fandomhigh | Tara Maclay, Office Hours!

After class Bel headed to Tara's office -- regarding their phone conversation.

"Bel," Tara greets him, her smile growing broader. "Thank you so much. Can you give this (http://www.pimpcostumes.com/costumes/Pimp-Clothes/Pimp-Coats/Pimp-Fur-Coat-Off-White/227,130_133) to him, please? And direct him to Dr. Wilson?"

Bel raised an eyebrow at the coat. "Is he going to come looking for me, or do I have to find him?" he asked.

Tara grins. "Phoebe will give him your name, but he's not allowed on campus, so if you could make yourself available somewhere in town that would be good. This will be happening tonight, if all goes well. And Dr. Wilson said if you call him once you've given him your gift, he'll make himself available for his."

[ooc: And you get to give him that coat because of your OOC icon.]

Bel nodded. "Will do."

[OOC: Bwah! Good reason.]

Phoebe stops by Tara's office after class.

"Phoebe," Tara says warmly. "You okay?"

Phoebe nods. "It just shook me is all, Tara."

"I know, honey," Tara murmurs. "You know I know... right?" The sad twist of her mouth reminds Phoebe of the things Tara told her during that horrible time when she was too crazy to understand what she was talking about.

She pulls out a neatly wrapped box, about the size and shape and weight of a shoebox. This may be because it contains these (http://www.pimpcostumes.com/costumes/Pimp-Shoes/Snakeskin-Shoes-Black-and-White/134,120). She offering it to Phoebe, smiling gratefully. "Thank you so much for agreeing to do this."

[ooc: Sorry to rush this ahead, but I'm going to pass out very, very soon.]

Phoebe smiles. "Yeah, I know." She nods and then takes the gift.

"No problem at all. It'll be fun. Do I say anything with the gift?"

"Well, this whole thing is to remind him that people care about him, so if you just want to let him know that you think of him as a friend, or whatever? It's up to you. And then direct him to get the next gift from Bel."

Phoebe nods and grins. "I can handle that."

Veronica walks over to Tara after class. "Hey, Professor Maclay, thanks for letting me interview you again."

"You're very welcome," Tara replies easily. "Come into my office and grab a seat on the couch, and we'll talk."

She holds the door of her office open for Veronica, gesturing to a soft blue sofa.

Veronica takes a seat on the sofa, puts her bag on the floor next to her and pulls out a tablet and pen.

"So I'll start the interview by telling you that if I ask anything that makes you uncomfortable, please let me know. I understand that this can be a sensitive topic and my goal with this article is to promote understanding."

"Understood, and thank you," Tara replies, curling up one leg underneath her on the couch. "There are a few things that probably shouldn't be public knowledge, but other than that I'm happy to talk about almost anything."

"Okay, first question. Are you a hereditary witch? I've interviewed Piper and Phoebe Halliwell and I know they received their powers from their mother."

"I am, actually," Tara replies, nodding. "The women in my family have been witches for generations, and I've been learning the skills since I was six. I'm lucky that way - but the most powerful witch I ever met didn't have a family history of it at all."

"So what you're saying is one doesn't have to necessarily be born into the craft?"

"That's right. It's an advantage, sure... and if you never come across another witch you might never have the spark triggered, but that doesn't mean it isn't there."

"Now I know the Halliwells have special powers. Do all witches have that? Do you? Or do you just do spells and potions?"

Tara shakes her head, biting her lip. "I think we're coming at this from totally separate paradigms. 'Powers' and 'spells' and 'potions' are just applications of the magic that weaves through all living things. The more powerful a witch you are, the less you need in the way of trappings to make a given effect happen - so a rank beginner usually works entirely out of spellbooks, letting the magic come from the ingredients he or she uses. For some people, certain things come more naturally than others – like prophetic dreams, or seeing auras, which might be done totally unintentionally - but there's no reason why I couldn't do anything the Halliwells can do, for example. I just might need to work harder at it."

"And what about someone like me, who has no magical abilities?"

Tara laughs. "No such thing. No, that's not entirely true. It's... think of it like singing. There are a few rare people who are totally tone deaf, and absolutely can't sing - and there are some extraordinary singers who don't need much training before they're performance standard. Most people, though... most people can carry a tune, sing a lullaby to their child, and do best in a choir. So, um, to disentangle that analogy... yeah, there are probably a few people who can't do any magic, and a handful who are really, really powerful. For most of us, it's just training and opportunity. I'm no different from you,
Veronica. I'm not very powerful - I've just been in training for seventeen years."

"Oh, wow, I didn't realize that. So witches aren't necessarily different from humans then. Not like vampires or demons?"

"Oh, no, not at all. Genetically, I'm one hundred percent human. I have proof!" She looks strangely proud about this. "We're subject to the same persecution as non-humans, though... including being accused of being demons, or worshipping them."

"Can witches be evil? I know the Halliwells are charged with protecting innocents and fighting evil. And I heard that you were the one who did the spell to give Angel his soul. But are you guys the exception to the rule?"

"Ooooh..." Tara shifts, biting her lip. "You know, that's an awful question to give to an ethics teacher. Magic itself isn't good or evil. It's like... okay, I hate guns. You remember why." She gestures to her chest, where the bullet scar is neatly covered by her pullover. "But the gun isn't evil. Neither is magic. So whether a witch is evil or not depends a lot on who you ask."

She takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "You've heard the saying that power corrupts? Well, magic is a kind of power, and it can be a heady one. Any witch with training will have learned rules about not using their powers for selfish purposes, and never casting spells on others without their permission - and most witches don't raise their power enough to become addicted to it without some training. So 'evil' witches are very, very rare."

Veronica nods. "That makes a lot of sense. Piper told me that she's not allowed to use her powers for personal gain. Is that a common standard for all practicing witches?"

"I've never heard it phrased quite that way before," Tara replies slowly. "Because 'personal gain' is kind of... well, like... bringing Angel back. You could call that personal gain. I didn't want my friends getting hurt, so ultimately the motive was selfish. It's more that magic shouldn't be your first resort, it should be your last, and it should help someone other than you - and you should have their permission." She laughs softly. "I've been explaining all of this to Shane, so I'm really big on analogies right now. It's like, having a glass of wine with friends is fine, but if you're sitting all alone with a bottle of wine, you might need to admit you have a problem."

"Analogies are good, especially for someone not used to talking about witchcraft and demons and vampires," she replies with a smile. "Who's Shane?"

"Shane's my girl," Tara beams, her eyes lighting up.

"Your girl as in your girlfriend?" Veronica asks, a little surprised.

"Yeah," Tara nods. "She's... oh." She closes her eyes, letting out a happy sigh. "Don't get me started about her, we'll never get back on topic." She looks as though she would be quite happy to talk about Shane indefinitely.

Veronica smiles. "It sounds like she makes you happy. That's never a bad thing," she adds, a little wistfully.

"All right, back to the whole magic thing, what does it mean to you to be a witch?"

"She does," Tara replies softly, her voice laden with joy and tinged with wonder, before answering Veronica's question.

"What does it mean to me to be a witch? Wow. Um... I don't know, Veronica. I am a witch. That's like asking me what it's like to be female, you know? I can theorise about it, but I don't really have anything to compare it to. I... I guess I feel more connected than most people do. To everything, really... but that feels really arrogant to say. I don't know."

She shifts uncomfortably in her seat. "I'm sorry, Veronica. Um... maybe I'm misunderstanding your question?"

"All right, let me borrow a question you asked us in class then. Do you feel that because of your abilities, you have an obligation to help those who can't help themselves? What motivates you to do something magical, like the soul spell on Angel?"

"Do I have an obligation to help those who can't help themselves? Yes - but not every time. When help can be provided by mundane means, it should be. Being a witch doesn't mean that I need to have my wand in every cauldron." She laughs, waggling her eyebrows. "Um, that's a joke, by the way. Um, a... kind of a dirty joke, actually."

She clears her throat before continuing. "What motivates me? If magic is the only way - or the best way - to accomplish something, then it's my responsibility to help where I can. In that particular instance, it was doing in my belief that Angelus would attack someone else in a matter of days - which turned out to be right, although I got the target wrong - and in fear that someone would slay Angelus if I didn't. There were other solutions, but none that were likely to save both lives, and so I did it. It wasn't right, it wasn't noble, it wasn't honourable. It was just the only choice there was."

Veronica is a little shocked at the ~~omgdirty!~~ dirty joke, but chuckles.

She considers Tara's words. "So what you're saying is just because you have the ability to use magic, doesn't mean you should?"

"Exactly. Magic should never be used lightly. If you do a spell without thinking through the consequences first, you know you're in trouble. And you'd better hope you have friends who will stage an intervention. Magic can be addictive, Veronica. The more you use it, the more you want to use it, and each step is so small... it's not always easy to judge whether you need to use it, or you just want to."

She cocks her head. "I should clarify there, I think. There's plenty of magic - like prophetic dreams, like aura-reading - that doesn't fall into that category. But if you're changing the fabric of the universe - leaving a lasting effect? Yeah. That can be addictive."

Veronica nods slowly. "I can see that. Power of any kind can be addictive."

"Yeah," Tara murmurs. "And to feel it traveling through you... that's so much more immediate than just holding a wad of cash or, um, being able to fire people or... I don't know. It's... it's big. And the bigger the spell you do, the stronger the rush of power you get from it, so of course if you get addicted to that power, it's not the small harmless stuff you're going to be doing. Those are the witches you have to watch out for."

"You almost make me want to start learning it," she says. "Well, I think that's about it. I'll call you if I have any follow up questions. Thanks for your time."

"Any time, Veronica," Tara replies. "And if you're serious about learning it - I'm putting in a proposal to run a magic course next term. You'd be very welcome."

"I'll have to think about it and see if it fits in my schedule, but thanks. I'd love to chat more, but I have to get ready for work."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I don't mean to keep you. Where are you working?"

"At Caritas, the karaoke bar in town," she says. "And don't worry, I was really enjoying our conversation."

"Oh, I love that place," Tara says, leaning forward eagerly. "It's the best! What nights do you work? Other than tonight, I mean."

"Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I just started last week but I love it so far. Getting paid to talk to my friends and sing is, like, the perfect job."

"You get paid to sing. Wow. Yeah, you have the greatest job. I'll have to come by - I'd love to hear you!"

"Definitely stop by! I'd love to hear you sing, too."

"I do that," Tara nods, ducking her head shyly. "Maybe... um, maybe we could even sing something together? Perhaps?"

"That would be fun," Veronica says enthusiastically. "Oh! Do you know the song 'For Good' from that Broadway show ~~that I won't name just in case we ever get an Elphie or Galinda in game~~? I'd love to sing that but it's a duet."

"Done," Tara replies instantly, eagerly. "Which part do you want? How is tonight?"

"Perfect! Um, Either is fine by me, though I generally tend to go for the lower stuff. Do you have a preference?"

"No, that's perfect - I tend to go for higher stuff myself." She smiles at Veronica, shyly pleased. "So I'll, um... see you tonight."

"Great!" Veronica says, putting her notes away and shouldering her bag.

As promised per their phone conversation, Wilson wandered through the halls till he was able to find Tara's office.

Knocking lightly on the door, he stuck his hands in his pockets and rocked to and fro waiting for her to answer.

Tara opens the door, beaming when she sees Wilson.

"Thank you so much for dropping by!"

Stepping on into the office, he smiled warmly in return.

"Good morning, Miss Maclay. It's my pleasure, thank you so much for including me in on this. I appreciate it. Now, direct me...tell me what I can do for you?"

"Okay..." Tara crosses to her desk, pulling out a neatly wrapped box, about the length of her forearm. (Inside is a scale model of this (http://www.rrab.com/bentley/s2-27.jpg).)

"Belthazor is going to give you a call when he delivers his gift... and then if you can give this to him, and just remind him that he has friends, and we care about him, in whatever way seems best to you... and then direct him to get the next gift from Kiki?"

[ooc: *SQUEE!* Wilson gets the Bentley! Also, Kiki looks to have kicked all this off...I'm a little confused but will try to stay in order. :D]

Taking the neatly wrapped box, Wilson nodded. "Phone call from Bel, right and next gift from Kiki. I can do this."

[ooc: What Kiki has given him is from Tara, and is anonymous, as a straight delivery. She has a different thing to give him as an actual gift.]

"Thank you," Tara replies warmly. "I really appreciate this."

"Thank you." Wilson returned the smile. "I hope he'll appreciate the effort...I think he will and if I don't see you, have a merry holiday, Miss Maclay."

With another grin, he turned and headed out the door.

Parker stops by, smiling. "Hey, did you get my voicemail?"

_{[ooc: And I have to go, and by the time I'm back in an hour, you'll be asleep, so we can slow-play this if you want.]}

"Yeah," Tara grins. "I'm so curious I could burst."

Parker grins. "Come by Caritas on a Monday night. Or a Wednesday. And I'll be able to introduce you."

"I'll do that," Tara replies eagerly.

"Um, did you get my message about Mr. Crowley?"

Parker blinks. "No. My voicemail must be screwed up ~~or lj hates me again~~. What message?" she asks, her expression guarded.

"Um... well, he's done some really nice things lately, not the least of which was helping with the souling spell... so I, um, I'm doing this thing. Kind of to thank him, kind of just to remind him that he's appreciated. I was wondering if you wanted to be involved?"

"No," Parker says shortly. "He gives me the creeps. And frankly, knowing he wants to corrupt the souled vampire? Doesn't fill me with confidence. Give Mr. Phale my regards, though."

"Okay," Tara replies. "I'll, um... I'll do that."

"Sure. Have a good time."

Duce heads by the office hours, confused, "Hey, Tara. Phoebe said you wanted to see us?"

"Not needed exactly, just... did you get my phone message?"

Duce's hand comes up to rub across her face in a sheepish gesture as she answers, "If it was left anytime in the last day or so.. no. Our phone got .. uh.. broken, and we haven't replaced it yet. What was the message?"

"Oh, okay..." Tara fidgits with her ring as she tries to explain. "Um, I'm kind of doing this thing for Mr. Crowley? Like a treasure hunt of gifts, except for hunting I'm leaving one with each of his friends - kind of as a way to remind him how much we all love and appreciate him. And I heard that you and he were friends, and I was hoping you might like to be involved? Maybe?"

Duce brightens visibly, "Really? That's awfully nice of you. We think that's a wonderful idea, and yeah! Totally! We want to be involved! We adore Crowley! How can we help?"

Tara grins, relieved. Rummaging under her desk she pulls out a long, thin box, beautifully wrapped.

"Can you give him this (http://www.livejournal.com/community/fandomhigh/415820.html?view=19583052#t19583052) when he comes to find you? Um, Jonathan Crane will tell him you've got something for him... and if you want to tell him how much you appreciate him, or anything... and then direct him to Aayla, to get the next gift?"

(ooc: bad link!)

(Well, crap! Try this one: http://www.pimpcostumes.com/costumes/Pimp-Canes/Pimp-Cane-Playa-Hata-Eye/196,119)

Duce examines the box, quirking an eyebrow at the heft, "What's in it?" Her voice is neutral, but curious. She gives an apologetic shake of her head, "Please forgive the curiousity.. but.. he's a mercurial sort of person and we'd hate to give him something that might annoy him in a bad way."

Tara grins. "It's a cane, with a serpent handle. I shouldn't expect it to annoy him - although I'm not always good at predicting his reactions."

Grinning broadly, Duce smothers a giggle. "We are," she says confidently, "And we predict he's going to love this!" Saluting, she turns to head out.. and stops, thinking of something.

Turning, she adds quietly, "He'll be bitchy about it. Ignore it. The more derisive he gets about something, the more creative the insults.. that's how you tell he.. cares. If he didn't like it, he wouldn't bother taking the time to formulate an insult for it." She turns her face toward Tara, smiling, "But if you're doing this for him, you probably already understand that better than most. Might want to warn the others, though. They might not."

"I figured that anyone who knew him well enough to call him a friend would know. And I suspect he's going to tell me he hates me for doing this... but I'm 'his Witch', you know? And now, more than ever, I think it's important that he knows that people see him for more than just the evil inside."

"Probably," she agrees, about the 'hate' thing. She thinks about it for a moment, and smiles a little, "If it hurts.. if it ever hurts.. you should know he's also said he loves you. You're a witch, and you bear grace inside you, and he loves you for it. We've heard him say that." That's as close as she can come to explaining exactly what Crowley said about it.

"Thank you, Medusa," Tara murmurs, a soft fond smile growing across her face. "That means... so much. Thank you."

She murmurs back, "You're welcome," before heading out to find Crowley.

Tara Maclay, Office Hours!

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Interview with V - NFB cos it's going in the paper!

Re: Interview with V - NFB cos it's going in the paper!

Re: Interview with V - NFB cos it's going in the paper!

Re: Interview with V - NFB cos it's going in the paper!

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