Japanese | English | Date:November 12th, 2024, after supper | Word Count 424/200

Aiko fussed with the refreshment table that had replaced her desk temporarily. She had decided to host a little get together for those who had been at Hogsmeade on that awful day, and their friends if it would make them feel more comfortable. She had moved the seating area and bamboo curtain to make the space more open, and set up chairs, or her bright cushions in various configurations around the room. There were also a few small tables near a few of the configurations to encourage people to rest their drinks or snacks on them. Outside, the chairs she had for guests were all available and there was a small table where people could place their refreshments. Thankfully it was a relatively calm if cloudy day so for those who wished it, they could go sit out on the balcony. Aiko had also cast a charm that would warm the space, so that it would be comfortable.

She had carefully taken her paperwork from her desk to her personal quarters and made sure that no magical intrusion or physical intrusion would occur. She knew that her students could be quite…for lack of a better word adventurous and did not want to invite too much adventure into the solemn occasion or violate anyone’s privacy.
The refreshments table contained a variety of things, a good mix of drink and food that the kitchens had created for this gathering specifically. She had chosen to leave the colorful cushions and small decorations as is, as well as her hair, not to spite or anger anyone in their grief but because she hoped it would bring some small measure of joy to those who attended the gathering.

Finally, there was no more fidgeting to be done, so Aiko made sure her wand was in the sheath under her robe’s sleeve, and went to the door, calmly opening it and inviting students and colleagues alike in. She had purposely held the event shortly after supper, in the hopes that students would have had enough time to change into clothing they might find more comfortable or suitable for the event, although she had set no dress code, and that they would have completed at least part of their homework so that was not pressing on their minds. She smiled and bid each person entering a warm welcome, gesturing to the refreshments and seating areas that had been set up. A bit later she’d do a more formal welcome, but she wished to give people time to arrive and settle in.

Japanese | English | Date:November 12th, 2024, after supper | Word Count 332/200

Aiko shouldn’t have been surprised to see that Tone was the first to arrive. It seemed that he always knew how to help and where to be. She grinned at his enthusiastic greeting, returning the hug slightly awkwardly due to the bag on his shoulder. She knew with Tone at least; she didn’t have too many worries.

Moving back to her post, she waved Tone towards the refreshment table. “Of course, hide one away for me will you? I’m aiming to welcome everyone individually and I know they’ll likely be the first to disappear. No one can resist.” Aiko turned back to the door for a moment, before looking over her shoulder, ”And feel free to put your bag under my desk, it’ll be out of the way, and you won’t have to carry it while you’re here.”

Aiko admittedly hadn’t thought to put anywhere for coats or bags, but that was not a large concern. If more people showed up, she could always conjure a few hooks and places to put them that were out of the way. Magic was an amazing benefit when it came to figuring out ways to save space that was for sure. And it helped that her office wasn’t too crowded with things so there was space to move around and fill if need be.

Calling out to Tone, she asked “Have you heard from anyone else who might attend?” . She had provided a time but knew that people likely had varying degrees of what they considered that time, and she hadn’t wanted to make it too formal, stating that people could come and go as they pleased, although she hoped most stuck around for more than the food and drink. She hoped the event would prompt a good discussion about what had happened as she had been reading some helpful books about trauma and how to help others cope. She wasn’t an expert at all but hoped that this could at least help people get their feelings out in the open a bit.

Japanese | English | Date:November 12th, 2024, after supper | Word Count 321/200

Aiko smiled, pleased when Tone set the brownies aside, knowing how delicious they had been previously and knowing they would be a tasty treat as she talked with students. It might lighten the weight of the world that seemed to be hanging on her shoulders, though she had thankfully found moments of levity and peace. She hoped it would eventually become the new normal rather than the constant pressure and weight. The changes and events were still too close, and parents were still concerned, as they should be. But she could certainly use a break. Even if only to take a breath and journal.

“Excellent, thank you for putting those safely out of the way and for inviting your friends. I was hopeful that even if no one wants to talk about the events, we could at least gather together at least.” Aiko turned more fully towards Tone to talk to them, well also keeping an ear out for others who might arrive. “Of course, understandable and honestly not my intention to make people talk about what happened. Though I do hope they take advantage. It’s a difficult time and I’ve been told talking about things can be helpful. I’ve experienced it myself, even if only by writing words in a journal.” Aiko didn’t note any outward signs of uncomfortableness by Tone, but sometimes you couldn’t tell and if sharing something of her own way to manage when things got difficult helped then it couldn’t hurt. It wasn’t something she normally put out there, as her journal was usually pretty private, but better to lead by example.

“I believe that is meant to be my question. But you’ve beat me there. I’m doing as well as can be expected. At times there’s more difficulties than others, but hopefully things like this and the memorial will help. Have you had much time since you’ve been back to catch your breath a bit?”