Thread: The Dirty Part of Physics [ClockworkCadence ║ Ryees]

The initial shock of his question began to fade, but a much more uncomfortable feeling caused Olivia to shift in her seat. She wasn't going to deny informationit was her past, and she'd learned to confront that fact and acknowledge it like every other part of her history. That still didn't make it any easier to mention, though. Impedimenta, to save Kaira. Then Confringo. The response was simple, carefully dull, fearing the slightest bit of emotion given to it would ignite a whole world of regret that she didn't want to delve into right now. Still, she couldn't help but drift slightly back to that day, her mouth set into a bitter line at the apparent lack of sensitivity he displayed about the topic. Have you ever watched a man burn to death? Its not something you really want to remember. She'd hoped that he was done probing into more sensitive aspects of her, but a slight twitch of indignation narrowed her gaze at his next observationaccurate, yet very inaccurate. Annoying? That politeness was what kept her from getting stabbed or having spells shot at her during negotiations more than a handful of times. It wasn't robotic...was it? Contained, maybe, but robotic? She was just showing some common decency and respect! Something he clearly was lacking, given the callous and casual way he analyzed and criticized herteacher or no, some boundaries just shouldn't be crossed. Yet maybe that was one of those many somethings that caused him to be so effective at his job. Unafraid to bring shortfalls to light in order to learn from them, harshly calculating and critical because the world sure as hell wasn't going to baby anybody, either. Maybe she shouldn't take any offense to his words. This new perspective framed her mind as she listened, watching as small orbs of memory began to fill the space between the two Aurors. An image of a young Olivia, a bright-eyed new witch, awed and excited as she first stepped into the halls of Ilvermorny. MaCUSA's symbol, blending seamlessly into the moment she first accepted her position as a liaison for the organization. Then, a simple image of her wand, the willow wood gently spiraling and flaring from the handle slowly and seamlessly transitioning into the thin, smooth point at the tip. For a moment, she wondered just how he was able to conjure these images, feeling apprehensive at how easily he'd managed to invade into and steal her memories, only soothed slightly by the fact that nobody else would be aware of them. But something else made itself aware in her mind. He had a point, whether she wanted to admit it or not. He was reaching for the very core of her being, the personification of that reflected in the shimmering apparition of her as she fought for her ultimate goal. She'd never been keen to talk about herself. Her goals and dreams were just thather own. If it didn't help her to do her job, then it was pushed to the back burnerand discussing these aspects of herself with someone else certainly would never become relevant to what she was currently doing. Except for now, when the only thing standing between her and great knowledge was one stubborn Professor. And then the question came again. That damn question. Well, if he hated her politeness, she could definitely adapt to that. God, you really dig and claw your way right to the heart of things. But my business is my business, Sherlin, and you'll learn what that is when I want you to. The bluntness of his name instead of her usual 'Professor' dropped flatly on the ground like a ton of bricks. Her thinly-veiled annoyance seethed and bubbled to the surface, tired of answering a question when none of her answers were ever accepted. There was a bit of embarrassment hiding in her heated cheeks, hating that it seemed she divulged a ton of personal background for no reason, since here he was, still insisting her answers weren't good enough. He wanted her own reasons? Fine . She'd give him her own reasons, if only to stop him from asking the same question like a damn broken record. Im here because I want to be. Im here because I like to learn. I'm here because I want to be a great witch and to have a vast knowledge of things, so people can depend on me and so I gain a sense of accomplishment. Im here because Id like to not die or lose someone just because I dont know enough. Her hand splayed out against the smooth wood of the top of his desk as she leaned forward, eyes burning into his. Im here because I can damn well choose whatever I want to do in life, and I just so happened to choose this . She stayed quiet for a moment, the watery color of her eyes betrayed by the burning fire within for a bit longer before they cooled, leaning back away as her arms crossed defiantly under her chest. That should be enough for you. And if it isnt, then why are you here, then?