Who: Belle and Laertes When: 19 December, afternoon Where: Entrance to Hogwarts from Hogsmeade What: Checking back in Rating/Warnings: pretty low Status: Closed/Complete
Laertes was still feeling poorly. The bleed he'd suffered over the Thanksgiving holiday was just the start of a series of bleeds that had left him in pain while walking and in some cases struggling to do what he liked best - writing out translations of ancient texts. It was especially frustrating to him when his condition not only crippled him, but made the very non-physical hobbies he enjoyed difficult. He'd played off a lack of desire to go to Hogsmeade as an excuse to avoid the student crowds when he could go any time as a teacher. It made a good excuse. He'd been assigned work signing students in and out of the castle instead. It was fair, he could contribute, but it didn't require much walking which was good too.
Belle had gone out to Hogsmeade, but honestly hadn't found much to keep her there long. She wanted to get packed up for the trip home and to be sure she wrapped up the presents she had purchased for her friends and family. She smiled at the young man who was signing them back in- her AP for Runes. He had so recently been a student that it was almost strange to think of him in that capacity. He was, however, one of the few people here not from France who could converse with her fluently in that language. “Hello, Professor Sinclair. You did not wish to go to the town with your sister today?” Because she knew that was common practice for the siblings- they often did things together.
"Not professor… teacher assistant," Laertes answered in his careful French. The normal formality of his speech was exacerbated when he spoke other languages. "It seemed best to avoid the crowd of students when I can go when I wish." Laertes wasn't about to explain the reality of his condition though. It wasn't relevant. "You have returned before the end of the day requires it," he pointed out, redirecting the conversation to her a little.
“I too wished to avoid the large crowds. I find them… Irritating.” She didn't like being in large groups, she never had, and the fact that the town was overrun with third years made her impatient. She loved some of the shops, yes, but the fact that it was a trip after they had been banned for two months meant that the younger children were much more loud and obnoxious about it.
"And thirdies," Laertes agreed. It would only be their second time going to the village after all, and seeing it in the holiday finery. "They are worth avoiding in Hogsmeade," Laertes agreed. "Your shopping is done then?"
“I do much of my shopping very early. I simply had to make a purchase for a new friend. Everything else was done.” Belle smiled faintly, looking curiously at Laertes. “I imagine you have been able to finish as well, with the freedom to roam that the students have not had?”
He had not actually been to the village because of his current condition, but just smiled. "Ophelia and I do our gifts together, and she has been more active in shopping for us this year." Walking enough to do that would cripple him for the rest of the day into the next. Hopefully the time off would give him a chance to fully heal.
“That is logical. You have looked unwell in class lately. I hope you are using the time to rest?” Because she was aware that there was some condition the TA had. Not what it was, but that he seemed to be pale and tired lately, clearly not in the best of health.
Laertes wasn't surprised she had picked up on the details. "It is nothing I have not dealt with my entire life." Although Belle hadn't had classes with him, they'd been at school together for almost six years and she was not unobservant. Nevermind he was unable to hide the limp he had lately. "Not that I would have chosen to have a flair up for the holidays."
Belle nodded slightly. “If you have need of anything while I am around, I am willing to be of service.” It was helpful to converse in French. She would not have made the offer in English, as she doubted the other’s pride would appreciate it as much. She knew she would not if others overheard a situation where she needed assistance.
"You are discreet, but I am still ambulatory. I have gotten though and will continue to do so. My family will no doubt prevent me from doing much of anything over the holiday until I am ready to escape. You are spending the holiday with your family as well?"
Belle nodded at his reply. Pride was a big thing for him, obviously, as much as it was her. Just because he could walk didn't mean it was easy, but she accepted that he didn't want help- she imagined his sister did not accept that as an answer, as well. “With my papa. My grandparents do not enjoy America, and he has work functions to attend so we cannot go to France.”
"Would you rather go to France? Or are you glad to stay here?" Laertes asked, curious. For him, family was everything, but so long as he was with Ophelia, he was content. His snake, feeling for a moment ignored began to rewind himself around Laertes arm, popping his head out of the sleeve. Laertes made a hissing comment at his pet without turning from Belle.
“I often miss it but I am glad to be with my papa.” Because he was the most important person in her life. Belle noticed the snake and offered a small smile. “Your snake is very attractive.” She didn't know parseltongue obviously but it was clear the two were close and that they could understand each other.
"Your father is fortunate," Laertes offered. He understood that kind of closeness to family. As for his snake. "He unfortunately knows it." The snake stuck it's tongue at Laertes and flicked his tail. "Enjoy your holiday then… and hopefully you will get to go to France over the summer."