Emergency

Afonka ran. As fast as he possibly could, he tore through the port and towards the school. This - this couldn't be happening. She - Phillie - she couldn't be dead. Swallowing the lump in his throat, the fourth year ran faster, not allowing his body to rest until he made his way up to his destination. Practically tossing people out of his way, he made his way up to Highmaster Rusnak's office, panting heavily.

Knocking on the door, he rubbed at his wet eyes for a moment, trying as hard as he could to calm himself down before the Highmaster opened the door.

Sacha was leaning against the edge of the desk, already waving open the door even as the boy knocked frantically upon it. So, it began. He was expected to care, again - or at least act as though he cared. His child was dead, but he was Highmaster; he had to look after other people's children.

It had never felt like a burden before.

"What seems to be the trouble, Mr. Alkaev?" the man queried, returning his book to the shelf and moving away from his desk. His gaze, gray eyes somehow colder than they had been in some time, rested upon the boy as he patiently waited for him to respond.

Entering the room, Afonka rubbed his tearstained face again, despite the fact that his vision was beginning to blur through his tears. Sitting down, he bit his lip, rubbing his upper arm as he stared up at the Highmaster.

His throat suddenly parched, he licked his dry lips before beginning, his voice low and shaky, and he moved his gaze down to his lap, "The - the catacombs. Oph - Phi -" unable to continue, he broke down, beginning to sob.

The man gazed placidly at the boy, resisting the urge to heave a sigh. So, he would have to coax the story from the boy. Or at least, as close to coaxing as someone feeling rather unsympathetic to the world in general could manage.

"What did you find in the catacombs, Mr. Alkaev?" Sacha prodded.

Taking deep breaths to calm himself, Afonka clasped and unclasped his hands, slowly but surely calming down.

Avoiding the gaze of the Highmaster, Afonka settled his gaze on the desk before him, his voice still shaking, but able to choke out the words this time, his eyes closing impulsively as he uttered the name, "I found - Ophelia Montague." Looking up at the man in front of him, his eyes swam with tears again, "She's dead."

Sacha continued gazing at the boy a long moment more, even though a sharp pain shot through his heart. Another child, dead. True, the girl wasn't his - he hadn't even spoken to her personally that he was aware - and she had had the chance to live. Still, the boy's words struck too close to home and Sacha found he needed to take a moment to compose himself.

Raising his hand, Sacha sent out his patronus with a message, the silvery apparition shooting out the window towards its destination.

"Someone will look into the matter," he informed the boy. "Is there anyone you should like to speak with, Mr Alkaev? Your parents, perhaps? I imagine you are undergoing a good deal of shock at the moment, they would be able to help you through it."

Nodding silently, Afonka rubbed at his eyes softly, tears tracing lines down his hands. It was still surreal to him. Phille was gone. Just like that and almost right before his eyes. He'd never be able to talk to her again - or duel with her - or laugh alongside her ever again.

Biting his lip to stop himself from breaking out into fresh sobs, Afonka nodded again, "I'll owl my parents." he said, his voice small, "And I have friends, I - I'll talk to them."

"Talking with your friends would be wise," Sacha approved. "However, if you should like, I would allow you a couple days leave to return home. The decision is yours." The boy was clearly upset - and well he should be. Nevertheless, it was the boy's decision if he wished to return home or not.

A couple days back home....Afonka blinked up at the Highmaster for a moment before pausing to think, tilting his head slightly. He wouldn't mind seeing his family again. After all, he did miss them, but he didn't really want to go home, at least not now.

It would just feel weird being back home in October. His whole entire system of school would be thrown completely out of whack. And as much as he did miss his family. He didn't really want to leave the school. He'd just stay out of the catacombs and he'd be fine. Shifting his gaze back to the man, Afonka shook his head, "I - I think I'll be alright. I'll stay."

Sacha inclined his head. "Very well," he replied. "If there is anything that you need, do let myself or your head of house know. Feel free to remain her a moment longer, but given the situation, I had best see about it myself, as well."

He briefly rested a hand on the boy's shoulder, then continued from the room.

This was shaping up to be a rather wretched year.

"I will," Afonka sighed softly, nodding. Smiling slightly at the Highmaster, he turned to watch him leave, a little startled by the sudden silence.

Taking deep breaths to calm down, he glanced around the room for a moment before standing up. Giving the room one last sweeping glance, he exited the room.