Who: Mary Margaret and Theo Where: Hogwarts / Mary Margaret's Quarters When: Saturday, January 16th, 2016 - Late Morning Warning: None Status: Closed / Complete
Snow walked into the empty quarters - her new home for... who knows how long. Theo had talked her into applying for the position, but she had had plenty of reserves about her coming here. She had gotten the Headmaster to agree to letting her teach under a different name, but it wasn't like she expected literally no one to recognize her... the name change was more about starting over and keeping things as quiet as possible - not really a thought of actually wiping herself as Snow from existence. With a flick of her wrist, her two trunks stacked themselves neatly next to the door. Letting out a soft sigh she walked into the middle of the quarters. They were bigger than she'd had in awhile, living like someone fleeing a warrant didn't exactly make for living in the nicest or or biggest of places.
Most of what she had was clothes or books she'd acquired over the last five years - there wasn't a lot in those two trunks that was actually sentimental to Snow. She had managed, in her haste to disappear, to pop back to her and David's apartment and grab a few of the most important things to her (a few pieces of jewlery, a picture or two, some first edition books, and a few other more personal things). She sauntered over to the trunks, popping the smaller one on top open - her lips pursed as she looked down at it, the few bits and bobs she had scattered amoungst her books which had very clearly not stayed as organized as she wanted. With a soft groan she took a few books out and walked over to the bare bookshelf along one of the walls and started distracting herself with a bit of organizing. She made a mental note that at some point she was really going to have to go through and make sure that all of the books and bits and bobs were properly labeled with Mary Margaret - it wouldn’t do her any good to have everything still labeled by a name she was trying to forget about.
Theo knew well enough what his friend was trying to escape, but he also knew that he would feel better if he could keep an eye on her. His time in Egypt had taught him how important it was to stay in touch with people- living pretty much in tombs most of the time showed him that life really was fleeting and could be wiped out in less than a heartbeat. As it was though, Snow was what he had left outside of his cousin and the rest of his family.
He headed from his office to the new room he knew the woman would be occupying. Yes, he did knock, but waiting for a reply with Snow? There was no cause for that and he pushed the door open, smirking at the pale brunette that seemed to be cleaning, moving to a counter and shifting a small knickknack over about an inch before teasingly raising a brow at her. “Miss me? You know you did.” Because they'd been relatively constant in each other's lives since he had started school and they made friends.
Snow had been fairly popular at school - perks of having an outgoing personality and a damn good performance on your house’s Quidditch team. Having a Charming boyfriend, well, that probably didn’t hurt either. But for all the popularity she had before she felt the world crumble around her, Theo had been just about the only person she actually kept around. A best friend of almost a decade was a little harder to brush off, especially one as outgoing and persistent as Theo happened to be. In the end, she knew it was good for her though. Managing to respond to at least Theo’s owls kept her grounded in reality and kept her from just slipping away into somewhere else entirely. At some point she knew she’d have to face everything, but what was a few more years? Nothing, they’d be nothing.
She heard the knock and didn’t bother to look up - she had a pretty good suspicion of who it was and no answer was going to stop that entrance. Plopping the last book in her hands onto the shelf she turned around, a little smile on her face as she rolled her eyes, “Even if I said I didn’t, you know you’d still say I did.” She said, a lightness to her voice as she made her way back over to her trunks.
Theo too had been popular - though he chalked it up to quidditch and the fact that he was clever. Both things allowed him to easily make and keep friends. Snow was just his favorite out of them, and while he had made a new friend here (was Lae a friend?) he enjoyed the fact that one of his best friends had come here to keep him company. It was a lot different from being away and having adventures in Egypt and so he was still trying to adjust. Hopefully it wouldn't take too much longer.
A smirk at her words and he shrugged. “Because if you said you didn't it would be a lie. So, hopefully you get a TA as interesting as mine.” A wicked smirk curved his lips and he leaned against the wall, looking at her with obvious amusement in his eyes. He liked his TA and hopefully she would like hers too. Maybe not the same way but in some way.
Snow was brought to some level of ease as soon as Theo had appeared, her life had lacked any level of normalcy for the last 5 years and having a little bit of it back and in person - rather than confined to letters sent from more countries than either of them had probably ever kept track of - was pretty nice, even if she wasn’t going to give her best friend’s ego that satisfaction this quickly. She grabbed a few more books, a few picture frames clanking against the edge of the trunk as she lifted the carefully bound readers out. “Good that I have you to always remind me what a terrible liar I am then, eh?” She said, her grin still evident on her features as she turned back towards the bookshelf again.
She groaned softly as she placed the first book, “Interesting? Theo. THEO.” She said - a glance over her shoulder to her scruffy friend, “Do I even want to ask? I know you more than well enough to know that interesting to you isn’t simply interesting.” There wasn’t any concern or judgement in her tone - that would have required any amount of surprise to be flitting about in her head. She knew the man quiet well enough to understand that that little smirk, that curve of his lips was far from the most innocent and innocuous look she could be getting.
Theo followed after her, here and there shifting the items she carefully placed an inch this way or that. It was clear he found this humorous honestly. He knew she was used to him being a total tornado around just about everything and so the slight shifts were obviously just him joking around. “A completely terrible liar. Worst liar ever.” His eyes glinted mischievously and he finally settled himself on the end of her desk, getting himself comfortable to talk and listen.
“Interesting. Entirely beautiful. Young, lean, tall and slim.” Giving details about Lae without really giving much more. “He looks like a statue. Told him he's made of ivory and gold. Did I mention beautiful?” A wicked grin as he continued. Laertes was also skilled in their more intimate moments from what he had seen. He enjoyed being with the younger man, touching and teasing and kissing. But Snow probably didn't want to know all of that.
Snow couldn’t help but keep grinning, it was obscenely silly but Theo’s incessant fidgeting and fixing and straightening was probably what she needed right now. Maybe this was all going to be a much bigger blessing than she’d thought. Those nerves about it being Hogwarts, about someone probably recognizing her - after all its not like her and Theo were the only graduates on the staff. Most of them hadn’t been in either of their years, most of the TAs would have been at most 2nd or 3rd years when she’d graduated - but she’d be lying if she said she hadn’t considered all of this. But regardless, this almost medicinal level of calm she was feeling was something she’d missed about normalcy. Maybe this could be positive.
The raven haired woman let out another groan, this one much more extended than the previous. “Beautiful, did you just - Theo. You…” She sighed as she went to pick up another stack of books from her trunk - a few carefully selected picture frames making their way into the pile as she continued to set about arranging her bookshelf. “I mean, I’m a little curious to see what he looks like now - but that’s utterly besides the point and still - Theo! Your TA!” She said enthusiastically.
He knew that he was recognized in a few ways. The oldest students had not been students when he was, but even the most recent graduate TAs had been, and some of the older ones were closer to his age. There was also Bailey and the fact that people knew of him through her. He was glad she was doing well, an obvious success in the family. He loved his younger cousin, after all, and so being around her was most certainly a positive factor to working at Hogwarts.
A laugh at the outburst and Theo grinned, raising one eyebrow as obvious mischief glinted in his eyes. “Utterly beautiful. You remember that one blond boy I dated in sixth? Similar hair color, but pale, and no sports skills at all. He's just...delicate.” Because it was a fact. Lae was slim and not at all muscular. Fortunately the look appealed to him, and the fragility of the young man did even more so. It was nice to feel needed sometimes, and he was needed when it came to Lae.
Snow was determined to make this work. After all this time running, she still wasn’t particularly in a ‘going home mood - not that she was sure she had a home to even return to, it seemed more reasonable that she didn’t after 5 years - but part of her was ready to stop moving every three months and she was hoping with all of her might that Hogwarts might help to provide the breeding ground for a more stable place to live out her life where she could just get back to the things that didn’t bring a visceral reminder of things she’d rather forget come rushing back.
She placed the few books in her hand first - they were followed by two beautifully done photographs of her Mother, Eva, both in neatly kept silver frames. “I’m pretty sure half the school wanted to date that one. I mean, I don’t even go for pale and I still couldn’t have blamed you.” She said offhandedly, “But if you think I’m going to let you live it down for a second that you’re doing whatever it is that I really, really probably don’t even want to know about with your TA?” She leaned over and gave him a rather sarcastic pat on the shoulder, “Then I just don’t think you know me at all.”
Theo was glad she had agreed to come. It would make it easier for him to look after her. Not that she really needed it, but it made him feel better to know that she was secure and in a place where she wasn't alone. He absently picked up one of the small items she had set down, turning it over in his hands as they spoke. He wasn't good at being still. He never had been, even in classes. Learning had been so exciting that he just fidgeted and twitched, always trying to get closer, to hear more, to experience everything.
“You'll see when you see him.” Theo was certain his friend would understand the attraction to the pale blonde boy. His taste had not changed much over the years, he knew, and it was not likely to change much now either. Laertes was just the sort of person that could keep him interested, and he found that he had no problem with that thought at all.
Snow continued to pop between the shelf and her trunk - she had a fair few more books than she thought she did, but the thought actually pleased her, if she was going to make a real go at the teaching thing having more books would be all for the better. She picked up another frame - quickly putting it back into the trunk before slipping back to the bookshelf. “Is anyone else interesting teaching now? I’m sure you assumed I was a little too preoccupied to actually look it up myself.” She said, the thunk of a heavy book cutting her off as she turned to him, an eyebrow raised.
She sighed, “Oh I’m sure I’ll see him.” She said, tilting her head, “But I still vow to never let you live this down. Your damn TA.” She said with a soft laugh.Theo had always had a certain level of chauvinist in him, and Snow was pretty sure that was no different now than it had been then. And as much as she would absolutely, hands down, no questions asked be giving him a relentless amount of grief for this particular move - it did make her happy that he could find a little happiness in someone.
Theo shrugged. “Our Runes teacher is pretty awesome, from what I hear.” His lips tilted slightly into a smirk. Obviously he was going to play up the fact that he was a teacher. How could he not? He didn’t have much experience, no, but he was intelligent and interesting and so he doubted there would be too many problems with what he had elected to do. He needed the change. He needed to be able to be himself away from Egypt and try to get beyond what happened there.
“My damn TA, the son of the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister.” A tiny flicker of a grin. He was interested in the young man for more than that, the beauty alone was far more than enough, and he knew that even if his TA had been a nobody, the intelligence and appearance would have attracted him. “I… He’s interesting. A polyglot like me, hemophiliac, and we’re keeping it quiet because of who his family is. Supposed to marry and be a good heir, you know?”
Snow groaned again, but couldn’t stave off the chuckle that followed - even with her best effort to mask it. “Oh and now… I wonder who ever that could be. An awesome Ancient Runes teacher…” She sighed sarcastically, “I haven’t the slightest idea at all of who in the world could live up to such a description! Sure no mere mortal man actually exists!” It was such a relief to be here joking with Theo. Neither of them had had an easy last few years and to be able to be here, just acting like themselves again - she knew this was going to be good for both of them.
She slipped the last book onto the shelf - it was much more full than she’d imagined and she was in a mind to fill it out even more now that she actually had a place to keep books. “Wait… you went and got a crush on a Sinclair? I mean I know I’ve been out of the country… but I get the news.” She sighed heavily, looking into the mostly empty trunk - just a few items left in it that she’d rather leave right where they are, out of sight. “I mean, better keep it quiet , thankfully for you you know much too much about my life so I’m of absolutely no harm for tattle taleing.”
“Don't know. Haven't met him yet, but I hear he's incredibly dashing and apparently has eyes that catch everyone’s attention. Crazy, right?” Because Theo knew his eyes were probably up there on his best features and he had no problem accenting them sometimes to make them even more noticeable. “Compared to the Runes teacher we had, this one has to be a godsend for Emrys, don't you think? Not 800 years old, it's a step.” Because the teacher he had was far too old to keep up with the students and making things interesting.
He picked up a book next, setting aside the small knickknack that he had been playing with, and absently flipped pages. “Yeah. He doesn't want it getting around, with his father’s position and all. I mean, he's the family heir and so making out with another guy isn't in the job description.” It wasn't something he thought about a lot- his sexuality had always been fluid, and it had seemed to him that Laertes had no idea what it could be like to be with someone you were attracted to. Had he never felt that way before? At his age? It was a strange thought.
Snow gave a little wave of her hand - she hadn’t had much of a talent for wandless magic when she was in school but she’d really started to excel at it once she started living on her own, it came in quite handy when you were on the run from something or someone. The smaller of the trunks floated itself over toward the bed, slipping under it to stay safely hidden with its few remaining contents. She wiped her hands off on her skirt, looking around the still fairly barren room. “I might actually have to conjure myself up some decorations for once - its a bit drab in here.” By the looks of it the last inhabitant hadn’t done much in the decorating way either and if they had the House Elves had done a truly good job of cleaning it all up.
She turned back to her friend, placing a caring hand on his shoulder, “As long as it doesn’t hurt you.” She said, as much as she tried to push that drive for deep emotion away ever since… everything happened, Snow was very much still a deeply caring person and right now her best friend was the only person she let herself still feel that much for. “Secrets lose their shine more often than not. But happy endings were never meant to be easy - if they were, we’d all have them.” She said with a soft smile and a little squeeze of his shoulder.
Theo looked around and nodded. It didn't really suit her, the emptiness of the office, and he reached into his pocket, pulling out a small framed picture he'd brought from his own office. The picture was set on her desk and he moved to wrap her into a hug, offering the companionship that they both had always found in each other. It was good to have that back, given the time they had been apart. He had missed this sort of connection.
“I know it. He's got family roles to fill in, so this isn't likely something he’ll want to last. It's something for now.” It might be temporary but at least for the time being he had his friend and a lover too. Not that finding lovers was hard, but Theo didn't like one night stands- he was much more comfortable having someone that he could go to and that could come to him whenever it seemed right. Being alone had never suited him.
Snow wrapped her arms around Theo and gave him a gentle squeeze - she honestly couldn’t remember the last time she’d hugged someone or been hugged, though she had a sinking feeling that it had been a number of years, which only made the moment of affection between the two friends all the more appreciated. She let out a soft sigh and pulled back. “I might have to drag you with me into Hogsmeade - I need a few more books and it is awful in this room.”
She nodded, she knew how much her friend craved companionship - he was just that sort of person who liked to have an anchor of sorts. Snow was much the opposite, she’d really only ever dated Charming and even though they were for all purposes separated, its not like she’d been galavanting around with other men while she was running from her problems. It was probably the most different thing about the two friends. “Well as long as he doesn’t hurt you. He’s not a student so I don’t have to be as nice to him.” She said with a grin.
He appreciated the hug. While it had been nice holding and touching Laertes, this was family sort of. It was like giving Bailey a hug. New people were nice, but he knew there was always a risk of loss with them. The people who had been constant in his life were different and incredibly important, especially now with what had happened in Egypt. “We can head out. We’ll get you a dress, some decorations, and candy. Candy is a necessity.” Because while he was athletic, he also enjoyed little treats sometimes to brighten up the days.
“I know what to expect.” Theo shrugged one shoulder faintly and smiled. “I mean, I don't think anyone’s looking for a lifetime with a guy like me. I'm a bit...erratic.” It was true. He was generally cheerful and all, but he didn't like sitting still, and he didn't like being in one place for long periods. He knew the Runes job would keep him here til June, but after that he would be free to wander as he chose until the next year. “He won't hurt me. I'm not planning on letting that happen.”
Snow pulled away and gave Theo’s arm a little squeeze. Popping over to the larger trunk she’d brought she opened it, pulling a heavy sweater out and pulling it around her. “Not too much candy, okay?” She said with a grin. “If people saw you hyper I don’t know if you’d have a job in the morning.” She looked around the room, trying to get a sense of what she would want to purchase - or at least some easy ideas of things to make it feel less… empty. If she was going to promise to try and stay somewhere for the first time in a number of years, she wanted to feel like she had a home again.
“Oh hush.” She said with a wave of the hand. As much as she adored Theo’s outlandish personality, there were a few things she felt he might sell himself short with. Granted, that may just be personal bias because she had such a wildly different take on romance than him, but either way. “You always say that! But I’m still betting on someone managing it one day and then I’ll have to put you back together like a little china cup and… probably break their little china cup in the process.” She said, a friendly mocking tone to her voice.
Theo smiled and shook his head. “All of the candy in the shop. And perhaps some from a second shop as well.” Because he liked sweets. He would not eat as much as he was saying and he knew it, but it was fun to tease a little bit. He knew Snow didn’t judge him for it, it was just who he had always been and so she was used to it. As for him being hyper? That was a constant. He probably would have been diagnosed ADHD in the muggle world. As it was, he was just active and had to work that out.
He shrugged at her words. “I’ll be fine, don’t worry too much about me. I know how to handle people, and myself. I’m not expecting him to fall in love with me.” He didn’t expect that of anyone. Granted, he didn’t think he would say no if it ever happened, but he had been a serial monogamist. Year-long relationships until his partner got tired of his running around and constantly jumping from one thing to another were common, and he was used to things not being forever.
“You can have three pieces of candy.” Snow said, holding fingers up close enough to his to perhaps be just a smidge playfully obnoxious as they started out the door. It was going to take some time for the newly returned graduate to get used to these halls again - especially those awful moving staircases, but the opportunity excited her, though part of her knew it was a dangerous time to be returning to Hogwarts, she wasn’t bothered.
The more petite of the friends shot the other a smile, “I dunno, you’ve swooned more than a few people over the years. I’m pretty sure there’s more than a few broken cups out there that might not even want to admit they’re broken.” She slowly buttoned up her sweater. “And I’m overprotective, you know that - whether you think it’ll happen or not, I’m ready to break metaphorical cups.”
Theo stuck out his tongue at her and shook his head. It was amusing to be with her again and he was glad to have that. He had missed the friendship they had shared. Without her- he hadn't realized how much he had missed her being around. It brought back a lot of memories. Good memories that he hadn't expected.
He shrugged at the comment about broken cups and rolled his eyes. “I'm sure that's not true. I know you're overprotective, but I'm fine. I will continue to be fine. Don't worry.” An emphasis on the last words and he smiled at her as she buttoned up. They would have a good time out in Hogsmeade. It would be like old times again.
Snow rolled her eyes, “Do I have to explain to you what ‘adult’ means again - you have students now ya know, impressionable young minds. Ripe for misunderstanding what good behaviour is.” She said, half serious and half jokingly - much as she knew Theo was a joker she did also know he’d never willingly turn any students down a bad path. Actually, she was of the opinion teaching would be good for Theo - give him a little consistency that would probably do him some good, while retaining at least some freedom.
“Hey, just doing my job.” She said, rather matter-of-factly as she casually folded her arms as they walked - she let out a content sounding sigh and sort of just took in what was around her. “Thankfully that last job I had with the Brits paid pretty well, so I think I can manage to actually make the place look a fair bit better.”
Theo shrugged and rolled his eyes again. Being an adult was boring. He didn’t care that much about it. What mattered to him was living. He liked who he was and what he did, and honestly that was what mattered the most to him. As long as he and the people he loved were happy, that was vital to his life. “So you’re saying I need to grow up. Somehow that doesn’t seem right.” He smirked at her winningly and slung one arm around her shoulders, ready to go.
Walking out was a bit of a shock still. Being in Egypt had gotten him used to the heat, so the cold was strange and he would have to adapt again. “Don’t worry about money. I’ve got you if you need it until you have a paycheck.” He had never been without money and so it didn’t seem like an important thing in his mind.
Snow laughed softly, “Hey, who said anything about growing up?” She shot Theo a smirk, she was probably a bad example of how to be an adult - or at least how to properly handle being one, going and running away for all of your problems for half a decade probably didn’t exactly constitute good adult behaviour. “Maybe playing a little at being grown up, though, that could be useful. But somehow…” She sighed sarcastically, “I just feel like you swoon your way out of any situations that might actually to anyone else cause concern.”
She waved her hand, “The exchange rate between her and Britain is insane. Plus, I haven’t really… strictly speaking… spent any of the money I’ve made in the last few years.” One of the perks of living such a sparse lifestyle meant that the majority of her money had become a little nest egg, one of the more positive things that came out of all of the hiding and anonymity. “I didn’t exactly become a collector or live in the most expansive of places.”
Theo grinned wickedly and nodded. It was true. He didn't worry nearly as much as he probably should with most things. He enjoyed life and he seemed immune to most negative situations - his partner’s accident notwithstanding. He didn't mind being teased about it when it came to Snow, though anyone else would get either ignored or tossed dirty looks. “I do what I can, you know.”
“So we have a lot to work with. Good. Maybe start with some paintings? We could apparate to Quinique Alley if you need. I know there's a pretty nice gallery there, a pair of the kids work there in the summer from what I've heard. The Smith family is pretty well known.” Most of what he knew about that was from listening, but he had gone to the Redfern party too and picked up a bit of knowledge from that.
Snow looked around as they stepped outside - she hadn’t really been somewhere with so much chill in the air in the last few years. Britain was wet, not snowy. France had been, well, it was the Southern part of France so quite nice. Germany had probably been the last place she was that had anything remotely like a true winter, and that had been… two years now? “Its one of your many talents.” She said, a particularly strong sarcastic tone inserted for emphasis on the word many. Even as a kid she hadn’t had a lot of friendships that matched her and Theo’s, which in the end after everything had only made it that more dear to her. But being dear didn’t save anyone from her more rambunctious side.
She pursed her lips and nodded, “Nothing too fancy now. With any luck I’ll be here some time - but who knows.” She said shrugging her shoulders, a hint of honesty to her words. “But sounds a good place to start. It wouldn’t hurt to have some more lasting decorations I can bring around with me.” She tilted her head, “And look at you… already master of the gossip mill.”