StV: Student Feedback, Part One

Cedric Johnson paced back and forth in front of the headmaster's desk, while Jonathan Saint-Vincent leaned back against the windowsill, savoring the mobility that the prosthetic exoskeleton provided for him. He was fond of his students, and frequently proud of them; and mostly they responded to it, though he occasionally had to remind himself that it could also be a weakness. So he waited, watching as Cedric took a step, hesitated, took another step, and then turned back to face him.

"What do I think of Lyceus?" he asked, as if making sure he understood the question.

"Precisely," Jonathan told him. "I understand that your first encounter with him was... unexpectedly traumatic. I also know you've spoken with him, at least a bit. I'd like to know what you think of him."

Cedric swallowed. "Sir..."

"It's all right, Cedric. You aren't in trouble."

The boy's expression changed, and Jonathan realized that he'd missed his mark. Cedric wasn't worried that he was in trouble. He was worried that Lyceus might be.

"He's a good guy," Cedric said, suddenly and unexpectedly forceful. "I mean, I know Sophia put him up to some of it, but he's been trying to convince me that I didn't-- that I'm not a bad person just because I nearly killed him. Like, he really believes it. And if he believes it, well, how can I... not?" He shook his head. 

Now that was interesting. Could the two Antonius siblings, Lyceus and Sophia, be plotting something together? It didn't seem likely, given how long it had taken Lyceus to show up, how Sophia had reacted to the news of his arrival, and the simple fact that Jonathan couldn't imagine any sort of plot that would require them to make Cedric feel better about himself. "He's a very troubled young man," Jonathan ventured. 

"Yeah. He told me. He told me that's how he knew I wasn't-- that I wasn't a bad person, I mean."

"Ah," said Jonathan, nodding. "Well, if it's any help at all, both Ms. Salvatore and I agree with him about that."

Cedric paused. "Thank you, sir."

"Lyceus has asked to remain at the school, and not move on as he'd originally planned. I take it you don't have any objection to that?"

"Um... No? No. No objections." Cedric swallowed. "You don't know how good it felt to be forgiven like that." 

Jonathan felt a touch of sadness, and let it show on his face. "You might be surprised, Mr. Johnson. Very well, back to class. You've been a great help here."

"Right. Yes. Thank you, sir."