Post by Thomas Baker on Jul 16, 2011 21:06:47 GMT -5
Full title:
Of Eagles and Bromance, Centaurs and Exposition
STARRING:
Thomas Baker
Fallyn Salvador
Archer Damocles
Larus Pontin
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Thomas Baker hesitated with the palm of his hand hovering a mere several centimeters over the door handle. Here he was, only having been hired for a short time, and he already had a request for the headmaster. Steeling himself, the man wrenched open the handle and stood, checking on the threshhold. "Headmaster?" Baker peered curiously into the spacious room. As a student, he'd never done anything quite so disorderly to merit being sent to the Headmaster's office. An expression bordering on awe crossed his features as he glanced around him. The years peeled away and he was his eleven year old self, awestruck by the presence of such a fabled wizard.
Fallyn Padarn Salvador was in the next room to the entry part and as he heard the door and his name called he looked up, as did the eagle that was sat quite clumsily on the couch beside him. He'd been reading a letter with some difficulty, squinting through his glasses whilst Stratus had shifted from foot to foot watching him with an almost constantly intense look about him from the way the eagles brows were formed, very simelar to that of an albatross, but angrier. "Hello?" he calls out and sets the letter down, carefully stepping past the huge bird and crossing the room to the doorway. On seeing Professor Baker a warm smile cracked its way across his lips and he gestured outwards in a welcoming way "Ah Thomas! please, come in" he wheezes and motions towards the couch where the very unimpressed eagle tilted its head upside down to stare at the doorway, letting out a lingering hiss. "By all means, help yourself to some chocolates" he offers and motions then to a circular box on the table full of silky chocolates and truffles from belgium.
Thomas Baker approached, stopping several paces from where Salvador stood. "Thank you", he murmured, with a brief, nervous averting of his eyes. There was nothing quite as intimidating to a student - former or no - than being the sole company of the Headmaster. "I.. I've been meaning to ask.. if it's not too much trouble.." Baker stammered and glanced at his shoes. Why is this so bloody -difficult- ? Taking a breath, and looking toward the eagle as a means of steadying himself, he took another step closer to the Headmaster while keeping a respectful distance. "It's.. well. This might sound.. silly, but I'd wanted to ask you, if it were at all possible.. See, I've a few pets at home, and I miss 'em.." Baker trailed off as he realized how completely rediculous he must have sounded.
Fallyn Padarn Salvador seemed to understand and find it quite endearing even. His smile softened though it was no less warm, causing creases to form at the corners of his lips "Please, take a seat. Would you like a cup of tea? or better yet, a hot chocolate." he turns to return to his seat leaving only one on the other side of the couch whilst his eagle sat in the middle ruffling its feathers and watching Thomas almost expectantly. "What pets do you have, might i ask?"
Thomas Baker managed a nervous half smile and compromised by perching on the armrest with his arms folded across his chest. "Sorry?" The question took him by surprise, and only after Salvador's reference to his menagerie did the professor visibly relax. "Tea, yes. And I've four. Two cats and two dogs." As he spoke, the professor withdrew the same sheet of photos he'd shown the group of students. Once again, his facial features melted into a smile, creases appearing at the corner of his eyes and overall looking much more at ease than he had at the start of the conversation. (>)
Thomas Baker, with the ever-present knowledge that this was his boss and not a peer, kept it brief, naming each in turn as he pointed to the photos. "I don't expect Darcy will be comfortable here, but the other three are quite well-mannered." As well-mannered as two cats and a corgi-in-a-hat could be, anyway.
Fallyn Padarn Salvador--The eagle seemed to get edgy as an arm went past its face to hand the photos across though Fallyn payed it no mind. He leans across and adjusts his glasses to look at the photos, smiling happily "Oh aren't they charming? Most certainly.. though if you are to have your friend Gatsby here he must act well around the students" he chuckles "Might i suggest investing in a house elf so that you have help looking after the dog whilst you're teaching in the day? speaking of which..." he leans forwards and opens his teapot to check inside before clapping his hands together twice "Gilbi?" he calls and in a snap a house elf appears, a rather bizzare looking elf with a tuft of brown hair on his head and very bright almost crazed amber eyes "Yes master Fallyn!?" he squeaks hoarsley and the headmaster smiles, putting a hand atop of the elfs head "Could you refil my teapot for me lad?" "Yes sir!" he squarks and disapears with the teapot, Fallyn chuckling. The harpy eagle was eyeing Baker-
Fallyn Padarn Salvador-very sharply with an almost dangerous look about it but eitherway the bird took two hobbling steps towards Thomas, leaning forwards to peck harmlessly though maybe painfully with its large, pointed beak at his arm "Rrrr..." it rumbles deep in its throat.
Thomas Baker watched the house elf with a faintly discomfited expression. Coming from a working-class background had left him with a reservation of what one could describe the 'finer things'. Such as hired help. "Gatsby's a cheeky fellow but he wouldn't harm a soul. Loves people." Tearing his eyes away from the elf's retreating form, the professor gave a shrug of his shoulders, adjusting his sitting position so that he could face the headmaster. "Oh, I dunno.. a house elf.. I s'pose." A sudden thought occured to him. "The old house that's down near the forest. Is it - " Whatever the man was to say next was quickly cut off by the presence of the eagle at his side. "Oh, hello there." Closed fist and crooked elbow extended tentatively toward the bird as a sort of peace offering.
Fallyn Padarn Salvador quirks a brow a little and smiles "The house is for the groundskeeper typically but it is free as of the moment. The groundskeeper position isnt all too different to your current job anyway, especially not with the centaurs how they are right now, we need someone keeping us in good relations with them. Our last CoMC professor had a way with them... they respected her above what they might normally with a witch or wizard" he takes a deep breath and sighs. "Ah i see you've caught Stratus's attention. He's very gentle, despite the weaponry, aren't you Stratus?" the bird croaked loudly in response and pushed past the fist and elbow to climb into Bakers lap. However the claws were very dangerously pressing through the fabric. Stratus seemed concious of his own talons and slowly settled to sit in a way that it wouldnt cause damage, sickeningly close to looking like a house cat... nowhere in the world would a bird of prey act like this! "Ah he likes you, i can see we will be getting on-
Fallyn Padarn Salvador--quite perfectly Thomas." The elf returned only a minute or so later with a refilled teapot and scurried over to the table to set it down, stopping to stare at Thomas with wide, curious eyes "Hello sir! Gilbi will pour your drink -for- you!" he exclaims and starts pouring both their teas.
Thomas Baker nodded and looked thoughtful. Thoughtful until Stratus perched upon his lap. A look of what could be described as terror appeared on the man's face as the bird made itself comfortable in the worst possible place. Green eyes widened with panic, though to his credit, the professor kept his poise as he gently stroked the bird's headfeathers with one index finger. "What a handsome chap", Baker crooned softly to the eagle, his eyes never leaving the fierce-looking talons. "I'd like that." The professor replied to the headmaster in his normal voice. "And I think the house'd be best overall for the animals, as me office isn't the best place for them. If you allow them here, of course." Baker added quickly. Don't count your chickens before they hatch.
Fallyn Padarn Salvador nods and smiles "Of course... you may aswell bring all of them if you're going to be out near the forest i dont see why not. I will need to introduce you to perhaps Damocles, our resident centaur and ...well of course you will have to stay on the sweet side of the centaurs at the moment. I should perhaps introduce you to the one they are following around, Rhodeseus" the eagles lower eyelids lift up and he seems to 'purr' deep in his throat, tilting his head side to side into the attention whilst the elf clambered up onto the sofa to sit where the eagle had been before, watching the two talk. Fallyn didnt seem to mind at all, obviously not your typical 'elf owner'.
Thomas Baker breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you!" An earnest declaration, as nothing thrilled him more than being reunited with his "children". It had been several months since he'd last seen them and the professor missed them terribly. Brow knitted as he managed a forced smile, even more painfully aware of the eagle on his lap than he had been a few moments earlier. Bloody hell can this bird be even bigger?! "So.." Now back to your reguarly scheduled programming. "About the centaurs. Is there anything I need to know? I don't have a lot of experience with them." Baker looked a little embarassed at the admission.
Fallyn Padarn Salvador smiles a bit "Theres not too much i can tell you, its something one needs to learn alone, though i suggest you get to know Damocles. The warriors may not talk, they're angered and crazed by changes in things we can never hope to feel as humans nor wizards" he sighs softly "I fear the cult are nearer than we know, we need to do something to keep the centaurs calm and out of the grasp of the Solari. They're ancient but the warriors are far too proud" he leans back and picks up his tea which seems to beckon the eagle to stand up rather suddenly, poking its claws tightly into Bakers lap without causing any damage other than soreness and it clambers heavily off him and hisses violently at the house elf who'd taken its place.
Thomas Baker made a sort of a strangled noise as the eagle took his leave. Eyes shut tightly in a grimace and using the deepest reserves of his self control he somehow managed to refrain from reacting in any further pain. If one could have heard his inner monologue, however, it would consist of filthy swear words and other such things. "Yes.. right. I'll do that." Baker struggled to compose himself while hiding his very clear discomfort at the same time. One leg crossed over the other as he hunched slightly forward, crossing his arms and clasping his hands tightly around his triceps. Way to go eagle-bird.
Fallyn Padarn Salvador gave Thomas a sympathetic raise of his bushy eyebrows before reaching to pull Gilbi onto his knee "Gilbi you know better than to bother Stratus, he takes small things very seriously" the elf grins dumbly and wraps his tiny arms around Fallyns arm in a sort of hug, getting a pat on the back in return "Ah, perhaps you'd like to meet Damocles? i can send for him and have him meet us in the library, or anywhere of your choice?"
Thomas Baker gave a restrained nod and carefully unfolded his body to stand upright. All right. Everything is in order. "That would be nice. Wherever.. Damocles.." The professor thought the name over as he spoke it. "..would be more comfortable, is all right by me. Nice to meet you Stratus." Baker added to the eagle, wincing at the sight of the bird's talons sinking into the couch cushions.
Fallyn Padarn Salvador finishes his tea quickly and stands, leaning down to kiss his bird fearlessly on the head whilst lifting Gilbi onto the floor "Thankyou Gilbi, ill see you later" he says and moves to his desk, pulling some parchment out and dipping a quill in the inkpot before writing a very quick note before opening his window and calling Stratus over to land on his right arm. The eagle does as it's told and flitters over heavily, landing and sinking its talons into the already torn up robe sleeve. Fallyn seemed to not notice and tied the note to the bird "Find Damocles." he murmurs and lets the eagle free out the window before turning and passing Thomas to head out the door and down the stairs slowly "Tell me Thomas, how have you been finding your stay here so far? i trust the students have been good to you?"
Thomas Baker stood dumbfounded for a moment or two before turning on his heel to whisk after the professor. Drawing level with the headmaster, he mulled over his answer, as was his habit, before replying in earnest. "It's been wonderful. Was strange, at first, coming back after so long." Baker drew back a pace or two and allowed the headmaster to take the stairs before him. "..but everyone's made me feel so welcome. Even the students." This was true, he thought to himself. Especially the group of students he'd met on the grounds.
Fallyn Padarn Salvador continues down the stairs at his own rather leisurely pace, tracing his fingers over the ancient brickwork "Im so happy to hear that, the slytherins though, true to type will most likely try to take advantage of you as a new teacher" he chuckles almost mischiveously at that "Dont let them of course. I look forwards to hearing about your lessons. I thought perhaps i might drop by for half a lesson to watch, ive always been so fond of animals" as they leave the statue he heads down the next set of stairs into the hall and stops in the middle of the room.
Thomas Baker descended the staircase just behind, grasping the railing to steady himself as he went. What a right prat he'd look if his awe of the headmaster resulted in a face plant down the stairs. "Yes, Muggle students are like that, too", he mused with a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. More-so come to think of it. He never felt as at-ease around his muggle charges than he had felt here thus far. Perhaps it was the familiarity of the school. Like a well-read book. When Salvador stopped, the professor did as well, looking around interestedly with his hands jammed into his pockets.
Fallyn Padarn Salvador looks around the room and peers momentarily towards the door as they stop "He should be here any moment" though the centaur wasn't nearby just yet. "You should ah, speak to our muggle studdies professor, Larus Pontin. You might find that you share much in common with eachother... he returned here after spending much of his life in the muggle world, he could use a friend who's a little more familiar with such things, as no one hes spoken to so far is im sure" he chuckles softly.
Thomas Baker nodded at the mention of Larus. From what he'd seen of the professor so far, it was a colleague he could get on well with. Only trouble was a particular professor of Potions. "Ehm, I dunno. He seems like a nice bloke, but.." He frowned in thought. It would not look very good on him to make a complaint about one of the more tenured professors. Even if she was nearly as frightening to him as those eagle claws had been.
Fallyn Padarn Salvador rose a brow and there was question in his eyes, lips parting as if to ask what the problem was but, thankfully intervention arrived and the large double doors to the entrance hall swung open. A tan skinned, dark brown furred centaur stepped into the hall with the heavy sound of hooves against stone. He lifts his troubled amber gaze to the two and crosses the hall slowly to come to their sides "Headmaster, Professor Baker" he greets and bows. Fallyn smiles and steps aside "Ah Damocles... Thomas here as you've heard is our new Care of Magical creatures professor and i'd very much like it if you spent some time with him, perhaps teaching him about the ways of your people, answering any questions"
Damocles seemed mildly insulted at the request as if it were tactless and Fallyn responded with an appologetic glance "And why, Baker, should i teach you, a human and a wizard, of the ways of my people? what proof is there that i can trust you?"
Thomas Baker tilted his head slightly to the side toward Salvador. Nervousness sparked in his eyes but he retained his practiced poker-face. Stiff upper lip and all that. Eyebrows flew upward as the headmaster mentioned him by name and he turned his head sharply toward the older man before looking back toward the centaur. Panic flared in his chest as the centaur questioned him. And rightly so. What proof -was- there? "I am sorry to disturb you", he began, a faint quaver to his voice, "I know I have not done anything to earn your trust. And I fully understand if you choose otherwise, but know that I respect all manner of beings, from the ones that dwell within the oceans to those which walk and talk among us. All I ask - " Baker had been edging imperceptibly closer to the centaur as he spoke. "Is to be given the chance to prove myself. I wish no creature - or being- any harm."
Fallyn Padarn Salvador looked nervous for the first time himself, stepping back as Damocles came forwards to talk.
The centaur stamped a hoof with a resounding CLOP against the marble floor and seemed to jump a bit on his front hooves, a deep rumble rising angrily in his throat though after a moment the man took a deep breath and walked a circle on the spot "Please... forgive me, i am not myself lately. The life force of this entire planet is warped... its making it so hard to think and concerntrate. I'd be happy to share with you my knowlege but you must earn it." he explains and leans down close to be face to face with Thomas "are you willing to work for it?"
Thomas Baker could not help but tilt his head backward away from the centaur as Damocles failed to acknowledge the human need for personal space. "Y-yes", he stammered, noting not for the first time the sheer power and strength contained in the being. "I promise. On my life." His heart hammered in his chest and beads of sweat formed at his temples as he struggled to retain his composure. It took tremendous effort to keep himself from backing away and making an exit.
Damocles looked directly into Thomas's eyes with all the beauty and danger of a wild animal, amber like a wolfs. "On your life? such a bold promise for a wizard... i do hope you can live up to it. You see, life in the castle is hard for me, i find myself requiring help from time to time... perhaps if you could make my life a little easier i will grant you with the knowledge you seek. The more you help me, the more i help you... a fair exchange" he stands back and straightens up, squaring his shoulders and rippling the muscles on the horse side of his body, causing a dangerous shimmer to pass over the glossy fur, it was as if he was demonstrating his muscle to assert his right to be here or feign off a challenge, poor man had had his world changed alot for him to have to live inside a castle as it was.
Thomas Baker swallowed hard and made a soft, involuntary noise akin to a squeak. Dear Lord what had he gotten himself into? "I..I will do what I can." Curiosity on exactly what the centaur wanted burned within but nothing on earth could cause him to bring voice to that question. Not with several hundred pounds of muscle and sinew towering well above his head and liable to strike him down if he said the wrong thing. Baker dared to turn his head and glance in Salvador's direction; in all the commotion he'd nearly forgotten the headmaster was there.
Fallyn Padarn Salvador clears his throat and smiles "I shall leave you two to get to know eachother then" he says happily and turns with a swipe of his robes to head back up the stairs back towards his office without even letting Thomas retort.
Damocles seemed confused about it but he assumed the human was trying to be either mysterious or leave the Baker fellow where he thought he needed to be. --
Larus Pontin. Out of the greathall, carrying a sandwich in hand, beef and horseraddish infact! He wasnt of course watching where he was going, head turned to look back towards the hall "Yeah i'll see you tomorrow" he calls back and walks straight into the centaurs ass and staggers back a bit, looking ahead and raising a brow at the horse ass infront of him. Damocles shut his eyes and tightened his jaw, fists tightening as if it took every ounce of self control not to kick. Larus coughs and moves around, giving Damocles a pat on the side "Sorry! didnt mean to walk into your bum like that." he looks around the side of the- centaur and raises his brows as he notices Thomas, smiling and giving a wave "Ah! i havent had the pleasure of speaking to you yet! Welcome to the school"
Damocles seemed to be darkening from cheeks to neck, boiling over temper-wise.
Thomas Baker watched Salvador go, a brief "help me" expression on his face, before turning back to face the centaur. Pontin's antics played out in front of his eyes as if in slow motion. He didn't. Looking aghast, the professor could do little else but gape stupidly; quite unlike the ever-together face he preferred to put on. Oh my god, he did.
Larus Pontin glances to the side at the human part of Damocles' back where it joined the horse body, squinting as if trying to figure out how that worked... did it feel like it was just above his ass or did it feel like mid-back? he couldnt imagine at all how any of it worked. He looks up to Damocles' face and smiles "Havent quite spoken to you since you arrived Damocles, i hope everythings alright... dont you need some clothes? i could try and get some mad-"
Damocles cut him off sharply with the stamping of both feet, breathing heavily through his teeth "Show some respect in the presence of a warrior human, the only reason i do not enforce it within you is because i wish to stay here and not be put down like the animal the ministry seem to think i am" he spits out venemously and starts rearing up on his hind legs.
Larus Pontin raises both brows "Oh i meant no disrespect! i just thought you'd want your dangly bits covered. Baker wasnt it?" he turns his attention back to Thomas and offers a hand across to him, despite the rearing up centaur.
Thomas Baker, before he knew what he was doing, strode sideways to come between the muggle studies professor and the increasingly more angry centaur. "Larus!" Green eyes smoldered with anger as he glared at the professor. Not noticing Damocles just behind him.
Larus Pontin frowns a bit as he's challenged, finally coming around a bit at the anger "What? I just appologised and offered a service, what have i done wrong now? he could have just said no and left it at that!" he exclaims, looking towards Damocles only to see a hoof coming towards them or rather at the back of Bakers head. He grabs the man and yanks him down to the side in one burst of strength "look out!" he cries and the hoof whizzes past far too close for comfort "I'm sorry i bumped into you! i was just eating a sandwich!" The centaur seems to have an unnatural amount of trouble calming down and stamps both hooves against the marble before turning and pacing in circles.
Thomas Baker stumbled sideways and fell to the ground as Pontin yanked him aside. Landing awkwardly on one knee, he gasped in a moan of pain and swore under his breath. Gryffindors were always the same no matter how much time had passed. Still, Larus had prevented him from being on the receiving end of some serious hurt. Baker supposed he must be thankful, though Damocles ire would not have been raised had it not been for Pontin's arrival in the first place. Hitching a cheery grin on his face and managing to clamber to his feet, Baker strode toward Larus and briefly clasped his arm in an amicable way. "What a joker. That Larus." Nervous laughter would follow as he watched the centaur pace around the hall. He met the Muggle Studies' professor's gaze with a clear 'Let me handle it' conveyed in his expression.
Larus Pontin raises a brow and leans towards Baker "But i honestly meant my offer for getting him clothes, atleast a loincloth surely" he whispers and luckily it was missed by the Centaur.
Damocles seemed to calm down and brought a hand to his forehead "I cannot control myself... how am i to live here if i cannot stay calm. I'm not myself Baker, you will have to forgive my behaviour" a centaur, honestly appologising, he did spare Larus an irritated glance "Please do not test my patience again."
Thomas Baker allowed himself to breathe a sigh of relief. They'd managed to diffuse the situation without getting themselves killed. That was certainly cause to celebrate, but it was not quite over. "There's no need to apologize. Really. It couldn't be helped." If I was a centaur in this situation I'd probably do the same. Larus' cheap comment was rewarded with a sideways glare from the professor.
Larus Pontin grimaces at the second glare and finally gets the hint. He hadnt been trying to be cheap, he was genuinely confused about what he'd done wrong. --
Damocles huffs and turns towards the doors "Anyway i must go now...you will find me this evening Baker, you wont need to look hard" he explains and heads out of the building, dragging his hooves across the marble floor a little. Larus seems to be very much disheartened and turns towards the stairs aswell without another word, heading straight for them to climb them slowly.
Thomas Baker watched the centaur go in silence. Once sure that Damocles had gone, the professor visibly relaxed. Head tilted back and eyes closed as he expelled a deep sigh of relief. "That was braci - Larus?" Opening his eyes he managed to catch he hem of Pontin's cloak whisking out of sight as the Muggle Studies professor headed up the stairs. "Wait." Baker made to trot after him , limping slightly on one leg and taking the stairs more slowly than usual.
Larus Pontin slows down as he's asked to wait, turning his head to look back at the CoMC professor as he came to catch up with him. He finally stops after noticing the slight limp and sighs "What is it?" he asks, a little cold in comparison to his far different, eccentric and jolly demeanor, though the coldness somehow didnt feel directed at Thomas.
Thomas Baker managed to mount the stairs with some difficulty. Another reminder that he wasn't as young as he used to be. Shaking it off, the man leaned over the rail, elbows propping him up as he looked through the sliver of a doorway that had been left open at the centaur's departure. "I wanted to apologize." The man looked sideways at his colleague, looking subdued. "It was.. a.. a tense scene.. but I'd no right to speak to you as I did."
Larus Pontin turns to face Baker directly and the coldness sinks away from his face and disolves into a look of sadness "Oh no its quite alright... everyone knows good old goofy Larus, doesnt know jack papaya about the wizarding world. Might aswell be a squib they say." he says with a slight waver to his voice as he comes to lean on the railings beside Thomas "Im just an old fool with no magical skill whatsoever. Ive no right to be here."
Thomas Baker listened to Larus' lament in silence. All of his own fears regarding his own right to be here resurfaced as Pontin put voice to his own inner musings. "You know", he murmured, still looking across the entrance hall. "I spent the better part of my life as a Muggle. Running from my past while knowing all along that I was meant to be a wizard. Meant to be here. I just couldn't admit it to myself." He had now turned to face the other way, his back against the railing and head turned toward Pontin. "Everyone belongs here, whether they know it or not. Even "talentless squibs". The insult that Pontin had spoken so negatively was given an altogether different spin by Baker, interjected with a half-amused, half-wry chuckle.
Larus Pontin lifts his brows to look towards Baker and seems supprised momentarily at what he'd said, sinking down against the railings some more "You? spent time with muggles?" he says almost disbelievingly "I ...well when i was young i ended up cursed or whatever by a boy in my dorms's father.. see my father was running for minister and someone didnt want him there... ended up poisoning me with something and i was in hospital for years" he sighs "By the time i got out it was pointless coming back, i went to make my own way in london"
Thomas Baker stared upward, his eyes fixed on some crack or crevice that was in the ancient brickwork. He listened in silence, green eyes distant, as if seeing some other time or place. Memories swam in front of him like silver fish; the death of his father. His wife, walking out on him. The death of his mother from some disease of magical origin. Lips pursed in thought, he offered a vague nod. It would be some time before he spoke. "Me father was a Muggle," he began, still gazing at that one spot, voice quiet and hoarse in its inflection. "Walked out on me mum when he found out she was a wizard. Never saw him again." (>)
Thomas Baker gave an involuntary twitch of his shoulders. "Not until she found him, on our doorstep. Dead. Killed by a wizard. I'd wanted nothing to do with magic after that, but Hogwarts beckoned, and my mother would have been torn to bits had I not gone." Some part of Baker felt relieved at sharing what he had never mentioned to anyone. Not even his closest peers. "She died, right after I graduated. Went to live as a muggle. Got married.. we were happy then.." Baker shut his eyes and allowed his sentence to trail off into silence, the last word choked and strained.
Larus Pontin's brows knitt together and he very quickly looks saddened at the tale, listening in silence. He felt very strongly for the man as he heard him choke, reaching out to put it on Thomas's back, giving a firm but comforting rub "I'm sorry to hear... life in the muggle world through out a melee of problems for me... but i cant imagine .." he trails off and gives Baker a squeeze on the shoulder, not too worried about keeping up some rediculous macho appearance.
Thomas Baker finally looked away from the surely-extremely-interesting wall speck he'd been so intent on staring at. Squeeze was returned in kind as the man clasped his colleague's shoulder. "What's done is done", he muttered, with a half-hearted shrug of his shoulders. "Important thing now is to encourage the students of today to be the leaders of tommorow. Which sounds like even more incredibly rubbish than it did in me head." Baker gave a warm chuckle, looking substantially more cheerful.
Larus Pontin shakes his head and smiles wearily "What's done is done, but what's there is always there. Its...good of you to come back here. It was hard for me too.. i cant even make water come out of my wand...though i can do something that could put me in Azkaban" he chuckles and glances side to side nervously but in a jokey sort of way "and yes that was pretty terrible... ive said far worse of course." he turns sharply and then grunts as his back makes an almighty click "...i dont feel so alone knowing about your own muggle connections. Perhaps you could join me for a drink one evening?" he says with a warm smile.
Thomas Baker's smile faltered a notch or two at Larus' invitation. There was certainly a strong connection between the two and the professor could certainly see a friendship blossoming. However trying that Pontin could be at times. There was just the one problem that he would never be able to explain. Oh, yeah. About that? Well I am scared to death of your wife who I am fairly certain feels strongly about hexing me to oblivion. Instead, he responded with a friendly "That would be wonderful."
Of Eagles and Bromance, Centaurs and Exposition
STARRING:
Thomas Baker
Fallyn Salvador
Archer Damocles
Larus Pontin
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Thomas Baker hesitated with the palm of his hand hovering a mere several centimeters over the door handle. Here he was, only having been hired for a short time, and he already had a request for the headmaster. Steeling himself, the man wrenched open the handle and stood, checking on the threshhold. "Headmaster?" Baker peered curiously into the spacious room. As a student, he'd never done anything quite so disorderly to merit being sent to the Headmaster's office. An expression bordering on awe crossed his features as he glanced around him. The years peeled away and he was his eleven year old self, awestruck by the presence of such a fabled wizard.
Fallyn Padarn Salvador was in the next room to the entry part and as he heard the door and his name called he looked up, as did the eagle that was sat quite clumsily on the couch beside him. He'd been reading a letter with some difficulty, squinting through his glasses whilst Stratus had shifted from foot to foot watching him with an almost constantly intense look about him from the way the eagles brows were formed, very simelar to that of an albatross, but angrier. "Hello?" he calls out and sets the letter down, carefully stepping past the huge bird and crossing the room to the doorway. On seeing Professor Baker a warm smile cracked its way across his lips and he gestured outwards in a welcoming way "Ah Thomas! please, come in" he wheezes and motions towards the couch where the very unimpressed eagle tilted its head upside down to stare at the doorway, letting out a lingering hiss. "By all means, help yourself to some chocolates" he offers and motions then to a circular box on the table full of silky chocolates and truffles from belgium.
Thomas Baker approached, stopping several paces from where Salvador stood. "Thank you", he murmured, with a brief, nervous averting of his eyes. There was nothing quite as intimidating to a student - former or no - than being the sole company of the Headmaster. "I.. I've been meaning to ask.. if it's not too much trouble.." Baker stammered and glanced at his shoes. Why is this so bloody -difficult- ? Taking a breath, and looking toward the eagle as a means of steadying himself, he took another step closer to the Headmaster while keeping a respectful distance. "It's.. well. This might sound.. silly, but I'd wanted to ask you, if it were at all possible.. See, I've a few pets at home, and I miss 'em.." Baker trailed off as he realized how completely rediculous he must have sounded.
Fallyn Padarn Salvador seemed to understand and find it quite endearing even. His smile softened though it was no less warm, causing creases to form at the corners of his lips "Please, take a seat. Would you like a cup of tea? or better yet, a hot chocolate." he turns to return to his seat leaving only one on the other side of the couch whilst his eagle sat in the middle ruffling its feathers and watching Thomas almost expectantly. "What pets do you have, might i ask?"
Thomas Baker managed a nervous half smile and compromised by perching on the armrest with his arms folded across his chest. "Sorry?" The question took him by surprise, and only after Salvador's reference to his menagerie did the professor visibly relax. "Tea, yes. And I've four. Two cats and two dogs." As he spoke, the professor withdrew the same sheet of photos he'd shown the group of students. Once again, his facial features melted into a smile, creases appearing at the corner of his eyes and overall looking much more at ease than he had at the start of the conversation. (>)
Thomas Baker, with the ever-present knowledge that this was his boss and not a peer, kept it brief, naming each in turn as he pointed to the photos. "I don't expect Darcy will be comfortable here, but the other three are quite well-mannered." As well-mannered as two cats and a corgi-in-a-hat could be, anyway.
Fallyn Padarn Salvador--The eagle seemed to get edgy as an arm went past its face to hand the photos across though Fallyn payed it no mind. He leans across and adjusts his glasses to look at the photos, smiling happily "Oh aren't they charming? Most certainly.. though if you are to have your friend Gatsby here he must act well around the students" he chuckles "Might i suggest investing in a house elf so that you have help looking after the dog whilst you're teaching in the day? speaking of which..." he leans forwards and opens his teapot to check inside before clapping his hands together twice "Gilbi?" he calls and in a snap a house elf appears, a rather bizzare looking elf with a tuft of brown hair on his head and very bright almost crazed amber eyes "Yes master Fallyn!?" he squeaks hoarsley and the headmaster smiles, putting a hand atop of the elfs head "Could you refil my teapot for me lad?" "Yes sir!" he squarks and disapears with the teapot, Fallyn chuckling. The harpy eagle was eyeing Baker-
Fallyn Padarn Salvador-very sharply with an almost dangerous look about it but eitherway the bird took two hobbling steps towards Thomas, leaning forwards to peck harmlessly though maybe painfully with its large, pointed beak at his arm "Rrrr..." it rumbles deep in its throat.
Thomas Baker watched the house elf with a faintly discomfited expression. Coming from a working-class background had left him with a reservation of what one could describe the 'finer things'. Such as hired help. "Gatsby's a cheeky fellow but he wouldn't harm a soul. Loves people." Tearing his eyes away from the elf's retreating form, the professor gave a shrug of his shoulders, adjusting his sitting position so that he could face the headmaster. "Oh, I dunno.. a house elf.. I s'pose." A sudden thought occured to him. "The old house that's down near the forest. Is it - " Whatever the man was to say next was quickly cut off by the presence of the eagle at his side. "Oh, hello there." Closed fist and crooked elbow extended tentatively toward the bird as a sort of peace offering.
Fallyn Padarn Salvador quirks a brow a little and smiles "The house is for the groundskeeper typically but it is free as of the moment. The groundskeeper position isnt all too different to your current job anyway, especially not with the centaurs how they are right now, we need someone keeping us in good relations with them. Our last CoMC professor had a way with them... they respected her above what they might normally with a witch or wizard" he takes a deep breath and sighs. "Ah i see you've caught Stratus's attention. He's very gentle, despite the weaponry, aren't you Stratus?" the bird croaked loudly in response and pushed past the fist and elbow to climb into Bakers lap. However the claws were very dangerously pressing through the fabric. Stratus seemed concious of his own talons and slowly settled to sit in a way that it wouldnt cause damage, sickeningly close to looking like a house cat... nowhere in the world would a bird of prey act like this! "Ah he likes you, i can see we will be getting on-
Fallyn Padarn Salvador--quite perfectly Thomas." The elf returned only a minute or so later with a refilled teapot and scurried over to the table to set it down, stopping to stare at Thomas with wide, curious eyes "Hello sir! Gilbi will pour your drink -for- you!" he exclaims and starts pouring both their teas.
Thomas Baker nodded and looked thoughtful. Thoughtful until Stratus perched upon his lap. A look of what could be described as terror appeared on the man's face as the bird made itself comfortable in the worst possible place. Green eyes widened with panic, though to his credit, the professor kept his poise as he gently stroked the bird's headfeathers with one index finger. "What a handsome chap", Baker crooned softly to the eagle, his eyes never leaving the fierce-looking talons. "I'd like that." The professor replied to the headmaster in his normal voice. "And I think the house'd be best overall for the animals, as me office isn't the best place for them. If you allow them here, of course." Baker added quickly. Don't count your chickens before they hatch.
Fallyn Padarn Salvador nods and smiles "Of course... you may aswell bring all of them if you're going to be out near the forest i dont see why not. I will need to introduce you to perhaps Damocles, our resident centaur and ...well of course you will have to stay on the sweet side of the centaurs at the moment. I should perhaps introduce you to the one they are following around, Rhodeseus" the eagles lower eyelids lift up and he seems to 'purr' deep in his throat, tilting his head side to side into the attention whilst the elf clambered up onto the sofa to sit where the eagle had been before, watching the two talk. Fallyn didnt seem to mind at all, obviously not your typical 'elf owner'.
Thomas Baker breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you!" An earnest declaration, as nothing thrilled him more than being reunited with his "children". It had been several months since he'd last seen them and the professor missed them terribly. Brow knitted as he managed a forced smile, even more painfully aware of the eagle on his lap than he had been a few moments earlier. Bloody hell can this bird be even bigger?! "So.." Now back to your reguarly scheduled programming. "About the centaurs. Is there anything I need to know? I don't have a lot of experience with them." Baker looked a little embarassed at the admission.
Fallyn Padarn Salvador smiles a bit "Theres not too much i can tell you, its something one needs to learn alone, though i suggest you get to know Damocles. The warriors may not talk, they're angered and crazed by changes in things we can never hope to feel as humans nor wizards" he sighs softly "I fear the cult are nearer than we know, we need to do something to keep the centaurs calm and out of the grasp of the Solari. They're ancient but the warriors are far too proud" he leans back and picks up his tea which seems to beckon the eagle to stand up rather suddenly, poking its claws tightly into Bakers lap without causing any damage other than soreness and it clambers heavily off him and hisses violently at the house elf who'd taken its place.
Thomas Baker made a sort of a strangled noise as the eagle took his leave. Eyes shut tightly in a grimace and using the deepest reserves of his self control he somehow managed to refrain from reacting in any further pain. If one could have heard his inner monologue, however, it would consist of filthy swear words and other such things. "Yes.. right. I'll do that." Baker struggled to compose himself while hiding his very clear discomfort at the same time. One leg crossed over the other as he hunched slightly forward, crossing his arms and clasping his hands tightly around his triceps. Way to go eagle-bird.
Fallyn Padarn Salvador gave Thomas a sympathetic raise of his bushy eyebrows before reaching to pull Gilbi onto his knee "Gilbi you know better than to bother Stratus, he takes small things very seriously" the elf grins dumbly and wraps his tiny arms around Fallyns arm in a sort of hug, getting a pat on the back in return "Ah, perhaps you'd like to meet Damocles? i can send for him and have him meet us in the library, or anywhere of your choice?"
Thomas Baker gave a restrained nod and carefully unfolded his body to stand upright. All right. Everything is in order. "That would be nice. Wherever.. Damocles.." The professor thought the name over as he spoke it. "..would be more comfortable, is all right by me. Nice to meet you Stratus." Baker added to the eagle, wincing at the sight of the bird's talons sinking into the couch cushions.
Fallyn Padarn Salvador finishes his tea quickly and stands, leaning down to kiss his bird fearlessly on the head whilst lifting Gilbi onto the floor "Thankyou Gilbi, ill see you later" he says and moves to his desk, pulling some parchment out and dipping a quill in the inkpot before writing a very quick note before opening his window and calling Stratus over to land on his right arm. The eagle does as it's told and flitters over heavily, landing and sinking its talons into the already torn up robe sleeve. Fallyn seemed to not notice and tied the note to the bird "Find Damocles." he murmurs and lets the eagle free out the window before turning and passing Thomas to head out the door and down the stairs slowly "Tell me Thomas, how have you been finding your stay here so far? i trust the students have been good to you?"
Thomas Baker stood dumbfounded for a moment or two before turning on his heel to whisk after the professor. Drawing level with the headmaster, he mulled over his answer, as was his habit, before replying in earnest. "It's been wonderful. Was strange, at first, coming back after so long." Baker drew back a pace or two and allowed the headmaster to take the stairs before him. "..but everyone's made me feel so welcome. Even the students." This was true, he thought to himself. Especially the group of students he'd met on the grounds.
Fallyn Padarn Salvador continues down the stairs at his own rather leisurely pace, tracing his fingers over the ancient brickwork "Im so happy to hear that, the slytherins though, true to type will most likely try to take advantage of you as a new teacher" he chuckles almost mischiveously at that "Dont let them of course. I look forwards to hearing about your lessons. I thought perhaps i might drop by for half a lesson to watch, ive always been so fond of animals" as they leave the statue he heads down the next set of stairs into the hall and stops in the middle of the room.
Thomas Baker descended the staircase just behind, grasping the railing to steady himself as he went. What a right prat he'd look if his awe of the headmaster resulted in a face plant down the stairs. "Yes, Muggle students are like that, too", he mused with a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. More-so come to think of it. He never felt as at-ease around his muggle charges than he had felt here thus far. Perhaps it was the familiarity of the school. Like a well-read book. When Salvador stopped, the professor did as well, looking around interestedly with his hands jammed into his pockets.
Fallyn Padarn Salvador looks around the room and peers momentarily towards the door as they stop "He should be here any moment" though the centaur wasn't nearby just yet. "You should ah, speak to our muggle studdies professor, Larus Pontin. You might find that you share much in common with eachother... he returned here after spending much of his life in the muggle world, he could use a friend who's a little more familiar with such things, as no one hes spoken to so far is im sure" he chuckles softly.
Thomas Baker nodded at the mention of Larus. From what he'd seen of the professor so far, it was a colleague he could get on well with. Only trouble was a particular professor of Potions. "Ehm, I dunno. He seems like a nice bloke, but.." He frowned in thought. It would not look very good on him to make a complaint about one of the more tenured professors. Even if she was nearly as frightening to him as those eagle claws had been.
Fallyn Padarn Salvador rose a brow and there was question in his eyes, lips parting as if to ask what the problem was but, thankfully intervention arrived and the large double doors to the entrance hall swung open. A tan skinned, dark brown furred centaur stepped into the hall with the heavy sound of hooves against stone. He lifts his troubled amber gaze to the two and crosses the hall slowly to come to their sides "Headmaster, Professor Baker" he greets and bows. Fallyn smiles and steps aside "Ah Damocles... Thomas here as you've heard is our new Care of Magical creatures professor and i'd very much like it if you spent some time with him, perhaps teaching him about the ways of your people, answering any questions"
Damocles seemed mildly insulted at the request as if it were tactless and Fallyn responded with an appologetic glance "And why, Baker, should i teach you, a human and a wizard, of the ways of my people? what proof is there that i can trust you?"
Thomas Baker tilted his head slightly to the side toward Salvador. Nervousness sparked in his eyes but he retained his practiced poker-face. Stiff upper lip and all that. Eyebrows flew upward as the headmaster mentioned him by name and he turned his head sharply toward the older man before looking back toward the centaur. Panic flared in his chest as the centaur questioned him. And rightly so. What proof -was- there? "I am sorry to disturb you", he began, a faint quaver to his voice, "I know I have not done anything to earn your trust. And I fully understand if you choose otherwise, but know that I respect all manner of beings, from the ones that dwell within the oceans to those which walk and talk among us. All I ask - " Baker had been edging imperceptibly closer to the centaur as he spoke. "Is to be given the chance to prove myself. I wish no creature - or being- any harm."
Fallyn Padarn Salvador looked nervous for the first time himself, stepping back as Damocles came forwards to talk.
The centaur stamped a hoof with a resounding CLOP against the marble floor and seemed to jump a bit on his front hooves, a deep rumble rising angrily in his throat though after a moment the man took a deep breath and walked a circle on the spot "Please... forgive me, i am not myself lately. The life force of this entire planet is warped... its making it so hard to think and concerntrate. I'd be happy to share with you my knowlege but you must earn it." he explains and leans down close to be face to face with Thomas "are you willing to work for it?"
Thomas Baker could not help but tilt his head backward away from the centaur as Damocles failed to acknowledge the human need for personal space. "Y-yes", he stammered, noting not for the first time the sheer power and strength contained in the being. "I promise. On my life." His heart hammered in his chest and beads of sweat formed at his temples as he struggled to retain his composure. It took tremendous effort to keep himself from backing away and making an exit.
Damocles looked directly into Thomas's eyes with all the beauty and danger of a wild animal, amber like a wolfs. "On your life? such a bold promise for a wizard... i do hope you can live up to it. You see, life in the castle is hard for me, i find myself requiring help from time to time... perhaps if you could make my life a little easier i will grant you with the knowledge you seek. The more you help me, the more i help you... a fair exchange" he stands back and straightens up, squaring his shoulders and rippling the muscles on the horse side of his body, causing a dangerous shimmer to pass over the glossy fur, it was as if he was demonstrating his muscle to assert his right to be here or feign off a challenge, poor man had had his world changed alot for him to have to live inside a castle as it was.
Thomas Baker swallowed hard and made a soft, involuntary noise akin to a squeak. Dear Lord what had he gotten himself into? "I..I will do what I can." Curiosity on exactly what the centaur wanted burned within but nothing on earth could cause him to bring voice to that question. Not with several hundred pounds of muscle and sinew towering well above his head and liable to strike him down if he said the wrong thing. Baker dared to turn his head and glance in Salvador's direction; in all the commotion he'd nearly forgotten the headmaster was there.
Fallyn Padarn Salvador clears his throat and smiles "I shall leave you two to get to know eachother then" he says happily and turns with a swipe of his robes to head back up the stairs back towards his office without even letting Thomas retort.
Damocles seemed confused about it but he assumed the human was trying to be either mysterious or leave the Baker fellow where he thought he needed to be. --
Larus Pontin. Out of the greathall, carrying a sandwich in hand, beef and horseraddish infact! He wasnt of course watching where he was going, head turned to look back towards the hall "Yeah i'll see you tomorrow" he calls back and walks straight into the centaurs ass and staggers back a bit, looking ahead and raising a brow at the horse ass infront of him. Damocles shut his eyes and tightened his jaw, fists tightening as if it took every ounce of self control not to kick. Larus coughs and moves around, giving Damocles a pat on the side "Sorry! didnt mean to walk into your bum like that." he looks around the side of the- centaur and raises his brows as he notices Thomas, smiling and giving a wave "Ah! i havent had the pleasure of speaking to you yet! Welcome to the school"
Damocles seemed to be darkening from cheeks to neck, boiling over temper-wise.
Thomas Baker watched Salvador go, a brief "help me" expression on his face, before turning back to face the centaur. Pontin's antics played out in front of his eyes as if in slow motion. He didn't. Looking aghast, the professor could do little else but gape stupidly; quite unlike the ever-together face he preferred to put on. Oh my god, he did.
Larus Pontin glances to the side at the human part of Damocles' back where it joined the horse body, squinting as if trying to figure out how that worked... did it feel like it was just above his ass or did it feel like mid-back? he couldnt imagine at all how any of it worked. He looks up to Damocles' face and smiles "Havent quite spoken to you since you arrived Damocles, i hope everythings alright... dont you need some clothes? i could try and get some mad-"
Damocles cut him off sharply with the stamping of both feet, breathing heavily through his teeth "Show some respect in the presence of a warrior human, the only reason i do not enforce it within you is because i wish to stay here and not be put down like the animal the ministry seem to think i am" he spits out venemously and starts rearing up on his hind legs.
Larus Pontin raises both brows "Oh i meant no disrespect! i just thought you'd want your dangly bits covered. Baker wasnt it?" he turns his attention back to Thomas and offers a hand across to him, despite the rearing up centaur.
Thomas Baker, before he knew what he was doing, strode sideways to come between the muggle studies professor and the increasingly more angry centaur. "Larus!" Green eyes smoldered with anger as he glared at the professor. Not noticing Damocles just behind him.
Larus Pontin frowns a bit as he's challenged, finally coming around a bit at the anger "What? I just appologised and offered a service, what have i done wrong now? he could have just said no and left it at that!" he exclaims, looking towards Damocles only to see a hoof coming towards them or rather at the back of Bakers head. He grabs the man and yanks him down to the side in one burst of strength "look out!" he cries and the hoof whizzes past far too close for comfort "I'm sorry i bumped into you! i was just eating a sandwich!" The centaur seems to have an unnatural amount of trouble calming down and stamps both hooves against the marble before turning and pacing in circles.
Thomas Baker stumbled sideways and fell to the ground as Pontin yanked him aside. Landing awkwardly on one knee, he gasped in a moan of pain and swore under his breath. Gryffindors were always the same no matter how much time had passed. Still, Larus had prevented him from being on the receiving end of some serious hurt. Baker supposed he must be thankful, though Damocles ire would not have been raised had it not been for Pontin's arrival in the first place. Hitching a cheery grin on his face and managing to clamber to his feet, Baker strode toward Larus and briefly clasped his arm in an amicable way. "What a joker. That Larus." Nervous laughter would follow as he watched the centaur pace around the hall. He met the Muggle Studies' professor's gaze with a clear 'Let me handle it' conveyed in his expression.
Larus Pontin raises a brow and leans towards Baker "But i honestly meant my offer for getting him clothes, atleast a loincloth surely" he whispers and luckily it was missed by the Centaur.
Damocles seemed to calm down and brought a hand to his forehead "I cannot control myself... how am i to live here if i cannot stay calm. I'm not myself Baker, you will have to forgive my behaviour" a centaur, honestly appologising, he did spare Larus an irritated glance "Please do not test my patience again."
Thomas Baker allowed himself to breathe a sigh of relief. They'd managed to diffuse the situation without getting themselves killed. That was certainly cause to celebrate, but it was not quite over. "There's no need to apologize. Really. It couldn't be helped." If I was a centaur in this situation I'd probably do the same. Larus' cheap comment was rewarded with a sideways glare from the professor.
Larus Pontin grimaces at the second glare and finally gets the hint. He hadnt been trying to be cheap, he was genuinely confused about what he'd done wrong. --
Damocles huffs and turns towards the doors "Anyway i must go now...you will find me this evening Baker, you wont need to look hard" he explains and heads out of the building, dragging his hooves across the marble floor a little. Larus seems to be very much disheartened and turns towards the stairs aswell without another word, heading straight for them to climb them slowly.
Thomas Baker watched the centaur go in silence. Once sure that Damocles had gone, the professor visibly relaxed. Head tilted back and eyes closed as he expelled a deep sigh of relief. "That was braci - Larus?" Opening his eyes he managed to catch he hem of Pontin's cloak whisking out of sight as the Muggle Studies professor headed up the stairs. "Wait." Baker made to trot after him , limping slightly on one leg and taking the stairs more slowly than usual.
Larus Pontin slows down as he's asked to wait, turning his head to look back at the CoMC professor as he came to catch up with him. He finally stops after noticing the slight limp and sighs "What is it?" he asks, a little cold in comparison to his far different, eccentric and jolly demeanor, though the coldness somehow didnt feel directed at Thomas.
Thomas Baker managed to mount the stairs with some difficulty. Another reminder that he wasn't as young as he used to be. Shaking it off, the man leaned over the rail, elbows propping him up as he looked through the sliver of a doorway that had been left open at the centaur's departure. "I wanted to apologize." The man looked sideways at his colleague, looking subdued. "It was.. a.. a tense scene.. but I'd no right to speak to you as I did."
Larus Pontin turns to face Baker directly and the coldness sinks away from his face and disolves into a look of sadness "Oh no its quite alright... everyone knows good old goofy Larus, doesnt know jack papaya about the wizarding world. Might aswell be a squib they say." he says with a slight waver to his voice as he comes to lean on the railings beside Thomas "Im just an old fool with no magical skill whatsoever. Ive no right to be here."
Thomas Baker listened to Larus' lament in silence. All of his own fears regarding his own right to be here resurfaced as Pontin put voice to his own inner musings. "You know", he murmured, still looking across the entrance hall. "I spent the better part of my life as a Muggle. Running from my past while knowing all along that I was meant to be a wizard. Meant to be here. I just couldn't admit it to myself." He had now turned to face the other way, his back against the railing and head turned toward Pontin. "Everyone belongs here, whether they know it or not. Even "talentless squibs". The insult that Pontin had spoken so negatively was given an altogether different spin by Baker, interjected with a half-amused, half-wry chuckle.
Larus Pontin lifts his brows to look towards Baker and seems supprised momentarily at what he'd said, sinking down against the railings some more "You? spent time with muggles?" he says almost disbelievingly "I ...well when i was young i ended up cursed or whatever by a boy in my dorms's father.. see my father was running for minister and someone didnt want him there... ended up poisoning me with something and i was in hospital for years" he sighs "By the time i got out it was pointless coming back, i went to make my own way in london"
Thomas Baker stared upward, his eyes fixed on some crack or crevice that was in the ancient brickwork. He listened in silence, green eyes distant, as if seeing some other time or place. Memories swam in front of him like silver fish; the death of his father. His wife, walking out on him. The death of his mother from some disease of magical origin. Lips pursed in thought, he offered a vague nod. It would be some time before he spoke. "Me father was a Muggle," he began, still gazing at that one spot, voice quiet and hoarse in its inflection. "Walked out on me mum when he found out she was a wizard. Never saw him again." (>)
Thomas Baker gave an involuntary twitch of his shoulders. "Not until she found him, on our doorstep. Dead. Killed by a wizard. I'd wanted nothing to do with magic after that, but Hogwarts beckoned, and my mother would have been torn to bits had I not gone." Some part of Baker felt relieved at sharing what he had never mentioned to anyone. Not even his closest peers. "She died, right after I graduated. Went to live as a muggle. Got married.. we were happy then.." Baker shut his eyes and allowed his sentence to trail off into silence, the last word choked and strained.
Larus Pontin's brows knitt together and he very quickly looks saddened at the tale, listening in silence. He felt very strongly for the man as he heard him choke, reaching out to put it on Thomas's back, giving a firm but comforting rub "I'm sorry to hear... life in the muggle world through out a melee of problems for me... but i cant imagine .." he trails off and gives Baker a squeeze on the shoulder, not too worried about keeping up some rediculous macho appearance.
Thomas Baker finally looked away from the surely-extremely-interesting wall speck he'd been so intent on staring at. Squeeze was returned in kind as the man clasped his colleague's shoulder. "What's done is done", he muttered, with a half-hearted shrug of his shoulders. "Important thing now is to encourage the students of today to be the leaders of tommorow. Which sounds like even more incredibly rubbish than it did in me head." Baker gave a warm chuckle, looking substantially more cheerful.
Larus Pontin shakes his head and smiles wearily "What's done is done, but what's there is always there. Its...good of you to come back here. It was hard for me too.. i cant even make water come out of my wand...though i can do something that could put me in Azkaban" he chuckles and glances side to side nervously but in a jokey sort of way "and yes that was pretty terrible... ive said far worse of course." he turns sharply and then grunts as his back makes an almighty click "...i dont feel so alone knowing about your own muggle connections. Perhaps you could join me for a drink one evening?" he says with a warm smile.
Thomas Baker's smile faltered a notch or two at Larus' invitation. There was certainly a strong connection between the two and the professor could certainly see a friendship blossoming. However trying that Pontin could be at times. There was just the one problem that he would never be able to explain. Oh, yeah. About that? Well I am scared to death of your wife who I am fairly certain feels strongly about hexing me to oblivion. Instead, he responded with a friendly "That would be wonderful."
