Minerva had done her first day of classes, but there was something that was really on her mind. She still hadn't made the decision she had promised a few she would make. So heading to the Quidditch professors office Minerva stopped at the door and looked around. Well the door was open, did she just go in. That seemed rude, and not what students should do, but to knock was awkward being it was open.

"Excuse me.. Is anyone here?" Seeing the door open Minerva looked inside, wow it was different from Vindi's office, but it seemed cozy and welcoming at the same time. She hoped the new professor was nice and could answer her questions so she could finally decide.

New Quidditch Official. Kind of exciting.

Of course Ness would miss old Vindi, he was quite a character but maybe this Professor James would be just as good? Who knew? They'd all have to wait and see. Curious about this Professor James she was though and her curiousity always got the better of her which was why, the day after the feast, the red head headed towards where the Vindi's office used to be.

Peppermint.

That's what she smelled as she neared the door. It smelled lovely and it smelled weirdly inviting. The door was open, which Ness took as a sign that students were allowed inside. She took a step into the classroom and looked around facinated. Quite beautifully decorated, very cosy too. She liked it. "Professor James?" The Captain said and then plonked down on the comfy looking couch.

With a whole cherry in her mouth, Professor James chewed around the pit as she balanced a self-inking quill between two fingers, her eyes drawn down to the planner in front of her. While trying to make finalizations to the upcoming Quidditch schedule, a sudden presence in the room brought her gaze upward.

Text Cut: Minerva

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bazinga

Minerva had done her first day of classes, but there was something that was really on her mind. She still hadn't made the decision she had promised a few she would make. So heading to the Quidditch professors office Minerva stopped at the door and looked around. Well the door was open, did she just go in. That seemed rude, and not what students should do, but to knock was awkward being it was open.

"Excuse me.. Is anyone here?" Seeing the door open Minerva looked inside, wow it was different from Vindi's office, but it seemed cozy and welcoming at the same time. She hoped the new professor was nice and could answer her questions so she could finally decide.

"Yes, dear! Right here!" she said through a mouthful of cherry and a wave of the quill in greeting from behind her desk, turning her head to promptly spit the pit into the trash bin on the floor to her right. She continued to smile, swallowed the flesh of the cherry, and gestured to the sofa. "Have a seat, if you will. What can I help you with?" She set the quill down, folded her hands nicely on the desk, and leaned toward the Hufflepuff girl with interest.

She was quite happy that a Hufflepuff was her first visitor. That was a good omen, wasn't it?

Text Cut: Ness

Quote:

Originally Posted by ortalismusicoh

New Quidditch Official. Kind of exciting.

Of course Ness would miss old Vindi, he was quite a character but maybe this Professor James would be just as good? Who knew? They'd all have to wait and see. Curious about this Professor James she was though and her curiousity always got the better of her which was why, the day after the feast, the red head headed towards where the Vindi's office used to be.

Peppermint.

That's what she smelled as she neared the door. It smelled lovely and it smelled weirdly inviting. The door was open, which Ness took as a sign that students were allowed inside. She took a step into the classroom and looked around facinated. Quite beautifully decorated, very cosy too. She liked it. "Professor James?" The Captain said and then plonked down on the comfy looking couch.

Another Hufflepuff visitor! And this one she recognized from last term's photographs. "Ah! Miss Dixon!" James greeted cheerfully, beckoning the girl deeper into the office with an arm. "I'm glad you stopped by! Did you know I played Quidditch for Hufflepuff, too? A Chaser, just like you, I hear!" Well, read. She read it. But specifics didn't matter.

It was a Hufflepuff party!

"Feel free to help yourselves to the peppermints, by the way," James nodded her head toward the glass bowl on the table near the couch, a bright grin spreading across her face with pure delight over the good company present.

"How are you, Miss Dixon?"

Minerva smiled at the Professor, she seemed very nice this was a great sign, right. "Hello professor, my name is Minerva Wheatborn, I'm a fifth year this year." Yes introducing herself was probably best. Then another person was at the door, Oh Nessie, well this kind of involved her, but at the same time not really. "Hey Ness" Minerva greeted her captain and then waited until it was her turn to speak again.

"Well I had stopped by because last term Professor Vinidictus had done tryouts and for the first time had commentators at the quidditch matches. I had missed tryouts for my team last term so this was a great opportunity to try and I did most of the matches last year and loved it." She looked from Ness to Professor James for a moment. She wasn't sure how others really felt about the announcing, well most told her it was great, some hated it, but you couldn't make everyone happy. "Anyway, I am having a hard time trying to figure out if I should try out for the team this term and that's why I came to you. I needed to know if the commentating would be something that would happen again or not. That would make my decision easier. Well I guess only easier if it's not happening" There her question was out, now to see if she would have a chance to announce again or should she try out for the team. This was starting to stress the fifth year out.

Minnie! Ness barely even noticed the girl was there too, that was till now. She kinda felt bad for being there though because what if Minnie wanted to speak to Professor J privately? Minnie would say something right? Because Ness honestly didn't mind waiting outside if she needed to, it really wouldn't have been a problem, but so far Minnie said nothing except for a greeting which Nessie returned with a bright smile. "Hey, Minnie!" she then turned her eyes back onto gazing around the office.

Blink. Blink.

Professor James knew her by name? That made Nessie feel kinda really nice. She gave the Professor a smile and only realized that the lady looked a little familiar herself. Waaait she used to play for the Appleby Arrows didn't she? That must have been how Nessie had recognized her. " I thought I'd just come by and introduce myself, but you know my name? " Or well surname in this case. "It's an honor to finally meet you Professor." It was an honor to meet any great quidditch player really.

WAIT WHAT? INNNNEEER SQUEEEEEE!!!!

Breathe. Just Breathe. Nessie didn't want to look cooked in her brain. "Re..really, Professor? That..that means I've got huge footsteps to follow." If she did end up going towards a quidditch career that was, but dancing was option to her too. As for how was she, Nessie smiled. "I'm great. How are you, Professor J?" Whoops did she say that aloud? Yeahhh.."Um..I mean Professor James, sorry." What a way to mess up a perfect first impression.

Trying not to listen to a conversation right in front of you was kinda hard and Ness could hear quite clearly what Min was saying, but Min still didn't seem to mind and even looked at Nessie. Did that mean she could have a bit of a say? She did want to say something. "Minnie, I just want you to know that whatever you end up choosing, I'll be happy for you." Yes having Minnie on the team would be lovely, but of course if she chose announcing Nessie would be happy for her fellow badger.

Ohh peppermints! How could Ness forget about them. The red head smiled fetched a mint and popped it in her mouth as she sat down again.

When Minerva introduced herself, Erin smiled warmly and contemplated sticking a hand out in greeting, but she didn't want to make the girl come over to her. Too much work for a simple gesture. "Pleasure to meet you, Miss Wheatborn. I'm Professor James." And this girl knew the Hufflepuff Captain too, eh? So perhaps she was a Quidditch player as well?

James popped another cherry into her mouth and chewed around the pit as Minerva explained her situation, offering her a contemplative, deep expression. Ah, the classic dilemma between Quidditch playing and commentating. She understood, really - and knew that those who ended up commentating were often just as dedicated and passionate about Quidditch as the players, which was the way it should be. This girl seemed to be a prime example of that.

"Well, Miss Wheatborn, once tryouts have passed and rosters have been posted, I do intend on holding commentator sign-ups," she explained carefully upon swallowing the flesh of the cherry. The pit pressed upon her cheek as she added with a simple shrug, "My advice would be to go ahead and try out. Why not? It can't hurt. If you make the team, you win. If you don't make the team, you can still win by becoming a commentator. If you attend a tryout or two and realize you would rather not play this term and you would like to take up commentating again, you can just tell that to Miss Dixon." She gave the Captain a warm, knowing smile before looking back to Minerva. "You're a fifth year, you said? The way I see it, you have three full terms to do whatever you'd like. Mix it up, stick with one thing all three years, do one for two years and the other for the last year - the possibilities are endless!"

Finally, James leaned away from the girls and spit the cherry pit into the trash bin behind her desk. When she popped up again, she went right along and continued, "Whatever you do, I want you to be dedicated to it - even if it's just for one term - enjoy yourself, and be the best you can be. Whatever you do, put your heart into it."

Text Cut: Ness

Quote:

Originally Posted by ortalismusicoh

Minnie! Ness barely even noticed the girl was there too, that was till now. She kinda felt bad for being there though because what if Minnie wanted to speak to Professor J privately? Minnie would say something right? Because Ness honestly didn't mind waiting outside if she needed to, it really wouldn't have been a problem, but so far Minnie said nothing except for a greeting which Nessie returned with a bright smile. "Hey, Minnie!" she then turned her eyes back onto gazing around the office.

Blink. Blink.

Professor James knew her by name? That made Nessie feel kinda really nice. She gave the Professor a smile and only realized that the lady looked a little familiar herself. Waaait she used to play for the Appleby Arrows didn't she? That must have been how Nessie had recognized her. " I thought I'd just come by and introduce myself, but you know my name? " Or well surname in this case. "It's an honor to finally meet you Professor." It was an honor to meet any great quidditch player really.

WAIT WHAT? INNNNEEER SQUEEEEEE!!!!

Breathe. Just Breathe. Nessie didn't want to look cooked in her brain. "Re..really, Professor? That..that means I've got huge footsteps to follow." If she did end up going towards a quidditch career that was, but dancing was option to her too. As for how was she, Nessie smiled. "I'm great. How are you, Professor J?" Whoops did she say that aloud? Yeahhh.."Um..I mean Professor James, sorry." What a way to mess up a perfect first impression.

Trying not to listen to a conversation right in front of you was kinda hard and Ness could hear quite clearly what Min was saying, but Min still didn't seem to mind and even looked at Nessie. Did that mean she could have a bit of a say? She did want to say something. "Minnie, I just want you to know that whatever you end up choosing, I'll be happy for you." Yes having Minnie on the team would be lovely, but of course if she chose announcing Nessie would be happy for her fellow badger.

Ohh peppermints! How could Ness forget about them. The red head smiled fetched a mint and popped it in her mouth as she sat down again.

"Of course I know your name! What kind of instructor would I be if I didn't learn who my captains were before the term began?" She winked, noting the girl's attempt at hiding... excitement? Was she really excited by the idea of their shared position on the Hufflepuff Quidditch team? "No, no - no footsteps. Create your own path," James shook her head modestly. "You'll be much happier that way." She was undeniably flattered by her kind words, but Erin did not want to put any unnecessary pressure on Ness. She needed to do her own thing.

Of course, she was quite anxious to see if any of the Hufflepuff Chasers were a comparable duo to her and Annie back in the day.

Professor J? That had a nice ring to it, didn't it? The poor kid - beating herself up over nothing. "Professor J was fine, dear. You can call me whatever you'd like," she smiled comfortingly. "I'm wonderful, thank you."

Aha! See? Look at that, Minerva! Your Captain was supportive either way! Spoken like a true leader. Erin beamed at the two girls and plucked another cherry into her mouth.

So? Everyone was happy, then?

Minerva listened as Professor James talked about her options. So there would be commentating again. That was great, even if she did play for the team, she liked knowing that position would be filled. Now she really did have to figure out which she would do.. Oh this was going to be a hard pick. She let herself get lost in thought a bit while Nessie spoke. Maybe the professor was right, maybe she could tryout and then decide whether she would rather be in the stand or playing.

"Thank you so much Professor and Ness" Yes, both helped her figure things out. She had been stressing over this so much. "I think I will try out, since I do have a new broom and all." Yes she had that wonderful new broom Ethan bought her over the summer. "Well I really don't want to keep more of your time, but if you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to ask I love to help around the school." She always did like to help, especially when it was nice professors like Professor James seemed to be.

Admittedly, Milton almost forgot that he should probably introduce himself to the new Quidditch official person slash flying professor. He would miss Vindictus and his psychotic insane interesting way of doing... everything. But he was willing to give this lady a shot. She was Max's mom, anyway, and he was cool enough. Even though he dated a Hufflepuff.

When he got to her office, the door was wide open so he stepped inside a foot or so and looked around. "Hullo?"

"You're quite welcome, dear." A sweetheart, really - naturally, of course. She was a Hufflepuff, after all.

James turned her gaze back to Ness for a moment, offering an encouraging smile. That was nice, wasn't it? The captain had someone eager to try out for her team!

...And a brief expression of concern crossed the woman's face. Wouldn't it be dreadful if students just stopped trying out for Quidditch? What if a house only had a few people show up to tryouts? Ugh - what a nightmarish thought. None of the captains were silly enough to scare off potential teammates with intimidation, were they?

Text Cut: Milton

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarahlooo

Admittedly, Milton almost forgot that he should probably introduce himself to the new Quidditch official person slash flying professor. He would miss Vindictus and his psychotic insane interesting way of doing... everything. But he was willing to give this lady a shot. She was Max's mom, anyway, and he was cool enough. Even though he dated a Hufflepuff.

When he got to her office, the door was wide open so he stepped inside a foot or so and looked around. "Hullo?"

...Speaking of which...

"Ah," Erin said after a moment's hesitation, examining the young man in her doorway with bright eyes and a grin that was only slightly forced. "Mister Shacklebolt, it's nice of you to stop by." Once again, she had done her homework and peeked through the previous term's Quidditch team photos. She knew quite a bit more about this fellow than the other captains, however; a first-hand synopsis of the Ravenclaw Captain had already been given to her by her son. They weren't the kindest of stories, but, of course, she was going to set those stories aside. Perhaps Milton wasn't as vile as Max made him out to be?

"Good summer? Ready for Quidditch season?"

Nod. Nod.

If Min had any problems after signing up she was welcome to speak with her. Ness didn't mind at all, that was what a Captains role was meant to be. She gave both the Professor and Min a smiled then let them continue with their chat, till Professor James spoke to Ness once more.

True, true. It was good to research things like that beforehand. It meant Professor James was organised and Nessie thought that was a good thing to be. "Not a very good one, professor." She made a mental note to remember this. There was a lot to learn from this woman. "I think it's good you know a little bit about us." Hopefully she didn't know the bad stuff, but yeah it was good she knew something.

Nod. Nod. More mental notes were made. Make your own path. "I'll keep that in mind." Because next year was when she really needed that information, not necessarily now. "I've still got some time before I choose my path though right?" Two years was enough time yes? Because a lot of the time the future was on Nessie's mind and it scared her, plenty.

Seriously? What? YAYAYAY! BEAAAM!

"Professor J it is then." Giggle."It makes you sound hip, Profess..."


Ravenclaw Captain invasion.

Ness closed her mouth and eyed Milton who had entered the classroom with an 'hullo'. "Milton." she said as an impolite greeting. She would have used his last name but that was a Dylan thing to do and she always prefered first names, clearly because she hated her last name, Dixon.

That was... hesitant. But okay. She hadn't invited him in, but Milton entered, slowly walking towards her desk, eyeing the two Hufflepuffs. "I thought I'd come by and introduce myself." Though she obviously already knew who he was. That didn't really surprise him at all. In fact, in kind of worried him to consider how much Max had told his mom about him...

Ugh. Summer. He wasn't going answer that question. "Yeah, I'm ready. I just stopped by the sign ups and it looks like we've got a lot of new people trying out. A Vindictus, even." Milton couldn't wait to see what that kid could do. Hopefully he got the Vindictus quidditch gene.

Milton nodded at Nessie when she greeted him. "Dixon..." Yep. That's it.

coming from the pitch with Alice for SPECIFIC REASONS, West came to a stop outside of the professor's door and looked at Alice. Sheeeee could do the talking. Sheeee was a captain. AND a Beater. And it just sorta made sense in his head.

But he would knock. Mhmmm.

He knocked loud enough to be heard and then waited, broom over his shoulder, his own Quaffle tucked under his arm.

Minerva listened a bit and then when another student came in she knew it was time to exit. "professor you seem to be needed more so I will see myself out, but thank you for all your help."

Standing she looked at Ness and smiled, "Thanks for the help as well captain." as she made her way to the door she looked at Milton and gave him a small smile. He didn't seem to like Min the day the met in the kitchen, but she didn't mind and after helping try to get hi. From the plant last term she was just glad he was still with them. "hello" she gave a small greeting to the claw boy before leaving.

PEPPERMINT.

The scent of it kind of stung Alice's nose, after spending the whole morning around dirst and grass. "Do you smell that? she asked West. Because she couldn't be sure, no. For all she knew, she could have been imagining it. Because, though she wasn't going to admit it, she was still pretty sleepy.

It was open, wasn't it? Didn't that mean they could go in? Alice poked her head around the door, staring inside. It looked.. cozy. A place Melanie would like, probably. But where was the professor, hmm?

From the few minutes she had known the girl, James noted how much Ness seemed to be a younger version of herself. Same general demeanor, similar Quidditch status, comparable personality... "Of course you have time, dear. Even after you graduate, you don't necessarily have to have decided. Some people don't know what they want to do right away, but that's okay; often, those are the people who have such a variety of interests that they can't decide which of their many strengths and passions to pursue!"

The woman popped another bright red cherry into her mouth and chewed thoughtfully for a long moment, scrutinizing the Hufflepuff Captain seated before her. "Tell me your thoughts on a professional Quidditch career. For you. Go on, be honest." It was meant as more of a request than a demand, really. She didn't have to share, and Erin's casual spitting of the cherry seed into the trash bin probably helped break any tension.

Text Cut: Milton

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarahlooo

That was... hesitant. But okay. She hadn't invited him in, but Milton entered, slowly walking towards her desk, eyeing the two Hufflepuffs. "I thought I'd come by and introduce myself." Though she obviously already knew who he was. That didn't really surprise him at all. In fact, in kind of worried him to consider how much Max had told his mom about him...

Ugh. Summer. He wasn't going answer that question. "Yeah, I'm ready. I just stopped by the sign ups and it looks like we've got a lot of new people trying out. A Vindictus, even." Milton couldn't wait to see what that kid could do. Hopefully he got the Vindictus quidditch gene.

Milton nodded at Nessie when she greeted him. "Dixon..." Yep. That's it.

"Excellent! Glad to hear that - a Vindictus? Really, now?" She hadn't known about that one. Curious, really, but surely that would add some spice to the Quidditch season. "I hope he lives up to the Vindictus name for you, Mister Shacklebolt," she added after a moment's consideration of whether or not Quidditch was the kind of thing that was really in one's blood. Of course it was.

And then she had to force herself not to mention the man-eating plant. Or Milton's frequent injuries from the previous term. Or her son and the tough job Milton was going to have to fill Max's previous spot.

So she just smiled at the young man, gestured to the glass bowl near him, and offered, "Peppermint?"

Text Cut: Minerva

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bazinga

Minerva listened a bit and then when another student came in she knew it was time to exit. "professor you seem to be needed more so I will see myself out, but thank you for all your help."

Standing she looked at Ness and smiled, "Thanks for the help as well captain." as she made her way to the door she looked at Milton and gave him a small smile. He didn't seem to like Min the day the met in the kitchen, but she didn't mind and after helping try to get hi. From the plant last term she was just glad he was still with them. "hello" she gave a small greeting to the claw boy before leaving.

And just like that, one third of the Hufflepuff party was departing. A shame, really. "Thank you for stopping by, Minerva - it was lovely to meet you - I'm sure I'll either see you out on the pitch or at a commentating meeting!" She offered the girl a small wave and replied cheerfully, "No need to thank me - I'm always happy to help!"

Text Cut: West and Alice

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tegz

coming from the pitch with Alice for SPECIFIC REASONS, West came to a stop outside of the professor's door and looked at Alice. Sheeeee could do the talking. Sheeee was a captain. AND a Beater. And it just sorta made sense in his head.

But he would knock. Mhmmm.

He knocked loud enough to be heard and then waited, broom over his shoulder, his own Quaffle tucked under his arm.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemon

PEPPERMINT.

The scent of it kind of stung Alice's nose, after spending the whole morning around dirst and grass. "Do you smell that? she asked West. Because she couldn't be sure, no. For all she knew, she could have been imagining it. Because, though she wasn't going to admit it, she was still pretty sleepy.

It was open, wasn't it? Didn't that mean they could go in? Alice poked her head around the door, staring inside. It looked.. cozy. A place Melanie would like, probably. But where was the professor, hmm?

A few loud knocks on the door brought Erin's gaze back toward the door once more and she beamed with delight at the sight of yet another Captain! "Miss Fischer, come on in!" she beckoned the girl inside with a waving arm, catching sight of another body with her. "And friend! How are you, dears?"

Now, the only Captain that hadn't visited her so far in the term was the Slytherin Captain. Poor lad was missing out on all the peppermints.

Milton nodded, equally excited as James, even though it didn't really look like it. Ah well. "Yeah, I think he's Vindy's... nephew? I think." Vindy, as in Professor Vindictus. The guy who was here before he ditched them and Hogwarts replaced him with this lady. Max's mom. "Me too."

Yes. This was weird. Peppermint? "No thanks." Milton bounced his feet a little in the awkward silence that followed. "Welp. It was nice meeting you. I look forward to quidditch and stuff." Well, no, just quidditch. He didn't know why he added that last part.

Milton edged back towards the door after their very short meeting, but he didn't go TOO far, just in case she wanted to say anything else before he left and probably never came back. Who knew what Max told her about him?

"Yeah, candy. Peppermint candy." West's nose was pretty expert when it came to candy. Alice hadn't properly met the professor yet, had she? Well he still thought she should be the one to do the asking. He peered through the door, not all that patient.

And friend?

West eyed the professor.

"West Odessa." Should he list off all his awesome stats now too? His name should be totally enough if she was at all familiar with the Quidditch line ups from the past two terms. "We're good, professor." Well at least she was friendly and smiley. West smiled back and readjusted his grip on his broom and quaffle, looking to Alice.

She could ask now yes?

The professor already knew her? No need for introductions, then. She waited for West to ask about the equipment, but apparently he wasn't going to. Alice cleared her throat awkwardly, effectively breaking the silence. "We just came from the Pitch, Professor. Practicing, you know? We're very.. eager for Quidditch season to start." Yes. Mmhmm. That was a word that she might like to hear, yes? "We've been tossing around the Quaffle for a bit.. but I'm a Beater, y'know.." She held up her precious bat for the woman to admire, beaming. Wasn't her little Selina just GORGEOUS? "We were wondering if we could maybe possibly have permission to use bludgers? Or.. um.. bewitch rocks.. or something?" Yes? No? Ahem. "We can understand if the answer's no, of course," she added hastily.

No. No, they couldn't. She NEEDED her bludgers. Her whacking skills were probably rusty.

Cue innocent puppy eyes. And a bat of her lashes couldn't hurt either, could it?

Taylor came down to Professor James' office after one of the try-outs for Quidditch. Tay had convinced her friend to come with her but Lily was taking forever so she just headed for the office rather than wait. She wanted to get to know the professor since she seemed really really nice. The door seemed to be opened but she didnt want to seem rude and walked in but knocking with the door being open... is weird so she said, "Hey, are you busy, Professor?"

Did Tay really have to go see the flying professor now? Couldn't they come back after they ate something and changed back into their school robes so they could look somewhat decent? So, the fourth year dragged her feet as she trudged up to the office, carrying her sweet new broom on her shoulder. When her friend disappeared, Lily called out to her. "Wait up Taylor!" The redhead gritted her teeth and hurried up to catch up to her friend, nearly bumping into the fifth year as they had stopped right near the doorway. "Oof...." Lovely, now the professor probably thought that Lily was a klutz.

He was the former flying professor's nephew? Really? Hmm. That was quite interesting and only slightly unnerving. Surely the young man was going to give his uncle an assessment of the current flying professor. No pressure or anything.

"Good to know. Thank you, Mr. Shacklebolt." Oh. No candy for him? That was a shame, really, but Professor James straightened up and nodded happily at the young man. "It was a pleasure to finally meet you as well! See you soon, dear," she waved a hand, unsure of when she would see him next, but she was certain it would be soon enough. Probably. "Good luck with tryouts!"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tegz

And friend?

West eyed the professor.

"West Odessa." Should he list off all his awesome stats now too? His name should be totally enough if she was at all familiar with the Quidditch line ups from the past two terms. "We're good, professor." Well at least she was friendly and smiley. West smiled back and readjusted his grip on his broom and quaffle, looking to Alice.

She could ask now yes?

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemon

Text Cut: Professor James and West

The professor already knew her? No need for introductions, then. She waited for West to ask about the equipment, but apparently he wasn't going to. Alice cleared her throat awkwardly, effectively breaking the silence. "We just came from the Pitch, Professor. Practicing, you know? We're very.. eager for Quidditch season to start." Yes. Mmhmm. That was a word that she might like to hear, yes? "We've been tossing around the Quaffle for a bit.. but I'm a Beater, y'know.." She held up her precious bat for the woman to admire, beaming. Wasn't her little Selina just GORGEOUS? "We were wondering if we could maybe possibly have permission to use bludgers? Or.. um.. bewitch rocks.. or something?" Yes? No? Ahem. "We can understand if the answer's no, of course," she added hastily.

No. No, they couldn't. She NEEDED her bludgers. Her whacking skills were probably rusty.

Cue innocent puppy eyes. And a bat of her lashes couldn't hurt either, could it?

"Ah, of course - Mr. Odessa," she noted, turning her gaze downward to a short stack of papers on her desk. She had read about him... on one of those pieces of parchment...

When the Gryffindor Captain spoke up, Erin was pleased to hear that students had already been making use of the pitch. Good ones, they were, but that was to be expected of a captain, really. "Mmhmm," she nodded along as Alice spoke, curiously observing the girl. A brown noser with a hidden agenda, perhaps?

And there it was. But... it wasn't really a touchy inquiry. Not really.

"Of course you can," Professor James beamed brightly. But from how cautiously the two were asking, it almost seemed as though they were expecting her to say no but were simply trying their luck. "Did Professor Vindictus not allow it in the past?" Regardless, it didn't matter. James dug briefly in her desk drawer before pulling out one of four identical golden keys for the equipment room, designated for captain's use. She slid it across the desk toward Alice. "If any captain would like to make use of any of the Quidditch equipment, it's okay with me. You can tell that to your teammates as well - they need captain's supervision. Just know that it is your responsibility to make sure all equipment is returned safely, all right?" She was gentle about it, but her eyes made sure to communicate the severity of the responsibility.

Hopefully they would save the bludger beatings for the games, yeah?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unalii

Taylor came down to Professor James' office after one of the try-outs for Quidditch. Tay had convinced her friend to come with her but Lily was taking forever so she just headed for the office rather than wait. She wanted to get to know the professor since she seemed really really nice. The door seemed to be opened but she didnt want to seem rude and walked in but knocking with the door being open... is weird so she said, "Hey, are you busy, Professor?"

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hermione Lily Potter

Did Tay really have to go see the flying professor now? Couldn't they come back after they ate something and changed back into their school robes so they could look somewhat decent? So, the fourth year dragged her feet as she trudged up to the office, carrying her sweet new broom on her shoulder. When her friend disappeared, Lily called out to her. "Wait up Taylor!" The redhead gritted her teeth and hurried up to catch up to her friend, nearly bumping into the fifth year as they had stopped right near the doorway. "Oof...." Lovely, now the professor probably thought that Lily was a klutz.

Professor James had been adjusting a painting on the wall - it had been leaning ever so slightly to the right - when two young Ravenclaws peeked inside. Two from the flying class! One seemed to have a bit of trouble with balance, it seemed, but the professor gave the girl a soft, knowing smile of encouragement. "Good day, girls. How are you doing? Need something?" she inquired cheerfully, gesturing to the couch before taking a seat behind her desk. Just came from a tryout, it seemed, as they were not in school robes and looked a bit flustered. Had something gone wrong?

Taylor was accidentally pushed a little bit into the office. She glanced at Lily, "Klutz much, Lily?" Tay teased and laughed then looked at the professor, "Good day, Professor." She beamed at the older lady, "I'm good and you? We don't need anything... I just figured that we can come say hi since we were just at the pitch... I hope you don't mind..." Tay glanced down, embarrassed.

Yusssss awesome! West KNEW it was a good idea to get Alice to ask and use her captain powers, powers which he one day aspired to have for himself but in the meantime was all about taking advantage where he could. Probably the Ravenclaw one was the only one that wouldn't get him stuff if he asked, but he could get Taryn to do girl stuff and ask for him, if it came down to that.

Anyways, they had permission!

"Thanks Professor James! We won't die, we promise." Just in case she was worried about that. As if West would go and die before Quidditch season had begun.

As for Vindictus.... West kept his mouth shut. For Broomicide reasons.

Ready, Alice? She could lead the way on account of West Odessa had manners. And so they both left and everything. Yep.

"You're welcome, dear! Have fun!" Though West reassured her that everything would be fine, Professor James was a little worried that Captain Fischer would take the poor boy out with a bludger. She had quite the arm, didn't she?

But perhaps she wouldn't do that - not if the two were an item.

The professor offered a wave and her face fell into a relaxed, elated smile as the two exited the office. They liked each other, didn't they?

Young love. How endearing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unalii

Taylor was accidentally pushed a little bit into the office. She glanced at Lily, "Klutz much, Lily?" Tay teased and laughed then looked at the professor, "Good day, Professor." She beamed at the older lady, "I'm good and you? We don't need anything... I just figured that we can come say hi since we were just at the pitch... I hope you don't mind..." Tay glanced down, embarrassed.

Professor James continued to beckon the girls inside with an arm. They didn't have to stand on the other side of the office! "Indeed it is, dear. I'm quite well, thank you - I'm glad you did!" She gave one final gesture to the couch before popping a cherry into her mouth and chewing thoughtfully, examining the girls before her. "So you're Ravenclaws," she began slowly upon swallowing the flesh of the cherry and spitting the pit into the trash bin behind her desk. "A traditionally powerful Quidditch team. A tough team to make, I'm sure - how have tryouts been going?"

She eyed them cautiously. Were they... unhappy? Did they think they were doing a good job? Was everything okay?

Her gaze fell upon young Lily's broomstick, and the side of her mouth quirked slightly with interest. "What kind of broom is that, dear?" It looked shiny and NEW.