Jamil says, “We have a lot of indoorsy types in Scarabia,” which is why he would not choose to be stranded with any of them on a deserted island, and Cater introduces Scarabia as “for the smart students,” along with Octavinelle.
Cater follows with, “But the current housewarden of Scarabia doesn’t seem to be all that great of a student…” and in winter—either due to Kalim’s influence as housewarden or not—Scarabia placed at the bottom in both exams and sports, despite previously being “always neck-and-neck in the academic rankings” with Octavinelle.
When asked about the hypnotized Kalim’s mood swings Jamil says, “I imagine when we placed last in the Spelldrive interdorms, and then Scarabia collectively scored at the bottom of exams, he must have felt personally responsible,” but it is possible that Jamil was describing his own feelings on the situation rather than Kalim’s (and/or possibly how he believed Kalim should be feeling, as Housewarden).
Azul says that Scarabia has “got a lot of people good at astrology and ancient incantations,” while Jamil says, “In Scarabia, we believe in acting carefully and deliberately.”
Jamil says that, at Scarabia, they “generally divide up cleaning tasks between everyone and do them by hand. Different people have different levels of magical ability, so if we used magic, some people would have to work harder, and that’s not fair.”
Trein says, “Vice Housewarden Viper runs a tight ship in Scarabia,” Riddle asks Kalim if it is “the vice housewarden who keeps Scarabia running,” and we see Jamil stepping in to control situations in Kalim’s absence, telling panicking dorm members, “Aren’t you proud members of Scarabia? You’re supposed to be prepared for anything, retaining your composure no matter the circumstance.”
When Jamil is gone for three days to visit Fleur City he issues “the whole dorm a manual on what to do during any unforeseen events.”
Jamil seems comfortable around his roommate, greeting him in a vignette with, “You’re in early… Oh, and you’re actually studying for once? Because you’ve got a quiz tomorrow? Ah, so this isn’t voluntary…then again, it’s better than not studying at all.”
Jamil seems to use a hair dryer to dry his hair in their dorm room rather than in the communal washroom despite (or because of) how long it takes him to dry his hair, and when he apologizes “as usual” for the noise, he discovers that his roommate has fallen asleep despite the noise: “Talk about a heavy sleeper. I almost envy him.”
Jamil says, “My roommate? Well, he’s not a bad guy. He’s so easygoing that even when I start stretching in the middle of the night, he doesn’t mind at all.”
Jamil does not react well to a bug infestation at Scarabia’s Halloween setup, caused by visitors buying food for photos that they immediately throw away, attracting insects. Jamil’s response is, “I WILL BURN IT ALL TO THE GROUND,” but when Trein cautions him he is supported by members of Scarabia who say, “The vice housewarden has every right to be upset,” and, “We should light their rears on fire!”
The students of Scarabia and Kalim come together to throw a parade in Jamil’s honor for his birthday.
In the wake of Jamil’s overblot we see what seems to be a Scarabia dorm meeting where the students ask Kalim why he does not replace Jamil as vice housewarden (“He’s been deceiving us all for ages, yourself included!” – “He might still be plotting something. He needs to be dismissed!”), but Kalim points out, “I would bet there isn’t a single person in Scarabia who hasn’t gotten help from Jamil at some point.” (Dorm student: “I guess he’s given me advice before…”)
Kalim asks the dorm for “just a little more time to sort this out,” and Jamil explains, “We’ve been more or less treading water ever since. Scarabia emphasizes mindfulness and forethought. Our students are trying to avoid jumping to conclusions. They’re watching and waiting to see who’s more beneficial to side with.”
Azul responds, “Classic Scarabia. Astoundingly shameless, one and all.”
Jamil says, “It makes sense for me to fall in line with Kalim for a while, in the interest of improving my position both within Scarabia and without,” and Azul replies, “The students must be circling you like sharks, waiting for the first sign of blood so they can challenge you for your seat.”
Jamil says he intends to continue to improve himself to those around him, including the students of Scarabia.
