Ansley office!

Paul had carried the small bowl that held the pretty and simple plant he had gotten for the man. He was quite out of breath, so he waited a few seconds before knocking.

"Oh! Those are quite funny!" he chuckled at the words behind the chairs.

And then....he knocked.

After all the exhaustive dramatics of the feast, Ansley had needed a little time to himself for some relaxation and to clear his mind. And that came about in spending some time in the small room he had transformed into an art studio. Painting always seemed to relax him, even if he was a little messy about it and currently had paint all over his hands.

He had lost track of time, though he though he heard someone out in the corridor, even a knock on his office door next to the room he was in. Setting down his brushes, he headed out into the corridor, immediately noticing the Herbology professor outside his office.

"Paul, hello!" he smiled, considering it a nice surprise to see his colleague. "Were you looking for me?"

Paul turned towards the voice and beamed, holding up the plant. "Hi there, Ansley! I'm SO happy to see you!" he bounced a little on the balls of his feet. "I was actually! I wanted to officially welcome you to Hogwarts and whatnot! So here--" he held out the plant for the man. "Just a bit of greenery and LIFE for your office." He hoped the man liked it. The flower was quite pretty, Paul thought.

"I hope you don't mind me stopping by. I'll be out of your hair shortly!" He just wanted to drop off the plant and be GONE if the man so wished it!

Okay. Before this little first year was going to have some fun and explore the grounds he was going to go and meet another professor...if that other professor didn't mind. Brady didn't really know where he was going. Give him a break this was his first week here. After about twenty minutes Brady found out from an older student where the history of magic professors office was.

Brady carried his acoustic guitar with him as he made his way into the waiting room. The Hufflepuff looked around and took a seat. He set his guitar one his lap. He wanted so much to play it right now but it probably wasn't a goof time to do so.

Paul was such a pleasant chap, wasn't he? Ansley couldn't help but to return the other man's smile, it was sort of contagious. "Oh.. well, how kind, and thank you." He smiled a little brighter and accepted the flower from Paul's hand. That was really nice to welcome him as a colleague and Ansley appreciated the gesture. "This will go great in my office and I have the perfect place for it, actually." He could always do with a little bit of color.

"Oh, no, not at all," he said, with a small, dismissive wave of his hand. He wasn't currently doing anything and he didn't mind a few minutes of small talk. "I was wondering though, were you able to fix your banjo?" He had felt bad to hear of its demise of the feast and thought it might compare to his favorite paintbrushes being broken in two. And that would be really sad.

Ansley had been in his office for some time, reading and making notes. It was satisfying work, especially feeling as he was getting something accomplished, but he was ready for a break. He had been at it a while, so maybe a little abstract painting was in order. Pushing a few things off to the side on his desk, he got up and made his way to the door.

As he opened his office door and stepped outside, Ansley stopped as he spotted a young boy sitting in one of the chairs. Oh.. had the boy knocked and he had not heard it? He supposed it was possible as he was rather focused on the task at hand, but hopefully he hadn't waited too long. Though he had provided some entertainment for his waiting visitors.

"Hello," he said brightly with a small smile. "Were you looking for me?"

Waiting, waiting and more waiting. Was he supposed to knock on the door? Wouldn't that be rude if he did? What if he was talking about something important? Should the first year just burst into the office? Brady really wanted to just burst into the office but he felt that would be a way to get detention and he didn't want detention right now, he just got to Hogwarts not that long ago. Bradson looked up when he saw a professor walk out of the office.

So this was the guy. "Are you the History of Magic professor?" The Scottish boy asked him.

Paul smiled. "I thought so, too. It's nice to have plants in your office..a little bit of life, of greenery." His own office was littered with different shrubs and whatnot, but then again..he was the Herbology professor, people. Wasn't it expected of him to just put plants in random places? "I'm glad you like it! I'm always afraid my gift giving skills are not..up to par," he sighed.

HIS BANJO.

He laughed and rubbed the back of his head, flushing slightly. "I..yes. I fixed it. It wasn't a huge deal--I sort of freaked out, prematurely. I can be a bit dramatic sometimes." He chuckled. "But yes yes, it's all nice and fixed now! Thank you for your concern, Ansley. It's very kind of you." The guy was such a nice guy! Paul could just TELL when people were nice on first glance, you know? And Ansley was one of those people! Disregard the fact Paul thought everyone was nice until PROVEN otherwise--he was still SUCH a good judge of character, oh yeah.

Figuring that the art room that Jasper had literally just walked past belonged to this particular professor, though he could be wrong and that would be quite embarrassing, he decided to see if he could meet this professor.

Not to mention it was also the History of Magic Professor.

One of the classes that Jasper was most excited for!

As for now though, he had a mission. A completely unofficial mission that had to do with arts. Hence finding the owner of that beautiful, lovely, wonderful, absolutely amazing art room.

Ansley still wasn't sure if the boy actually needed to speak with him or if he was just resting his legs in one of the chairs. His eyes wandered to the chalkboard speech bubbles behind the boy's head, wondering if he wrote any of the words there. Didn't much matter as there wasn't an urgent message among them.

"I am," he nodded. "Professor Finch.. and what's your name?" Since it was the beginning of the year and all, not to mention that he was new on staff. "Did you want to step into my office, or did you want to stay out here?" It appeared that he might want to talk to him being that he asked who he was, but either location was good for him.

Ansley chuckled. He'd guess that he should expect a welcoming gift from the Herbology professor to be a plant, but he appreciated the gesture all the same. It was a nice thing to be welcomed by a colleague, not to mention he rather liked the flower. "Oh, nonsense," he smiled. "This is a perfect welcoming gift." Who wouldn't like a touch of color brightening up their office? Even if he weren't a plant man himself, he could appreciate it as an aesthetic part of the decor.

Well, it was good that he was able to fix his banjo. He didn't know if it had been unsalvageable or not, but magic really came in handy at times. "I suppose anything like that is quite a shock to the system when it's something you care about." Maybe it sounded strange to care about an object, but he knew that some possessions were more prized than others for nearly anybody. "But I'm glad you got it fixed... have you been playing for some time? Band or anything?" He had tried to ask him about it at the feast, but with the craziness there, it didn't really happen.

It was early time for his first class at Hogwarts and Ansley had a few things to set up in the classroom. It wasn't his first class as a teacher, having worked at another school, but this was a little different. He looked over his notes then set out of his office to head to the classroom. But he stopped once he opened the door to see that there was a boy outside his office.

Huh. This wasn't the first time that someone had been outside his office door and he hadn't heard a knock. Maybe he should make sure his door wasn't sound-proof or something. Though it was completely possible the student was just exploring and had ended up in front of his door too. Anyway. Ansley gave the boy a small smile. "Hello.. were you looking for me?"

"My names Brady Somerhalder, sir." The Scottish boy nodded. "Um...I was talking to a few older students and they told me that it's nice to get to know some professors before the classes start and to ask questions if I have any." Did he have questions? This guy is teaching history of magic and what was that even like? Bradson shrugged. "I dunno. It's up to you, sir." He said to the man.

"Hi! Uh... yeah... maybe? I think so... Is that your art room?" Jasper asked, smiling sheepishly at the professor who had come out of his staff room. Although... that probably wasn't that friendly or polite the way that he had just addressed him.

Ooops.

"I'm Jasper Quinn by the way sir... you're the history of magic professor aren't you?"

There. That was more polite and conversational.

Perfect might have been too kind a word to describe the gesture, but it made Paul smile nonetheless. "I'm glad you like it, then. Buying men flowers...some people might call it odd but..." He shrugged. "It's for your desk, so I didn't feel it was all that weird. Also, I think there Herbology professor gets a pass," he smirked.

Ha, a few days later and Paul felt so SILLY for being so upset about the banjo incident. He may not forgive Cece quite yet, but his banjo was just FINE. There wasn't even really a reason he shouldn't forgive the Healer, either, besides his own stubbornness. "My banjo does mean a lot to me. I got into a band in my 20s...I've been in that band since...we're a blue grass band...we do smaller venues...and we're pretty popular in the blue grass community." He waved his hands around as his spoke. "I play the Banjo--my friend Mark is the vocalist. Mark Sparks." Had he heard of him? No? "There's a washboard player...and a few others."

Pity! Mark was the funniest man alive.

Brady Somerhalder, right. Ansley nodded, hoping to commit the name to memory before class started, but the truth was it would probably take him a while to truly remember. There were a lot of students new to him for him to remember. But this visit might help.

"Oh? I suppose that's not a bad idea.." Though he didn't really think that there would be anything too pertinent before class started as they hadn't had a chance to cover any material. And he would start out with basics in the beginning of the year for the youngest ones which this student clearly was. "Did you have a question then?"

Oh, an indecisive child, then. Ansley shrugged and leaned against his door frame. "Makes no difference to me either." Of course, his office was a bit more comfortable in his opinion, but it didn't appear that the kid had anything too pressing so venturing inside probably wasn't that important.

Ansley raised an eyebrow at the boy as he seemed rather hesitant, then he turned to look a bit down the corridor where the art studio was located. "Well, it more or less belongs to the school," he said, looking back at him. "But I suppose you could say it's mine in the sense that I set it up and supplied it with materials."

Jasper Quinn.. another name for him to remember, but he supposed it would be easier to learn a few of them before class was to begin. There were so many of them. "I am," he nodded. "Professor Finch."

Was it odd? Ansley looked down at his flower and shrugged. He was sure he would have appreciated the gesture no matter what the gift. "Either way, it'll add a nice pop of color to my desk. Let's just hope I don't kill it," he added with a chuckle. Just a joke, Plant Man, just a joke.

In his 20s.. Ansley didn't try to figure out how many years ago that might have been because that would have been rude. But he figured it was quite a while meaning the older man must be rather experienced. "That sounds like loads of fun. I don't play anything musically myself, but I like to listen." Who didn't like music though? "I like the arts in whatever form it takes."

"Huh... it's really cool!" Jasper said enthusiastically, thinking about the room. The young artist rather appreciated having a space fully stocked with everything someone could possibly need/want. Though it'd be weird to use things he didn't buy and technically own...

"But anyway I was asking because I was wondering if you knew anything about making those portraits that moved," an innocent smile was added to the end of that. He really was curious about that. And technically it wasn't part of his plan. He didn't even know the plan. Just innocent curiosity.

What was he meant to say to that? If he said he was looking forward to his class it would seem like sucking up... but it was true... ah... oh well...

"Nice to meet you, sir! I've been looking forward to your classes! I've heard a lot of my friends say that it's boring... but I don't actually know anything about magical history... plus I've heard that a few things between magical and muggle history do kind of relate to one another so I think it would be interesting to actually learn about that. Especially because most people would only know one side so they wouldn't know what actually happened-"

Glancing up at the professor he cut off his own rambling. Giving another sheepish smile he moved to scratch the back of his neck awkwardly.

Oooops?

Finch gave the boy a small grin. "Glad you think so. I know some people can use a space like that to express themselves." And that was why he set up the room the way he did. He was about to ask Jasper if he had tried it out yet, or if he was looking for permission, but the boy's next question made him chuckle a bit.

"I do, actually! I paint magical portraits as a side-job, have for a little while now." He hadn't done any portraits very recently as he had been quite busy getting ready to teach at Hogwarts, but he'd have to get in touch with his contacts again soon once things settles down.

Boring, hmm? Ansley raised an eyebrow. He supposed there were always certain students who didn't like a subject, that could be true of any class, but that also had to do with teaching style. "I guess you will have to decide for yourself if you think History of Magic is boring or not, but it sounds like you already have an open mind about it." And that was always important no matter what it was. "I happen to find stories rather interesting myself.."

So it wasn't a bad idea? That's good. Did he have a question? Maybe but he wanted to ask each professor a different question but he didn't think he would come up with enough for that. "What's history of magic about? Do you just talk about magic or the history of witches and wizards or both?" BAM! There it was three questions in a row.

Bradson looked around. "Right here is fine." He was going to ask if that was alright with him but that would be a stupid answer to begin with since he basically just asked him that.

Being the type of girl that she was there was no time wasting after class was dismissed. Hady had packed away her things and slinging the strap of her bag over her shoulder left the History of Magic classroom and headed towards Professor Finch's office. There was only one thing on the girls mind, she had to speak with him like she had agreed she would! The sooner she was able to learn all the details for becoming his apprentice and learning what it took to paint a portrait the better.

Entering the waiting area outside the office Hady approached Ansley's office door and knocked lightly before sitting herself down on one of the chairs. Maybe he wasn't even in there yet. Waiting wasn't a problem though. Her next class wasn't for awhile yet which could be a very good thing.

Oh.. the boy actually wanted a discussion, it seemed, and Ansley would rather not hang out in the doorway for that. He knew he just asked him and said either way was fine, but that was before he heard the actual question - or questions as the case was - and it wasn't just a simple answer.

"Well, if you want to hear anything extensive on that subject, I suggest we step into my office." He moved over slightly to allow the boy to gain entrance through the door. "It's a little more comfortable in there anyway."

ooc – You can post in the office if you want.

Ansley had taken a few minutes to straighten up the classroom and get the portraits put away with a little help from a student. He had gotten caught up in conversation and getting things squared away that he had nearly forgotten that he had asked another student to see him after class. Of course he did tell her when she had some time, not knowing whether or not she had another class directly afterwards.

After he finished up, Ansley headed for his office, noticing Hadleigh already there and waiting for him, sitting in one of the chairs outside the door. "Hi, Hadleigh," he smiled, pausing in front of the waiting area a moment before reaching for his office doorknob. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long, I had to clean up some after class. But if you have time now, we can head into my office." He opened the door to let her in, before he'd follow in after.

OOC - You can post in the office if you'd like.

Kitty walked into the waiting area outside Professor Finch's office and sat down in one of the chairs. In her hand was a scroll that her mother had sent her in the mail.

While waiting for the Professor to see her she pulled out her small hand mirror and examined her hair and make up. She was wearing dark eyeliner and lipstick as always, and her raven hair had been combed this morning. Satisfied with her look she put away the mirror and made herself comfortable in her chair.

Ansley had fallen asleep on his couch. He had been feeling somewhat overwhelmed with lesson plans, grades, and other teacherly duties lately, and he felt the need for a little cat nap. He had only intended on resting his eyes for a few moments, but by the time he had woken up, he wasn't exactly sure how long he had slept, feeling completely disoriented. At least he didn't have any classes this afternoon tat he'd be late to.

But Ansley was feeling a little on the hungry side and got up to maybe see about heading down to the kitchens for a little snack. Opening the door, he was slightly surprised to see a student sitting in his waiting area. "Oh.. Miss Valentine.. hello." He gave her a friendly smile. "Did you need to speak with me?" Had he slept through her knocking on his office door? Or maybe it somehow subconsciously woke him. Hopefully she hadn't been waiting too long.

"Hi Professor Finch!" Kitty greeted the tired looking professor with a smile, sitting up straight in her chair. "Remember in Muggle Studies, when you asked to hear some of grandfather's portraits stories? I asked if you wanted to hear one of them and you said yes, but then the activity began and I didn't get to tell any of them." She felt guilty about not coming sooner, and she hoped he remembered and was still interested.


"So after class I wrote to my mom and she sent me an old newspaper that he wrote at the time of the goblin rebellion. It's one of the stories his portrait tells the most." She held up the newspaper in her hand. "If you are still interested I could let you borrow this and answer questions about my grandfather. If you're not busy or anything." She didn't want to annoy him if he was busy with other things.

Well, if she had been waiting long, she certainly wasn't complaining, and Finch returned Kitty's smile with one of his own. Her grandfather's portrait stories..? Oh! It took him a moment, having just woken up, but Ansley nodded. "Sure, I remember.. Yes, that happens in class sometimes. We often have a lot of material to cover that we can't fit everything in." It was a shame though, because it sounded interesting and he thought that maybe it could have been a good addition to the discussion.

He leaned against his door frame, listening as she continued. Oh, well that was great that she still had the thought on her mind enough to send for the newspaper clippings. He was very interested indeed. "Of course. I'd love to hear some stories. Why don't you come in and we can talk about it." He stood back a bit to allow her to enter his office if she wanted to. "I'm not busy if you wanted to talk now." Unless she had just stopped by to drop it off before she had to be on her way. But that was okay too.


OOC - You can post in his office if you want to =)