Good Afternoon, Professor O'Leary on Defense Against the Dark Arts

Professor McFarlan

May 14, 2007 1:38 AM

Good Afternoon, Professor O'Leary by Professor McFarlan

Classes were ending all over Sonora for the day. Kathleen wanted to catch Professor O’Leary before he took his supper. Kathleen had to admit a bit of trepidation about asking the gentleman a favor when she’d never even been formally introduced.

By reputation, it seemed Drake O’Leary preferred his privacy. There were the comments she’d overheard from the students about Professor “O’Dreary” and how he was suspected to be a vampire. The latter was blatantly ridiculous, of course. Besides, anyone with a name like O’Leary couldn’t be all that bad. Yet he might not wish to be involved with a long, potentially noisy night.

Not everybody loved to camp and stargaze but with everything that had gone on over midterm break, Kathleen was sure he was the perfect choice for the mandatory male chaperone. While she didn’t believe anything would go wrong to where they would need an expert in defense against the Dark Arts, his presence would be reassuring to students that might feel particularly vulnerable under an open sky right now.

Kathleen jumped into the shower, promising herself a long bubble bath when she was through and changed into a pair of black dress slacks and turquoise blouse. She charmed her auburn hair dry and brushed it. A quick touch of mascara and lip gloss and slipping into blessedly comfortable flats, she headed for the DADA professor’s office and knocked on his door.
\n

0 Professor McFarlan Good Afternoon, Professor O'Leary 1467 Professor McFarlan 1 5

Professor O'Leary

May 14, 2007 10:51 PM

Good day to you, Professor McFarlan by Professor O'Leary

Drake had been trying to finish grading a few papers before heading to dinner when a knock came on his door. Tensing slightly, he gazed suspiciously towards the door. The only person that ever knocked on his door was Briony and never at this time. Pushing his chair from the desk, he quickly strode to the door, touching his sleeve briefly to check for his wand.

Assured it was there, he opened the door and came face to face with another faculty member, a female one at that. A moment of surprise registered in his face. None of the other staff ever came to see him, but he supposed it was due to the fact that he wasn't a very social person. Being chummy with others meant having emotional ties to them, which he had found only ended in pain, especially when he couldn't protect them. Having only his daughter now meant a better chance that he could keep her safe. So, as long as she, his world, was safe, that was all he needed.

The expression had changed to one of being neutral, while in his mind, he wanted to know what this person wanted. What was she doing here? She was new, wasn't she? Perhaps, she didn't know that he wasn't to be bothered with. Guess, there was only one way to find out.

He didn't bother with the formal hellos, but rather went in for the direct, "Is there something that I can help you with?" Perhaps, it was rude, but she might as well know straight off that he wasn't the nicest of the bunch. Leaning against the door frame, arms folded, he studied her with intensive green eyes.

0 Professor O'Leary Good day to you, Professor McFarlan 0 Professor O'Leary 0 5

Professor McFarlan

May 15, 2007 5:11 PM

Well Glad to See You Too by Professor McFarlan

When the door to Professor O’Leary’s office opened, Kathleen couldn’t help but give a little gasp. The DADA professor, with his hair just a shade more red than her own and those green eyes...why if he were smiling, he’d be the spitting image of her older brother, James. Heartened, she smiled and was about to introduce herself when he leaned against the doorway and demanded coldly to know why she was there as if she were selling the latest cleaning potion door to door.

Obviously, this O’Leary was American born. He had no consideration for the sacred rites of hospitality. A person was invited to sit down at least and preferably offered a cuppa before asking the purpose of a visit. Back home, even if an argument was expected, a body offered their adversary a pint or pull before clouting the blaggart!

Kathleen’s smile disappeared as she unconsciously planted her feet shoulder width apart and rested one hand on one hip. This man would not intimidate Kathleen Rose McFarlan. She’d speak her piece and be off.

“Good afternoon, Professor,” she began, her own emerald eyes narrowed and flashing. “I am Professor McFarlan, the new Astronomy teacher. Headmaster Bulla has given me permission to take my fourth and fifth year class on a overnight to a bluff about three miles off campus to stargaze come Saturday and he wants me to bring along a male staff member to help me chaperone.

“I’ve visited the place already. It has good energy and I don’t anticipate any problems. However, since the safety of the children are my top priority, I thought that you, as the expert in Defense Against the Dark Arts would be my first choice. I believe in being prepared in all situations.

“But if ye’d rather not be bothered t’ discuss it,” Kathleen’s old accent broke through as it always did when she was about to lose her temper. “I’ll be askin’ one o’ the other gentleman on staff who, I’m sure, would be more than willin’ t’ help out.”

Tossing her auburn hair with a turn of her head, she gave O’Leary, may he suffer from an itch he can't reach to scratch, one last cold glance and turned to leave.
\n

0 Professor McFarlan Well Glad to See You Too 1467 Professor McFarlan 0 5

Professor O'Leary

May 18, 2007 12:29 AM

Wouldn't have it any other way by Professor O'Leary

Drake smirked slightly at the sudden defensive stance she took. She looked ready to claw his eyes out. His heart lightened at the thought with amusement. This red headed witch was certainly feisty, especially when she explained who she was and what she was doing there.

So, a field trip? Outside of the school grounds? He certainly didn't agree with her or the Headmaster for approving it, but he also knew he'd never forgive himself if he didn't go and something happened. He didn't know much about the others, but he would have wagered nearly no one had the training he did.

When she turned to go, he found himself saying, "Wait. I want to discuss it further." Then, thinking that might not be enough, "I...uh...have hot chocolate, if you want some. Just don't tell anyone. It'll ruin my image."

0 Professor O'Leary Wouldn't have it any other way 0 Professor O'Leary 0 5

Professor McFarlan

May 18, 2007 1:42 AM

Yes, I Can See That by Professor McFarlan

Kathleen stopped dead in her tracks and put her hands to her burning cheeks. Wonderful way to make a first impression, Kat. You idiot!

She dropped her hands to her sides and took a deep breath. Since no hole opened up to swallow her, she turned to face the man she’d just blew up at. At least his countenance had softened a bit so she hadn’t made him angry. In fact, Kathleen could have sworn she saw a hint of amusement flicker across his eyes.

Learning to deal with aristocratic wizards who’d one too many and thought that gave them liberty to make too free with their hands when she used to tend bar for her father as an undergrad and being the only girl between two brothers, Kathleen had learned how to hold her own. The problem was it resulted in a short fuse especially when she was caught off guard. Once, it had saved her life, but usually she cooled off as fast as she flared and regretted the outburst. This was one of those times.

“What a temper I have,” Kathleen smiled sheepishly at Professor O’Leary. “Please allow me to apologize, Professor O'Leary… and, yes, chocolate would be very nice.”

\n

0 Professor McFarlan Yes, I Can See That 1467 Professor McFarlan 0 5

Professor O'Leary

May 19, 2007 1:47 PM

Well, that's a step in the right direction by Professor O'Leary

OOC: Sorry, if I wrote at all for Kathleen. Just ignore anything that wouldn't have been IC or whatever. :P Also, all Drake has is hard chairs in his office. Feel free to conjure up a comfortable one.

BIC:

Stepping aside, he allowed her to go first. In part, out of habit, as he didn't want to be caught off guard. The other in that as defensive and rude as he could be, he wasn't completely lacking in manners. She was a lady and, as such, should go first.

Once she was settled, he took a seat at his desk and opened one of the drawers, producing two cups and two packets of hot chocolate. Granted, he could have easily conjured the product, but it never tasted as good. It may have come from his late muggleborn wife, who always insisted that some things had to be done the muggle way.

Though, he did take the liberty of heating the water, the wizarding way. Once the water was heated and the chocolate mixed, he handed his colleague one of the mugs. The mug handed to her was actually one of his daughter's, but he didn't think she would mind. It was dark blue with an etching of a kitten.

After a few moments and few sips, he broached the subject, "So, about this field trip...?"

0 Professor O'Leary Well, that's a step in the right direction 0 Professor O'Leary 0 5

Professor McFarlan

May 19, 2007 11:54 PM

Yes, Sir...Thank You, Sir by Professor McFarlan

Kathleen accepted the mug gratefully and blew a bit over the surface before taking a cautious sip. Funny how in this austere, masculine office, he’d given her such a whimsical mug. It was certainly out of place. Well, everyone was allowed their little quirks. She was thankful too, that Professor O’Leary gave her a couple of moments to gather her thoughts although she was no fool, she knew he was putting this time to very good use evaluating his hot tempered guest.

Times like these made Kathleen wish she was taller and looked more powerful. She wasn’t weak physically or magically, just the opposite. She’d been know to hold her own. Having a big brother like James, it helped to hone her fighting and dueling skills. He loved putting the mickie on her every chance he got when they were younger.

Evidently through with his analysis, Professor O’Leary asked her to tell him about the trip. Kathleen had made her own observations herself, this was not someone who would be swayed by charm and definitely would never tolerate duplicity. She was also convinced that a word in the headmaster’s ear and he could shut the trip down in a heartbeat. Kathleen straightened her posture and cradled the kitten mug on her lap. She met the DADA professor’s eyes evenly.

“The headmaster has given me permission to take the Fourth and Fifth years class on a stargazing field trip. We would be leaving here by the schools coaches about an hour and a half before sunset. The school is providing the tents and other accommodations. The location is a large butte three miles due west of the school. It is almost perfectly flat and free of vegitation, ledges, cracks and caves.

"After the students finish their assignments, we’ll feed them and tuck them in for the night. We will return to the school shortly after sunrise.” Kathleen took a breath. “That’s the short version, what details do you need to know?”
\n

0 Professor McFarlan Yes, Sir...Thank You, Sir 1467 Professor McFarlan 0 5