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Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on Apr 9, 2023 2:39:14 GMT -8
The night is clear and calm, if not a bit chilled. The moon shines bright at midnight on the castle grounds. The grounds and castle are relatively quiet, the only sounds are the typical nighttime noises, an owl’s screech, crickets, the occasional hiss or low growl of something off in the distance. Interrupting the typical is the unmistakable shaking and thump of the Whomping Willow as it attempts to defend its boundaries.
Dragomir sits comfortably in a high-backed chair, a good twenty or so feet out of reach of the Whomping Willow. A small table with a chalice and pitcher stands next to the chair. A book sits carelessly on the edge of the table. All the comforts of a living room without the confines of the room itself. He casually lobs something at the tree and an orange and black streak shoots from near his feet into the tree, avoiding the branches, catches the tossed item, and brings it back, dropping it at Dragomir’s feet. He reaches down and scratches the Kneazle between the ears and repeats the cycle, tossing a small ball at the Whomping Willow.
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Post by Professor Juniper Barnes on Apr 10, 2023 10:35:59 GMT -8
Juniper paces the area beside her bed, unable to sleep.
She is still adjusting to this new situation. Adding the title of Professor to her resume has been an interesting shift in her work life. She was used to the constant moving, the fast-paced atmospheres of dueling competitions and professional meetings amongst other champions. She feels a wave of energy preventing her from laying her head down and floating off into sleep. With a somewhat annoyed huff, she dresses in some of her personal clothes, a worn pair of jeans and a simple black shirt. She has no intention of interacting with anyone at this time of night and figures it would be safe enough to skip the heaviness of professor robes; another thing she was getting used to. She missed wearing her own clothes in all situations. With one last restless glance around the room, Juniper slips effortlessly out into the night. At first, she hadn’t had a path; no destination. She just walked... and walked. Until she found herself staring off at the enormous whomping willow tree, infamous on the Hogwarts grounds. She sees the way the limbs move. Wicked things brandishing in the night under the glow of the moon. Witnessing this his living, daunting mammoth of a tree in person surpassed any of her brother’s retellings. Her eyes catch movement not far from where she stands and instinctively she grips her wand from it’s concealed place within her waist band. But as she scans the area she tucks her wand back in place and approaches the other figure out tonight. Dragomir Ghica… she glances at a scurrying little thing dashing across the grass swiftly, the thing that had originally caught her eye: A Kneazle. Her lips turn up into a smile as she approaches. “Good evening...” She says, or would it be morning? She wasn’t sure what time of night it was.
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Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on Apr 10, 2023 17:30:03 GMT -8
Drake looks up as Juniper approaches and gives her a quick smile. “Would be closer to morning than evening, being as it is slightly past midnight.” He winks at her and tosses the ball back at the tree, sending the Kneazle back into the branches. “Would you care to sit a spell, or were you preferring the solitude of the walk thus far?” He asked, casually picking his wand up off the arm of his chair and conjuring another to match the one he was sitting in. He doubted she would have acknowledged him in the first place if she hadn’t on some level entertained the idea of a conversation. And, while rather unusual for him to be approached by a colleague, at least up until joining Hogwarts, he welcomed the chance to get to know those he worked with on a more personal level.
He patted his knee as the Kneazle returned with the ball and the black striped, orange animal hopped up and settled down, his yellow eyes turning to watch Juniper suspiciously. Drake scratched the creature between the ears. “This is Mal. He gets a bit stir crazy cooped up in the castle, ends up chasing the house elves if I don’t get him out for some exercise. This is one of his favorite past times… dodge the killer tree limbs. It started with him chasing squirrels through it. But they don’t tend to last too long.” he shrugged, then settled back in his chair, continuing to caress the Kneazle that had since curled up in his lap.
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Post by Professor Juniper Barnes on Apr 11, 2023 11:10:45 GMT -8
So it was past midnight then. Juniper made a silent resolve to try harder to get to bed a decent hour. She watches Drake conjure up a seat next to him which she gently lowers herself into with a thankful nod. She hadn’t expected to see anyone out here, so, this was an interesting turn of events for the night. Might as well see it through thoroughly.
Her eyes fill with wonder as she looks to the Kneazle. She had always loved magical animals, and if her passions for charms hadn’t been so strong perhaps that would have been a different life path that would have interested her. “He’s lovely.” She says, admiringly. Mal. She smiles, liking the name. “The only animal I’d ever had is a great grey owl. Her name is Cleo.” She smiles, staring at the large feline as it darts expertly between the dangerous branches and then return to reside comfortably in his lap.
“I guess we all tend to get a little cooped up in the castle… from time to time.” She remarks with a little half-smile. She falls quiet again, not sure what to say next. She hopes she hadn’t intruded on his alone time. Perhaps it would be best if she made up some excuse to return to her room? She last thing she wanted to do was be a bother to one of her colleagues.
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Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on Apr 11, 2023 15:12:49 GMT -8
Drake continues to absently pet Mal as he turns his attention fully to Juniper. “I do not often encounter colleagues out at this hour. Mind you I welcome the company. Still getting used to a new routine?” He asks genuinely curious. He laughs as she describes Mal as lovely “I apologize, knowing his temperament lovely is not a term that springs readily to mind. Kneazles in general tend to bond with one person if at all, and can be fairly ornery when around others.” He pauses, then shrugs. “Although he isn’t generally as sedentary around new people. He must like you.” “Owls are practical pets. I have a Great Grey around here somewhere. He has taken up residence in the Forbidden Forest rather than the owlery. But he comes when called. You are free to have a pet here should you desire the company of one.” He offered, noting her interest in Mal. He reaches for his chalice then stops. “Would you care for something to drink? Tea, wine?” He asks, ready to conjure something for her as she wills.
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Post by Professor Juniper Barnes on Apr 12, 2023 19:19:09 GMT -8
Juniper smiles under the pale light of the moon, "I suppose. It has been an interesting shift in my life. Becoming a Hogwarts professor. Becoming a professor at all, really." It blows her mind, that she is an authority figure now among these kids. She's spent so much of her life focused on herself it felt odd to be in charge of others. "I was a bit of a night owl myself for many years. This has been a change." She says to explain away her insomniatic tendencies.
Juniper looks on, fascinated by Mal. "My constant travels made for unfavorable pet conditions." Apart from Cleo, that is, but Owls aren't exactly the cuddle up on your lap type. She shrugs, but really she had always wanted a pet. "If I were to choose a little friend for myself, what might you suggest?" She finds it hard to pull her eyes from Mal. He doesn't look too troublesome to her right now. He was rather... cute.
She finally lifts her eyes to Drake, glad for the invitation, "Well, wine would be lovely." Maybe the perfect thing to make her sleepy. Double-win. "How long have you and Mal been friends?" She asks with a smile.
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Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on Apr 12, 2023 21:54:05 GMT -8
He nodded. “Night owl?” He left the question, curious about her time before Hogwarts but not direct enough to ask. He figured she would answer or deflect and either course of action would suffice his curiosity for now. “Hogwarts is certainly different than what I am used to. Durmstrang has its advantages in teaching some subjects but has no homelike quality. Sure, students had friends and fun, but it was a strict atmosphere, nothing like the atmosphere here. As a student that was hard to get used to. As a professor, it was a mind-numbing routine. Day in, day out. The only real companionship were those outside the walls that might write to you.” His years at Durmstrang fostered his solitary lifestyle. Being at Hogwarts was challenging. He enjoyed conversations with his colleagues but was not overly sure of where he stood with any of them. He was, after all, generally considered a predator by most wizards. He studied her for a moment as she watched Mal. “No, owls tend to b a little on the solitary side of things” Something he related to rather well. He kept a fairly small circle of friends, mostly those from centuries ago when he was still struggling to find himself. And those he only corresponded with on occasion. The immediacy of mortal life tended to be lost on Vampires. “A for a pet… It would depend on the temperament you are seeking and the amount of effort you wish to put into its care. No offense meant, just some people jump into taking on an exotic pet only to regret it with the amount of care needed.”He hesitates for a moment, then knowing little about her hazards a guess as to what she might like. He conjures a dessert wine with a higher floral bouquet to it, offering it to her. “I took a guess, if it is not to your liking, just tell me what you would prefer. Wines are all so different, not enjoying it will not offend me.” he offers with a quick smile. He didn’t make a habit of taxing his body with mortal foods, unless it was for need of the moment. He took a sip from his own chalice, contemplating her question on Mal. “I have had Mal with me for five years now. His father for thirty years before that. Mal is still a juvenal in a lot of ways, his energy level for one. We are here typically for an hour or so a night, unless he is called to the Forbidden Forest for a hunt.” He says, offering more history.
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Post by Professor Juniper Barnes on Apr 14, 2023 17:16:40 GMT -8
Juniper contemplates for a moment, “I traveled for dueling competitions often.” She explains, “And, just as often, afterward, gatherings would take place amongst friends. We’d have fun.” She smiles small, impishly. Late nights. Strong spirits. Loud laughs. It was normal for her to find sleep well into the early morning hours.
Juniper had no experience with Durmstrang, she didn’t know its atmosphere. “That sounds…” She couldn’t find the word, “Arduous?” She wouldn’t thrive in an overwhelmingly strict environment, so to her, that seemed difficult.
“Well I do seem to have quite a bit of time to myself now… but I wouldn’t want to jump into anything too demanding.” She says honestly. As fascinating as it would be to befriend some of the more exotic offerings of magical pets, perhaps it best she begin with something like the common house cat. She smiles into the night, pulling her feet up on the chair and sitting cross-legged.
She gratefully accepts the wine, “Good intuition.” She says, with a happy nod of her head, her blond hair falling around her face. “I’m not a red girl… Sweet wines are my preference for sure.”
“So, what’s the most trouble Mal, or perhaps his father, has ever caused?” Juniper asks curiously. They seem like they could be mischievous little guys, she bet he’d have a good story or two to share. She sips her wine and the warmth of it spreads through it leaving her smiling contentedly.
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Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on Apr 15, 2023 7:43:24 GMT -8
He nodded as she discussed traveling. “Dueling competitions. That sounds like it could be fun.” He thought the after events might be just as much fun depending on people invited. He chuckled, he really couldn’t see himself mingling with a bunch of mortals until the wee hours of the morning. Sober or not. “I believe O’Shea is attempting to get a dueling club started. I suppose it would have more interest if it wasn’t the O’Shea boy attempting it. Although I’m half surprised Mr. Vaisey hasn’t joined just to have a legitimate reason to point his wand at O’Shea.”He shrugs and laughs. “I suppose for some it would be. For someone used to having their life scripted for them, it went with the territory. I think coming here as a boy would have shattered my world. I would not have survived the amount of freedom they have here.” He shrugged. “But you attended Ilvermorny correct? What was that like? How does that compare to Hogwarts?”Drake chuckled. “Dessert wines tend to be a preference unless paired with a meal. Although I do not drink much wine.” He leaned back more comfortably in his chair, sipping from his own chalice, and resting a hand on Mal’s back. He thought for a moment. What was the most trouble either of them had caused? Mal was still young, everything he did was kitten foolishness. Cordin on the other hand… he had a propensity for trouble. He laughed and shook his head. Settling for a humorous story rather than some of the others. “Cordin, Mal’s father, was a bit of a thief. Okay, so that is an understatement. He never left my side without bringing me back a present. If I did not know it was impossible, I would swear that Kneaze had niffler in his blood.” He absently rubbed the back of his neck. “There was a time he would come home every night for a month with a different piece of cloth and a gemstone. Some of the gems were in settings, some without. Just one a night. It was amusing actually for a while. I figured one of our neighbors would come searching for them, or I’d hear someone complain and could return them. Well the month passed, I hadn’t heard anything from neighbors so I just put them in the safe and forgot about them. Well about year later, I was in one of the neighboring towns in a pub, relaxing when I overheard the barkeep talking with one of the local jewelers. He was enquiring if anyone had ever found out who had planned the month-long break-ins. They couldn’t figure out how the burglar got in or why he only took one piece at a time.” He laughed lightly and shrugged. “I boxed up the jewels and mailed them back to man with an explanation and an apology.”
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Post by Professor Juniper Barnes on Apr 15, 2023 12:24:43 GMT -8
Juniper's eyes seem to fixate on a far-off point, "They are fun." She says quietly. And they are... but when she thinks about it, really thinks about what fueled her interest in charms and got her to that place, it always makes her a bit sad. She smiles, trying to rejoin the current moment. "The people make it." She adds, "You meet all sorts of people at dueling competitions." She says. She shifts in her seat at the mention of a dueling club. It could be a fun way to engage further with students. Charms is a practical class as it is, but a dueling club? That would impart the kids with the exact skill set that she'd wished had been more readily available to all years ago. Before.
"Sounds like the O'Shea boy doesn't make a lot of friends easily." She notes. Is it just his personality? Or does he act abrasive on purpose? Maybe this kind of club would give him the chance to expel some of those unfavorable behaviors in a healthier setting. Maybe through it he could walk away with more friends. Maybe O'Shea and Vaisey could settle whatever it is brewing between them that way. Safely of course, nothing too extreme for school grounds. "Boys will be boys." Juniper says, "Could be a good outlet for many of them." After a brief pause, "The ladies too, of course." She chuckles, herself being one of the higher ranking women who compete. "Can't count out the girls." She gives a little laugh.
"Ilvermorny is similar to Hogwarts, so far as I've noticed. Fair amount of freedom... fair amount of pride amongst houses and school spirit." She was surprised at how much it reminded her of her own schooling years when she first arrived. "I mean the school was built with the basis of Hogwarts mind, afterall." She contemplates for moment before adding, "the archer here is beyond amazing. And the diversity is wonderful. So many countries represented under one roof."
Juniper listens attentively to Drake's story regarding the puckish actions of Mal's predecessor, Cordin. Juniper chuckles as the story comes to an end, "Oh my! A whole year later. He must have gotten quite the laugh from it." Juniper laughs again, heartily, "...apart from the whole being robbed aspect of the situation." She chuckles again. She would have found the situation humorous if she were the jeweler, but not everyone would react similarly. "Was the man angry?" She asked, "Did you ever find out?"
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Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on Apr 16, 2023 7:42:26 GMT -8
Drake nodded, he was certain there were all sorts at dueling competitions. It reminded him of some of the vampire challenges that went around back in the day. He figured most had ceased with some of the accords between vampires and mortals. They could be brutal. He laughed when she commented on O’Shea. “O’Shea has his friend group. But I would not expect to county any of the Slytherins among it anytime soon.” He shrugged, then expounded on his response. “No, you certainly can’t count the girls out. Seeing as that is exactly the issue between Mr. Vaisey and Mr. O’Shea. Boys may be boys, but part of their experience here is to be lead into manhood, and not let them linger in their immature and sometimes insensitive thoughts and comments.” “Ms. Oden would be a good choice if you are looking for someone to lead the girls into the room in the first place. She is a natural leader, and good with charms, magic in general.” He shrugged and shook his head. “She would increase the male attendance as well, although not sure how many of them would be there for dueling or just gawking. One would think that would settle down with her in a fairly obvious relationship. But somehow, I don’t think it will.”He smiled at her discussion of Hogwarts, and it’s comparison to Ilvermorny. Glad she seemed to feel more at home here. It was important to be comfortable where you worked, especially when in their case they also lived there. “It also doesn’t hurt that Isadora is a bit more accepting of a little mischief from the students.”. At least she had been from what he saw. Although he generally disagreed with the one detention she had given. But it was not his place to challenge it. He nodded and laughed. “Yes a whole year. No, the man was not angry. Afterall, the insurance had already settled for the loss, so he actually doubled the profit from those pieces.” He shrugged. “I may have seen to their subsequent sale in the underground.” He shrugged. His past had fairly dark implications for anyone who dared to want to find out. “What made you suspend dueling for teaching?” He asked curious as to why that type of freedom would be given up for the structure of teaching.
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Post by Professor Juniper Barnes on Apr 18, 2023 10:02:29 GMT -8
The wind rustled through the leaves of the whomping willow tree as Juniper sat watching comfortable from her conjured cushioned chair. Juniper furrowed her brow, in thought. She too had noticed the growing animosity between some of the students, particularly Loce Vaisey, Fergus Reinhardt and Oliver O’Shea. She wondered if it was possible to really mediate, as professors, and resolve the conflict. If the students weren’t ready for it, it would definitely prove challenging. “Do you believe it will only escalate without any intervention?”
Drake just emits a certain amount of experience, plus he’d been teaching for so long, it can’t be the first time he’d witnessed circumstances like this. There was a lot of uncertainty on Juniper’s end regarding the students.
Juniper nodded, considering Drake's mention of Oliver’s dueling club. "I have been contemplating that. It could provide a safe space for them to learn how to duel responsibly… but I fear their ability to fully understand the consequences of their actions." If they took something too far? Was she prepared to be the authority in the situation? This was new to her. It made her anxious. She also wasn't too fond of the idea that male attendance might increase just to ogle a female student. She looked at Mal again, her made her smile a little, and Juniper took another big sip of her wine.
Could a dueling club actually be a constructive way for the students to channel their energy and resolve their differences? Or would it open a can-of-worms so to speak and provide the opportunity for them to go after each other under the ruse of ‘practice’?
Juniper took a deep breath, her eyes gazing into the distance. “My brother struggled with charms when he was in school.” She began her explanation on why she left dueling for teaching, “and he… died.” She still felt a degree of discomfort talking about it. “During the Battle of Hogwarts.” She continued softly. She tilts her cup back, finishing off the wine in it. It leaves a sweetness on her tongue, even after the bitter words of recalling her brother's death, here in the very halls she now worked in.
"The experience? It became a driving force for me. I believe that charms are extremely valuable tools for witches and wizards.” Her voice is low, but passionate, “Well-executed charms can bring joy, heal wounds, and… protect us… defend us… in times of need. I want to guide and inform students, to prepare them as best as I can for whatever challenges life may throw at them, just like I wish someone had done for my brother."
No shame to the charms professor at the time. But, those that struggle the most in the class may need the most attention. That’s what her brother had needed. Juniper cannot stop a yawn from coming. She lifts her hand to politely cover her mouth. "Excuse me," She chuckles a little. Must be the wine, making her sleepy.
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Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on Apr 19, 2023 5:31:47 GMT -8
Dragomir shook his head doubtfully. “Mr. Vaisey and Mr. O’Shea have settled down to a dull hate. I believe if Mr. O’Shea keeps his distance from Ms. Oden, there will be no outward trouble there. The whole issue there is Mr. O’Shea has not learned to keep his eyes or his rather crass statements to himself. His life experiences thus far have not equipped him to run in the same social circles as Mr. Vaisey, Ms. Oden or Mr. Reinhardt can and do. I am not sure about Mr. O’Shea’s ability to keep himself out of trouble, but Mr. Vaisey will walk away from it ninety percent of the time. He has other concerns that are beyond Mr. O’Shea that he is dealing with. Mr. Reinhardt and Mr. Vaisey on the other hand. We have not seen that blow up yet, and I am hoping when it does, they do not take part of the castle with them.” He was not clear on what Mr. Reinhardt’s role in this was, but he knew Mr. Vaisey was fiercely protective of Ms. Oden, especially where Mr. Reinhardt was concerned. And he also knew the abilities and of Mr. Vaisey and the resources of Mr. Reinhardt. Given their family backgrounds, the propensity for involvement in the Dark Arts was high on both sides. “I think the dueling club would be a brilliant idea, if run by someone who could be an authority figure. I don’t think letting the students running their own to be prudent. Although, luckily it was Oliver that attempted to revive it. His support among his peers seemed to be lacking. “I am sorry.” He said simply in response to her loss. He knew loss well. Even if not in the same way, losing family was very hard. “Then it seems like a dueling club could enhance the ability of some.” He smiled at her lightly. “I think you are exceptionally qualified to run it. Our students would be lucky in that respect. Just set strict rules and stand by them Once you establish that you will not allow rules to be broken in th classroom, they tend to comply.” He turned his attention to Mal and then back to her. “If you need another adult, I would be happy to assist.” He offered remembering vaguely what it was like to be a new young professor. He chuckled as she yawned and apologized. “It is late, or rather early, depending on how you look at it. You will not hurt my feelings if you feel the need to retire.” He says with a quick smile.
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Post by Professor Juniper Barnes on Apr 21, 2023 19:13:12 GMT -8
They sat in companionable silence for a moment, the wind gently rustling through the leaves of the whomping willow tree again. Juniper felt a renewed sense of determination to create a positive learning environment. To make a difference. She knew it wouldn't be easy but she was committed to doing her best.
“Thank you, I appreciate that.” She thinks of her brother’s death often, but she does not speak of it often. She stretches her arms up, feeling a little restless again, perhaps due to the topic at hand.
She shifts gears away from her personal life, her loss, and back to common ground. “I will give the dueling club some more thought, that’s for sure.” She smiles over in Drake’s direction. “You’ve given me some good insight, which I believe will be necessary for a smooth start.” She thinks for a moment, not sure a smooth start would be possible with the group, “Or as smooth as it could be.” She laughs. At least knowing what she’s walking into should make a world of difference both in her classroom and if the dueling club does really take off.
She contemplates going to bed, another yawn threatening to expose her sudden sleepiness. The wine definitely did it’s job. “I should head in soon... Wouldn’t want to get caught roaming the grounds.” She laughs, feeling like a student. “Does the headmistress know about your late night excursions with Mal?”
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Post by Professor Dragomir Ghica on Apr 22, 2023 5:47:33 GMT -8
Dragomir nods and winks at her. “With a bunch of hormonal teenagers around, nothing is ever smooth. And with this crowd in particular…” He shrugs. “I think once the kids get to know you, they would be more open to a dueling club and the restrictions that would be placed on it.” He hoped she would give it some thought, he had the strong suspicion that a certain couple would highly benefit from the opportunity. He hated thinking about preparing students for actual possible life or death situations, but rather prepared than not. He laughed with her, oddly understanding the feeling of not wanting to get caught. “I can walk you back if you like? Mal seems to have expended his excess energy for the night.” He contemplated her question. “I honestly don’t know. I know she is aware I rarely sleep. I suppose it would only be natural to conclude that I don’t spend all my time shut up in my office.” And given their newest colleague, he wasn’t too sure he wanted to spend all his time shut up in his office as well. There hadn’t been a full moon yet. But there would be soon. He would be patrolling without Mal that night, that he was certain of. "What is your take on Viktor?" He asked. He would rather not be suspicious, but they had a harder time controlling their nature than vampires did. Maybe he was just reading into Isadora's fear of them in general. But it was hard for him to just accept him, given the circumstances. He'd have to prove himself.
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