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After being allowed to walk through the two polished doors, you're most likely to be welcomed by professor Botros' Crup, Feo. The office is relatively larger than expected, with bookshelves lining the walls, along with artifacts, figures of runes of all alphabets (duh), and several copies of The Pocket-hanky Ultimate Board. To the right and right after you see a basket with a bunch of walking canes inside, there is a small coffee table with a bunch of rolls and parchment on top, a vase of red roses is always perched up too and professor Botros sometimes is seen watering or wiping their leaves gently with his hands. Next to that coffee table is a higher stool with nothing hovering over it anymore.
There are two elegant chairs facing each other and placed right in front of the main desk in the room where you're supposed to sit once Ab ushers you to do so. His desk is as tidy as it is crowded with parchments, books, his spare glasses, and colorful pieces of clothes that you soon will discover it's an unfolded pocket-hanky. To the far end of the desk, safely away from the guests, sit several family muggle pictures of a young man with glasses, and a young woman leaning against that young man. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that this is professor Botros fifty years ago, and then him with his beautiful wife.
On the back of the big door, there is a new parchment with a cute doodle drawn on it. It's the first student souvenir Ab received from his students. To the side of that paper hung a small piece of wood, and then a pendant shaped as a box with some dust inside. A letter (from Tobias Tempus) in runic alphabet was a little below, with a polaroid photograph of Botros and his Crup by the fireplace (By Marco Branxton), and an origami elephant (from Ella Bishop).
OOC: please do not post in here until after posting in the seating area thread and being invited in by the professor himself. Posting in here without an invitation will result in deleting your post, and you getting a frowny face from me.
A path is not simply for walking, its purpose lies in moving forward and improving oneself.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Magical Soul
Botros was indeed inside his office, but this time he was having a cup of tea. Instead of sitting behind his desk, he was occupying the rocking chair by the put down fireplace. When he heard knocking, he lowered the cup on the saucer gently. "Come in."
Come in. Wait that was his cue right?
Yoongi placed the very old comic book back where he had gotten it. He opened the door, entered the room and closed the door behind him. It was strange but he had pictured the office of Botros to look like this and Yoongi could not help but grin a bit as he looked around.
His dark brown eyes then landed on the old Professor sitting in a rocking chair and he stepped forward a bit. "Uhm ...hello" this was awkward. He had never spoken to this man before and already needed his help. "I'm Yoongi Hyland and..." how was he supposed to explain this? "I need help with Runes..." like ..now...
Botros was inside with his paperwork flooding his desk as usual, he heard knocking just as his crup jumped from behind the big rocking chair and attacked the door with his paws. "Come in, it's open!" The old man called out.
Still nervous but with less sweaty palms, Sophie giggled at the sound of Feo's paws scraping against the door and carefully opened it, pleased to be greeted so eagerly by the crup. "Hi professor," Soph greeted, her attention on Feo, who got a few scratches behind his ears. "Hi Feo. Nice to see you again." The comment was directed to BOTH of them, actually, but it undoubtedly looked like it was directed to the crup. Oops.
She DID peek up at Botros after a moment and offered him a friendly smile before abandoning her coddling of Feo and crossed further into the office. "How are you, professor? Good summer, I hope?" She didn't sit - no, she wouldn't do that just yet. She was trying to gauge the situation first and see what kind of mood the old man was in. Hopefully nothing was troubling him - he was too much of a sweetheart to ever deserve struggles. No, he deserved to have THE best life.
Still spending the majority of his time doing his paperwork and answering letters from different institutes and the Rune Masters Association, Abraham fixed his reading glasses on his nose and looked up at the door. "It's open." He called out, Feo had gone on a walk with one of the students.
The door to the office opened and Tobias's head appeared, poking around it, soon followed by the rest of his body. "Hi Professor," he said, quite cheerfully as he closed the door gently behind him. "Only meeee!"
Bouncy puff was in a bouncy mood today, wasn't that great? Better yet, he was no longer bouncing-off-the-walls kind of bouncy as had been the case for the last few months of the previous term. In any case, he BOUNCED on over to the professor's desk. "Thought I'd drop by, see how your summer was, y'know." Like, NBD. As if this wasn't a yearly tradition, ehehe. The Hufflepuff grinned at his Head of House; these little meetings always put him in a good mood.
__________________
Days of Potter 2023:___________________________ Which Bertie Botts Flavour Are You? You are Chocolate!
Yoongi placed the very old comic book back where he had gotten it. He opened the door, entered the room and closed the door behind him. It was strange but he had pictured the office of Botros to look like this and Yoongi could not help but grin a bit as he looked around.
His dark brown eyes then landed on the old Professor sitting in a rocking chair and he stepped forward a bit. "Uhm ...hello" this was awkward. He had never spoken to this man before and already needed his help. "I'm Yoongi Hyland and..." how was he supposed to explain this? "I need help with Runes..." like ..now...
Botros looked at the young Gryffindor walking into the office, shyness was radiating off the poor boy and it made the old professor smile brighter to release some tension. "Hello, Mr. Hyland." He replied gently.
"Uh alright. We'll have a class soon, do you need help before that?" Also, what kind of help did the boy need? Botros was curiously looking at him now.
Quote:
Originally Posted by feeheeheeny
Still nervous but with less sweaty palms, Sophie giggled at the sound of Feo's paws scraping against the door and carefully opened it, pleased to be greeted so eagerly by the crup. "Hi professor," Soph greeted, her attention on Feo, who got a few scratches behind his ears. "Hi Feo. Nice to see you again." The comment was directed to BOTH of them, actually, but it undoubtedly looked like it was directed to the crup. Oops.
She DID peek up at Botros after a moment and offered him a friendly smile before abandoning her coddling of Feo and crossed further into the office. "How are you, professor? Good summer, I hope?" She didn't sit - no, she wouldn't do that just yet. She was trying to gauge the situation first and see what kind of mood the old man was in. Hopefully nothing was troubling him - he was too much of a sweetheart to ever deserve struggles. No, he deserved to have THE best life.
Feo was beside himself with joy thanks to the attention and affectionate reactions from the pretty human, he woofed happily at her and kept bouncing at her feet sniffing at her clothes. Forever excited.
"Hello, Ms. Brown." Abraham smiled at the Ravenclaw Prefect from where he sat at his desk. "Congratulations on the badge. We have faith in you." He said confidently with a serious nod. Maybe she didn't need those words, and he was a little late on saying them but he felt the need to let this out in the open anyway. "Summer was great, yes. My favorite time spent with the kids and the family." It was a little too hectic sometimes but he had his private room where he could go and take a break from all the curious eyes and questions of his grandkids, but soon he'd miss those and let them all in once again. It was odd, he could not find a balance. "I hope yours was delightful and productive as well. Have a seat, if you will. How can I help you?"
Quote:
Originally Posted by Felixir
The door to the office opened and Tobias's head appeared, poking around it, soon followed by the rest of his body. "Hi Professor," he said, quite cheerfully as he closed the door gently behind him. "Only meeee!"
Bouncy puff was in a bouncy mood today, wasn't that great? Better yet, he was no longer bouncing-off-the-walls kind of bouncy as had been the case for the last few months of the previous term. In any case, he BOUNCED on over to the professor's desk. "Thought I'd drop by, see how your summer was, y'know." Like, NBD. As if this wasn't a yearly tradition, ehehe. The Hufflepuff grinned at his Head of House; these little meetings always put him in a good mood.
Aw, look who it was. Botros chuckled at the seventh year Hufflepuff and watched him lope over to the desk. "Afternoon, Toby." Yes. He said 'Toby', they reached that level of acquaintance, they were there. The fact that this was the last year Abraham was going to be gladly surprised by one of Toby's cute little visits in the office did not go unnoticed. He realized this very much, but after teaching for the long period of time that he had, it was only part of the job saying goodbye to lovely heartwarming routines brought by his students who no longer were squeaky, sticky handed, or chubby faced. Look at how tall Toby got, for example, not as tall as Odessa but still.
"Come take a seat. How was your summer?" New changes in the house, Botros was expecting a long summary. Paperwork could wait.
Feo was beside himself with joy thanks to the attention and affectionate reactions from the pretty human, he woofed happily at her and kept bouncing at her feet sniffing at her clothes. Forever excited.
"Hello, Ms. Brown." Abraham smiled at the Ravenclaw Prefect from where he sat at his desk. "Congratulations on the badge. We have faith in you." He said confidently with a serious nod. Maybe she didn't need those words, and he was a little late on saying them but he felt the need to let this out in the open anyway. "Summer was great, yes. My favorite time spent with the kids and the family." It was a little too hectic sometimes but he had his private room where he could go and take a break from all the curious eyes and questions of his grandkids, but soon he'd miss those and let them all in once again. It was odd, he could not find a balance. "I hope yours was delightful and productive as well. Have a seat, if you will. How can I help you?"
Oh. Oh. Prefect stuff. Sophie peeked down at the badge on her robes, having forgotten it was there briefly, and decided to sit now, gently scooping up Feo and setting him down on her lap in the process. She gave him cuddles to defuse her own tension over the subject - with highly-esteemed professors like Botros, Sophie very much wanted to prove herself in this role and be the best student leader she could be.
"Thank you, sir. It's a very bittersweet honor and responsibility. CB's my best friend, and she set the bar high. M'gonna do my best to do her justice, and not fall prey to the prefects' curse of getting into mischief from last term. I don't wanna let anyone down, y'know?" She continued giving Feo her affection, not minding the cruppy kisses, "Thank you for having faith in me, though. I'll use that to empower me further." Botros was the last person she wanted to disappoint.
On the topic of his summer, Sophie grinned widely, genuinely happy to hear that his time away from school had treated him so well. "M'glad to hear that. Mine was, sure." No doubt unconvincing, but... not every summer could be as perfect as all her past ones had been, right? At any rate, Soph figured Botros already caught word of all the things that had happened with Tobes - she knew his Head of House kept a keen eye on the boy - so she didn't need to elaborate.
How could he help her? "Weeeeell... actually, professor, I..." Merlin, this was hard to start. "...I just came by to thank you. For... well." Ahem. There was a long pause as she tried to think things through, but after a moment, she just began rambling away.
"Remember back when I was a first year? And I marched right in here and shook your hand and gained your permission and guidance to get an early start on runes, even though I wouldn't be in your class till my third year? Well... I mean, you and I both know runes has never been easy for me, but... I think without you feeding my ambition early on and letting me borrow books and hang out in the workshop, I wouldn't have passed my OWL. And the fact that I even got Exceeds Expectations and not just an Acceptable speaks volumes about how great of a teacher you are, 'cause I wouldn't have gotten that grade without you seeing potential in me all those years." There was a pause, but it was clear that she wasn't finished, and she smiled as she went on, "Thanks for investing in me, sir, and giving me a chance to shine. Means a lot. I owe everything to you." And Tobes, too.
Sophie settled back in the chair now, her body language making it obvious that she was finished with her big spiel, and she offered the professor a soft, genuine smile, her gratefulness sparkling in her eyes.
Aw, look who it was. Botros chuckled at the seventh year Hufflepuff and watched him lope over to the desk. "Afternoon, Toby." Yes. He said 'Toby', they reached that level of acquaintance, they were there. The fact that this was the last year Abraham was going to be gladly surprised by one of Toby's cute little visits in the office did not go unnoticed. He realized this very much, but after teaching for the long period of time that he had, it was only part of the job saying goodbye to lovely heartwarming routines brought by his students who no longer were squeaky, sticky handed, or chubby faced. Look at how tall Toby got, for example, not as tall as Odessa but still.
"Come take a seat. How was your summer?" New changes in the house, Botros was expecting a long summary. Paperwork could wait.
"Eventful, sir," Toby said, joining Botros and taking a seat, still smiling and feeling bolstered, as usual, by the use of his first name. As for his summer... he thought about really going into detail about the first month or so, but decided against it. NEXT TIME, THOUGH. This was a positive visit, and he was going to avoid talking about things that COULD get negative, and there was one BIG positive thing he had to talk about. "But I got to spend looooads of time with my baby brother, and he's getting so big already. I've told him to stop growing up, especially while I can't be there, but he just won't listen."
Toby was positively beaming as he spoke about the baby, his little broooooo. He was already devoted to the kid. "I have some photos of Curtis, d'you wanna see?" Of course he had them with him. "He's super cute." Just FYI.
Aaaaand of course. "How about your summer, sir? Did you spend time with all your family again?" Toby thought he already knew the answer to that, but he still asked, of course. It was how things worked.
__________________
Days of Potter 2023:___________________________ Which Bertie Botts Flavour Are You? You are Chocolate!
Oh. Oh. Prefect stuff. Sophie peeked down at the badge on her robes, having forgotten it was there briefly, and decided to sit now, gently scooping up Feo and setting him down on her lap in the process. She gave him cuddles to defuse her own tension over the subject - with highly-esteemed professors like Botros, Sophie very much wanted to prove herself in this role and be the best student leader she could be.
"Thank you, sir. It's a very bittersweet honor and responsibility. CB's my best friend, and she set the bar high. M'gonna do my best to do her justice, and not fall prey to the prefects' curse of getting into mischief from last term. I don't wanna let anyone down, y'know?" She continued giving Feo her affection, not minding the cruppy kisses, "Thank you for having faith in me, though. I'll use that to empower me further." Botros was the last person she wanted to disappoint.
On the topic of his summer, Sophie grinned widely, genuinely happy to hear that his time away from school had treated him so well. "M'glad to hear that. Mine was, sure." No doubt unconvincing, but... not every summer could be as perfect as all her past ones had been, right? At any rate, Soph figured Botros already caught word of all the things that had happened with Tobes - she knew his Head of House kept a keen eye on the boy - so she didn't need to elaborate.
How could he help her? "Weeeeell... actually, professor, I..." Merlin, this was hard to start. "...I just came by to thank you. For... well." Ahem. There was a long pause as she tried to think things through, but after a moment, she just began rambling away.
"Remember back when I was a first year? And I marched right in here and shook your hand and gained your permission and guidance to get an early start on runes, even though I wouldn't be in your class till my third year? Well... I mean, you and I both know runes has never been easy for me, but... I think without you feeding my ambition early on and letting me borrow books and hang out in the workshop, I wouldn't have passed my OWL. And the fact that I even got Exceeds Expectations and not just an Acceptable speaks volumes about how great of a teacher you are, 'cause I wouldn't have gotten that grade without you seeing potential in me all those years." There was a pause, but it was clear that she wasn't finished, and she smiled as she went on, "Thanks for investing in me, sir, and giving me a chance to shine. Means a lot. I owe everything to you." And Tobes, too.
Sophie settled back in the chair now, her body language making it obvious that she was finished with her big spiel, and she offered the professor a soft, genuine smile, her gratefulness sparkling in her eyes.
Botros noticed how eloquent and diplomatic the young Prefect was in her speech. He admired this sense as it must've come naturally to her. "You won't. Your efforts and behaviour have been praised by your professors." So she was standing on solid ground in referring to the Prefectship. Did he mention how glad he was that the school was going smoothly so far? So happy.
Moving on to the purpose of her visit. She wanted to... thank him? Botros' wrinkles furrowed a little in attempt to remember what kind of favors he did for Sophie that wasn't his responsibility. He struggled to remember a much younger Sophie, less diplomatic and eloquent but equally enthusiastic and radiating. He smiled widely at her. "Not at all." She didn't need to thank him. "I should be rewarding you, you had the most scores of all the fifth year students last year. You did great." He was aware that Runes OWLs and NEWTs were really difficult to pass for the average student, so: "I'm very proud of you and how far you've gone since you started taking Runes. I am also glad you sought me out early in your education, that is not something any student would do." Students gave up too soon nowadays. "You're a true Ravenclaw, with Slytherin ambitious nature." He laughed, though he meant it.
Text Cut: Tobyyy
Quote:
Originally Posted by Felixir
"Eventful, sir," Toby said, joining Botros and taking a seat, still smiling and feeling bolstered, as usual, by the use of his first name. As for his summer... he thought about really going into detail about the first month or so, but decided against it. NEXT TIME, THOUGH. This was a positive visit, and he was going to avoid talking about things that COULD get negative, and there was one BIG positive thing he had to talk about. "But I got to spend looooads of time with my baby brother, and he's getting so big already. I've told him to stop growing up, especially while I can't be there, but he just won't listen."
Toby was positively beaming as he spoke about the baby, his little broooooo. He was already devoted to the kid. "I have some photos of Curtis, d'you wanna see?" Of course he had them with him. "He's super cute." Just FYI.
Aaaaand of course. "How about your summer, sir? Did you spend time with all your family again?" Toby thought he already knew the answer to that, but he still asked, of course. It was how things worked.
Botros chuckled. "They do grow up awfully fast, don't they? Never figured out why, raised four children and now it's happening to their children." He scratched the bald spot on his head. "Maybe we can both visit during Hogsmeade weekend, see if he grew more hair." Abraham hadn't met the baby boy yet, he figured it would be a good bonding technique between Tobias and his baby brother, let the older brother introduce the younger one to him. "Sure, yeah." He got enthusiastic over the pictures, and replaced his near-sighted glasses for farsighted once immediately.
As for Abraham's summer. "I did, yes. They're getting big, too. A little louder. They visited in the second half of summer, I like to settle back in my house before school. One of my granddaughters got her wand, she was such a dear with excitement. Took a parade of cousins with her to cheer her on." He laughed and leaned forward.
Botros noticed how eloquent and diplomatic the young Prefect was in her speech. He admired this sense as it must've come naturally to her. "You won't. Your efforts and behaviour have been praised by your professors." So she was standing on solid ground in referring to the Prefectship. Did he mention how glad he was that the school was going smoothly so far? So happy.
Moving on to the purpose of her visit. She wanted to... thank him? Botros' wrinkles furrowed a little in attempt to remember what kind of favors he did for Sophie that wasn't his responsibility. He struggled to remember a much younger Sophie, less diplomatic and eloquent but equally enthusiastic and radiating. He smiled widely at her. "Not at all." She didn't need to thank him. "I should be rewarding you, you had the most scores of all the fifth year students last year. You did great." He was aware that Runes OWLs and NEWTs were really difficult to pass for the average student, so: "I'm very proud of you and how far you've gone since you started taking Runes. I am also glad you sought me out early in your education, that is not something any student would do." Students gave up too soon nowadays. "You're a true Ravenclaw, with Slytherin ambitious nature." He laughed, though he meant it.
"Thank you, sir." Botros was being very, very kind to her, and Sophie tried to keep her emotions out of this conversation - it was hard, though, for she was deeply touched by a having a wizard of his caliber pay her such a high compliment about her leadership abilities. He didn't think she would let anyone down, which meant... she wouldn't, then, because she would make sure of it. She had to. For him, and any other professors he was referring to who had praised her. But as hard as she was trying to be calm, cool, and collected, her throat got tight with emotion at what he said after she finished her grateful spiel to him.
She'd... gotten... the highest score of anyone in her class? Even... people like Adi? Lux? Ethan? Simon? People who had been Rune Masters in the past and excelled on a regular basis?
"But..." Her voice caught in her throat and her brows furrowed in confusion. "How? Adi 'n Lux 'n Ethan 'n Simon, they're all like mega geniuses, and my practical was a disaster. I crossed out so many things and had to rewrite them, I thought the examiners were gonna hate me and fail me for sure." Maybe... maybe she knew more than she thought she did? But... MERLIN. "So no one got an Outstanding?" She hoped Botros didn't feel badly about that - certainly he knew his subject was just the hardest one for pretty much everyone - unless one's name was Tobias Fuller-Thompson - right? And that it had nothing to do with his teaching?
All of this made her feel LOADS better, though. If she was the top of her class in Runes... AND in Charms, like Quigley had told her... then... she wondered just how she had stacked up to her classmates in the other subjects, too. With the exception of Transfiguration, her worst subject, did that mean she was... like... THE top of the class? Had... all her efforts really paid off that much?
Tears were threatening to pool in her eyes now as the reality of the situation hit her. All she'd ever wanted was to soak up as much knowledge as she could while having fun and make a name for herself... and it seemed she'd done it. Her grades, the badge, the future opportunities she had lined up, the friends and connections she'd made... it was everything her first-year self could've ever hoped she'd become.
"That's..." Sophie got choked up and laughed a little in embarrassment, wiping one eye at a time before the tears could fall, and swallowed hard before continuing with a smile, "That's what I've been told. I've got Ravenclaw's thirst for knowledge, Slytherin's ambition, Gryffindor's bravery, and Hufflepuff's loyalty. I've got all those traits really strongly - m'kinda a cool hybrid of all the houses. I've been really lucky to have good influences in my life to strengthen and encourage all those traits."
She considered herself immensely fortunate to be where she was today, and she blinked back the moisture in her eyes before it could overflow again. Hopefully the professor wouldn't see her current inability to contain emotions as weakness, and she also hoped she wasn't making him ridiculously uncomfortable. Heh. Oops.
"Thank you for everything. Sincerely." His encouragement, his guidance, his belief in her... she was endlessly grateful for him. "I was thinking maybe I could give Feo regular walks as an expression of gratitude. I mean, I go for walks all the time anyway and spend loads of time outside, so... it wouldn't even be entirely out of my way or anything." It wouldn't even be close to enough of repayment for all he had done for her, but... it could be a start, right?
Botros chuckled. "They do grow up awfully fast, don't they? Never figured out why, raised four children and now it's happening to their children." He scratched the bald spot on his head. "Maybe we can both visit during Hogsmeade weekend, see if he grew more hair." Abraham hadn't met the baby boy yet, he figured it would be a good bonding technique between Tobias and his baby brother, let the older brother introduce the younger one to him. "Sure, yeah." He got enthusiastic over the pictures, and replaced his near-sighted glasses for farsighted once immediately.
As for Abraham's summer. "I did, yes. They're getting big, too. A little louder. They visited in the second half of summer, I like to settle back in my house before school. One of my granddaughters got her wand, she was such a dear with excitement. Took a parade of cousins with her to cheer her on." He laughed and leaned forward.
"He's the first baby I've met, other than the ones I met when I was a baby," ... not that Toby could recall such times, and now that he thought about it... he was pretty sure he'd never even met any back then, either, because of reasons "So, like... I had nothing to go on. Apparently he's growing as quickly as he's meant to, but I dunno." HONESTLY. Kid was getting so big. Only a matter of time before he was bigger than Toby.
Toby thought on that as he got the photos of Curtis out of his pocket, being very careful not to screw them up. But really... genetically, Curtis COULD end up being taller than him, just like Kyroh had ended up doing, and Dima too. It was super WEIRD to think of how one day, instead of carrying around his little baby bro, he'd be looking UP to make eye contact. Very weird. Very weird indeed.
Realising he was very quickly getting sucked into his own thoughts, Toby blinked suddenly and looked back up at Botros, cracking another huge smile as he handed over the photographs, seeing the subjects move even as he did so. "Here you go, sir," he said, still beaming at the professor's enthusiasm. "There's a few there." One of Curtis laughing and clapping, another of the two of them playing, one of the sleeping baby, and one of all of them (with the various family pets ducking in and out of frame).
Talking about Curtis always put Toby in a very good mood (though HE would argue that he was never NOT in a good mood... Curtis just put him in a BETTER mood, see?), and he leaned back in his chair with a super huge smile on his face. "Your summer sounds like it was real fun. And I bet your granddaughter is real excited about all that. Does she go to Hogwarts, then, or...?" He trailed off, drumming his fingers on the arms of his chair and jiggling his feet as he thought back to the sorting to try and remember if he'd heard the name 'Botros' called out. Nothing was springing to mind, and though Toby's memory of names was shockingly awful, he was pretty sure that would be one he'd have remembered.
The question remained unfinished, thanks to Mister Distracted over here, but at least the general gist was there.
__________________
Days of Potter 2023:___________________________ Which Bertie Botts Flavour Are You? You are Chocolate!
Kace entered Bostros office and it still felt intimidating for some reason. He had no idea why but I guess it was because he was his head of house and he felt like he needed to impress him or something. Anyhow onto why he was here. "Hello Professor Bostros.." he began. "I am here to discuss career options with you today. Like I have been deciding on what I want to do and I would love to work with creatures. I talked to Professor Thompson and he said I needed to talk to you to put my plan in full pursuit." he said hopefully Bostros was following along. He then realized he was standing up the whole time and he found the chair next to his desk and he sat down on it making himself for comfortable. He wondered what Bostros thought of his career choice so he asked, "What do you think of my idea?" He wanted an honest opinion.
"Thank you, sir." Botros was being very, very kind to her, and Sophie tried to keep her emotions out of this conversation - it was hard, though, for she was deeply touched by a having a wizard of his caliber pay her such a high compliment about her leadership abilities. He didn't think she would let anyone down, which meant... she wouldn't, then, because she would make sure of it. She had to. For him, and any other professors he was referring to who had praised her. But as hard as she was trying to be calm, cool, and collected, her throat got tight with emotion at what he said after she finished her grateful spiel to him.
She'd... gotten... the highest score of anyone in her class? Even... people like Adi? Lux? Ethan? Simon? People who had been Rune Masters in the past and excelled on a regular basis?
"But..." Her voice caught in her throat and her brows furrowed in confusion. "How? Adi 'n Lux 'n Ethan 'n Simon, they're all like mega geniuses, and my practical was a disaster. I crossed out so many things and had to rewrite them, I thought the examiners were gonna hate me and fail me for sure." Maybe... maybe she knew more than she thought she did? But... MERLIN. "So no one got an Outstanding?" She hoped Botros didn't feel badly about that - certainly he knew his subject was just the hardest one for pretty much everyone - unless one's name was Tobias Fuller-Thompson - right? And that it had nothing to do with his teaching?
All of this made her feel LOADS better, though. If she was the top of her class in Runes... AND in Charms, like Quigley had told her... then... she wondered just how she had stacked up to her classmates in the other subjects, too. With the exception of Transfiguration, her worst subject, did that mean she was... like... THE top of the class? Had... all her efforts really paid off that much?
Tears were threatening to pool in her eyes now as the reality of the situation hit her. All she'd ever wanted was to soak up as much knowledge as she could while having fun and make a name for herself... and it seemed she'd done it. Her grades, the badge, the future opportunities she had lined up, the friends and connections she'd made... it was everything her first-year self could've ever hoped she'd become.
"That's..." Sophie got choked up and laughed a little in embarrassment, wiping one eye at a time before the tears could fall, and swallowed hard before continuing with a smile, "That's what I've been told. I've got Ravenclaw's thirst for knowledge, Slytherin's ambition, Gryffindor's bravery, and Hufflepuff's loyalty. I've got all those traits really strongly - m'kinda a cool hybrid of all the houses. I've been really lucky to have good influences in my life to strengthen and encourage all those traits."
She considered herself immensely fortunate to be where she was today, and she blinked back the moisture in her eyes before it could overflow again. Hopefully the professor wouldn't see her current inability to contain emotions as weakness, and she also hoped she wasn't making him ridiculously uncomfortable. Heh. Oops.
"Thank you for everything. Sincerely." His encouragement, his guidance, his belief in her... she was endlessly grateful for him. "I was thinking maybe I could give Feo regular walks as an expression of gratitude. I mean, I go for walks all the time anyway and spend loads of time outside, so... it wouldn't even be entirely out of my way or anything." It wouldn't even be close to enough of repayment for all he had done for her, but... it could be a start, right?
Why was she listing names when he'd told her she topped everyone (he could remember anyway)? Botros' thin eyebrows lifted in his old, wrinkly brow and he chuckled. "They all did well, but not as well as you did." As for the how, he couldn't answer her that. OWLs were not something you could predict, and even though some excellent students kept an O grade during the year, it did not mean that was how they'd do in their OWL. There were other factors that contributed to the stressful, decisive exam. Something she, obviously, had. "Sadly no." Her grade was the top, anyway.
Aw, were her eyes twinkling with tears or was something smudging a part of his glasses? Oh she wiped them, definitely tears. He smiled widely at her. "It seems like you are, then! You're like a jewel." Got the best of every house, something that was rare and precious at the same time.
He took out his pocket hanky and offered it to her to wipe her eyes again when she continued to thank him. "Dry your eyes, dear, it's my duty and the thing I consider most precious to me in my old days." To give out what he knew of Runes and life to the young. "That would be great." Tobias also took Feo out occasionally, but other than him there weren't many students who helped the crup release some of his energy. With Marco and Odessa's graduation, the number of interested students got significantly low. "Only if he doesn't distract you from your studies, and you want to." She shouldn't be treating this as a 'duty'.
Text Cut: Tobias
Quote:
Originally Posted by Felixir
"He's the first baby I've met, other than the ones I met when I was a baby," ... not that Toby could recall such times, and now that he thought about it... he was pretty sure he'd never even met any back then, either, because of reasons "So, like... I had nothing to go on. Apparently he's growing as quickly as he's meant to, but I dunno." HONESTLY. Kid was getting so big. Only a matter of time before he was bigger than Toby.
Toby thought on that as he got the photos of Curtis out of his pocket, being very careful not to screw them up. But really... genetically, Curtis COULD end up being taller than him, just like Kyroh had ended up doing, and Dima too. It was super WEIRD to think of how one day, instead of carrying around his little baby bro, he'd be looking UP to make eye contact. Very weird. Very weird indeed.
Realising he was very quickly getting sucked into his own thoughts, Toby blinked suddenly and looked back up at Botros, cracking another huge smile as he handed over the photographs, seeing the subjects move even as he did so. "Here you go, sir," he said, still beaming at the professor's enthusiasm. "There's a few there." One of Curtis laughing and clapping, another of the two of them playing, one of the sleeping baby, and one of all of them (with the various family pets ducking in and out of frame).
Talking about Curtis always put Toby in a very good mood (though HE would argue that he was never NOT in a good mood... Curtis just put him in a BETTER mood, see?), and he leaned back in his chair with a super huge smile on his face. "Your summer sounds like it was real fun. And I bet your granddaughter is real excited about all that. Does she go to Hogwarts, then, or...?" He trailed off, drumming his fingers on the arms of his chair and jiggling his feet as he thought back to the sorting to try and remember if he'd heard the name 'Botros' called out. Nothing was springing to mind, and though Toby's memory of names was shockingly awful, he was pretty sure that would be one he'd have remembered.
The question remained unfinished, thanks to Mister Distracted over here, but at least the general gist was there.
Botros' smile was small and serene for reasons, too. "New experiences feel surreal at times." As far as he remembered, it had been years ago since he experienced something completely new. The excitement and the curiosity were wearing down the older he got. It was a little sad.
The photographs were finally in his big old hands, Abraham chuckled down at the cute baby and paused on the last photograph of the entire family (and their dozen pets). "You all look so happy here." His thumb touched the corner fondly, finding himself reminiscing back to the days when he and Debby had four little kids running around in their small house causing havoc and pulling the tails of their dogs and cats. Those were the days. The old professor felt they were out of an old, happy book when he tried to remember how things were forty years ago. Not that he wasn't happy now, but it was a different sort of happiness.
"No. She goes to Durmstrang along with her cousin." He DID sound disappointed, Botros would love to take care of his grandchildren in here, and for them to be educated under the best Wizarding school in Britain. The one with the biggest and longest history. Their parents had their own agendas, though, so he came to understand and respect that. "They visit regularly, though." That was a consolation to his weary, loving heart.
Text Cut: Kace
Quote:
Originally Posted by Expecto-Penguin
Kace entered Bostros office and it still felt intimidating for some reason. He had no idea why but I guess it was because he was his head of house and he felt like he needed to impress him or something. Anyhow onto why he was here. "Hello Professor Bostros.." he began. "I am here to discuss career options with you today. Like I have been deciding on what I want to do and I would love to work with creatures. I talked to Professor Thompson and he said I needed to talk to you to put my plan in full pursuit." he said hopefully Bostros was following along. He then realized he was standing up the whole time and he found the chair next to his desk and he sat down on it making himself for comfortable. He wondered what Bostros thought of his career choice so he asked, "What do you think of my idea?" He wanted an honest opinion.
Botros pushed his paperwork to the side and lowered his reading glasses when the Hufflepuff walked in. It was Mr. Lecium, one of the seventh year students in his house and class. "Good day, Mr. Lecium." The subject, as it turned out, was one that was very serious. "I am very happy to hear that you're thinking ahead and trying to plan your steps outside school." He got up slowly and went to sit on one of the two chairs in front of his desk. "You can have a seat here, first." He indicated the chair opposite of him.
Sitting face to face was to give the boy young man the impression that he was almost a non-student, someone to have an adult conversation with another adult. "Now. Tell me where do you see yourself thirty years from now, Mr. Lecium." Not ten, not five, thirty.
Botros pushed his paperwork to the side and lowered his reading glasses when the Hufflepuff walked in. It was Mr. Lecium, one of the seventh year students in his house and class. "Good day, Mr. Lecium." The subject, as it turned out, was one that was very serious. "I am very happy to hear that you're thinking ahead and trying to plan your steps outside school." He got up slowly and went to sit on one of the two chairs in front of his desk. "You can have a seat here, first." He indicated the chair opposite of him.
Sitting face to face was to give the boy young man the impression that he was almost a non-student, someone to have an adult conversation with another adult. "Now. Tell me where do you see yourself thirty years from now, Mr. Lecium." Not ten, not five, thirty.
As Kace was done asking Professor Bostros his questions, he saw he was quite busy with paperwork. Well I guess doing lessons and being a head of house things can be quite busy. "Good day Professor.." he greeted with a warm smile. Manners were always nice yes? Yes they were essential. Kace beamed and was glad to hear Bostros praise him. "Yeah I mean I would have anxiety if I didnt'." he told him truthfully and laughed the nervous laugh. He had no idea why he was nervous. This was Bostros he was talking to. He walked over and took a seat opposite him. He was getting quite nervous now. He was twiddling his thumbs to help him calm down.
He looked up and saw Bostros face to face and this was intimidating at all. Nope not at all. Even the question he asked was not something he was expecting. He stared at him wide eyed and needed time to think about it. "Give me a few minutes.." he told him politely. Where did he see him in thirty years? He had nooo idea. He sat there and thought of possibilities. When he thought of one, he began with a sigh. "Well like I told Professor Thompson, I wanted to travel around the world and be working with magical creatures. I would have liked to be known as a Dragon Trainer and just have explored all the countries I could.." he told him truthfully. Dragons fascinated Kace and he would love to work with them. He looked at him to hear his approval or suggestion.
Why was she listing names when he'd told her she topped everyone (he could remember anyway)? Botros' thin eyebrows lifted in his old, wrinkly brow and he chuckled. "They all did well, but not as well as you did." As for the how, he couldn't answer her that. OWLs were not something you could predict, and even though some excellent students kept an O grade during the year, it did not mean that was how they'd do in their OWL. There were other factors that contributed to the stressful, decisive exam. Something she, obviously, had. "Sadly no." Her grade was the top, anyway.
Aw, were her eyes twinkling with tears or was something smudging a part of his glasses? Oh she wiped them, definitely tears. He smiled widely at her. "It seems like you are, then! You're like a jewel." Got the best of every house, something that was rare and precious at the same time.
He took out his pocket hanky and offered it to her to wipe her eyes again when she continued to thank him. "Dry your eyes, dear, it's my duty and the thing I consider most precious to me in my old days." To give out what he knew of Runes and life to the young. "That would be great." Tobias also took Feo out occasionally, but other than him there weren't many students who helped the crup release some of his energy. With Marco and Odessa's graduation, the number of interested students got significantly low. "Only if he doesn't distract you from your studies, and you want to." She shouldn't be treating this as a 'duty'.
Merlin... NONE of them had done as well as she did. That was insanity. PURE insanity. She must've just been a better tester than them, that was all, because she was CERTAIN there was no way she was more knowledgeable about runes than any of the people she'd listed off. No, it was entirely a fluke. Or... good luck. Or.. maybe the examiners just took pity on her because she'd tried so hard. Or... something.
Whatever it was, she was incredibly grateful.
Sophie snorted in good humor when the handkerchief was offered to her, and she accepted it gratefully to wipe the remaining moisture from her face. His old days, though? "You're not even that old, professor. You're the perfect age - wise and full of knowledge, and still got plenty of life left in ya. M'actually psyched to be your age some day and know so much and have so much life experience. Must be... painful, probably, to have lived through so much, but super rewarding, too."
She fidgeted with the handkerchief in her lap, looking down at it with a satisfied smile and not giving it back just yet in case more tears came. She'd done what she came to do AND he was even agreeing to let her take Feo for walks. "Of course he wouldn't be a distraction - I mean, he would be when I'd need one, but it wouldn't be inconveniencing me or anything. M'pretty good with time management, sir." Well... most of the time.
"So how 'bout if I come by... every day? Every other day? A couple times a week? How often would you like? Like I said, m'out 'n about both in the early morning and just before dusk, so... I could come by whenever you'd like." It wasn't like it would be going super out of her way, as she had to make the trek down from the Ravenclaw tower anyway.
As Kace was done asking Professor Bostros his questions, he saw he was quite busy with paperwork. Well I guess doing lessons and being a head of house things can be quite busy. "Good day Professor.." he greeted with a warm smile. Manners were always nice yes? Yes they were essential. Kace beamed and was glad to hear Bostros praise him. "Yeah I mean I would have anxiety if I didnt'." he told him truthfully and laughed the nervous laugh. He had no idea why he was nervous. This was Bostros he was talking to. He walked over and took a seat opposite him. He was getting quite nervous now. He was twiddling his thumbs to help him calm down.
He looked up and saw Bostros face to face and this was intimidating at all. Nope not at all. Even the question he asked was not something he was expecting. He stared at him wide eyed and needed time to think about it. "Give me a few minutes.." he told him politely. Where did he see him in thirty years? He had nooo idea. He sat there and thought of possibilities. When he thought of one, he began with a sigh. "Well like I told Professor Thompson, I wanted to travel around the world and be working with magical creatures. I would have liked to be known as a Dragon Trainer and just have explored all the countries I could.." he told him truthfully. Dragons fascinated Kace and he would love to work with them. He looked at him to hear his approval or suggestion.
Oh the boy was nervous. Botros grabbed his wand from the holster in his waistband and accio'd the cup of tea that was sitting next to the kettle on the table over. "Here, would you like to have some tea?" It was herbal and would definitely calm him down. He didn't have cookies to go along with it today but that shouldn't be a problem to a seventeen-year-old.
Now. Abraham nodded quietly, giving him a few moments to gather up his thoughts. It was good that he didn't blurt out the first thing that popped in his head, it meant he was well-organized and level-headed, and the Head of house was simply proud of that. "Oh?" The boy was interested in dragons, then? "There you have your answer then. To be a renowned Dragon Trainer is something you should start working on after Hogwarts, and I would suggest pursuing a higher degree from the Wizarding University, after that comes taking time to internship in Romania where you'll learn first-hand about the profession you chose." Ab paused. "I picked Romania because of what I hear about the preservation there, I would research about other places if I were you. I am not expert on that field of study, though I met a couple of Dragon trainers in my younger years." He chuckled. It was natural that someone at his age had already met a wide variety of people, he taught quite the amount of kids who grew up and ruled their respective fields of study as well.
Text Cut: Lovely Sophie!
Quote:
Originally Posted by feeheeheeny
Merlin... NONE of them had done as well as she did. That was insanity. PURE insanity. She must've just been a better tester than them, that was all, because she was CERTAIN there was no way she was more knowledgeable about runes than any of the people she'd listed off. No, it was entirely a fluke. Or... good luck. Or.. maybe the examiners just took pity on her because she'd tried so hard. Or... something.
Whatever it was, she was incredibly grateful.
Sophie snorted in good humor when the handkerchief was offered to her, and she accepted it gratefully to wipe the remaining moisture from her face. His old days, though? "You're not even that old, professor. You're the perfect age - wise and full of knowledge, and still got plenty of life left in ya. M'actually psyched to be your age some day and know so much and have so much life experience. Must be... painful, probably, to have lived through so much, but super rewarding, too."
She fidgeted with the handkerchief in her lap, looking down at it with a satisfied smile and not giving it back just yet in case more tears came. She'd done what she came to do AND he was even agreeing to let her take Feo for walks. "Of course he wouldn't be a distraction - I mean, he would be when I'd need one, but it wouldn't be inconveniencing me or anything. M'pretty good with time management, sir." Well... most of the time.
"So how 'bout if I come by... every day? Every other day? A couple times a week? How often would you like? Like I said, m'out 'n about both in the early morning and just before dusk, so... I could come by whenever you'd like." It wasn't like it would be going super out of her way, as she had to make the trek down from the Ravenclaw tower anyway.
Aww, he wasn't that old? Botros laughed good-heartedly at that comment. "You really do? I hope you live a long prosperous life, one that surpasses mine in strides." He was serious. A teacher always feels overwhelming happiness when their students achieve utmost success and happiness, it was something that related to their teacher's influence. "Everything comes with a price, dear. Everything..." He added in relation to it being painful to have lived this long. It was true, but nothing he'd go through with a young teenager.
As for Feo, Ab chuckled and nodded giving her permission. "Okay then, if you say so. I think giving him a walk every other day would be good. Tobias walks him, too, so you might want to schedule with him." That Hufflepuff boy was going to leave a big, empty chunk in Feo and Ab's life in here. "I do appreciate this gesture." He repeated.
Botros' smile was small and serene for reasons, too. "New experiences feel surreal at times." As far as he remembered, it had been years ago since he experienced something completely new. The excitement and the curiosity were wearing down the older he got. It was a little sad.
The photographs were finally in his big old hands, Abraham chuckled down at the cute baby and paused on the last photograph of the entire family (and their dozen pets). "You all look so happy here." His thumb touched the corner fondly, finding himself reminiscing back to the days when he and Debby had four little kids running around in their small house causing havoc and pulling the tails of their dogs and cats. Those were the days. The old professor felt they were out of an old, happy book when he tried to remember how things were forty years ago. Not that he wasn't happy now, but it was a different sort of happiness.
"No. She goes to Durmstrang along with her cousin." He DID sound disappointed, Botros would love to take care of his grandchildren in here, and for them to be educated under the best Wizarding school in Britain. The one with the biggest and longest history. Their parents had their own agendas, though, so he came to understand and respect that. "They visit regularly, though." That was a consolation to his weary, loving heart.
Botros definitely had that right, didn't he? It was surreal, but exciting at the same time. Toby was always glad for new experiences, at least, and he often enjoyed how strange and surreal they were. It was like... magic. A different kind of magic to the whole wand-waving stuff, though. Curtis was like that different kind of magic, and Toby believed it every time he looked at him. And he could tell because that little guy always made his heart soar and swell with pride and, well... he made him happy to be alive. Made him feel alive. All that fun stuff.
Who'd've thought little brothers could be so amazing? But then, who could've thought, a couple years ago, that Toby might one day have a little brother. It made his head spin to think about, so he didn't. But only because he was sat here talking to Professor Botros, and it felt rude to start thinking about things that he knew would make his head spin instead of having a proper conversation.
Toby smiled, and leaned a little to see what photo he was speaking about it, though he already knew. "We do. We were," he agreed, giving a nod of his head, and then quickly corrected himself. "Are. We are. Still, I mean. I think." At any rate, Toby was pretty sure his parents were always happy, especially now they had their baby, and to him that was the super most important thing. "I want us to make sure we have pictures like that all the time, every year at least, with everyone happy. And I'm gonna keep all the pictures together, and they'll be my favourite things." All decided. Yep yep yep. He nodded again.
At this point, Toby had realised that at one point he'd taken his wand from its holster, and started twirling it between his fingers. He didn't question it. It happened. "Woahhh. Durmstrang? Really?" But that was so far away. Toby had enough of a problem just being up in Scotland while Piers and Curtis six hundred or so miles south, though he was really only a pinch of floo powder away. Still, he supposed it was maybe the same for Durmstrang, if necessary. Toby hitched a smile onto his face, realising his expression had sort of fallen into one that was a mixture of surprise and lowkey dismay. "That's super awesome about the visiting, though, I bet." He nodded, yet again, then almost as an afterthought, added, "Hopefully some of your other grandkids come here when they're ready. I reckon they'd love it."
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Days of Potter 2023:___________________________ Which Bertie Botts Flavour Are You? You are Chocolate!
Aww, he wasn't that old? Botros laughed good-heartedly at that comment. "You really do? I hope you live a long prosperous life, one that surpasses mine in strides." He was serious. A teacher always feels overwhelming happiness when their students achieve utmost success and happiness, it was something that related to their teacher's influence. "Everything comes with a price, dear. Everything..." He added in relation to it being painful to have lived this long. It was true, but nothing he'd go through with a young teenager.
As for Feo, Ab chuckled and nodded giving her permission. "Okay then, if you say so. I think giving him a walk every other day would be good. Tobias walks him, too, so you might want to schedule with him." That Hufflepuff boy was going to leave a big, empty chunk in Feo and Ab's life in here. "I do appreciate this gesture." He repeated.
"I highly doubt it, sir. That would take a lot of work and effort, but I am gonna put in a lot of hard work and effort with my future - and still, I'd be lucky if I could even be half as wise and lived half as much as you." It may have been incredibly cheesy, but she meant it. No brown-nosing here - she wanted him to know that she knew how great he was, and he wasn't taken for granted as a professor one bit.
At the mention of Tobes, a grin spread across Sophie's face. "Maybe Tobes and I can walk him together sometimes, then, 'cause he's my best friend, y'know? Or every day. Feo can have both of us." Merlin knew the Hufflepuff had plenty of energy he needed to walk off while she needed the stress-relief, so... daily walks with Tobes and Feo sounded like the best thing that could ever happen, really.
"I'll work it out with him." She rose to her feet with a smile, then, and slipped her wand from its holster, making efficient work of casting a cleaning charm on the handkerchief before offering it back to Botros. "Sorry for crying, sir, but thanks for the hanky. And thanks for the talk. You're a life-saver." She meant it, too.
Oh the boy was nervous. Botros grabbed his wand from the holster in his waistband and accio'd the cup of tea that was sitting next to the kettle on the table over. "Here, would you like to have some tea?" It was herbal and would definitely calm him down. He didn't have cookies to go along with it today but that shouldn't be a problem to a seventeen-year-old.
Now. Abraham nodded quietly, giving him a few moments to gather up his thoughts. It was good that he didn't blurt out the first thing that popped in his head, it meant he was well-organized and level-headed, and the Head of house was simply proud of that. "Oh?" The boy was interested in dragons, then? "There you have your answer then. To be a renowned Dragon Trainer is something you should start working on after Hogwarts, and I would suggest pursuing a higher degree from the Wizarding University, after that comes taking time to internship in Romania where you'll learn first-hand about the profession you chose." Ab paused. "I picked Romania because of what I hear about the preservation there, I would research about other places if I were you. I am not expert on that field of study, though I met a couple of Dragon trainers in my younger years." He chuckled. It was natural that someone at his age had already met a wide variety of people, he taught quite the amount of kids who grew up and ruled their respective fields of study as well.
Bostros could sense Kace was nervous? I guess so since he offered him some tea. He grinned in appreciation and took some. He took some cookies and dipped them into the tea and it helped him out. When he vented out what he wanted to do, he was relieved with Bostros reaction. "Yeah originally I wanted to do Astronomy buttt I decided I love creatures more. I mean I work on a farm Professor. I know how to take care of some animals and I never think of it as work ya know?" I mean he didn't know if he could relate to the farm aspect but Bostros must know that teaching might not feel like gruesome and tiring to do. He loved his job. "Ah okay and what degree would that be Professor? Just checking but is it Magizoology?" He just wanted to be sure. Interning in Romania? That was his dream too. "Ah Professor I would love to intern in Romania. I mean it looks so nice and I love traveling." Wait he caught on that he picked Romania. Did Bostros go there?
"Wait Professor you went to Romania?" Woaahh now that was soo wicked! "I mean if you could, maybe you could put word in that I am interested in their internship program?" I mean connections could never hurt. "Also can you ask the dragon trainers their experience or can I get in contact with them?" He was gonna stop asking so many questions and just sipped his tea.
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Office of Professor Abraham Botros 
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