Professor Murphy

April 22, 2007 3:25 PM
Rois Murphy, a woman in her fifties, a woman who had lived a long and wonderful life, was standing in the center of the clearing waiting for the first of the students to arrive. From the information left to her from the previous Care of Magical Creatures Professor, the one she was replacing until further notice, it seemed as though most classes were broken up so as to experience the different creatures at levels that their age can handle.

Seemed reasonable enough, but Rois liked to teach all ages while they interacted with one another. It was entertaining and a wonderful learning experience for all.

There was also mentions of contacts who knew of the situation and were waiting to find which creatures Rois would be requesting. The list of those contacts, address, and the creatures they had available were waiting in the office for Rois to decide. It was nice being the one to decide what to teach and not having everything set and prepared for her. Most substitutes had to go strictly by what was left by the previous Professor. It was rare to have such freedoms.

Rois was not a fragile woman by any means. She had always had an active life. White hair down to her chin, grey eyes hinting at amusement, body small, but aggressive in stance. She was a mother and a grandmother, she could handle even the worst of them This was going to be a new lesson for them all. All the classes together with a new Professor. It was supposed to be fun.

When the students were to enter the clearing, the first thing they would see was more likely going to be her, but what should really catch their attention was the golden foal unicorn that was standing beside her. "Good Afternoon everyone!" Rois greeted them. "My name is Professor Murphy and I'll be your new Care of Magical Creatures teacher for the time being. I'm not sure how your previous professor conducted her classes, so I'm just going to tell you a few rules that I have." Rois shot a stern look at a couple of students who were snickering.

"There will be no talking unless there is a project and I allow you time to work on it. You are to wear proper attire while in this class for your own protection. You are to listen to everything that I say when it comes to handle the creatures. I don't want to have to worry about loss of limb." Rois smiled, her Maine accent was thick, but she figured they could understand her just fine.

"Now, this beautiful creature is called a foal. It's a female unicorn. Unicorns are the purest of creatures. They are what oose innocence. Often times, they are hunted for all the wrong reasons. Their horns can be found in some potions and their tail hair in wands. Their blood, however, can give longevitity. However, it is against Wizard's law to slay a Unicorn or use it's blood. Now, unfortunately, they are only really comfortable around the females, so I would like for the girls in the class to get in a line to pet the creatures. Boy, if you'd be so kind as to stand a bit back and take notes, that would be wonderful."

OOC: Some of you may be aware of where Kiva is during all this, but IC, your characters should have no information on that. Keep your posts at least a minimum of 2 paragraphs, 10 sentences each. Be creative and make sure you stay in character!
Subthreads:
0 Professor Murphy Lesson Two 1st - 5th Years 0 Professor Murphy 1 5


Bella Santoro

May 02, 2007 9:49 PM
Bella was the type of girl who could handle herself in almost any situation. It comes along with being from a family of strong women. So, when the coursework began to pile up and the classes buckled down, Bella rolled up her sleeves and dove into it, leaving playtime for later. Despite her playful attitude on a daily basis, Bella was in Aladren for a reason.

But all that bookworm, study hard, straight head of her's flew out the window when Bella entered the clearing and spotted the golden unicorn. She was practically jumping up and down to get to the creature. She had dreamed of having a unicorn of her own to ride and play with (and, really, what normal girl magical or muggle didn't want a unicorn of her own?).

Bella, who was standing...er...hopping next to Ben, grabbed his arm excitedly. "Look, Benny, look!" She felt five again and getting her toy doll that she had been eyeing for her birthday. "It's a unicorn!" Bella's dark eyes were lit with pure glee and all because of a simple animal. Her small hands were grasped tightly on Ben's arm. By now, the substitute had already begun the lesson and was instructing the students to come forward.

"Come on Sleepy-Do, let's pet it!"
0 Bella Santoro *Goes Girlie* (Tag: Ben) 0 Bella Santoro 0 5


Ben Stafford

May 04, 2007 5:50 PM
Ben knew this day was coming. He had known since his first year that it was, and yet, it didn't help him at all. The day when Care of Magical Creatures had unicorns as their basis of study was finally upon them, and Ben was not particularly excited. Bella, however, seemed to be ecstatic. She was clutching Ben's arm, jumping up and down in sheer excitement. Ben would have laughed, had this class been any other time when Bella was acting silly, but the over-riding feeling of dread was killing his good humour.

"Bella," he said, resisting her tugging, "They don't like boys, I don't think it's a good idea for me to be going any nearer..."

Hesitating, Ben flashed an uncertain look towards Bella. She looked so incredibly over-joyed at seeing the unicorns, it was almost like a small child at a petting zoo. He wanted to make Bella happy, but at the same time, unicorns were not known for their friendliness towards guys. Ben felt bad about not resisting petting them, but decided that it wasn't fair for him to keep Bella from petting the unicorn.

"You go ahead," he finally said, uncurling her hands from around his arm, "I'll wait back here and... watch, or something."
0 Ben Stafford Right... 58 Ben Stafford 0 5


Bella

May 06, 2007 9:50 PM
Bella had been so preoccupied with her own excitement of seeing the unicorn that she failed to notice Ben's unenthusiasm towards the creature Bella had held so dear to her since she was a little girl. His reluctance to go see the unicorn forced Bella to actually turn and look up at him directly.

Disbelief now decorated her face as she looked up at him. Ben was one of the nicest guys Bella had ever had the priveledge of befriending. To think that a unicorn...or anyone...would find anything to dislike or fear (probably not something Bella would actually ever say to Ben as he might try and act all tough after such a compliment) him was beyond Bella's comprehension.

"But...the unicorn..." Bella started, her eyes shifting back over to the unicorn briefly before shifting back to Ben. It took her a moment to realize that her hands were empty and almost immediately filled them once more by taking ahold of one of Ben's hands.

The disbelief gave way and a teasing smile spread acrossed her lips. "You mean you aren't a girl?" Bella asked in mocked surprise. Her teasing smile turned to a real one, using her hands, Bella pulled Ben's face down closer to her's and kissed him lightly on the cheek. "Just kidding. I'll be right back, you stay here for me." Bella released his hand and walked towards the group of girls, though she did pause long enough to look back at Ben with a smile and a wink.

She truly enjoyed teasing him.
0 Bella *Tries to act tough* 0 Bella 0 5


Ben

May 11, 2007 11:38 PM
Ben laughed at the continued excitement on Bella's face over the unicorn. Seriously, what was it with little girls and their love of unicorns? The thing hardly looked like a fun animal to play with, what with the whole potential lethal weapon attached to its head... But it didn't seem to faze Bella and her endearment towards the creature. As soon as Ben felt Bella's warm hand in his, he felt a strange surge of emotion. Now he regretted telling her she could go up and pet the unicorn without him; Ben didn't want to let go of her hand.

"Oh, ouch, ouch," he replied to her teasing remarks, putting the free hand to his heart in mock agony, "My poor insulted manhood..."

It was at that precise moment that Bella pulled his face down towards her and kissed him on the cheek. Shock registered first in his mind, then the eventual recognition of what had just happened. Ben hardly had time to react properly before Bella just waltzed off, winking at him. He wasn't sure what to make of all of that. Sure, Ben knew he liked Bella, but something about her air made him feel uneasy, as if she was just a tease. Then again, he thought to himself, even if she were, it would be worth it just to hold her hand again.

"Yeah," he faintly said, but Bella was already over with the group of girls headed towards the unicorn. Ben fell back with the rest of the male population, a million thoughts racing about in his mind. The foremost, however, being that feeling he got when Bella took his hand and kissed his cheek. Ben Stafford finally knew what he could be passionate about.
0 Ben Psh, yeah right. 269 Ben 0 5


Bella

May 12, 2007 3:30 PM
It took awhile for Bella to make her way into the correct line and then even longer for her to wait her turn to get to see the unicorn. But when she got there, she took her dear sweet time with the foal. Her golden coat was bright and incredibly soft. She was shaking beneath Bella's touch. The smile on Bella's lips played innocence as she spoke quietly to the unicorn.

It smelt sweetly to Bella. It was a scent she wanted to bottle up just for herself and wear it all the time. It was subtle, not quite a flowery scent, but something she couldn't quite name either. She wondered if all unicorn smelled like this.

Finally, after a couple of minutes with the unicorn, Bella stepped away from it and began to make her way back to Ben. She felt like she had just after his Quidditch match. Lucky he was tall and standing in the back, Bella was able to spot him rather easily. Making her way, Bella was downheartened to find that many of the younger years were either her height or taller. That didn't seem very fair. Of course, it never bothered her before, so she wasn't quite sure why it should bother her now.

Manuvering through the crowd of students, Bella managed to make her way back over to Ben, satisfied that he really hadn't moved from his earlier position. "It's a shame," Bella began as she made her way over to him. "That you really aren't a girl. That was the best experience ever." Bella grinned at Ben. "Did you miss me?"
0 Bella I can <i>so</i> be tough! 0 Bella 0 5


Ben

May 23, 2007 12:23 PM
Ben watched the girl procession to the unicorn and back, puzzled. It had to be something genetic, something on that second x chromosome that made girls so silly over things like a shiny golden pony. Yet, when he thought about it, Ben didn't think that Lexi would have had the same kind of reaction. But that was Lexi. Ben had come to recognise the fact that Lex tended to be an outlier in statistics.

When Bella finally returned, however, Ben cleared any traces of his puzzlement and grinned as she made her way to where he was standing. He probably wouldn't have seen her if it hadn't been for the fact that he was looking specifically for her. It was lucky that Ben was shaping up to be on the taller end of the spectrum; Bella wasn't the tallest of their year, and being tall makes looking for shorter people in the crowd much easier.

"Yes, quite a shame. And of course I missed you," he said to her, grinning as he lent down, kissed her on the cheek, and took her hand in his, "Well? Did you enjoy the unicorn?"
0 Ben Whatever you say... 269 Ben 0 5


Bella

May 23, 2007 11:15 PM
Had anyone told Bella that the one person she would grow close to while at Sonora would be Benjamin Stafford the 56395th, she would have called them crazy. Not that Ben wasn't a great guy, because he was, but because Ben seemed so different from Bella. She had no care for how others saw her, she said what was on her mind, and she did what she wanted freely. Ben had seemed so reserved when she had first met him...er...befriended him...that a friendship seemed unlikely.

And yet, here she was now, always looking for him, always with him. She had even heard weird rumors saying they were dating. Which they weren't, unless Ben forgot to mention something to her.

When he kissed her, Bella froze slightly, but didn't shy away from it either. It was only on the cheek, and Bella couldn't quite figure out if he was only doing it to get back at her for having done it first. Of course, Ben ought to be used to her doing random things without thought, but Bella wasn't used to Ben doing the same.

Not that she was complaining.

"Oh, it was quite lovely. She's so soft and cute! I think she was a bit scared of all the people cos she was shaking, but she certainly can keep a secret." Bella paused and looked quizzically up at Ben for a moment. "Can you?" She asked, she looked around briefly before indicating him to come closer. "I told her that I have a crush on your roommate, Chris." Bella whispered into Ben's ear.

Pulling back slightly, Bella looked to see what sort of reaction she received from Ben having just spilt her guts to him. She let this news sink in for a moment before grinning cheekily at Ben. "Just kidding!" She exclaimed, laughing. "I just wanted to see your reaction."
0 Bella You're very negative 0 Bella 0 5


Ben

May 28, 2007 10:49 PM
"Can you?"

Ben was a little shocked at the question. Bella didn't seem to be the type of girl who would have just randomly started telling people secrets. Actually, Ben figured Bella didn't really have any secrets to speak of- everything seemed so care-free with her. But this was Bella they were talking about here; anything was liable to happen around her. Shrugging, Ben leant in towards her to hear this secret.

"Chris?!" Ben blurted before thinking, "I mean- wha- oh, you were kidding."

A lovely crimson shade developed around Ben's ears, his impulsive reaction embarassing him. He had, for the moment between Bella's "secret" and the truth, been worried. For that split second, jealousy had crowded his mind, and even Ben couldn't reason that away. The fact that the thought of Bella liking someone else made him jealous and angry, no matter how fleeting it was, made Ben anxious. In truth, he hadn't ever had someone he cared for as much as he cared for Bella. It was an odd sensation that really made him want to do something impulsive.

"Anyway," he cleared his throat, still slightly embarassed, "You did get a reaction... I- um, well..."

Ben didn't have anything else to say, except for the one question that was really on his mind. He wanted to just ask her, but that seemed near impossible. Despite the vast amount of de-wallflowering he had done since becoming friends with Bella, Ben was still the reserved guy he had been before. Taking a deep breath, Ben tried to focus, to get his courage together. Pass it off as nothing, he told himself, it'll be easier. Okay.

"Bella?" he asked, making sure his hand was still holding onto hers, "Would you- ah, you know, I was thinking that it'd be really cool if we could, you know... go out sometime. What do you think?"

Great Ben, real smooth, he chided himself, you sound like a real charmer... He tried to put up a charming smile, but it was only half of his usual smile, due to his worry. Rejection was a tough thing to prepare oneself to take.
0 Ben Well, I'm working on it. 269 Ben 0 5


Bella

May 30, 2007 9:53 PM
Bella thoroughly enjoyed the reaction she grabbed out of Ben with her 'secret'. Of course, figuring out why Ben reacted that way was a challenge. Maybe it was because Ben assumed Bella wasn't into anyone. Or maybe he thought she was into girls (such a rumor really wouldn't surprise Bella all that often). Or maybe Ben just couldn't believe Bella would like a boy like Chris.

There were all sorts of theories behind why Ben would react like he had, but the one she hadn't expected the real source behind it all.

A small crease formed between her brows as she waited for Ben to finish. Her smile, which had been rather large with amusement just moments before, was now small and almost shy-like. Something that was rather uncharacteristic for Bella. She had been looking directly at Ben while he spoke, but for the moments of silence after he had finished, Bella's eyes were focused on their hands.

She knew Ben liked her, but she didn't know he had liked her. Bella liked him, had for awhile, but she just assumed Ben put up with her cos she was nothing more than a friend to her. Of course, Ben was the first boy to call her pretty, or hold her hand, or pay the least bit of attention to her, so that could be where she got her feelings for them. Or, at least, where they started from.

Bella finally looked up at Ben, the small smile still resting on her face. "Okay." Bella answered, her smile growing, "If you think you can handle me." Bella teased.
0 Bella At least you're trying :P 0 Bella 0 5


Ben

May 31, 2007 2:16 AM
Ben had no idea how awesome a word so simple as "okay" could mean until he heard it from Bella. Relief washing over him in waves, a genuine grin replaced the unsure expression he had been sporting just moments earlier. It seemed as though Ben would have to wait until another time to experience rejection, which was just perfect in Ben's book.

"Great! Wonderful!" he said, almost giddy, "I mean, I can handle you, Bella. The real question is if you can deal with me. I'm not such an extrovert as you are."

The only thing Ben could do was grin, and that he did, so completely relieved that Bella had accepted. Truly, the little Chris thing had worried him -immensely- but here he was, and there she was, and things were exactly has he'd hoped. Without any pretense, Ben squeezed Bella's hand, and put the other up to her cheek, kissing her softly on the lips. He pulled away from her just moments later, another grin taking over his features.

"I'm sorry," he started to apologize in a soft tone, "I just- well, you did psyche me out with that whole Chris thing, and I'd thought. Well, I'd been meaning to ask you for a while now, it's just that... I'm not that articulate, you see."

With yet another smile, Ben gave Bella's hand a squeeze again. His blonde hair was falling haphazardly in his eyes, but it didn't really matter. He had a girlfriend, a Bella. In another other situation, the idea might have made Ben worry, but there was little room for negativity in his near euphoric state of mind. He'd even forgotten that they were in a class, COMC, of all classes. He, Ben, the ever-studious one, just checked out completely from the seemingly useless unicorn class. Funny thing, how life works out.
0 Ben :P to you too! 269 Ben 0 5


Bella

June 01, 2007 12:39 AM
Bella had to prevent herself from giggling at Ben. She never knew that saying 'okay' to being asked out could cause such a reaction. Though that wasn't a surprise considering no one had been interested in Bella prior to her relationship with Ben. Or, at least, no one that she was aware of.

"Oh, I think I can handle you just fine." Bella commented, looking smug at him. Honestly, if she were at all bothered with him being an introvert at all, she wouldn't have been all over him since the very start of their friendship. Really, she probably would have avoided him after their first conversation if she was at all bothered by any of it. Truth was, Ben wasn't as reserved as he thought he might be when he was around her and that was something she found to be rather cute.

Bella, who hadn't been paying all that attention to Ben's movements, was shocked to find his face close to hers and even more so when his lips met hers. When he pulled away, Bella's face was hot from the blush that was currently residing across her face.

She let him babble for a moment while she collected herself. After a moment, she was smiling and looking up at him rather amused by all of it. By the end of his ramble, Bella was giggling. "Ben..." Bella started, using his actual name for the first time in a long while and in a rather serious tone too. "It's okay, you can kiss me whenever and even speak as inarticulately as you want. I don't mind."

It escaped her that this was probably not the best place for such a conversation as this one, but Bella doubted anyone was really paying any attention to them. Besides, it was better that they talked about it now to get out any awkwardness rather than have to do it all later.
0 Bella *Grins* 0 Bella 0 5