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[memorizethefire]

Who: Axel and Professor Layton
Where: The library
When: Thursday evening
What: Axel's trying to find whatever he can to get back in control of over and the Professor just happens to find him.
Rating: PG
Warning: random meetings!

Comments

[professorgent]

[Layton has made regular trips to the library since his arrival to Hogwarts. He returns the books on Ancient Egypt he borrowed the other day (with a courteous nod to the librarian) and decides to check out some books on Charms today. He's been neglecting to study spells as he works tirelessly on preparing for class, and the ideas of a few charms have piqued his curiosity. Strolling through one aisle as he browses the titles ("Levitation made Easy", "Elemental Charms", "Enchanted Housework"), he notices a familiar red-head down another aisle.

Axel, yes, he was definitely a memorable individual. And it seemed he was having trouble looking for something as implied by the growing amount of books discarded in a pile beside him. Layton, always eager to help someone, walked over.

Judging by his expression, it seemed Axel didn't hold books in the same regard as Layton did.]

Having trouble finding something?

[memorizethefire]

Huh? [Axel glances up from the new book Salamanders in their Natural Habitat with a dazed expression. He'd been reading the same line over and over again] Uh... kinda, yeah.

[professorgent]

You're Axel, correct? I believe we spoke before. [Layton tips his hat in cordial greeting.]

Well, I'd be happy to help if I'm not intruding. The library has become a sort of second home for me since I arrived, so I could certainly point you in the right direction if nothing else. What is it that you are looking for?

[memorizethefire]

Did we? Uh... which one're you? [They only talked through text, and Axel still hasn't turned up to History of Magic...]

I'm trying to find some kinda powerful fire spells.

[professorgent]

Professor Layton. You may know me as the professor for A History of Magic.

Or, [he chuckles lightly] given your attendance, you might not. Your absences are due to pressing matters, I'm sure. [Given the abruptness of their arrival, Layton can understand some students being a little too disoriented to attend class. With a war in the mix, too, Layton isn't too inclined to discipline.]

Fire spells? Ah, I see. Advanced spells might be restricted, but I think we can find something. What have you found out so far? [Layton himself is also intrigued. He'd like to see the elements mastered in a way he didn't think possible, to have this magic become a more concrete concept to him.]

[memorizethefire]

Heh, yeah... Not really my kinda class. [Axel sets the book down, leaning back to stretch out his shoulders]

I found a few things, but nothing near as powerful as I want.

[professorgent]

Oh, I understand. Everyone has different interests, after all. [Just don't get in trouble for it, now.]

I see. [Layton rests his chin in hand as he thinks for a minute.] Well, I don't think I can advise you on any spells that could cause an inferno. That would be breaking more than a few school rules. However, for a good sized flame, I could recommend Conjuring Charms. Those are more influenced by the user than the substance being burned.

However, [Layton shrugs.] I don't know any of the specifics of those kind of charms. My apologies. But it shouldn't be too difficult to find in these books and I would certainly like a glance at those charms too.

[memorizethefire]

I looked into them, yeah... Maybe it's just not possible, with only the wand thing. I used to be able to just... I dunno, manipulate it with my thoughts and movements.

[He sighs, looking forlornly at the books] I don't wanna cause an inferno, it just feels weird to not have it, y'know?

[professorgent]

Really? That's quite a feat. I can see how a wand can be more a hindrance than a help, then.

[Layton nods.] It was a part of your identity. [Layton brushes the brim of his hat with a thumb.] Not to make light of your situation, but I believe it would be comparable to me losing my hat. Just because I can replace it with another doesn't mean that I don't feel its loss, just as replacing your abilities with magic doesn't make it any easier to adjust.

But I wouldn't get so forlorn, yet. Every problem has a solution. I'm sure we will find a spell here somewhere that can help.

[memorizethefire]

Yeah, I wish. [He shakes his head before grinning up at Layton] I'm sure I could find more useful spells, but if they want us to fight this dark lord guy, they hafta expect us to resort to what we know, don't they?

[professorgent]

Indeed. [Layton crosses his arms as he speaks further.] It will take quite a while to learn and master the spells we need to defend ourselves. Certainly, that puts us at a disadvantage, especially since we don't know when this Dark Lord will attack. It could be sooner than we are prepared for.

[memorizethefire]

If they'd just give us our old powers back... [He sighs, shrugging] So what's your special thing, man? Or are you just a history guy?

[professorgent]

I wonder if they even have that capability.

[Layton chuckles at that last comment.] An archeologist actually, but being a 'history guy' isn't my only skill. I am well-versed in fencing and have a small knack for building things in a tight spot. [Like a slot-machine gun.]

Mm, that does remind me. How exactly did you use your fire-manipulating skills back in your own world? Was it purely with your mind?

[memorizethefire]

Uh... I guess so. I mean, I used my body to facilitate it, but really it was just an act of will. I hadta use my own energy to use it...

Fencing, huh? At least that's pretty useful. Ever used a real sword?

[professorgent]

Oh, I see. That sounds like a powerful ability.

I've been doing it since I was young. And, yes, it's been a reliable skill. [Layton pauses as he tries to remember.] A few times but it was usually during a moment of, well, less than safe conditions. I've also had to improvise a weapon on occasion. But most of the time, I've used a practice rapier.

[memorizethefire]

It was...

Well, as long as it translates... That's a skill you could use to fight him, huh?