Boom, baby! Open closed

january 2023.

Sabine wasn't exactly uncomfortable, not now. Perhaps a bit out of place, yes, standing in a hall of a school. She'd never been a professor anywhere before, nor had she dealt with children in a professional capacity. She enjoyed children fine, sure, but so many of them was daunting, in a word. Of course, she'd warm up eventually. Get used to the ins and outs of Hogwarts. Perhaps getting used to Caradoc Browne was the first step to getting there.

Heaven knew she could be just as odd, with her ramblings about being eaten by manticores and insistence that the sun was a better clock than an actual stopwatch, anyway.

"Blumenthal. Sabine. Pleasure," she tilted her chin up and took Caradoc's hand, allowing a genuine smile to cross her face. "You’re going to have to ignore the awkwardness. I've never taught before. Or... been around kids. In a job, at least."

She turned her attention to the students, now, listening to the way they spoke. The blonde girl spoke highly of Browne, and it seemed as if his reputation and legacy had been carried on by the students of Hogwarts long after his initial departure. "Ah, yes. I'm the new professor of Care of Magical Creatures. Professor Blumenthal," if there was one thing she was a stickler about it was the use of 'professor'. It just sounded so much more formal.

Students never seemed to stop popping up. They came around everywhere, sneaking out of each and every crevice and nook and cranny available and popping up like smoke in front of her eyes. Here stood Kim Aoki, now, who introduced himself sheepishly. "Likewise, Mr. Aoki. I'll look forward to seeing you in my class," she paused a moment, almost deadly serious, "unless you get eaten."

Sabine cracked a smile, indicating her joke. She wasn't quite sure if it came through or not.

Of course, peace was not always an option. Another boy stumbled through, making a scene of whistling at the History of Magic professor. He seemed to realize his mistake almost immediately, receding back into the metaphorical turtle shell of embarrassment. "Oh, it's... it's fine, dear. My office is outside."

@Caradoc Browne, @Bailey Glade, @Rita Su, @Kim Sato, @Rebecca Loops.

"Right!" Rebecca yelped. "Yes! Very good. It's great that your office is outside, even if the Scottish weather can get a bit brisk in winter! Ha ha!" he laughed, high pitched and nervous.

Rebecca started to try and edge away, hoping desperately he could slip into the Great Hall and drown his embarrassment in pumpkin juice. "Well. Good morning!" Oh God, I've said that three times.

Class was going to be torture. Was it too late to drop out of Hogwarts? Maybe he could talk to Headmaster Lear and ask about skipping History of Magic. Surely he'd understand. Or, if he went into the Hospital Wing the nurse could wipe his memory as a mercy. Bless the other Professor for looking at him with indifference and pity, at least. He wanted to melt.

Well, there's nothing for it now, Rebecca thought as he avoided meeting either of the Professors' gazes. I'm going to move to France and start at Beauxbatons Academy. Not speaking French will be a bit of a hurdle in my educational progress, but surely I'll manage.

"Well, if there's ever anything either of you need-- let me know! Um. Have a good morning."

Thank God Colin wasn't here, he'd never hear the end of his friend's mocking.

"A pleasure to meet you!" Caradoc said to @Sabine Blumenthal as his voice rolled over into a chuckle. "I see..." The Irishman looked around to all the kids' faces. "Well, there's no turning back now. However, if you want me to give you a tour, I'd be happy to oblige."

A handful of students had now joined them and formally greeted both him and Blumenthal. Caradoc couldn't help but grin from ear to ear as he eagerly shook hands with those that were offered and patted one or two on the shoulder. "Well, knowing Zahid, I've got some big shoes to fill. Nevertheless, as big as they may be, we'll still make them fit to dance with." He smiled and winked at @Bailey Glade.

"I am unsure if I have met Miss Stoll, but from your description, she and I definitely should meet up one day. I'll make sure to keep an eye out for her in my classes." He assured the Ravenclaw before silently thanking Rita Su for mentioning he was missed. It made him feel good to be back home where he belonged.

The Gryffindor that had come up next seemed a bit more like one of the cool club. Caradoc raised both eyebrows as the boy seemed ready for an adventure. "How about we make our first lesson together about putting on a charming smile, ey?" Doc winked again and slapped the boy on the arm. "Unless, @Kim Sato, that's not really your thing... I'd suggest hanging out with Professor Iwasaki in that case." He laughed as he shrugged unapologetically. He couldn't help himself.

The loud whistle, however, managed to get Doc silent in an instant. For one second, he could feel himself and Professor Blumenthal synchronize and turn their heads over towards a young boy in the back. "@Rebecca Loops... Well, uh... You do you..." He replied as the grin on his face slowly began to grow again. "And I'll see you soon in class then." He nodded and left the little kid to divert their attention elsewhere.

Caradoc briefly stopped in his tracks and offered Blumenthal a look of surprise. He silently mouthed her to not joke about that and crossed his arms as subtle as he could. She had no idea what kind of place she had just entered. Another welcoming cry pulled him away from Blumenthal eventually.

Caradoc approached @Nancy McLoughlin as he presented his hand. "I do not believe we have met either, professor...?" He assumed she was a professor at the very least. It was highly unlikely that Hogwarts had visitors from the board at the moment, and an intruder would usually prefer to hide rather than join a crowd and welcome some new staff members.

Rita was just following the steps and trying her best to follow the music and dance when she noticed several other people coming into the room. As Rita had expected Kim came into the small hall short after Bailey arrived, as the extremely close duo were always together, as well as a Slytherin boy with short black hair who introduced himself as Rebecca and the new Herbology professor Ms. Nancy McLoughlin. The women with brown skin and medium-length curly black hair, which Rita had guessed correctly was one of the new professors, introduced herself as Professor Blumenthal, the new Care of Magical Creatures professor. Bailey also tried to start the conversation by asking how everyone was feeling today. As more people came into the small hall to join the dance party organized by papa badger Caradoc, the small hall was getting a little noisy.

"Oh, it seems that more people are coming into the small hall to join the dance party, and the hall is becoming a little noisy! Nice to see you all, Kim, Rebecca, Professor Blumenthal, and Professor McLoughlin! I suppose everyone is feeling good today, nevertheless I am feeling great, thanks Bailey!" The Second Year Hufflepuff finally waved to the group with a friendly smile, "Congrats for being the new Care of Magical Creatures professor, Professor Blumenthal! Hoping to take your class later this year when I become a third year! By the way, thank you for holding the dance party, papa badger aka Professor Browne!"
Interacting with: @Bailey Glade @Kim Sato @Caradoc Browne @Sabine Blumenthal @Nancy McLoughlin

Attire: Usual school day attire: robes, shirt (buttons mismatched), tie (undone), kilt, neck ring, no shoes.

Reducio

Colin heard the unmistakable wolf whistle from the courtyard. He'd just gotten his shirt and tie sorted --- more or less --- when he saw the cavalcade arrive from Hogsmeade. They must be the new teachers, Colin thought. Professor Browne he recognised from last year. The lady was new though. He wondered which one Rebecca was whistling to. Unfortunately, he couldn't make out what his friend was saying.

Giving up on trying to get all his buttons to line up right, Colin made his way inside, having returned from his morning run. He heard Rita say hi to Professor McLoughlin, and then the new teacher, Professor Blumenthal. Oo, care of magical creatures! Colin truly couldn't wait for that class to start next year! He loved wild creatures so much, magical or mundane, and had some experience with them at home. But he knew that in class they'd be introduced to so many more!

Professor Browne was chatting with several people. Rebecca must have asked about Professor Blumenthal's office, because she told him it was outside. That was kind of odd. He stepped into the small hall and around a set of garish purple baggage. "Good morning Professor Blumenthal!" Colin said in an excited sing-song voice. "Watch out for students with daggers!" he said with a smirk and a wave. "And welcome to Hoggys!"

He turned to find Rebecca and gave the boy a huge smile. "Say, Dr Loops!" he said giving his friend a gentle punch in the arm. "Were you whistling at Professor Browne or ---" his eyes widened "--- Professor Blumenthal!?"

@Rebecca Loops | @Sabine Blumenthal || Mentions @Caradoc Browne | @Rita Su

Word count: 393/200
Mentions:
@Alma Stoll • @Clair Fernandez •
Intersections:
@Kim Sato • @Rita Su • @Caradoc Browne • @Nancy McLoughlin • @Rebecca Loops • @Sabine Blumenthal • @

Professor Browne eagerly shook Bailey’s hand, and she grinned up at him. this makes History of Magic even better- now my favorite class is gonna be my All time favorite class forever!!! Bailey thought, mentally fangirling.
Doc smile and winked at bailey, and she grinned back, happy as ever. She mentioned her dear friend @Alma Stoll, and he said he had not met her, but that he was eager to meet her one day.
Bailey smiled as Professor Blumenthal introduced herself, putting extra emphasis on Professor. She was probably a stickler for the title, but bailey didn’t fault her- she had most likely put a lot of time and effort to earn her place as a professor.
Kim introduced himself, and Professor Blumenthal joked with him. Doc also joked with him, teasing Kim about learning how to smile.
Bailey grinned again, and said “Ay, he can smile, but it’s a true challenge to get a real Kim smile to appear.
Bailey smiled at the joke, and then giggle slightly at Loops and Professor Blumenthal’s interaction- eager, and awkward, and it was something that Bailey would remember for a long while. Coco entered and came over to his friend, both of them practically swooning over Professor Blumenthal.
Bailey laughed and said “Don’t you go about forgetting about Clair- I’ve seen how heads over heels you are for her. Truly a Ravenclaw lover, aren’t ya.”
first Jarael… now Clair. Haha I hope him and Clair work out… they better. Bailey thought, wishing the best for her friend.
Turning to Loops, Bailey asked “Do you have a special someone hidden away? I haven’t heard anything.. but it’s possible not all of the gossip has made it into the ears of the listening birbs.” Bailey laughed again, and then turned to see where Kim was.
Bailey also spotted the Professor of Herbology, Professor McLoughlin, also in the hall.
kim is probably gonna want to talk to her Bailey thought, knowing that Herbology was Kim’s favorite class.
Bailey then realized that Kim had not been super observant… which was a clear sign that something was going on. and usually he noticed when I’m wearing a skirt… and I don’t think I’ve ever worn a dress on a day to day basis in his presence.. and not a single comment on it. What is going on? Is he ok?

"Say, Dr Loops!" Rebecca couldn't dodge Colin's friendly punch on the arm in time and startled at the impact-- "Were you whistling at Professor Browne or" Colin widened his eyes dramatically "Professor Blumenthal!?"

Rebecca blanched at Colin's question, his brain short-cicuiting for a second. "Neither! I was just whistling! I love to whistle!" He squeaked. Then, realizing that wasn't a very manly noise, he punched his best friend back for good measure. "...shut up."

Rebecca felt his smile slowly coming back to life as Bailey Glade teased Colin. She was pretty popular with the first years, despite being older, one of the more well-known names at Hogwarts, and right now she was a life-saver for diverting Colin's attention.

"Bailey's got a point y'know, I think you've got a bit of a thing for anyone smarter than you are." He pointed out-- immensely grateful for a change of topic. It was at that unfortunate moment that he was fixed with a look from the older Ravenclaw.

“Do you have a special someone hidden away?" Bailey probed, smiling. "I haven’t heard anything.. but it’s possible not all of the gossip has made it into the ears of the listening birbs.”

Rebecca shrugged, feigning nonchalance with a crooked grin. "Listening birds, eh? I didn't figure there were so many Ravenclaws invested in my romantic escapades." He shook his head and threw an arm back around Colin, squeezing him to his side and ruffling up his friend's unkempt hair.

"Nah, though. If I started going loony over someone, who'd be there to make fun of Colin?" Rebecca smiled broadly. "I have a solemn duty to uphold!"

Satisfied now that his mate's hair was thoroughly a mess, he relinquished Colin and walked off to swipe a drink from the Slytherin table.