Accepted! ~Elle

Ignan is written by Kit
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Twentythirty-something British person who houses a grumpy old wizard in the back of her mind.

All About Ignan Storm

Full Character Name: Ignan Salus Storm
(Roughly, of fire, health and well being and weather, which has more meaning in previous incarnations of the character to this)

Character Birthday & Age: 10th September, 1944. Turned 67 in September 2011.

City & Country of Birth: Hanover, Germany

Pureblood, Halfblood or Muggleborn?: Pureblood Halfblood?
(as far as the majority are concerned, he's pureblood though the reality is far more murky)

Alma Mater: Durmstrang

Position at Hogwarts: Professor of Defences from November 2008, Deputy Headmaster from September 2009.

Wand: 10 inches, ebony, dragon heartstring core
(Ignan has owned several wands over his lifetime, though favours ebony wood in the past four decades.)

Previous Wand: Ebony wood, 10 and 3/4 inches, dragon heartstring
(His favourite wand was snapped by the Italian Ministry after being confiscated for murders.)

Patronus: Augurey

Married to: Miranda Storm nee Carter, married 28th December 2010 in Kaldfjord, Norway

Physical Description:

Ignan Storm stands at 6ft 2in tall, and maintains his weight at about 170lb (not overweight). He is considered fairly tall and is broad shouldered with a tendency to grow a paunch when well fed. Large, long fingered hands, and long feet balance his height, which only gets accentuated when he towers over a student's desk. As a younger man, his hair was light brown, but grew white prematurely by his forties, and remains such with a slight receding hairline. Ignan's eyes are a piercing blue, and his skin is a pale white that does tan a little in the sun before it burns fiercely.

The first impression of Ignan would be a tall gentleman, who carries himself well. Generally well groomed, with a lined face, and thinning white hair. Ignan tends to wear quite a stern expression, looking indignant or disapproving. His voice is deep, steady and precise, and although he speaks English without fault from a bilingual upbringing, he still has a German accent hanging on. Students may guess at his temperament being strict, which is certainly true, as he believes in good discipline and hard work.

His pace is marred by a slight limp in colder months, where an injury collected in his younger days aches. Otherwise, nothing more than his scowl. The limp has been with him since his late twenties. More recently he sustained a scar which is fading on his left arm above the wrist due to splinching in February 2009.

Personality Description:

Ignan takes great pride in anything he chooses to carry out. He is careful to consider what is worthy of his attention to detail, and is a great finisher of what is started, making him ideal to team up with an inspired mind whom needs grounding (if he doesn't want to throttle them first).

He is a perfectionist, not afraid to work hard to achieve what is needed, and rarely settling for anything less than the best. This applies both to his work, and to his students, who he will tirelessly push to ensure they do the same, and achieve their best.

Ignan is not one for a kind word, in honesty, it is rare, and only when he decides that for once it may be more effective. When he does speak kindly it is usually in a one-to-one situation, or to those closest to him when he feels he needs to show calm and support. These occasions happen when he teaches students patronuses, sometimes when they seek his advice alone, and when he sees mistreatment or lack of confidence. For example, when Johann is bullied by his father Meglomania, August 2009, or Noriko Wakahisa apologies for the splinching accident Sorry is the Magic Word, February 2009.

Ignan has few very close friends, and even those he does (Georg & Tapendra notably) he does not trust them absolutely, but he will go to the ends of the earth for them, or work to protect them without their knowledge. He considers Tapendra Trishna to be a very good friend, if not his best that he sees to date, now that Georg has once again moved away after they were reunited in 2009.

Few students will hear praises on any regular basis, even those who latch onto him, fascinated by the stern respect he gives each of his students. However, Ignan is aware of how powerful a well placed compliment becomes subsequently, and by uttering them he surprises and pleases students, improving their confidence slyly. He doesn't look for projects or favourites, but they do have a habit of finding him - tending to be the brightest, or worst, desperate for appreciation in some form.

As a child, Johann had been both fascinated and terrified by Ignan, who he had considered almost an uncle for the thirty odd years between their ages. He'd forever be traveling, the stories of him quashing dark risings as a Ministry auror would be retold in his absence. On his return, Johann remembered how old the wizard had suddenly become, weary of things, and almost scared of something he knew. Now, Ignan Storm seemed more self assured, and although older still, a figure who did not seem the sort to cross even now.

He has a dry wit for humour, not one for sharing jokes, rumours, in company he will often listen far more than he may speak, and remembers later. His jokes with students are rare and usually in very poor taste (once remarking Winifred Oliver would make a good coat stand after Bilius Clogg Spleen gave her antlers, Defence lesson, March 2009). Intelligent, and a wish to be highly observant mean that when he does drop a wry comment, it tends to be very personal - and depending on the situation, humiliating for the recipient. When intoxicated with alcohol, his humour is mellowed slightly but witnessing it often is more confusing for friends, who see it as very out of character Only Celebrate Birthdays When You're Young, Like Tapendra, March 2009.

In return, he tends to invite criticism for appearing aloof to his colleagues, destroying many chances of a particularly friendly or close relationship with them. However he does judge who he can trust amongst colleagues, and they in turn, can rely on him to watch their back, even if he's not the most cheery of fellows about it. Fiercely competitive over completing the crossword, or card games, Ignan particularly enjoys mental challenges with friends, though is not against propping up a bar on an evening once in a while.

Physically, Ignan is not a man of many extravagant expressions. He tends to avoid physical contact, feeling it unprofessional to touch a student, unless it is to adjust their wand position or footing. This is done with firm, but brief handling. Any other contact tends to be strategic, to emphasize a point in Ignan's favour, to control the outcomes of another's will, by breaking his normal patterns. If done in return, he will visibly flinch, and create distance. Hand holding, embraces or arm linking are amongst the actions he will rarely partake in. Hugging is never ever done these days.

History:

Although Ignan was born in Germany, Ignan's mother, Amelia, was English, and even to her death, had a very basic grasp of the local language. Amelia Murray was the daughter of Dr Christopher Murray and Lady Mary Giles, and sister of Thackery, Eliza, Kathryn and Mina.

She disliked living away from home, having fallen in love with a charming German wizard, Merik Storm, who was visiting England, she found herself unfortunately pregnant. Ashamed, having vowed to herself that she would marry and settle down before doing such a thing, she followed the German back to his home country, under the guise that they were to be together and marry. Had he not been returning to take up the position of Deputy Headmaster at Durmstrang, she would have insisted on remaining in England.

Merik Storm is the son of Uwe Storm and Imelda Hueber, and brother of Medgar. The family were pureblood German, intensely proud of their heritage and extensive family background which bled into Eastern Europe. Separated from her family, Amelia became severely homesick and melancholy, which suppressed any interest in integrating with the local community. In contrast, Merik, Ignan's father, of which he takes after in the majority of ways, was very proud to find he had a son on the way, and did not concern himself with Amelia's melancholy, rushing to arrange their marriage. His younger sister Imelda followed quickly after Ignan, after the marriage.

Ignan and Imelda grew up speaking English with their parents, for due to his mother's insistence, the family spoke English at home. Both grew up bilingual, also able to converse in the local language, which was also the tongue spoken at Durmstrang. The bilingual home life meant that Ignan is able to switch from one to the other, and his accent is fairly clean for both. He favours English, having conversed in it for the majority of his adult life.

School Life

Merik was headmaster of Durmstrang by the time Ignan arrived. His relationship with his father gave him great respect from this classmates, and he avoided an unfortunate school life of bullies, which was very lucky. Ignan was not however a ringleader, and instead seen as a useful ally for those who were, not only for his family ties, but also his brains. He worked hard to achieve the best of results in his examinations, and succeeded, to his credit. His sister followed in the year below, and the relationship between siblings was amicable, though they kept out of each other's way at school greatly.

Home life remained fairly tense, both children bonding with their mother, but always aware that their father had the greatest of control over the household. There would be quarrels, and Merik would always win. His word was rule in the house, and at school. Merik's wish to push both his children into success sometimes backfired, though Amelia wasn't mentally strong enough to stand up for them quite as much as she wished.

"I can remember my father collecting three boys for creating explosives for detonation in an exam, stripped them naked and tethered them to a wall in the dungeon before illustrating to his favoured obteils, myself included, how best slice flesh in the right way to cause either intense pain, or slow bleeding... I believe the three of them still would carry the scars today, which he claimed were due to birching." Looking back on it now, knowing his elderly father was more likely to sleep a good portion of the day than inflict pain on teenagers, it seemed like an entirely different person.

Ignan did receive some semi-useful training in Occlumency from his father, but found the training difficult, especially coming from a man who would not give up in pushing his son to mental exhaustion. Learning was not swift, and Ignan was almost relieved that his own academic achievements brought him to the interest of the German Ministry for Magic.

Working in the German Ministry for Magic & His Mother's Death

In 1962, after graduating from Durmstrang, Ignan began formal training in Berlin, achieving similar status to British Aurors, dispatched all over Germany to deal with all manner of unusual occurrences.

In 1965, things began to crumble at home. Gabrielle was born, and Merik hated how happy it made Amelia. Ignan's mother, no longer needing to look after her two children, was eternally melancholy apart from when she was away from Merik, and people had begun to talk.

In November 1965, Amelia finally told her husband how she had felt for the past two decades nearly. Her courage was not rewarded, her body found the following day at the base of the tallest tower at Durmstrangs, without her wand. The death was ruled as suicide. Ignan and his father never spoke about it, as if they both knew without asking.

The truth of the matter was a little different. The couple had argued furiously after the confession, resulting in Merik disarming and physically beating Amelia, who managed to escape him in their private chambers at the school. So isolated and alone, she had fled anywhere she thought she might be safe within the castle, eventually climbing the tallest tower. Merik chased her, still furious, and determined to regain control of his wife.

Up in the tower, Amelia threatened to jump if he didn't calm down - hoping that Merik actually did love her, or wanted to keep her alive. She miscalculated the twisted, evil thoughts of Merik - who had just heard from Amelia that she had only plucked up courage to confront him due to no longer being needed to look after their children. She was disposable. Without magic or might - and merely his words, Merik taunted Amelia to her death at the foot of the tower.

They were not alone - someone witnessed from the ground, and saved Amelia's memories just before she finally passed away on the ground below - unbeknown to anyone but Ignan's dead mother.

Merik continued to be headmaster for two further years before retiring - more to prove he could, rather than of any particular use. Many had considered him to be past his prime. He didn't go quietly, still remaining an intrusion for his successors.

Although Ignan returned home to Hanover for the funeral, he spent most of his time avoiding returning there, as did his sister who had moved to the Ukraine.

The Black Forest & Britain

In 1966 Ignan got posted to the Black Forest to deal with an uprising of rogue wizards, ever increasing due to the Voldemort rising. He spent quite some time observing and trying to infiltrate the rogues and kept detailed notes on what he discovered, twisting his views on dark magic further, even as he tried to keep it in check.

"When I graduated from here, I went to work for the German Ministry, and was posted in the Black Forest for some time, where I encountered, and routinely defeated uprisings from pockets of wizards who engaged in dark magic. They'd grown up without coming to the schools, taught each other in small communities, and developed some of the most potent magic I have encountered in my life. Terrified me at that age." He shook his head.

"I didn't want any of the knowledge to go to waste, so I made notes, from interviews and observations with those we captured or fought. This, is my field notebook, and although it has a portion of sentimental value, is no longer of much use to me. I feel it will be of interest to you however."

In 1969, while at one of the many funerals he would attend in his lifetime, Ignan met a four year old relative, Gabrielle Murray-Harker. As a 25 year old auror, he wasn't too sure how to address such a small child, but found himself crouched beside her trying to explain what was going on. Whereas some of the other adults had tried to explain to Gabie that there was nothing to worry about, the four year old had more insight, and asked logical, if albeit a little abstract, questions about the event. Ignan felt compelled to answer honestly, and was humbled by the way the child's mind worked. 

In 1975, after achieving a higher status in the Ministry's enforcement, he was sent over to the British Ministry to advise and assist with criminal wizards slipping from one country to the other across Europe. Times became more and more dark as Voldemort increased his hold on Britain. He was sent to England on operation, due to his bilingual skills. He took his mother's ashes with him, though shied away from meeting his maternal family, scattering the ashes alone. Ignan served a further two years, working in England, until he felt the role had become stale. He resigned, took what funds he had saved, and travelled.

Travels with Georg

In 1977, shortly after beginning his travels, he met Georg Kirchlehner in a Moscow hostel, and the two former Durmstrang students began ten years of travelling together.


The years that followed included the best and worst times of his life, moving from continent to continent, experiencing life and all the different styles of magic he encountered. They had plenty of adventures - helping to slay a Nundu, and even some vampires.

"... And so he was stood in this magic circle he had drawn, believing he'd be protected from them when we found him," in space of the classroom floor, the Professor gestured around him with both arms as if to illustrate a circle drawn upon the floor around his feet.

"A string of garlic around his neck, churchyard grass on fire, praying to his Muggle god. Honestly it was a sight to be seen. He'd been driven mad by their presence, trying everything to stop them." With each description his hands moved to illustrate the location of each from his memories. It was rare to see Professor Storm quite so animated and engaged in physical description of a scene, but since the quite lovely Magda had visited him that morning, he felt almost able to go back to old times, where such stories were of amusement and far more ordinary conversation than Hogwarts would be proud to permit.

"Even when we'd driven stakes through the hearts of two either side of him, and were attempting to capture the ones who were making off as bats, he was still utterly convinced it was some great being in the sky that was keeping him from harm - not the garlic and the fire. The circle was a throwback from when the village had last been plagued with vampires, and our kind had attended to matters."

Ignan would teach anyone a little English in return for lodgings or hospitality, and worked for a variety of magical companies and individuals, dealing with unsavoury characters, and in a few cases, disposing of.

"Knowledge, and the desire to learn about Dark Magic is the strongest, Melanthe. Human curiosity, leading from mere studying the written word, to testing out curses, and experiencing what it feels like. The feeling, the strength and enhancement of one's naturally gifted power and abilities is what I believe draws most from a few spells classed by the Ministries as dark, into further depths. The curiosity and sudden longing to achieve greatness, despite its outcomes, a perhaps selfish combination of emotions, is incredibly strong. Though, on the other hand, the repulsion, disbelief, and above all, fear of what dark magic creates and does could be stronger." His eyes slid back to Melanthe's face.

"I think it rather depends on how you are brought up to revere it. Brought up to fear, and hate anything to do with it, and the strength and conviction of your opinion will be far stronger to fight its usage. However, brought up to appreciate that some of this methods could be harnessed, adjusted, finely tuned to strengthen our magical reserves, one is far more accepting and curious about how it can be used."

In the summer of 1983, Gabrielle graduated and secured a job with the Ministry. The family celebrated, and Ignan was coerced to return to celebrate with them, travelling hundreds of miles from where he was with Georg to be there. Gabrielle, who hadn't seen him since she was four or so at Mina's funeral, was overjoyed to finally see him again, remembering that conversation between a 25-year old Ignan and a child Gabie very clearly to the day.

In 1985 he went back for the funeral of his grandfather, where old wounds were reopened at home, and Ignan's mindset darkened further. Already dabbling in the less than legitimate magic again on a regular basis while travelling with Georg - Ignan began to kill for money - taking requests from local people to get rid of criminals who preyed on them at first. Then, as he got a taste for it, more elaborate and risky commissions.

His interest and skills began to provide an income, as well as some uncomfortable situations where the two wizards would be approached out of the blue by strangers who would pay Ignan to deal with people. Georg became very uncomfortable out this as Ignan became more lax about the morality of who he executed - and even asked Georg to assist him for a cut of the money. In 1987 they argued furiously and split ways, unable to go on together due to Ignan's actions.

Travelling Alone & Criminal Convictions

Having split from Georg, Ignan continued to travel. He would move from one place to the next, following stories, picking up jobs and hunting for fun. In the summer of 1990 he agreed to dispose of a wizard's son who had become a werewolf, but the plan backfired. He ended up injured and managed to seek help from a young Nightingale Kesali and his family, who later grew up and became the Charms Professor alongside Ignan at Hogwarts. Wolves and Wounds.

One night in early summer of 1992 he almost came off worse over a struggle with someone he was sent to attack, and was discovered by the woman who was to become Sasha Schlagenweit's mother - Marie Günther. She took him in for a night, and they were drawn to each other passionately quite by surprise. Ignan recalls feeling a little that it was obligation to reciprocate given the way she had kindly taken him in, and the word desperate could equally have been used to describe him at that point. This night led to Ignan unknowingly gaining Sasha as his only son in February 1993, a secret to his identity was held by his mother.

Unfortunately, the disposing of became his downfall, and Ignan tipped over the edge in Italy, giddy on newly discovered knowledge of the darker sides of magic from new friends, and a romantic liaison with Azorma Hyskos 1994-1997. Together they stole, betrayed, crossed and murdered between the criminal gangs and magical mafia around Italy, spending a lot of their time in Venice chasing around canals.

Between them, they collected their victim's wands as trophies, sold what they stole or shared it amongst their acquaintances in exchange for favours. They were feared, respected and hated by the criminal fraternity, and chased by the Ministry, though elements of it used to hope they could persuade and tempt the pair to take out particularly troubling criminals on the Ministry's behalf.

The end of Ignan's time in Italy was when he murdered three ministry wizards, believing them to be criminals. He only escaped imprisonment by informing precisely on who he assisted, and has since been banished from Italy for penance in 1997, believing Azorma to be dead.

The aurors who captured him modified his memories, made him believe Azorma was dead, and also tore through his other memories which has left him very protective about his own memories and the preservation. Guilty, and convinced he caused Azorma's death - he forced himself to relieve it by pensieve to remind himself. Hell's Genius Roams the Regions of the Dark, January 2009.

Since then, his boggart evolved into Azorma and the bodies, personifying what he once was and how he is afraid to become that again and lose those he loves - of which there are very few, but those he does are very precious to him. I Remember my Mother's Prayers, and They Have Always Followed Me, March 2009[/i].

"What about you? Did you ever marry?"

Ignan humoured him with a smirk, a distant look in his eye as he thought about things. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Johann's head twitch a fraction, catching Trishna's question.
"I could have." Ignan replied, his eyes sliding to Trishna's face. "Lucky I didn't in retrospect." He gave a self-reassuring hint of a smile. "I doubt it would have turned out for the best, if we had. I suppose the follow up to that would be if I regret never marrying, and to a point, yes. But I think it would have tied me down, something I'd never have accepted until the last decade." He smirked, and looked to Johann, still talking with Cillian.
"Not widely known even to family." he explained to Trishna, "they've all written me off as a cold, heartless bastard for it." He smirked, and placed the empty glass down.

Teaching at Durmstrang

Disgraced with himself, he returned to Germany, where he entertained his Father with his tales of his travels, and later troubles. Merik had retired some years before, but still held some influence over Durmstrang. Without adequately consulting his son, he recommended him as a replacement Defences tutor at the school. Ignan, reluctantly realised that there was little gainful employment for him in the meantime - the German Ministry were refusing to take him back on after his long absence and issues with the Italian Ministry. He took the post and began to teach in September 2001.

All the younger children in the family had approached hopefully at the first family gathering he'd attended since returning disgraced, unable to return to any post at the German Ministry. They'd heard he was going to teach at Durmstrang, and wanted to scope him out, and whether he was as nasty as his father, Merik.

Less than thrilled at the prospect of a teaching job, but glad of something considering his recent luck, Ignan was ill tempered with them, but Johann, in his early twenties had sat down with his cousin and spoken frankly about the fact he'd already begun traveling since leaving Durmstrang with his final exams behind him. Asked his advice on the best routes, carefully picking round subjects as Ignan refused to discuss them. A decade ago, Ignan had finally seen Johann for an adult, even if he was an odd one at that, and decided Camille and Wolfgang had raised something different, which was thankfully refreshing for their family.

By spring 2003 He grew to enjoy and admire the company of a favourite student, Melanthe Grumman, who he spent increasing amounts of time with on an academic level. The time they spent together also meant they began to share a friendly relationship - and she is one of the few people Ignan doesn't mind touching him in an affectionate, family like manner. Their relationship has been compared to a father, daughter relationship, developing at a time Ignan believed he had no children. It was also comparable to a romantic relationship that he realised could never happen due to their age difference. 

"Melanthe was an Oberteil at Durmstrang, in her final year when I began teaching. As you two both know," he gestured to Georg and Johann, "its commonplace there for Professors to take on favourites, and Oberteils, the highest achieving students are often picked out for extra tuition for animagi, legilmency, occlumency. Melanthe wished to experiment with defensive and offensive magic, and sought my assistance as one of her spellworks professors. The curriculum there is pitched differently to here - students would learn to practise spells I can only discuss with British students."

He drew the letter out again, and slowly unfolded it in thought.
"We kept in touch, and ran into each other a few months ago. I admit she's fond of me like family - we spent a lot of time together in that year - not like that." from Only Celebrate Birthdays When You're Young, Like Tapendra

The two of them experimented often with magic, with one most memorable occasion in Melanthe's last term. They'd been combining two curses cast simultaneously to observe the reactions, investigating if the two curses would combine or their - for the better use of a word - frequencies would disrupt and cancel.  The resulting curse had blown through the classroom door, rolled up the stairs just outside and taken the whole set out, sending stone downwards on the students on the stairs the floor below and cracking several thousand years of magical enchantments, which had given the tower a bit of a lean until the architects at the Ministry had rectified it for the school.

The local Ministry had told them both off severely for it, Ignan had lost a term's wages, and been ordered to teach the dregs for the rest of the year while other tutors took over the higher magic. He and Melanthe had continued to practise... off campus, which had meant sneaking out by floo on a regular basis. He was very sorry to see her go, and they kept in touch with letter writing.

In September 2008 Ignan was still teaching at Durmstrang, but it was clear he was beginning to get bored with his position as one of a number of professors covering spellworks.  While experimenting with curses with his best students, they ruined several artifacts belonging to the school. These had to be replaced at great cost to Durmstrang, and were partially funded by one of Ignan's favourite former students, Melanthe. The local Ministry were again unimpressed at the loss, and also Ignan's wish to teach such experimental magic to teenagers. One called him reckless, and his position was made more difficult again, further fueling his wish to leave.

Teaching at Hogwarts: 2008

When Theobald Mainwaring needed to go back to the Ministry at short notice, Ignan immediately applied for the post to escape Durmstrang, sure they would not miss him. But the grass is always greener on the other side, they say.


He arrived mid-autumn term, and made an immediate bad impression on staff and students, who were either terrified by him, or appalled at his apparent dark arts sympathies, or excited by the prospect of a tutor who was an anal perfectionist about wandwork. It took him a while to settle in, so close to Christmas, which made the forced socialisation just before the season rather difficult.

Teaching at Hogwarts: 2009

After returning from Christmas back home with family, he had a disastrous day in January losing his temper with several of his classes, and attempting to poison some defiant seventh years. Late January fared no better with the discovery of dead student Ava Grosvenor.

Remembering his bad time with the Italian aurors, Ignan voluntary surrendered his memories of encountering the two students in the snow to the British aurors and fully co-operated to avoid any suspicion drawn to him.

Despite his poor standing with many of the students, SAWS decided to engage Ignan and Declan over a werewolf speaker to the students. To a point, Ignan supported SAWS and helped them against Declan's plans to provide them with the smallest opportunity of platform. As the speaker for SAWS was Ignan's uncle, who had also given Ignan a very generous reference for his job at Hogwarts, he spent time before the speeches bringing Vlad up to speed as far as possible. Unfortunately on the day it didn't quite go to plan.

While teaching the first and third years to avoid side along apparition to prevent kidnapping (based on advice from the Ministry) Ignan's left hand is splinched, and left attached to Noriko Wakahisa. It is reattached by Tulojow thankfully. Later that day, he is visited by his old friend Georg, who has begun to teach charms at Hogwarts. The two old friends are reunited.

Together they celebrate Tapendra's birthday which illustrates how far Ignan and Tapendra's friendship has come since January. Soon after though, Ignan is teaching the third years boggarts, and in the previous class, the boggart makes a break, and is witnessed. Cy, Tapendra's daughter sees Ignan's boggart manifest as her grandmother, Azorma, and despite Ignan claiming it must be a mistake, and the woman wouldn't be anyone related to Tappy.

She goes to her father, who then approaches Ignan as he is claiming a second boggart in the evening. He confirms Azorma is his mother, and Ignan is forced to disclose that he believes Azorma is dead, due to him, and that they were lovers. It strains their friendship, but also brings them together. Had things continued, Ignan could have become Tapendra's step father. Things complicate further when Jonas visits Tapendra and claims the Ministry have his mother in custody. He panics and goes directly to Ignan. Eventually matters are somewhat explained during a visit by Ignan to Tapendra at home in Cambridge. There began his latest immersion into the Muggle world.

During a detention in the forest, Ignan and Georg's students are attacked by a direwolf. Racing back to help, Georg is attacked and Ignan releases his rage against the wolf with fire, wanting to kill it, but unable without dire consequence. He feels incredibly guilty about having left Georg believing him safe, to try and rescue Eveline, only to have him attacked.

Tapendra and Ignan continue to tutor Sasha Schlagenweit who has been removed from Hogwarts temporarily.

Cousin Johann is still in the country, and relations between the two relatives have never been better. More distant family continue to occupy a little of his time.

Come April, Ignan begins to tutor Tapendra with occlumency, and other pensieve uses. Ignan has reason to fend off well-meaning Trishna family friends with their concerns. Meanwhile sessions with Georgiana slide a little too close to his days with Azorma.

His attentions on teaching, Ignan is bemused at the trail of students who would like to consider auror for their career. Grayson, Almasy and Fayette all have their turn, even if Fayette got the short straw.

On April 25th, an unexpected offer arrives to attend the Ministry where Azorma has been arrested and held in custody. Their reunion is a difficult occasion for Ignan, who thought until then that the love of his life was dead. They clumsily propose engagement and kiss before the action causes the whole party to be thrown out. Ignan falls into a black mood which lasts for some days eventually confessing his woes to Georg. The appearance of the aurors to see Tapendra again break Ignan's inability to speak to his friend after the visit. Eventually they attend Azorma's sentencing together.

As Ignan refines his occlumency and legilimency skills, Casey O'Doherty approaches him for the possibility of some training, though Ignan is reluctant due to his age.

Summer months lead to the recess of studies for the summer, and after attending to affairs at the castle, Ignan returns to Hanover.A series of letters with Johann reveals the woes of losing one of two house elves and the boredom. Tapendra has gone on a tour with students and corresponds with Ignan who believes Trishna is unhinged.

Come July, Ignan returns and visits the Trishna family, where he encounters their car and other Muggle items that he's never heard of. Bewildered, he resolves to pay more attention in future. He also reveals the news that he has been appointed Deputy Headmaster.

Second Year of Teaching at Hogwarts: August 2009 onwards

Returning to Hogwarts early, the newly appointed Deputy Headmaster wastes no time in examining the opposition, particularly his old employer and alma mater, Durmstrang. Unfortunately the arrival of the other school also brings Johann's father, Wolfgang, to Britain which causes his son anguish in front of Ignan. The combined suspicion that Vedir poses a continued threat to Tapendra, and Johann's unusual phrasing of how he didn't know the man earlier in the year leads Ignan to use legilimency on his relative in an intoxicated state to find answers.

The tournament is hard to avoid, and Ignan ends up interviewed by Niobe Thursby for the Daily Prophet, while two days later, the news of his Deputy Headmaster status is confirmed.

Quickly, things are back to normal - well, Hogwarts normal - Tapendra ends up as a horse, Almasy asks for some private lessons and O'Doherty's lessons begin too.

Things are deeply unsettled by mid October when Sasha Schlagenweit reveals he is Ignan's son. Ignan does not react well initially. He wishes Azorma were there to distract him away from Hogwarts, and for things to have been different. Thankfully, Tapendra is there to be his friend, whereas family just cause trouble.

Come Halloween, Ignan has to deal with Schlagenweit and Bevans attempting necromancy, only worsened by the recent parental revelation.

O'Doherty's lessons continue to reveal some very odd memories. Missing his seventh years, Ignan arranges to meet some in the pub, where they are a little unnerved by the fact he is no longer their tutor. However, the stress continues to mount with a Dragon Pox epidemic claimed and Norling almost drowning. Ignan involves himself in extra tuition for some of his students as a distraction.

At the end of the month, there is time to meet the returning Headmistress complete with full staff meeting, but even that doesn't end happily with a spat between Gale and Tapendra.

December brings small mercies of a break from the students. Gabrielle visits with news, Almasy's lessons turn a corner, while Trishna's torture mice. Carstairs seeks advice.

Deres puts on his usual show with added flair when asking Ignan to the Yule Ball. Though at the event itself, he's more likely to dance with Minerva, bond over alcohol with Sandusky, be bowled over by Maiko, or have conversations with parents.

Even as the students depart, work goes on, as he meets Sasha's sister Jacoba in the pub, and discusses magic of the mind with Beauxbatons tutor, Gries. Unfortunately, despite his best intentions, Ellis still dislikes him but he does become reunited with Forrester. 

On Christmas Eve, it is time to visit the Trishna family where Ignan finds himself helping to cook dinner the Muggle way. Then there is time to catch up with Sasha on the back doorstep before awkwardly interrupting two colleagues who he suspects might be more if given a chance.

The celebrations are shortlived, planning lessons on healing, fielding rude letters from parents, before the unexpected death of his elderly father.

Accompanied by Johann, Ignan travels back home to arrange and attend the funeral, and to divide up the estate with his sister, Imelda. The trip is fraught with emotions for both men who return to Britain late at night. New Year's Eve is a welcome escape.

January 2010 has some unusual twists and turns in its tail. Ignan finally gets smartened up by Darian Morgan though the tailor seems more interested in his recently engaged cousin. The Durmstrang contingent make out that Nightingale Kesali is a prostitute though truth be told, Ignan's been unsure about him for a while. At least he has his friendship with Tapendra to rely on, but as his illegitimate son reveals what's been happening, Ignan loses his temper.

In February aurors ask Ignan for help with the corpus inversus case and he purchases a house in Godric's Hollow. In March, he continues to tutor Moira McBoid, reconnects with Durmstrang students, and fights dementors at the Hogwarts gates.

In April, Johann moves into Ignan's empty house, supervised by house elf, Gerda. Ignan spends a while back there fixing it over the Easter holiday, and also working on corpus inversus, inverting farm animals. On returning to school, Ignan has to deal with Alvis Norling and his unusual abilities. But the month ends rather well, when he persuades Miranda Elliot to join him for a drink.

By May, Ignan has finally cooled enough to speak to Tapendra. His relationship with Miranda means her departure is a little sad but she comes to dinner at Godric's Hollow, which ends up with them at the fish and chip shop, as Ignan is a terrible cook.

In June, before the end of term, Camille and Wolfgang, Ignan's cousins and Johann's parents, impose themselves upon the house in Godric's Hollow in his absence. Ignan is none too pleased, especially to Wolfgang. Miranda's fundraiser for the hospital results in a clash with Edwin Glass, and he discovers Miranda's defences weakness. However, as he removes Camille and Wolfgang, Miranda moves in. At the end of the month he tolerates a family dinner with the Hughes and Peppers, for the sake of Gabrielle's birthday.

July was meant to be about fixing up the house and enjoying a rest from Hogwarts, but family have other ideas. Ignan is summoned to St Mungo's to deal with Wolfgang's werewolf bite and Johann absconding in panic. Eventually, he takes it upon himself to take Johann in again, and Miranda helps by sending their guest to sleep for the weekend. August, by contrast is uneventful. Sasha briefly visits, though Miranda is still unaware he is Ignan's son. Wolfgang is still at St Mungo's and Ignan supports Camille as best he can.

Third Year of Teaching at Hogwarts: September 2010 onwards

Ignan returns to Hogwarts for September, still Deputy Headmaster. Camille joins him as a colleague. He and Miranda miss each other, but Miranda's idea of a surprise visit backfires. He later visits Miranda in her cottage, meeting her daughter Maya. Meanwhile, in London, Wolfgang's trial is in progress. Ignan does not attend, but Camille does. Miranda brings her to Hogwarts and breaks the news to Ignan that Wolfgang has been murdered. They arrange for her to stay at Hogwarts, and become a resident professor as soon as possible to support her.

In October, things are reconciled. Ignan reads at Wolfgang's funeral which is poorly attended. Miranda cooks them both dinner, and the evening is spoiled when she pries into Ignan's past and he admits to having a son. Ignan believes that's it for them, but eventually is able to decipher Miranda's owl. She continues to live at his house in Godric's Hollow despite him being away all the time at Hogwarts. In the wake of the Leaky Cauldron explosions, Gerda, his house elf, relays that Miranda is overworking, so Ignan pays her a visit at the hospital.

December doesn't let up, Ignan and Minerva decide how to cope with contamination of healing potions. Miranda is fast asleep, caught up like her patients, and Ignan meets her parents when he visits. They clash, naturally. A fortnight later Miranda wakes. Other members of the family are caught up in this, Johann spends yet more time in St Mungo's after his sleeping potion is poisoned and Sasha's sister, Jacoba, passes away. Ignan and Johann attend her funeral to support Sasha, though Ignan has to almost physically support Johann who is still recovering. Determined to get away from everything, Ignan persuades Miranda to go away for Christmas. He proposes to her in the early hours of Christmas morning, fights dementors, and she patches him up. Three days later they marry.

2011 is hopefully a less eventful year. Ignan and Miranda return home just before the turn of the year, newly married. Ignan decides to tell Sasha. It's not long before the press spot the marriage and claim a baby must be on the way. Witch Weekly is quickly confiscated by Ignan's colleagues. On discovering, Miranda visits Ignan at Hogwarts. Maya, Miranda's daughter, has gained Ignan as a stepfather, so attempts to get to know him. They even entertain dinner guests! Eventually, needing some advice, Ignan tells Camille about Sasha.

At the end of January, Miranda is deeply unsettled by Lawrence Musgrave breaking into their home. She declares she wants to move.

February does not let up. Fourteen Hogwarts students go missing from Hogsmeade under Ignan's watch, as Minerva is away. He feels very responsible and completely misses a house viewing in the village with Miranda. Once the students are found, the couple begin to prepare to move. Once installed, the couple are much more relaxed, and Ignan begins to spend nights at home with his wife at last. Ignan is also pleased to see Raine Almasy return, but her arrival is not without sinister reasons.

Even if they have moved, in March, people still invite themselves to visit. Miranda's brothers are first. Ignan does not make a favourable impression on Miranda's family yet again. Lawrence Musgrave is next, ending in a duel with Ignan and dementors descending on their cottage. Ignan is hurt and struggles with his anger at Miranda.

Elaborate on your expertise in your field:

Auror/Hit Wizard equivalent for the German Ministry - 15 years
Advisor and Liaison between German and British Ministries - 2 years
Variety of jobs and studies across the continents in the intervening years - including practise of the Dark Arts
Professor of Defences, Durmstrangs Institute - 6 years

What is your teaching philosophy?:

By expecting high standards of students, Ignan's students rise to the challenge. With attention to detail, and perfectionism, he may be over critical, but in the long term, his students may thank him for this. By tirelessly expecting more from his students, whatever their abilities, rather than praising them for anything half expected, Ignan believes they will become more independent and courageous individuals.

Writing Sample:

Winter had brought freezing rain, which set glassy puddles of ice in the cracks of the stone walkways around the castle's courtyards. Within, hearty fires, stoked by the house elves, kept the worst of the weather out. As Ignan exhaled a deep breath of freezing morning air from his lungs, he watched his breath condense, curling up past his face into the air, as beneath his thick academic robes, his lungs gave a dull ache from the drop in temperature.

He had left breakfast a little earlier than the majority of his colleagues, wishing not only to take a moment outside for a lungful of clean, crisp air, but also to contemplate the seventh year class whom would be joining him for their NEWT lessons shortly. The curriculum was not vastly different to that of Durmstrang, nothing he couldn't cover satisfactorily in any case. In honesty, the English curriculum set by the Ministry's examinations board could do with beefing up, in Ignan's opinion. Far too much theory, and not the practical to back it up. No good waving a text book or spouting paragraphs of theory at your foes. It would get you some way, but could never replace having them blind and bound before they had a chance to murder your family.

Unconscious of his action, he rubbed his thigh, where he had sustained an injury while dealing with rogues in the Black Forest in his younger days. The injury had left a scar, which was rather satisfying as a battle wound, but unfortunately left damage below which ached during such weather. A limp may be very becoming on the likes of lifelong auroras, but Ignan hated to show a stumble. It, like his receding hairline, were indicators that his age was not getting any younger, which displeased him no end.

Returning to the draughty warmth of the castle, Ignan made his way through the corridors which were gradually becoming full of students in their uniforms, bustling to and fro from common rooms and the great hall to classes. At least a head if not head and shoulders above almost all the students, Ignan cut through the bustle easily. There was also the added assistance that the mere sight of him sent a good majority of the youngest students scattering out of his path in fear. In order to assert himself the previous week, he had handed out more than enough detentions. Call it character building. With luck, most of the cocky ones would learn their lessons, and the ones without backbone would have started to grow one.

Rounding the corner, he could already hear noise from his classroom up ahead. Filled with relics from hundreds of years of teaching, and the previous post holders throughout all those years, it resembled a curiosity shop, only a little tidier thankfully. However, instead of the seventh years already being assembled inside the classroom, they were outside of it, in the corridor. Ignan's mouth turned up at the corners ever so slightly, expecting this to be the case. Several of the students were debating by the door, wondering why it was locked, and others arguing that the rules of no magic in the corridors would surely extend to such a situation, meaning the door was locked for a good reason. Less vocal students turned to stare at him as he approached, curious.

"I trust no one recalls the chapter you read last weekend?" Ignan asked the group, his voice steady and an eyebrow raised. There was a glance between each of the students, until one cleared their throat.
"Yes Professor, static wards on objects and dwellings, Sir." The witch who responded was a stickler for following the required learning to the letter, and often critical of his methods. Ignan relished her criticism. One day she'd come round to realise that life didn't come with a detailed exam requirement list, or a text book accompaniment.
"Well then, why are you not all inside, present at your desks?" He asked, folding his arms and fixing the group with a critical look. The uncomfortable looks that were returned indicated a crisis of confidence in several.
"Honestly, the first time in your lives a Professor is actively encouraging you to break into a classroom, and you all get cold feet. So much for the bravado of the previous weeks." Before they blushed any harder amongst their frowns, he drew himself to full height and looked disapprovingly. "Don't stand there staring at me for Solomon's sake, put that bookish reliance to good use!"

Sum up your character in one paragraph:

An intelligent and thoughtful wizard, whose declination to engage in much physical contact or praise gives the outlook of a cold, stern personality. A history of both respected service and brushes with the law give him the valuable life experience to share with his students. Students who will experience a highly critical, difficult to please Professor, who challenges them at every turn, while secretly enjoying stretching them to their limits, far beyond their previous expectations.

Accepted - Mai

Character Name: Ignan Storm
Age: 64
Please provide a link to their Application:  http://absitomen.com/index.php?topic=4671.0
Do any of your other Characters have Special Abilities?: No
If Yes, then Please provide their name and a link to their bio:
 
Special Ability: Occlumens/Legilmency
What level is this ability at?: Intermediate
At what age did your character gain this ability?: 19
How did they learn or hone this ability?: Ignan was taught the basics in his final year at Durmstrang, and continued his practise in the months into the summer under the guidance of his father. He found it difficult to fully grasp occlumency this way, and received formal training from the German Ministry in the first few years of working for them. His legilmency skills were extremely basic, and were developed a decade or two later while experimenting with darker magic.
Describe how the Special Ability influences their life.  What do they use it for?: Ignan avoids using it generally, though occlumency has become somewhat a habit after several decades. He dislikes performing legilmency, usually because it either a) leads to trouble for him or b) means he discovers things he doesn't want to know. He'll only use it now to help teach students who particularly request assistance.
Write a description of what happens when your character is exhibiting this Special Ability: Occlumency is the deflection of intrusion by others into thoughts and memories, by the mind. Concentrated use these days results in a cracking headache, and its not often anyone would decide to use legilmency on a aging Defences professor anyhow.

Legilmency is morally uncomfortable, and can be quite sickening to use because of swirling thoughts in the recipient. The recipient undergoes headaches, stress, sheer embarrassment and frustration as they try to defend.

Though a rare emotion to display, Ignan is actually quite sympathetic and patient with many of his young charges who learn, at first. He too found it particularly challenging, though this is overruled by his perfectionist nature, especially when combined with an ambitious student.

Through the Eyes of Others

Dahlia Collins
When Professor Storm interjected she felt the first flash of anger she ever had towards the elder. Normally she found his strict ways just and on track with what they were supposed to be learn but in this certain case she couldn't help but feel angry at him. Source

Eirene Antonopoulos
Professor Storm and Professor Austerlitz were frightening, surely, but could they be in league with Sasha? Source

Figaro Sellaphix
Fergie had almost had a point - that as extreme as Professor Storm was, why wasn't he up for a little extreme defense from his students? The only problem with what Fergie was at was that Ferg was assuming that Professor Storm was a reasonable and not insane teacher.  Wrongo. Source

Bellatrix Dark
Professor Storm ended the slide-show promptly afterward and began to demonstrate. He really would let them practice curses and spells! This man was brilliant … The professor's scolding of that Wentworth kid made the man grow more admirable in Bellatrix's eyes. …. Professor Storm automatically jumped up the final notch on her list to tie with the handsome Professor Móráin. He was giving Bellatrix the opportunity to show the entire school what she was made of: curses, hexes, and jinxes were her specialty. …. By now, it was obvious that Professor Storm had made a mistake in allowing Bellatrix Dark to have a chance at casting a curse. Other students would probably call him an idiot or careless. Source

Figaro Sellaphix
Their first week back had been... Was insane a good descriptor? Two new professors, Ignan Storm in rare form.  Callum and Erin and Crew refreshed and ready for more arseholery and now news about Sasha that he just couldn't believe. Source

Christopher Locke
Apparently he figured that they'd search for a Yeti in the Forbidden Forest. There had to be some rule against that, but he quite frankly didn't care. After all, it was better than sitting in the stuffy Defense Against the Dark Arts class having Professor Storm yell at him over his inaptitude with spell casting. Source

Tapendra Trishna
He was honestly hoping for a small class today –  what Professor Storm had had to deal with wouldn’t happen to him, if he was lucky. If it did, he’d have to be prepared to discipline them quite thoroughly – which he had to admit he might be more prepared to do than he would have expected. The thought worried him more than the upcoming class did, in a way. Source

Fauna Blake
This early Monday morning Fauna sat sleepy-eyed at the Hufflepuff table, chatting about her classes for the week and what Storm had planned for the troublesome fifth-years and seventh-years. One of the third-years had just suggested that he'd probably lock all of the students in the Defense room together and tell them to duke it out, Tri-wizard Cup style, and that the last one standing would be given a goblet full of poison so Storm wouldn't have to deal with them anymore. Source

Malcolm Blake
Shaking his head, Malcolm knew that some things would never change about that boy. . .  Looking to telling Fauna about his father was cut short by Addie mentioning the facts. "My father is pretty eccentric, so it came as no surprise that he would find Storm's methods... well, intriguing for a lack of a better term." Jimmy had his grandchildren partially convinced that magic was more than just hereditary & well, Alfie was now willing to brag he was like a 'mutant' out of those comics that the boy so enjoyed. Source

Noriko Wakahisa
Noriko jumped back as the door opened, swallowing such a large gulp of air that it nearly set her choking.  She looked up at the woman, her eyes wide, trying desperately to assess the danger she was in.  Was she going to start yelling?  Was Professor Storm hiding behind the door?  The young Slytherin would have given almost anything to be able to bolt and run the opposite way down the hallway. Source

Sophie Flickwick
Perhaps the new Professor was like Storm in that she did not believe in being aware of her student’s personal lives or she was just mean and didn’t give a damn about her student’s mental well-being. Source

Fauna Blake
Fauna didn't mention that she had a feeling Professor Storm would not make her life any easier, even (or especially) if he knew what was going on with her. But they would face him together, at least. Source

Peyton Wentworth
He had no idea what Gunner or even Darling had told Vaillancourt about the fifth years. Hopefully she was a little more forgiving towards her students than the other new additions like Storm, Austerlitz and Ó Móráin. Source

Eirene Antonopoulos
Both irritated and full of guilt, Eirene glanced at the professor, wondering if Ignan Storm had told him what a disobedient monster she was. But she wasn't! It wasn't true! She just wanted to do well, and had overcompensated, that was all. Source

Melanthe Grumman
"I guess I love that class," she told him simply with a shrug of her shoulders. "And Professor Storm is brilliant. It would be foolish to not listen to what he says or to practice what he teaches. Never know when we'll need to use it." Melanthe did not elaborate on this comment, as there was more than one reason why she loved exploring the dark arts. She wasn't prepared to open up to Forrester about all of them. Source

Fauna Blake
Keeping her head down and her hands in her pockets, Fauna gathered with the rest of the class around Professor Ó Móráin. She believed that like Professor Storm, he'd show her no compassion if she left class. And she didn't need another detention so early in the term. Source

Ferguson Amherst
"Durmstrang isn't a very friendly environment. It's very dark artsy, from what I understand." Which, for a boy like Sasha, was not exactly a good thing. It was like an entire school of Callum Knights. Fergie heaved a mental shudder - that was a nightmare he never wanted to come true. "Our new defense professor used to teach there. Professor Storm." He opened his mouth to elaborate on this subject, but realized it might be a bit insensitive to discuss school with Sasha right now. He could write to him about it later, when Sasha was good and settled in to his new school. Source

Grace Eddy
The warm fuzzies from that encounter had been shortlived, as they had been informed of their detention with Professor Storm around lunchtime. Source

Dahlia Collins
In Dahlia's opinion Hogwarts needed more teachers like Storm and Austerlitz. They were strict and to the point and had a way of scaring students into remembering everything they said. They didn't need a Professor that was constantly trying to be their friend. Source

Noriko Wakahisa
She had friends!  And that meant, no matter what the horrid Professor Storm might say or what awful grade she might get in Defense Against the Dark Arts, that she would never be without a partner again! Source

Leon O. Monroe
It was basically a known fact that Leon was afraid of most Professors. Though it was a quiet fear, an unspoken fear, it was noticeable. The way he flinched back whenever Professor Storm spoke… Source

Noriko Wakahisa
Of all the exams that the first years were expected to sit, Flying had not been the one that Noriko dreaded the most.  That honor clearly went to Defense Against the Dark Arts, which had been the subject of a nightmare the previous night which she had woken up from in near-tears.  The thought of having to demonstrate her spellwork in front of Professor Storm was enough to send the young Slytherin into fits of nervous anxiety, so much so that she really hadn't had time to worry about any of the other upcoming tests. Source

Myrni Levartian
She looked up when he mentioned the toads. "Oh, I'm not too sure how that would go over with the likes of Austerlitz and Storm. They seem like they might not enjoy such practical joking." Source

Xavier Tawse
Knowing Professor Storm it was very likely he'd hold a practical exam in front of the rest of her class but he didn't think telling her this was going to do her any good. Source

Noriko Wakahisa
Something had to be causing all of these new professors.  She had heard some of the older students talking at the Slytherin table one morning, and judging by what they said, so many fresh teachers coming in wasn't normal.  No one had told them why there were so many changes, and some of the professors - like Professor Storm, whom Noriko was not-so-secretly terrified of - had even forbidden them to talk about it. Source

Fauna Blake
"Hmmm, yeah, I don't know," Fauna shrugged, glad that she wasn't the only one who thought Professor Storm seemed stern. The lines on his face looked like they might crack if he ever smiled. "I guess, well... Mainwaring was always strict, but... he had that grandpa-y air to him? Sort of?" A flush rose to her cheeks as she glanced at Chance. It was embarrassing to admit, but Mainwaring had been her Head of House and a professor she'd really liked and respected. Professor Storm was still an unknown. Source

Noriko Wakahisa
Was this some kind of test?  Had Professor Storm turned them loose throughout Hogwarts because he expected the first years to prove their worth by stunning them all?  Noriko clamped her mouth firmly shut, looking terrified.  She couldn't stun a frog!  She couldn't even stun Eirene! Source

Ignan's Diary as a German Auror

"I have something for you, to set things off." He stood, and prowled over to the nearby shelves lined with books. Reaching up above his head, he prised a book, just a little larger than the size of a hand, from between two thicker volumes, and walked back before Melanthe's desk, before drawing a chair up opposite her.

He handed over the book, its faded cover was bound in leather that needed a little love and care to restore it to its former rich golden brown.
"Much of what you might care to study can be found in the books in the library. Knowing your mind, you've already consumed much of the available material." He smirked a little, gesturing for her to open it.

"When I graduated from here, I went to work for the German Ministry, and was posted in the Black Forest for some time, where I encountered, and routinely defeated uprisings from pockets of wizards who engaged in dark magic. They'd grown up without coming to the schools, taught each other in small communities, and developed some of the most potent magic I have encountered in my life. Terrified me at that age." He shook his head.

"I didn't want any of the knowledge to go to waste, so I made notes, from interviews and observations with those we captured or fought. This, is my field notebook, and although it has a portion of sentimental value, is no longer of much use to me. I feel it will be of interest to you however."

It felt a little odd to be handing over the recorded notes and observations of Ignan Storm, in his twenties, to Melanthe, but he hoped it would inspire and intrigue her. 

From: Oh Professor, My Professor where Ignan gives Melanthe the diary as his student when they begin their closer relationship with studies and magical experiments.

Description

The pages to be weathered, with a bit of damage around the edges, and the odd smudge as it was kept with him in the field, and has traveled about with him for decades until he gives it to Melanthe. The handwriting is with a quill, but a little tricky to read at times, but once someone had read through a bit, or is familiar with Ignan's handwriting from a later point in his life, its easier to read and decode.

There's a few very creased black and white photographs sandwiched between the pages - one of a woman (his late mother), one of Ignan and two other aurors, in his twenties, laughing outside a small stone building, a steaming cauldron just in shot at their feet, a ladle in Ignan's hand. Tucked inside the folds of the cover is a formal photograph attached to a ratty looking card with his name and registered wand type, stamped by the German Ministry. The Ignan in that photo rolls his eyes often, and keeps a deadpan face otherwise.

March 14th,

I Interviewed and tended to Augustus in his last few hours early this morning. He had been chanced upon by the group I have been observing in their camp for the past four days. It appears very much so that they have perfected some new tricks for their repertoire, which play on the subconscious. The mind is the most powerful weapon a man has, and when it is destroyed, he has nothing. Augustus was on patrol, and when we found him, had already lost too much blood to replace in time for the most resilient of men. Despite his injuries - where they had severed his tendons to prevent him from moving as he bled - a newly concerning diversion from magical bindings - he had been kept alive to torment. He explained as best he could for our records, despite his fading breath, the spell that had brought forth great noise and mental anguish. The sobbing, crying and begging of his wife, and his three children, of his mother, of us, as real as if we were lying beside him. The cries begged for torture to stop, and reached such an unholy dim it had driven him insane, unable to fight back with anything but his own voice to try and drown it out. Such a din would have alerted us, so we can only assume that the spell used is targeting, and preys on one mind alone at present. Due to the encouragement the group has received that their new curse is active, I doubt it will be much more time before the strongest of the group learn to inflict it on a group of victims to incapacitate small patrols.

March 29th,

I can confirm the spell noted on March 14th by late Augustus, is quiritatio nex. It can be defended against somewhat with strong shields and patroni, though it is incredibly difficult to maintain either when faced with it. We are faced with the prospect of discharging Faust back to domestic duties back at the Ministry as he is currently bound and in an induced sleep to stop him screaming constantly after being exposed. I can also confirm that the spell is effective on multiple recipients, though it is clear Faust received the brunt of it, which means they are quickly gaining power again.

quiritatio nex - fills the air around the victim with the sound of their loved ones and others dying, a psychological distraction spell used to play on the strong emotional ties opponents often have with their alliance.

The diary is still in the possession of Melanthe Grumman.

Through the Eyes of Others II

Winifred Leigh Oliver

Everyone probably liked dessert. Except for Professor Storm. He was probably too evil to have sugar. It would make him melt or something else equally awful and painful. He was probably allergic to flowers and sunshine and fun, too. Source

Melanthe Grumman

She would do anything for her family and even the friends who were close enough to her to be considered like family. And Professor Storm had always been a closer father figure to her than anyone else, so it was understandable that she held his opinion in high regard. Melanthe hoped to never disappoint him. Source

"I guess I love that class," she told him simply with a shrug of her shoulders. "And Professor Storm is brilliant. It would be foolish to not listen to what he says or to practice what he teaches. Never know when we'll need to use it." Melanthe did not elaborate on this comment, as there was more than one reason why she loved exploring the dark arts. Source

Serenity Lee Thornton

As the professor threw advice out to the class here and there, Serenity Lee thought he was very encouraging. Intimidating, like Professor Storm, Professor Austerlitz, the librarian, and over half the staff, but encouraging. At least none of the students here (she hoped) were screaming that he was trying to kill them. Source

So much for Professor Storm's teaching methods; what was he going to do with a student who wouldn't fight back? Source

Charles Harcroft

It would be better than Professor Storm's continuing attempts to kill them, or the varying disasters of Herbology. Source

Tapendra Trishna

"S-sorry. It's been...it's difficult to adjust. But you probably don't want to hear me grumble about the students all night - you'll get that from any other professor you talk to, and Ignan - err, Professor Storm - is better at describing it than I am."

Hesitating when she offered him a drink, he hazarded a polite smile. "Dessert wine would be best, actually, if you have any. I'm, uh, not in a hurry to get really drunk again anytime soon." The only time it was safe to wake up with Ignan was when the older man was just a smashed as you were the night before. Source

Still, have some good professors - Professor Storm is of the right caliber. Reminds me of Snape only 3 times the man (meaning no offense to the L.G Snape, of course) Cyhirae tried to hex him - have had to punish her. Source

Adelia Delacroix

Lastly, has Professor Storm got an everlasting gobstopper in his mouth (garters is what she really thought) but the flavors a sourly lemon? Cause y'know, he isn't so bad but the angsty pants...." Addie pondered whether or not to complete the statement. Source

Addie's blue eyes kept a fixation on Fauna, smiling the entire time. "Ready to tackle our final semester? Storm...he's a hard one as I was telling Da. Granda Jimmy, in his infinite wisdom (Anne & Malcolm snickered at the word of 'wisdom') said that he should meet up with him, but Da protested as did Uncle Frankie. They said the two would be like an atomic bomb forming, especially if they began to bicker & that the second the two grew close, both worlds would suffer the consequences." Source

Noriko Wakahisa

After the last disastrous Defense Against the Dark Arts first year class (the results of which had made her like both Professor Storm and Professor Trishna a little bit more), Ravenclaw was only a few dozen points ahead of Slytherin. Source

t still didn't hold the dread that Defense Against the Dark Arts did - though that was solely because of Professor Storm, who still terrified her… Source

Grace Eddy

Since her the run in with Storm earlier in the month, where she had come to begrudgingly respect the professor, Grace had set about with purpose to prove that that one incident should not define his image of her.

… She almost felt sorry for Fir upon seeing his forced interaction with Professor Storm. The poor Hufflepuff looked like he was being tortured.Source

Chance Ryker

"That Professor Storm's a ruddy tool if ah've ever seen one..."

"If 'at blasted Storm 'adn't taken over m'favorite class...it'd all be fine, ah guess.  An' yers?"
Source

Mystique Ketteridge

“Yeah, Storm makes it a little more difficult.  Try as I might to appease him, I don’t think it works.  But everything else is more manageable. Of course, we’re not too far into this second half, but I’m sure I’ll be fine.” Source

DADA used to be Chance Ryker's favorite class.  The Irish prefect of the Gryffindor house was used to excelling here, but that had changed with the introduction of Professor Ignan Storm.  Timing could not have been worse for Storm's entrance into Hogwart's and taking over Ryker's favorite class.  Ryker, along with nearly everyone else assembled...had his own issues, which only boiled hotter because this was his first return to class since that horrible detention he'd shared with Fauna Blake and Grace Eddy.  Yes, the one that Storm had made the students test out poisoned alcohol by drinking it...yada yada.  Another day, another near fatality.

Though Chance didn't have any personal problems with anyone there aside from Storm...there were certainly those he preferred and those he was closer to. Source

Fir Cuween

"Maybe get Professor Storm to unlock it....hmmm?"

Good job Fir. Threaten a trapped kid with images of the professor that probably inhabited more student nightmares than anyone else. Source

Fauna Blake

She didn't need to look up to see her classmates moving together in small packs, as if they were afraid Professor Storm himself would pop out and wave a severed arm at them. Source

Pax was wise for his years. He'd even helped her talk to professor Mainwaring earlier in the school year, and though she wasn't sure she'd ask anyone to brave Professor Storm's office with her, she felt like she could get through it just because she'd managed it before. Source

She'd heard about the absolutely barmy Professor Storm's behavior and could only hope that he got himself sacked soon. This had nothing to do with the detention she, Chance, and Grace had suffered in his office, of course. Nothing at all. Source

She believed that like Professor Storm, he'd show her no compassion if she left class. And she didn't need another detention so early in the term. Source

Sophie Flickwick

Looking at Dax seriously for a moment she shook her finger, “Don’t be a wanker, listen to your brother. Even the boss has to try in Storms class. And if I have to everyone else should too,” she stuck her tongue out at him and jabbed his side playfully. Sophie was pretty abysmal at DADA. She just couldn’t think quick enough on her feet or focus in to give her spells the maximum amount of power. Source

Dion / Dax Fayette

He almost didn't notice Dax's whining answer of, "But Storm is such a tight-arse."

"Professor Storm is not a tight-arse, Dax. 'e's a very capable individual," Dion snapped, hanging onto the wall as best he could. "You 'ould try and learn some damn self control from 'im, it'd do you good." Source

Ayla Collins

If he managed to pull it off they could both celebrate in a job well done, much better than any treatment they'd have gotten from Professor Storm. Source

Philippa Perdue

It was an interesting study in the way of human behavior... even Professor Storm's reaction! He was such a funny old man - not funny ha-ha but funny...peculiar. He had such little tolerance for his students she wondered if he even enjoyed his job! Source

Megan Ruiz

If Professor Storm had been there, she would certainly be in trouble. After all, the fifth year class was clearly not his favorite class at all. She made a mental note not to mention anything about this incident to Professor Storm when back at Hogwarts. Source

Eirene Antonopoulos

Professor Storm and Professor Austerlitz were frightening, surely, but could they be in league with Sasha? Source

Christopher Locke

After all, it was better than sitting in the stuffy Defense Against the Dark Arts class having Professor Storm yell at him over his inaptitude with spell casting. Source

Figaro Sellaphix

Fergie had almost had a point - that as extreme as Professor Storm was, why wasn't he up for a little extreme defense from his students? The only problem with what Fergie was at was that Ferg was assuming that Professor Storm was a reasonable and not insane teacher.  Wrongo. Source

Vasily Volkov

If only Uncle Ignan could see him now - the bloke would pop a lung. Vasily, shipped hundreds of miles to avoid trouble, and here he was, infecting the innocent with his own brand of misbehaviour. Source

Georg Kirchlehner

Students - the bane of the whole teaching deal. He'd heard stories about the 5th years, though they'd been subdued lately, apparently. He wondered if Ignan had had anything to do with that, but doubted it; if he remembered anything about Ignan, children were not Ignan's forte. Source

Accepted!  -- Sparky

Character Name: Ignan Storm
Title Applying For: Deputy Headmaster
Link to Accepted Biography: Biography

What Experience has Prepared You For This Honor?:

Five or so years teaching at Durmstrang, and a further year at Hogwarts. Turning out the best results in a variety of students, and able to counsel some of the more troubled souls of the school.

Also co-operative and strong member of the staff, finding Sasha Schlagenweit and Ava Grosvenor, leading large joint classes to teach side-along and avoiding apparition (splinching overlooked), and defending students on detention against a werewolf attack.

Seen amongst the student body and staff as a respected, and well disciplined Professor, he also aligns himself well with the new headmaster's beliefs in achieving high levels of education by any viable means.

Previously, an auror with a variety of roles including managing teams in the Black Forest. Finally, old enough to be wise enough...

What Do You Think the Most Important Aspect of This Job Is:?

Balancing the assistance to the Headmaster, while remaining in touch with the staff to ensure all the staff are united in a cause and approach to teaching, student discipline, security etc.

Secondary, the ability to step up and make important emergency decisions in conjunction with the Heads of Houses should the Headmaster be detained, arrested, injured or killed while serving.

Thirdly, maintaining high levels of discipline. Ignan is not against a variety of methods of detention to discourage the misbehaviour of the student body.

Tell a Story From Your Past That Has Proven Your Mettle: 

Time is Running Out

"You should not have done that Trishna..." But stood back up and swung his cloak from his shoulders and around Sasha as Tapendra used his own to wrap the bloodied form of the last Ava Grosvenor.
"Are you hurt?" Ignan asked Sasha firmly, stood before him, obscuring his view of Tapendra tending to the body. He suspected Sasha could have all manner of injuries, only masked by the extreme cold. Raising his wand, he incanted a warming spell, beginning at Sasha's head, before he drew his own black cloak hood over the student's head, which dwarfed him a bit. It would slowly help to bring Sasha's temperature up - along with the warmth from Ignan's cloak fresh off the Professor's back.

"We must get them both into the castle at once." He turned to say to Tapendra, before turning back to Sasha, and pulling the student's arm over Ignan's shoulder, keen to keep him awake and get him warm by forcing him to walk, preserving any memories in the boy's head as far as possible for the Ministry to examine.
"Can you lift the body intact?" He asked, keen to get out of the cold for everyone's sake.

Promises are Like the Full Moon

Tugging down one shirtsleeve, he turned to the students.
"We best wait for Professor Ó Móráin," He cast a glance at the clock on the staff room mantle to his right.  "I doubt he'll be long, given you have come mob-handed." Ignan's arms dropped to his sides, and he tucked his wand away within a fraction of a second's reach.

"Not that I think you will change any minds." He warned the students, being purposely ambiguous about his own thoughts, and falsely assuming Ó Móráin's. After all, if Declan came in and just proclaimed yes there was little Ignan could do to complain, given his assumption of Snark's role in her absence.

Settling himself in the armchair his cloak was neatly folded over the arm of, still poised to raise himself at any moment, he pointed to a longer, more sofa like piece across from him. A low table scattered in tatty books, photographs, and a map of the local area (a line drawing of a dragon flying around it, occasionally stopping on one of the towers of the castle on the map).
"Sit down." He instructed the four of them, drawing them into the room and away from the doorway.

A bit of real world application

"I think for the time being, Chancelier, it is safest to stay there - I will return." Professor Storm called up to her, already heading back to Georg.

He found his good friend and colleague leant against the post of the barn, and could see immediately he had been wounded by the way Georg held himself. The wolf was also wounded, but the sight of Georg wounded switched Ignan from his more rational, considered self that had moments before considered not to kill the wolf on sight, into a rage.

"Conicio flamma"

The bolt of flame singed the ground beside the wolf, which leapt cat-like into the air and lashed out with its teeth at the flames. Ignan threw the fire again, and again, tirelessly driving the beast away with a ferocious look on his face. It circled, avoiding the flames until one struck so close its tail was set alight and it howled, the fire and the wound Georg had given it enough to make it think twice.

It put up an admirable fight, despite his wound, though as the ground became scorched it jumped the fence, and Ignan gave chase, his head screaming to kill the wolf, but the small, rational part of him still vocal within reminding him he could not do so for the consequences it would bring on them all.

The fire he threw at its retreating, snarling form caught trees and set them alight, not helped by Ignan stumbling and setting his own arm alight. Extinguishing the flames, the Defences Professor was forced to take his eyes from the wolf's retreating form, and also realised he had done all he could for the moment. Bowing his head at the fence, breathing heavily at the effort it had taken, he hoping with all his heart that the wolf would not return. The smoke that undoubtedly billowed up from the trees and the scorched grass in the paddock and filled the air with acrid smoke.

A Knut for your Thoughts

"You can never protect anyone absolutely, Alamasy, not yourself, nor a dependent. You may mean to, and wish to, but it is not possible to protect entirely." The Professor explained frankly to the fifth year. "Becoming an auror does not give you the option to protect those you choose to. It may equip you with further skills than a conventional NEWT education, with the embellishments I or any other Professor may add, but it is not a locked box to store others in, nor a crutch for your insecurities."

Professor Storm's tact, as it could, seemed to have got lost in the post again. He folded his arms and looked directly at Alamasy.
"The best protection you can offer another, is to educate them in protecting themselves." The Professor clarified, fixing Raine with a level stare, awaiting her next move.

Through the Eyes of Others III

Landis Morgan

Unfortunately Landis had not had the pleasure of speaking to Leopold himself, and so did not know the other man's reasoning. Ignan had spoken to him instead. How Landis wished to have been a fly upon that wall.
 Source

Ylva Maras

Ignan Storm.  Ylva's eyes narrowed when he spoke up.  Ignan Storm.  About time he showed his face.  Ignan was the son of Headmaster Merrik Storm and he was here at Hogwarts of all places.  And, Ylva'd heard, he was the deputy to the Headmaster.  Ylva Maras couldn't help but feel the weight of his influence and reputation, but the fact that he was on the other side of the table for this Tournament? That didn't sit right. Source

Tapendra Trishna

Partially it was the fact he couldn't think of anyone who matched the description - couldn't come to the school, wouldn't be allowed to, was safe, and was teaching Sasha what sounded like Dark Arts. Did anyone in the world match that description? Other than maybe Ignan, if his full criminal record got dragged forward - but Ignan was actually allowed at Hogwarts. Source

Aileen Reid

She nodded at his mention of Professor Storm, interested to hear they were getting on well so far. She hadn't spoken to the Defense professor much, but she knew that Tapendra regarded him highly, and she could imagine Herschel as the warmer, public face of Hogwarts while Ignan Storm rapped knuckles as needed in the background. Source

Herschel Reid

Let Auberon and Ignan have their battle on their own time. If the Frenchman was smart, he would abandon ship before it got out of hand. Herschel had heard about how quickly arguments between Durmstrang graduates could get out of hand, and Ignan seemed a man with a temper that should not be tested. He would have to ask Storm later on how the meeting ended. Source

Tapendra Trishna

Tapendra sputtered rather uselessly, his protests dying under the wash of relief that Darian had clothes on. Just...not as many layers as Tapendra wanted him to have on. It was one thing to sleep with - with - ugh! Ignan had at least had the cloak and his three piece suit on. And Ignan was different than...well, Darian. Source

Maybe it was hanging around Ignan so much; he felt bad for thinking bad things about Sissel...but not as much as he normally would have. He wondered what Ignan would have done in this situation - brushed the man off gruffly, most likely. Source

"Terribly useful or actually useful?" He asked, knowing it'd be entirely believable for Ignan to lie on purpose just to test the student's resolve...or, more likely, their wits. "He's a good source. Tells it like it is, doesn't he...?" Likely with a heaping helping of foreboding  stories of death, Tapendra suspected. Source

Casey O'Doherty

Professor Ignan Storm was difficult to impress and Casey inferred that the elder man was still not convinced with Casey's request for the training. Source

It was just...in Casey's creed you didn't latch onto people like that, damn the excuse of trying to understand a battle stance. Professor Storm didn't do that to correct posture, only taps or adjustments of the wand hand. Source

He sighed inwardly, contemplating how even that could be a simple Occlumency exercise for when you didn't want someone to no you were exasperated with them. Not that Professor Storm seemed to do that much for he was always quick with correction when a student was out of line. Source

Figaro Sellaphix

Another Salem kid seemed to also find some peculiar injustice to the goings on, which were pretty much on par for how Hogwarts classes went down.  If this bothered them they probably hadn't yet met Professor Storm.  Source

Winifred Leigh Oliver

There were an awful lot of rumors that all of the Durmstrang kids were nasty, dangerous brutes. Winifred was the sort to believe every word of that whole-heartedly. Especially considering that she was terrified of Professor Storm and he had graduated from Durmstrang. Any school that made people like Professor Storm had to be a scary, awful place.) Source

Baxter Fox

Admittedly, Baxter felt a little nervous about having a one on one with the headmaster of Durmstrang. Professor Storm was intimidating enough, and he hadn't even been at Durmstrang in a long time. Source

Ligeia Canterbury

Professor Storm and his bloody, horror show slides; the right-for-your-life defensive spell drills; his dagger-staring eyes and that time he'd splinched an arm.

Ligeia actually couldn't wait for more! Classes were always exciting, if the Professor was a tad forceful. Source

Joshua Harcroft

"Yeah, that's true. I don't think there is a single Professor who is actively unfair. Scary for the younger years, maybe in the case of Professor Storm, but not actually unfair." Josh said, he actually didn't mind Professor Storm. The guy was harsh, but not unreasonably so; he didn't take points regardless of if the answer was correct or not, for example, like he had heard a Potions Professor had in the past. Source

Sophie Flickwick

Actually I'd wager you'll like most of the returning Professors, except maybe, Professor Storm. He's a good teacher he's just very survival of the fittest. I still think he might poison my Pumpkin Juice for the time I called him a bully in the middle of class - as previously stated I have a rather hard time keeping my mouth shut. Source

Gracie Slant

It wasn't that the subject in question was hard, per se. While Professor Storm was a bit of. . . a hard ass (not to mention old), the old man was a good teacher and, most importantly, wasn't boring. In his class, Gracie was awake. Wide-eyed and very, very awake, in the same way one would keep an eye on a very patient, hungry bear. It made paying attention easy, that. Source

Liviana Wiedman

Maybe she'll make it out the year but as you well know Hogwarts has a notorious turn over rate. I do hope it doesn't apply to Professor Storm of course he's brilliant in DADA. Source

Through the Eyes of Others IV

Pax Wintergreen

'Do you like the classes okay? Professor Storm hasn't set off a fire or anything in the classroom, has he?' Pax thought very highly of Ignan Storm, but there also wasn't much he wouldn't put past the DADA teacher. Source

Atash Hendruabi

One of the qualities of the Durmstrang staff culture was the afforded privacy; so long as classes went on as they should and no property was too permanently damaged -- he'd heard stories that suggested that the infamous Ignan Storm had once learned that lesson the hard way -- then the Institute's professors were respected to do as they liked. Source

Ylva Maras

"I have always found both Professors Storm to be grim.  A bit theatrical," said the icy witch with magenta curls and a silver eye patch from Durmstrang.  But that was all she'd say of Merik Storm.  He had never been a wizard to trifle with.  And Professor Storm?  Well what was he doing at Hogwarts anyway?  It was the topic of some controversy and confusion why he'd left Durmstrang, and Ylva could never make square of it. Source

Tapendra Trishna

Ignan liked the students better than he'd ever admit, Tapendra expected. He certainly had a bit of a  more traditional attitude towards punishment, but with the amount of students he was privately tutoring... Source

He thought about Ignan for a moment, tilting his head. "I don't think it'd be dangerous," he said. "But I think it'd be best if I talked to him. Ignan does have a bit of a temper, in the right circumstances." Certainly he'd heard the man hiss angrily enough to guess at that. Source

"Err,yes. Professor Storm is quite good company, I think you'll find." Provided Ignan hadn't gotten into the firewhiskey, which he doubted Ignan had. He really did need to track the older man down this evening, if only to hide behind him. Source

Tapendra's eyebrows stayed raised, though at Ignan's dressing-down of Kesali, it was difficult not to smirk a little. Ignan had a rather amazing ability to make even the most inflated of egos feel small and deflated. Tapendra wondered how he did it - with a lot of practice, he assumed.
… He'd turned to head to the tower, but he stopped, looking over his shoulder. His tone, which surprised even him, was genuinely nice - though not overly so. "I wouldn't worry about meeting Ignan's standards, Kesali. None of us do." Source

Waverly Roh-Ballentyne

She had her boundaries, she expected them to be respected, and when one had teachers like Ignan Storm and a HoH like Landis Morgan... well, touchy feely was not something you were really used to. Source

Winifred Oliver
"...But Professor Storm's class is just really hard! And he's mean. And did you know that he's been trying to kill the students?" she asked. "Splinching and poisoning and everything. Nobody believes me but I know the truth."
She looked at the Durmstrang headmaster curiously then, narrowing her eyes. "He used to work at Durmstrang. Did you let him kill students, there, too? Sounds like something that would happen at Durmstrang." Source

"I just can't wait until i don't have to take his class anymore. Because I'm so very bad at it and he can be so very mean. He fusses a lot. And he's got this mean death stare like he wants to drown you in lava." Winifred crossed her arms and mocked a shiver. Source

Auberon Eisenberg

But he did miss having Storm at Durmstrang. The man had been so fun to torture! Source

Gloria Gibbon

During the wait Gloria debated with listening at the door, although knowing Professor Ignan Storm there might be something in place to disincline that.  Source

Nightingale Kesali

Addison....was she blushing? Oh if only he were as cruel as Ignan... Source

"Oh no, no. It's alright. I was just trying to prove a point. There is no real trouble in expressing your desire for one another, but there is a time and a place for everything Miss Wiedman, Mister Inkwood. The hall is not one of them. I'm not going to punish you or anything, M'dear." Lord Storm was right, he was too soft. Source

Gabrielle Murray

Do you enjoy my cousin? Is he as hardnosed as you all make him out to be? No doubt. Ignan's not the sweet type there.... only a dash or three around me. Source

Minerva McGonagall

Minerva nodded sharply at the distraught headmaster. She completely understood what he meant about Hogwarts needing a strong leader, but hard as she might try, she just couldn’t think of anyone who could take over his spot and make it work, at least not in the middle of the Tetrawizard Tournament. She would suggest Ignan Storm, like Reid had, but he was of Durmstrang stock, and the headmaster must be a Hogwarts alumnus. Source

Herschel Reid

"I will talk to Professor Storm, and ask for him to pick up my slack over the next couple of weeks. He's a reliable man, and I trust he has Hogwarts' best interests at heart... Despite his alma mater." The idea of a Durmstrang graduate doing anything good for Hogwarts was still a hard pillow to swallow for Herschel. It made no sense, when you considered the things you heard of Durmstrang and their dark past. But he was willing to look beyond that. Especially since he needed to see beyond that. Source

Liviana Wiedman

It was probably lucky they'd gotten caught at this point in the year; much longer around Storm and it wouldn't be as easy to manipulate the white haired man. When it came to Ignan Storm tears would get you laughed at and thrown out on your arse. It was all about knowing how to finesse people, Liviana was fairly good at that for only being sixteen. Source

Sasha Schlagenweit

So far, Sasha had come across as many answers to that question as there were people answering the question.  Both Professors Trishna and Sandusky seemed to think it was black and white - use of Dark Magic would corrupt, even if the user wasn't aware or didn't use it with the usual intentions.  Professor Storm wasn't the only one Sasha had encountered to think otherwise.  Source

Abigail Reid

She listened, relieved to hear that Professor Storm would be involved. From what little she knew of him, the Defense professor seemed very capable, and he'd be motivated to protect Sasha, his son, too. He'd better be! While she understood the awkwardness of acknowledging the family connection, Abby hoped it wouldn't keep the man from helping him in such a tough situation. Source

Paetyn Harper

He really did hang his head then, but only for a moment or two before the cheerfulness shined through again. He’d be going back to Hogwarts in a couple days, where he could immerse himself in magic again and totally forget about the muggles that seemed to act like he was diseased. Not that Paetyn didn’t enjoy watching a bit of telly! He just really missed his friends, even the mean old Professor Storm, who he was convinced was pure evil. Source

Brett Abraham

Brett fidgeted uncomfortably as Professor Storm told her that she looked well. Egads! What did that mean? All of this exposed skin was not meant for men like that! Not that Storm was looking, but there were other men like him out there who could look. She should have thought this through. Source

Professor Storm had seen her in a dress with a tight bodice and her bare legs. That was just weird. Source

James Forrester

James had never been to Hogwarts, but from his conversations with his brother it seemed a bit less disciplined than Durmstrang.  He wondered if the students their would give Professor Storm ulcers. Source

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Getting some of those Hogwarts students through their NEWT and OWL exams last year! No, that was not my greatest achievement of my life, just a great achievement, if you had seen the grades when I arrived.

I suppose if I am somewhat sentimental, it is putting aside what I had become in decades past, and going home. I’d become something horrific, without a conscience, and Georg and many others were right about it, and I was too pig-headed to accept. Holding down a suppressed teaching job at Durmstrang for my sins, not upping and leaving and going back to what I was feels like an achievement, but ultimately it is practicality. Making the move to Hogwarts is one of the better things that have happened in my life.

Some moments, things crop up that make it so very tempting to vanish, cut my ties and see the rest of the world, but I’m not nearly as young, and people depend on me. Is it an achievement that I let that happen?

Had you asked me this a decade or more ago, you would have had a rather different answer relating to achieving dark magic with dire consequences.

When and where were you the happiest?

Wrestling Azorma lovingly in the place we shared one balmy Venice night. After so many years and so many women who had been and gone with small parts of my heart, this very special, fierce witch succeeded in seizing the whole thing.

I have never felt anything the same as those giddy months where I could call her mine, if I was well enough behaved (or some nights, badly behaved, let’s be honest, we had interesting tastes). I loved that woman, I kept loving that woman even with my modified memory, and on seeing her again even in the state the Ministry put her in.

She still remains the only person in my life I would give everything up for. Despite our crimes at that time, being with her made me the happiest man alive.

What is your greatest fear?

It used to be Azorma, that she would come after me. Now she’s in Azkaban, my boggart has undoubtedly changed.

I fear that I will let down those who now rely on me. I’m reticent to let others rely on me, past professional reliance, because I hate to be tied down. If she does make it out of Azkaban, and she would be the woman to do it, I have to make that choice to follow her and break ties with everyone. There will be no going back, and I fear by that point tearing tenuous links apart will tear into other lives.

Heh, I’ve become sentimental in my old age, but it’s been too long and too much pain for others at my hand, and I admit I’ve become fond. I fear that those who do rely on me and need me one day I will let down, I will lose, and I doubt when it happens I will have only lost them because my memory is modified, as it was with Azorma.

What is one thing that Ignan wishes he could have done differently?

To have married Azorma back when he was a younger man. To not have gone out that night and ignored her advice that he was walking into a trap with Italian Ministry, which led to his capture and deportation with a modified memory. He regretted it ever since the day, and only last year he discovered so much of that regret was based on a lie. But it was too late, Azorma is in Azkaban.

Through the Eyes of Others V

Raine Almasy

The seriousness of her expression cracked right through with skepticism just a second after, however. Storm. Feelings. If Kesali was using extremes as an example to prove his point, at least he had chosen well. Raine had long accepted that their teachers were flawed and (relatively) human though she wrinkled her nose at the idea of having 'front row seats' to any sort of fire.
Source

Kella Carmody

Kella did not believe that Professor Storm was a dark wizard. She didn't know a thing about that, and definitely not enough to go around making accusations. What she did know was that he was intimidating, and there had been a few occasions after particularly intense lessons when the Hufflepuff had been terrified to go to class because she was genuinely afraid that something unsettling was going to go on in there. She'd heard other students teasing, of course (about the dark wizard accusations, amongst other things) and - mostly because she didn't want to be scared of their teacher all of the time - had jumped on the bandwagon quite enthusiastically. Dreaming the man up as some kind of after-hours cartoon villain was much easier than thinking of him in serious terms. The man handed out detentions and taught about evil things and generally made her feel uneasy, so she did what she had to do in order to not piss herself every time she set foot in his classroom. It was a defense mechanism, really. She didn't choose to be frightened of him, but that didn't change the fact that she was, and that was how she dealt with it. She really did believe that anybody who threw dirt in his classroom would be in a lot of trouble! And if Kella herself didn't learn how to put together a decent essay before the end of the year, there was an excellent chance that she'd be in a lot of trouble, too – and not just with good old Professor Storm, either!
Source

“Flipendo. Remember that one from our Defense class? I'm showing her,” she explained as she jogged across the room to retrieve the desk and tug it back toward the center of the space. It made a loud grinding noise as she tugged it along, setting it right back where it had started. “I didn't know you meant defense charms at first,” she remarked, turning toward Lucy again. “I wouldn't ever ask Professor Storm for help, either.”
Source

Alexandra Carstairs

After I sent your letter off, we had a particularly abysmal charms session – Professor Storm might have taken a risk with our wellbeing, but it was at least a constructive one.
Source

“Never,” Alex said firmly, “Professor Storm would approach it with more... discretion,” not that it was in any way hard to achieve.
Source

Mai Clark

"He's admirable," she agreed, relaxing into the tree a bit, her free arm crossed under her chest as she leaned back. "He pushes you to your limits; he's tough but he forces you to improve. I enjoy his classes."
Source

Arianne Desrosiers

She listened to the man talk about his dreams and she couldn't help but imagine him so out of picture in such a cozy little scenario. She laughed brightly. But perhaps, he'd not always been like this. Life tended to throw things at you until it broke you and built you anew - a person you'd never thought yourself to become. "That sounds lovely, but dare I say, a little too mundane for the person you are now, Professor" she said with a small smile, a hint of sadness in her eyes and she quickly turn to look elsewhere not wanting the man to think her. Life had not been kind to Monsieur Storm and anyone with half a mind could see it.
Source

Lucrezia Di Luca

"See that your hand is attended to at the Hospital Hut before returning to your dorms. You are dismissed" she waved her hand towards the door, as the student scurried away, not before greeting the Defense Professor with big, terrified eyes.
Source

Jordyn Dimbleby

The options left weren't entirely to Jordyn's liking.  She adored Professor Reid and Storm, for completely different reasons, of course.  She wanted to be like Reid - accomplished, put together, beautiful, poised - she could go on for days about the things she wanted to be just like her.  Storm was, of course, a force to be reckoned with, but not someone Jordyn would go to with problems.  Neither was Reid, really.
Source

Walton Dodd

Walton cast a sidelong glance down at Georgiana as she began asking questions. The informality with which she addressed Professor Storm baffled him. He knew that Storm was good friends with Gigi's older brother, but felt that a certain level of respect was due- regardless of any personal connections or ties.
Source

Auberon Eisenberg

He handed Wolfgang the parchment back, snorting at the man’s wording. “Oh, yes. Trouble with Ignan Storm is hardly new to me, after all.” The man was actually rather simple to deal with, all things considered.
Source

Bethan Ellis

She had seven  years of Defense Against the Dark Arts training, a wand that was finely attuned to her, and years of dueling club behind her... and she was throwing silverware. Professor Storm would be so proud.
Source

Gerard Gries

"I have come to think that there are different modes of Obliviation," Gerard said as he settled into greater comfort, the kind brought on with theoretical discussion with what could be classified as a peer. Ignan Storm was older and of a different background but he was an educator and the Defensive expert at Hogwarts, appearing knowledgable with both physical and mental defense.
Source

Elijah Grimlish

He removed the lollipop from between his lips and spoke quietly, “You should be more careful. Professor Storm is a hard man. You do not want to get on his bad side. Plus, your uniform is important, you should take better care of it,”
Source

Professor Storm had never looked so severe on such a small bit of paper, but Ignan's likeness was there well enough to put a push in anyones step. But, Avalon hoped it would simply be enough to set his friend in motion.
Source

Joshua Harcroft

"Yeah, Defense.I figured I may as well try to read up on what we might be doing- I'd rater not get on Professor Storm's bad side." Josh said. "Still, he's not too bad if you don't irritate him." Josh said, it was obviosu that he didn't exactly mind the Defemse Professor's strictness. "Keeps some of the rowdier students down a bit, though. " Josh commented.
Source

"True. I'm not 100% sure he needs to be so strict, but he's pretty reasonable." Josh replied, smiing slightly.
Source

Paetyn Harper

“You’re gonna come with us, right? Might be better if you put your shiny knife away though, don’t wanna fall on it or anything. I mean, we learned that one trick in Professor Storm’s class last semester, remember? When he broke people’s fingers and taught us how to keep the blood from… uh… spilling?”[1] Paetyn shook his head vigorously, trying to remember exactly what Storm had said. Paetyn had been so terrified, he couldn’t really remember. Then again, Paetyn was always terrified in Professor Storm’s classes. “Either way, it’s probably better if you don’t get sticked,”
Source

Mason Hawkins

"I'm stuck in a rut of classes, I've mostly studied everything in my textbooks working on the tournament, so there's not much else they can teach me this year. But practice is good, until I turn seventeen in April." Mason said honestly "And Professor Storm isn't getting much prettier either." Sonny laughed at his own silly quip and pulled out a black pen from his pocket and began to doodle on his hand.
Source

Aisling Knight

"I didn't know that Professor Storm was your cousin. We spoke briefly at the Yule Ball. He was quite pleasant company." Academic. That wasn't quite the word she would use, but only because of old, dark thoughts she didn't wish to linger on.
Source

Rowena Knight

"Sophia and I've been studying together more. And Professor Storm...he's very stern." That was a good word for him, wasn't it?
"That's good for a Defense professor, isn't it Mother?"
Source

Sophia Knight

"They are all very good. I would suggest Does Magic Bind Us? A Sociological Study of the Differences Between Magical and Muggle Scientific Approaches and Results Only because the collaborating differences in the various authors is refreshing, and I'm a firm believer that Muggle Science has some truth to it. But it was nice to see them both compared side by side. Many are too much of old stuffed prudes like Professor Storm to even consider such a subject."
Source

Landis Morgan

"What spells were you teaching?" he asked, wanting to know the cause of these "minor burns." There had to be more to the matter than a few injuries. Storm broke fingers in his class and no one dared complain. Of course, the students were likely terrified that if they did next he'd break their arms. Ignan Storm was a very admiresome man and one Landis did not mind sharing castle space with.
Source

Alvis Norling

"I didn't say I'm not going to train it. I will, to get it under control." Though he hadn't thought of Professor Trishna. Heaven knew he'd be a million times preferable to Professor Storm. The thought of allowing Storm into his mind -- or vice-versa -- was petrifying. "I just...I'm still wrapping my head around the whole thing, to be honest."
Source

Casey O'Doherty

"What if I had been a professor at the door? Would you have blasted the door at Professor Storm or Professor Kesali?" Not that either would be unable to defend themselves from such action. That raised the question of if Ignan Storm would deliberately harm a student, well, more harm than what was allotted in a Defense class. 
Source

Casey did not think he would ever see another student block one of his spells to recycle it back with his next casting! To have this craft taught by Professors Storm or Reid would be merely awe inspiring. To have the idea come from a student Casey's age was just insane!
Source

Violet Ostrander

"Professor Storm.  In Defence Against the Dark Arts this morning, Gwenna was whispering to someone about something I didn't quite catch, but he apparently overheard and gave her a detention tonight.  He turned back to the class, but then he looked at me and said," - Violet lowered her pitch and mimicked the Professor's accent and intonation as best as she could - "'Come to think of it, you are overdue for a detention yourself, Miss Ostrander, I will expect you tonight as well.'  I was...well, I was kind of too...surprised to ask, and he hasn't historically been very keen on being questioned about discipline anyway."
Source

Violet eyed Kella sceptically in response to her apparent vote of confidence in the the-DADA-Professor-is-a-barely-restrained-Dark-Wizard-psychopath theory that seemed popular amongst the first-years, but at this stage the Ravenclaw accepted it as an article of faith for the other students and no longer tried to point out how illogical it was.
Source

Noah Pratt

He wanted to ask again but Storm scared him and he wasn’t going to stick around any longer. Not now that more threats were coming his way. He’d just have to try harder now so that Storm or any other dark wizards didn’t want to kill him.
Source

Archer Radley

“Send him a request to chat in the morning?” he added, half asking, but more as a concluding remark, to make sure they would tackle that bit in due time.  “And we can head for the castle in the afternoon, I imagine, if our friend would be so kind as to... clear his schedule for us."  Not entirely a request, of course, particularly with the gravity of situation - and Professor Storm's relationship with their department.
Source

Addison Rockwell

Professor Kesali was certainly not like Professor Storm or Professor Di Luca. He wasn't strict or even too demanding of them.
Source

Jacoba Schlagenweit

Hogwarts seemed to be a rather small world.  "And, Ignan Storm?  Actually met over beers in Hogsmeade.  Amusing fellow."  Though, Jacoba could understand how students, her brother included, might not see him that way. 
Source

Sasha Schlagenweit

It still felt strange to be around people who referred to Professor Storm by his first name, let alone who discussed his personal life prior to being a Hogwarts professor.
Source

He knew what militaristic and power-seeking looked like - especially in orders that devotedly served with unquestioning dedication.  Professor Storm might be regimented and, certainly, Sasha knew he didn't know the man very well.  But, he had a hard time picturing the Defense professor displaying quite the level of servitude the Sith demonstrated. 
Source

"We can do Star Wars, if you want.  So, that either makes me Hans Solo and you're my copilot.  Or, I'm Luke and you're, you know, escorting me.  Though, if you'd seen Professor Storm in the-" Sasha quickly caught himself, glancing between the other two.  Professor Storm's inadvertent donning of a Darth Vader apron had been remarkably amusing on several different levels.  For better or worse, the ranks of those who could completely appreciate the irony were quite small.
Source

Figaro Sellaphix

He managed a weak grin at Professor Storm.  "Morning!" 'Sadist', he added to himself.  A cruel and inhuman lesson that Figaro'd be lying to say he hadn't partially enjoyed.  It had made him feel real.  Alive.
Source

"Shocking, madam," Figaro gasped in mock horror at Professor Finnigan's suggestion that he be sent out with Professor Storm on one of his life-or-death excursions.  Last time that had happened, they'd all nearly been devoured by a werewolf.[1]
Source

The slide projector always made Figaro groan.  The way it rattled and the smell off it just reminded him of the long, grisly slide shows in Professor Storm's class, or the hilariously dull and out-dated muggle studies films.
Source

Connor Todd

In deference to the Almighty Ignan’s stormy fearsome countenance, Connor waited a respectful ten seconds before not-so-quietly saying “I’d bet on Báthory,” his grin effin’ atheist as he slanted Lovella a glance. “Seein’ how you,” he cocked bony fingers at her, pistol-like, “jes’ got told!” Whoop whoop!
Source

Gwenna Trevelyan

Professor Storm clearly didn't understand how classified things worked.  There were moments when Gwenna could almost imagine him as some awful movie villain, the sort who would hang her by her toes over a ginormous vat of boiling oil and demand to know where such a brave, intrepid adventurer had hidden the secret map to the lost Mayan treasure.  With the hint of his German accent and his cinematic scowls, he would have been a wonderful foil, but instead, here he was, wasting both his and her time by making her write essays instead of pulling out her toenails one by one or something.
Source

Jonas Trevelyan

As much as he enjoyed needling the former-criminal-turned-Defense-Professor, the opportunity for theoretical musing would win out every time. Source

"You remember Hogwarts' Deputy Headmaster, yeah?" he asked Archer cheerfully, as he began to return the papers to their proper places.  "Nice chatty old bloke?  Always looking for help with demonstrations?"  The other Auror knew the history of Ignan Storm's interactions with Level Two, the most significant of which had ended in an illegal kiss and a declaration of love for a soon-to-be convicted murderess just before she'd been convicted and carted off to Azkaban.
The basics of the old wizard's past probably wouldn't have been too difficult to ferret out after that -- but it had served their purposes more to leave the sleeping dogs where they lay.  Now, if they asked Storm for a chat, he was going to be hard-pressed to flat out deny them.
"Fancy a visit to Hogwarts, mate?"  He cocked a brow at Archer, giving him a lopsided grin.  "Professor Storm is an expert in defense against this sort of thing, after all.  Maybe he's seen a picture or two in one of his old textbooks."
Source

Cyhirae Trishna

She and Ambrose had been together for nearly a month and a half, and her father had yet to react at all in her presence which made her nervous and was making Ambrose even more nervous. She was, admittedly, getting tired of Ambrose’s worrying about whether or not her father approved of them, or if he was going to have Professor Storm handle it.
Source

Tapendra Trishna

Yet the man's threat to Sasha still made him shake, made his stomach twist. He'd known Ignan was capable of that kind of thing. He'd overlooked it in the past, tried to deny it. Yet that the man might so easily resort to that felt like a kind of betrayal, like he'd been slapped. It hurt, and it made him sick. He could only hope that Ignan had been speaking the truth when he backed down.
Source

Cyhirae had her mother's temper, which he'd learned made it hard to be neutral with just her side of the story - if he'd listened to her, he'd have thought Ignan Storm a cold, sinister bully of a man. He knew that not to be true - Ignan Storm was a cold, sinister bully with a sense of humor. And a heart that had some gold in it, bless him.
Source

Somehow the way Ignan said 'squeezed my hand' made the gesture and its implications a little bit more scandalous than it might have truly been, Ignan's mortified tones only adding to that feeling. Tapendra watched the man explain in a strange kind of daze, unsure of how to react. Ignan Storm was not embarrassed, was he? He wasn't supposed to be capable of that. Nor was he supposed to be approached by other men -
Source

"That's alright, Norling. No harm done-" He paused, looked about the office, and slightly sheepishly added, "That can't be undone, anyway. Just don't repeat this with Storm's office." He smiled, very slightly - Ignan would be far less charitable, he was sure.
Source

Zel Trumble

Within the last couple years at Hogwarts, there had been so many staff changes that he was hesitant to get too close to a professor and build a connection, only to have them leave again. It was safer to just be uncomfortable with everyone equally! Except professor Storm, though Zel felt oddly comfortable with him-- possibly because of the connection that Alrich (their late father) had with Storm.
Source

Noriko Wakahisa

Already, Noriko found herself liking Professor Finnigan.  She had already single-handedly gotten Mairead to cooperate -- well, sort of cooperate -- which usually took an act of bribery or Professor Storm,
Source

Theo Whitman

“If there is any semblance of wit in that silly little head of his at all, then he knows that there’s really no other place where he can channel that temper with relative impunity.” Professor Storm certainly wouldn’t have stood for it.
Source

Where does Ignan go and what does he do when angry or frustrated?

He took a long walk up a hill once to get away from the castle when he found out Azorma was alive but captured by the Ministry and wore out his anger with exercise away from everyone.

In more tightly knit situations, such as when Georg was attacked by the Hogwarts direwolf, he’s prone to fierce magical backlash against the cause.

He’s better in his older years about keeping his anger and frustration in check, and it only tends to be things relating to family and friends which riles him, and most of the time he tries to distance himself where possible as not to be drawn in.

Like any person he is liable to be pretty blunt when angry, and for those who manage to consider him a friend, it is rather a blow to the relationship. Another reason he tends to remove himself from the situation before he does something stupid, or raises his wand where it could get him into serious trouble these days.

Does Ignan have scars, birthmarks, piercings, or tattoos?

No, never been one for piercings or tattoos, though there were a few inebriated nights where it was suggested, for sure.

He still bears his splinching scar on his left arm from February 2009, where he left his hand attached to Noriko Wakahisa. It had to be reattached by Tulojow, and Ignan slipping out to the kitchens with newly arrived Georg and not heeding the healer’s advice, has probably not helped it fade.

8: Ignan’s favourite indulgence and feelings surrounding indulging.
Asked by Nuri

Nitpicking. He’s a perfectionist, and untempered, he’ll never rest over perfecting a student’s work. If someone makes him cross or tries to outdo him, he’ll pick holes in their argument, work, magic anything just to get back at them and prove he’s not inferior. His manners, and good friends are about the only thing that prevent him being a right arsehole to that extent. He gets quite a thrill out of it.

14: Ignan’s physical abnormalities? (Both visible and not, including injuries/disabilities, long-term illnesses, food-intolerances, etc.)
Asked by Kelly

In his younger days he sustained an injury to his leg which aches in cold weather and can make him limp slightly which irritates him. He sustained plenty more between hiding in trees to ambush werewolves and fighting dark wizards, so he feels his leg has no reason to behave in such a way!

More recently he splinched and lost his hand temporarily in February 2009 which led to an ugly scar on his left arm above his wrist. He is ever so slightly self conscious of it, but as it is fading he only notices so much when he’s rolled his sleeves up and one of the students is eyeing it suspiciously.

16: Ignan’s biggest and smallest long term goal
Asked by Armiece

His biggest long term goal is to make it to retirement in a reasonable state to enjoy it. Whether he retires and spends his days with people, or softer in his old age with an extended family, grandchildren by Sasha or even via the Trishnas if it be it, then he’d take it.

His smallest long term goal is not to ever be out of breath by the time he reaches the top of the astronomy tower.

19: What does Ignan think about before falling asleep at night?
Asked by Kelly

He often will note a few things he needs to remember to do the following day. If he can’t sleep he tries to think backwards through his day. More often than not he’s a bit late to bed and falls asleep quite quickly, so hasn’t much time to think.

20: Ignan’s childhood illnesses, and any interesting stories behind them
Asked by Armiece

Ignan is not prone to illness, luckily for him, but he did get the usual run of the mill chicken pox and such when he was very young. His mother put little mittens on his hands to stop him scratching. He feels fortunate to have been too young to really remember the mittens, or the chicken pox. His father at the time wasn’t overly amused.

There were less illnesses overall and more times when he’d have inflicted injuries from his father exerting control.

22: If Ignan were given a blank piece of paper, a pencil, and nothing to do, what would happen?
Asked by Nuri

He’d plan a torturous lesson for whichever class most deserved one! No wasted moment, and though he’ll deny it, his vocation has always been to teach. If you were hoping for a doodle, nothing so frivolous, a diagram at best.

29: Ignan’s reaction to sudden extrapersonal disaster (eg The house is on fire! What do they do?)
Asked by Nuri

Takes charge! It’s partly down to his original career as an auror type for the German Ministry, and also as a Professor. He’s one to take charge and worry about whether he did the right thing later. He’d be an asset to the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes.

31: Ignan's most prized possession?
Asked by Zira

Whereas a lot of wizards would say their wand, Ignan's had several during his life that have been snapped, lost and confiscated in a variety of scrapes and sticky situations.

His most prized possession is probably his pocketwatch, which his father gave to him on his return to Germany before teaching at Durmstrang. He lost a former one along with his favourite wand, being thrown out of Italy.

33: Ignan’s concept of home and family?
Asked by Nuri

In the past year, living at Hogwarts, he became acutely aware he had nowhere to call ‘home’ that was not a family home or the day job. The death of his elderly father during the Christmas holidays presented a choice to get rid of the house or take it on. He considered that the family he really wanted to entertain were all now in Britain, so it made more sense to formally settle himself there.

So home to Ignan is both the physical place, which contains his things and is a space to be himself, and also the people he permits in there. A place to call his own is home.

Family used to be very much the blood and the marriage ties, but the more time he spent away the more he felt that became less important. Families to Ignan can be bloodthirsty and downright disgraceful. Yes, it can open doors, can be rather handy at times, but it can also be toxic. Ignan considers family to be a far looser concept, that he wouldn’t identify willingly unless cornered, as it’s not his thing to admit clear affection. But the likes of the Trishnas, Sasha, Gabrielle, Johann and now Miranda would be considered part of this. Georg, although seen seldom again, will forever remain part of that too.

36: What makes Ignan feel guilty?
Asked by Nuri

Sometimes a really harsh word or punishment towards a student, particularly younger females. He felt pretty guilty when he accidentally kicked Noriko Wakahisa who was hiding under his desk. She’d drawn him a picture to say sorry for causing his arm to splinch, when in reality he was bloody proud of her for achieving the task. (See Sorry is the Magic Word )

He feels guilty about the whole Sasha debacle, not there is much he can do now. It’s all a bit awkward and he is at a loss with it all or how to make things better. He feels worse still over how it has impacted on his other relations, notably with Tapendra of late.

He felt a little guilty about getting Johann drunk and using legilimency on him to find some information that Johann was lying about, but in the long term it hasn’t done any harm. (See Map of Your Head )

Finally, he feels occasionally guilty for his relationship with Miranda. After all he and Azorma joked while she was captive about getting married. Miranda took him quite by surprise, and as such he feels guilty as if he’s ‘cheating’ on Azorma, even if he very much wonders if she’ll make it out alive, or if he’ll be in a position to flee with her. On the other hand he feels guilty for allowing Miranda to be close to him if he were to vanish.

38: What recharges Ignan when he's feeling drained?
Asked by Zira

Being away from people. He'll pretend he's not in, lock and ward the door, and spend time with a pot of tea or a bottle of whiskey depending on why he's feeling drained. He might retire to bed just to close his eyes and think a little, read or listen to the wizarding wireless.

39: Would you say that Ignan has a superiority-complex? Inferiority-complex? Neither?
Asked by Armiece

Verging on a superiority-complex. Being a teacher requires some false confidence when the buggers try to get you down, and he can’t let them think he’s not capable or powerful enough.

45: Does Ignan express his thoughts through words or deeds?
Asked by Nuri

It depends on the thought! Considered, reasonable, educational thoughts are conveyed through words and gestures, but angry, defensive thoughts are most certainly expressed through deeds. He’d prefer to make a sarcastic comment over physically correcting a colleague, for instance, but when teaching, sometimes deeds, or demonstration are more appropriate.

47: How does Ignan express love?
Asked by Armiece

In his younger days, with some drama. He indulged in the art of a compliment, and also was rather an arrogant show-off to attract attention. Daresay, quite a physical lover when the woman permitted it.

These days, rather more subtle. Enough days trying to ignore teenagers! A quiet romantic, it is more expressed through paying attention to the other person, holding proper conversation and listening. It’s not to say he’s not still affectionate behind closed doors, but he’s rather more selective and professional about how he conducts himself when in public around the one he’s fond of. He will be far more tempted to drop comments about others in their presence for amusement.

If we’re talking the love of family, or even closer friends then it is again by actually socialising with them willingly, and not hesitating to draw a wand and pin a person who dares to cross them. Sometimes he’ll even do that without the family member knowing, only that if they think about it, their thorn or irritation seemed to disappear soon after…

49: Is Ignan afraid of dying? Why or why not?
Asked by Zira

Not frantically. He's more than aware of danger, but also well aware of his limits and what he's capable of. He's not quite as ballsy as his young auror self, but he's more confident of how far he can go before he lands himself in trouble. He is afraid to die in vain though, he'd prefer to do it later, peacefully and not because he was an idiot.

ISTJ

VARIANT: ASSERTIVE
ROLE: SENTINEL

You are one of the Sentinels - a reliable and dedicated individual who respects traditions and prizes responsibility. You are known for your directness, attention to detail and quiet dedication.

Overview

The ISTJ personality type is thought to be the most abundant, making up around 13% of the population. Their defining characteristics of integrity, practical logic and tireless dedication to duty make ISTJs a vital core to many families, as well as organizations that uphold traditions, rules and standards, such as law offices, regulatory bodies and military. People with the ISTJ personality type enjoy taking responsibility for their actions, and take pride in the work they do - when working towards a goal, ISTJs hold back none of their time and energy completing each relevant task with accuracy and patience.

ISTJs don't make many assumptions, preferring instead to analyze their surroundings, check their facts and arrive at practical courses of action. ISTJ personalities are no-nonsense, and when they've made a decision, they will relay the facts necessary to achieve their goal, expecting others to grasp the situation immediately and take action. ISTJs have little tolerance for indecisiveness, but lose patience even more quickly if their chosen course is challenged with impractical theories, especially if they ignore key details - if challenges becomes time-consuming debates, ISTJs can become noticeably angry as deadlines tick nearer.

When ISTJs say they are going to get something done, they do it, meeting their obligations no matter the personal cost, and they are baffled by people who don't hold their own word in the same respect. Combining laziness and dishonesty is the quickest way to get on ISTJs' bad side. Consequently, people with the ISTJ personality type often prefer to work alone, or at least have their authority clearly established by hierarchy, where they can set and achieve their goals without debate or worry over other's reliability.

ISTJs have sharp, fact-based minds, and prefer autonomy and self-sufficiency to reliance on someone or something. Dependency on others is often seen by ISTJs as a weakness, and their passion for duty, dependability and impeccable personal integrity forbid falling into such a trap.

This sense of personal integrity is core to ISTJs, and goes beyond their own minds - ISTJ personalities adhere to established rules and guidelines regardless of cost, reporting their own mistakes and telling the truth even when the consequences for doing so could be disastrous. To ISTJs, honesty is far more important than emotional considerations, and their blunt approach leaves others with the false impression that ISTJs are cold, or even robotic. People with this type may struggle to express emotion or affection outwardly, but the suggestion that they don't feel, or worse have no personality at all, is deeply hurtful.

ISTJs' dedication is an excellent quality, allowing them to accomplish much, but it is also a core weakness that less scrupulous individuals take advantage of. ISTJs seek stability and security, considering it their duty to maintain a smooth operation, and they may find that their coworkers and significant others shift their responsibilities onto them, knowing that they will always take up the slack. ISTJs tend to keep their opinions to themselves and let the facts do the talking, but it can be a long time before observable evidence tells the whole story.

ISTJs need to remember to take care of themselves - their stubborn dedication to stability and efficiency can compromise those goals in the long term as others lean ever-harder on them, creating an emotional strain that can go unexpressed for years, only finally coming out after it's too late to fix. If they can find coworkers and spouses who genuinely appreciate and complement their qualities, who enjoy the brightness, clarity and dependability that they offer, ISTJs will find that their stabilizing role is a tremendously satisfying one, knowing that they are part of a system that works.

Strengths

• Honest and Direct - Integrity is the heart of the ISTJ personality type. Emotional manipulation, mind games and reassuring lies all run counter to ISTJs' preference for managing the reality of the situations they encounter with plain and simple honesty.
• Strong-willed and Dutiful - ISTJs embody that integrity in their actions too, working hard and staying focused on their goals. Patient and determined, people with the ISTJ personality type meet their obligations, period.
• Very Responsible - ISTJs' word is a promise, and a promise means everything. ISTJs would rather run themselves into the ground with extra days and lost sleep than fail to deliver the results they said they would. Loyalty is a strong sentiment for ISTJ personalities, and they fulfill their duties to the people and organizations they've committed themselves to.
• Calm and Practical - None of their promises would mean much if ISTJs lost their tempers and broke down at every sign of hardship - they keep their feet on the ground and make clear, rational decisions. Peoples' preferences are a factor to consider in this process, and ISTJs work to make the best use of individual qualities, but these decisions are made with effectiveness in mind more so than empathy. The same applies to criticisms, for others and themselves.
• Create and Enforce Order - The primary goal of any ISTJ is to be effective in what they've chosen to do, and they believe that this is accomplished best when everyone involved knows exactly what is going on and why. Unclear guidelines and people who break established rules undermine this effort, and are rarely tolerated by ISTJs. Structure and rules foster dependability; chaos creates unforeseen setbacks and missed deadlines.
• Jacks-of-all-trades - Much like Analysts (NT), ISTJs are proud repositories of knowledge, though the emphasis is more on facts and statistics than concepts and underlying principles. This allows ISTJs to apply themselves to a variety of situations, picking up and applying new data and grasping the details of challenging situations as a matter of course.

Weaknesses

• Stubborn - The facts are the facts, and ISTJs tend to resist any new idea that isn't supported by them. This factual decision-making process also makes it difficult for people with the ISTJ personality type to accept that they were wrong about something - but anyone can miss a detail, even them.
• Insensitive - While not intentionally harsh, ISTJs are often hurt more sensitive types' feelings by the simple mantra that honesty is the best policy. ISTJ personalities may take emotions into consideration, but really only so far as to determine the most effective way to say what needs to be said.
• Always by the Book - ISTJs believe that things work best with clearly defined rules, but this makes them reluctant to bend those rules or try new things, even when the downside is minimal. Truly unstructured environments leave ISTJs all but paralyzed.
• Judgmental - Opinions are opinions and facts are facts, and ISTJs are unlikely to respect people who disagree with those facts, or especially those who remain willfully ignorant of them.
• Often Unreasonably Blame Themselves - All this can combine to make ISTJs believe they are the only ones who can see projects through reliably. As they load themselves with extra work and responsibilities, turning away good intentions and helpful ideas, ISTJs sooner or later hit a tipping point where they simply can't deliver. Since they've heaped the responsibility on themselves, ISTJs then believe the responsibility for failure is theirs alone to bear.

Romance

ISTJs are dependable through and through, and this trait is clearly expressed when it comes to their romantic relationships. Often representing the epitome of family values, people with the ISTJ personality type are comfortable with, and often even encourage traditional household and gender roles, and look to a family structure guided by clear expectations and honesty. While their reserved nature often makes dating ISTJs challenging, they are truly dedicated partners, willing to devote tremendous thought and energy to ensure stable and mutually satisfying relationships.

Blind dates and random hookups are not ISTJs' preferred methods for finding potential partners. The risk and unpredictability of these situations has ISTJs' alarm bells ringing, and being dragged out for a night of dancing at the club just isn't going to happen. ISTJ personalities much prefer more responsible, conservative methods of dating, such as dinner with an interested coworker or, in their more adventurous moods, a setup organized through a mutual friend.

ISTJs approach relationships, as with most things, from a rational perspective, looking for compatibility and the mutual satisfaction of daily and long-term needs. This isn't a process that ISTJs take lightly, and once commitments are established, they stick to their promises to the very end. ISTJs establish foundations, fulfill their responsibilities, and keep their relationships functional and stable.

As their relationships transitions into the long-term, ISTJs gladly see to the necessary daily tasks around the house, applying the same sense of duty to their home life that they do in the workplace. While this may not translate into particularly exotic intimate lives, ISTJs are dependable lovers who want very much for their partners to remain satisfied. It takes patience on the part of more adventurous partners, but if different activities can be demonstrated as equally or more enjoyable than those already within ISTJs' comfort zones, they are perfectly capable of trying something new.

However, emotional satisfaction can be another matter. While ISTJs are able to provide surprisingly good emotional support, this only happens when they realize that it's necessary, and there's the rub. As Thinking (T) types, ISTJs are not naturally receptive to others' emotions, not unless they are stated clearly, and a partner usually only says "I'm angry" when it's too late to address the initial grievance.

People with the ISTJ personality type can get so caught up in the belief in their correctness, in "winning" arguments they thought were about facts, that they don't realize their partner may have viewed things from a perspective of consideration and sensitivity. Especially with Feeling (F) partners, this can be a huge challenge for the relationship. Ultimately though, ISTJs' senses of responsibility and dedication set the tone, and they spare no effort in noting to this distinction moving forward, the consequences having been demonstrated as real.

While ISTJs' staid approach may seem boring to some, there is an undeniable attractiveness to it, though felt perhaps more by respect and admiration than emotional passion. ISTJs' shells hide a strong and quiet determination and reliability, rare among other personality types, which can benefit even the flightiest personalities, allowing them to stay connected to the real world while still exploring new territory. Partners who share the Observant (S) trait are the best fit for ISTJ personalities, with one or two opposing traits to create balance and to expand ISTJs' sometimes overly isolated world, such as partners with Extraverted (E) or Prospecting (P) traits.

Friendships

ISTJ friends are not spontaneous. They are not talkative, or particularly playful in their affection. What ISTJ friends are is loyal, trustworthy, honorable and dependable. Others may come and go with the ups and downs of life, but ISTJs stay by their friends' sides no matter what, with a deepness of commitment that other types may not even believe is possible.

ISTJs are a very methodical personality type, and this loyalty isn't given away lightly. Often slow to make friends, ISTJs usually end up with a smaller circle, but they consider that circle to represent a promise to be there for the people they care about, and ISTJs' promises are not easily broken.

Expressing emotional affection isn't one of ISTJs' stronger skills, but they nevertheless find ways to show it. As Socrates said, "To be is to do", and ISTJs' follow-through, their willingness to take action as a show of support, stands in for their words.

These actions convey a sensitivity that many fail to see, but it is a quality that ISTJs' friends come to admire and depend on in the long years of their friendships. But all of this sounds terribly serious, and indeed it only shows the one side of ISTJs and their approach to their friendships. The other side knows how to stop being quite so staid, and especially in the company of joyful and talkative Extraverts (E), ISTJs enjoy relaxing and having fun with a good discussion about work, life, and current events.

People with the ISTJ personality type don't like conflict, and this applies to how they select their friends as well. Seeking out friends with similar principles and opinions, ISTJs most often befriend other Sentinels (SJ), who are likely to share their perspective and world vision. While they are unlikely to become friends with substantially different types – it simply takes too much energy to bridge the communication gap – ISTJ personalities still recognize and appreciate others' strengths and qualities.

In fact, as if to prove the point, ISTJs almost always have at least one Intuitive (N) friend in their inner circle, despite the disconnect the two perspectives bring. These are very much relationships built not on mutual understanding, but out of respect for their mutual differences. ISTJs marvel at Intuitives' breadth of thought, being very much in tune with their own intelligence, while Intuitives admire ISTJs' realism and dependability, something they are often hard-pressed to find in themselves. Knowledge, as always, is the great equalizer.

Workplace Habits

When it comes to the workplace, ISTJs are almost a stereotype for the classic hard-working, dutiful employee. In all positions, the ISTJ personality type seeks structure, clearly defined rules, and respect for authority and hierarchy. Responsibilities aren't burdens to ISTJs, they are the trust that has been placed in them, an opportunity to prove once again that they are the right person for the job.

On the other hand, the change that comes with assuming those new responsibilities, or in losing old ones, is often a significant struggle for ISTJs. This presents itself differently in different positions of authority, but it is one of ISTJs' most significant challenges to overcome. The usual insensitivity common to all Thinking (T) types is also a running theme here, something many people with the ISTJ personality type choose to focus on in their personal and professional development.

As a subordinate

ISTJs crave responsibility, which makes them the go-to subordinates for odds and ends and unpopular projects. Often seen as jacks of all trades, ISTJ personalities can competently tackle any project that comes with a manual. On the other hand, this makes them reluctant to give up responsibilities even when they are overburdened, or when there are better people for the job. The seriousness in ISTJs' approach to their work makes them surprisingly sensitive to criticism, leading to a sometimes vexing level of inflexibility.

Their stubbornness aside, or perhaps because of it, ISTJs are quite possibly one of the most productive subordinates – they respect authority and hierarchy, and have no problem following orders and instructions. Punctuality is unlikely to ever be an issue, either in terms of showing up to work on time, or in terms of meeting project deadlines. While ISTJs may need clearly set steps and well-defined responsibilities, they are exceptionally loyal, dedicated, meticulous and patient in completing their work.

As a Colleague

Among colleagues, no one can be trusted more to ensure that projects are finished on time and by the book than ISTJs. Quiet and methodical, people with the ISTJ personality type keep cool when the going gets tough, but expect their colleagues to share their approach. Significantly different types, especially more emotional ones, baffle ISTJs with their need for emotional support and openness, or capacity for dropping something, half finished. To ISTJs, either something's been done right or it's been done wrong, and sugarcoating it or walking away isn't going to fix it.

ISTJs value peace and security in the workplace, and the easiest way for this to happen is for them to simply work alone. Innovations, brainstorming, theories and new ideas all disrupt this comfortable state, and it takes a great deal of respect on ISTJs' part to acknowledge their validity. Once the details have been laid out and a plan of implementation established though, ISTJs are an indispensable part of the team in putting these ideas into practice.

As a Manager

ISTJs love responsibility and the power resulting from it. Pressing themselves hard to meet their obligations, ISTJs regularly go above and beyond their duties, and expect their subordinates to act with the same level of dedication. At the same time, ISTJs' preference for doing things by the book, adherence to hierarchy, and general aversion to innovation makes their subordinates ride a very thin line when they do – stepping out of bounds must be backed up with just the facts, and results.

It is said that it is better to do first and ask permission later – it's difficult to say whether this applies to ISTJs, as they are very intolerant of their subordinates' failures to meet their obligations, and one of those obligations is to stick to the plan. Believing that truth, at least as far as they see it, is more important than sensitivity, ISTJ personalities are capable of laying down hard criticism, and their willingness to make tough decisions can make perceived insubordination the final trespass.