Ollie had opened the store like any other Monday morning. She was much more enthused as she was finally just over a week out from a full moon. She was finally in that joyous zone where she wasn't exhausted physically from the transformation and wasn't cranky, moody and exhausted for the upcoming moon. These were the times when she felt she could get the most done about the shop. The extra special things that need to be done once a month. So, Ollie had flipped the open sign on the door of the shop and set about doing the morning clean of the cages. She set some scrubbing spells going while she started to set up the cleaning for the other cages.

She didn't anticipate many customers right off the bat. This was not a store people came to first thing the moment the sign flipped. The Christmas rush of gifts had passed and now it was simply the regular clientele, the ones who needed a replacement house owl or needed a pet to produce a specific ingredient that they always needed fresh and on hand. Not to mention those who popped in for feed restock. Ollie wasn't expecting to be too busy and thought she could get a fair bit down that morning. That was until she heard the bell above the door jingle. She peeked her head around a row of bird cages to inspect just who it was that had popped in. "Can I help..." The sentence faded incomplete. Whatever ever was the Headmaster of Hogwarts doing here?  "Headmaster?" The word came out as familiar but then realized what does she call him now she isn't a student.

Knox Greyfriar was nosy and self-assured enough to believe he could find anyone he needed to find. He had considerable resources as well-connected as he was. It would have made him feel less guilty if this particular anyone had been difficult to track down, because that would have been a convenient excuse as to why he'd stopped sending owls. It was coming up on three years since a fifteen-year-old Ollie Foley, a werewolf sopping wet, had shown up at his door after a night that would rival the worst either of them had ever experienced.[1] It was a night they both should have been welcome at Hogwarts school. Lacking that, they'd made due. And the world kept turning. He should have kept in better touch. But seeing her in the shop, the guilty feelings fluttered away as if startled by a loud noise, and Knox smiled wide.

"Olivia!" he said happily and opened his arms wide in greeting. A man of his size and with that voice disquieted a flock of something roosting in the rafters and they dropped a few feathers. Knox made himself a little smaller to keep the peace in the small shop, he kept his smile though.

"I think I've missed my chance to say happy new year, so I'll just settle on hello at the moment. You look alright."

They both looked alright. Every werewolf in Britain looked alright, right about now.

1.	14 Mar 2009 - Home for Disadvantaged Werewolves

Olivia looked up at rafters as feathers fluttered down. She chuckled, you would think they weren't comfortable with loud noises or people being around. What was even up there now, she felt like it was everchanging who decided to roost up there.

"Ah yes, the new year has moved into not being as recent hasn't it." They were mid-month now. "You look alright too," Olivia would have to agree. They both did but it was the right time for that.

"It is good to see you," it made her very aware just how much time had lapsed and how she should have kept in touch. An ally in time when she had needed someone. When she had heard he was Headmaster again she should have reached out. He had been then there during a time when she needed support and it was nice to see him back at a place he could do some good.

"What brings you to the Menagerie?" She gestured to her surroundings as she said it. "A new owl, a new toad?" She was pretty sure nobody ever wanted a toad, yet they were still in stock they were always in stock.

It was old hat by now for Knox Greyfriar to see former students grown up and out of uniform. Just as seasoned were the pangs of feeling older and marveling at how fast time moved when he wasn't looking. An occupational hazard, as comfortable as autumn.

"I'm here to see you, actually," said Knox. He reached into the pocket of his blue and brown robes and pulled out a small wrapped box and held out to her.

"It's nothing. Just a tin of tea, a blend from the greenhouses. But I thought it better than not to interrupt your day with some kind of pleasant preamble."

As easy as it was for Knox to cope with seeing his students grown and alive in the world, he knew to be patient with them. Between the two of them, he had the easier task. Even, Fauna Blake was still calling him, 'sir' from time to time and they saw each other not infrequently.  Whether Knox wanted to or not, he could just vanish away the fact that for the vast majority of their relationship Knox Greyfriar had been teacher, keeper, and guardian to Olivia. It tended to color things and he didn't want to impose.

"I can't stay away from the castle long this morning, but I wanted to talk to you. Is that alright?"

See her? Whatever for? She did acknowledge that they had a different relationship than the average student and Headmaster. Knox had helped her through some tough times and when she couldn't return home. It was something she cherished but she still struggled with where they were and how she was to address him. Was it Knox, Sir or Headmaster? So it left Olivia a little stumped as to why he was here in her shop looking to speak with her. He had left the school to speak with her.

As the present came out she was sure there was the look of momentary panic on her face that she had nothing to return to him in kind. "Oh thank you," it was one of the few gifts she had received this year. She would enjoy a cup of tea so that was nice perhaps she would leave it in the shop for when she needed it.

"Yes, of course, you can talk with me." She looked at him sure there was a curious expression on her face. "Whatever is so important you are here?" There was no denying her interest was peaked and she wanted to know what was on his mind.

It wasn't fair to ask anything of Olivia Foley, but it was also unfair to withhold the a chance for her to be helpful. It was to be Hufflepuff to want that chance from time to time, and it was Hufflepuff to provide the opportunity.

"The welfare of the youngest generation," Knox answered. He moved around the shop, still empty at this hour, and found a sturdy crate to use for a seat.  He crossed on leg over the other and began to explain.

"There are two werewolf students at Hogwarts, both of them young. For each of them, it's their first term at Hogwarts as a werewolf."

It was Knox's first term at Hogwarts in the same condition as well. 

"The high castle walls can't keep out the evil voices of the world that would have us all vanish, and I'm finding that things I was sure about are going translucent bit by bit. And in those times, old wizards like me begin casting about for more ..."

He paused and waved a hand, looking for the word. "Context? Perspective."

"Olivia Foley, you are the youngest oldest werewolf I know. What would you want your professors to have known?"

They'd all done their best. Knox Greyfriar and Nicodemus Gunnar and Myrni Levartian and Kendall Fleetfoot and Olivia Foley, they'd all given it their all. But in the end, Hogwarts hadn't been home for Ollie.

The welfare of the younger generation was a big task and Olivia felt it was beyond her abilities to assist with that. Right? What could she do? Though as Knox began to speak she listened, understanding more what she could do to help to assist. Though she felt it was a heavy question. Olivia nodded her head, the Hufflepuff in her wanting to do something to help, to assist. But it also meant facing the fact Hogwarts had not been her home. It meant facing the failure that it was to be the normal girl she ever so wanted to be.

"I see," she said as she leaned against a near table. "It is not an easy time," she started. "Young people aren't always nice, but then people aren't always nice are they." Olivia would not wish upon anyone to enter those halls as a werewolf. "I am not sure which would be easier, to start at Hogwarts as a werewolf or become one in the middle of your education." Olivia couldn't imagine it would be easy for them the change, their friends accepting it. At least when she arrived at Hogwarts what she was was in fact the way she would always be.

"I think," Olivia paused unsure how to phrase it. "I think I would have wanted them to know how difficult it was. How sometimes classes and course work was the least of my worries. I think support and aid when things will be tense with friends and other classmates." Olivia quickly added, "Not that I don't feel like I was supported." She hesitated again as it stirred memories of that fateful incident the one she would forever remember and replay in her head. "I still replay how I ended up in the situation I did to attach Sasha and I feel awful about it. But I think Hogwarts understanding it can happen and perhaps assisting a student through such a situation if required. Not to say it is okay but to support a person if it were to happen."

Olivia thought back onto her education. She made the choice to leave because it was too much. "I left because of the guilt and the judgment or perceived judgment of my peers." Olivia shrugged, "I was in my head and felt unwelcome. It was too difficult. And I am not sure the professors could have helped with that. They, of course, knew it is tough on the body and could impact my education they made accommodations. But the mental toll of the condition is tough on a young mind."

The Headmaster listened without fidgeting, a quiet presence in the warmth and life of the Magical Menagerie. Knox had always been a good listener, he had an instinct for how much eye contact was too much, when to interject with mumbled accordance or when to just nod or smile or frown or make himself busy with making tea or something to make the conversation less confrontational. In some the skill might be seen as a tool for manipulation, and charming people like Knox were easily accused of that, but truly it came naturally. Listening was a no more passive activity than was talking.

Something Olivia said about 'classes and coursework' being the least of her worries, it rang bright and clear of the conversation he'd had with one of the werewolf students Lucinda Temple just a few days ago.[1] The last full moon had been too overwhelming and she'd disappeared from class for a couple of days. Lucinda seemed unafraid to confront him with her issues, but he suspected Greer would just as easily prefer never to see him again.

"What helped you the most?" Knox asked after a pause. "When things were hardest, what actually made the difference of you feeling secure, wanted, capable?"

He had a sneaking suspicion it wasn't necessarily just the extra night off classes or extensions on essays.

1.	12 Jan 2012 - Just Been A Ruff Few Days

What helped her the most? That felt like such a loaded question and not what she felt she could exactly pinpoint. "I don't know that it was strictly one thing." Olivia hesitated to continue not sure how much she was helping in this conversation. "I think ultimately a compassionate professor willing to look out for my interests and my friends that defended me and made me feel welcome. I think a sense of community was important and that I wasn't an outsider. I mean, of course, understanding on the academic side was helpful but it wasn't the most helpful."

As she finished her sentence she wondered if it made it seem like she had not had that, but she had. It was just a bunch of things that made her feel like Hogwarts was not the place for her. Olivia hoped Knox knew that. Granted the Headmistress at the time was very different and not the most welcoming to her kind in any event.

"Was that at all helpful? I don't know if that was helpful." Olivia said a little nervously.

Knox nodded along. Had he not been a werewolf himself, had they not both had that burden in common, he'd have probably stopped here. He'd have stopped imposing on time and the work it took to face a painful past. But that's not where they were at, were they? Both were under the same moon and if they couldn't ask and recieve council from each other, then from who? The Werewolf Wing? Hardly ever, and certainly not now.

"No, no, that's very illuminating. I hope you got at least a sliver of any of that. You know..." he sat up straighter and his eyebrows brightened.

"You know, your ghost lingers in the castle even these late days. I wouldn't say you're a 'figure' or anything, but your impact is felt."

He let the information hang in the air, wondering at her reaction. He'd known her when she was younger and it had never been about the spotlight for Olivia Foley. She'd just wanted to get on with things.

"Yes," Olivia said thought perhaps she didn't sound entirely sure. "I feel I did get some of it from people and I think that is why I could stay as long as I did." Olivia wished she could give a more positive spin to her experience but it felt that the end of her experience overshadowed the beginning. Funny how that could happen.

"Oh really?" Olivia said with some surprise. She had not expected to have a lasting impression on the school. "I never expected that I would have any sort of lasting impression." She just wanted to get on with her life and being some sort of figure had never been in the plan. "Though that is nice to know." She was still a little stunned. "I never hoped to make a difference but knowing there are newer younger werewolves it feels like a good opportunity to make some difference for them in a way."

Knox couldn't help but smile seeing Olivia light up a bit at the notion she'd left an imprint on Hogwarts. It did feel nice to find out you mattered to someone.

He chuckled. "Those two little werewolves - how do I put it..." How should he put it. "Let's just say, if you're a sunflower, the elder is a biting snarlbush[1] and the younger a nettle[2], Merlin bless them both."

Then, in the way that Knox did, as if he'd just thought of something but really he'd had it with him all along.

"Funny thing, SAWS," (he found the acronym awkward), "has been innervated anew. Led by a Hufflepuff. Again. Causing a stir. Again."

Knox wasn't angry or perturbed by it but it was perplexing. He'd heard that it had caused someone to get stabbed with a fork while Knox was away those few years, not to mention Darcy Bloxham destroying the Hospital Wing in a demonstrative fire.

"They are quite zealous, or so I hear. How'd you find it when you were there?"

1.	Lucinda!
2.	Greer!

"If you think they would benefit from talking to someone like me, I'm open to it," Olivia said it faster than she had time to dwell and think on it. Maybe it wasn't the best idea but she had said it and maybe she could do some good.

"Ah yes, SAWS," Olivia chuckled a little. "I am surprised it had a resurgence they definitely meant well in every rendition of the group, even if it was a bit much." Olivia thought it had good intentions, to begin with, but each time it was met with an adversary that seemed to stamp it out for a moment. "I wish it the best but I don't know how helpful I found it. But then you know me I wanted to just be me and not Ollie the werewolf."

"How do you feel about the little group starting up again?" If she recalled there had been some damage to Hogwarts blamed on that very group.

"Mean well, yes they certainly do," Knox concurred.

"Well, they've only had the one meeting so far," he said with a wince. "But I thought I'd read your tea leaves, as it were, before things got too hairy. I haven't been able to identify our steady hands at Hogwarts. We've got a great many leaders, and a great many scholars, and a great many lovers, but some steadiness might be nice from time to time. We've had them before. Even if it was just a hat our more punchy students could trade off wearing. Perhaps I should see the milliner, see if he has any... hats. For steadiness."

Knox had delayed attempting to get any official report of the first session; better for everyone he remain in the dark while they got their feet under them, but he knew of a few of the main personalities. Ayla Collins - she'd be steady if she wasn't so distracted. Tim Pepper - now that was a steady Pepper, but not quit got his confidence. Hmm.

"To your direct question, I'm ill-at-ease about SAWS returning, but that's exactly how an old bear like me should feel when the youth organize. My concern is completely misplaced, I assure you. I'd burn down a bridge sooner than I'd see them disband by some decree."

He'd been talking too much. Olivia was a very nice witch, too nice maybe to tell him to can it, or shuffle him off so she could get back to her business.

Olivia chuckled, she couldn't help it. "If only there was a hat." Olivia thought if only, it could be helpful. "I think they can come together in a positive way with the right people. It might just be what the new ones need to feel supported by their peers. I think that helped a lot having people like Fauna and Sophie in my life."

"But that is good of you not decree them to disband and give them the opportunity to organise." Olivia appreciated his approach and wished that he had been there for all of her schooling perhaps it would have been a different story. Knox had been a positive adult figure in her life and she really did appreciate it. "They are lucky to have a headmaster like you."

"Though you can let the young new werewolves know I am a resource I am open to being contacted by them." She had managed to survive childhood as a werewolf and her teen years. If only she could use that to offer some helpful guidance.