“Of course, Headmaster.” He nudged a small, green quill near the inkwell. It leapt gracefully into the air and scribbled a note to record the request. When the nib lifted, it turned first to its owner and then to the visitor, as if to seek further instruction before resting once more.

Knox turned the conversation to SAWS, having heard of their plans for the upcoming Hogsmeade weekend.
“What’s your read on it.”

“A disagreement with the joke shop,” Ignan remarked, palms momentarily tipping upwards. “Considering the numbers of students who frequent it, I am a little sceptical whether it will grow any support.” Many of the products were listed on the Hogwarts confiscation list, carefully curated by caretakers over decades.

“It is a rag-tag group of students who have formed it this year,” he continued, settling back in his chair, a thoughtful rhythm to his words, “I did wonder if would implode at once point.” There had been mentions of scuffles and Temple’s werewolf status had not kept itself under wraps, not that much ever stayed secret in the school.

“If they wish to expend their energies on a protest then so be it. We will of course have a staff presence in the village, myself included. Miranda needs little excuse to be down in London.” He shrugged with a hint of a wry smile.

“Why, do you feel Zeta Pepper needs a lecture?” Sylvain Onuris had tried that. He also welcomed Ignan back to work with a hug. The wizard was not full of good decisions of late.

"Merlin, no!" Knox said quickly and loudly. He laughed and wiped a hand down his face.

"Lecture Zeta Pepper? No that never works. One does try, though. In this, she's put her mind to something that has the intent, at least, of community service. But no, best I walk my tightrope of playing impartial facilitator. They brought in Ballentyne, did you know?"

Of course he did.

"I say they'll need to cause a notable catastrophe to earn a censure from me."

Knox didn't need to mention that it wasn't an impossible turn of events. For whatever reason, the student werewolf support club was adept at blowing things up.

"Do give them some space for me, won't you, Ignan? I think it's an earnest effort."

“… They brought in Ballentyne, did you know?”

It was received with the slightest nod of the head.

“I say they’ll need to cause a notable catastrophe to earn a censure from me.”

Knox’s Deputy did not hide his wry smirk at this suggestion. He entertained his mind with imagining what kind of catastrophe they might cause to finally turn Greyfriar against them. Burning down the hospital wing, necromancy… murder?

“Do give them some space for me…”

In response, Ignan lifted both hands to indicate his position.

“Distant dispersal tactics only if necessary, Headmaster.” He agreed. “Though they may only require a ‘notable’ catastrophe from you, the general public of Hogsmeade may have a lower bar.” He shrugged, “but a life lesson may be necessary if earnest turns into overbearing.”

It might turn out to be something so docile as a group stood with placards quickly boring and meandering off as time wore on, or they might turn the shop’s own products against it. Well, if anything dissuaded them from buying or entering the place, that was fine with the Deputy Headmaster, caretaker and daresay most of the staff.

“You won’t be putting in an appearance to show solidarity then, Headmaster?”

Now Ignan had Knox lightly laughing.

"Distant dispersal tactics..." Knox echoed under his breath with a smile. This school would be in shambles without the sly and steady Ignan Storm. He had no disagreement with the deputy's evaluation of an appropriate response to inappropriate escalation.

Ignan inquired as to if Knox intended to make a showing on the day. Knox hemmed and hawed his shoulders from side to side demonstrating an inner debate.

"Do you ever find my presence inflammatory?" Knox asked in response, stroking his beard. "I had thought of stopping by, I honestly had. Were I in their place I think I'd want to know the adults in the high tower were not apathetic. On the other hand, my regrettable celebrity could usurp the credit they deserve for whatever ruckus they make. I've never been much of an activist."

He certainly had never been in his youth. No, as a young wizard Knoxie Greyfriar's principles moved on the tides of his peers. He'd gone just about wherever he was told right up until the world exploded which inspired in him a new way of choosing paths.

With that, he gave Ignan's desk a gentle thump. "Let's hope for a quiet weekend."