Oh goody, her head of house was here. Now she wouldn't have to slide the card under the door. AJ really did wanna see the look on her face when she showed Bentley her artwork.

Upon entering she spotted the professor looking all snuggly, and AJ beamed at her. "Hello professor." The lion flipped the card between her fingers a few times. "I have something for you." Handing the card over to Bentley AJ had to fight the urge to shout out "open it" because she was that excited. Arts and crafts were not her thing, but she thought that she had done pretty well all things considered.

Inside the red card were hand drawn pictures of plants of varying degrees of dangerous. "There's me giving CPR to a plant." Because her and magic didn't always get along these days. "I'd totally not let a plant die on you professor." She was helpful in that way. Did Bentley read what she had written yet?

She cracked a smile at the sight of Audrey... it was Audrey, yes? as she entered, and smiled even wider as she was presented with what looked like a card. "Hello dear," she greeted, letting her legs flop off the chair so she could sit proper. "I'm delighted, but you really shouldn't have," she cooed, accepting the card. Or wait, was this one of those homework assignments? If so, then of she should have. Kudos for that.

Eager to see what was inside, she flipped it open.... and what she saw, warmed her heart. "Aaaaaaawwwwww, Audrey! That's lovely." Indeed, she could hardly take her eyes away from it, scanning over the plants she'd drawn and admiring them. "This... and that, means a great deal to me, thank you." Because that sort of enthusiasm and loveliness could not go unappreciated.



It was only after a short while that Seren noticed there was something on her floor... and on closer inspection, it was another card. Aaawwwww! It was a charming little thing, and she could distinctly make out the shape of a tree in the form of sea shells.... too cute.

Smiling to herself, she took it and added it to her modest collection on the corner of her desk.

[Spoiler=Bentley]She cracked a smile at the sight of Audrey... it was Audrey, yes? as she entered, and smiled even wider as she was presented with what looked like a card. "Hello dear," she greeted, letting her legs flop off the chair so she could sit proper. "I'm delighted, but you really shouldn't have," she cooed, accepting the card. Or wait, was this one of those homework assignments? If so, then of she should have. Kudos for that.

Eager to see what was inside, she flipped it open.... and what she saw, warmed her heart. "Aaaaaaawwwwww, Audrey! That's lovely." Indeed, she could hardly take her eyes away from it, scanning over the plants she'd drawn and admiring them. "This... and that, means a great deal to me, thank you." Because that sort of enthusiasm and loveliness could not go unappreciated. [/Spoiler.]

This was not something that AJ would normally do, but it was a homework assignment, and it was a simple one so she couldn't just not do it. "It was my pleasure." Bentley didn't have to know that it was a homework assignment. Of course AJ had picked her out of the three possible professors so that was something to be proud of.

Wait a minute. Was her ears deceiving her? Did Bentley just call her Audrey? She was her little lion, and she didn't even have her name right. Tsk, tsk. "It's Aubrey with a B professor." A giggle escaped her lips. "You can call me AJ though." That was what she preferred. "I'm glad you like it." She had worked really hard on it.

Zander had been debating about coming over here for days. Actually weeks. Basically months. Really he had been debating for a very long time. Ever since that divination homework came out. The Gryffindor actually made frequent stops to this office, but never felt confident enough to knock. No. He needed some courage. Some major courage. Really, in the end it was Flamsteed of all people who had done it. He had of course encouraged Zander to deliver a card to the person he truly wanted to deliver to, but at the time Zander didn't think he would actually do it. But after waiting for so long, he knew it wasn't actually a choice he was still in the process of making. He had already made his decision. It was just a matter of time that he followed through.

Careful not to drop the small box he was holding, the Gryffindor took a deep breath and step forward towards the door. Knock... Knock... Knock... Three times. That was enough right? Or was that too much? Would Professor Bentley be mad? Oh no! Could he just run away now!? AH. This pressure was too much. Why had he come in the first place. What was wrong with him. This was a bad choice. He shouldn't have come. He shouldn't have. No. It was a bad decision.

The panicked boy suddenly turned around in worry. Taking a few more breaths he started walking away from the door slowly. Still, he was torn. Should he stay? Should he go? AH.

For some reaaaaason, hopefully one NOT related to all the relocated plants, Professor Bentley had requested a meeting with her boss. In her office. Hmm. Maybe she had something to show Annie, something that couldn't be moved about the castle very easily? Something like a giant venemous tentacula, mabye?!

Or maybe it was just a run-of-the mill meeting and Bentley was too backed up on grading to trek down to the second floor. Alas, it would be best not to get her hopes up. Anastasia knocked quietly on the door in the middle of the corridor and waited to be addressed.

It was her pleasure, now that was the sweetest thing. The sweetest. If there was one thing she could appreciate, it was when students took time and effort to produce something meaningful... something that she could hold onto as a keepsake, and cherish in her darkest hours. And at Hogwarts, there were many dark hours... it really was one disaster after another.

Suddenly though, she looked up. Aubrey. With a B. Isn't that what she said? "Of course it is, dear," she agreed with a convincing nod, "my mind isn't in a fit state at the minute.. too much work to do see," she noted, motioning to the papers littered around her. Curriculum planning always did do her head in. AJ though, she liked the sound of that. "AJ it is then," she mused, smiling brightly.

Was this all the girl had come for? Did she want to discuss something further? At any rate, it was an opportune moment to converse with the young Lioness.
"How have you found your first year so far?" she asked, curious to hear AJ's perspective. Considering the drama with the weather - something she was only too eager to escape - she couldn't help but wonder too if it was deterring students from the school. Potentially. If parents themselves weren't already wary.



She had heard the knocking on her door loud and clear, and for a brief moment hadn't thought much of it, but of course, her feet moved her in the direction of the door while she skimmed an letter she received in the post.

Swinging the door back on its hinges, allowing it to creak softly, she peered out at the form of Zander Adair, or more to the point, the back of him.

"Zander, can I help you with something?" she asked, folding the letter in her hand and stuffing it into the pocket of her red robe.



This was, perhaps the best way to go about it. Seren paced her office, pausing briefly to stick a poker in the fire that barely burned in the grate of the fireplace. It was useless. If there was any consolation to the cold that was permeating through the castle walls and seeping into her office through the window pane, it was her rabid indulgence of tea over the past months. Her own supplies had dwindled to the point where she had to purchase a great deal more to supplement her needs.

With tea on her mind, she turned her back to the suffocated flames and eyed the steaming pot on her desk, perhaps a cup now to settle the nerves would be advantageous.

The knock at her door interrupted her movements, and she found herself bracing mid-step and turning her attention instead to her office door. That must be Annie. It had taken her months to work up to this, and still she didn't have courage enough to knock on the Headmistresses door herself, leaving this as her only option. She made for a terrible Gryffindor in that sense.

Gingerly opening the door, Seren beamed at the Headmistress, all the while her nerves making her fingers dance along the surface of the door knob and the other inside her pocket. "Annie, please come in... thank you for meeting with me. I'd have payed you a visit myself, but I can't seem to bring myself to do so," she greeted, her honest words slipping out so casually. She extended her arm, gesturing for her to make herself welcome. "I have tea and biscuits," she offered, figuring it was an appropriate segue into what she wished to discuss.

Okay. No. He had decided. Maybe he'd deliver the present one day. BUT today was not that day. The Gryffindor quickly broke out into a run- because he had already knocked and he needed to be FAST.

He quickly stopped mid-sprint at the sound of that beautiful angelic voice calling him forth. Oh no. He wasn't quick enough. Darn. The panicked Gryffindor swiveled around in place, so that he was now facing Beautiful Bentley. "Oh hi Professor, fancy seeing you here,"... Her temporary office was here... Dumb Zander dumb. "I mean, not fancy because your office is here now and what I really meant was.. uhm.." What had he meant exactly? That he would like to have her hand in marriage and-- Too far.

The Gryffindor looked down as if he'd find the answer etched on the floor he was standing on and wait! The box! Oh yeah, "I-I have something I would like to give you Professor." PHEW! Well that had been close. The third year extended his arms and held out the floral box in front of him.

At first, he was planning on giving her his Bonsai. But then, he thought she may be offended about that. Besides, it was a reminder of her that he could take with him home over the summer. He would water that well in her memory. Yes. Right anyways the gift. Zander wasn't really sure if he should stay while she opened it, but he found himself glued to the ground. So he didn't really have much of a choice in that matter.

Within the floral patterned box- that he had picked out all special for her- was a bouquet of ice flowers. The Gryffindor was aware that using actual flowers in this temperature was hardly practical and also very cliche, so he opted for a different route. He used the Orchideous Stiriacus spell they learned in transfiguration to make a small icy bouquet of beautiful roses, tulips, and orchids. It had taken lots of practice- as his first bunch of flowers were complete fails and looked like garden weeds- but he was EXTREMELY proud of his end result.

At the very bottom of the box, there was a note written in his tight cursive handwriting. He had been sooooo sooo tempted to draw little hearts all around it, but he refrained from doing so. As this was a sentimental note, he did NOT need it to be the time he professed his love for her. That could come some other time. This had to be purely appreciative. See, this was meant to be for the divination homework, but he had put the delivery off for so long that it turned into something else. More of an end of the term thank you sort of thing. If only he could get out of the school and actually buy her something nice. UGh. Stupid storm. He had a Bentley to impress!

SPOILER!!: The Noteee

Professor Bentley,
Thanks a ton for everything you've done for our house and me this term! I will never forget that time when you showed mercy to me and Kevin in the dorms even though we probably deserved a yelling at. And it totally meant a whole lot that you never laughed at any of my stupid answers in class. I might not be the brightest, Professor, but I really am trying to make you proud. I also want to say thank you for being such an amazing Head of House. Gryffindor would not be the same without you! No matter what happens, regardless of who wins the house cup, we could not have made it this far without you! I really appreciate what you do for the school and what you've done for me. I know this is probably really cheesy, Professor, but before this term I never really talked to anyone all that much. But I think that now I'm putting myself out there a lot more and it's really thanks to the fact that you provide such an awesome support!

Thanks for being so awesome,
Zander Adair

Oooh there was Seren. Was it more frigid in up here than down in her own office or was that just Annie's imagination? Heat was supposed to RISE, not dissipate, but then... maybe there was no heat left in this old stone castle.

"Hi, not a problem," she greeted Seren as she popped into the office and over to a seat. The Headmistress had half a mind to put a warming spell on it before she parked herself, but that might seem rude. So instead she rubbed her arms and served herself some tea. And biscuits. The warm tea would make everything better, yes?

Once she was settled, she looked to the Herbology professor to hear about the reason for this visit.

AJ nodded her understanding. Her head of house had practically lost all of her plant children when the cold made the greenhouses, that were supposed to keep them safe, come crashing down upon them. "It's okay, professor." The lion never did really like the name her parents had given her. It wasn't as bad as Angel though. She would have died if that was her name. She would have forced her sister to trade with her. Girly names were the worse. Her parents could have at the very least came up with a unisex name, but no. "Wicked." That was one more person on board with her nickname. Hardly anybody called her by her first name, but she still had to train the Hogwartians.

Bentley wanted to talk about her? Well, she had been dadling. "Hogwarts is so cool. Having a magic wand is pretty epic. I've learned loads of things, and met some pretty cool people." Adi and Arista immediately popped into her head. They by far were two of the coolest people she had met so far. "The whole being snowed in thing is a major bummer. I'd kill to climb a tree right about now." She was going absolutely stir crazy in these castle walls. "How are your plants doing?" Surely they weren't all dead after all of the hard work everybody put into it.

Was it just her, or did she catch the Gryffindor in the act of running away? She cast a glance around them. What was he running away from exactly?...
She watched curiously, and listened attentively as he fumbled over his words. "Yes, fancy that indeed," she agreed with a solitary nod of the head. She had questions, but hoped he'd see sense and just out with it himself. The blonde smoothed down the hem of her sleeve, not because it was ruffled, but simply because the act filled the awkwardness at the current point in time.

As it so happened, she didn't need to wait for an explanation for long, because it came swiftly, and resulted in her eyebrows arching out of mild surprise. "You have something for me?" she questioned, repeating the boys words. "I have to say Mister Adair, this is very sweet of you," she smiled, taking a couple of steps toward the Gryffindor and accepting the floral box he held out to her. And to think, he was going to run away? With this? ... Why?

Seren was a little speechless, but her eyes roamed the surface of the box - admiring the print before even daring to open it. Of course, she did open it, how could she not? The contents of course, was astoundingly touching. "Oh Zander... that's... just beautiful," she trilled, applying a finger to the delicate ice flower within, delighting in its texture and crispness. "Oh.. and a note too," she mused, her eyes on Zander as she plucked it out. Was she supposed to read it now? Or later? Did it matter?... In the end she didn't care long enough to wait for protests or bothering to ask. Flipping it open, she read, as quickly as she was able to do.

...

......

...........

T_______________________T

....

Why? Why was this student breaking her heart?! WHY?!

"That... is the sweetest thing," she said softly, before snapping the lid back on the box and throwing her arms around the boys shoulders. "Thank you, and I am proud of you," she said into his ear, pausing there for a second before pulling away - hoping the tears welling in her eyes wasn't noticeable.

These kids would be the death of her.




It was easy to be casual with Annie, but in this instance, it felt strangely formal. So formal, and yet, not. Closing the door behind them, Seren settled herself back in her seat and peered at Annie over the space between them.

Judging by the Headmistress's silence, she would be the one to start things off... but really, what had she expected? Something that resembled a job interview? An interrogation?
"I'm sorry to say this has been troubling me for some time, and for a long while now I've wondered how to broach the topic or if I even wanted to... but I do," she started, certain that she wasn't making sense, but continuing anyway. "Ten years at a school is a long time, and I have a young family... and I need to spend more time with them," she continued, daring to avert her eyes briefly to extract a sealed envelope from her top drawer.

"I'd appreciate if you accepted my... letter of resignation."

Yes. That... this is what that was. Seren slid the envelope across the desk to her employer, and instead wrapped her hands around a cup and poured herself some much needed tea.



She could count and bless her lucky stars that Aubrey... AJ... not Audrey, was forgiving, because forgetting a person's name could be exceptionally insulting - it screamed carelessness. Still, she was forgiven, and AJ was a darling, so all she could do was smile.

And as delightful as that was, it was equally so hearing about the Gryffindor's experiences at the school. It all sounded positive... that was definitely noteworthy. "I'm glad to hear it, and from my observations and what I've heard, you've settled in quite nicely." Better than some first years have in the past. The snowed in thing, yes, that was a bummer indeed... a HUGE bummer. "Some things can't be helped, and some things take time.. so I'm sure it's only a matter of time." They would not be trapped, nope. "The plants are... well... they're struggling, but for the most part, it's as well as can be expected." Meaning some didn't make it, but they weren't all a lost cause.

She had settled in nicely? Whew... what a relief that was. AJ knew that she was doing okay, but she was worried that the creatures professor would have snitched on her and the whole unicorn thing. Deep down he knew that AJ was just a unicorn enthusiast and he couldn't punish her for that. "Being with my sisters made it easier." Angel was in her house so it was almost the same as being at home. AJ could have done it on her own as well, but it would have been harder. "Summer is coming." Maybe that would help the winter storm on it's way out of here. She knew that the professors were working on it. AJ wasn't that worried. The first year had no intentions of telling her parents, and she would pass the word on to her sisters. Abby would be the hardest to convince.

"That's good." They didn't all kick the bucket. That was an accomplishment considering all that they went through. AJ was enjoying the chat with her head of house, but she was eager for another cup of hot cocoa, and to catch up with her sister. She promised Angel that she would meet up with her. "It was nice talking to you, but I need to meet up with Angel." She waved as she skipped out of the office.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hera

It was easy to be casual with Annie, but in this instance, it felt strangely formal. So formal, and yet, not. Closing the door behind them, Seren settled herself back in her seat and peered at Annie over the space between them.

Judging by the Headmistress's silence, she would be the one to start things off... but really, what had she expected? Something that resembled a job interview? An interrogation?
"I'm sorry to say this has been troubling me for some time, and for a long while now I've wondered how to broach the topic or if I even wanted to... but I do," she started, certain that she wasn't making sense, but continuing anyway. "Ten years at a school is a long time, and I have a young family... and I need to spend more time with them," she continued, daring to avert her eyes briefly to extract a sealed envelope from her top drawer.

"I'd appreciate if you accepted my... letter of resignation."

Yes. That... this is what that was. Seren slid the envelope across the desk to her employer, and instead wrapped her hands around a cup and poured herself some much needed tea.

So she.... wasn't here to talk about plants then. As soon as Seren started speaking, Annie knew what was coming next. She had had enough of these resignation conversations to predict when a letter was coming, usually.

She took the letter in hand to read it, of course. "Ten years is a long time," the redhead mused in the meanwhile, taking her time with this sensitive subject. Ten years though. To think, Seren had been the only halfway decent Herbology teacher, the only one who had lasted any substantial amount of time, since Annie herself had taught the subject! Huh!

Zander could feel a blush coming on. Hopefully it was just his cheeks that were now red, and not his entire face. Ahem. Ha. The Gryffindor just nodded his head in reply to her question. Mostly because speaking was proving to be very difficult and when he did manage to speak, he babbled. So just a nod would do. But then when she went on to comment on how sweet it was, he felt his heart melt. She had no clue as to what that just did to his little third year heart. Could they get a Healer Tillstorm in here? Because, uh, this Gryffindor is SO not okay.

Should he stay while she opened it? Why couldn’t he move. It was simple. One foot then the other. HE KNEW HOW TO WALK why couldn’t he just do it!? And… Would Bentley wait until he left to open it because that would probably be the most ideal— Oh. She was opening it. Shethoughtitwasbeautifulsaywhaaat. At this point, if he were bold enough he may have added something along the lines of ‘but not as beautiful as you’, but he refrained. Because alas, he was not bold enough for that bit just yet. ”I.. I hope you like it, Professor,” was the only pathetic thing he could muster. Sure it wasn’t a regular flower, but would she appreciate the fact that it was made of ice given there current situation?

Then she was reading the card. Oh no. He watched as her eyes softened and wondered along the note. He was blushing again. And before he could respond to what she said next, he was wrapped into a big Beautiful Bentley hug.

O___________________O

SWEET MERLIN HAD CHRISTMAS DAY COME EARLY!?! Though he was normally the most awkward uncomfortable hugger on the face of this planet, Zander Adair hugged back. And he didn’t want to let go, but alas the time had come. All good things had to come to an end. Sigh. Wait a minute. Hold the phone. Had she just said what he thought she said? SHE WAS PROUD OF HIM!?! And now Zander was starting to get all teary too. No. He couldn’t. Boys didn’t cry. No. He refused. Instead he just looked at her with a huge smile. ”Thank you Professor Bentley, I just- I want you to know that we- I… That I really, really appreciate you… As both a teacher and-uh-and as head of Gryffindor house,” at this, his hand instinctively went for the back of his neck. He was getting all nervous again. AH. The flutteries were back.

WHY MUST THEY ALWAYS COME BACK!?

Siblings. Yes, she could see how that would help ease the transition into such a... different place from home. Hogwarts was a home away from home, but it was large and imposing, even if it was magical. It only made her miss home more.

Summer though, now that, she could hardly wait for. "I don't think I've appreciated summer as much as I do this very moment.. I'll be glad once it's here." And it couldn't come sooner.

With their business done and dusted and knowing that AJ was comfortable with her experiences here so far, there really wasn't much left too it. So when the Gryffindor resigned herself to leaving, Seren grinned brightly and rose to see her out. "Of course, of course," she mused warmly. "Thank you for stopping by, and thank you for the card.. it's lovely."



It was agreed, ten years was a long time. But that aside, there was little else in the aftermath of her revelation.

.....

.........

Words escaped her, did they escape the Headmistress too? Without anything else to add, and without any reasssurances, Seren took to sipping her tea, peering over the top at her soon-to-be former boss.

.....

"I'm happy to leave all of my resources here if it'll make the transition for my replacement easier..." She doubted she'd be needing them again anytime soon.



Like it? Oh nooooo, no no no. Liking it just wouldn't cut it, "I love it," she replied insistently. It was definitely something to be treasured, not simply for it's beauty, but for the sentiment... it was the sentiment that struck a chord in her.

Usually when she found herself hugging her students - which was beginning to become a habit, especially now - she found they stood limply, or pulled away soon... but not Zander, he seemed confident enough in himself to accept it, and returned it too.
....

.....

........

And gosh, he had to keep speaking. If she wasn't on the verge of tears before, then she was now. Such sweet words, and it only made things harder. "Well, thank you.. you really have no idea how much that means to me," she replied softly, brushing away the making of a tear from the corner of her eye. Her bright smile though, was enough to communicate how happy she was in the moment. "And I meant what I said, I am proud of you... you're a stand up gentleman, Zander, what's not to be proud of?" He'd conducted himself well throughout the year and never gave her a reason to give him a stern talking to, never gave her reason to be concerned. It was easy with him, as bright - if not academic, as he was.

She loved it?

Loved it!?!!?!?!

Love.

;_________;

The Gryffindor suddenly felt a HUGE pang at his heart. It was most definitely getting all melty. Maybe this meant it was time to leave before he said something stupid? Because he definitely did not need to repeat that word. The L-word. That word that he wasn't allowed to say. Not to her. No. Zander Adair don't you L-word a Professor. Don't you do it.

........

HOLY MERLIN, was she CRYING!? Uh. This was not the intention. Hopefully those were happy tears, right? Not the sad ones? Uh. The Gryffindor felt himself suddenly tense up. Should he comment on it? Would that make her cry more? But. It was just a tear. That didn't mean she was crying. What if she just had something in her eye or something? Yeah. Not tears. He could not handle tears. But, she was smiling. So she was happy? So was she happy that something was in her eye... Or were they just plain happy tears? The Gryffindor had no idea.

But he couldn't even think about the tears anymore because she really was proud of him. CODE RED. "I-uh-I.." And suddenly he was stuck. He was stuck because he didn't know what to say or what to do or even what to think. The flutteries were back on full force. He was blushing. And he was starting to get all sweaty again. And he had no idea what to say. And this was his cue. Suddenly remembering what Lux had told him about avoiding Bentley, Zander's eyes lit up in panic. "I-thanks Professor that.. It means a lot to uh to hear that from you," shifty feet and rocking back and forth was now a thing. "And well, I'm really glad you.." The word. The word. "L-loved it and I well... You know... I should probably get to class now, but I'm really glad I stopped by.." Could someone please give this kid a muzzle.

Because he just would not stop.

Jasmine wanted to talk to Professor Bentley about........things. She had been thinking about everything that had happened during the term, some good, some bad. Most of all though, she had really enjoyed Herbology class. That was a total surprise to Jasmine because she always thought that she had a black thumb rather than a green one. She was happy that she hadn't killed any plants this year and had actually helped some. Walking up to Professor Bentley's office door, Jasmine knocked and waited.

It was a good thing she did her breathing exercises every morning, and was thus in a habit of breathing deeply, particularly during times of distress. She wasn't distressed per se, but the thought of leaving the school and the students - such as Zander - behind, was beginning to get to her. Could she go through with it? Could she really leave?

Just thinking about her son at home gave her the strength to smile through the pain, of course she could do this. She needed to, and she would.

Zander brought her back down to Earth, centering her in the odd way that he did as he continued to fumble his words. Perhaps this was a little awkward for him? "Of course, wouldn't want you to be late now," she acknowledged with a nod, "and I'm glad you stopped by too. I'll see you around Zander." But now, she needed to head back into her office and find a spot... a temporary spot, for the delicate ice flower.



Her schedule was relatively empty. There were far fewer plants to care for than at the beginning of term, and now she was closer to the Lions too, she didn't seem to need to make as many trips away from her office. In addition to that, with classes ending and term coming to a close, it was time to start packing her things, and so that's what she did... with a heavy heart.

Only the books from the small bookcase had been removed, some were already neatly stacked in a box, some others sat beside it, ready to be hauled away. Blowing off the dust from the top of one of the thick tomes, Seren wedged it into the bottom corner of the box where it fit snugly. The knock at her door had been expected, so without any hesitation she stopped what she was doing and went to greet her visitor.

"Jasmine, so good to see you... please come in, come in," she beamed upon opening the door. "Excuse the mess," she added as an afterthought, gesturing for her to take a seat, somewhere, anywhere.

Word circulated that a certain Professor was resigning, and one Ethan Mordaunt could not believe his ears when he learned that it was Professor Bentley. The boy was not the type who’d rely on gossips, and so he decided to pay the Herbologist a visit and let her be the one to tell him if she was really leaving or not. The Slytherin, expecting the worst of course, rehearsed the lines in his head. He got distracted however, upon seeing Bentley’s new and probably last post on her notice board, which was situated right next to the Dueling Information Board.

Wait, what? He made it to the ‘Herbologist Star-Flowers’? Was this the same as Botros’ List of Rune Masters? Yes? Sweeeeet! At least he knew he was doing something right, because how else would he end up in both lists, yeah? But…upon reading the message underneath their names, Ethan felt sad. Goodbyes are stupid. If there’s anything he hates in the world, it would be saying one’s farewell. Worse was leaving without saying anything, like his mom’s death.

Ethan eyed the grand staircase, the usual twinkle and energy he had was zapped in an instant. She really is leaving them, yeah? Merlin. Stuffing his hands inside his pockets, he made his way up the towers where her office was, trying to contain his sad feels.

He was too busy comparing his former Herbology professor with Bentley when he realized that he was already by her door. Goodbyes. Why?

Knock, knock, knock.

There was still so much to do, and so much to get her head around. Despite the fast approaching end of term feast, it felt like she had all the time in the world to wallow in self-pity and slowly, but surely, make a dent in clearing out her office. As with most things though, she procrastinated... opting to sit by the window and stare out at the grounds instead, her papers for filing on her desk forgotten.

Even hearing the knock on her door, it took her a moment to register what it really was, and hastily she moved from her seat to answer her door in person. She couldn't think who it might have been, her appointments were few and far between these days.

And of all the people it could have been, it was a face that she hadn't expected to see at her door. "Ethan," she started, "how can I help you?" Did he want to come in? Was he having problems with something? Was he interested in a career in herbology?!

Ethan forced a smile as the door opened and Bentley asking what she can do for him. “Can you not leave?” he thought, but then his eyes went from her to the scene behind the woman. There, another clue. She’s really leaving. “Hello, professor.” Maybe she’s just you know…preparing for a longer vacation? Ethan HOPED the rumours are just that. But…why was EVERYTHING almost packed? Like…there was no sign of her coming back? “I…just want to thank you for thinking that I deserve to be part of the Herbologist Star-Flowers. It was…unexpected.” Really it was, because he was really bad at the subject back in his old school.

“You’ve…packed everything? Will you be having a long vacation this summer?” Ethan slowly changed his expression from happy to concerned, while swallowing the bile in his mouth. He sort of confirmed his theory that she is indeed leaving Hogwarts for good because of the ‘evidence’. He hates this. Why does a brilliant professor have to leave? Why does it have to be now when he’s starting to improve in Herbology? What if…what if the next professor wasn’t as good as her?

Professor Bentley opened the door and invited Jasmine to come into her office. "Hi Professor Bentley. I wanted to......." O_______O There were boxes everywhere and the Professor appeared to be packing........to move back to the Greenhouses when the weather improved, right? Unfortunately, Jasmine had the feeling that this was not the case. Looking at the Professor with wide eyes, she said, "Are you going somewhere Professor Bentley?". Please say no, Please. She had not come here to say goodbye. Not goodbye!

Mhmm, yes, yes it was. Annie continued reading the letter while Seren sipped her tea and made the occasional comment. Oh wait, that was an important comment, not one to be glossed over. Thankfully, her resignation letter was short and straight to the point, so the redhead was already finished reading it by then.

"Oh, will you?" She brightened up considerably. "I took everything when I left --- cleared out the greenhouses, practically," she let out a short laugh, "but that's so generous of you, Seren. And on behalf of the staff and the Board of Governors," she straightened up and held out her hand, "Hogwarts thanks you for your years of service."

Paaaaaaaaause for handshake...

It had escaped her thoughts that Ethan perhaps wasn't expecting the accolade, but it was well deserved, so she nodded her approval. "You're most welcome, you worked extremely hard all year... it was well deserved." Stating the obvious with that one.

What surprised her more than the boys lack of self-confidence in the subject, was that he was asking about her summer... and vacations. Pausing, she peered behind her at the mess. The office was never meant to be permanent, so there was little to suggest much of anything in packing things up, especially now that the weather issue was being managed. Her old office would be fit for occupation again in no time at all. But that wasn't the reason for her packing. "Something like that," she replied uncertainly. Of course, that was a half truth, a terrible half truth... and it was about time she started acknowledging the future. "I'm actually taking some time off from teaching, so I won't be returning next year..."



Closing the door behind the Ravenclaw, Seren side-stepped one of the boxes and returned to the pile of books that so diligently held her attention. It didn't occur to her how unusual it all must have looked for Jasmine. The answer to the girls question was a tricky one, one she had avoided for months now, but there was little point in ignoring it now. "I am, I'm going home..." just as everyone else did for the summer break. The only difference was that she wouldn't be returning.

...

"So... was there something I could help you with?"



She would, yes, her nod was confirmation of this. Though... that wasn't to say she was leaving everything here, and a small nervous chuckle left her lips at the mention of clearing out the greenhouses. Obviously over the years she had invested a great deal of her own resources and income into getting the greenhouses up to the standard she wanted... and while the recent ice age - so to speak - saw to the destruction of much of the stocks, there were still some specimens she wasn't willing to part with. They were going home with her. "I'll leave what I no longer need," she stated with a polite smile. Her files and things, for example, would no longer be required.

Generous was never a term she had attributed to herself, but she supposed it was relevant, to an extent. The expression of thanks from the redhead was appreciated, and so she engaged the woman in a handshake without a seconds thought. "It was pleasure, honestly, and thank you for all the opportunities you have afforded me in my time here. I'm sad to be leaving, but it's the right thing to do for my family and I." She retracted her hand after a short moment, her shoulders feeling lighter without the burden of the news.

Going home? Something in the Professor's voice told Jasmine that she wasn't going home to the Greenhouses. She wasn't just going home for the summer. She was going home and not coming back. Jasmine was sure of it. Oh this was too much. First Cris, now Professor Bentley. For a moment she didn't know what to say, but if she didn't start talking quickly, she knew she would cry. So Jasmine proceeded to say what she had come to say in the first place.

"I just came to thank you for making me a Herbology Star Flower. If you had told me that would happen at the beginning of the term I would have laughed at you. I've never been very good with plants, but you and Cris encouraged me so much. I really enjoyed being in your class. I learned so much. I-I-I learned to love the plants........so thank you very much." Jasmine felt so overwhelmed. She was really going to miss Professor Bentley, but she was grateful that at least she got to say goodbye this time. Stepping forward Jasmine hugged her Professor and said, "Goodbye Professor Bentley". "I'll miss you."

There was no awkward silence, this is not what that was. Jasmine was a bright girl, and she was certain that by now rumours had gotten out about her stepping down... or at least, that someone was stepping down. It wasn't hard to put two and two together, especially not for a Ravenclaw.

Seren smiled warmly, her eyes gentle. "You don't need to thank me, you did that all on your own. Your hard work has paid off, and you are a very very capable herbologist... just know that," she replied, touched that Jasmine felt that way. Straightening up, she waited for a further response, but the one she got was different to what she expected... though, she wasn't sure what she had expected in the first place. The arms around her were warm and soft, and she returned the hug without question, holding the Ravenclaw close to her as tears formed in her eyes. "I hate goodbyes, so how about we don't do that, huh?" she choked out, "I'll miss you too, I truly will... until we meet again."

How many more of these would she have to endure? Because it was likely going to kill her, that, or she would end up looking like a shrivelfig from all the crying.