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Post by Headmistress Isadora Gunvald on Apr 15, 2023 22:16:52 GMT -8
Her gaze followed the stream of third years that flooded into the room. They announced a firework grand finale on the black lake. Her eyebrow raised, summoning two groundskeepers to keep an eye on the event. They nodded, turned and followed the crowd of students. She then turned to Juniper and Viktor, “Would you keep an eye on the black lake? As long as this finale isn't dangerous - I will give it a pass. Though I will still need to see if detention will be required for the organizers...Thank you, Juniper, Viktor. I will continue there myself.” Isadora requested them, trusting both members of staff to oversee the students. She thought to the grounds outside. It was a calm night, at least. Any trouble they got into would be easily quelled by the power of the Professor's magic.
Isadora turned to Drake, strangely calmed by his presence there. Admittedly, it had been comforting to cast Viktor further away from her as well. She wasn’t sure how this year would pan out working alongside him. Her eyes had a mischievous sheen, “No, not part of the agenda,” She smiled, “I remember in my sixth year, we let a herd of mooncalves run wild through a dance. I’m just happy they had sense enough to keep the antics outside. Seeing as the situation is being watched over…” A slight sense of hesitation crept into her voice. Her eyes flickered to the exit, where more students were now exiting. She brought her gaze back to Drake, “I suppose we have that dance now?” Isadora asked, a small smile appearing on her face.
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Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on Apr 15, 2023 23:32:38 GMT -8
He noticed her shift slightly as she asked Viktor and Juniper to watch over the lake. he had hovered near her, protectively since Viktor had joined the group. He chuckled as she confirmed it was not part of the planned evening’s entertainment. Slightly relieved to not have been deliberately left out of a planned event. He laughed as she recalled the herd of mooncalves. “We? Were you the one heading the antics? And… did you get caught? he asked with a quick wink. Thinking that if she had known him in school, she would not recognize him now. “Durmstrang rules did not lend to easy rule breaking. Nor to many truly trying with elaborate plans like this. That and given my upbringing… Stepping out of line would not have been tolerated.” He shrugged, trying to remember, what, if anything, the students at Durmstrang had attempted to get away with over the years. He smiled and nodded as she questioned the dance. “As you wish” He said, taking a step back an bowing before her then offering her his arm. Old habits died hard, even if they were centuries old habits born from attending any number of royal events, He escorted her over to the dance floor, a fairly upbeat song playing as the approached the dance floor. As they reached the edge of the dance floor the band shifted gears and lowered the tempo and shifted into a waltz. He raises an eyebrow at her, proffering his hand to see if she would accept a waltz over something more upbeat and less intimate dance.
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Post by Headmistress Isadora Gunvald on Apr 16, 2023 3:55:20 GMT -8
“By we, I truly meant I,” She chuckled softly, casting a wink back to him, “I had a small, tight-knit group of friends then. All intelligent, but naturally mischievous. Quite similar to many of our students.” Isadora smiled, her mind in the past for a moment. “And yes, we were caught. It had been my first detention in six years. I had been sly enough until that night.” She laughed. It was nice to reminisce on something so trivial. It wasn’t something that Isadora thought of often. She believed it was the small, trivial moments that appeared most magical in hindsight.
Isadora felt compelled to curtsey as he bowed, respecting the tradition. The habit was antiquated, but she actually quite liked it. His cold hand led hers to the dance floor, sending a shiver up her arm. It felt nice in the stifling hall. An oasis from the warm air. The cosmos glowed brightly above them, casting a brilliant light down onto them. A few roses were still scattered around their feet.
The music slowed into an enchanting, beautiful waltz. The sounds carried through the room, but it was playing only for them. Isadora smiled warmly, taking his hand once more. This time the chill didn’t cut to her core. Instead it felt smooth as ice. She thought of the snow capped mountains of her motherland, Iceland. Isadora used to fly through their winding paths and took solace in the cold breezes above the town. His skin reminded her of that feeling.
She placed one hand gently at his left shoulder and placed the other in his right hand. Isadora stepped closer, her body slightly pressed against his. The music grew, the sound of a beautiful violin filling the air. The melody urged them to sway across the room. She swayed with him, holding his hand carefully to follow his lead. Isadora was swept away for a minute. As the music continued, she forgot about the unfolding student-led finale on the lake. She forgot about the overwhelming pressures that bore down on her shoulders. The tasks of her role. For a moment, she even lost sight of Rhys.
“It’s been some time since I’ve danced in this hall,” She said, her voice drenched in warmth, “Thank you for entertaining me, Drake. I didn’t realize I needed this,” Isadora laughed softly. This? The dance. The opportunity to let loose for a moment. He felt sturdy. She didn’t need to worry about tripping or falling. Isadora knew he would catch her if she did. “How have you been enjoying the night so far?” She asked, smiling to him, “I hope mostly enjoying.” Isadora winked playfully at him. The job could be stressful. And Drake had other worries in addition to those mundane stresses. She hoped the aid from the Hospital Wing had been adequate, but didn’t want to bring that up right now. The night felt like pure magic. There was no need to spoil it with responsibilities yet.
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Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on Apr 16, 2023 5:50:53 GMT -8
Drake laughed with her as she discussed the detention and her friends. He wondered what it would have been like to have that level of friendship when he was young. If it would have changed anything at all. He doubted it. His life before the transformation had been dictated by circumstances and bloodline. In some ways the transformation had freed him from a lot of that, although bound him to a lot more. “Which makes you a fair judge of their antics. The students are lucky to have you as their Headmistress.” He said, quite honestly. Her ability to overlook things that others in her position would not did not escape him. He grinned and winked at her when she curtsied. He honestly had not expected that, most witches her age would not have understood where the bow came from. The fact she not only knew but accepted and even responded to his customs endeared her to him all the more. He squeezed her hand lightly as she stepped into him to dance, he hesitated for a second before placing his left hand on the small of her back. He was still trying to balance his growing affections for her with the reality they were colleagues in a boarding school. Which made any personal relationships awkward, but add to that she was his boss? As they danced, he wondered briefly if this had been the best idea. But she seemed content, maybe even happy. And if that was the case, then yes, it had been a brilliant idea. “It has been some time since I have danced at all.” He said. “Everyone needs to let loose a little, you may run the show and take care of everyone else, but you still need to take care of yourself from time to time.” He smiled at her. That was only one of the reasons he had asked her to dance. Putting distance between her and Viktor was another part, not that he saw Viktor as a threat, but he could tell she still did, even if she viewed it as illogical. But mostly he wanted to capture some of her attention for himself. Not that he would ever admit that. He chuckled a bit as she asked if he had been enjoying the night. “For the most part, yes. It has been interesting watching the students. So many different customs and so many different backgrounds coming together for the night. This never would have occurred at Durmstrang. Oh, there were formal occasions, but there was very little interaction beyond what had been prescribed an required. There were the occasional students who took to enjoying themselves, but detentions and worse were handed out lightly so few took the chance to actually enjoy anything.” He grinned, shrugging away the past. “I think the charms contest was a grand idea. Juniper seemed to like it as well, and the students were thrilled. I was actually surprised at the level of participation and skill.” He offered. “I think though, I would have to say this has been the highlight of the evening so far.” He said, offering her a smile. The chance to spend some time with her. “What about you? Has the evening shaped up to your expectations?” He had intended the comment to infer the whole of the evening, the dance, the students, and the contest. But he was not sure if that meaning got lost in translation with it just being the two of them dancing in the rapidly emptying hall under the dazzling moonlit night sky.
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Post by Headmistress Isadora Gunvald on Apr 16, 2023 18:20:18 GMT -8
Isadora took his compliment about her being a fair judge and Headmistress with a bashful glance. She wasn’t used to anyone speaking kindly about her performance. Since taking on the role, there had been no time to stop and process whether she was having a true, positive impact on her students. That had been her main goal going into the job. Isadora smiled at him, unconsciously squeezing his hand. Firm. Her soft skin wrapped around his freezing palm. She wondered briefly how many dances he might have led with that same hand. Isadora smiled warmly up to him. Her skin chilled as he placed a hand at the small of her back. She wasn’t sure if it was because of Drake’s naturally cold touch or because she wasn’t used to this level of closeness. All of her attempts at dating had ended in unrequited love; Isadora usually walked before anything could form beyond a few meetings. She had escaped to her library most nights. This closeness felt new, different. Isadora had enjoyed her previous conversation with Drake. He was a trusted member of staff. Her thoughtful, deep blue eyes met his wise, crimson eyes as they danced. “I don’t think I’ve had a proper dance in the past decade or so..” She thought, wondering why that might have been. Isadora had led a busy life, yes, but perhaps she just hadn’t been asked by the first person. “Taking care of myself consists of reading and tea these days,” She laughed softly, “Though part of me has been yearning to let loose. To embark on new adventures…” Her eyes flickered to the ceiling of stars. She remembered a time her imagination was more free, unrestrained by time or a past of mistakes or regrets. Isadora had spent much time imagining new opportunities and futures within these walls. Perhaps the magic of the night allowed her to dream again. She grinned, “I’m happy to hear it.” Isadora squeezed his hand as they gently twirled, “Yes, I never put it past our students to put their own spin on things.” She laughed, perhaps enjoying herself too much. “The contest was student-voted and created. They truly are remarkable. Ms. Reinhardt and Ms. Shaw are to thank for the creation of the event.” It made her relieved to know he was comfortable there. Isadora understood that chaperoning teenage dances wasn’t exactly an exciting task for most of her staff. She thought about the practices and standards of Durmstrang for a moment. “I suppose if we were at Durmstrang, the Headmistress delighting in a dance with a Professor while an unauthorized, student-led firework display was unfolding outside might be deemed…unacceptable? At best?” Isadora chuckled, her eye catching his collar. His words caught her off guard. Their dance had been a highlight for him. A foreign flutter threatened her resolve. She had felt quite similarly, taken by the music and the magic of the night. And, if Isadora could see outside her own denials, taken by Drake tonight. He looked marvelous under the glow of the stars. A silver light cast over him, one that wouldn’t bring harm to him as the silver ball had. “In the event of appearing unoriginal,” She laughed, the smile reaching the corners of her eyes, “This has been my favorite part of a beautiful night, followed closely by the contest.” Isadora winked at him, a small smile appearing. The music swelled around them. It truly was a gorgeous scene. One that Isadora felt confronted by. It almost felt too romantic with the roses being swept away by their feet. She allowed herself to think about how Drake’s strong, sleek shoulder felt under her hand. But only for a brief moment. “I’m curious as to what exactly our students have planned,” She chuckled softly, thinking of the possibilities, “If the contest revealed anything, their imaginations have no bounds. I only hope the inhabitants of the lake aren’t disturbed...and that the forest goes without any major fires.” A series of worries spilled through her mind. Isadore shook the thoughts off. She wanted to trust her students, even if they were up to their own antics. Isadora smiled at him, realizing that she truly didn’t want to break the dance. Or at least her time with him. “Should we stroll down to the grounds to see what they’re up to?” She asked, somewhat formally, slipping from her informal tone for a moment. A curious smile appeared on her face then, “Or, perhaps, we can head to your office to catch up on those books you wanted me to see? A reading nightcap of sorts.” Isadora laughed. “I trust Professor Barnes, Valko and the others to oversee the antics. Though I probably should check in…” She realized then that she had offered him two very different options. The first was probably what the pair should do. It offered him an out to keep things more professional tonight. The second would offer them time to research Mr. Vaisey and Ms. Oden’s situations and to spend time in each other’s company. Isadora winced internally at the thought. “I could use a glass of wine either route we take.” She chuckled, smiling brilliantly.
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Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on Apr 16, 2023 19:21:42 GMT -8
Drake watched her, chuckling as she commented on personal care consisting of reading and tea. Oddly enough he could relate. Well with the reading at least. “What would a new adventure consist of for you?” He asked, curious as to what other interests they might share. And warring with himself to keep her at arm’s length. A battle he was quickly losing. Laughing he nodded. “Oh, yes.it would be unacceptable. It never would have started. The moment the third years entered the hall, the grounds keepers would have been sent to eliminate the fireworks and apprehend those involved in setting it up. Punishment would be swift. Being out of bounds, having illegal substances on the school grounds, and daring to go off script for a formal occasion. He would not see the light of day for a week or more. The dungeons in Durmstrang are not classrooms or dormitories.” He spent a night or three in the dungeons, he didn’t think there was a student who passed through the halls who didn’t. “That part of things might be different now, but, no offense, there will never be a Headmistress at Durmstrang, not with the old world wizarding values still being touted there. Actually, when I attended it was still an all-male institution. Women have their place. Usually standing in the shadow of a husband with little to nothing to add unless directly asked.” He shook his head. “There are some things I miss about the simpler times. And then there are ideals like that which, even then, I never fully followed.”. He grinned a little, a spark shining from a crimson iris. “In this case, I will take unoriginal.” He was glad? Excited? That she felt the same. This was not the intent of asking her to dance…. But he could not deny the joy it was bringing him. Drake thought about who might be involved. “Anyone attempting a grand finale of any level would have some level of experience I would think. And anyone who could sneak out without being noticed… Well, I give him, or her credit. I would think given the calmness of the night and the anticipated experience of the operator, we will probably escape a fire. Especially as they located it over the black lake. As for the inhabitants of the lake… I suppose that would depend on how easily disturbed they are by light and noise outside the water.”He smiled softly at the options. “Why not do both?” He realized she had never been in his office since she showed him where it was originally, before he had done anything to it. “The interior walls are enchanted to provide a full three-hundred-and-sixty-degree view of the grounds. We can keep an eye on their finale while we peruse the books for answers.” Or, just lose ourselves in conversation? He added privately. “I also have a variety of wines to choose from.” He hoped it made the choice simple enough. They finished the waltz and he reluctantly stepped back from her, bowing low again to signal the end of the dance. He straightened up and winked at her. “Shall we retire to my office then?” He asked, offering her his arm. Although figuring under the circumstances she may refuse the offer.
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Post by Professor Juniper Barnes on Apr 16, 2023 19:42:13 GMT -8
As the scores are tallied up, Juniper can't help but feel a sense of pride in these students. They may have their dramas and rivalries, but they all have a talent for charms that can't be denied. Her excitement to work here renewed.
She follows Isadora’s leadership and nods in agreement when asked to head down to the lake to supervise. “Of course.” She glances to her side, where Viktor stands, “Shall we?” She gives him a look, and nodes her head in the direction of the door, wondering what he thinks of the event.
Fireworks? She was more than excited to supervise. She hoped it’d all go smoothly though. She didn’t want to mar the evening by dolling out any detentions or taking away any house points. So far so good, but the night isn’t over yet.
As Juniper heads out, she casts one last glance back at Isadora and Drake, “Enjoy your dance.” She calls back, all in good fun.
Even professors deserved nights of fun.
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Post by Headmistress Isadora Gunvald on Apr 16, 2023 23:39:32 GMT -8
“A new adventure for me?” She smiled, almost surprised by the question. Isadora would need to get used to the door they had opened. Personal questions. It had been her doing during their previous conversation with him in the courtyard. Isadora had a tendency to get to the point, her curiosity usually leading the way. And Drake had captured her curiosity. “I would like to get away this summer. Travel. Fly through forests and mountains again. It has been some time since I’ve left England…I don’t think adventure requires a true plan,” Isadora’s deep blue eyes glistened with the stars above as they danced, “I’ve always found adventure to find me. Usually when I’m not looking for it,” She laughed softly, answering honestly.
Isadora listened to Drake’s explanation of Durmstrang. It was much like she expected. She had correspondence with the school, but had yet to make her first visit. Any information she received from Drake would prove useful when that time came. “No offense taken,” She said casually. Isadora understood the antiquated roles that witches were subjected to this day. In some ways, she had fell prey to them in her younger years as well. Though it was a tricky balance. In some ways, she liked certain parts of being a traditional woman. “I’m not sure they would like me too much at Durmstrang if I had the chance. I think they might find me too…unpredictable. Out of order.” She winked at him, chuckling playfully. Isadora was quite confident in her actual skill and leadership. “I agree,” She nodded, “Though I’m just thirty-nine, traditions have changed quite a bit even during my brief time.” Isadora blushed. Her age wasn’t something she usually advertised. However, with Drake, she wanted to give him some context to herself. Not that it mattered. She was sure he wouldn’t care about her age one way or another.
“We have a uniquely skilled witch or wizard on our hands,” Isadora laughed warmly, thinking to her students, “As long as no one ends up in the hospital wing, I will give credit where credit is due.” She said, winking at him.
Her face unconsciously lit up as he grinned a little. He said he would take ‘unoriginal’. Her eyes beamed, casting a gaze to his smile. Isadora noticed that Drake rarely smiled. It was absolutely ridiculous to think he was happy just because of their dance. The night had been spectacular overall. She hoped that trajectory would continue. Isadora smiled back at him. For that moment, words felt unnecessary.
She looked at him curiously. “Are you just now revealing to me that your office holds a view of the sky over the grounds and I’ve yet to see it?” Isadora narrowed her eyes playfully, smiling. She had inherited her parents’ love for Astronomy as well. Plus, it would be the perfect vantage point to watch over the students. “Drake, it would be an honor. You had me at books and wine,” She laughed, wondering if she was being too informal with him. It came natural to her with him. Isadora was usually more stoic, but they shared many similar interests, and she had become lonesome in her office and mind. She was curious about his office, after all. “Lead the way.” Isadora said, a rare twinkle in her eye.
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