Year/Job
Ancient Runes Professor
rouch
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Post by Nicole Halley on Jan 18, 2024 20:06:21 GMT -8
Thursday, January 18 | Early Evening | Staffroom Finishing her coffee, Ole was about to gather up her dishes from dinner. They disappeared before she even had a chance. It was still something she struggled to get used, magic used in her daily life. Of her thirty-six years, magic had only been a part of eight of them. After five months of being immersed in the wizarding world again, some things were coming back to her. She wasn't sure how much of her résistance to using her wand for conveniences was just breaking the habit of living like a muggle and how much was her insecurity over charms work after all these years. Stepping down from the staff table, she tried to avert her eyes from the student tables. They deserved to relax and not worry about being scolded by a teacher for harmless antics. What she didn't see didn't need to be corrected. She was nearly to the exit of the Great Hall when she heard her name."Professor Halley!" a young Ravenclaw called out, jumping up from their table.Ole stopped and smiled at the boy. He was a fourth year and one of her best students. "Mister Anderson," she started when a dragon-shaped firecracker flew passed them. She steadied her student while looking around for the culprit. It didn't take long to see the guilty party. Noticing her sleeve was singed from the fire, Ole patted. She like the jumper and hoped the thread could be mended. "Miss Finnegan, I suggest you finish your dinner and take your belongings back to Gryffindor Tower," she said sternly. The small group of troublemakers seemed to appreciate they were given a gift and moved quickly to back up their school bags."Now, Theo. You wanted to tell me something?" she said, satisfied the pranksters were contained for the evening. "Our ancient runes club is meeting on Saturday and we thought it would be nice if you could be there for the judging. We're turning in our translations from the winter break."Nodding, Ole was actually thrilled to spend the weekend working with the club. She really enjoyed teaching, but hadn't realized how much she would love working with the Hogwarts students. They were a breath of fresh air compared to the university students she tutored. "I'll be there," she promised. "I knew you'd come. I'll let everyone know!" he said shouting over his shoulder on his way back to his seat. Ole turned back to the exit, examining her sleeve. She wasn't sure if reparo would work on clothing. It wasn't technically broken. With a heavy sigh, she found herself turning toward the staffroom. Since taking the teaching post, she hadn't put in much effort to comingle with her peers. She worried they'd judge her for her choices to spend so much time at muggle university. That, and she wasn't sure if she'd have enough to say to keep herself from making it awkward for everyone. The greater fear though, was that her distance might have been perceived as aloofness or snobbery. That would be worse than embarrassing herself. How was it she was at the top of her field in one life and left feeling like a fish out of water in her new life. It needed to change.
Steeling herself, she opened the staffroom door. Maybe she could do some grading in the common area and see if anyone might tolerate her long enough to remember her name.
Tags: Iola Walker Notes: still trying this format that is new to me... hopefully it sets the tone well enough?
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Year/Job
Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor
I had been lost to you, sunlight. And flew like a moth to you, sunlight. |
Animagus
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Post by Iola Walker on Jan 18, 2024 20:38:40 GMT -8
It had been a few days since her conversation with Finch and Iola could safely say that she was rattled. The realization that she had been the one to kill his mother was troubling to say the least. Her mind was churning, her heart aching, and her stomach turning as she thought of the implications of it all. When it had happened, she was able to move past it by not thinking about the person she had killed. She didn’t wonder about her family or anything. Iola only thought of herself and she was feeling so ashamed about it. Here she had destroyed his family to save her own and she couldn’t help but feel so incredibly guilty about it. It was tearing her up inside and she had no Nyle to comfort her. For the first time since she got the position, she resented the fact she couldn’t leave Hogwarts. All she wanted was to hold her family again and she was stuck dealing with it all herself.
Part of her wondered if she should turn herself in, but she knew that was pointless. Iola made her statement to the Aurors when she and Nyle returned, but when they searched the area they described, there was no body to be found. Nothing had been done then and nothing would be done now. Except, said the voice in the back of her head, the Goldswithe’s would have their answer. Finch was aware, and how he felt about the news Iola didn’t know. It hurt her to be the cause of so much grief. It hurt even more that she was the cause of it all.
Dinner was over and Iola had never been more happy for that simple fact. Her plate cleared and she wasted no time slipping away and into the staff room. She didn’t have Nyle and she didn’t have Annie, but she could at least have a cup of tea to calm her nerves. Iola whispered the password and stepped inside, waving her wand at the teapot and cabinets. She glided over to the counter and took a seat in one of the stools, impatiently waiting for her tea to brew. Her fingernails tapped against the granite, Iola letting out a small puff of air. At last, her tea was ready and the brunette started to pour cream and honey into her cup while the amber liquid poured. The door opened as she stirred, her gaze snapping up to see the newest professor slip in.
Iola had never spoken to this professor before, but that was most likely because the Ancient Runes professor avoided everyone. If she remembered correctly, Professor Halley was a professor at a muggle university before she came to Hogwarts. Perhaps some teachers didn’t like this truth, but Iola had no issue with it. “Professor Halley,” she greeted her softly, offering up a miniscule smile. She felt for the new professor, knowing what it was like to come to a place you didn’t feel the most wanted. “Care for some tea?”
tagged ; Nicole Halley
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Year/Job
Ancient Runes Professor
rouch
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Post by Nicole Halley on Jan 19, 2024 5:36:56 GMT -8
As soon as Ole noticed the room wasn't empty she had doubts that her foray into a staff community space had been a good idea. She had been hoping the universe would honor her intent and allow her to use the space without crossing paths with another professor. Noticing it was the DADA professor had her even more nervous. The only thing that would have been worse would have been the charms professor. The history professor would have been her best case scenario. Not a witch or wizard that is so proficient with spells they'd been asked to teach the next generation of witches and wizards. Ole was about to back out before she was seen when the professor offered a kind smile and some tea. Ole felt some tension leave her. She stepped further into the room. "Good evening, Professor Walker. Tea would be great if you have some to spare," she said, hoping to balance deference to the seasoned professor without sounding subservient. Rubbing her face, Ole knew she was being ridiculous. Overthinking such a simple interaction. Iola had shown no sign that she thought Ole didn't belong at the school, she'd said nothing to her or around her that would suggest there had been any judgment over her posting. Get a grip, Ole told herself.
"I was going to do some work down here where it's warmer. My office requires a big fire to keep warm. Then it's too hot to sit near the hearth," she rambled, stopping short of offering to leave if Professor Walker wanted to be alone. Iola wouldn't have come to the staff room if she wasn't at least open to sharing her space with someone else. "I haven't quite figured out how to regulate that mess yet," she finished lamely, knowing her nerves were as visible as an erumpent in a wand shop. She was basically talking about the weather for Merlin's sake. She was running the risk of being thought simultaneously aloof and bumbling fool.
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Year/Job
Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor
I had been lost to you, sunlight. And flew like a moth to you, sunlight. |
Animagus
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Post by Iola Walker on Jan 19, 2024 7:17:23 GMT -8
When Iola came to Hogwarts, she hadn’t realized that both Abbey and Bryant were there as well. Tensions were high for the first several months. Her feelings for Bryant hadn’t completely gone away, despite her love for Nyle, and she was sure that Abbey could sense that. Eventually, as time went on, those feelings faded and they came to an understanding. Now the two core professors exist as somewhat friends. Of course they weren’t close like she was with Liliana, but it was a step in the right direction. Bryant, oblivious to it all, existed as he always did. Though, perhaps the last ten years had matured him. Some.
Her startling blue gaze focused in on Nicole, her expression softening as she noticed how nervous the witch appeared. Her heart, still aching from her earlier turmoil, lurched in her chest for her. Something told Iola that she was having a harder time acclimating than she would admit. She could empathize with that, having felt like an outsider after years of being on the run. “Of course,” she replied with a softer smile. “Help yourself. And call me Iola, please.” Iola moved toward the table in the center of the kitchenette, easing into a seat and looking up at Professor Halley expectantly.
The more that she observed, the more nervous Nicole seemed to get. The other brunette rambled a bit about the heating issue in her office, something Iola knew could be fixed with a simple charm, but she admitted she hadn’t figured out how to remedy the problem. Iola pressed her lips together as she pondered on how best to help. If she spent most of her adult life teaching muggles, she’d imagine that coming back into the magical world was hard. Magic required practice to master and if you were that out of practice simple spells could be really difficult. “An Atmospheric Charm would warm up your office without needing a fire,” she told her kindly, gesturing to the seat beside her. “I can show you if you’d like.”
tagged ; Nicole Halley
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Year/Job
Ancient Runes Professor
rouch
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Post by Nicole Halley on Jan 19, 2024 16:28:53 GMT -8
Taking a moment to accept the grace that had been offered, Ole nodded. "Iola. Thank you. Call me Ole," she said relieved to see no judgment in the professor's eyes. In fact, she thought she saw some compassion and maybe some pain that came from empathy. Ole didn't know much about Iola's history. She wasn't one to put her nose where it didn't belong. In fact, she was of the opinion that people's stories were theirs to tell or not. Turning toward the cupboards, Ole was grateful to have something to do with her hands. As she had for the past five months, she analyzed her act of physically selecting her cup. Should she have used a wand for that? It seemed excessive. Besides, there was a comfort that came from routine. Pouring the kettle, the floral smell hit her, calming her further. She was aware her companion had taken a seat, a clear signal she wasn't in a hurry to leave the muggleborn witch alone. It might not have been an olive branch, but Ole chose to take it as one.
The offer to find a magical solution to her office problem was unexpected. When Ole turned, she smiled sheepishly. An atmosphere charm sounded like the correct solution. Ole settled into a seat across from Iola and took a small sip, rolled the warm liquid around in her mouth as her tongue grew slightly numb. "That's lovely, thank you," she held her cup up and then continued, "And I would really appreciate the help if you wouldn't mind? Charms weren't my worst marks when I was at student but I've fallen out of practice since then. Some pointers would be welcomed in case I'd set off a thunderstorm in my classroom." Admitting her situation felt like test balloon. She wasn't the only witch on the planet that wasn't very good casting spells, but there probably weren't many that were in that situation by choice. "One has to be pretty brave to be the Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor. I can only imagine some of the near catastrophes you've averted," Ole said, thinking back on her own time in the class.
Her first year was the year after the war ended. A war Ole had never heard of, although there had been signs that things were wrong in the country. Freak accidents and random disasters. The media had speculated wildly. When she learned the real cause, it was eye opening. The students in her class took the subject so seriously. Most everyone who came from a magical family had an aptitude that could have only come from illicit, underage magic. It made the past even more real for Ole. Knowing kids her age had spent over a year fearing attacks. It was a hard realization to process at eleven.
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Year/Job
Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor
I had been lost to you, sunlight. And flew like a moth to you, sunlight. |
Animagus
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Post by Iola Walker on Jan 20, 2024 12:54:52 GMT -8
A soft smile touched her lips as Ole gave her preferred name, Iola committing it to memory. She knew how difficult it could be being the new professor and she was determined to give her a warmer welcome than she received five months ago. Perhaps Iola had noticed how Ole used her hands more often than her wand, but that wasn’t all that strange to the witch. Her own father was a muggle and they had traditions in their family, like decorating the Christmas tree by hand instead of with magic. And after twelve years of using her wand constantly while at work, Iola preferred to slow down when she could and put her wand away for a time.
Sipping on her tea, she watched as Ole took a seat across from her, her smile warming. She gave a nod of her head in acknowledgment when she thanked her for the tea. “Of course,” she murmured. “And I’d be happy to help anytime. To be honest, there are days I wish I could step away from the Wizarding World and just live as a muggle.” Iola chuckled softly, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup. Her own brother in law was a professor and historian at a local muggle university. She grew up surrounded by muggle tech and practices as well as magic. While a younger Iola may have resisted the Walker’s muggle ways, in her adult life she clung to them for some connection to her late father.
A rosy blush rose to her cheeks at Ole’s compliment, Iola sighing as she thought about all she had been through. “My story is a long one I’m afraid. But yes, you would be right. The last twelve years have been relatively peaceful, which I am eternally grateful for.” Once upon a time, Iola would be hesitant to tell her story and relive the trauma she’s been through, but after a while she learned to come to terms with it. “What brought you to Hogwarts?”
Nicole Halley (Not my best! My Iola muse has dipped)
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Year/Job
Ancient Runes Professor
rouch
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Post by Nicole Halley on Jan 20, 2024 19:37:20 GMT -8
The offer was sincere, absent of judgment. Ole appreciated that. Her worst fears slipped away. There might be some who questioned her life choices but not all. Ole filed it away to invite Iola up to have a look at her classroom. "Well, the students will also appreciate your assistance as well," Ole said with a small laugh. She'd noticed most of her class brought their winter cloaks with them. Their gloves hindered their progress at times to transcribe their translations.
The mention of living like a muggle caught Ole's attention. Something about the way she said, it seemed to carry some fondness. Maybe she was muggleborn too. Or halfblood. Or just a reasonable witch who respected life was complicated. When it was clear Iola had misunderstood Ole's comments, she was about to assure the professor she wasn't prying into her past, just making an ill-timed joke about student mistakes in class, the tables were turned. What brought her to Hogwarts? Running from grief and loss probably wasn't the best answer to give if she wanted to continue with the rapport that had been established thanks purely to Iola's grace.
Ole took a sip of tea and considered the answer. "I guess a part of me was longing for simpler times. Returning to my roots to find myself again," Ole started, realized it was still a pretty esoteric answer and tried again. "After teaching in university, I learned to appreciate the earnest desire to learn that exists in these early years. My best mentor from my school days remains my most influential teacher. I think I wanted to give back in the same way." It was the truth, just not the whole truth. In the end, she guessed it was better to run to something then away from something, and the eleven-year-old girl inside her wanted to run to a place she once called home, but was absent of the people who knew her best.
Notes: no apologies ever needed! Write when the pen is hot and the muse is inspired.
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Year/Job
Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor
I had been lost to you, sunlight. And flew like a moth to you, sunlight. |
Animagus
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Post by Iola Walker on Jan 24, 2024 3:33:17 GMT -8
A small, amused smile touched her lips at Ole’s comment about the students. These castle walls were not great for insulation and the temperature was not getting any warmer. Iola wanted to help out the new professor, but the students also deserved to study without freezing. Even with the Atmospheric Charm in her office, Iola often kept a fire going. The added warmth made her feel at home, and of course she could always pop in to say hello to her family. Being a Head of House had its perks, but Iola desperately missed going home in the evenings. For now, she had to be content with Hogsmeade weekends when the students were busy exploring the village. And in just a few short years, her twins would be joining her at the castle.
Iola had a lot of love for muggles and their way of living. At one point in time, she detested them with her father being the only exception, but those days were long behind her. Charles Walker even tried to teach them how to drive, though he was wildly unsuccessful. Maverick was a godsend in that department.
The brunette sipped on her tea as she listened to Ole speak, nodding along with her words. Iola came to Hogwarts after her life was granted back to her because she wanted to prevent her story from repeating. If she could help dissuade even one student from taking her path, then she did her job well. And with her experience running from dark witches and wizards, she felt she was particularly qualified for the position. She smiled softly at the Ancient Runes professor, her pointer finger tapping rhythmically against the ceramic teacup. “That’s certainly inspiring,” she said. “I’m glad you’ve come back. It’s refreshing to see a new face at Hogwarts.”
Nicole Halley
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Year/Job
Ancient Runes Professor
rouch
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Post by Nicole Halley on Jan 27, 2024 13:39:36 GMT -8
Ole fiddled with her singed shirt sleeve. She hadn't been expecting such mutual respect from a fellow professor and wondered why she had avoided contact for so long. If she was being completely honest, she'd admit that part of the reason for returning was to live in a world that didn't remind her of Isaac every time she turned around. Some might accuse her of running away still, it just wasn't on the other side of the world she'd gone. She'd stepped through a portal to another world hiding in plane sight. A world Isaac never knew. She had told him about magic after they got engaged because it felt like she was lying to him not to share what she was. It had unsettled him and they never fully resolved the reaction he had to learning magic was real. Maybe one day she would have brought him to Diagon Alley. With their kids to get their first wands and school books. It was a life that was taken from her. And also a life that existed separate from that pain and hurt.
"It is a little strange being back. Did you feel that way when you started teaching? Like you were a student all over again, expecting to be lectured being out past curfew. I know you've been here for a bit and I imagine those awkward feelings fade," she asked, wondering what it must be like feeling at home in the castle as an adult. With all the adult baggage that comes with growing up. Seeing students make the same mistakes you did, knowing some people were experiential learners. Giving them guard rails to learn some things the hard way without letting them fall off the cliff. Ole imagined those goals were even harder at a magical school where the stakes could be high.
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Year/Job
Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor
I had been lost to you, sunlight. And flew like a moth to you, sunlight. |
Animagus
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Post by Iola Walker on Feb 4, 2024 10:54:28 GMT -8
The pain of losing her father was no longer fresh in her mind, but there were times when it crept back up to overwhelm her. Sometimes it came when she was watching one of his favorite movies, or when she did something simple like make her tea by hand. Sometimes it came when she watched her children play with muggle children at the park or when they discussed their muggle schooling. Over the years, Iola has learned how to deal with that pain and when it started to get to her, she knew how to sit in it and how to manage it. Her children knew about their grandparents and knew their story. They were proud to have such a brave grandad, a muggle who stood and fought for his family until his last breath. She was reminded of him as Ole and her talked, that familiar sadness welling up inside her. Iola sipped on her tea and let herself feel it for a solid minute before she let it go. She knew he would be proud of the woman she was today.
The witch listened intently as Ole started speaking again, a soft hum falling out of her as she lowered her teacup. "Yes, I can relate to that," she offered. "When I started, I had been gone from the Wizarding World for nearly a decade, so coming back was a bit of a shock." Her situation was vastly different from Ole's. She had spent those years on the run, fearing for her life and her family's lives. Iola had tried to settle down once during those years, taking a muggle lover and working as a waitress, but that life was ripped from her by the ones she was fleeing from and she didn't try again until she found Nyle. "Eventually, they do fade. It's different being the one who teaches and reprimands, knowing all the mischief I got into while I was in school. Perhaps a part of me feels hypocritical, but life has changed us since. I don't want to see my students learn the hard way as I did."
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Year/Job
Ancient Runes Professor
rouch
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Post by Nicole Halley on Feb 13, 2024 15:50:31 GMT -8
Surprised to hear Iola had also spent time away from the magical community, Ole leaned in. She wanted to know more. She wanted to know how Iola had managed to reintegrate so seamlessly. And then Ole realized that was a giant assumption on her part. The DADA professor had been at Hogwarts for eight years. She might be comfortable and confident in her life now. The work required to get there could have been significant. Ole laughed at the admission from Iola. "I've often wondered what I missed out on, following the rules and expectations most of my life. I know some things are better off not learning the hard way, but there's a lot to be said about pushing boundaries. Giving students a safe place, to break a few rules here and there... learning there are consequences is a rite of passage, isn't it? And learning to decide which consequences one can live with verses which one aren't worth the rule breaking is a skill learned in these walls too," Ole observed. There were certainly friends of hers that were better off learning that lesson when the stakes weren't as high as they could be in the real world. She also knew others that never learned that lesson. To their detriment.
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