Dresden Academy

Who: Mother Criss and Kiefer Hulett
What: She invites him for tea and elicits his support for her plans.
When/Where: Wednesday afternoon, March 21st. Her classroom.
Rating: SFW


The air in the divination room had always been a bit stifling. Criss didn't rely on incense for her work, but she liked the scent of it, the heavy feel in the air. It set her mind to the import of her abilities and seemed to keep the students focused.

This afternoon it was surprisingly devoid of such scent. The old woman had opened a window overlooking campus, her dark colored curtains whispered back and forth under the guidance of a light breeze. These wonderful temperatures might hold out a few more days, at least until the weekend. With the students locked in their dorms, miserable moods abounded; this was Mother Criss' simple way of saying she understood. They needed the fresh air.

Kiefer Hulett found it disturbing more than surprising, perhaps a sign of the times. Mother Criss had never struck him as much of a game changer, but then he'd made the mistake early on, thinking she was only a peculiar old woman gifted with divination. He learned as quickly as his forerunner that she was an institution at Dresden and not to be trifled with.

When she requested his presence in her classroom this afternoon he arrived with a gift, a simple reminder of his gratitude. The school was still open because of her guidance and his willingness to accept it. He could see that Jillian was too shortsighted to trust in her; that was something he couldn't talk his niece into.

Mother Criss accepted the token for what it was, a bag of powder that she was certain Kiefer went to some expense to curate for her. It had medicinal uses and other amusing properties she could extract at her leisure. She offered him a seat and the customary cup of tea. She could read his leaves for old time's sake.

Kiefer figured out after a moment of silence what was going on. "You've found a replacement then?"

The laugh that sounded in the room was unexpected and almost unnatural. Mother Criss rarely found herself amused anymore. "That's what I always liked about you," she said with a hint of the tender sentiment she carried for this particular Hulett. He was a gifted wizard and talented man. "You can see the forest and the trees, never one at the sake of the other."

He shrugged humbly. It was one of the qualities he cultivated to during his time as headmaster. Big pictures and small, they all fit together and each needed to be considered.

"She might need a year or two to adjust. A bit green around the wizarding community. I don't have much time left with her," Criss sighed. "And I can't trust the sorting to Octavia. She doesn't have enough scruples."

"But your protege does?"

Mother Criss shook her head slowly. "Principles," she replied. "She'll have the best outcome in mind, for the student and the school." Sometimes they weren't always the same thing; it was a balancing act Criss had perfected over the years. "Your niece won't agree to it."

"If you think I have any leverage..." He trailed off and frowned. No, Criss knew he wouldn't have any leverage with Jillian. "You're going to do something about that, aren't you?"

The smile blooming on the old woman's face was more disturbing than her joyful laughter. "Her reign had to end eventually. I'd feel better knowing she's gone before I am."

"You think Irene will approve?"

"She won't be chosen by the board of governors," Mother Criss answered, though she hadn't intended to be so honest. "Try as she might her efforts to unseat her sister have served my agenda far too well, but they won't do very much for her."

Kiefer didn't find this as good news and he wondered what other agenda Criss might have beyond merely replacing herself. "And how long have you been trying to wrest control of the school from my family?"

Mother Criss smiled at him demurely. "Kiefer dear, even you must admit that neither of your nieces are up to the task."

Whether or not he agreed, they were talking about the family legacy. Deposing Jillian and refusing to crown Irene was disrupting that line. There were other options, one of Irene's sons might be up to the task, but they were all in other parts of the country living their lives independently of the family name. "Have you divined her replacement?"

She sipped at her tea, now sufficiently cool enough to enjoy without burning her mouth. The little pause afforded her a moment to decide. "You'll be pleasantly surprised."

Which meant she wasn't going to tell him. He sighed dramatically, leaning back in his chair to observe the pleased way that Criss puckered her lips. Working with her for just over quarter of a century had given him an uncommon level of insight into her moods and the way in which she divulged information. Only ever as much as she wanted. "All this trouble just to find a suitable replacement for you," he mused aloud, hoping he might coax her into spilling more details by dancing around it.

"We could just charm some old object to do it, like every other magic school," she shot back with the usual grace and charm she exhibited. It wasn't the only reason why she was trying to secure the right to choose her successor.

She could see the direction Dresden was headed in and the possibilities of another course. Ousting the Huletts certainly did her cause some good, but it wasn't the only good. She leaned back in her chair and eyed him appraisingly. "She needs more time. I'm buying it at a heavy price."

Kiefer definitely didn't understand that cryptic comment, but he could tell that Mother Criss was nearing the end of what she'd share openly with him. "So why tell me?"

Once again she was reminded of why she had always preferred Kiefer to the other Huletts. He had an innovative mind, always careful to consider every angle, always looking for a way to make things work. "I'll need your support when the board of governors return their decision. And I'll need your help once again when I try to convince our new headmaster of my replacement."

It didn't sit all that well with Kiefer, being carefully manipulated into place. At least Mother Criss was being upfront about it. "That's all?"

"You're the reigning head of the family; you have all the pull I'll need."

"And you think I'll just turn on my nieces and go with whatever the board of governors say?"

Mother Criss offered him a most uncanny smile. "No, dear Kiefer. I think you'll take your time considering it. And when the board finally does consult you and you've had your say, you'll understand why I asked you before there was even an inkling it was about to happen."

He had never underestimated her ability, nor her talent for getting her way. It was why she was the most feared and respected professor on campus. "You'll be leaving a very big hole," he said quietly. "And trying to fill it with a vaguely green young student."

Mother Criss's wrinkles deepened alarmingly, her smile almost feral. "She's a force to be reckoned with, this one. And she doesn't even know it yet. She doesn't have to fill my shoes. She has some of her own."

And with that Mother Criss felt confident that Kiefer was convinced enough. She wasn't about to reveal that her replacement was one Miss Bernadine Ford, a young woman who didn't even realize yet that she was a witch, and more than that, Bill Ford's progeny.

Kiefer's objections would have to wait for another day, another day of tea and convincing arguments. He could tell he was being dismissed and bowed gently to the grand lady. "Thank you for the invitation," he said politely.

"I should thank you," Mother Criss replied, "for your continued support." She watched him leave, her thoughts drifting back to her young charge. She had a long way to go and not very long to finish her training. This summer would be the crucial tipping point in Bernadine's education. It would push her over the edge into the witch she was meant to be.