21 Sept 2012
Evening, immediately following Closets and their Skeletons
The Headmaster's office

After Atticus Roark departed, Knox Greyfriar stood still for many long moments. In the silence, the lofty tower chambers were filled with sounds of fire crackling, clocks ticking, and the wind battering the window panes. Then a voice from above.

"Oh, you've stepped in it now, Greyfriar," said the portrait of Dilys Derwent.

Knox turned round to look up, hands on his hips.

"You must not cave to the pressure," chimed in Armando Dippet, with sleep in his voice. "Why, when the Chamber of Secrets was opened, there was public outcy, they demanded my resignation, but I did not budge."

"That is a different story altogether, entirely different. That wasn't your doing, however you handled it. This, Greyfriar has brought upon himself. Fourty-seven wands - imagine! Here in this castle, in some box."

Knox sighed. He had great respect for the council left behind by Headmasters and Mistresses past, but on the edge of the brazen confrontation he was in no mood.

"No no, let's hear it. What would you have me do?"

A drawling tone came from the portrait of Severus Snape. "Really, Greyfriar - can't figure it out for yourself. A reputation … isn't …  everything."

Dilys Derwent then said, "it isn't only his. This kind of thing can cause trouble for the school."

And now the harsh bariton of old Headmaster Black. "The self-righteous fall so loudly from their high horse. Do wake me up when he's moving out his things. I'd like to see that very much."

"I won't be threatened," Greyfriar claimed. "I've weathered worse."

"Perhaps," Albus Dumbledore said. "The best time to tell the truth was immediately. The second best time is … now, I should say."

"Advice on secrets from Albus Dumbledore," Greyfriar said with a tisk and shake of the head. "I've seen it all now."

Dilys wasnt done. "Well, you'd better handle this soon. Every minute you keep those wands buried, is another minute those who've lost them won't have answers."

"You all certainly seem to know a great about my business," Knox observed, a little perplexed.

"The walls have ears, Greyfriar. I knew you were dense, but honestly," said Black.

Dippet had to put in again. "Don't let the boy manipulate you. You must do the right thing. Protect Hogwarts, protect the students, the best way you can."

Dumbledore had to agree with his old mentor. "There is no other path. Wise wizards know there is but once choice for any dilemma, and it is not ever easiest."