The first month or so of school had been a rather bumpy ride. With the tournament and new professors, Naomi was happy her issues were like a drop in a raging river. But with everything back to some semblance of normal Naomi continued her life at school, family duties and responsibilities, and private endeavors. Occlumency lessons and the Racketeer Transfiguration club were a new addition to her lifestyle she enjoyed, and it took an edge off a lot of her problems: she felt much more lighthearted and stress-free, allowing her to get more work done quickly so she could have more free time.

However, now was the time to get some work done. With one of her father's un-returned magical ink pens and a roll of parchment tucked away in her long black hooded coat, Naomi set off to wander the castle in search of a victim for her History of Magic project: one of the foreign staff or older students.

Her boots quietly made their way across the castle floor, and, with her coat wrapped around her uniform, only the hem of her grey skirt added an a barely audible brush to her reserved approach as she moved through the castle and finally came upon one of the spare classrooms that seemed to have recently been setup for one of the seminars. The door was cracked open and there was a shadow inside, so Naomi peered her gaze into the room to see who it was.

A dark-haired, well-poised, and sharply dressed man. Since she hadn't seen him before she thought he could be one of a few things, the new Muggle Studies Professor, the new caretaker, or a foreign professor. From the way he dressed and moved he seemed to be only capable of fitting the latter profile, so Naomi gently pushed open the door, pushing her long braid off her shoulder as she walked into the room with a curious pout to her lips and a cool green gaze.

"Are you looking for somet'ing?" Naomi asked with a polite lilt in her tone as her eyes surveyed the room before returning her gaze back to the man, "You look like a new professor--" she voiced her internal observation as if they were a casual explanation for her own musings, "Or are you from one of 'di other schools?"

Questions, questions, questions--hopefully she could manage to ask the man a lot of questions before he could find an excuse to wander off. She wanted to write something interesting for her History project, or at least semi-interesting.

The voice cut unexpectedly[1] through the empty room.  Atash straightened, brows arched as he looked to the girl standing in the doorway, dressed in the green that he recognized as belonging to Slytherin House. 

It had been two straight years of transitions; no sooner had he gotten settled at the Scandinavian school than everything had shifted again with the start of the Tournament.  This faculty exchange was an interesting concept, but it brought its own share of challenges: professors who had grown comfortable in their own space and own techniques were suddenly forced to relocate, teach without a permanent classroom, using techniques and dealing with subjects that they might not prefer.  He didn't really mind it; he wouldn't have taken the job in the first place if he didn't like change, and living at Hogwarts for a year held its own allure and advantages.  But it did take some getting used to.

Such as being addressed by the strange, bold girl when he'd been getting settled in an empty classroom.  The mage arched a quisitive eyebrow, regarding the girl for a long, silent moment.  She hardly seemed aggressive -- she was likely offering help as much as she was inquiring.  She was simply direct about it.  Up front.  Probably curious.  He could hardly blame her.

"Good afternoon to you as well," he remarked politely.  Not Durmstrang, and not Beauxbatons: the French academy's students were far too well-mannered to accost a strange adult.  In fact, she seemed far too bold to be a visitor at all.  Are you from one of the other schools... That left one obvious conclusion.

"I apologize.  I did not realize that Hogwarts went through professors so quickly that it would be a question," he replied, giving her a slight nod as he turned to gather the rest of his papers.  "No.  I am from Durmstrang.  And you are, Miss...?"

1.	Because no one expects the Slytherin Inquisition.

Naomi's lips pursed and crawled into a white smile at the Durmstrang visitor's comment, "My name's Naomi Foley," she answered courteously. She wasn't ashamed about the whole issue with the professors at all (she wasn't a professor, after all), and she knew how to be independent with her academics. Besides, the man's comment was also the truth, so there was no sense in taking defense towards it. But Naomi did wish some professors would adhere to the merry-go-round tradition at Hogwarts.

"Yeah professor come and go 'round here. Everyone use t'say it was only the Defense Against the Dark Arts position that was 'cursed'," Naomi shrugged a shoulder to her cheek as she watched the pan gather his papers, "I guess it got passed around."

Her steady green gaze then steadied on the man's face, "But it doesn't hurt us as students, we've learned to mentor wit' certain people and study wit' other classmates or housemates..." Her lilting voice lingered as she tried to find the right words for the situation, "So Academically we've learned, among other skills, to arm ourselves wit'...ruthless efficiency," her voice was light and satisfied at her word choice--bold as it might be. But when a Hogwarts student wanted to do well, at least in Slytherin, they found every way to achieve such means.

Other types of students didn't count.

"So if you're from Durmstrang you're skilled in Tangibles, Intangibles, or Spellworks?" Naomi was glad that listening and chatting with Emi had its benefits into knowing something about Durmstrang, as guarded as the school liked to be. Though, Naomi didn't let the subjects roll of her tongue with more than a passing interest as she raised a hand up to her face and tapped a slender finger against her cheek, "...Mister?"

The mage gave a short, surprised laugh, glancing back at the girl with a quick look.  Ruthless efficiency, certainly.  The information about Hogwarts staff having a high turnover rate was something to consider at a later time, as was the knowledge that Hogwarts students studied outside of the classroom together.  None of her statements seemed to be maliciously intended; it would take a very bold student to try and manipulate or intimidate a visiting adult.  She was likely just being up front.

The question was fair enough, since he'd asked her first.  Atash gathered up the rest of his papers and then turned to face her, tucking them under his arm.

"Professor," he said mildly, "Hendurabi.  Yes.  I teach Spellworks."  It was interesting to see which terms she chose to throw about, and the way that she chose to phrase them.  Durmstrang students studied only one -- maybe two -- disciplines.  Intriguing that that had translated to its staff being skilled in one.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Foley," he said, giving the girl a faint, brief smile.  Polite.  Unflustered.  Confident and direct.  And she liked to observe.  "Which would you choose to study, if you were at Durmstrang?"

At the sound of "Professor" and "Yes", Naomi's lips lightly bent into a satisfied smile. That was the answer she was happy to hear, and so she was content that she could officially ask him for an interview so she could begin taking notes--but then he asked her another question, one she had never thought about or could immediately procure an answer for.

She quizzically pursed her lips and her lilt carefully lingered on the question, "If I was at Dursmtrang?" her mind thought of Emi for a moment and then Professor Maras, otherwise she didn't know much else about the school beyond things they said in class or  during a discussion, which wasn't a lot to begin with.

Even though the Slytherin was ignorant, she decided to use that to turn her advantage, meaning she got to ask more questions. She could write them down later, "Not really sure how everyone picks them--," she pointedly admitted, "Maybe Intangibles or Spellworks? Both?" she shrugged a shoulder towards her cheek, "Do students do that?"

"Could I still study Tangibles subjects?" Maybe that question was a little involved, "Do professors do somet'ing like that, specialize on t'ing and work on another?"

Atash chuckled quietly, smiling back at the Slytherin student, his expression relaxed.

"A few study two disciplines," he replied, inclining his head slightly.  Miss Foley had doubtlessly encountered several students already who did; the ambition, dedication, and natural ability required to undertake two disciplines at once often mirrored the social skillset that which was necessary for a student to become an Oberteil.  "But to do so is very rigorous.  None attempt three."

Intangibles and Spellworks -- it was an interesting choice.  Atash studied the girl silently for a moment, his expression thoughtful.  Intangibles suggested that she wanted to understand the world, while Spellworks often drew those who were attracted to obvious power.  Perhaps the choice of disciplines at Durmstrang said as much about the students as the choice of houses did elsewhere.  It was too bad that Hogwarts students were sorted by a talking hat.

"We professors are hired to teach in only one discipline," he said, raising an eyebrow at her.  "Much like your professors are here, though their jobs are more narrowly defined.  Like students, it is better for us to specialize in what we teach.  Could you imagine your Transfiguration professor teaching Ancient Runes as well, Miss Foley?"

At the gentle chuckle, Naomi lightly pursed her lips together as a hint of suspicion drawing her gaze to a curious stare. She wasn't quite sure what made him relax so much, but it was comforting, both for the reason she initiated the conversation and for some strange sense of satisfaction.

At the thought of Sandusky teaching Aileen's class, Naomi's gaze hit the floor with a cringe peeking at the corner of her lips. She didn't think the man was competent in his own classroom, she couldn't even begin to imagine him teach Aileen's class; knowing how to teach Runes didn't even begin to fill Aileen's shoes. Though she supposed one could just know the material needed to be taught, but somehow it seemed like professors needed something more than that.

"None attempt three?" she thought someone must have tried, at some point at least. Or maybe it was just impractical for people to try and pull a Schlagenweit. "No one's ever dabbled in somet'ing here or there? Just for themselves?"

Miss Naomi Foley was certainly unafraid of expressing her opinions.  If she was typical of Hogwarts students, he could see how Professor Maras would form such strong thoughts on them.  Her questions weren't out of line, but she was clearly inquisitive, thinking her way around what he had said and looking for exceptions. 

It was a good trait to have, not allowing oneself to be fenced in by the given, -- and one that he wished that more Durmstrangen would practice on a regular basis.  The students at his current school were trained to follow the rules at a young age, which also had its advantages, but did not always allow for overcoming obstacles in creative ways.  If what Miss Foley had said about the changing of the Hogwarts professor guard was true, then likely all of the students here had had to learn to think in such a way.  But there were possible downsides to such constant questioning, too.    Even creative thinking could be a trap when one spent too much time debating options or looking for the exception.

"That is a good question," he said, inclining his head to her.  "It sounds as though you are at least a little familiar with Durmstrang's practices, Miss Foley.  What do you think, based on what you know of our students?" he asked politely, giving her with a quizzical look.  "Do they strike you as the sort to dabble?  Why do you think that none would attempt to officially study all three?"

Professor Hendurabi seemed to be as interested in Naomi as she was in conducting a covert interview--but now her interest had begun to shift from that of a sense of academic duty to one of curiosity. Whether it was because this man was throwing as many if not more questions back at her than she could even muster or whether it was because he was interested in her answers, the witch wasn't sure. But she inherited her father's observant nature and dangerous sense of curiosity, so how this conversation ended or how it ended held the young witch's attention.

"Not really, just guessing," Naomi gingerly rolled one of her shoulders into a half-shrug, "And wondering--" then she pursed her lips into a careful smile, "It's just somet'ing I would be tempted towards." Though her parents had considered pulling a few strings to try and send her and her batch of brothers to Durmstrang for a reason, but that wasn't their final decision for whatever reason. Maybe Professor Hendurabi was going through the same mental motions her parents did years ago--but with her being so young when they mentioned it, this was only a fleeting idea that might gnaw at the back of her mind later.

Naomi then turned her casual tone to the question, "But just from Durmstrang students in my class, and one's I've met," she stopped to arch an eyebrow, and with some amused caution tinting her voice she added, "I won't pretend to be a legilimens about 'dis, but I can't imagine 'dem not having a pet project or two..." she only stopped for a moment before she slowly began again, "Or more..." she nodded her head to the side and smiled as she confidently finished, "At least I can't imagine any Durmstrang professors wit' less 'dan two or t'ree of their own."

At least that's the impression Maras gave--she had never had a class with Professor Hendurabi yet, but thus far, the man seemed just as ruthlessly capable as the Ancient Runes professor.

It was a fairly accurate assessment of both Durmstrang's student body and its staff.  Perhaps there were Dregs or lower-ranking Zufreiden who were content with mere classes, but for the Oberteil, experimentation was expected.  As for Durmstrang's professors -- well.  He wasn't one to ask or to tell.  Let Hogwarts speculate.

Atash gave the girl a tight-lipped smile, looking coolly confident at the pronouncement.  "Is that different than you would expect from Hogwarts' own professors?" he asked mildly.  "Or its students?  I would think that a group that likes to arm itself with --"  He gave her a dry, sidelong look.  "-- ruthless efficiency would take on a hobby here and there."

He rolled his shoulders in a shrug.  Ruthlessness was hardly confined to Durmstrang alone; he would be very surprised if certain foreign students could not rival the Durmstrangen, whatever the Nordic school's reputation.  This tournament was, after all, about pitting the best of the young magicians against each other.  But this conversation, here and now, was not the competition.

"Either way, you will get to see a bit of our teaching style in the joint classes, Miss Foley," Atash added, regarding her with a thoughtful smile.  "Do you have your own particular area of interest in your studies?"

• "Is that different than you would expect from Hogwarts' own professors?" he asked mildly.  "Or its students?  I would think that a group that likes to arm itself with --"  He gave her a dry, sidelong look.  "-- ruthless efficiency would take on a hobby here and there."

A mischievous smile creeped across Naomi's lips as she narrowed an amused stare at the older man. After a spring break involving a cursed dagger and the Reid sisters, a summer where she accidentally got stuck in and set of off every puzzle and trap in a sealed-off underground passage, and a transfiguration club meeting that was nothing short of hazardous[1] (mentally and physically) which led to a plan to sneak out[2] on Halloween night out of sheer curiosity, Naomi had  a few things to say about hobbies and 'ruthless efficiency'--but she wasn't dense enough to say any of that out loud, as much as she'd like to take a bite out of the bait he set--sometimes, what happened with the Hogwarts denizens, stayed with the Hogwarts denizens. So Naomi stayed comfortably silent as she let her devilish smile crawl across her lips while her shoulders gave an innocent shrug.

• "Do you have your own particular area of interest in your studies?"

"I don't know," she absent-mindedly admitted with a lighthearted chirp to her tone, "I find somet'ing I want or need, and if I know I can do it I turn it into a project... and maybe learn a few things too," or a lot, "I'm confident enough with runes, charms, arithmancy, and creatures, and I'm starting to like Divination too," Naomi's voice then churned with a hint of dread as she continued, but a smile was threatening to peer from the corner of her lips, "One day I feel like Professor Cosmos is going to throw us in an old shifting dungeon for a test and grade us on how quick or clever we are getting out," then her white smile shone through her lips before she decided she was getting bored talking about herself.

 "So are you going to help teach a class 'den?" Naomi began with hopeful curiosity, "Like transfiguration?" her eyebrows rose, expcting an answer to this question. Mostly because, while she had no idea how Professor Hendurabi taught, she'd prefer anyone else to pay attention to in that class. But she had a feeling the answer was 'no,' but maybe he'd do a seminar or something about it anyway.

1.	Let's Make a Racket
2.	In the Dark of the Night

Yes -- this one was certainly confident enough to have done well at Durmstrang.  Atash listened silently, a faint, bemused smile playing at his lips.  He had not yet met Professor Cosmos more than in passing -- divination was a subject that he preferred to give distance to -- but he would have to keep an eye out for the othere professor.

At her last question, the mage raised his eyebrows, tilting his head to the side in a shrug.  "I don't know about Transfiguration," he said with a slight smile.  "I am certainly not as wizened as your Professor Sandusky."  Not to mention that his interests and talents lay elsewhere when it came to spell casting.  Transfiguration was a brutal, heavy-handed magic.  He much preferred simplicity.

"But yes.  I have no doubt that I will teach something."  He favored her with a smile.  "Perhaps I will see you in class?  I look forward to seeing more of your talents, Miss Foley.  I will be disappointed if you do not impress."

The man gave her another smile as the conversation moved on, but she was sad to hear that Transfiguration was not his forte. Naomi sourly twisted her lips at this answer, and the face that he didn't elaborate more on the topic. He seemed ready to end the conversation now, and it was probably now time for her next class, but she wasn't sure if he gave her anything concrete to work with for writing an interview--she would probably have to review the whole thing via a pensieve.

At least he was going to be doing something,, and this unfurled Naomi's lips into a satisfied smile, "Unless I decide to brew an invisibility potion," she shrugged her shoulders back and her lips twitched into a smirk at the man's expectations of her,  "I will have to look forward to doing 'dat then, but I should get my t'ings together for class now. It was nie talking wit' you," she nodded and then turned towards the door, looking forward to what sort of paper she could muster up from their conversation.

"Will be seeing you another time," and she gave the man one last smile before she left him to his own musings.