Later on, he found Hagrid outside near his shack.

"How are you, Hagrid?"

"Well, I'm alright, and you?"

"Splendid, I'd say," He nodded, walking alongside him.

"How was your first day?"

"It went along smoothly."

They continued talking for a little while longer before Hagrid excused himself and started towards the forest. Ackley watched him go, curious as to what lay in the forest. His mother had always told him stories of when she and a group of her friends went in and what they saw, but she had always told him never to go in. He turned on his heel and began striding back towards the school, watching the owls fly overhead.

The two went their separate ways, going to their classes.

He decided to head back to his room for the day, bored out of his mind, he was sure he'd find something to do there.

Later when their classes had finished, they both headed back to their dorms.

He sat in the corner of his cozy room, parchment in hand as he wrote to his mother who had written to him the day prior.

Dear Mother,

How are you holding up? How is London? I hope the Muggles are treating you nicely. Have you heard anything from father? I wrote to him insisting he reaches out to you, but he has failed to write back. Of course, I expected as much from him, caring for creatures seems to have taken up all his time. I am quite excited to see you this upcoming holiday, the professors continue to ask about you. Dumbledore wishes you the best in London, he said to thank you for the chocolates you sent him.
I met my students today, I must say they are quite knowledgeable, at least those who try to participate. I have a certain trick up my sleeve for tomorrow's classes. The students didn't seem too happy with the assignment I gave them today. Little do they know, I have plans to take them on a trip to the past tomorrow. I do enjoy that spell, it's always interesting to see how the images show themselves to people. I'll hold you up no longer, have a marvelous week, mother.

Sincerely,

Ackley

He rolled up the piece of parchment, tying it with a black ribbon just as a crow soared through his window and perched on his knee.
"Ah, hello Toley! Mind taking this to mother for me?" He spoke to the bird, tying the ribbon to his small leg. The crow let out a caw before he soared back out the window.

Ackley rose from the floor, dusting off his pants. "I suppose it's almost time for dinner," He left his room, heading to the dining hall.

The students were all being brought to the dinging room for dinner.

He sat beside Snape, the two talking about potions going missing in his cabinets.

Scarlett and Steven were sitting pretty close to the teachers, being able to hear the conversation and starting to talk about it.

"Who do you suspect?" Ackley asked, taking a sip of his drink.

Snape's eyes snapped towards the Gryffindor table, finding a student. Before Ackley could make the connection, Snape turned his attention back to him. "I'm not sure."

Ackley nodded, his eyes roaming over the students in Gryffindor curiously. "Maybe the Weasleys?"

Snape shook his head but did not further the conversation. Ackley just shrugged, leaning back in his chair.

Steven seemed stressed about the conversation. Scarlett noticed but didn't say anything. She decided she would talk about it with him later. If she had to tell Snape about his nervous attitude, she wouldn't hesitate.