[Staff Room] Headmaster's office; Elijah Ellerby

[Prof. Darrow]

Pacing his office Darrow was in a state of agitation, having struggled throughout a long wearying day of lecturing pupils on attending and actually working during their lessons, the day hadn't really begun well.

Waking up on the wrong side of bed with stomach growling in anticipation for victuals he had arose early to breakfast, wishing to seek solitude but to his dismay finding none other than Professor Starsmore already present scoffing his face. He had no real dislike for the man, though his teaching methods were somewhat dubious, a Ministry inspection could soon get him bang to rights, but rather he had wished for total silence to ponder whilst he ate, why? Simply because he had a rather difficult decision this day, something which could in fact make or break his career as Headmaster of the school. Of course his mind exaggerated such an outcome as that was terribly unlikely, the artifact had been loaned to pupils before but lately with the Ministry being ever so particular and determined to eradicate any dubious goings on whether harmless or not he couldn't help but assess carefully his options.

A number of teachers had suggested the lad be given it to aid in the success of his many lessons, but Darrow wished to review the boy himself. Studying his numerous exceptional reports Darrow pondered over whether he really had a dire need for it.

Such thoughts had preoccupied his mind throughout the day leaving him considerably vacant during his talks and review of new teacher. But now the hour was finally at hand, and yet he had still to make up his mind. Settled comfortably in his chair he had been busy questioning the portraits throighout his office, in particular seeking the advice of the esteemed Dumbledore himself. Pros and cons were flung towards him with a mighty battle raging between the portraits each adament that they were right.
"Quiet please my friends, poor Mr Ellerby will hardly dare enter with such a ferocious argument ensuing."
As the roars subsided and portraits grumbled one elderly witch squeaking a last bit of advice "you give it to him and it'll be the death of Hogwarts itself!" The screech hurt his ears resounding time and time again until a moment of deathly quiet; the calm before the storm, a single minute to rearrange his thoughts, only the grating of the gargoyle leaping aside could be heard below.

Shuffling his papers he pointedly stared at length at the offending article before him; the Time Turner sat pristeenly upon his parchments emitting a strange low humming sound, as if calling it's new master swiftly onwards.
With hands glasped as if in prayer before him Darrow waited now impatiently for the young gentleman to enter.

[Elijah Ellerby]

Elijah walked slowly toward the headmaster's office, the floors slippery with cold rain water that had been traipsed up and down the ground floor corridors by hundreds of students making their way to their next lessons. Although there were plenty of passages inside the corridors that meant one, in theory, never had to venture outside, all the best short cuts usually went through the small courtyards and less well maintained areas of the castle - and most students were far too lazy to go the long route round. Elijah was no exception, and he magicked up a fluffy red towel, rubbing it over his soaked hair and face feverishly.

'Yes?' The stone gargoyle demanded impatiently as it realised the loitering Gryffindor in front of him obviously was not going to go away. 'The headmaster is expecting someone. I'd come back later on if I were you.' It said with a deep frown.

'He's expecting me, sire. I'm Elijah Ellerby,' Elijah replied with a docile voice, knowing that the stone gargoyle preferred to be called "sire", as it was what the founders had called him over a thousand years ago. 'Is the headmaster in his office?'

The gargoyle narrowed it's already cold eyes. 'Of course.' he replied matter-a-factly.

The great grinding of stone began deep bellow their feet, and a moment later the towering creature was slowly twisting up and away from Elijah, dragging up a spiral staircase so used and old that the steps were worn away to gentle slopes.

Magicking away the towel, Elijah bolted up the steps, making the final jump before the gargoyle had finished its own ascent. It muttered chastisingly at him as he approached Headmaster Darrow's door, raising the griffin knocker and letting it fall three times. A soft voice beckoned him inside. Pushing open the door, Elijah cast his eyes around the rich room, taking in a few of the portraits and ornaments. 'Hello, sir. I'm Elijah.' He said with a smile as he walked up to the desk the old man was sat behind, holding out his hand.

[Prof. Darrow]

On hearing the grumbles and moanings emitting from his ever faithful guardian below Darrow chuckled; nobody entered unless he willed it, something he often found rather disturbing, if he so wished he could simply remain inside without any means of people contacting nor entering, he remembered most distinctly being told of one such Headmaster, who now snored to an extreme extent, they weren't even fake the old man frequently snorted and guffawed in his sleep.

Calling for the arrival to enter swiftly Darrow studied Elijah with shrewd eyes, abosrbing details of formal clothes without a crease and bright eyes joyfully absorbing the rich textures throughout the room. The boy took a particular interest in the fabled portraits it seemed; curious, very curious.

"Good afternoon my boy," greeted Darrow rising slowly and shaking the boy's outstretched hand, a firm grip, he liked that. First impressions surpassed reasonable thus far.
"Please do be seated Mr Ellerby," using politeness strategies and immediately giving the boy status with the title of Mr rather than Master Darrow's design was to seemingly allow the lad an easy ride at first, but then pounce upon and carefully analyse all that took place. Prefering really to cut straight to the point of the matter at hand Darrow assured himself the better move would be to delay the giving of the time turner believing it necessary to confirm the good qualities of Elijah's character first.

"How is life treating you my lad?" He enquired shrewdly gazing upon Elijah "keeping a firm grasp upon your studies I take it?"

[Elijah Ellerby]

Elijah sat down, joining his hands together on his lap as he did so. As he had shook Headmaster Darrow's he had caught sight of the shinny little time turner seated in the middle of the desk between them, the tiny dials and components inside quite clear through the little hour glass. It gave off a soft almost inaudible ticking, and Elijah made sure he did not once glance at the object. If he did so he knew he would not be able to take his eyes off it, and he did not want the headmaster to see greed in his eyes.

'It's going quite smoothly, thank you sir,' he said softly. 'Although I wouldn't be here asking for your help if my school work wasn't - ah - prohibitive.' Elijah chose his words carefully, looking toward the ceiling in thought as he did so. 'I'm afraid I've taken on too much for my own good, but it'd be folly to let go even one of my subjects.' A concerned little frown cross his face, one that was more than genuine. Elijah had consequently had countless nights of missed sleep and troubled dreams from extra homework and fears. The Gryffindor was far too much of a realist to put his worries away even for a moment, and they had plagued him relentlessly.

The portraits were unusually silent. Elijah had not come into the headmaster's office before but he could tell that they were all listening intently, even the ones pretending to be asleep. Some did not choose to hide their eavesdropping however, and Elijah quickly broke eye contact with a heavily bearded wizard with thick black eyebrows that was glaring at him intently.

'My head of house supports my request, sir.' He added. Professor Vickers had, in a sense, not directly stated that a time turner was necessary, but he had not shot down the idea when Elijah suggest he ask for one.

Of course, the Gryffindor had thus far not been completely earnest about his reasons for wanting one - a strange occurrence in his Divination lesson had roused his wants for a time turner. A prediction in the bottom of a tea cup in fact...

[Prof. Darrow]

Musing deep in thought, one hand tapping a steady beat upon the desk the other stroking his beard in thought Darrow glanced at the boy, he didn't doubt he spoke truthfully, only that he might perhaps be leaving something out. The necessity for a time turner for his studies Darrow really couldn't argue with, but was that really enough to warrant such a delicate artifact being placed solely in the hands of a school boy.

What would the Ministry think of such a happenstance? If something were to go wrong in any small way, the papers would snap it up within moments. Always they were eager to feed the fires of his, or furthermore the entire school's demise.

According to his reports Elijah had talent abound. He was more than capable in his sibjects and even received a fair comment from Professor's Starsmore and Fagin. Quite a feat. Yet still something held him back, though he couldn't quite put his finger upon it.

With the faintest of sighs he remarked "Indeed Professor Vickers supports you most adamently you say. A wise young man if ever I've seen one, harken to him." Though they had only really shared formalities and a short discussion of the centaurs abound including their knowledge of the stars; he had found him imminently knowledgeable; an amiable fellow.

"Would it really not be more beneficial to concentrate upon less subjects? Even a time turner," he smiled a hand resting close to the ticking artifact,
"won't solve all your problems, it needs to be used with the utmost care and attention to detail. Utilised only when strictly necessary, I'm sure I need not emphasise the danger associated with this. If and it is and if I remind you, if I give this unto your care, I want you to use it with extreme caution, and above all; wisely...for the greater good of all, a lot may come to rest upon your young shoulders, prepare yourself and be ready for any eventuality, even the most unexpected." With a twinkle in his eye Darrow took the time turner with a delicate hand and placed it carefully into the waiting and eager arms of the young man before him.

"Fortune favours the bold, have you heard that saying, once remarked of a very great man indeed, I presume you've heard of him?" He asked with a knowing smile.

[Elijah Ellerby]

Elijah's brow creased, stricken was indignation. 'Absolutely not, sir. I need all my subjects.' He said in hushed respect, as if they were talking amongst a room full of mourners at a funeral. 'A career change could occur at any moment and I want to be fully prepared. Abandoning the wrong subject could be disastrous for me - surly you understand?' He was beginning to feel threatened by Headmaster Darrow now - was the man portraying signs of a guilty verdict? Elijah needed that time turner...

'You can trust me, sir. I've been battling for months with myself over what I could do about my situation, and I assure you this is my last resort. You seem... doubtful.' Elijah paused, bringing up his hands and covering his mouth with his fingers, thinking. 'How can I persuade you of my worthiness? I have no other interested in that time turner other than my subjects, you know.' Elijah added, not refraining from the hint of felt insult in his voice. The Gryffindor was actually genuinely mortified he had not yet convinced the headmaster with his body language alone - he had never had this much trouble persuading anyone before!

Several whispered passed over his head, but Elijah kept his eyes locked with Headmaster Darrow, never letting them flicker toward the portraits or the time turner. Every fibre in his body begged him to stare at it admiringly, but his primary concern right now was the elder in front of him. It would have been folly to reveal himself through a slip of the gaze...

[Prof. Darrow]

Darrow viewed the youth in front of him, he was hiding something, but what? He seemed almost desperate for the time turner, but really who wouldn't be? It was an incredibly useful device, one he himself had had to resort to before now. Though he tried to keep the usage down to a bare minimum believing it strange to meddle with time so, tinkering with time could lead, but also amend so many problems.

Silencing the mutterings and murmerings ensuing from the portraits with a steely glance he mused over what they would have done in his situation. Most would never have dreamed of allowing a mere child to utilise it, but some would agree with his decision, he only hoped it wouldn't cost anybody dearly.

"I don't doubt your honesty my boy, dropping subject could clearly diminish your chances of career opportunities. Variety and keeping your options open as you are doing is critical, well done, few youths think on such matters. I myself barely considered the notion of deciding my career at your age, it took a dozen before I came to my senses." He smiled and nodded nonchantly.

Picking his words with extreme care and attention wishing to give him some sound and invaluable advice
"Your character I deem is...honest and sincere, please do not disappoint me nor yourself."

Chuckling he added compassionately in a grandfatherly fashion, "doubt is ever in an old man's mind, I don't have the fervour and determination of youth like I once did. But do harken to my words, they aren't merely an old man's ramblings, use this wisely and have a good life my young friend."

[Elijah Ellerby]

Elijah's lips parted ever so slightly as he realised what Headmaster Darrow was saying. He had won. The time turner was his.

In moments of triumph Elijah did not usually let his emotions flow too strongly, but his usual polite, appreciative little smile could not help but evolve into a much more handsome grin, a small laugh of disbelief issuing from him as he leaned back in the high back chair. Although Headmaster Darrow had silenced them once already, the portraits still chose to erupt into sour protest, some standing up in their frames and storming out to converse with other like minded skeptics. Elijah did not stop himself from making eye contact with a few now, returning their furious gestures with confused shrugs.

'I'd say you have no idea how big a favour you've done me, sir - but I expect you do, really.' Elijah said with a gleam in his eye, the joyous grin on his face unmovable.

He set eyes upon the time turner now, properly for the first time. The Gryffindor had never seen a real one before in his life, and now that he was finally watching the light bounce of its flawless gold finishings and perfectly clean glass, Elijah was certainly not disappointed. It was such a small and unassuming item that could have just been taken as some sort of alternative pocket watch at first, but it seemed to have a charm about it that told that naked eye that it was something very special. It simply demanded respect. The small hour glass's magical contents were from the Department of Mysteries itself after all...

Reaching out, Elijah gingerly picked it up with both hands, finding himself looking at Headmaster Darrow for reassurance that it was okay. It weighed virtually nothing. Only the warmth that radiated from it gave away that it was even there. 'It's so impressive, isn't it?' Elijah said quietly, running the golden chain through his hands as he stood up. 'Thank you again, sir. Is there anything else?' He asked, his usual calm eyes returning. He could save his true excitement for later.

[Prof. Darrow]

The young man was truly wise to an extent; but the enjoyment he displayed upon receiving and winning the time turner did him little credit, he took pleasure in objects rather than true feeling and emotions. Yet how could he complain? The boy thoroughly deserved the time turner if anybody ever did. Yet still something didn't quite fit about him Darrow just couldn't quite put his finger upon it, wise and intuitive though he was...at times.

"Perhaps I do," he remarked with hands steepled now before him. The tirade encroaching from the portraits was to be expected and Darrow really couldn't blame them, doubt gnawed as to whether the decision was correct, but only time would tell. Darrow believed the boy would use it wisely to meet his own ends at least.

Looking at the time turner he frowned "One may think it impressive I suppose...but remember material possessions aren't of the utmost of importance." Slowly standing Darrow leaned across the desk to shake his hand, "good luck young sir, I do believe that is all...unless you've anything to tell me further?" A twinkle in his eye Darrow waited patiently, a small smile gracing his lips.

[Elijah Ellerby]

Elijah maintained his flawless expression, although a familiar knot appeared in his stomach. Tell him about the tea leaves, a voice in his head demanded angrily. Elijah suppressed it, carefully placing the time turner inside his breast pocket, enjoying the gently ticking against his chest. Although it was hidden he felt as though it was displayed there like a gleaming badge of honour, and he could not help but puff his chest out proudly.

'Everything is fine, sir.' Elijah replied steadily, giving a passive raise of his eyebrows. 'And believe me, I understand. There is nothing decent to be learned from material gain. It's just a tool, after all.' He agreed.

With one last nod thankful nod at the professor, Elijah turned on his heel and swept toward the door, quickly checking his regular wind up silver wrist watch. It seemed utterly pathetic in comparison to what was now sat against his chest, but it did inform him that he was fifteen minutes late in meeting Soph. 'Good bye, headmaster!' He called fleetingly over his shoulder, sweeping out the door and out of sight...

[Prof. Darrow]

Nodding his head sagely Darrow believed Elijah to be worthy of using the time turner, he was a more than capable student and showed himself to be an amiable young gentleman, quite capable of conversing well with his elders.
"Remember that, even when times are at their darkest," he added as Elijah sped for the door, seemingly late for an appointment or else incredibly eager to try out his new toy, nothing else could Darrow imagine to drive him to such haste.

Nodding in acknowledgement he watched with a faint smile ever increasing as his student flew from the room positively beaming,
"Until we meet again," he murmered half to himself. The conversation had brought many thoughts to the fore front, much for Darrow to now dwell upon, but first to quieten down the portraits who roared out in anger and disbelief one had hurled vociferations and execrations at the poor lad as he fled the scene.

"Now now my friends calm down..." he began gently, starting the long task of persuading them the decision was correct, and final.