Oh. Golly. She had beat him THERE? Well, wasn't he a slowpoke, then? She rose to her feet when he made his appearance and smiled, then proceeded to snort at the formality. Ah, yes, he was much different from Fuller, wasn't he? She needed to proceed with caution and she KNEW it. "Hi, sir. Professor TomTom. Or are you taking on Professor Fuller-Thompson as a thing now that your other half isn't here to confuse anyone on which Professor Fuller-Thompson people are talking about?"

What? Hehe. She was just curious. She gave the man a cheeky sort of grin as she passed into the office, nodded her thanks for him holding the door, and helped herself to the couch. Cozy, it was, and felt like home.

The left side of his mouth curved a little upward at her speaking, "I'm still Professor Thompson in the classroom and throughout the castle." Outside of that was a different matter, not that he needed to spell that out. Ravenclaws were great with doing the thinking without being told to. Anyways, "Now then Sophie. Are we still going by Miss Brown or Ms Tempus this term?" An eyebrow rose at her curiously. Yes, the little scratch marks didn't hide it enough from the former eagle.

So she chose the couch, which was Lala's favorite napping spot. The goose didn't honk thankfully, merely raised her neck to see her familiar visitor. Whether Sophie liked it or not, she was getting some goose love as Lala moved closer expecting pets. "Would you like some cookies? Tea? Milk?" He always had something in case of a bad or lack of a proper meal.

...Authoritative. Soph cleared her throat at his tone, but she kept her smile plastered on calmly as Lala sought affection, which Soph very gladly gave the goose. "Sure, sure, yes, of course. Professor Thompson. Though Fuller-Thompson still has a better ring to it." Just so he KNEW, okay?

...HAHAHAHAHA.

Sophie burst into laughter, startling Lala slightly, but the Ravenclaw continued to pet the goose and laaaaaaaaaaaughed and laughed in good humor. "Thought you'd like that. Brown is fine, thank you. But some day, maybe, eh?" She nudged her elbow in his direction and wiggled her eyebrows, trying to rile him up. Hehehehe.

"Cookies and milk sounds great, thanks." He knew her well enough to know she'd never turn down that offer, didn't he?

"Indeed.." It had a very nice ring to it. As evident on the Spaniard's right hand. The Creature Professor quite appreciated those who had humour as shown.. and heard from the fifth year. That already raised eyebrow of his rose a little more miraculously. Even Lala was confused, but she was getting lots of pets so she was more accepting of the loud volume.

But some day, maybe, eh? Javier could just about roll his eyes at that, if that was a thing he usually did. Which he didn't. He was deciding on humouring her instead with that typical mixed expression of his before he nudged her back. Lightly of course, Lala was on the other side of her after all. "Well.. just as long as you remember to have us on the guest list." Considering the minimum number of years he was hoping for.

Cookies and milk then it was. "As you wish." Professor Thompson then took his wand out for the usual motions. Perfectly boxed up green and red sprinkled sugar cookies were summoned over with a jug of milk. Followed by the glasses and plate. A few more motions allowed the cookies to pile neatly on the plate with the milk filling up the glasses. He was thirsty himself, taking a glass of the milk. Lactose and soy free, but with the taste of regular milk still contained. "Cheers." Lightly raising it before sipping it. "So, fifth year Miss Brown. You're due for the career talk with Mr. Kitridge soon are you not?" He was in the mood for some conversation, whether casual or not by now.

"You have very animated facial expressions, has anyone ever told y'that?" What? It was true. She thought he deserved to know, now that she'd just fully processed just how entertaining his facial expressions were. Funny, for sure, and she appreciated that about him.

Still giving Lala her attention and gently brushing her fingertips down the goose's feathers, Soph snorted at Thompson's reply. "Pretty sure the parents of the groom have special responsibilities and stuff at weddings. You'd have to be there, y'don't have a choice." There was a beat, and then, "D'you think Lala would want to be our flower girl? Or would Finn prefer that honor?" A legitimate question she wanted an answer to.

FOOOOOOOOD. Yum, yum. Sophie tried not to look too eager, but she was certain she was doing a terrible job at that - her eyes were bright with elation and there was a smile tugging up the corners of her lips as Thompson did all his fancy-shmancy organizing of the food. The BEST, he was. "Cheers," she chimed back, taking a sip of her milk before taking a large bite of a cookie, and then making a bitter face - not because of the food, but because of what he said.

"I don't want to talk to him about career stuff 'cause I don't need any advice from him. Everyone's known since I was a first year that I wanna be a Wandmaker. I made sure everyone knew that 'cause I wanted people to take me seriously and know I was a... like a force to be reckoned with and that m'gonna GO places, y'know? And everyone also already knows m'gonna be a potioneer, too, and that I've got my future under control and m'gonna attend Wizarding University and be a Wandmaker's apprentice and I've got my Wandmaker connection for that and m'gonna do everything I wanna do." She shrugged. "I don't need to talk to anyone, 'specially not him. I've got this, whether the heads of Ravenclaw believe in me or not."

Oops. Bitter much?

You know what that comment earned? More expressions. A somewhat serious one. "A few fair actually," What? There was no need to be modest about it in his mind. "But not in those specific words, thank you." He meant it.

See what she just did there? Just about confirmed to Javier that they wouldn't dare make such a decision without them being aware of it beforehand. The thought on either Lala or Finn walking down the aisle was quite amusing. "I don't see why not the both of them do it." It's not like it'll be tomorrow, so it was all in fun talking about it.

Now the Professor continued sipping his milk. It was quite delicious, very cool and refreshing as he listened. Was she upset? He didn't know nor see any reason to detect any form of defense from his question other than setting his glass down to clap. "It's certainly grand to hear you're still dedicated to your goal, Miss Brown." The former Ravenclaw occasionally had a little house pride arise occasionally. "Considering the number of students who remain undecided or have a different career in mind than originally by now." She knew what she wanted so that was it.

He did however notice the bitter look on her face coupled with the bitten cookie. Were the cookies bad? "How were they?"

A fair few? Sophie snorted and rolled her eyes. Mister Modest. "I can imagine." It wasn't hard to believe at all that others took particular notice of the man's face. It was a very nice face, after all.

BOTH of them! Ha! "Yeah! Maybe... maybe one could be the flower girl and the other can be the ring bearer!" That would be the BEST, wouldn't it? Hahahaha. Hiiiiilarious.

...Was she really talking about marrying Tobes with his DAD? Merlin. It didn't seem to bother him at all, but as soon as she took a moment to analyze the situation, it got weird really fast.

...He wasn't going to tell Tobes about this conversation, was he? DOUBLE MERLIN.

Glad to be on the topic of something else - even if the topic was something that made her upset - Sophie sunk down into the couch and got more comfortable as Thompson dished out his praise to her. Yeah, yeah, it was great and all, but didn't people just expect that of her? To have everything together? And at his question, she nodded a little. "Good," she told him, taking a small bite of the cookie and chewing, then grumping, "S'just Kitridge. He doesn't believe in me, that's why I didn't get a badge. Either that, or it's like the Harry Potter-Ron Weasley situation, where someone else got the badge because they needed it more or whatever and Harry already had 'nuff on his plate, but it feels better to be bitter right now than think he had a good reason behind it, y'know what I mean?" She shrugged. "I've worked my butt off 'n I'm a natural leader. I just wanna feel like people know that and like... feel appreciated 'n stuff. I don't wanna be a nobody." The title of Mrs. Hogwarts helped and all, but she'd wanted that badge since she was a first year.

She sunk lower on the couch, finally abandoning the coddling of Lala to cross her arms. If she could have dissolved into the couch cushions, she would have.

Javier eventually adjusted himself into a comfortable sitting position on the couch. Lala, decided to retreat to her beloved owner's arms for more pets and cuddles as the student wasn't giving her as much attention anymore. Professor Thompson listened of course, it was foolish not to with students when occasionally he was forced to blink from the glint of something.

The occasional glint became even brighter the lower Sophie sunk into the couch.. "I do." Understand what she meant that is. A another flash from the glint finally forced his eyes to glance elsewhere to see.. a badge. Well.. well. "Though clearly you have managed to obtain a... different title." Head.. nerd. Somehow he doubted this came straight from her Head of House. "May I ask how you earned this?" One of his eyebrows rose at this. The curious Creatures Professor was always curious.

...Oh. That. Hehe.

"Tobes has one, too. His is 'Head Nerd #1,' of course, because he's older and also a bigger nerd. I thought he deserved to be prefect, too, but they picked a fourth year over him last term which made no sense. So since we both got snubbed, I thought we should have some fun with it, so I made us these as a joke. It worked out well, actually, since there's no Head Boy or Girl, so instead Hogwarts has Head Nerds this term." A very lucky coincidence.

...He wasn't going to confiscate it, was he? He... would let them have their fun? Right? Riiiiiiiight?! She eyed him and placed a hand over it protectively. That EYEBROW of his made her feel like she was under extreme scrutiny, and she was suddenly fully aware that he was a professory figure right now and not just her significant other's dad, which made her quite anxious.

"...Piers told me to look out for you." QUICK SUBJECT CHANGE. "He says you're sad and lonely and wants me to keep an eye out for you. So I'm gonna do that, okay?" Just so he knew.

That eyebrow of his rose even higher at her next set of words. Tobias has one too? Not really caring too much on the why after that, though he did listen to it. "I see.." No doubt she was expecting him to take it as she covered it quickly. His curious look showed just then before he actually held his open hand out. "May I have a look at it then?" As polite as that was, the way he spoke it made it not sound like an option.

His little bit of smirk returned at the mention of his partner in life and crime. Javy being sad and lonely.. well, he wasn't the type to admit if either were true. "I thank you for your concern." The fingers began wiggling a little. He was still waiting on that badge after all.

...No. No, Professor Teddy-Bear-With-Arms-Like-Tree-Trunks-Thompson. She was NOT handing over her HOMEMADE badge whether he liked it or not. Sorry. Professor title or no professor title. She wasn't breaking any rules, and she was NOT going to let him confiscate it. Noooooooo.

...But what if he really did just want to look at it? And he would just admire it and give it right back?

...But what if he DIDN'T? What if he KEPT IT and ruined ALL HER FUN FOR THE TERM and BROKE HER LITTLE HEART?

A whimpering sort of sound caught in her throat, and she shook her head at him and kept her hand firmly over her badge. His wiggly fingers made her purse her lips, and she cleared her throat, trying to sound like she wasn't absolutely terrified of him, "...You're welcome. You're supposed to look out for me, too, y'know." Which meant NOT being a poo and taking her badge, OKAY JAVY?

He hadn't had to wait long, the door opening shortly after he had sat down outside the professor's office and revealing said man before him. "Hello Professor," Benny said, returning the greeting with a small polite smile. "Thank you," he added as permission was granted to enter Thompson's office, the lion taking the hint and walking past him into said room. Though after that he was unsure of his next move as he came to a rest inside, absently spotting the goose that resided there.

"How are you, Professor?" he asked, deciding to start with polite talk. It was likely as good as anything else to begin with.

That whimper of hers that his ears could audibly hear. Certainly he still wasn't that scary to her? Oh no, she just wanted to keep the badge. "Indeed.. all the more reason for me to have a look." The hand was still out, "It won't take long." How was that for reassurance?

"I'm doing quite well, thank you. Would you like some tea?" The Professor replied to the polite boy. "Please, have a seat." Anywhere really as he gestured at the chairs before him at his desk. Waiting until he decided where exactly did he ask, "Now what can I do for you Mr. Atreyu?" He was all ears now.

............

He was persistent, wasn't he? Sophie didn't TRUST him one bit, and she had ZERO intentions of handing over the badge. Nope.

...But then the voice of one Pierson Fuller rang into her head, acting as a conscience-like voice and told her she should trust Javy, just as much as she trusted Piers. Piers would want that, she knew. Plus, if Javy DID confiscate her badge, she would just rat him out to his husband and get him in trouble for ruining her fun. Soooooooo...

There was no getting out of this one.

"Fine." Regretfully, Sophie detached the badge from her robes, paused again, SQUINTED at him, then laid it in her open palm and extended it out to him.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charely Potter

"I'm doing quite well, thank you. Would you like some tea?" The Professor replied to the polite boy. "Please, have a seat." Anywhere really as he gestured at the chairs before him at his desk. Waiting until he decided where exactly did he ask, "Now what can I do for you Mr. Atreyu?" He was all ears now.

That was good to hear, that all was well with the professor. "You're welcome. And yes, thank you," Benny said, accepting the offer of tea. Perhaps it would make him feel better about seeing the man for advice. Relax Ben you're not in trouble and you like this professor, he reminded himself as he moved closer to the desk and took a seat in one of the chairs there as instructed.

"Well..I'm taking OWLs this year and I was looking for advice." See...that was easy enough to say though only half of it. "I'm interested in working with creatures...especially dragons after school..." Getting better. "...and I was wonder what kind of subjects might be worth it to continue in...besides the obvious one."

There we are. "Thank you," His open palm was no longer vacant as he received the badge. After glancing at it, Javier then used his wand to wordlessly levitate it to properly examine it. "Now how long did it take you to make this?" Always the curious one he was.

Javier smiling kindly at him, then allowing one of his cups fly over to his desk before the jug of hot tea followed. Pouring its contents neatly in the cup. While this took place the Professor listened. The good old career advice as he nodded. "Dragons.." He merely repeated it for his own sake to recall all that was needed. "As I'm sure you know but in the case of if you didn't already how competitive the jobs are involving with Dragons." Waving away at the jug of tea that attempted to refill his own cup. "Thankfully however because of this more jobs being associated with them have opened from being a Dragon Healer to tending to their habitat."

"You've been progressing quite well in my classes, so I've no doubt you'll exceed the required 'Exceeds Expectations' OWL grade as long as you continue and increase your current efforts." Since it was never easy. Now then, with the other classes required. "To make sure you have covered all the basics, it's best that you continue your NEWT studies with your core classes. That will include Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, and Herbology for good measure." Now for the why. "This is similar to the requirements for being a Healer, however, even if you chose not to merely be a Dragon Healer continuing with the subjects will instill enough knowledge or you to be able to handle the unexpected situation better." The Professor paused for a moment, to make sure he was still following his words before asking this, "Outside of my classes Mr. Atreyu, do you have other experience with magical creatures?"

SPOILER!!: Javy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charely Potter

Javier smiling kindly at him, then allowing one of his cups fly over to his desk before the jug of hot tea followed. Pouring its contents neatly in the cup. While this took place the Professor listened. The good old career advice as he nodded. "Dragons.." He merely repeated it for his own sake to recall all that was needed. "As I'm sure you know but in the case of if you didn't already how competitive the jobs are involving with Dragons." Waving away at the jug of tea that attempted to refill his own cup. "Thankfully however because of this more jobs being associated with them have opened from being a Dragon Healer to tending to their habitat."

"You've been progressing quite well in my classes, so I've no doubt you'll exceed the required 'Exceeds Expectations' OWL grade as long as you continue and increase your current efforts." Since it was never easy. Now then, with the other classes required. "To make sure you have covered all the basics, it's best that you continue your NEWT studies with your core classes. That will include Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, and Herbology for good measure." Now for the why. "This is similar to the requirements for being a Healer, however, even if you chose not to merely be a Dragon Healer continuing with the subjects will instill enough knowledge or you to be able to handle the unexpected situation better." The Professor paused for a moment, to make sure he was still following his words before asking this, "Outside of my classes Mr. Atreyu, do you have other experience with magical creatures?"

Benny accepted the floating mug and watched as it was filled before blowing on it slightly and taking a sip while listening. "Uh huh, I do know that," he said after nodding while swallowing. It had been one of the reason why he had agreed to not limit himself to the creatures that were his favorite. They were just his preference. But still it was nice to hear that new opportunities were in fact opening up in the field involving them. It would increase his chances in the long run.

He did his best not to appear self conscious as the professor complimented his classwork under him. The Gryffindor did however nod to know he was listening as the man spoke in answer to what he had asked. Core subjects...Ben heard that and wondered about potions but it wasn't mentioned. A relief, that he didn't have to stress that bad in that subject. But he might have to work harder in the charms and transfiguration. Herbology was like COMC...one of his favorite lessons for the most part.

And then there was a question directed his way and Ben nodded at first. He was signed up as a creature playmate. "Yes I have. Mainly with the flying horses." Though he did look into some of the other creatures at times outside lessons and homework. " Both riding and caring for the abraxens and granians in the stables...and um...watching the thestrals." He didn't get too close to the last ones but he didn't just avoid them and be rude when they were around since he was fully aware of them.

Slowly letting out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding on, Sophie retracted her palm when the badge was taken from it and watched Javy examine it with worried eyes. He seemed... intrigued, at least, and not... mad... but would he show it if he was? The man didn't get particularly mad about things, or if he did, he never showed it. She knew that much well enough.

Was he making some kind of small talk, though, before confiscating it? If that's what this was, she didn't like it and wished he'd just say what he had to say and get it over with. "Uhhh... well... took a bit of studying and preparing beforehand, over like a few days and stuff, I planned and weighed options... and actually making it wasn't hard at all. I told my mum what I'd found and been researching, and she actually did the wandwork for it since I couldn't outside of school. It only took like five tries or so to get the lettering and stuff just right to match a proper Hogwarts one." She shifted slightly on the sofa to get more comfortable and crossed one leg over the other, sizing up Javy and trying to gauge whether or not he liked what she said. Did he approve? Or...?

"Good.." Knowing that he was aware on the difficulties. Nodding along as he mentioned his time around the barnyard. The Professor was hoping to hear other experiences outside of the school as well, but that wasn't an issue either way as he nodded. "That'll do.. I recommend if you haven't already keeping a log on your activities and experiences with magical creatures." Now why would that be necessary? "A good number of Dragonologists had graduated from Wizarding University. The school in turn find students with a good number of history with creatures more promising."

Adding on, "So I would recommend for you either attending Wizarding University majoring in Crytozoology & Magizoology. Your first two years would be mainly learning of other creatures in the off chance you may find passion in another creature before you're given free reign to choosing classes associated with Dragons. Internships sponsored by the University will also take place giving you first-hand experience working in one of the positions associated with dragons." Pausing just then, "How does that sound so far, Mr. Atreyu?"

Interesting how she created the concept all on her own. "I see.." He was also expecting to hear about another one's help. A certain Hufflepuff for instance, but it appeared to not be the case here..

Which made Javier briefly smile. "Well then I see no issue with you having this around." Offering the badge back. If she had chosen to take it right away he drew it back for a moment to add, "I have proposition though before you can have this back.." Now what was it going to be? He then flipped the badge like a coin in the air expecting it to fall back down any moment, "I would like you to make one for your former Professor Piersie. Head Nerd #3." Now how did that sound to the Ravenclaw before him.

SUSPICIOUS, Sophie Brown was, and she continued analyzing every part of Javy's face for some sort of sign as to what was going to HAPPEN. Suddenly, he was offering it back to her, and she reached for it greedily, but then he pulled back - "Oh?"

A proposition? Sophie watched him flip the badge up in the air like it was a coin - which irritated her, actually, and she had to keep from snatching it when he tossed it up - but then... what he went on to say made her grin massively.

"A newbie Ravenclaw girl is actually the third Head Nerd. I let her be it during the feast to make her feel included, 'cause she wanted to be, y'know? So I let it happen 'cause she didn't know anyone and it made her happy. But he can be number FOUR. Or... NUMBER ZERO. Like our HEAD HONCHO or something. Even better than number one. Only makes sense, really, since Piers is the biggest nerd. And I'd offer you one, but I don't think you're much of a nerd at all. You're too... mysterious and suave for that." Clearly.

SPOILER!!: Professor

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charely Potter

"Good.." Knowing that he was aware on the difficulties. Nodding along as he mentioned his time around the barnyard. The Professor was hoping to hear other experiences outside of the school as well, but that wasn't an issue either way as he nodded. "That'll do.. I recommend if you haven't already keeping a log on your activities and experiences with magical creatures." Now why would that be necessary? "A good number of Dragonologists had graduated from Wizarding University. The school in turn find students with a good number of history with creatures more promising."

Adding on, "So I would recommend for you either attending Wizarding University majoring in Crytozoology & Magizoology. Your first two years would be mainly learning of other creatures in the off chance you may find passion in another creature before you're given free reign to choosing classes associated with Dragons. Internships sponsored by the University will also take place giving you first-hand experience working in one of the positions associated with dragons." Pausing just then, "How does that sound so far, Mr. Atreyu?"

A log...right. Benny probably should be doing that for future reference since he hadn't really thought of it before. He was just enjoying the creatures for the sake of enjoying the time with the creatures. "I'll make sure to do that," he remarked with a nod, acknowledging the good advice sent his way. It was a simple thing that according to the man could be quite useful in the long run. The Gryffindor certainly wanted to have the best chances, otherwise why would he have bothered to come to the professor for help after all.

Both majors had some appeal yet there was more than enough time for him to decide just which way he would go. Two and a half years were remaining at Hogwarts as well as the grace period in university they would likely give to choose. General classes weren't a surprise and internships provided an idea of excitement even before graduation from his post grad schooling. "It sounds...good, Professor," Benny answered truthfully. Nothing all too hard or scary and undoable.

This was a really cool office. Look at all the light in here. Much better than Professor Q's office. All he had was some books and pictures. Sorry, Professor Q. You still the man. And there was a goose in here. He had a pet goose? Well you learn something new everyday. Though Professor Q's did win in comfort. That man knew how to be lazy. It was a fact. Did not even get up to yell at Dante in class.

It was impressive.

"Cool Goose, Professor"

Dante said before looking to find a seat. "Uh, do you want me to sit on the couch or stand?"

See he was asking before flopping on the couch.

Polite Dante at your service, Professor T.

Now why was Javier doing this against his partner? Cause it's been a good while since they teased each other like old times. It was practically an unbreakable vow to do so.. Not that they have had that done. "Hmm... Head of the Nerds would suit him if that title's not already taken." That badge that went up to the ceiling was fitting with gravity by falling down now.

The Professor wasn't making any signs of snatching it. Instead he looked at her. Brow raising, once again. Somehow he was getting the feeling she was saying these things just to get that. Oho. "...Really now?" Now that he hadn't ever been told that, just still. Unexpected from this one.

"Good.." He had paused in the chance that the boy had any questions of a sort. When Javier didn't receive anymore he continued on, "In case you ever need more experience before graduating, Internships at Gringotts or Magical Zoos would also be satisfactory." The amount earned was very valuable on the entrance essay. Now then, "Do you have any other questions, Mr. Atreyu?" Pressing concerns or anything regarding Dragons and creatures he was willing to answer.


The compliment was well received from both the Professor and Lala. "Why thank you, Mr. Barrington." She liked this boy already and wouldn't mind sharing the couch now if he chose to sat by her. She could get pets. LOTS of them. "Your choice. There's also some chairs here." Nudging towards the front of his desk where most usually sit. Javier headed toward his little fridge to go after the leftover treats. "Would you like a biscuit or drink?" He offered before getting enough, juuust in case he changed his mind after choosing not to at first. Sitting in his chair he then asked, "So what sort of questions did you have?"

Hm...Yeah Dante will take a chair. The goose was too cool and he would probably get distracted petting her/him. You know, Dante did not even know how to tell a gooses gender. Interesting. Maybe he should at that to the list. Or maybe in class sometime in the future. That sounded better.And wow treats. This was most excellent. "A drink would be nice, Professor. Thanks" Dante said before taking a seat in a chair.

Never got a drink before in a Professor's office.

And his questions. Yes those important questions. Well not really that important. But Dante wanted to know stuff. "Professor, will we actually be able to see dragons and nundu's in Care of Magical Creatures. Or is that way above Hogwarts Level." Because if they were Dante would be so excited.

If not then whatever.