Settling In on Sonora Lounges

Tabitha Hawthorne

July 25, 2018 6:56 PM

Settling In by Tabitha Hawthorne

Tabitha stepped into the staff lounge, for the first time of the new school year. It was truly a new experience for the Defence teacher, being in the teacher's lounge. Well, if Tabitha was honest, being the Defence teacher at all was still very new to her. She'd been taken on at the tail end of the previous year and, as a result of the lateness of employment, had only taught one full class. In her eyes, it had been successful but one class didn't dispel the feelings of being new that she still possessed.

After making herself a lovely hot cup of tea, the new professor sat herself down in a wonderfully squashy armchair. It was quiet and calm in the staff lounge and Tabitha could already tell that this place and her own office would be somewhere to escape the rowdy students.

Classes hadn't started yet but Tabitha had still been busy, settling in to what was now her office and her classroom and putting her stamp on both places. She didn't have much in the way of possessions as backpacking across continents didn't allow for excessive baggage but what she did have were a lot of mementos from her travels and she'd placed them throughout both her office and the classroom, including the tail of a Fire Salamander and the scales of a Mermaid.

Tabitha allowed herself a small smile. If she told the truth, she was looking forward to the new school year. It was the start of a new life for her. She had made some very foolish decisions since leaving school, had a number of regrets but she had the hope that maybe, just maybe, she'd be able to improve her lot in life and make fewer stupid choices. She'd ended up in America by accident more than anything else and had ended up stranded once the money was running out. She considered herself extremely lucky to have gained this position and she had no idea how she was going to repay the Deputy Headmistress for taking a chance on her.

Her thoughts were firmly stuck in the past and they turned to her family, more specifically her mother and father. She hadn't yet let them know of her circumstances, hadn't informed them of her whereabouts. She wondered if they'd be worried about her but she had to admit that she had her doubts. They'd been so against her leaving at all and their last letters to each other had been a frosty correspondance at best. She supposed, though, the right thing to do would be to send them some kind of message, if only to let them know that she was, in fact, still alive. It would only have to be a short message...

She blinked and was pulled from the recesses of her mind and looked up as she heard the lounge door open. She smiled and greeted the newcomer. "Hello, care to join me?"

20 Tabitha Hawthorne Settling In 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 1 5

Mary Brooding

July 26, 2018 10:29 PM

No time to settle by Mary Brooding

Mary had gotten lost. Again. After spending some time in what she had thought was the staff lounge and shortly discovered was not, she had wandered around for a while longer, only coming upon this room by accident and with the helpful pointing of others in the halls.

She was grateful, not for the first time, that she had packed all of her belongings into a magically expanded bag. If she had to carry suitcases around for each of these missteps, literal and figurative, she would've been exhausted. As it was, she was merely flabbergasted.

What a funny word to describe a less funny feeling.

When she finally shoved open the door to what she could only pray was the correct room, she found that another witch was already inside. At least she wouldn't be alone this time. The woman looked pleasant enough and turned to greet her as she walked in, a gesture Mary appreciated.

She smiled and ran a hand across her forehead to brush strands of black hair out of her face. Her hair was still braided, tumbling around by her feet in the back, but the running and getting lost and panicking had pulled some of it loose. Regardless, she managed to look almost put together in her matching brown robes and hat. It was a favorite look of hers because she felt it complimented her brown eyes and she fancied it helped her blend into the environment when she went out hunting for potions ingredients.

"Hi," she responded. "Thank you so much! I'd love to."

She took a seat nearby the woman, grateful that there was more than one armchair, as the witch occupying the one in front of her looked terribly comfortable. The seat did not disappoint and she sank into it, relaxing.

"This is wonderful," she said. "Everything is so wonderful here. It's wonderful to meet you!"

She'd been told that her close-lipped, innocent smile was comforting and she hoped to come across as a comfortable person to this new colleague. "I'm Mary, I'll be teaching Potions this year. What's your name?"

22 Mary Brooding No time to settle 1424 Mary Brooding 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

July 27, 2018 9:28 AM

Would you like some tea? by Tabitha Hawthorne

Tabitha returned Mary's smile with one of her own and held in a laugh at the witch's exuberance and excitement. She quite agreed with Mary. Everything was indeed wonderful here at Sonora, though Tabitha managed to keep such thoughts and displays of excitement much more internalised. Not that that was a criticism of the witch now sitting with her. It was rather sweet to see someone so excited at starting a new job. It also, however, made Tabitha doubt certain aspects of her own employment. She had only applied for her own teaching position as she had been desperately in need of money. For a moment, she wondered if she had unintentionally bagged a job that would have fulfilled someone else's dreams.

Dismissing the thought that was now filling her with a guilt over someone who Tabitha didn't even know if they existed, she responded to Mary's question.

"I'm Tabitha Hawthorne, the Defence professor," she responded. "I was employed last year but right at the end and have only taught one proper class so far so I'm still quite new like yourself."

Before she completely forgot her own manners, she produced her wand and waved it idly in the direction of the fine china cups and saucers and summoned one over, letting it rest gently in front of Mary. For a moment, she heard her mother's voice chastising her for not offering a cup of tea sooner and that she ought to be more thoughtful and considerate of others. That had been her mother's constant point of criticism when Tabitha had still been in England - that she thought far too much about herself and Tabitha would frequently hiss back that as long as she remembered in the end, what did it matter?

"Would you like some tea? Do help youself," she told Mary, distracting herself from thoughts of England and her mother, gesturing a hand to the teapot in front of her. After Mary answered her, Tabitha decided that the best distraction from her own thoughts was to find out about the new Potions mistress. With a smile that she hoped was both friendly and encouraging, she said to the witch, "So, tell me about yourself."

20 Tabitha Hawthorne Would you like some tea? 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Mary Brooding

July 27, 2018 4:22 PM

How wonderful! by Mary Brooding

"Tabitha Hawthorne," Mary said, trying out the name. "I like that! My last name is Brooding and I think it's a rather ill fit. That's very kind of you, Tabitha, if love some tea. I was just thinking of it, your timing is impeccable."

She reached for the cup and saucer, enjoying the little bits of magic that made life so much more interesting, and waited while it refilled itself with the dark liquid.

"There's too much to tell about myself for a friendly tea time," Mary replied. "Not quite because I am interesting, but because I'm interested! I've been twice to every continent, particularly to study potion brewing and magic-muggle relations. Muggle studies is my hidden passion, you see. So it isn't that I have a great story to tell, but that I've heard so many wonderful stories that made me become me!"

She thought it all a very serious thing but the expression on Tabitha's face made her giggle. "And I suppose it is a wonderful way to live a life. But I'm older now and feeling a bit creaky. I wanted to settle in and Sonora was my home when I was younger, the least I can do is inspire the next generation!"

Mary was quiet, sipping her tea and reminiscing. She supposed that everyone did this and often forgot that a conversation does not end when one reminisces. "Tell me about yourself," she said hurriedly, not wanting to seem rude. "You have lovely eyes, by the way."

22 Mary Brooding How wonderful! 1424 Mary Brooding 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

July 27, 2018 4:46 PM

I completely agree. by Tabitha Hawthorne

She thought that Mary was quite right. The last name 'Brooding' didn't seem to suit her, given what Tabitha had seen of the woman's personality. Mary didn't seem the type to brood. She seemed far to sweet-natured and lovely for that sort of nonsense.

It was an interest to Tabitha that Mary had travelled, just as she had and the Defence teacher felt that perhaps she'd found somewhat of a kindred spirit in the witch. She had many stories of her own and was happy to share with anyone who asked, as they often did, but there was something different about sharing experiences with someone who had been to the same countries and places that she had. Though, granted, Tabitha had been less interested in the unique potion ingredients and more inclined to find the nasty, bitey creatures that lurked around.

However, when Mary told the Defence teacher that she had lovely eyes, Tabitha ended up swallowing some tea down the wrong way and spluttered, coughing. That she had not been expecting. It wasn't that there was anything wrong with the compliment, exactly. Tabitha just hadn't anticipated it.

"Thank you," she finally managed to say, before letting out one more final cough. She was still a bit flustered and decided to move the conversation on before she managed to embarrass herself further. "Me? I've travelled, like yourself. I decided, after school, that there was very little point in knowing defensive spells without some practical experience. Me and a..." she swallowed, remembering that, at the beginning, she'd travelled with a boyfriend. Not anymore, though. "... friend decided to go on a ludicrous and life-threatening adventure. Quite insane of us, really."

She paused, reflecting quietly on her experiences and for a moment, she thought that she might lose her composure... Again. However, refusing to embarass herself twice in ten minutes, she sniffed and put a smile on. "I came here because I figured I should stop being so reckless and settle. So, now I'm here."

She let out a laugh, trying to lighten the mood and turned her 'lovely eyes', if Mary was to be believed, back to the witch. "So, what are you looking forward to most about teaching?"

20 Tabitha Hawthorne I completely agree. 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Mary Brooding

July 27, 2018 5:50 PM

Kindred indeed. by Mary Brooding

Mary stifled a giggle, afraid it would make Tabitha feel bad. Few people took compliments well, in Mary's experience, and innocent nervousness was better than some things. Besides, it meant that Tabitha wasn't used to such comments, which was always inspirational for saying such things more often.

"That sounds incredible! And dangerous! I'd love to know your thoughts on extracting potion ingredients from various creatures in humane ways, I'm not sure the market is particularly regulated right now and it always concerns me. If you take another trip between school years and are interested in taking another friend, I'm sure I'd have a lot to learn from you!"

She smiled and took another sip from her drink. It was clear that Tabitha's story extended far beyond what she was saying and Mary had no intention of interrupting whatever train of thought was driving behind her eyes.

"Reckless is okay," Mary cooed. She was afraid to sound too much like a mother, though, and didn't say more.

The question about teaching caught her off guard and she wondered at it for a moment. She hadn't thought too much about what she looked forward too most, as she was just excited to teach at all. She pondered her own experiences in potions class often, and asked herself what she'd want to change as a professor.

Suddenly excited, she pulled her wand out with her free hand and tapped the saucer with it, releasing it into the air to float as she tucked her legs underneath her and turned to face Tabitha. "You know that face?" she asked, eyes wide. "When a student who's been struggling with something finally understands it, or a student who doesn't know what they're interested in realizes they're interested in this thing they're doing right now? I love that face and I'm most excited to find ways to inspire students to get there."

Mary's experiences in school hadn't been all positive and she tried not to think of the other faces students make. The face of a crestfallen student talking about bullying or failure or parental expectations was much harder for her to think about. She shook her head to dislodge the thought.

"What about you?"

22 Mary Brooding Kindred indeed. 1424 Mary Brooding 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

July 27, 2018 6:43 PM

A teacher in more ways than one... by Tabitha Hawthorne

Tabitha blinked, suddenly caught rather off-guard from the sudden turn to the ethics of harvesting potion ingredients and how humane one should be. It was a hard question, to be sure, as it was dependant on the creature and the ingredient that was in question. Unicorn horn, for example, Tabitha would suggest anaesthetise the unicorn first before then taking the horn but she doubted taking the horn from a live unicorn was strictly ethical and you certainly couldn't kill one. That was sacrilege, so natural death would be the best way, she supposed but it was rare to come across a unicorn at all, never mind a dead one. On the other hand, if you just needed Billywig wings or their stings (she recalled that Billywing stings were used in Fizzing Whizzbees), they were common enough if you were in Australia and Tabitha had very few qualms about killing one and taking the wings as they were particularly bitey.

She relayed these thoughts to Mary, pleased to be having a conversation that had actual intellectual substance. "I agree with you about the market. The laws are a bit cagey in that area, for sure. As for a trip together, you are more than welcome. Having new experiences is always better when you can share them with someone."

She smiled then, now feeling truly relaxed. Talking about travelling and various ethical issues that surrounded the wizarding world made Tabitha feel like she was in her element. She was also pleased that Mary didn't shy away from the idea of a potentially dangerous journey into the heart of who-knows-where encountering who-knows-what. To Tabitha, courage and bravery were good traits to have.

Her smile grew when Mary described the moment of teaching she was looking forward to, when a student had a lightbulb moment. Her eyes seemed to light up and she was suddenly very animated and Tabitha knew that, within that moment, that Mary was the perfect person to be a teacher. Then, suddenly, it was her turn to answer.

She was quiet a moment and took the chance to sip from her cup before, with much less excitement than the Potions mistress (it was clear that Tabitha would probably be the calmer of the two), responded, "I think, when you manage to inspire confidence within a student, when they truly believe something is possible, anything they want is possible and they go and grab it with both hands."

Tabitha's teachers had been perfectly likeable at school but it had been her parents who had been down on her - they had been dead set against her leaving to experience the world that, for a time in her life, Tabitha had doubted herself. Then, some wise words from an equally wise teacher had reinstored her confidence and assured her that the decision she was making was the right one.

"So, please, tell me more about yourself. Do you have family?"

20 Tabitha Hawthorne A teacher in more ways than one... 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Mary Brooding

July 27, 2018 7:10 PM

or two or three or four! by Mary Brooding

Mary was not one to test new people. She didn't like when couples set challenges for each other to see if they were the people they thought they were, or when teachers asked impossible questions to see how a student might answer in the face of it. However, when naturally occurring conversations provided opportunities to learn more about a person, it was only natural, in her mind, to make judgments based on this new information.

Mary had not tested Tabitha by asking these questions of her, she'd merely been curious. But she sat back, still curled into her chair, and relaxed when she realized that Tabitha would have passed if it had been a test. She reached again for her tea, filling it up with another wave of her wand. She tucked the wand behind her head, into her braid, and listened to Tabitha's response.

As eager as she was for the school term to start, Mary was also eager to get to know Tabitha more over the next few months, and perhaps travel with her afterwards. It was a desire she truly hoped Tabitha didn't forget she'd expressed. Christmas in the wilderness would be much more exciting than anything that might happen here.

"That sounds like you had a professor that inspired you to do just that," Mary said. "It's obvious that you've grabbed life by all your hands!" She assumed the woman only had two, but it was better to be safe than sorry. "That can be so hard, because some people want to hold one of your hands and expect you to be in one place or another, doing one thing or another. I'm glad you've not let anyone stop you."

She smiled, hoping she wasn't wrong. It was always awkward to say something thoughtful, only to discover it was rather thoughtless.

"I don't have much of a family," Mary admitted. "I had a brother, but he passed away after attempting a new potion. The potion itself worked fine, which was good, but he hadn't anticipated that making it so he could breathe underwater for an extended duration to interact with merfolk might not mean that the merfolk would relinquish their new conversation partner. Whether they didn't understand that restraining him at the bottom of the floor of a lake would be detrimental to his health, or they didn't care is unclear, but they did return him to us for burial at least. He was a good man and quite the jokester, I think he'd make that story much more interesting.

"My parents passed away shortly after, and I think it was a broken heart. Parker, my brother, was the good child and their sweet little boy. He was born with a variety of disabilities and they were so proud to have seen him grow up so well."

Mary hated this conversation. Often, discussion turns towards family, which is all well and good, but it's a hard topic to keep light when your family has all died.

"But that was a long time ago, and I'm sure that they would be thrilled to know I've come so far since then. I fell in love once, too, but you know how Veelas are. Sweet as a summer rain and brilliant as a winter blizzard. I couldn't hold that against her, and we're good friends now."

Mary smiled, and it was genuine. Her tales weren't so hard to tell anymore and she enjoyed the opportunity to think of her loved ones, scattered across time and space.

"Sonora was my home and my family as a child; my brother and parents died when I was still attending. So really, all of these people here are my family, and I think that that will make for a lovely school year. Or a dreadful one! One big family reunion with a bunch of strangers. What a dreadful idea, indeed!" She beamed at Tabitha, excited at the prospect.

The witch was quiet and collected and set Mary at ease. She was the sort of friend every strange person should have, or no one will remind them to be careful or to be safe. She reminded Mary a bit of her young mother, packing lunches and saying things like "don't forget to pack extra socks" or "write me when you get there so I know you're safe." Tabitha positively exuded the sort of warm love that is so hard to find outside of parents and siblings, and Mary had missed it very much.

"I'd love to know about your family," Mary started, hoping not to offend with her question. "But I'm really curious about you! Do you prefer high tide or low tide? I like low tide myself, but there are some real positives to a high tide. Do you prefer day or night? I suppose it might be different if you're out for pleasure or work. Tell me about you!"

22 Mary Brooding or two or three or four! 1424 Mary Brooding 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

July 27, 2018 8:02 PM

I think we're going to be very good friends... by Tabitha Hawthorne

If Tabitha was honest with herself and she often was as she didn't believe in lying to herself to make herself feel better, she'd admit that the last few months of her life had been very lonely. She had never landed in America before now and had no family or friendly connections to speak of and had very much had to fend for herself, with no one looking out for her or watching her back. Knowing that fact had led to some very upsetting moments for the teacher. Sitting in the teacher's lounge, just the two of them, led to a blossoming of warmth in Tabitha's chest. It was nice to get to know such a genuinely lovely person such as Mary and Tabitha privately hoped that they would be able to build a strong and lasting friendship.

She a pang of sadness as Mary told her about her family, particularly the murder of her own brother. Tabitha had come into contact with Merpeople in the past and they were terribly nasty creatures. It'd only been thanks to some quick spellwork and some rudimentary Mermish that she'd gotten away at all. Tabitha didn't really know what to say in response to the new information and somewhat regretted asking the question at all. 'I'm sorry' seemed rather a pointless thing to say and therefore, she said nothing.

When Mary told Tabitha about the Veela, Tabitha was not surprised. Veelas were breathtakingly beautiful creatures (unless you managed to anger one, in which case, they became cruel harpies) and had an extraordinarily scary ability to charm humans. The Defence teacher thought it was commendable that Mary was still friends with the Veela she was talking about as Tabitha was not entirely sure how she herself would be able to manage that.

That particular conversation also reminded the Defence teacher to perhaps, if she didn't know already, forewarn her new friend about the half-Veela student that roamed the halls of Sonora, if only to avoid any awkward or troublesome situations later on in the year.

Tabitha was relieved when Mary smiled as she talked about Sonora as it meant that she hadn't killed either the conversation or the friendship stone dead with the question about family. She still regretted asking though because, as all questions did, it returned to her for her to answer about her own family. Oh, how thoughtless she'd been.

"Well, I'm from England, as you've probably been able to tell by the accent," she laughed, as she refilled her cup of tea. "My family is very boring. My mother is a muggle and my father is the wizard. He works for the Ministry of Magic doing something dreadfully boring. They..." she hesitated to admit this and she wondered if it would reflect badly on her, making her seem like an inconsiderate daughter. Well, it was perhaps too late. She'd started the sentence. "They don't know that I'm here. They didn't approve of my travelling."

She took a gulp of tea, almost in a bid to wash down the awkwardness of that last statement. Mercifully, there had been a rush of other questions that Mary had asked as well as the family one which gave Tabitha the opportunity to move on with the conversation and leave that awkward dip about their respective families behind.

"I prefer high tide, myself. The sea is extraordinary and the high tide can wash in all sorts of funny or mysterious little trinkets. I have a few personal momentos and artifacts I've collected from my travels in my classroom and office, if you want to take a look. There are, of course, several stories to go with them," she smiled at Mary. Despite the fact that her personal things were on display in her classroom and office for everyone to see, Tabitha felt that extending such an invitation regardless solidified the fact that the two witches would become friends. "I like both day and night. There are amazing creatures that come out at different times of day and I love to see them all because they're all so fascinating!"

Tabitha, despite the little hiccup earlier, now felt completely at ease and at peace. It was nice to share things with someone who seemed just as interested in her as she was in them. The Defence professor was truly grateful to whatever fate that had caused Mary Brooding to come through the staff lounge door.

"Are you looking forward to the Opening Feast?" she asked the witch. "I wasn't before as I didn't really know anyone apart from the Deputy Headmistress but at least I'll know you now," she smiled at the Potions mistress. Tabitha was sure that she'd build good relationships with the other teachers at Sonora but she felt that there was something special between herself and Mary, given that they were both new to Sonora.

20 Tabitha Hawthorne I think we're going to be very good friends... 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Anonymous

July 27, 2018 10:12 PM

That would be good for my heart. by Anonymous

She replied! She had an answer! Here was a witch who had seen the world, and not just lived in it. She was a participant in life, and Mary could settle for nothing less in her friends.

The subject of family was clearly not only tough for Mary, and she was silent on the matter. She would not have wanted empty pity or awkward apologies, she wanted to move forward, and so she paid the same courtesy to Tabitha.

"I love your accent," she said instead. "And I'd love to see those artifacts! And, if you're willing, I'd love some help making my own office a bit less...dingy. I'm not sure how it is now, but I'd love your advice to get in some good natural lighting and what not! It's so beautiful here, I'd hate for it to look so gross all the time."

Mary considered this question about the feast. "I'm much more excited than I was," Mary agreed, smiling at Tabitha. "Does it matter where we sit? It sounds so childish but I'd like to sit with you if possible."

Mary tried to stifle a sigh but it didn't work, and the woosh of air escaped her lips. She frowned and chewed the inside of her cheek. "To be honest, I'm terrified. So many people and things to go wrong. It's such a lovely place here and I'd hate to be a smudge or a stain." She gave a sheepish smile. "But I won't dwell on that."

Crossing her legs and rolling her shoulders, Mary forced herself to perk up. "I'm glad to have met you, Tabitha. This year is going to be wonderful, I'm sure of it. Is there anything I should know before we go in there?"

She smiled her best 'gossip with me' smile, but kept her eyes kind, making it clear-- she hoped-- that the gesture was a teasing one and she meant no actual ill-will towards anybody's reputation. It was an easy position to take, but not one that was often respected. To learn about people from the mouths of others was normal, but it seemed that to want that information purely for the sake of knowing it was not, and people tried too often to tear down others behind their backs. Mary would have none of that. She thought to say so, but it seemed that Tabitha would understand, and she didn't worry.

22 Anonymous That would be good for my heart. 1424 Anonymous 0 5

Tabitha Hawthorne

July 28, 2018 6:53 AM

Time for a feast! by Tabitha Hawthorne

"Of course I'll help," Tabitha nodded, offering her services as a classroom cleaner. Her Defence classroom and office hadn't exactly needed a cleaning, just a bit of a dusting so it hadn't taken long for her to set both places up as her own. A Potions classroom, however, she could indeed imagine that it would take a lot more effort, given what likely went on in there and it would be callous of Tabitha to not help.

Tabitha laughed at the fact that two grown adult witches were still talking about where to sit as if it was them who were still in school. In truth, while the notion was amusing, Tabitha had been privately hoping that Mary would ask, simply because the Defence teacher hadn't wanted to come across as needy or monopolise Mary's time. It was nice to know that when walking into the Opening Feast that there would be someone at the teacher's table that she could chat with.

"I'd be more than happy to sit together," she told the witch and then, when Mary told her that she was terrified, Tabitha's eyes softened and she gave her a reassuring smile. "I'm sure it'll all be fine. You're no smudge."

Then, Mary extended an invitation for gossip but, by the expression on her face, there was no malicious intent behind it. The subsequent 'gossiping' that resulted was polite and kind, more filled with worries about potential situations that could arise from various students. Tabitha voiced her thoughts about the half-Veela, Cleo, as with teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts, it would no doubt be a sensitive point with the student but Veelas were on the curriculum and would be covered eventually, something Tabitha wasn't revelling in the thought of. She hoped that Mary would have some kind of advice for her.

Then, Tabitha noticed the time and her teacup hit its saucer with a rather loud clink. "Goodness! It's nearly time for the feast. We're going to have to go change!"

She stood up, somewhat reluctantly from her armchair - it had been ever so comfortable - and stretched, trying to shake the stiffness from her body. It had been an enjoyable chat but given the protest that Tabitha's body was screaming as she stretched, the two witches had been there for quite some time. She smiled at Mary, truly believing that she could say that she had made a friend.

"It's been wonderful talking to you," she told her. "And we can talk more at the feast. I'll see you there."

She gave the new Potions mistress one more warming smile and then went to pass her, squeezing Mary on the shoulder as she did so. As she left the staff lounge to go and change for the Opening Feast, Tabitha let out a sigh of contentment. She felt, for the first time, that she had made the right choice in taking the Defence position at Sonora. After making a friend like that, how could it possibly be wrong?

20 Tabitha Hawthorne Time for a feast! 1417 Tabitha Hawthorne 0 5

Mary Brooding

July 28, 2018 11:50 AM

And a friend to eat with by Mary Brooding

Mary was delighted that Tabitha was kind and funny both, as well as smart. There was much more to look forward to with this school year than Mary had anticipated, not least of all the impending feast!

"Thank you," Mary said gratefully, both in regards to the Defense mistress' willingness to help with the Potions rooms, and her general willingness to discuss matters and people.

Mary echoed Tabitha's concern for the half-veela student, in part considering her own history. She made a vow to herself to keep that information away from students, who might consider it odd that their professor had previously been so infatuated with a veela. There were plenty of rumors to make life hard enough for both herself and Cleo already without adding to that problem.

"I suppose it's a matter of the things that veela can do, rather than do do. That sounds odd," Mary laughed at the difficulty of languages. "Veela can become horrifying bird monsters and hurt people, and can enchant people, but they can also become accomplished poets, athletes, and academics, just like any other magical person. It's definitely sticky though." She had ideas but didn't want to downplay the fact that Tabitha's job would be a difficult one; Mary knew that better than most, and smiled sympathetically.

She laughed when Tabitha sprang from her seat, realizing the time, and dashed out the door. Mary closed her eyes at Tabitha's touch, grateful to be facing the other way. It had been far too long since anyone had thought to care about her, and she was moved to tears to think that all that had changed now. Sonora had been her home a long time ago and the old school had proved itself once again as a magical place, in more than one sense.

She gathered her belongings and followed Tabitha out of the room, laughing to herself when she realized she still wasn't sure precisely where her rooms were. Oh well. She'd gotten lost already today and it had been exceptionally fortuitous-- no harm in a bit more wandering. She remembered where the Potions classrooms were, and her quarters couldn't be far from there.

She left the room humming, a happy tune in her chest and an eagerness rumbling in her hungry belly. Finally, she wouldn't be filling it alone.

22 Mary Brooding And a friend to eat with 1424 Mary Brooding 0 5