Toothless - Napoleon of Crime - Gryffinclaw - Owl Emissary - Pirate Auror - DoctorDonna Nigel had been certain that the length of their relationship...friendship before dating...was going to cause quite a reaction and Elinor's mother didn't disappoint. Not as familiar with her as the other two, he wasn't fully aware of just what her response meant but he could imagine that it wasn't great. His thoughts dwelling on it, the potioner hadn't see Elinor move her hand beside her, wasn't expecting the touch. But he would be loath to admit that it didn't do anything to ease his feelings.
He gave her hand a hesitant but willing squeeze to show he appreciated the gesture, resting his hand in her grasp between them as they sat. His gaze flashed to Elinor but returned to to their hosts soon enough. Alyssa's mother's further remark and its meaning did get noticed by Nigel, the mention of doing his work without magic almost made him suspect the woman already knew the truth about his family...about his birth parents.
And there it was...
The dreaded word that made him different from the other three persons in the room out the open and from his girlfriend's lips. He had to fight to keep from wincing at the mention even if it did come in amongst complimentary words. Apparently Elinor had other ideas on the progression of the conversation and Nigel realized he just might have to let her lead him somewhat blindly. He just hoped it didn't all blow up in their faces.
Another touch...as Elinor's thumb graced the back of his hand.
The lab director spoke once more, this time in defense of both their chosen occupations and preferences on how to handle things. Nigel never once regretted his working with his hands and potions still dealt with magic in some ways. But he wasn't blind and deaf and stupid enough to not know that there were people who thought that was beneath a witch or wizard.
Though perhaps the fact of being a Ravenclaw would have SOME effect as intelligence had to count for something...right?
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