Quote:

Originally Posted by Mordred

Ah...now that's better. Ethan grinned at his grandpa and continued to walk inside their bedroom / Botros' office. Merlin, their room's still cold, and it's summer out there! Can't Rolf see that the sun is out? Well, Botros definitely can't because he can't see Ethan's dream, yeah? "Why is it cold, gramps? Aren't you...cold in your shirt and shorts?" Because apparently Ethan's grandpa's wearing summer clothing in his dream.

And...feeding the hens? "Gramps...you have to have your memory checked. You guys don't have hens. You're allergic to it, remember?" Ethan was rather getting confused. His grandmother hated those, because it's bad for her husband's health. Merlin, what is going on?

"Too much sugar's bad for you, grandpa. I'm telling grangran you're cheating on your diet." Ethan grinned, still with his eyes closed and crashed on Botros' rocking chair, like he knew it was there. Like he was actually seeing it. "Since when did you get a rocking chair? You hate these things..." This...is really getting weird for the boy. Really, really weird. It's like his grandpa turned into a different person overnight!

It was like the more Botros talked the more he put his foot in his mouth. The boy was asking more and more questions. "It is weird, isn't it? Let's get a little warm then." Ab, who was NOT in his shirt and shorts, draped a blanket around Ethan's shoulders and tucked it safely around him.

Allergic to hens? Interesting. He was finding out interesting facts about Ethan's grandfather. Like, he hated rocking chairs too??? Pity. Botros wondered what good this was to him, though. "Uhh yeah, let's just... let's get warm." And he went to light some fire into the fireplace with his wand. There was Kenaz carved on the inside of the fireplace to get the fire last long and stay tame.

He dragged another chair and placed it next to his rocking one, he flopped down on it and covered himself with a blanket as well, Feo crawled up and snuggled by his side. Now... would the boy sleep it off and wake up with a less crazy mind and crazy talk? HMM?hmm?

...or did he have to sedate him?

Text Cut: About-to-get-a-panic-attack Airey

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

He had not been expecting words of that volume to come from the old man, so excuse him for looking more than a little flabbergasted as he sat there with his bug eyes and tight lipped expression. On sweet solstice. ANOTHER favor? Wasn't that the sort of thing you were only allowed to do twice to immediate family or something? Was the Runes professor implying he was like a grandfather to him? The pressure to elicit the appropriate social response to this situation was too much pressure. "Oh, um, well, um...that's isn't entirely necessary," he replied, stumbling over his words.

He drummed his fingers against his tea cup before setting it down entirely. The lack of owls was certainly having its toll on the castle as a whole. The amount of students he had seen in the hallways having nervous breakdowns to not being able to communicate with family was gut-wrenching. Not to mention that his own research was now suffering and he was going to have to somehow explain to the muggles in the Royal Households why he had failed to meet several deadlines. Be lucky if he kept his Astronomer Royal title, really. Needless to say, his forlorn expression matched the one of the professor across from him. "Pity."

He shook his head. "I have't, but Cecelia isn't too keen on allowing visitors to poke their nose in her business either I reckon." Which was sort of his subtle way of saying he hadn't gone to visit because the woman terrified him. And it would be bad to make a joke here, right? Something about feeling under the weather... "I hear hot showers can help with relaxing the muscles around the joints and relieve stiffness and pain." Or, you know, speaking from personal experience from last term at least. "Would you, er, for our research session...since, you know, the library is quite the distance from your office...would you like me to ask a student to help you get there? Or, er, myself?"

Aw, the poor man looked all shy and nervous. He didn't have to be shy with Botros, if he wanted to share this magnificent tea with his friend, he should get some. "I insist." And so, Ab got up to look for the plastic bag that had the rest of the tea herbs.

He nodded his head to the hot shower suggestion. "I do that. I also have an ointment to apply on my joints when it's too cold. Sometimes it doesn't help, to be honest." The thing that helped him most was that experimental potion from last year. But, he wasn't allowed to use it anymore. For obvious reasons. "Oh I wouldn't want your research to get delayed by you escorting me, I know how students can get carried away when we're late." Heh heh heh. "I'd appreciate it if one of the kids come help me carry my books, though." IF he found that professor's works in his office, which he was going to look for as soon as Flamsteed left. Not polite to wander around the office while he had a guest seated at his desk.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassirin

It was nice of Botros not to dismiss his enthusiasm for Quidditch as an unhealthy obsession. Mo was interested in the sport intellectually, he liked how he felt playing it, he enjoyed being part of a team. It was so much to him, and he missed it. And maybe Botros got that. A little, at least.

But photography, yeah. They could talk about photography. "I have loads of photos. Actually..." He untangled himself completely from the blanket and leaped out of the chair to get the satchel he'd brought with him. He always kept his some version of his portfolio around, and there had to be some photos in here that Botros would want. "You can have any of these, sir. I have some shots of the grounds and the creatures, and then some of students. I've been working on portraits lately, but you probably don't want those."

He held up photos for Ab-Bot to see. "I dunno. I just have always liked how looking through a lens makes the world seem clearer to me."

... oh? Ab waited while Marco seemed to be on a mission all of a sudden. He got his satchel and fished out a bunch of photographs. "Ooh." The old man brought his hands out from inside the blanket and started browsing them, he smiled warmly at the young faces when they showed up and chuckled at other shots. But mainly, he had an impressed look on his face. "I can confidently say you have an eye for photography, son." His voice was quiet and serious, like he was just finding this out, which technically he was.

"I'd like you to choose one for me." He moved his gaze up to the Ravenclaw boy and handed him back his photographs. "I will pin it up there on my office's door next to all the other souvenirs." Other ones he got from former students.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaos.Doodles

AND THEN THE LICKING COMMENCED!

A fit of giggles escaped the first years lips as he continued to hug the crup and even dropped the comic book to start petting his head. Kyroh would have been completely content with just sitting here and hugging the crup ALL DAY LONG but then the same voice that had told him to enter spoke again! His eyes looked around away from the Crup, past a shelf of books, and a bunch of blankets and-

wait- not just blankets, the first year noticed as he did a double take.

An old man!

Though Kyroh wasn't going to SAY he was old. He'd learn from a very young age that really really old people did not like being called old. It's why his grandfather had put him in timeout facing a wall for nearly a whole day and he had just been five then! Instead the boy gave the Crup one last pat on the head, picked up the comic and slowly made his way to the blanket man. "Hullo! I like your office! And your Crup! Who are you?" GRIN.

LICKLICKLICK! Feo panted and woofed and jumped ON the boy to HUG him BACK! This is a LOVE FEST!

Botros, with his head and part of his shoulders visible from the blankets, found the boy and the Crup two peas in a pod. Maybe he should just ask the boy to keep Feo for a few nights. That'd help the old man sleep better, without worrying about the poor little pup.

Oh and he was finally noticed. Feo pranced behind the boy as he approached Botros. "Thank you, I've had it this way for thirty or so years." He chuckled, not joking. The professor reached forward to pat the chair next to his rocking one, offering the little Ravenclaw a seat. "You don't know who I am? Well, maybe you could guess?" No harm in playing a little game, heh heh.

Feo sat there, excitedly panting, and looking from the old man to the small boy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

Oh sweet solstice. His body went rigid for a moment when the old man got up to fetch some of this tea for him to have. No, really, no, not...well alright. It wasn't socially acceptable to refuse the elderly, right? Respect your elders and that included their, er, insistings.

"Hopefully things turn around soon then," he nodded. And if their research could help that soon get here, well, sooner ... then stellar. Especially since right now it was like they were throwing darts in the dark and hoping that they hit a solution. Only instead of throwing towards the board they were actually throwing backwards. At least that was how the astronomer had been feeling. He was often a lost little boy when science failed to explain things. "That can certainly be arranged," he said as he stood, his empty tea cup in his hand. "I'll send a student or to to come assist you."

He drummed on the sides of the cup with his fingers. "I should...probably let you get back to your relaxation time now." All warm and snuggly under the blankets.

With the plastic bag safely handed to professor Flamsteed, Botros smiled contently. This young man sure knew how to respect his elders, Ab liked that in his students colleagues. How come he only knew this of the Star man this term? They should hang out more from now on, FREQUENT afternoon tea.

Perfect.

“Hope so, too.” He looked at the Astronomy professor’s fingers tapping the cup once again. “Oh no, it’s alright. The fire makes me sleepy is all. I’ll start looking for that book I told you about.” He did wonder if the man was going to take the cup with him, though? Hmm? Was this some kind of tradition he hadn’t heard of in his eighty something years? Interesting.

Text Cut: Ethaaaan XD

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mordred

“This is really odd, gramps. Summer, and it’s freezing.” Ethan curled up into a ball as he tugged the wrapped blanket tighter on him. Ethan snuggled and smiled weakly, like he was a two year old again in the presence of his grandparents. “Thanks for keeping me warm, gramps. You’re the best.” The Slytherin shifted his position, and yawned. The boy was genuinely tired, what with the lack of proper sleep because of the bloody cold weather. The whole school does not have any idea on how cold it was down in the dungeons. Dark. Cold. You get the idea. Another yawn, “I love you, gramps. Good night.” And with that Ethan stopped dreaming…and instead went into a deeper sleep. The blanket and fire absolutely helped him come out of his sleep-walking slash talking in his sleep mode.

…

A few hours passed, and the fair-haired Slytherin slowly roused from his sleep. Ethan blinked a couple of times, staring at the ceiling…then wondered about the sound of the crackling fire nearby. He was sure that Gregory the Smarmy does not stand inside a room…or that his place got a fireplace. Ethan’s eyes widened as he realized that he was in another place…and his mind raced as to how that happened. Slowly turning his head to his right, he saw Professor Botros sleeping. The Slytherin mouthed the words ‘what’ with a very confused expression. How…in Sherlock Holmes’ name did he end up in…wait, where was he again? His eyes landed on a crup, which he guessed is Feo, then sloooowly looked around. Oh no. He was in Professor Botros’ office! Did…did the man see him sleeping along the corridor? If so, did he bring him inside because he was afraid the boy might freeze to death? Or…or did he sleep-walk again?

The Slytherin winced and covered his face with both hands in shame as he schemed on how to escape the room without Professor Botros noticing. But…but, his kind heart told him not to do it because the old man was kind enough to take him in, yes? His own grandparents taught him about manners, mhm! He should at least thank him for what he did. Ethan briefly deadpanned as he remembered his grandparents…and his dream. Blinking rapidly, he thought of his next moves carefully. He will silently get up, leave a thank you note for Botros, then leave the room. Stealthily too. The fair-haired snake slowly got up, and as the rocking chair tilted forward, Ethan felt a mild vertigo making him lean forward too uncontrollably, then stepping on the ends of his blanket. “Ohhellno.”


Slip.THUD.

Eh. Stealth mode, failed.

With Ethan’s sweet words, Botros tucked Feo closer to him and replied, “Good night, son.” The I-Love-You bit was a little too much. This professor was not very vocal about his love for his students when they were sleep-walking, thank you very much.

Two hours passed, or that is what Botros assumed, when all of the sudden he startled out of his dreamland to the sound of a VERY close thud. Feo jumped away to hide under the desk like the cute Cruppy he was. "Wha-- who-!" Rubbing his eyes quickly, Ab saw Mordaunt lying on the floor face-first with a tangled blanket at his feet.

"You would pass as my grandson, I see. I stumble with the blanket as well." He laughed and got up to help the boy to his feet. Hopefully he wasn't talking crazy anymore.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassirin

"Thank you, sir," Mo was visibly touched by the man's praise, so much so that he sat down hard in his chair and nearly toppled over when the blanket bunched under him provided an uneven sitting space. Mo gathered himself, tucking that very nice praise away to consider again later, and he stood again to take back the photos.

"I actually know exactly the one for you, sir." Mo flipped quickly through the photographs until he found one of Feo gamboling on the carpet in front of Botros' fireplace, as happy and puppy!content with the world as a little dog could be. Mo showed it to the professor with a little flourish.

With a reassuring smile, Botros nodded at Marco who seemed to lose his balance and flop back on the chair. Ab chuckled, he would really miss this boy and the joy he brought to those around him. The photograph was a great one to say the least, "Oh this is beautiful. Very beautiful."

Botros got up to his feet, moving his blanket to the side, and grabbed the nearby cane he had balanced on the fireplace. The back of the office's door was full of the most peculiar things you could find in a professor's office, there was an old letter, an origami elephant, a small bottle with dust in it, a pendant and other things. With his wand, he fixed the photograph on the door next to all the other collection and stood there watching it, a broad smile on his face. "Thank you."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emms

He nodded, wondering how Feo must have been taking the chill of the office. "Yes, it is. I hope Feo's keeping warm too," he said with a grin as he gave Feo a nice little pat. "Professor, is it normally this cold during winter here? I have heard of some extreme winters that you guys get up here but this would have to be a very extreme extreme winter."

Simon beamed when Botros told him that he had done a great job with his homework. D'aww really?!? he thought, feeling a sudden surge of pride flow throughout his body. So he wasn't too bad at making cards? Oh good, good. The boy felt relieved. "Thanks, sir!" he said. To the Lake? Oh, okay. "That would have been a lot of fun. Perhaps we'll get to do that next time," he said with a wide grin. He'd keep his fingers crossed for that. Hopefully the snow would all melt and it'd be great.

Hmmm, interesting question actually. Botros rubbed his chin thoughtfully before he answered, "I've never heard of such cold winter, it seems to get colder even. Well, I feel like it is, but then again I naturally feel it pretty extreme because..." He patted his legs. "Weak joints, they absorb the cold out of the warmest places."

Botros, of course, agreed that that would've been fun. It was why he planned his lesson that way! An activity that was fun for both the older and younger ages. Blizzard hit, though, and ruined his plans. "I was grateful no one got hurt, hadn't seen that much snow coming." He shook his head a bit solemnly, "Next time would be more calculated, yes. It always warms my heart to see eager young boys for runes. The study of runes isn't the easiest, kids usually have trouble staying focused in class." Holden was a great change. He was the Marco of his class. Heh. "Good to see an eager student in every generation." He reached forward and patted the boy's shoulder.

Text Cut: Simon! (will skip the cold discussion because there's the research meeting now xD)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emms

Simon nodded at Botros observation. "I feel the same too, sir. It's a cold winter compared to the winter I am normally used to back home in Australia," he said with a smile. Never heard of such a cold winter? repeated Simon in his mind. That line made the words that the centaur had spoken to him and a couple other students replay again in his mind too. Yikes. Now that didn't sound good at all. He had a hunch that something must have been up to some sort of mischief to be causing this weather. "Is it possible for something magical to enhance a particular season? Maybe with a rune or with a spell or something?" he asked curiously.

He grinned. "Yeah, me too," he said in agreement with Botros' comment. Thank Merlin that they had all made it back safely into the castle without getting frostbite or breaking something. "No, its all pretty confusing sometimes," said Simon with a chuckle. He remembered his first time taking Ancient Runes and just being horribly confused by it all. This was the first time he had ever experienced a subject that didn't make sense to him and so he had to change it. He had to become the best at it. So he would spend extra time on this subject and Artihmancy. "I like the challenge. It's fascinating to learn about these runes and then pair them up with the history and lore from different civilizations, like that of the Saxons and the Norseman." He wished that one day he could be able to write using runes because that just seemed something awesome to do.

Oh Mr. Holden was from Australia? "I've worked with many brilliant Aussie Rune masters. Where from Australia are you from?" Botros was interested in his students' backgrounds, especially the new transfers who showed good talent in the art of runic magic, like Simon Holden over here.

Oh look at the boy going on about the older days, Ab's face lit up. "How I'm glad to hear your interest in those eras. I'd be happy to recommend some books for you if you like to further your education about that historical and fascinating time." He grabbed a quill and a parchment excitedly and started jotting down books' titles before the boy had a chance to even reply.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaos.Doodles

"You've been here for thirty years?" The first year whispered his voice in completely awe. THIRTY? Woaah. That was basically forever.

Kyroh was alright with standing and all, since he was young and not old like the old man who had taught for THIRTY YEARS and needed to sit. But then the man patted the chair beside him so he wasn't going to ARGUE or anything. Plopping down on the chair Kyroh patted his lap hoping the cruppy would jump up for more hugs.

"Uhhh....you're a Professor sir." YEAH! That was his guess. Only because Professors had their own offices. Them and the Headmistress but the old man was obviously not her. "If you've been here for thirty years does that mean that you've taught basically everyone??" Like EVERYONE? Even his dad? "Has your Crup been here for thirty years too?" Did Crups even LIVE that long? He didn't seem like an old Crup.

The boy sounded bewildered about the thirty years concept. Boy was he about to have a big surprise. "Well... not here here. I take my office with me wherever I go." He explained a little, watching Feo jumping ON the boy and attacking him with his wet tongue again. Okay, this was not very healthy. "Shh, get down, shhhh." Ab tried to get the Crup's attention in vain.

"That's your guess? Just a professor?" Botros chuckled at the kid's next conclusion. "I don't think it qualifies as everyone. I didn't have the honor of teaching you yet." No, yes, he was pretty sure this Ravenclaw wasn't in his class yet. Ab looked back at his rememberall on the desk just in case it glowed when he said that. Nope, no red smoke, he was in the clear. "Naw, Feo is only four and a half." He gave the pet an adoring look, and his eyes caught the comics in the boy's hand. "You were reading the comics I have outside?" Odin bless Gunter and his clumsiness, if it wasn't for that, Botros wouldn't have gotten those in the waiting area.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mordred

“MERLINTHISISEMBARASSING.” Ethan thought as he laid there, face on the floor without moving. He was supposed to be stealthy! The Slytherin berated himself for being so clumsy, and that he could have given the old professor a heart-attack. Merlin’s pants. “Really? At least the fall woke me up…” he said through the floor as he heard the Runes Master go near him. Ethan rolled on his back and looked at Botros wearing a sheepish smile on his face. “Hi, ‘fessor. How did I get in your office?” he asked as he not-so-discreetly kicked the blanket off of his legs.

With all the unnecessary kicking, Ethan only found himself more tangled in the blanket like he was some sort of…human burrito. The fair-haired boy looked away and sighed. Clearly, he was defeated. There was no way he’d escape the embarrassment. “I’m so sorry about this sir. I…didn’t mean to wake you up and…” where was his pet? Ethan looked at his feet to see Feo peeking from his hiding spot. “…your Crup.” The Slytherin pushed himself up and rested on his forearms. “I’m sorry about your disrupted nap, bud. I didn’t mean to scare you…” to prove his point, Ethan sat up fully, legs still tangled with the blanket and extended his hand towards the Crup. “Come here, boy.” Merlin, if Momo was here in school, Feo would definitely love his company. They can go on a fart fest…if they dared.

Oh this boy was a funny one, wasn't he? Ab laughed, "Oh that's a story I'm going to take to my grandkids this summer, very entertaining. Turns out I have a sleep-walker among my students." Aw, the boy was quite embarrassed though. Not that he shouldn't, look at him making a sandwich of himself the more he moved the more those blankets tangled around his legs.

Botros got down on his knees and started untangling them as his Crup, Feo, cautiously joined the boy and the old man, and started sniffing around them before he ATTACKED the boy with tongue!kisses and HUGS and EXCITEMENT. Ab, a little annoyed by his pet's ridiculous nature, shook his head. "No harm was done. I find myself dozing off more than I should whenever I sit by the fire." Why wouldn't those blankets just UNDO themselves? He tugged on them until they all fell to the floor, releasing the boy's legs. "You are a deep sleeper, though, I could tell that." A heartily laugh followed to prove to Mordaunt that Ab was not disturbed at all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassirin

Heh. Mo grinned even more as he wrapped himself back up in his blanket and cuddled down into his chair. Botros liked the photo, and he was going to even hang it on his wall. Maybe if Mo was famous someday, Botros would point it out to future students and say, Oh, that? It's a Branxton original print. And be so proud and remember Mo fondly.

Mo waited until the photo was hanged, and then he jumped out of the chair and offered the man a hand to shake. No... a hug. A big ridiculous bear hug. "Erm... you're welcome. You're my favorite professor. D'you think... I can write to you sometimes? Send you photos?"

Awww, Marco was.. for a moment Botros remembered when the Ravenclaw was a little shorter and squeaked his words. He hugged him and patted his back strongly, just like grown up men did. "You're a remarkable student, Marcus, I hope I succeeded in teaching you a thing or two." And he didn't mean just about runes.

He did shake his hand when he pulled away, though, shook his hand and with a big smile he added, "Please." to sending letters and photos. "Good luck."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emms

Botros had friends there? That was brilliant! Of course, he'd have friends there silly, thought Simon. He was a renowned Professor. Probably had loads of friends all over the globe. "You used to live in Egypt, sir?" asked Simon with widened blue eyes. "What was it like?" The boy had always wanted to go there ever since he first laid eyes on those weird shapes called hieroglyphics. It was all just amazing. He nodded. "I have. I went to a school in Australia for a little bit but a Professor advised me to come over here. He said I'd excel better with the teaching style at Hogwarts," he explained. He missed that Professor. He wondered how he was doing.

Simon nodded. Right. He ought to write that down. He pulled out his notebook and made note of it. Muggle and magic history go hand in hand. After doing so, he grinned and then chuckled. Now hearing Botros' response, he assumed that it did make sense not to have a favourite rune. "Don't want the runes to start bickering, hey?" said Simon as he chuckled. His favourite rune? He paused. "I don't know. That's a tough question," he paused and took a while to think about the runes. It wasn't Isa at the moment as it was way too cold to enjoy the ice. And in Simon's opinion, if you enjoyed ice then you were immediately put on the suspicious figures list. Yep, the boy was keeping a list of all the shady characters; however, the list wasn't too helpful as it was rather short. "It's certainly not Isa at the moment. Right now, I'd say either Kenaz or Algiz. I think having extra warmth and protection is a good thing this winter or spring." He couldn't remember what season it was as it had been cold for such a long time now.

Used to live in Egypt? Botros smiled at that and corrected the boy gently, "I still have a property there, actually, it's where the family gathers in summer. My sons and daughters and their kids." The boy could probably tell that Ab was so fond of that time because his face beamed a little more. "I've taught in Cairo's WU for most of my career, so I did live there with my wife. That is until I started teaching here." So he spent the winter here and the three months of summer there. His accent and looks suggested that he was English, though, so Egypt was just a place he was fond of and his ancestor's homeland. "Egypt is wonderful, especially if you're interested in history and all the ancient things." He let out a playful laugh.

"And he was correct. Look at you, you've stood up in your first term here and I see great potentials in you." If Botros was any closer, he'd give the boy's shoulder a proud squeeze.

He chuckled along, yes he did think of the runes as entities. Spending this much time researching something, you grow so attached to it. "I think that makes sense." He chuckled once again at Simon's answer. "Odin knows I'd love me some Kenaz right now. I mean more than the ones I have inside my fireplace." He rubbed his hands for emphasis.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mordred

The boy simply bowed his head and sheepishly grinned as he felt the pat on his shoulder. He’d bet that if it was another Professor he ran into, he’ll be in big trouble. Merlin. Then, Botros mentioned his grandkids wanting to meet their pseudo cousin. That will be him right? He won’t complain about it though, because he’s all up for being adopted by these cool professors. Why, back in his old school, such friendly interactions were forbidden. No wonder he easily got homesick, and that it hampered his chance to excel in his studies. “I’d love to meet them too!” Ethan smiled, totally game about it. “Are they here in Hogwarts?” Their surnames may not be Botros if the professor’s daughter(s) married, yeah? “What are they like? Do they love Runes as much as you do?” the boy hoped the old man didn’t mind him asking. “Oh you do? I have a cousin who’s taking up Dragonology in Russia right now! His name’s Mordred and he’s in his early twenties too.” Can Botros tell how proud the boy is?

Ethan just let Feo do his thing as the boy remained on the floor, his back flat against it. “Yeaaaaah…you and Momo are going to hit it off real well, Feo.” Ethan chuckled as the crup now sprawled on his torso, content with his new found make-shift crup bed.

Merlin. If he remembers correctly, this is the second time he did it. The first one was during his second week after his mother’s death back in Uncle Aldrich's house. “I…don’t usually sleep-walk professor,” he started as he stroked Feo’s head. “…only when I’m really, really tired.” How can he not be tired with all this cold yeah? The dungeon’s freezing, thus, his sleep was often interrupted. Also, he got things in his head about his real dad…buuuuuuut, Botros really didn’t need to know that. Professor Culloden already caught him one time not being his cheery self, and he ended opening up to the Potions Master. Again, he was happy of the outcome. Why? Well the man did offer to be his father if his own dad didn’t want to take him as his responsibility. Ethan of course was taken aback, but it seems that the man was dead serious...

Botros was starting to think Ethan would've been more fit in Ravenclaw, mainly for the fact that he was so curious and had lots of questions about everything. But he wasn't complaining at all! "They're not here, no. Most of them live in Egypt, and another one in Korea." But Marci was too old for school. Ab was glad she didn't share a school with him, her grandfather, simply for how much she invested her time in talking. "I can't possibly tell you about them all." He laughed and shook his head, "There's too many of them, and they're too young to accurately determine how they are yet." He paused thoughtfully. "Although, Hasaan, my eldest grandson, is well grown up. He likes Quidditch. Too much, I think." And girls. He liked Quidditch and girls, but the professor wasn't going to violate Ethan's innocence by voicing that out loud. "He does not like runes, though. None of my kids did, either." He laughed, a little bitterly at that.

As Mordaunt kept on telling him about his cousin, the soon-to-be dragonologist, and the proud twinkling in his eyes didn't go unnoticed. Botros knew very well how that felt. "That's very interesting, he sounds like an ambitious boy." Maybe it ran in the family? Yes, he could see it.

Only when he was really, really tired? "It's not alarming, then." Ab had heard of such habits, it came down to one's personalities. And sometimes, very rare but he saw it happen, it was an indication of a buried special talent of the sleep-walker, for example Seers. He didn't want to speak of any of that to the boy since he wasn't so sure and didn't want to concern the poor lad. "Why were you really, really tired today, then? Too much homework?" He smiled widely.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaniDiNardo

Keeping Feo...? "You mean...like for the rest of the afternoon or like....forever?" Younger kids had that problem, the one where they saw things that didn't belong to them and decided they'd have been the happiest thing alive if allowed to keep it. Like Jessa. Forever touching her things and saying 'mine'. You think the first few whacks would get her to stop but nope, all it got was an annoying step-mother screeching at you. Go figure.

"I think the Professor wants to keep his crup." She continued, eyeing Dima. Getch your own kid then sneak it into the castle, don't go taking from the lonely old man.

Speaking of the Professor, they could head in. Lex pushed the door open then let Dima and Feo enter before her. "Hey Professor. Tuckered out your crup for you."

Could he see how exhausted he looked? Could he?

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemon

What did she THINK he meant? Dima obviously wanted Feo to be his forever, but he couldn't point this out as Botros had invited them in now. And you weren't supposed to talk about keeping others' pets in front of their owners whose class in which you'd set someone on fire.... not a good situation.

"He's SO cute, sir. Very well behaved too." The first year nodded a lot, gazing at the crup affectionately.

No, but really... couldn't the professor find another one?!

Botros lowered his reading glasses down his nose bridge and looked at his visitors. Feo LOOKED 'tuckered out' alright, look at him trudging next to the boy and constantly burying his nose in his robes obviously asking for the boy to hold him. Ab chuckled, "Great job, you wouldn't have done it better if I had asked for it." He just wanted them to take him out on a walk, y'know. But an extended quiet night in his office wasn't so bad, either!

It was a plus that the Ravenclaw thought Feo was 'well-behaved'. Probably because he never bites, he clings and licks your face which was worse in the old man's book. "Thank you, dear. Feel free to babysit him any time you want." He could take him up to his common room, too. Maybe when he was older, though, and CoMC was happening in his life. Just in case.

"Thank you both, though." The Cruppy continued walking to his familiar place at the corner where his toys and carpet was laid out. "You both get five points for taking time off your schedule to help." And a warm smile, they got that too.