Casual Meeting PV Dennis Tumberton Closed

Interacting with: @Dennis Tumberton Mentioning: N/A Date: 02/19/25

Word Count: 277

✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽

Avery thought for a moment. Shocked. She knew about the floo network, and had actually traveled them to the ministry with her father, but she hadn't realized they were accessible at Hogwarts with a permission slip! Dennis had just opened another door for her. A door in which she would be able to finally see her grandfather again. The only problem being her parents. Would they allow her to come and visit? Or would the continue to force her to stay in the dark about what was happening? Either way, Avery hoped she could go. Even just for a few hours. All she really wanted was to have a proper goodbye. "I had no idea that Hogwarts had access to the floo network. Maybe I should write to my father and ask his permission? Though, I don't know how he would respond." Avery laughed a real unforced laugh before continuing, "He is very strict about making sure I stay on top of my classes. At least I get to see my grandfather over spring break at least if I can't see him now." Avery said again. Dennis' idea had given her something that she hadn't experienced in a while. Hope. A hope that maybe things would be okay if she could at least see her grandfather one last time just to say goodbye. Avery snapped out of her train of thought. Feeling bad for not trying to get to know Dennis better. He had listened to her story, so why couldn't she listen to his? "What's your story. If you wish to share. I feel bad for telling my crazy story and not even asking about yours."

✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽

Avery seemed to have missed a part of orientation that Hogwarts gives every year. It’s a boarding school and not a prison. Dennis found this somewhat funny and would have laughed under different circumstances. The truth is, the Ravenclaw did get the feeling Avery felt trapped. Even if she was free to go with her parents’ permission, it wasn’t something that was viable given the current set of circumstances. Being able to leave, but unable to do so because of her father was quite dreadful. It was a family emergency, it wasn’t like she had a test that would make or break her future career or prospects. He contemplated whether or not he should say that.

Deciding compassion was the best play here, Dennis stopped in his tracks. He placed a hand on her arm, the second time for such a gesture for a boy who until recently could have sworn girls had cooties. He looked Avery in the eyes and said softly, “This is a family emergency, Avery. I think if I were you, my grades would go down because I was so worried for my family. Grades suffer when our hearts are troubled. I think it’s important for you to see your grandfather and I’m sure your father will understand that staying here is actually worse for your grades not better.”

This was quite possibly the longest he had ever talked for especially while maintaining eye contact with a girl. This didn’t go unnoticed by the boy. He gave her arm a light squeeze and let go. Avery shifted the conversation to him and he started down the path again, hands in his pockets. He didn’t really think it best to talk about himself at a time like this. Dennis had no real problems with his family or with his extended family. They were all quite happy. “Father and mother met a Hogwarts. Both very fascinated with all things muggles. You could say they dedicated their lives to understanding such things. They took up jobs in the muggle world but at home it was all magic all the time. We never had friends over, but were allowed to go visit the neighbor kids and some others. I always got the sense that people thought we were strange but then again my dad is quite the character.”

Something about Avery made him just talk a whole bunch. Not just about her but also oddly enough about himself. He couldn’t remember the last time he told a single person about himself or his family. He mostly just tried to happen to life.

@Avery Gray

Interacting with: @Dennis Tumberton Mentioning: N/A Date: 02/19/25

Word Count: 201

✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽

Avery closed her eyes as she listened to Dennis talk about his life. It sounding amazing to her. A family that was actually happy with each other. Avery could barely remember the faces of her extended family. They were there in her mind, but after years of not seeing them, they were unclear. Almost fuzzy. Though the ghost of their laughter stayed in her mind. "Your family seems so. . . peaceful and happy." Avery commented once she had snapped out of her thoughts. Avery was really enjoying their walk. It was nice to finally get her mind off of everything that had been tearing her down lately. She loved the feel of the fresh air on her face and the sweet yet warm caress of the sun on her face. She let out an audible sigh as she tilted her face toward the sun. Closing her eyes and bathing in the warmth and light for a moment. "Taking a walk was a great idea. Thanks for that." Avery said. Hoping that her gratitude was obvious. She was really enjoying Dennis' company. She felt like she had the courage to tell other people the full story now. Thanks to him listening to her.

✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽