Private message to Raz

[alt_sinistra]

Any more news this morning? I heard you cancelled classes (much the topic of discussion in my last class this morning), so I hope it's just a need for sleep and solitude, and not something worse.

I've got a class up here now, but in about an hour, I'd be free, if there's anything you'd like me to bring down to you. (They're working on charts, which doesn't leave much for me to do but answer the occasional question. Which is leaving me a lot of time for thinking.) If not, of course, don't feel obliged.

Comments

[alt_rabastan]

Not news, really. Just a floo call from Rod about increased security, which I was expecting. They're certain that Barty was assassinated, and anyone with the last name Lestrange is probably on the same list he was. There might be more calls coming in, though, so I thought it best to stay here for the day. Can't imagine the kids would complain about having class canceled on a Friday, and they'll know the reason for it soon enough, I imagine.

If I need anything, the elves can bring it. But I wouldn't say no to your company.

Thanks for staying last night, by the way.

[alt_sinistra]

On the security - I can see that logic, much as I dislike it. Does it change anything here for you or Hydra, given the existing security precautions for Harry? Or does that need more thought?

I'll come down then, when we're through here. As to last night ... honestly, while I hate the reason, I'm glad I could help.

I .. oh, I'll just come right out and be blunt. We should probably talk about the implications. Or if there are any. Or whatever. Like I said last night, you're a dear friend, and I don't want that to change.

[alt_rabastan]

No real changes here, no - more about goings-on in New London.

Heh, I'm smiling now because you sound nervous, even in writing. Don't worry, Rory, you're still my dear friend, too. The deary-est. I wish we would have done that before, when I wasn't feeling grim and hopeless. But it helped, it did. And I'm not even bothered by the fact that the students' gossip will now be rooted in truth. Oh well, right?

But if you're asking about what happens now, ah... I don't know. I've never slept with a female friend before, probably because they're mostly quidditchers which means they prefer action on the pitch, if you know what I mean, or they're just full-out mental. Then there's the fact that I happen to like you a lot more than I like them.

[alt_sinistra]

You smiling is an excellent thing.

And of course I'm nervous. Which is part of why I think we haven't come to this place before now.

But I like you quite a great deal, if that weren't entirely obvious. And more than that, I've been delighted by how much more I like you the more I get to know you, which is not the case for most people.

So.

I guess what I'm trying to say here is (before I start entirely blushing and grinning foolishly at my journal, and wouldn't that up the gossip) that I'd like to see where we go from here. Whatever that looks like. As long as we keep being friends too.

[alt_rabastan]

You blushing would set the tongues tripping. "What on earth can have turned our celestially cool, star-gazing professor such a shade of crimson? And while reading her journal, no less!" Quick, batten down and think of England!



There might be things about me you might be less than pleased to learn, you know. Things I did in the war, when I was young and angry and...yeah, you might not like that. Can't say I do. I then there's the bloody press to contend with...

Not trying to talk you out of anything, mind. Just a fair warning.

[alt_sinistra]

Or think of the most tedious staff meeting I can imagine?

On your history, well. We should talk, yes and you know I don't like being blindsided, so knowing what's there would be good.

But really, I'm more interested in who you are now, and who you want to be in the future than who you were, if that makes sense. (And from some things you've said, there's more than a few changes there in the recent past.)

I also figure we've got a little time to have that kind of chat. I'm not going to go writing to my mother, or even talk to Poppy or Pomona (though, Merlin knows, they might have a guess at it) for a bit. Certainly not until we've had plenty of time to talk through whatever things ourselves.

On the press - well, can't say dealing with them is a hobby I'd have picked up on my own. But people do seem to manage the problem, and I'm sure I can learn to do so too, if it comes to that.

It looks like it'll continue cloudy tonight - and possibly tomorrow, too. I've some YPL details to finish scheduling that must happen this weekend, and some of the ever-present marking. Other than that, I'm free to talk whenever you are. Or enjoyably do other things, too. And I will be down soon as this class is done.

[alt_rabastan]

Who I am now. That's a good question. The last ten years have been a sort of limbo where I was defined by what I had been in the past - Falcons' Keeper, then Hero of the Protectorate who bravely stopped an assassination attempt against the Lord Protector, &ct. But there seems to be this new definition of me emerging where I'm some kind of teacher. Imagine that.


So on that note, talking sounds good. You know, when we get to it. Meanwhile I shall be here, waiting somewhat but not really at all patiently.

[alt_sinistra]

You've come to teaching rather well, really. (And that's not just my bias: how many DADA teachers have I heard about over my time here? Students actually learn - and enjoy it, mostly - with you.)

Almost done - the last few are finally wrapping up. And of course, while I'm also impatient, shooing them out would be suspicious.

[alt_rabastan]

That's all right. By the time I've written this, you will surely be done and on your way. Brilliant.