A Lot of Sway PV Opeila PV Olphie Closed

Interacting with @Opeila Seilun

As Aaron marched down the very familiar Quidditch-themed corridor, he couldn't help feeling a bit nervous. Despite having his partner-in-crime Opeila at his side, he was worried that they would fail in their mission. After all, this was his first time planning a secret Blossom Ball and trying to get a professor on board. It would also be his first time talking to Professor @Olphie Bercegeay about something other than Quidditch.

The twelve-year-old was on pretty good terms with the flying professor. Ever since he'd learned about Quidditch over the summer, Aaron had been obsessed. And then when he found out he was a natural-born flier? He'd been over the moon! What ensued was a passion for the sport rivaled by no other, and a deep desire to become a Quidditch professional. Being taught by a former professional in itself meant that Aaron idolized Olphie, embracing her quirky fashion sense and over-the-top personality in exchange for advice on his future career. He would bother her to stay after classes for a few extra minutes of flying time, and eventually he had even worked up the courage to ask to practice on his own! It was clear that he had built up a rapport and a great deal of trust with her when she agreed that first time, and let him borrow some school brooms to practice with Willow at the Training Pitch. Ever since then, he regularly exchanged pleasantries with her and even had occasional Quidditch talk over a couple bottles of Yoohoo. He knew that Olphie Bercegeay, the former Quidditch professional, would always have a special place in his life for her advice and deepening his passion for the game.

But Olphie Bercegeay, the person? Well, it wasn't until talking with the rest of the secret ball planning committee that he truly realized how... unique she was. She spoke to students in a casual way, and she was incredibly free-spirited. She even planned something called a Valentine's Tea, which Aaron had not had the pleasure of attending. From the stories, though, and other observations of the woman, the team had decided she was the most likely authority figure to help them with their rebel ball. There was no way they could pull it off without someone who has a lot of sway, i.e. a professor.

Opeila had jumped at the opportunity to talk to Olphie, because apparently she had an incredible plan on how to convince her. Aaron had volunteered to help Opeila because he thought his relationship with the woman might help. Nevertheless, Aaron was more nervous for his current mission than he had been about his first (unofficial) Quidditch match on Tuesday. He'd spoken with Opeila a couple times about what they should say and how they should approach the flying professor, but this was still his first time breaking the rules at Hogwarts. Would Professor Bercegeay really help them with it?

"It's through this room," Aaron said, as they came to a huge, heavy door made of dark wood. He pushed the door open, and it took a bit of effort because of its weight. He held it open for Opeila, then let it swing closed behind them once they were through. They now stood in a broom workshop which, aside from a bright pink lamp, looked very un-Olphie. It smelled of wood shavings and broom polish. "This is her workshop," he explained to Opeila, gesturing to the various brooms in the room. "Her office is through that door," he added, pointing to the dark wood door on the opposite side of the room.

The sign on the door read "Olphie C. Bercegeay's Office, please knock."

"You ready?" Aaron said as they approached the door. He looked at the smaller girl at his side and offered an encouraging smile, since he knew she was pretty reluctant about talking to the flying professor. Even though Opeila had volunteered, Aaron had quickly realized she wasn't very enthusiastic about the whole situation. But, her plan was solid and that's all that mattered.