean that? Bianca could not help but feel hopefully, perhaps because the fact that someone cared even a little about what she valued so much. All the same, Bianca reminded herself to be wary. Surely Alistar would be getting something from this...

Her thoughts trailed off as he spoke his last thoughts.

Knowledge.

Silver tongue.

Beauty.

Bianca felt her heart jump, and at that moment there was a crack in her collected expression. She quickly hid it, thrown off by the last remarks he had made, complimenting her as a whole. Beauty. Did he think she was beautiful? Again, she scolded herself. For goodness sakes, what was wrong with her? She was practically smitten and falling for his words, and that was only something that could ruin her if she was not careful.

She composed herself before speaking. "I...had not anticipated such praise," she began, not even entirely sure how to verbally respond to what Alistar had said. Bianca was highly skilled in articulation, but at this moment she found herself struggling to think of a coherent sentence. However, as she forced herself to speak she found the words coming more easily after the initia shock. "But, I'm truly honored by your proposal and would be more than willing to learn whatever you will teach me," She responded, meaning every word.

But, it couldn't be that easy. It just couldn't.

Bianca would certainly be willing to learn whatever Alistar would teach her. It would practically be a blessing. However, the strategist in her remained uncertain and not completely trusting. Bianca contemplated this; Alistar had indicated he wished for her to speak freely. "I must say though," she continued, her eyes meeting his, "I cannot imagine you offering something so valuable without gaining something of equivalent value in return."

[PROFESSOR LESTRANGE]

This girl was truly what he had expected. She was not dumb and not going to let his words just simply sway her. This was going to be a promising opportunity for the both of them for sure. He let a grin slide across his face as he stared over at her. His red eyes staring into her own eyes.

"Well, let's say that you will get more out of this then I. I only ask for your loyalty to me. Do as I ask and voice your opinion or ideas for some situations. Its hard for me to know the student perspective without having a direct link to it. I want you to be my eyes and ears on the ground. I am also giving you the title of Perfect, use the title as you see fit for the requests to come and still hold your duties to the title itself."

He then turned to a draw in his desk and opened it. Pulling at a diamond encrusted locket. He held every diamond color on it and was held on a white gold necklace. "This little trinket will be able to call me whenever you are in a situation where you need my assistance. Hold it close to you and don't let anyone hold it. Whenever I need of you, it will heat up a little."
He dangled it between his fingers as he looked over at her.

[BIANCA BEAUMONT]

When the headmaster first spoke, Bianca could feel th slightest twitch in her expression, her lips tempted to upturn into a frown. She was not entirely satisfied with Alistar's response, but she figured that was the most she would get. Probing him any further in an attempt to learn more information would only prove troublesome, if not problematic. Even if he was encouraging her to speak her mind...there was a difference in speaking one's thoughts as opposed to questioning one's place in authority. There were boundaries even Bianca knew she should not cross.

At least not now. Now was much too soon.

So, she said nothing. Eventually she may be able to interrogate Alistar's motives more thoroughly, but vocalizing such now would only result in setback. Bianca was not anymore familiar with Alistar than any of the other students at this point, but she was familiar enough to realize that if he had no desire to elaborate then he wouldn't.

Again, she found herself surprised when he offered her the title of Prefect. Even more so, when he pulled out the locket. Stunning. Bianca immediately noticed the aesthetic beauty of the piece - he was giving that to her? Even if only for contact purposes, she could hardly grasp the honors he was continually bestowing upon her. Surely, this was not something Alistar would do lightly. If he truly saw potential in Bianca, he must have seen much more than she could have ever laid out for herself. The thought intimidated her, because that could also imply Alistar in a sense knew her better than she knew herself.

Bianca watched as he dangled the trinket in between his fingers, his red eyes practically gleaming. "It seems I will be gaining an immensely large quantity of benefits from this," She agreed, the light playing off thhe diamonds and reflecting in her eyes. She would get gaining benefits...she would be gaining many benefits. Bianca just could not accept that there was something even greated that Alistar would be gaining from this. What it could possibly be, Bianca had no idea.

"Considering that," she continued, "I see no reason to refuse your proposal." And Bianca could not see a reason to refuse it. Even if Alistar was gaining something of great magnitude, did she honestly have anything to lose? If anything, she only had all the more to gain, and there was something so enticing about all that he was offering her. The more she thought about it, nothing was free in the world to begin with. If all Alistar wanted was for her to be his eyes and ears, then Bianca would only be a fool to turn down his offer.

That left only one thing to be cleared up for her. Bianca looked at the diamonds, the colors twinkling like a thousand iridiscent stars. Her expression was contemplative, as if she were going over something. Finally, she looked away from the diamonds and back at Alistar. "But you must know," Bianca started, "I can't simply be your eyes and ears without you educating me on what it is you want to discover."

[PROFESSOR LESTRANGE]

Alistar smiled at her as she posed the question to her. This just let him know that she was going to do her job well. She would truly make him proud by selecting her. She would work out in his new world, no matter her blood status. He preferred Mudbloods over Muggles any day. Though they were the creation from a Wizard or Witch having relations with Muggles, at least they still had some line of magic running through their veins.

Getting up from his chair, he would walk from behind his desk and over to her. Behind her, with the necklace in his hands. "May I?" He would ask her, wanting to place the necklace around her neck himself. "What I want you to learn for now is this. I want to know what the students think about me. Which ones view the Muggles as an issue. Make some well trusted friends if you can, ones that can also do the same. Information is an invaluable source. Other then money, it is what helps get things done in this world."

[BIANCA BEAUMONT]

She nodded, a sign of permission that he may indeed place the necklace around her fair, slender neck. Bianca could feel heart jump slightly at the thought of him even coming that close to her - had she ever had a boy come so close to her? Her father was protective, but Bianca had of course had schoolboys and sons of prominent families court her. They would be intimate, or try to be at least. They were always so careless, inexperienced, and predictable. Bianca had never had trouble twirling them on a string, playing with them, gaining from them.

There had never been any genuine attraction. Not on her part, at least.

Bianca remained quiet, politely listening to Alistar's words. What was it about him that she found so...alluring? It may have been that he was older, maybe that he knew what he was doing, or even that he was attractive-

She stopped herself right there. Such an infatuation was absolutely ludicrous, as well as shallow and frivolous. Bianca would get nowhere if she was too bust dilly-dallying in fantasies about someone who she clearly was not compatible with in terms of an intimate relationship. She reminded herself she was to be his pupil, his eyes, his ears, and nothing more. Intimacy is danger, and will just become a destructive, chaotic fire - that is what she had to remind herself.

Still quiet, she continued to listen. She could not make trusted friends, but trusted allies, now that would be more appropriate, as well as more doable. Already, Bianca had her cliquey little circle of friends feeding her the latest gossip whether the information related to purebloods, muggles, academics, or any rumors for that matter. Actually, when she thought about it, the task was something she already had been doing. She just had a more direct goal now.

Thinking that, the tiniest glint of a smirk appeared on her aristocratic features. "You may trust me when I say I understand," she said in response to his comment on information being so highly valued. It was true: aside from financial stability, success and achievment was all about gaining information and utilizing it to one's ultimate benefit.

Despite her lack of comfort with the attraction felt with Alistar, she easily was able to maintain her composure when reminding herself that she was worth the effort, and she would not fail him. Bianca already had eyes and ears throughout the corridors; she would just need to be a bit more picky about what she wanted to learn. There was a striking amount of confidence in her eyes. It was not so much an arrogant look, because she thought herself above anyone (although she often did in regards to other students), but more so one of assurance because she knew she was capable of doing what he asked of her.

"I can assure you," she said, "that nothing spoken of what you requested will bypass my knowledge."

[PROFESSOR LESTRANGE]

Unlocking the clasp on the lock of the necklace, he would raise it above her and bring it down. He would then proceed to lock it back into place. His hands gently brushing against her skin. It was almost as soft as silk. If only she wasn't so young, she wouldn't go for such a relationship for sure.

"You have very delicate skin, Bianca." Saying this as he moved back around to be in her line of sight. Her words had reassured him in his confidence in her. "I'm glad to hear such a thing. You will surely make a man proud to have you as his wife someday. So tell me, how have you enjoyed your stay at the school? Would you like something to drink?"

[BIANCA BEAUMONT]

Could he hear her heart beating? Bianca was certain he could, and was not sure how she was managing to remain so poised and collected. It was as if her senses has suddenly improved ten fold; the small click of the loud suddenly seemed so much louder - and the iciness of the chain nearly pierced her skin. Following that, was his own touch - the rough, stronger hands of someone who had matured and aged. It was a stark contrast to her youthful, swan-colored skin and strangely inviting.

His compliments coninued to flatter her - and it was almost frustrating. A part of her could not help but wonder...was he flirting with her? God, she was pathetic. Bianca felt disgusted with herself having been reduced to such an immature schoolgirl. She knew she would have to find a way to deal with this infatuation immediately - it could just be Alistar's personality and character alone she was attracted to. Since that was clearly not going to change, she would have to make some changes herself.

"Actually, tea would be lovely," She said sweetly. Initially, Bianca had thought of refusing, but tea never ceased to calm her. Considering the flustered emotions she had just experienced along with the overwhelmingness of the events period, she felt it may do her some good to have a hot cup of tea.

She felt the locket weighing on her chest. It was a strange, surreal feeling all that had just occured and there was something mildly unsettling about it all. Bianca assumed it was probably a mixture of this all happening in a compacted amount of time - also, winter break had just began. She had completed some challenging final exams and had been academically pushing herself with every class. Tea may help, but now that she really thought about it what she probably needed was rest.

Letting out a silent breath, she glanced at Alistar. "And I've had no reason not to enjoy it here - I've come to see it as a second home," Bianca replied, surpising herself with her own honesty in the statement. But, what else could she have done? She spent so much time at Hogwarts; she was just accustomed to living there by this point. "I think the first year is always the most difficult," she added, "mainly because when you're only eleven you're practically a child still used to be taken care of. And the environment is also different, yes, but with me my academics always kept me busy."

"Really, it wasn't too dramatic a change. I was tutored thoroughly as a child, so really studying has been consistent. I think the hardest thing to adapt to for me was speaking in English," Bianca said, smiling to herself, remembering how irritated she had been that she could not speak in her native tongue. "At first I felt we were a bit limited here, but you already heard what I think of the new addition to the curriculum."

[PROFESSOR LESTRANGE]

Nodding, Alistar pulled his wand from the small of his back. When not wearing his robes, that's where he held it. A small holder on the vest of his suit. Waving it in the air, a pair of tea cups and pot floated over to his desk. It also slowly began to reheat itself as the contents began to pour into the cups, splitting in mid air as they settled into them.

Once they were done being filled the teapot would settle on the desk. Alistar reached down and picked up both cups handing one to Bianca. "I want to try and open up things a bit more for the students. Just, I don't feel that everyone should be able to learn them." Referring to the Muggles as he said this. "Trust me, a lot out there that students don't know about will soon be offered here. We should not go with out knowing as much as one wants to learn."

[BIANCA BEAUMONT]

Bianca took the teacup, murmuring a small 'thank you.' She waite before raising the cup to her lips, as she could still see the steam rising from the tea. The smell alone was enough to relax her muscles, easing and tension of any sort. Her wandering thoughts were interupted when Alistar once more began speaking, piquing her interest. This resulted specifically from one phrase that he had spoken, causing her gaze to lock onto him.

So, he wanted to open things up, yet felt that such information should not necessairily be available to everyone. There was a sudden conflicting clash of emotions. No doubt, it was because Bianca knew she had muggle blood in her...where, she was not sure. Being adopted, she had not bothered questioning too much about her genetic origins. Her parents had only clarified she was a half-blood; her the woman who had given birth, whether she was magical or not, had not been able to care for her so she was given away. Luckily to a wizarding family.

She was not sure how to felt about that, what with Alistar wanting to close access to information to muggles. It may be better though; regardless of having pride in one's blood purity, if more squibs were becoming frequent, then that could possibly result in a dramatic loss of magical blood. It was a fearful thought.

Bianca then focused her attention on his addressing of improving the curriculum. This excited her greatly, as Bianca was always looking for reasons to learn new spells and enchantments. "I'll be anticipating any upcoming additions to the curriculum," Bianca said, taking a sip of her tea. It had cooled, but was still rather warm and soothing.

She sat her cup down. "But, how will you approach making any additional academics selective?" She questioned, curious as to how he was planning to go about this, "I assume you were referring to those with a more prominent muggle background, but such a distinction between blood types may result in more...brutal controversy." Her words were thoughtful, as she was genuinely contemplating the notion. She could only imagine the uproar that would occur if more people were aware of what Bianca and Alistar were discussing in that office, at that very moment.

[PROFESSOR LESTRANGE]

Alistar sipped on the cup of tea he had left in his hand. She spoke with such elegance that he almost sent a chill down his spine. Bianca was a girl that had been raised in a fine place. The tea warmed him and help him calm the excitement a little of his vision coming true within the times.

Placing his cup back onto his desk. He walked back to the other side of his desk as she spoke. This made him realize that he had to write a letter to the Governors. "That will take a lot of politics my dear." He said as he reached onto a shelf next to his desk and brought out a piece of parchment, laying it on his desk to remind him later.

"When do you leave for home, if I may ask?" Turning his attention back to her and his cup of tea.

[BIANCA BEAUMONT]

When was she leaving for home? She had planned to leave by the following Monday, but that morning she had just received an owl saying that her parents' business in Germany had for some reason been prolonged, delaying their return to France. Usually, Bianca would not have minded; however, considering that when her parents returned impacted when she would go back resulted in their delayed departure being a bit of a nuissance.

Not that Bianca needed her parents to be home for her to return - she could very well get back on her own with no problem. She had done it before. The reason for Bianca's hesitancy was that if her parents ended up not returning to Paris at any time during the winter break, then Bianca might as well remain at Hogwarts. Aside from spending time with her mother and father, there was not much else for her to do there aside from the classic, social activities should would take part in with her parents' friends' daughters. In other words, shopping, gossiping, shopping, reading, shopping, visiting the Louvre (one of Bianca's favorite places), and of course more shopping (as mature as she liked to think she was, Bianca was still a teenager, and being a young girl had a special love for shoes).


"As of now, I am not sure," she responded. Her voice remained fairly even-toned, but there was a faded, distant look in her eyes. No, she was not homesick. Bianca actually would at times welcome the time she got to herself and the quietness of isolation; it actually could prove to be quite productive. But, what caused that far-off look was a distantly-related matter, and irrelevant to what she was discussing at present.

Bianca blinked. "I had planned on leaving in the next few days, but I actually may just remain here," She said with a casual shrug, then smile. The gleam returned to her large, doe-like eyes. "I simply see no reason in returning to a vacant house, especially when I could be more productive here."

[PROFESSOR LESTRANGE]

Alistar nodded at her statement, this had given him an idea. One that would help her and help in the long run. He thought carefully over what he was going to do. How it may effect her and if she would use it wisely. The ability was not one to that could be used just because. Especially at her age, he had yet to test to see how strong her will was also.

He decided he would still test her strength in this department. Taking another sip of his tea, he would place his eyes on her. "That's is particularly sad. Yet, if that is the case, I have another proposition for you. How would you like to learn an intriguing ability? One that you can try and use for the task I have given you."

[BIANCA BEAUMONT]

Nochalantly, she shrugged her shoulders. It was not ideal, that was for sure, but Bianca did not like to see herself as sad because of it. It would just seem a bit...pathetic, to be honest. She of course missed her parents and would certainly prefer to go to Paris for the greater duration of winter break, but at the same time she just did not see a reason to return. Aside from trivial hobbies, there was nothing she could do back home that she could not partake in at Hogwarts.

That being said, she went on to think about what she could do if she did in fact end up staying: practicing spells, reading books, perhaps even a little bit of gardening. The last was a bit of a random hobby that Bianca had found herself recently partaking in, and it was a hobby she really was not sure if she was going to continue with it much longer. Bianca had taken herbology for some time, but for whatever reason she had begun to take a sudden interest in plant life - she even had gone as far as to learn a few charms to help keep a small collection of plants alive on her window sill. Yes, it was an...odd addition.

It was at this point Bianca heard Alistar say something that practically ripped her from her thoughts. "An ability?" She repeated, her curiousity piqued. Another proposition? Bianca felt her heart jump, a mixture of nervousness as well as excited anticipation. She knew that Alistar was a stronger supporter of the Dark Arts...she briefly wondered if he may teach her something in relation to that subject. The notion was a dangerous one that many people in the wizarding community would frown upon of course, but at the same time the concept was one that was attractive to Bianca. Very attractive.

She found herself fingering the locket. A part of Bianca could not help but fear...unsure at the same time. Predominantly, it was a fear of failure. She suddenly was worried Alistar might have had something in mind that she was not prepared for, not ready to take on - but uncertainty was not good either. Once more she mentally chided herself; if Alistar knew of her waivering confidence, then he would not at all be impressed.

For that reason, she placed her fears in a box and locked them away.

Her eyebrows raised ever so slightly, the interest evident in her eyes. By this point she had stopped fingering the necklace, relaxing her muscles and maintaining a remarkable amount of poise. There was no better time to learn anything, she realized, as it was winter break - meaning the school would not entirely be occupied. Also, there would be no schoolwork of anything of academics that would distract her. "I think that would be a wonderful idea," she said, "As of now, I have no higher priority."

[PROFESSOR LESTRANGE]

Alistar eyed her more carefully now. She seemed determined and very eager to find out what he was speaking of. He honestly didn't want to hurt her but that was the best way to learn of the ability. To firstly experience it and then try to use it in you're own personal way. He raised his hand and tapped his lip thinking over how to really prepare her for it, but there was honestly no way.

"Well, I'm sure you know of Legilimency. Most people consider it "mind-reading". Able to read ones thoughts and feelings and view the past memories." He waited to see her expression on the details he had laid out in front of her. Hopefully, she wouldn't shy away from this opportunity.

[BIANCA BEAUMONT]

Legilimency.

She had heard of it. Bianca had practically studied it - but never enough in depth to where she could even hope to learn it. Being able to navigate one's mind was never a small, trivial task; if anything, it could take quite some time to aquire even an adequact amount of skill to perform the task. From what Bianca knew, it was extremely difficuly to learn the art without any sort of tutor as without proper instruction the ability may not be conditioned properly and even be a bit risky.

Consdering that, Bianca knew that this was a very rare opportunity.

But, that did not mean she was fearless.

Bianca remained still, carefully constructing the proper answer to give. She knew it would be more than foolish to turn down such a rare and even honorable offer. At the same time, she did not want to look as stupidly eager that she would appear on the level of a common imbecile. The excitement was practically eating away at her from the inside-out; legilimency was something she had always appeared to have in the back of her mind, but never the exact means to do so. After all, being able to get into someone's head? Bianca couldn't thing of a better way for gaining information.

She reminded herself to keep a contained expression, which she did. However, her large, doe-like eyes seemed to brighten with youthful enthusiasm causing a flicker of innocent desire to briefly show on her cool, delicately sculpted face. "I do know of legilimency," she said to Alistar, "And learning it would be something I would be more than honored to partake in." 'Remain calm,' she reminded herself. 'Remain calm, and don't look stupidly eager.'

"I agree, it would also be quite helpful in accomplishing what you've asked me to do," Bianca then added, glancing back at Alistar. Why else would the man have suggested it? Now that Bianca thought about it, legilimency would have been the ideal way to go about finding information and who thought what in Hogwarts. It was close to being a full-proof plan - Bianca just needed to do her part and do the work given. She knew she was bright; there was some confidence in her educational ability for sure. Still, he felt her ribcage tremble so very slightly as she spoke to Alistar, the excitement of learning legilimency and childish infatuation with the headmaster easily creating an uncomfortable feeling deep in her chest.