A New Perspective {Professor Avery}

[MELINDA BOBBIN]

Sometimes being entrusted with an errand was a simple case of ‘wrong place, wrong time’ – couple this with said task being bestowed by an authority figure to a chronically helpful member of the Hufflepuff House, and you had the calculations leading up to Melinda Bobbin’s current predicament. Oh, the Sixth Year had been all sweetness and light when asked, quite out of the blue, by Professor Sprout to deliver a crate filled with God-knew-what to the Transfiguration classroom; but internally she was shouting ‘no!’ because by rights she was on her way to dinner, and ought not to have been entangled in such learning-related adventures after being released from her final class of the day. Pomona had, however, not taken this into consideration; therefore Miss Bobbin was levitating her charge (no sense in putting her back out for such a trifle) up the floors to the Transfiguration classroom. Once the Herbology lecturer had shut herself back up in her little office, her pink-haired student stared at her newly-acquired responsibility for a moment or two, wondering why on Earth the Professor hadn’t seen fit to perform such a simple errand herself. Then it hit her: perhaps its straightforward nature was precisely what made Pomona decide it was as easy to offload the responsibility as do something so trivial herself.

Perhaps Melinda should have been grateful for the unintended Charms practice.

Yeah, right.

As things stood, the girl was rather bored, the journey only livening up when the delightful moving staircases were involved (the crate had banged into a balustrade, making her jump which moved her wand and then she nearly lost control of the whole damn thing). The vehement “Bloody Hell!” and “Sod it all!” Lindy was letting loose, even after her shock was long over, echoed up through the vast space; bouncing off walls and becoming lost in the otherwise vacant air. Some of the more lively portraits were provoked into laughter at her plight, others of a more staid variety tutted. One such was just beside the girl as she made the landing of the fifth floor – an old woman in a dreary little cottage with damp straw on the floor and a spinning jenny in a wiry mess in her fingers brought to life within - and it was without hesitation that she stuck her tongue out at it; the outraged little gasp she received in return set her to chuckling as she rounded the corner and entered the home straight.

The door of the Transfiguration classroom was to her right, and whilst lowering her charge she gave it quite a sharp rap. The box hit the ground with a much harder thump than Lindy intended it to, and the accident made her shoulders seize up in a wince. The click of the handle let her know that her call had been answered (quite promptly too), and it was with a bright smile that she turned to find herself facing the new Transfiguration Professor. “Hiya” she began cheerfully, quite nonplussed by her own informality, “Professor Sprout sent this up for you.” the student explained, indicating the nondescript wooden box in question.

[ericavery]

[atrb=border, 0, true][atrb=style, border-left: #405142 4px solid; border-right: #405142 2px dashed; background: #161616; padding-top: 16px; padding-right: 16px; padding-left: 16px; padding-bottom: 12px; -moz-border-radius: 10px; width: 368px;] ----- A NEW PERSPECTIVE ----- ----- Don't wanna live a life that was comprehensive ----- Classes had not yet started for Death Eater Professor Eric Avery. The room was completely empty, with the exceptions of dusty furnishings left by the former professor before she had been promoted to Deputy Headmistress. Sighing, Eric had snuck out of Severus's sight to get a better handle on the room that he would be utilizing, though he knew Severus well enough to know that if he wanted to find Avery, he would find him with ease. There was a lot plaguing the mind of the new professor, as he ran a finger along the dust layered desks, flinching at both the interior design and the filth. It was probably a good thing he was skilled in his practice of transfiguration, because in his mind there was nothing in the room that didn't' need it. Perhaps the room had been as most people would have expected. A basic looking room in a castle, with out of date furniture and a very untidy atmosphere, but to Eric who had lived in luxury for a good portion of his life: This simply would not do. He never stayed in one place for a long duration of time, however with his hand at his subject, he had never been made to live in poverty. After all, a moth eaten recliner could easily be transfigured into a freshly restored rocking chair. Reaching into his robe, he pulled out his wand and slowly flicked it in the direction of the windows allowing the sunlight to pour in through the windows. Pacing the room barefooted, Eric had been reading the latest letter his owl had delivered. An owl from a Mr. Harry Potter. Harry, oh Harry. What on earth was he going to do about this predicament. If the Dark Lord found out about his relation to Mr. Potter he would face punishments, or even death... And he couldn't ask Severus for help regarding occlumency to protect his mind, because Severus was a greater threat than Voldemort when it came down to the “Potter-Spawn”. Sighing, Eric read over the letter, before folding it up and tucking it into his inner-robe pocket. He would have to find a way to explain this to Severus later, and how he had come about actually establishing an odd relationship with the boy-who-lived. Leaning against a wall he looked over the room, a frown etching his features. He wasn't sure he was cut out for this position, but if Severus trusted him, he supposed he would have to trust his judgment. After all, only Merlin knew how many strings had been pulled to get him into Hogwarts in the first place. Bored, Eric realized he had complete control over the classroom, and could therefore cast any spell he wished in the domain. Flicking his wand at his shoes in an attempt to cast a third-level Transfiguration spell, his shoes ran away much to his dismay. He had tried to change them into a pair of cozy slippers to keep his feet warm and comfortable while he began to setup before Severus had even had a chance to introduce him to his room. Annoyed when his bright yellow bunny slippers hid under a desk, he let out a sigh as the door signaled him to someone wanting in. Believing it was Severus, he forgot for a moment that his shoes had literally run away from him. Opening the door, he looked up expecting to be meeting the eyes of his closest friend, but when the air was empty, he gazed downward. Surprised to be graced with the presence of a student. “Hello...” He started awkwardly, prepared to explain that the course had not yet started when the girl offered a strange box via Professor Sprout. “What is it?” He asked not really understanding how Herbology would be mixing with Transfiguration. Perhaps, Severus knew more. Flicking his wand, he cast a featherlight charm on the box, just for good measure, before lifting it. “Come on in, if you would like.” He offered, propping the door to the room open, and taking a seat on one of the chairs. “Forgive the disaster, I'm afraid I've not had a chance to do much... It's the first time I've seen the room in years. I'm Eri- Professor Avery... And who might you be?” tag: Melinda Bobbin ;; Notes: <3 template by eliza @ shadowplay

[MELINDA BOBBIN]

The man who looked down at her seemed, well, bemused by her mere presence; not that this was something Melinda would take offence at, but it was amusing to see a teacher so utterly baffled by the appearance of a student.“Ach well, it’s nice to meet you Professor Avery – of course, I heard the announcement in the Great Hall, so I kinda already knew it was you – I’m Lindy.” she introduced herself in return, a welcoming smile still plastered on her face, amber eyes crinkling at the edges with the strength of the expression. After a second or two of impasse, Miss Bobbin realised that this might not have been quite the information her new lecturer was seeking – after all, she had acted more like she was conversing with a peer than the authority figure he in fact was. With this in mind, the Belfast girl tacked a hasty clarification onto her previous statement; explaining her reasoning behind doing so somewhat as she went along, “Well, Melinda Bobbin if you want be, y’know, working with full titles and all that jazz. But Lindy’s easier in the long run.”

Lindy bobbed her head in a positive response to his invitation, talking even as she crossed the threshold into a domain she was more used to seeing from a pupil’s perspective; that is, filled with fellow students and ruled by the firm glance of Professor McGonagall. “Buggered if I know. Sprout didn’t tell me.” Lindy elucidated, glancing thoughtfully at the object in question. Following a moment’s contemplation of the purpose her delivery might have had, the sixth year shrugged and suggested, “Perhaps it’s something for you to let the wee ones have a crack at.”

Eric’s apologies about the state of his new arena prompted her into giving the place a better inspection than the cursory once-over it had merited upon her arrival. “It does look rather like a bomb-site.” Melinda agreed gladly – and while the comparison wasn’t a wholly-accurate one, it served her intended purpose of reassuring this awkward being she found herself encountering. She’d seen bomb sites, oh many a time - in person and on the television - and this room had one thing going for it that they as a rule didn’t: it was still furnished. However, many others (naming no names, pointing fingers at no Houses), would have taken this Professor’s display of weakness and uncertainty and eaten the poor bloke alive; really, meeting a Hufflepuff first off made this Eric Avery’s lucky day. And despite the fact she knew he hadn’t even begun to teach, Melinda felt it necessary to acknowledge the fact that he was just settling in, and therefore (to be polite, like) it was her duty to inquire whether he had found adjusting trouble-free so far.

“How’re you find---?” – the girl began, when something distinctly colourful wiggled around and drew her gaze. “That’s never a pair of bunny slippers.” she gave voice to her amazement, before breaking into delighted, hearty chuckles at the mere idea of a grown man possessing such things. Therefore, Miss Bobbin was caught entirely off guard when the sweet little pair of slippers began to hop about. “Sweet baby Jesus on a pogo stick!” the Hufflepuff exclaimed her shock in one of her naturally colourful mannerisms, before turning wide-eyed to the Professor. “They moved!” Lindy clarified, despite the fact they could both see the now-frolicking slippers with their own eyes.

[ericavery]

[atrb=border, 0, true][atrb=style, border-left: #405142 4px solid; border-right: #405142 2px dashed; background: #161616; padding-top: 16px; padding-right: 16px; padding-left: 16px; padding-bottom: 12px; -moz-border-radius: 10px; width: 368px;] ----- A NEW PERSPECTIVE ----- ----- Don't wanna live a life that was comprehensive ----- Quirking a curious brow at the girl, Eric folded his arms to his chest, in response to the informal introduction. Brow arched high, his lips curved into a slight smile, as he stared at the box. “It would figure that I've been here for maybe a week and someone's all ready sending me Pandora's box...” Smirking wider he recalled rumors of a Divination teacher who predicted the 'untimely' deaths among first years. “Well, if she didn't tell you, there's only one way to find out... I hope it's not another first year... Well, lets have a look here, then shall we, Lindy?” He offered, gently sliding the lid open. “Aralunes...” He mused quietly, sliding the lid back on. “They're poisonous to females, you know?... Interesting... I was just telling Mr Pot-... Nevermind, for another time.” Eyes fixated on the room again, Eric sighed. If only Severus knew how badly interior design could irk him... Maybe he would have ended up in a better location. Be that as it may, beggars can't be choosers. Sighing audibly as his eyes resurveyed the area, he twirled his dark wand idly, unsure of where to start. When Lindy mentioned the level of the ingredient, Eric chuckled. “Ah, we don't treat creatures here like you might in the potions room. I always hated potions..” He admitted. “Beetles have souls too, and they shouldn't be squashed for antidotes... There should be a more merciful way of killing them.” Of course there was more merciful ways to kill the numerous mudbloods and blood traitors who had died at his hand as well, but he refused to dwell on that in the presence of a student. Some subjects could be deemed inappropriate, and that was one of them. ”It does look rather like a bomb-site.” “I totally agree.” He answered, wand still navigating around his fingers, as he thought about how to spruce up the place. Flicking his wand at the chairs around the desks, he watched as they shifted into cushioned stools, with matching backs. The feeling was instantly more comfortable, possibly even with a touch of class. “This might do... For now...” He murmured, zapping the tables to become long bars, with a sleek mahogany finish, clear of dust. “I might need to ask Professor Snape for a hand later.” He stated amused. “Not that I imagine he really puts much investment into classroom appearances.” He commented with a smirk. Glancing at Lindy he pushed forward a stool. “We might be able to solve this puzzle together, perhaps there is no need to seek out Sever- I mean, Professor Snape, aye?” ”How're you find--?” Eric slowly craned his neck to observe the student when she cut herself short. Laughing he realized what caught her eye. “Ah, my shoes...” He noted. “We were never allowed to cast magic in here, probably for good reason. Running with scissors, you know? So I thought, since it's now my room, I'd try a spell, but it seemed my work was a bit rusty.” Smiling sheepishly, he shrugged. ”Sweet baby Jesus on a pogo stick! They moved.” Eric raised a brow. “Never seen that before, mm?... What kind of spells have you all ready learned? I should probably review the old curriculum...” Sitting upon the bar, he watched as his shoes frolicked around the room. “What year are you, Miss Bo- I mean, Lindy, was it?” Oh dear, Merlin.. This was going to take some getting used to. tag: Melinda Bobbin ;; Notes: <3 template by eliza @ shadowplay

[MELINDA BOBBIN]

“Uh-huh, Pandora’s Box, because we all know that went just fine and dandy like.” Melinda concurred, though she edged closer in order to get a peep at the contents, thereby belying the guarded tone in which she had commented beforehand. Professor Avery looked thoughtful once he’d examined the contents; explaining for her benefit that Aralunes were poisonous solely to females. The student assumed that was why he was so quick to seal them away again, on account of how it might affect her – and despite the small scale of such a gesture (really, it spoke of an appropriate sense of responsibility more than anything else), Lindy was touched by the concern.

“Oh, I can’t stand Potions either. It’s all complete gobbledegook to me, always has been from the day I started.” the girl admitted with a sprinkling of self-depreciating humour – it was reassuring to know that even someone so high and mighty (and intelligent, because Dumbledore didn’t hire any old riff-raff) as a Professor had areas where they struggled. Not that Melinda was quite so naive as to think all adults were infallible – she’d grown out of that long ago – it was more that she always functioned on the assumption that everyone she ran into possessed spades more competence than she generally did. The state of the Potions domain, however, was something she could most definitely wax lyrical on. “His room’s like the Black Hole of Calcutta.” she chirped up, with an unimpressed shake of the head adding emphasis to her comment. Professor Avery, however, displayed a mountainous amount of taste in his own hasty remodelling of the room – it brought a pleased smile to her face to see what sort of environment she’d be learning in this year. “It’ll more than do Professor, it’s lovely. Not like a classroom at all really.” the Hufflepuff complimented his handiwork, hand resting against one of the plush, velvety back of the newly-conjured stools.

“S’not that,” Lindy began, nose wrinkling slightly as her eyes were once more drawn to the hippty-hoppity footwear, “More that I’m as jumpy as a cat on a hot tin roof and it caught me off guard.” Everything she said was true, but the intention behind such words was to allay within him the suspicion that she was utterly ignorant of Transfiguration. While Lindy might not have been the brightest bulb in the box, neither was she beyond academic redemption; if encouraged to apply herself, perhaps she could indeed pull her marks up more this year. And from her snap-judgement on this man, her new instructor, she contemplated that maybe he would be capable of facilitating such a change.


“Oh gosh! Um . . .” – she verbally stumbled as she was placed rather on the spot - “Er . . .” – every single memory of Transfiguration classes had become a blur, and one with no truly defined spells, darn it all - “I know! I’m such a marley sometimes; it was the Inanimatus Conjurus spell. McGonagall let everyone have a go at casting it in the last lesson, seeing as it was what we’re supposed to be learning first off this year.” the Hufflepuff explained, relieved to have been able to recall the requested information.

“Yep, Lindy, got it in one.” the Hufflepuff agreed with a happy nod, “I’m in sixth year, and Hufflepuff, as you can see.” the girl tagged on the extra information willingly, giving her tie a little tug in order to emphasise its yellow-and-black colour scheme. Roughly brushing a stray curl from her face, the girl enquired in return,

“What House were you in then?”

[ericavery]

[atrb=border, 0, true][atrb=style, border-left: #405142 4px solid; border-right: #405142 2px dashed; background: #161616; padding-top: 16px; padding-right: 16px; padding-left: 16px; padding-bottom: 12px; -moz-border-radius: 10px; width: 368px;] ----- A NEW PERSPECTIVE ----- ----- Don't wanna live a life that was comprehensive ----- Eric chuckled light heartedly, settling himself upon one of the newly formed stools, legs crossed. “Well, I suppose Pandora's Box could prove useful if I were the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, now wouldn't it?” He wondered, considering what sort of fun a box like that could hold to the right member of the faculty. Perhaps his own thoughts were a bit more sadistic than most, although the thought alone didn't sate his curiosity. What would become of the foolish instructor who actually opened a mysterious box filled with dark magic? Would it be plagues? Death? He supposed that it made little difference, especially since Hogwarts was among the 'safest' places in the Wizard World. Of course, that would change soon enough if the school didn't start preparing itself for war. After all, something was up... Most the world should all ready be aware to the dark and dangerous times readying to be presented. Their first clue: The corruption within the ministry of magic. Forcing his attention back to the present moment, Eric failed to suppress his amusement. “Gobble-Dee-Gook, huh? Potions... Oh, potions!” Smiling mischievously, Eric leaned in, glancing around in mock amusement. “Once upon a time, in this very castle, there was a boy... And this boy later grew to be the Potions Master at Hogwarts... But see, if it weren't for him I would have failed potions... With flying colors... Anyway this 'Black Hole of Calcutta' was once pink. Because this young Potions Master blew up his cauldron and sparked his hair to be pink forever. Because there was no remedy, he is forced to wear a rather convincing wig.” Eric teased, twirling a finger over his head in a halo motion. “I am glad to find that the accommodations are up to your liking, Miss Bobbin.” He stated, glancing over the room. “I'm still not quite satisfied, but it will be simple enough to clear up... At least it's no longer a ... How do you say - - Bomb site?” He wondered aloud. Eyes flickering in a dangerous fashion, Eric recalled sending a certain house to the ground over the summer. That really was a bomb site, even if it was his split-side that was held responsible. When the girl mentioned she was easily frightened, or at the very least easily jumpy, he smirked. Glancing down at his shoes he shrugged again. “I suppose it wouldn't hurt to allow them a bit more time acquainted with freedom of movement. Perhaps my soles will be less stiff after they're done hopping about like jumping beans.” The statement was sound. Plus, as a bonus perk, he didn't have to walk around in them to wear them down, and everyone knew that the worn-in shoes were the most comfortable. Taking note of the Inanimatus Conjurusspell, he wondered just how to pick up where the former professor had left off. He wasn't as practiced as Severus in the arts of training others, though he daresay he knew how to make things go 'Boom' if he so desired. ”Yep, Lindy, got it in one. I'm a sixth year, and Hufflepuff, as you can see. What house were you in then?” Playfully smirking, Eric leaned forward putting his face in his hand, elbow resting on his knee. “What house would you peg me for?” He asked, eyes gleaming. “And... Pray tell, what can you tell me about Professors Snape, Sprout, Sinistra..? Who all teaches here?” His real interest still lay in Snape, though that was hardly a well kept secret. tag: Melinda Bobbin ;; Notes: I apologize if this is sloppily written~ template by eliza @ shadowplay

[severus]

[atrb=border, 0, true][atrb=style, border-left: #405142 4px solid; border-right: #405142 2px dashed; background: #161616; padding-top: 16px; padding-right: 16px; padding-left: 16px; padding-bottom: 12px; -moz-border-radius: 10px; width: 368px;] ----- A new perspective ----- ----- We're brewing glory ----- Setting aside a vial of experimental Wolfsbane base, Severus cleared up his work area and finished jotting down his notes before leaving and locking up his lab. Rubbing his wrists with a slight grimace, Severus moved to the carved oak box that was nestled between a row of Healing journals and a set of medical encyclopaedia and opened it with a tired wave of his hand. Pulling out a simple jar of an unassuming pale green, almost white substance, Severus unscrewed the lid with another tired wave and applied the salve with practiced motions to the weary joints. Once he had applied the proper amount, Severus put the salve away and looked about the room. He had noted it empty before, but now he was certain that Eric was not about. Waiting a few more moments for the salve to start working, Severus ran a frustrated hand through his hair, already predicting the failure of his current advance, by picking apart its every ingredient in his mind in a manner only one as analytical and borderline eidetic as Severus could manage. Needing a distraction from his work, Severus left his quarters in search of Eric, heading directly for the Transfiguration classroom. Outside the door, Severus paused as Eric's voice carried to it. Gobbledegook? Eric, what did you unwittingly imbibe? Severus wondered with only a mild exasperation, before the idiot man continued. Pushing the door open, Severus leaned against the frame with his arms crossed as Eric saw fit to bestow on a young Hufflepuff a most outrageous tale indeed. A single brow raised, though Severus decided against making his presence known at this point, which proved to be an interesting decision, as he was privy to a display of Eric's incredible transfiguration skills in the form of bouncing bunny slippers. Were it not for the presence of a student, Severus may well have cracked a grin at that. It was so quintessentially Eric to do something so outrageous and innocently silly that it filled Severus with a sense of relief and a secret happiness to know Eric was not completely changed by everything. Steping into the room at last, Severus stated blandly, "He's a Hufflepuff like yourself, Miss Bobbin. How else can you explain his fascination for mobile slippers and fondness for inaccurate fairytales." Raising a brow at Eric, Severus' expression would be murder on a student, but spoke to his true entertainment in ways only a close friend would fully understand. It was at this point that his gaze fell to a rather familiar looking box. "Ah," He stated simply. "I see Pomona has chosen to use you as a middle man for delivering these to me, Eric." His lip curled a bit in disdain - leave it to the Hufflepuff matriarch to avoid confrontation like the plague. If she truly believed he was going to be that simple to avoid and appease, she was sorely mistaken. Though, admittedly, that did look like at least double the Aralunes order he'd placed with her. tag: Melinda & Eric ;; Notes: I wrote this while I was exhausted beyond belief, Sorry its not as good as usual >: template by eliza @ shadowplay image by PhoenixAlthor @ the-dark-arts

[MELINDA BOBBIN]

Miss Bobbin listened, entranced by amusement and Eric’s involved yarn-spinning style, as he elucidated on the evolution of everyone’s favourite teacher from boy to Professor. It would have taken the stoicism of a marble statue not to laugh, and Melinda was as far from such dourness as it was possible to be – in consequence the Hufflepuff ended in a fit of chuckles, clutching at her sides as the prickling pain shot through her ribcage, but it was so worth it to hear such a tall tale. “I reckon he should embrace the pink. It’d sure brighten up everyone’s day.” Lindy contributed happily to the nonsense, the mental snapshot of a pink-haired Professor impossible to resist. She more-than-hoped the shade in question was fuschia, because that’d be perfect.

In a way it surprised her that he’d find it necessary to ask about his colleagues – Lindy operated on the assumption that, for the most part, the Professors were contemporaries and therefore already knew each other quite well – but seemingly this was not the case with Professor Avery, and who was she to keep someone out of the loop? “Well,” Lindy began conspiratorially, giving the impression that there was a great deal of gossip and information to share on this score . . . when one of the much esteemed educators in question materialised behind them. So much for a cosy little introduction to the intricacies of his fellow staff members; even Lindy wasn’t quite naive enough to pass on rumours and fripperies in the presence of Severus Snape. The Hufflepuff twisted round in her chair to gaze up at the imposing figure he cut in the newly-refurbished room, all swathed in black and seriousness. The suggestion that Eric was a Hufflepuff disagreed with her own assessment of the man, and so she turned back to the individual in the question and belatedly responded, “I’d have guessed at Gryffindor.” – this was wholly truthful, he had indeed struck Melinda as a former member of the house of the mad as a box of frogs brave, admittedly it was a snap judgement, but that didn’t mean it had lesser merit. However, she apparently was wrong – luckily this was not the sort of tiny fact to throw her into a bad mood or a strop, instead it was shrugged off as ‘one of those things’. Okay, so if she was brutally honest it might be a bit embarrassing to be incorrect in front of her elders, however this was a position Melinda had found herself in many times before, and doubtless would again.

The girl actually showed some consideration, pausing long enough to allow Snape to make his unimpressed observation concerning the Aralunes – it wasn’t the kind of thing she should by rights get involved in, and there was no need to rile the grumpy man unnecessarily – so she waited, unobtrusive and quiet (though admittedly intrigued by the idea of such divisions within the staff team . . .).

Idly Lindy twirled a curl around her finger, releasing it and letting it bounce back simply for something to do, fidgeting being as noble an occupation as any. It gave her time to replay the conversation up to this point in her head – specifically the diatribe they had shared against the ‘subtle art’ (translation: impossible) of Potions. Directing her attention to Snape, Melinda spoke, in her characteristically off-hand manner “Tell me something, Professor,” – and here there was a mischievous little grin on her face - “Do I still hold the record for the most cauldrons banjaxed in a term?”. True, one might have interpreted this as boasting – but the inquiry was for the most part fuelled by curiosity, seeing as she no longer took that class. Doubtless Snape was thankful for this small mercy, as he’d given her more than her fair share of ‘Troll’ marks over the years.

banjaxed = broken beyond repair (not me trying to be funny, just don't know if anyone else uses this particular slang lol)

[ericavery]

[atrb=border, 0, true][atrb=style, border-left: #405142 4px solid; border-right: #405142 2px dashed; background: #161616; padding-top: 16px; padding-right: 16px; padding-left: 16px; padding-bottom: 12px; -moz-border-radius: 10px; width: 368px;] ----- A NEW PERSPECTIVE ----- ----- Don't wanna live a life that was comprehensive ----- Eric had not heard the door to his classroom swing open, as he had been so wrapped up in his storytelling. Fueled on by the Hufflepuff's amusement, Eric gladly continued to ramble on about the current potions-master, mirroring the students enthusiasm. Smirking, his eyes lit up playfully as the young Miss Bobbin suggested that Severus come to terms with his natural hair. ”Ohoho... I think he should as well, he always did look quite lovely in that rosy shade of his... Eric for a moment believed that he had earned the last laugh.. Well, that was short lived: ”He's a Hufflepuff like yourself, Miss Bobbin. How else can you explain his fascination for mobile slippers and fondness for inaccurate fairytales.” Busted! While his eyes softened first, in a vain attempt to cloak some of the pain he had felt upon seeing Severus and remembering recent events: His pain was instantly struck down by the word Hufflepuff. “A Hufflepuff?! You have got to be kidding me! While I would be flattered to be part of such a noble house, m'lord, I am the product of Slytherin!” He exclaimed, quite notably in opposition of being anything that was less than Slytherin. ”However... Such silly notions must not go unpunished in my classroom...” Obviously flustered, Eric jumped on his desk and pulled out his wand. ”Prepare to be Hufflepuffed and blown away, long nose!” Flinging his wand, Eric's wild and triumphant smirk warned Severus of the mayhem to come. With a simple flick of his wand, his two bunny slippers hopped into Severus' hair as it transfigured into a pink shade, and turned into yellow ribbons tying his hair into tight braided pigtails. Feeling a bit over inspired by being labeled a Hufflepuff, Eric flicked his wand several more times in short fluid motions, changing Severus' usually all black attire to be a mustard yellow, save for a black ribbon around his midsection that tied in the back. Finally where would the attire be without florescent yellow heels, with sparkling jinxes down the side - in the manner of an outdated disco? ”Aha!” Eric grinned, placing his hands in his outdated hero pose on his hips before breaking into his victory dance. ”I've got the power!” His victory dance stopped abruptly when: “I’d have guessed at Gryffindor.” Falling off the desk backwards and into the waste bin, Eric struggled to free himself from his new bindings. ”I beg your pardon?!” There was a long pause, where Eric stood mind-blown in the presence of a student and his beloved friend. ”I'm not bovvered.” He stated dryly. ”I'm not bovvered, dear 'Puff.. Dear 'Puff... My face? Look about my face..” He started, dragging a finger around to frame his face in the famous motion made by the witch Catherine Tate. Standing in his own fury, and finally freeing himself from the waste bin, Eric climbed back over the table and took his place next to the new staff addition to Hufflepuff House. Arms folded tightly over his chest, he raised both his brows at the Hufflepuff's girls question, wondering which of the two of them had blown up more cauldrons out of morbid curiousity. ”I have a tough record to beat, Lindy.” He stated calling her by her casual name. tag: Melinda Bobbin ;; Notes: <3 template by eliza @ shadowplay

[severus]

[atrb=border, 0, true][atrb=style, border-left: #405142 4px solid; border-right: #405142 2px dashed; background: #161616; padding-top: 16px; padding-right: 16px; padding-left: 16px; padding-bottom: 12px; -moz-border-radius: 10px; width: 368px;] ----- A new perspective ----- ----- We're brewing glory ----- Severus could not deny that Eric's instant outrage at being labelled a Hufflepuff before a Hufflepuff student was both amusing and rather inappropriate of a professor (thus making it more amusing, really) and could not help but arch a rather high brow at the 'm'lord' line, wondering if perhaps it was Eric's way of referencing his childhood name of Half-Blood Prince, or for the sake of his own sanity, Prince. At the mention of punishment, Severus crossed his arms and watched as Eric hopped upon his desk like a right idiot. To compound his own silliness, Eric then proceeded to make a pun about as groan worthy as something Black might have come up with, before actually having the audacity to transfigure Severus' clothes. For a very long moment, there was a deathly silence as Eric proclaimed his power and began an idiot dance Severus unfortunately recognized all to well as the Avery Victory Party, while still atop his desk. Still deathly, dangerously quiet, Severus watched as Eric was knocked right off his desk and into the wastebasket by Miss Bobbin's Gryffindor accusation, and in the face of his Hufflepuff themed drag uniform, Severus could barely even be arsed into concern for his daft friend. Reaching wordlessly into what had once been an inner pocket, and was now a black sash, Severus withdrew his wand and pointed it with a grim menace at Eric. His expression was blanker than the one he had used on Lockhart as he calmly introduced Eric to the fact that, after fifteen years working in close proximity with Minerva McGonagall, he had picked up a trick or two. Being pants as he was at Transfiguration during his childhood years (And admittedly, his adult ones), the fact he risked doing this showed he was genuinely annoyed. That said, even if he messed it up, the result would be enough that Eric would have little choice but to accept the fact he had overstepped his bounds this time. With a sharp motion, Severus wordlessly transfigured Eric's outfit into one identical to High Inquisitor Umbridge, right down to the shade of pink. The only difference, really, was the skirt was sinfully short - and therefore, much shorter than Madam Umbridge's own. Retaliation complete, Severus smirked softly and commented ever dryly, "I highly doubt pink would suit me, but you, Eric, do quite a justice to it." Looking Eric over, partly to double check his own work, and partly out of a mounting amusement, Severus couldn't hold back a soft snort - which, on any other person, was as much as bursting out into belly-deep laughter. Looking down at himself, Severus frowned at the shoes on his feet, knowing he would not stand a chance in hell at Transfiguring those hellish things properly. If Severus were completely honest, this was not the first time he had been forced into drag. Worse, Neville's boggart hadn't been the first time either. Black and Potter had a very annoying habit of putting him in various women's clothing - up until he accused them of liking his legs, at which point they'd had a fit, and for the love of all things magic, put an end to that particular method of torture. Eric, however, had not been so kind. Transfiguring clothing had been a bit of a signature for him, which left Severus in a rather unfortunate state. Turning, Severus flicked the door closed with his wand, then locked and warded it rather fiercely before turning back to Miss Bobbin. With a dignity and glare only Severus Snape could pull off in an outfit as embarrassing as the one he was now stuck in, Severus stated sharply, "One word of this, and Hufflepuff will be in the negatives, Miss Bobbin," he stated darkly, with an unspoken promise of detentions for a month sparking through the air between them. That settled, Severus turned back to Eric and stated simply, "I suggest you rectify this, Eric." His tone was utterly unamused, but he knew Eric would know that if there wasn't a fucking bloody witness, he would probably be laughing openly about this whole mess. tag: Melinda & Eric ;; Notes: I love Eric so much! XD <3 template by eliza @ shadowplay image by PhoenixAlthor @ the-dark-arts