Determined to be friends. [Tag Tabitha] on Potions

Mary Brooding

August 05, 2018 1:43 AM

Determined to be friends. [Tag Tabitha] by Mary Brooding

Never having had much of a home, Mary had come to be fond of the simple things in life. There were few things as lovely as the soft whiteness of a dandelion at peak maturity, or waves crashing under a star-strewn sky. It was the most obvious choice for Mary that these things should be represented in her new office and quarters. Today, however, her focus was the office.

This was a place not only for her to enjoy, but her students and her colleagues. As such, it should be perfect, and Mary fancied that near-perfection was her specialty (who would want to actually be all the way perfect?). Unfortunately, before she could charm stars or fluffy white softness into the room, she needed to clear it out.

It wasn't a messy office necessarily, but it was a plain one, and Mary wanted to make it her own. She also wanted to take the opportunity to go through her academic things, organizing the items she'd collected in her travels and would use, from those she wanted to store privately. Her potions books, notes, and tools were stored carefully, but mixed in with newspaper clippings, antique bottles, and other oddities.

This was where Tabitha's help came in. The woman had been willing to join in the effort and Mary hoped it would be a good opportunity to let her in without saying too much or giving the wrong idea. It was far too easy to say things, and words rarely captured a person as well as their story did.

Mary's story was strewn about the office when a knock on the door told her Tabitha had arrived. Pushing herself up from her place on her knees on the floor, Mary hoisted her skirts out of the way and darted to the door. She opened it with a smile.

"Hello, sweet one. I hope you're ready to dive into a mess, and I hope you're ready to have a good time!"

Mary had, of course, prepared drinks. A decanter of wine and a steaming kettle of hot chocolate were setup near a plate of biscuits. She had high hopes that whatever the mess in her office was, they would indeed have a good time.

22 Mary Brooding Determined to be friends. [Tag Tabitha] 1424 Mary Brooding 1 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

August 05, 2018 12:40 PM

I already consider us friends. by Tabitha Hawthorne

Tabitha had been having a stressful day, the visit of the Deputy Headmistress to her office having given her a lot to think about in terms of her lesson on Veelas and what to do about Cleo. The whole thing had been headache inducing and Tabitha wanted nothing more than to have a lie down in a darkened room, preferably with a tumbler of whiskey. Unfortunately, the day was still within sociable daylight hours which ruled out such possibilities. Also, as a result of focusing most of her time and attention on her upcoming Veela lesson, Tabitha was behind on the rest of her lessons. All in all, it was a bit of a mess.

That was exactly the reason why, when an owl came into her office in possession of a note from Mary taking her up on the promise to help her clean and sort through her classroom and office, Tabitha didn't hesitate to abandon her lesson plans finding the thought of spending more time with Mary much more preferable. It was good timing as well as she also had a gift for the Potions mistress.

Tabitha departed her office (not before collecting two cristal tumblers and her bottle of whiskey in the hopes that the two women could share a drink later on) and made her way through the Academy. She was a bit more casually dressed than she had been for the Opening Feast, wearing a soft pink short-sleeved blouse and a pair of white capris. She'd slipped her feet into a pair of simple white sandals and, to keep her hair out of her face, had tied a white and pink patterned bandana around her head.

It didn't take her long to arrive at Mary's office door and Tabitha wasted no time in knocking, eager to see her friend. After a moment of two, the door was swung wide open to reveal Mary's smiling face and Tabitha grinned back at her, her negative mood from earlier dissipating. Seeing Mary was exactly what she'd needed.

She stepped into Mary's office, realising that with all the boxes of the woman's things strewn about, along with books and her trinkets, it was actually quite cramped. Displaying some agility, she stepped lightly over a few boxes to reach Mary's drinks setup, setting down the bottle of whiskey which she waved at Mary with a cheeky smirk and a wink and the two accompanying glasses. Turning back round to face Mary, she pulled a long and thin black velvet box from the back pocket of her capris and offered it to Mary.

"For you," she smiled, hoping that the contents inside would please the woman. "Personally collected on my travels."

20 Tabitha Hawthorne I already consider us friends. 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Mary Brooding

August 05, 2018 5:38 PM

The very best of them! by Mary Brooding

It should've been obvious that Tabitha would bring something as well, the woman was more than a little considerate of course. It should also have been obvious that she'd bring something a little stronger than Mary would've expected. As she stood there in her ruffled blue gown, watching Tabitha get things set up, Mary couldn't help smiling.

She was instantly at ease around the Defense professor and was relaxing against the side of a nearby desk when Tabitha turned around and held out a package for her. Mary raised an eyebrow before accepting the gift. Anything collected on Tabitha's travels held great value for the witch, and wasn't something obtained just for Mary; it was something that Tabitha was in possession of and thought of Mary when she reconsidered. That was powerful and Mary hesitated.

She took a moment to blush, smile awkwardly, and stammer out some thank-yous. She pushed her braided hair from in front of one shoulder to the back. Then she took a breath.

"This means so much, Tabitha," she murmured, a smile threatening her lips. Moving with great care, she opened the velvet box to reveal beauty like she'd only dreamt of.

Shimmering like drops of water in neat feather frames and reflecting rainbows of various color palettes were two perfect pairs of fairy wings, nestled in dark black satin. They were pristine from tip to base, evidence that they'd been collected from deceased fairies, traded for, or willingly given, rather than ripped from an unhappy little fighter. That in itself said as much about Tabitha as gifting the precious items to Mary did.

"They're beautiful," Mary breathed.

Of course, her mind turned first to their use in potions. However, such ideas were quickly squashed; such beautiful specimens should be carefully maintained, and neither the Girding potion nor the Beautification potion were particular priorities for Mary. She wondered at a gift like this. Something that could be used for knowledge and practical purposes, or simply enjoyed as it was. It truly captured Tabitha.

"Thank you so much," Mary said, forcing her eyes away from the wings and looking up at Tabitha instead. "I couldn't... they're wonderful."

The most awkward part of receiving a gift was the inevitable moment where one must put the gift aside. It felt rude to snap shut the velvet box, however gently she did it, but she managed it with as much grace as possible and set it in the safest, least messy place she could find on a shelf.

She smiled sheepishly. "All I got you was a mess," she laughed.

22 Mary Brooding The very best of them! 1424 Mary Brooding 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

August 05, 2018 6:03 PM

Best of friends that enjoy the best of times. by Tabitha Hawthorne

Tabitha's eyes remained focused on Mary as she opened the box, revealing the dainty wings inside. Knowing Mary as Tabitha did, she doubted they would be used practically in potions but they would make a nice ornamental piece and she knew that the witch would care for them as the precious gift that they were. Also knowing Mary, she wanted to placate any fears that she may have as to how they were obtained and felt that she needed to explain herself.

"There was a colony of fairies in France that was being threatened by a disease that was killing them. I helped to find a cure and in exchange, those were given to me from the fairies who had, unfortunately, not made it. I didn't have the heart to use them so I've had them ever since. I thought they might be better in your hands. I know you'll look after them."

She smiled as she watched Mary being taken in by their beauty before she gently closed the box and put it to one side, away from the rest of the mess. She laughed when Mary pointed out that she hadn't gotten her anything and Tabitha shook her head in disagreement.

"I've been receiving your letters," she told her, an amused smile pulling at her lips. "I'm glad that my journals are interesting enough to warrant a reply! Also, your company is more than enough of a gift."

She looked around her at the mess of boxes and clutter that surrounded them and put her hands on her hips, arching a delicate eyebrow. "So, where do you want me to begin?"

20 Tabitha Hawthorne Best of friends that enjoy the best of times. 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Mary Brooding

August 05, 2018 6:28 PM

And the messiest of them. by Mary Brooding

(OOC for the last Mary post: Details about fairy wings and their uses drawn from the Harry Potter wiki, and the fact that they were the gift in the box given from Tabitha’s author on Chatzy)

The story of how the fairy wings had been obtained made Mary smile, and she found that she was doing rather a lot of smiling today. She already trusted Tabitha to act humanely and kindly, but the story was confirmation of that, and of how extra kind Tabitha had been in helping the French fairy colony. What sort of loveliness was required for a person to act like that? Certainly an awful lot of it.

Mention of Mary's letters made her blush again, and she grinned.

"I'm glad they've been finding you well," Mary said. "It's such a pleasure to read your journals."

Then the topic turned back to the point of their meeting. Well, it turned to the explicit point of their meeting. Mary was sure they both knew that the real reason was simply to enjoy each other's company. That Mary had a task needing done was simply an excuse.

"I doubt anything is actually trash," Mary answered. "But it would be nice to sort out some of the larger items so we know what sort of space I have left to store other, smaller things. I'd prefer not to keep too many personal affects in this room, and having some empty boxes might help make sorting it all out a bit easier. Maybe if we start with finding tools and vials and cauldrons and what not? All the big things?"

Mary thought the plan seemed reasonable, but wasn't totally sure. She tended to be the person to start in one place and just move forward, cleaning and organizing as she went, but that seemed impractical in this case.

"I don't think anything will explode, there's no volatile ingredients or anything, but I'm sure I don't have to tell you not to touch any odd liquids or anything you find not in a vial? I should be able to identify any spills."

22 Mary Brooding And the messiest of them. 1424 Mary Brooding 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

August 05, 2018 7:37 PM

We can get this cleared up. by Tabitha Hawthorne

Tabitha nodded in agreement with Mary's suggestion as to how to start sorting through all the stuff that was surrounding them. Deciding that she was better kneeling, she got down to her feet and reached for a box, pulling it closer to her to look through the contents. It appeared to be full of carefully wrapped vials of potions and ingredients and all sorts of different things that Tabitha only had a basic knowledge about. In the same box were the empty wooden racks, clearly indicating that that's where the vials were meant to be stored so Tabitha busied herself with organising them, first by the actual potions and their colour, then following with ingredients.

"I was wondering if you could help me with something," she began, as she screwed up some wrapping. She remembered from their time in the gardens that Mary had mentioned something about being in a relationship with a Veela. If there was any time that that experience would be most useful, it was now. "I remember you saying something about having been in a relationship with a Veela... Michelle, was it? I've got a decent enough lesson plan ready but any advice or information you could offer would be a big help."

She smiled to herself as she realised that she'd sorted the colours of Mary's potions into a rainbow. They actually looked very pretty, swirling in their vials, some even glowing slightly. Then, a funny thought occurred to her that made her laugh. "Hey, do you have any Felix Felicis? I could do with a dose."

20 Tabitha Hawthorne We can get this cleared up. 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Mary Brooding

August 05, 2018 7:57 PM

Between my mess and yours, it may take some time. by Mary Brooding

Mary laughed, surprised by Tabitha's question. It was, of course, a tender subject, made all the more so by her own foundling relationship with Tabitha. She still wasn't exactly sure what it entailed or would be and talk of exes never seemed a good idea on principle. However, she knew she should talk about it sometime, and talking about it in a way that would help others was the best idea she could think of.

She was going through a box on the desk, pulling out various knickknacks and sorting them by relevant or not relevant to her work at Sonora. Tabitha was in front of her and Mary laughed at the rainbow-sorted potions. She did appreciate that Tabitha wasn't completely inept with potions and knew things like the difference between a potion and an ingredient. She also seemed to appreciate the beauty of them, as she was smiling mildly to herself.

Mary thought for a moment before responding in the affirmative. "I'd be happy to help," she said, thinking of her conversation with Selina. She'd offered help then and this shouldn't be any different.

"Do you have specific questions or more just general concerns?"

She laughed again at the suggestion of using a luck potion, and hoped desperately that Tabitha was joking. "I'd hate for you to get hooked on something as dangerous as Felix Felicis, but I could make you something for nerves if that helps?"

"Veela, at the core of it, are women. In a nasty, stereotypical sense, I think most women can say they've met a man who would describe them as terrible monsters in anger, and sexual beauties at other times. Certainly there are other dangers, but it helped me a lot with Michelle to think of her changes and powers as exaggerated features of what women-- or all people, really-- are already thought to do." She smirked at Tabitha, considering how very well this fit her new friend. "Dangerously beautiful, attracting those who are vulnerable, and dangerously angry, hurting those who get close enough to be caught in their attack. Is that so different from any other witch?"

22 Mary Brooding Between my mess and yours, it may take some time. 1424 Mary Brooding 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

August 05, 2018 8:18 PM

Time is something we have. by Tabitha Hawthorne

The corner of Tabitha's mouth twitched upwards. She didn't say anything and perhaps it was just her ego taking over for a moment but there was something in Mary's voice that made the Defence professor think that she wasn't simply talking about Veelas now. She set aside the rack of vials she'd sorted, placing them gently on the shelf above her so that they were safely out of the way and wouldn't be accidentally damaged. The box she'd been sorting through was now empty, except for some screwed up wrapping so she placed it in a corner out of the way.

She stepped over to where Mary had provided drinks, pausing momentarily to decide whether to have the wine or the hot chocolate. The whiskey seemed to adventurous so early in the proceedings so she disregarded it. She selected the wine and poured herself a glass and poured another for Mary. She stepped over a box to pass the glass to the witch with a smile.

"Something for my nerves would be wonderful," she said before moving to step around the witch to get to a box of books that would need sorting and shelving. Just as she passed Mary, she leaned in to whisper near her ear. "By the way, I think you're beautiful too."

With a laugh, she moved over to the box full of books and, after enjoying a mouthful of wine, began to sort through them, examining the titles with a mild curiosity. They were, of course, all to do with potions but they piqued Tabitha's curiosity nonetheless. "How did you know that Potions was the career for you?"

20 Tabitha Hawthorne Time is something we have. 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Mary Brooding

August 05, 2018 8:44 PM

Yes, friend, TIME. by Mary Brooding

Mary accepted the glass of wine and stared after Tabitha for a moment, surprised by her boldness. She wasn't totally sure how she felt about it, but feelings were definitely being felt. Lots of them. Mary huffed and went back to the box she was working on.

"Bloody dangerous," she muttered under her breath. Her face was hot and red and she wished desperately to shrivel up into a bug for a moment in order to scream or sing or something to express the one blaring thought: Tabitha thinks I'm beautiful!

She settled on grumbling a bit more before answering Tabitha's question about her career.

"Bit of an accident really," she began, trying to hold onto her gruffness as long as possible. It really was impossible, both because she hated to be gruff with Tabitha and because she couldn't be gruff with potions. "Because my brother was so unhealthy at times, I wanted to help my parents with everything. I was too young to be allowed to do magic outside of school, but I could make potions, and I liked to experiment. I wanted to make sure I was good at it before letting Parker try any of them."

She smiled as a slew of memories came to mind. "But really, potions are just so beautiful and powerful. They have their own sort of power, and I think that's incredible. We aren't even really sure how they work, not that we're sure how any magic really works, but it's just... it's the only sort of physical magic we can examine and test and use like that."

Finished with the first box, Mary placed it aside and took a sip from her glass of wine. She looked across the room at Tabitha, and examined her for a moment. The woman was taller than she was by several inches, and looked then, in her capris and blouse, to be every bit as tall as she was. She was thin and lanky, with even coloring that made her vibrant brunette hair stand out. She was powerful, too, even more than she was beautiful. Mary could imagine her charming a dragon just as easily as wrestling one, and had no doubts that she was smart enough to negotiate with one if she tried.

"How did you get into Defense magic?"

22 Mary Brooding Yes, friend, TIME. 1424 Mary Brooding 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

August 05, 2018 9:11 PM

Okay, okay, no need to shout. by Tabitha Hawthorne

Tabitha smiled as she listened to Mary's answer. It was so very Mary, her doing something simply to help somebody else, in this case her brother. It was sweet and kind and Tabitha was starting to learn what being on the receiving end of those affections felt like. As she spoke about potions in general, how beautiful they were, Tabitha could hear the passion in Mary's voice and found herself agreeing with the woman. She clearly loved her craft and Tabitha couldn't help but think that the students of Sonora Academy were very lucky to have Mary as a their teacher.

She turned round, a collection of books in her arms and began to shelf them, alphabetically by their titles. She could feel Mary's eyes on her and couldn't help but smile. She was quite enjoying the fact that Mary was looking at her and privately hoped she'd do so more often.

The question Tabitha had asked was naturally turned around for her to answer, only about Defence. She was quiet for a few moments, thinking on it before replying.

"I had an aptitude for it in school," she told her, reaching up to shelve another book. "And I wanted to protect people, my family and friends in particular. I was originally going to study to be an auror but I felt that I'd benefit more from practical experience through travelling."

She turned back round to have a sip of wine and pick up some more books. Before she turned back round, she looked eyes with Mary, a spark of excitement within them. "There is nothing more thrilling to me than exploring the world and finding the incredible creatures that the world has to offer. Nothing more exciting to me that just about dodging a jet of flames from a dragon or diving into a lake or even the sea, just to get the chance to see or meet a merperson. That's who I am, Mary. Some call me reckless and impulsive and perhaps I am... But I think having those experiences and learning from them allows me to better protect the people I care about."

20 Tabitha Hawthorne Okay, okay, no need to shout. 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Mary Brooding

August 06, 2018 12:56 AM

Not shouting. Emphasizing. by Mary Brooding

As often does when getting help doing something, a decision moment came up for Mary as she watched Tabitha shelve her books. She thought to say, 'Dear friend, please sort them by author.' She also thought it best to wait until the woman left and then resort them. The effort was still helpful, because now they were out of the way, and it gave Tabitha something to do while she talked, which probably helped. And so Mary decided not to say anything, quietly enjoying herself at the thought of finding a shelf helpful when it was sorted by Everyday Potions, Potions for Everyday, The Daily Potions Master, Brewing for Dummies, and select other titles.

Focusing instead on what Tabitha was saying, Mary nodded and took another sip of wine. She started on box number three as she considered that her friend had obviously benefited from travelling much more than she expected. Mary wasn't surprised that this had been part of the draw.

"What I love about that, is that you are protecting so many more people by becoming a teacher. You're going to help so many young people grow into safe, well-educated magical people, and you're going to protect a lot of creatures and humanoids who might otherwise be hurt by careless people."

She spoke a little softer when she continued: "Like veelas."

22 Mary Brooding Not shouting. Emphasizing. 1424 Mary Brooding 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

August 06, 2018 2:32 PM

I say tomato, you say to-mah-to. by Tabitha Hawthorne

Tabitha finished shelving the books from the box and turned back round, taking a moment to sip at her wine. She had to admit that it was a very nice pick on Mary's part. It was very smooth on the tongue and went down easily, the fruity taste almost addictive. She'd have to be careful at how quickly she was drinking or she'd end up with an airy head. She cleared her throat and set her glass down, deciding the best distraction from the wine was to sort through more boxes and listen to Mary. She found another box that had more large glass jars of ingredients in and started to shelve them near where she'd sorted the potions.

She smiled as Mary talked about how her new career as a teacher would help the students grow into decent people. It hadn't, of course, been the original reason for applying for the job but if Tabitha managed to create some positivity through her employment, it was a nice bonus. She just caught the tale end of Mary's sentence and paused, looking up from the jars she was sorting through. She let out a slow sigh and placed her hands on the edge of the box, looking at Mary.

"Yeah, like Veelas... Like Cleo. I am somewhat concerned about her. Being half-veela is in some ways a bit like being half-werewolf, only without the incontrollable transformations. She's not going to have an easy life, that's for sure. It's wrong but half-humans are not treated with the same respect that people like you and me are. Apart from anything else, she's bound to suffer from about whether someone actually likes her for who she is or whether it's just because of her veela-side. All that doubt? I know I wouldn't be able to live that..."

She trailed off, shaking her head, returning back to the box and picking up another two jars. "All we can do is try and help her become the best person she can be and give her the correct tools to give the best start in life. She deserves to be protected and looked after just like any dragon or fairy or Graphorn."

20 Tabitha Hawthorne I say tomato, you say to-mah-to. 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Mary Brooding

August 06, 2018 3:00 PM

I say cookie, you say biscuit. by Mary Brooding

Nodding empathetically was easy enough. Mary certainly didn't envy Tabitha on having to teach a lesson on veelas, and it made her skin crawl a bit to think of how textbooks talked about them at all.

When Tabitha was finished with her thought, Mary hesitated. She was quite sure that the woman hadn't meant to talk about veelas so...clinically. Classing them with dragons and fairies and Graphorns wasn't exactly classing them with humans, after all, but from a woman who had traveled the world to identify and research creature specimens, it made some sense. Mary wondered whether she'd considered that she was her own greatest research subject.

Preferring to believe that Tabitha's phrasing was force of habit rather than anything else, Mary let it go. She wasn't quite ready to jump to the defense of the veela population anyway. Disclosing this seemed unwise altogether, so she changed the topic to something more neutral.

"I've been thinking a lot about that recently, to be honest. Our job is to get students ready to be successful adults, and a big part of that is introducing them to passions and interests they haven't unlocked yet, all in an ethical way. How do I encourage students to be excited about potions?" She mused the question flatly, having asked herself the same thing too many times to put much inflection into it now. "I could start with an exploding potion or something really beautiful, but then what? The rest of the term disappoints? I could start with something really safe to inspire them to do well, but what if they don't? I could start with a discussion of ethics in potion ingredient collection, but that doesn't exactly sound thrilling."

Mary sighed and took another sip of wine. Her glass was empty then, and she set it aside to pour a mug of hot chocolate for herself and one for Tabitha. The witch had been sipping her wine but it was always good to take it easy. She took a cookie from a tray she'd set out and took a bite out of it.

"I thought to start with something practical, so it's easy for them all to understand why potions are so important to learn about, but I'm not sure what would appeal to each of the age groups we work with."

She felt like she was saying too much, but didn't mind. If she was as determined to keep herself private as she had decided to be during her meeting with Selina, then she certainly needed some outlet and Tabitha seemed a mostly safe option.

"I want them to love potions, not me. I'd love if I could teach it without being there at all!" she laughed, not really finding it funny at all.

22 Mary Brooding I say cookie, you say biscuit. 1424 Mary Brooding 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

August 06, 2018 3:38 PM

I say swimming costume which is just the best phrase ever. by Tabitha Hawthorne

Tabitha listened to Mary's dilemma and smiled gratefully when the woman handing her a lovely cup of hot chocolate. Briefly, her thoughts turned to the Opening Feast, remembering that the hot chocolate they'd had then had also been accompanied by marshmallows and Tabitha had tried smores for the first time, courtesy of the Potions mistress. She smiled at the memory which had been the first experience that they had shared together and Tabitha hoped that there would be many more firsts between them.

Anyway, her thoughts turned back to Mary's problem.

"Well, I'd suggest doing something perhaps a bit challenging for each group. It'd help you find out where people's skills are at, what they know and don't know. For the first years, that'd be next to nothing and the second years will only know a bit more. Maybe the Forgetfulness potion? That can be pretty challenging for Beginners. Maybe for your Intermediate class, a Shrinking Solution as it can be poisonous if made incorrectly and for anybody who may want something more challenging like your fifth years who'd be preparing for their CATS exams. For your Advanced class, maybe Felix Felicis? I'd say they're all pretty interesting, personally. Sure, you want to teach them practicality but that can be done through a lecture. For their first lesson, you need a potion that's interesting but challenging, requiring them to concentrate. It'd certainly sort out those who actually want to learn from those who'd rather just mess around."

If Tabitha was honest, her knowledge on potions was limited and basic but she remembered enough from her own classes to try and help. She couldn't help but smile. She had been a dreadful potion maker as she couldn't concentrate or follow a recipe. They were too technical and precise for her which was why Defence was much more her calling in life. She sipped at her hot chocolate and looked up at Mary, sending her what she hoped was a reassuring smile.

"Unfortunately, I have no idea how you'd manage to teach without actually being there... But I have no doubt that you'll make a great teacher."

20 Tabitha Hawthorne I say swimming costume which is just the best phrase ever. 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Mary Brooding

August 06, 2018 3:50 PM

Perhaps we should put them on? For science. by Mary Brooding

Mary grinned as Tabitha discussed her ideas of various potions and strategies for Mary's first classes. She hadn't quite intended it to be a question, but should've known that Tabitha would want to help. That was one of the things she loved so much about her, was her willingness to dive into somebody else's problems and help them clear it out. She was doing much the same as she tidied Mary's office with her, and it was somehow even sweeter when she knew Tabitha wasn't wholly confident in her potions knowledge.

"I'm hesitant to try Felix Felicis when Quidditch tryouts are coming up," she admitted, waving a wand to remove all the dust from the now neatly-sorted books. "As much as I can tell them it's illegal, that doesn't mean they'll listen. But you make a good point about CATS and RATS. They'll need a challenge."

Her own first day of potions had been nerve-wracking, and Mary knew she couldn't expect students to be at peak listening performance on their first day.

"I like your idea of focusing a bit on lecture as we go on. I think it'll be good to start with the challenge and thrill of brewing a potion to help clear out some nerves before we dive into anything more theoretical."

She had briefly considered working on the potion to turn the drinker into an animagus, but the process arduous and disastrous if failed. Besides, she doubted the headmaster would be thrilled to have a whole class of graduating animagi.

"I'd love to get an idea what other lessons are coming up in their classes and try to tie them together somehow. Brewing wolfsbane when you're teaching about werewolves, working on the cure for warts while they practice transfiguring things into toads, that sort of thing."

For a moment, Mary imagined the work that would go into that level of coordination. The idea was dismissed quickly.

"I'm excited to meet the students," she said, smiling.

22 Mary Brooding Perhaps we should put them on? For science. 1424 Mary Brooding 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

August 06, 2018 4:31 PM

Sure. For science... by Tabitha Hawthorne

"I'm happy to co-ordinate our lessons," Tabitha nodded, liking the idea. Mentally, she tried to tell herself that the benefits of tying lessons in different subjects was solely for the students, as she felt that linking similar things together would make them easier to remember. However, a different thought swam through her mind that she'd get the opportunity to spend a lot more time with Mary, under the false pretense of needing to speak with her about their lessons.

"I've already met some of them," Tabitha said in reply to Mary's comment about her excitement. "The class I taught at the end of last year with the Advanced years. I taught them the Patronus charm. Of course, some of them will have left now, having graduated but they don't seem like a bad lot. I think I'm a bit more nervous about meeting the younger students. I don't want to be intimidating but I don't want them thinking they can take advantage of me."

She finished shelving all of Mary's ingredients, adding the empty box to the growing collection in the corner of the room. She moved on to the next box which appeared to have all of Mary's practical potion equipment in - from scales to mortars and pestles. It all needed setting up on the shelves and, with careful hands so that she didn't break anything, Tabitha started to work through the box. She laughed to herself a little, a wry grin pulling at her mouth.

"I have faced dragons and sea serpents, seen creatures who are classified as known wizard killers that I have no business in being anywhere near and yet... I am scared of a bunch of children. Talk about pathetic."

20 Tabitha Hawthorne Sure. For science... 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Mary Brooding

August 06, 2018 4:45 PM

All the things! by Mary Brooding

Mary smiled gratefully, glad to have someone on her team. She was more than a little nervous herself and knowing she'd at least have someone to brainstorm lessons with, even if just for themes, was helpful. Besides... students couldn't think it odd that their professors were meeting if they only saw it as academic. In truth, they shouldn't see it at all, but that was a separate issue. Anything that happened after ten at night should be safe from prying student eyes, but after ten at night felt... personal.

"Oh that's right! I hope they're wonderful... How was that? Did you co-teach only or get some time on your own? That's so wonderful you got to do that, what an incredible opportunity!"

Mary would love to have that opportunity. She supposed she'd been observing when she took the class herself, but that was wildly different, and she hadn't intended to be a professor upon graduation. She hadn't intended to be much of anything.

With that in mind, she could wholeheartedly understand and agree with Tabitha's sentiment. "Children are much scarier," she replied, taking a seat at her desk and sorting items into drawers. "You can hex or curse or punch a creature, but a child? Those things are off limits. Although," she laughed as an image came to mind. "I'd love to see you put a dragon in time-out."

22 Mary Brooding All the things! 1424 Mary Brooding 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

August 06, 2018 5:21 PM

Ohh... Are you going to tell me about these things? by Tabitha Hawthorne

Tabitha stopped her sorting in favour of drinking her chocolate and leaned on the shelves with her hip. She remembered the first lesson she'd given, remembering the swirl of nerves she'd felt, the terror of teaching a bunch of students, the anxiety about being the new teacher. She remembered, with fond thoughts, Professor Daniel Nash, her predecessor who had done more than an excellent job at preparing her for her new career in teaching. She felt sort of guilty about taking the position, though he had only meant to be a temporary substitute. She hoped that he was doing well for himself.

"Put it this way. I was calmer facing a sea serpent than that class," she laughed, shaking her head at herself. "I taught the actual class on my own but I was supervised by Daniel Nash. He was my predecessor."

Tabitha set her mug of hot chocolate back down and returned to the box she'd been sorting through, pulling out a cauldron and resting it gently on the shelf. She laughed when Mary said about seeing her put a dragon in a time-out, or in Tabitha's mind, on the naughty step. "Yes, indeed. Wagging my finger at something that's five times my height."

She let out another laugh, the image in her head an amussing one and, she felt, very British of her and shook her head, amused. She looked up at Mary, smiling brightly. "You do make me laugh, you know that, right?"

20 Tabitha Hawthorne Ohh... Are you going to tell me about these things? 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Mary Brooding

August 06, 2018 11:01 PM

Perhaps... in time.... by Mary Brooding

Mary laughed once, hard. "That's not comforting at all!" she said, and it really wasn't.

If Tabitha Hawthorne, the woman who wasn't afraid of anything, who chased a Wampus Cat to the detriment of her relationship and livelihood, was afraid of the students at Sonora, what hope did Mary have?

"That must have been amazing having the opportunity to work with a mentor, though," Mary mused. What she wouldn't give for a chance like that.

Mary smiled at the compliment and rose an eyebrow. "I've never considered myself particularly funny, but I'm glad you seem to think so." She sipped from her own mug, enjoying the smoothness of the beverage. She'd had muggle-made hot chocolate before and it simply wasn't the same in most cases.

She smirked at her friend before admitting defeat. "I should tell you," she said, retrieving her wand from it's place in her sleeve. "I'd really rather just hang out. We can sit on the floor and giggle like schoolgirls ourselves."

And with that, Mary waved her wand, neatly sorting the rest of the items in the room, stacking the boxes, shelving books and tools, and dusting the lot of it. She wasn't half bad with charms, and used another to provide a decent cushion for them to relax on on the floor. It was a bit unnerving, as the cushion was invisible (a Cushioning Charm couldn't provide much more than a padding for her and Tabitha's backsides) but it was comfortable nonetheless.

"Oh, Tabitha," she laughed, taking a seat on the floor and reaching for the tray of cookies. "Tell me: are you a chocolate chip cookie woman? I like oatmeal raisin myself."

22 Mary Brooding Perhaps... in time.... 1424 Mary Brooding 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

August 06, 2018 11:21 PM

Oh, I can't wait to find out. by Tabitha Hawthorne

Tabitha couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as she watched Mary's magic at work, tidying and putting everything away. She didn't know whether to be amused or shocked that the lovely Mary Brooding had lured her into the office under the pretense of needing helping organising her office. Tabitha did feel warm inside, pleased to know that Mary had truthfully just wanted to spend time with her. She didn't know for sure but she hoped it was a sign of good things to come in their future together.

"Miss Brooding," she crooned, moving over to where Mary had placed a nice cushioning charm. "Did you deceive me just to get me into your office so you could have your wicked way with me?"

Just before sitting down, she moved over to where Mary was standing with the rest of the beverages and the plate of biscuits. She picked up the bottle of whiskey in one hand and sent a cheeky wink to Mary. "By wicked way, I of course mean feeding me biscuits until I burst. I'm a chocolate chip cookie kind of woman."

Looking very much like a cat who ate the canary, Tabitha picked up a cookie and placed it into her mouth before using her only free hand to pick up the cristal tumblers she'd brought. She moved over to where Mary had set up the cushioning charm, just in front of the newly organised desk and sat down, leaning her back against the hard word of the desk and setting the glasses down beside her.

"Glass of whiskey as a reward for all our hard work?"

20 Tabitha Hawthorne Oh, I can't wait to find out. 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Mary Brooding

August 06, 2018 11:48 PM

A tidbit here and there. by Mary Brooding

A blush rose through Mary's neck and cheeks but she dipped her head to hide it as much as she could. When she looked up, she'd managed a smirk. "Yes, of course," she replied.

She hummed something wicked this way comes as she watched Tabitha grab a cookie, whiskey, and then take a seat. "Definitely," she cheered, accepting one of the glasses. She threw back a mouthful of whiskey in one big gulp and then held her glass out for more. If she was going to have a conversation, she'd better be ready to lighten up.

"I've been meaning to talk to you," Mary started, feeling awkward but managing a more neutral expression. "I felt like things sort of ended weird between us the other day, although I truly did have a lovely time. I wanted to thank you for giving me some room to breathe and some time to think. Friendship is my priority but I want to be open with you when I say I am interested in seeing what else may happen down the road."

She cocked her head at Tabitha, watching her face for signs of shock or anger or fear or any other sign that she'd horribly misread some cues. "Probably a while down the road, but still. I also want you to know that I tend to be a private person, and keep my affairs thusly. If I am...more formal around you in public, that's why."

Her blush rose again, but this time it was from nerves as she watched Tabitha with a steady gaze and hoped desperately that the woman didn't think she was mad. She really really needed time, and wasn't ready to dive into anything yet, but didn't want to seal any doors preemptively. Particularly not such lovely doors as this might be.

"Does that make sense?"

22 Mary Brooding A tidbit here and there. 1424 Mary Brooding 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

August 07, 2018 1:25 PM

You're a total tease. by Tabitha Hawthorne

Tabitha raised an eyebrow at how quickly Mary had downed her glass of whiskey and was holding her tumbler out for more. The Defence teacher hesitated a moment, wondering if she'd unleashed some kind of severe whiskey-drinking monster but then shrugged, figuring she'd be able to keep an eye on the Potion mistress's intake. She poured the woman another class as Mary began to speak.

She didn't say a word as Mary rambled - Tabitha idly wondered if the rambling was a side effect of the whiskey - and betrayed no emotion on her face as Mary looked at her. What Mary was saying was clearly important and Tabitha did not want to make her feel like she wasn't taking her seriously. She sipped lightly at her whiskey, the spirit leaving a warm burn as it travelled down her throat. She kept her eyes on Mary, watching as a delightful blush filled her cheeks and her features portay a nervous expression.

Tabitha was silent for a moment, interested that she seemed to make the woman nervous and she curious to know as to why. Making people nervous wasn't something that she believed she managed to do often, unless she had her wind pointed at their throat. Tabitha knew she was an excellent spellcaster and a skilled dueller but this was different. She narrowed her eyes slightly at the woman and tilted her head slightly, almost looking at her like she was a puzzle that needed to be figured out.

After another beat of silence, Tabitha had another drink of whiskey before coming out with her reply.

"I am your friend, first and foremost and I do not wish to make you uncomfortable. If being formal with me in public makes you comfortable, then I do not take offence. The rumour mill turns enough amongst the students as it is and if I can prevent from feeding it further, then I have no issue. I will not lie to you. I am... curious to see where this friendship of ours will go and what it will develop into."

She looked down at the glass she held in her hands, slowly tracing the rim of it with her right thumb. She was collecting her thoughts, compartmentalising, figuring out what was best to say.

"When you are ready to move further with me - or not, as the case may be - then I will be here. It will not affect our newfound friendship, whatever you decide."

20 Tabitha Hawthorne You're a total tease. 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Mary Brooding

August 07, 2018 5:13 PM

I'm a total mess! by Mary Brooding

Mary managed a weak smile, but couldn't quite look at her friend. She let the woman's words hang in the air and didn't answer for a moment. Having read parts of Tabitha's journals and spoken with her now for quite some time, Mary understood that her relationship experience with women was almost nonexistent, if not actually nonexistent. A nervous flutter rose in her chest.

I am... curious to see where this friendship of ours will go and what it will develop into.

Mary thought she probably understood what it was like to be a specimen.

She threw back the next of her glass of whiskey and held it loosely, clearly not wanting more. Tabitha had, essentially, been open to the idea of some future something or other, but it did little to soothe the sore spot in Mary's chest. Of course, she knew that sore spot had a name-- Michelle-- but she hated to think like that. It didn't make anything easier to know that, though.

"Thank you," she said quietly, working to keep sincerity on her face. Then, she yawned. "This has been lovely, I'm glad you were willing to come help me. I do think I'll have to call it a night though, I want to make sure I get some lessons put together for this week!"

22 Mary Brooding I'm a total mess! 1424 Mary Brooding 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

August 07, 2018 5:56 PM

It appears that so am I. by Tabitha Hawthorne

Tabitha did not understand what had just happened.

Mentally, she reviewed everything she'd just said, trying to work out if she'd said something offensive. When she couldn't find anything, a look of confusion passed across her features. Somehow, in only the span of a few minutes, the nice evening that the pair had been sharing had turned sour and, despite not knowing what she'd said to have caused it to do so, the wrenching feeling in Tabitha's gut told her that it was entirely her fault.

She didn't know what to do.

Except do what Mary asked, she supposed.

The Defence professor downed the rest of her glass of whiskey, the burning sensation it brought distracting her from the awkwardness and coldness that had descended upon the room. How had she managed to ruin what had been a lovely night? How had she managed to destroy not only the night of the Opening Feast by opening her big mouth but it also seemed that that same big mouth had somehow managed to destroy another. She swallowed thickly and got to her feet, picking up what remained of her whiskey, tucking it under her arm, and still clutching her own glass tumbler.

She didn't look at Mary as she made her way towards the door. Judging by the prickling sensation that she was starting to feel behind her eyes, she knew that if she looked at the woman, she'd fall to pieces. Her free hand gripped the door handle of Mary's office door, her hold white-knuckle tight and she felt that it was the only thing that was keeping her steady.

Mary's earlier words, thanking her for her help and that the night had been lovely, didn't feel sincere. They did nothing to help fill the hollowness that Tabitha felt within her chest. She doubted there was anything she could say that would repair the situation. It was better to just leave.

"Good night," she said simply before wrenching the door open and walking quickly away from Mary's office and Mary herself.

As she was walking back to her rooms, anger started to bubble within her. It simmered below the surface, making her skin feel prickly. She could feel a hot flush rising to her cheeks and her eyes stinging as tears started to leak. She hated herself for somehow managing to destroy another lovely night. She cursed her loneliness making her feel needy and causing her to become so rapidly attached to the first person who showed her even the slightest bit of attention. She seethed at the fact that she didn't seem to be able to do anything even remotely correctly when around Mary. She was enraged because she just seemed to ruin absolutely everything, including a friendship with one of the loveliest people that Tabitha had ever had the privilege of meeting.

It was the moment when she reached her rooms that her anger reached its peak. What sent her over the edge wasn't any of the reasons she'd previously thought about. It was simply that it was at that point that she'd forgetten the other cristal whiskey tumbler that Mary had still been holding when she'd left.

With a yell that seemed to express not just one night of anger but weeks and months of loneliness and guilt and heartbreak, that expressed more than just a few sullen feelings over Mary, Tabitha threw her own cristal glass at the wall across the room. It exploded as it hit stone and the newly smashed shards littered the floor like a thousand tiny daggers. Tabitha couldn't help but think that maybe her soul had shattered in a very similar way.

20 Tabitha Hawthorne It appears that so am I. 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Mary Brooding

August 07, 2018 9:14 PM

It's not you, it's me. by Mary Brooding

Mary closed her eyes as soon as Tabitha was out of range to see her expression and she flinched as the door slammed shut. When she opened her eyes again, her knuckles were white around the tumbler-- Tabitha's tumbler-- and Mary was alone. She slowly pushed herself to her feet and set the tumbler on the shelf on her desk.

The room's silence felt oppressive and the only sound to break the melancholy was her own breathing, which hardly helped. Boxes neatly stacked, items neatly sorted, books neatly sorted by title... the whole room was full of Tabitha's presence, except that Tabitha wasn't there any longer.

Mary wondered at her own choice of words. Why couldn't she explain herself better? It certainly didn't help things if she made Tabitha feel like this was her fault. She considered running after the woman, but what would she say?

'Hi, sorry I kicked you out. You see, I meant everything I said but I have deep-seated trust issues and fear of abandonment. That's all, thanks!'

Not exactly the most stellar followup.

Instead, Mary resigned herself to doing exactly what she'd said she would. She took a seat at her newly ordered desk, retrieved some parchment and Accioed a few choice textbooks her way, and began preparing lessons. Second on her to-do list was to read the next of Tabitha's journals and hope desperately that her reply letter would not be returned.

22 Mary Brooding It's not you, it's me. 1424 Mary Brooding 0 5