World Traveler

Weather the Storm 1x1

Her mixture of anxiety and worry was evident as she started to ask questions surrounding the the contract. Quinton was somewhat curious as to why she seemed to be looking for a reason to break the blood contract. Had there been a way to do that the Captain likely would have done it and left the elf right there at the lighthouse community. She was very much a danger and unknown and that posed a threat to the ship. Sadly, even attempting to find loopholes or ways to break a blood agreement was a risk he wasn't willing to take.

If you can promise that the contract has not accepted your false name and that leaving you here wouldn't potentially cause ruin and death for all those on board than by all means make your promise and leave." He looked her dead in the eyes as the small boat started to be lifted up. They were still alone at this point so he was more cold in his tone. "The reality is the contract accepted the name. You were there and saw it. It agreed to something and until we know what that all is we can only assume it was that I would ferry you past the horn and to a safe haven."

"I will only share when needed. The uproar could cause a panic for the passengers. The crew will want to know and ask questions should they find out so make yourself available when needed." They then arrived at the end of the boat lift and started to get out. He put his hat back on and turned to hold his hand out for the elf to use while exiting the swaying boat on lift ropes. His voice became far warmer and even charming. "Lady" he said at the hand offering.

"I apologize we were unable to gather some materials; however, when we make port next I can promise the resources for sale will be more than adequate."

Hogwarts: The New Professors

Liam was shallow in conversation with everyone as the newest arrival started to walk towards the head of the room, Tænar Tygath was someone he knew considering their age was pretty close. She moved along the Ravenclaw table before stopping nearby, her expression tinged with some hesitation that caught Liam’s attention. When she asked to join them, her voice soft and almost hesitant, Liam’s smile softened, turning more welcoming. He glanced at Miles, who quickly offered her a seat, and then back at Tænar.

“Of course Tænar,” Miles said warmly, as she introduced herself.

“Tænar! Figures at least a few Ravenclaws should bring up the reputation of the school!” Liam said with a smile as he gave a friendly nod and hand wave to the newest edition.

From his memories Tænar was one of several book dragons that Ravenclaw had in spades. They had the casual bump in when their social circles met more often than not due to one having a friend dating another, but beyond that there was a friendly cordial relationship while at school.

Alvis, ever the social one, nodded in agreement, adding his own welcoming words, while Miles, though slightly more reserved, made sure she felt included. As they all settled into the conversation, Liam found himself appreciating the diversity a the table. It reminded him of how he felt when he first arrived at the school as a kid and learning so much from even a single conversation.

It wasn’t long before another figure approached. Liam caught sight of Antonio before he smelled him—the pungent scent of cigarettes announcing his arrival even before his vibrant, if somewhat disheveled, appearance did. Liam couldn’t help but notice the contrast Antonio brought to the scene, his 1970s-inspired outfit making him stand out even more.

Antonio’s casual greeting, followed by a sip from his flask, elicited a mix of reactions. Liam’s smile remained, but there was a slight tightening at the corners as he adjusted to the stronger scent in the air. When Kennedy, clearly perturbed, gently admonished Antonio for smoking indoors, Liam stayed silent, though his agreement was evident in his polite, yet distant, smile.

Liam’s focus returned to the conversation, though he couldn’t help but notice how the dynamics of the group had shifted with each new arrival. Despite the differences, Liam felt a growing sense of camaraderie, a shared understanding that they were all here for a reason, even if that reason was still unfolding. It was the beginning of something new, and Liam was ready to embrace it, the smile on his face a reflection of his optimism for the year ahead.

As he looked over the table he saw the food start to appear in an instant. Seems the elves were not going to wait for all of them to finish their introductions and conversation while lunch got cold. Sitting down and starting to pour glasses of orange juice to all the cups around him he then took one of the nice chicken drumettes and started to eat.

"They got me at Muggle Studies, but I've ended up being double booked and they have me overseeing History of Magic as well. Should make for some interesting first day for the students to no longer have a ghost as a teacher..." He mused while the others continued to talk introductions and professor placements.

Hogwarts: The New Professors

Going to get a post up in a spell!

Weather the Storm 1x1

Quinton watched Ayla carefully as she voiced her concerns, her words laced with an earnestness that tugged at something deep within him. The weariness in her tone was undeniable, and he could see the toll that maintaining this charade was taking on her. As the small boat rocked gently with each pull of the oars, he considered her words, the weight of his responsibility to her—and to his crew—pressing down upon him.

He pushed this thought aside and focused on the water in front and the oars in his hands. The tough skin along them seemed like steel as he rowed again and again to get them to the ship. He found it helpful to have a physical activity to focus on while looking into Ayla's eyes. He then looked past her at the lighthouse and small community beyond it.

"Ayla," he began, his voice low and steady, "you're will not be a burden because you are going to work harder than you ever have to help this crew make it across the horn. You will prove to me that your deceit was for the betterment, given the circumstances." He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "As for the crew, you have nothing to fear. They're loyal to me, and that loyalty extends to those written into the blood contract. They might have their own opinions, but they know better than to cross the agreement as they need this ship to remain afloat just as much as you do."

"That said," he added, "the passengers are another matter. I can't control their thoughts or actions, and some may be... less understanding. But know this—I won't let anyone harm you. Not on my ship." They had finally reached the ship and the Captain called out to have them brought up and aboard. "Share with you who wish. Tell me when you do so I may have my own words with them."

Hogwarts: The New Professors

ok? Posts are vanishing? or am I hallucinating?

@Varshanka

I don't believe so? I don't have a post count keeper so I can't figure out if there has been any removed / disappear?

Can anyone confirm if their post has been removed?

Hogwarts: The New Professors

As Liam left his classroom, the soft echoes of his footsteps reverberated through the corridor, the sound a comforting reminder of the castle’s timelessness. The warm glow of sunlight streamed through the tall, arched windows, casting long shadows across the ancient stone walls and creating patterns that danced along the floor. The castle seemed to hum with a quiet energy, as if it, too, was preparing for the flurry of activity that would soon come with the start of the school year.

Descending the grand staircase, Liam’s thoughts were interrupted by the sudden appearance of a familiar house-elf with a slight pop. The elf, with his large, round eyes and a pristine tea towel adorned with the Hogwarts crest, bowed deeply in greeting.

"Good afternoon, Professor Wexford, sir," the elf said in a high-pitched voice, his tone filled with respect. "Lunch is ready in the Great Hall. Is there anything Master Wexford would be needing?"

Liam smiled warmly, immediately recognizing the elf. "Thank you, Thimble. I was just heading down for lunch. I don't need anything at the moment, but I appreciate you asking."

Thimble beamed with pride, his eyes shining brightly. "It is always a pleasure to serve, Professor Wexford. If Master Wexford needs anything, Thimble is always here to help."

"I’ll keep that in mind, Thimble," Liam replied, his voice filled with gratitude.

With a final bow, Thimble vanished, leaving Liam to continue his walk through the quiet castle. The encounter was a pleasant reminder of the life and magic that made Hogwarts so special. As he approached the Great Hall, the inviting aroma of freshly prepared food grew stronger, making his stomach growl in anticipation. He found himself looking forward to the company of the few professors who, like him, were already at the castle, busy with preparations for the new school year.

Reaching the ground floor, Liam turned and entered the side door that led to the Great Hall. His eyes scanned the vast room, noting its emptiness save for one other person in attendance. To his delight, he spotted Miles Kennedy, a fellow Hufflepuff, strolling along the student tables.

"Miles!" Liam called out with a smile, his voice echoing slightly in the expansive hall. It was always a treat to see a friendly face, especially one from his old house.

With a flick of his wand, Liam pulled a chair from the teachers' table and arranged it so that they could sit together, making the room feel a bit less vast. While Miles was a few years older, he had been one of the Hufflepuffs that younger students like Liam had looked up to. It was good to see him again after all these years. Both had led lives that were deeply connected to the Muggle world, though Liam’s ties to the magical world had remained more frequent and intricate.

As Liam walked over to shake his old housemate’s hand, the door to the Great Hall opened again, and in walked Alvis Hawes.

"Alvis as well!" Liam exclaimed, his smile broadening. He knew Alvis better, as they were closer in age. The Ravenclaw had been friends with some of Liam’s friends in Hufflepuff, so their paths had often crossed during their school days.

"It seems everyone is finally starting to show up," Liam remarked as he gave them both a hearty handshake. "You wouldn’t believe the number of meals I’ve had by myself here this week. The food’s been hearty, but the company—well, let’s just say the students have either been too annoyed to chat or too scared to ask what I’m doing here."

He chuckled, a warm sound that filled the room, and looked at his two old friends. He was about to speculate on their new roles at the school but decided a more direct approach might be better. "So, you ended up getting a call as well?" Liam asked, genuinely curious, eager to reconnect and learn more about their journeys since their school days.

mentions

@MrSkimobile
@Thayr

Hogwarts: The New Professors

Please feel free to post more than once at a time. Should you have a conversation I would recommend trying through PM to get a little big of it through so it isn't interjected right away.

That said I am not thinking round robin everyone has their turn as that could be too limiting.

I don't limit the number of posting, but at times if someone is away for the day and they suddenly come back to a wall of text I might post summaries so people can quickly read up on what has happened.

Hogwarts: The New Professors

I love waking up to so many posts!

I will answer questions about the headmaster in a moment (within the next two to three hours of this post) first have a few things at work I need to do.

That said I am able to inform everyone that what has been kept an 'open secret among those close to the school in Hogsmeade is that the former Headmaster was asked to step down and therefore there will be a new one. Staff would assume that they would first meet them during the morning staff meeting tomorrow (in roleplay)

So for now any notice or signature that would normally have their name would simply have the crest / signature of the school governor.

Hogwarts: The New Professors

Okay IC is open for words people. Feed it so it doesn't starve! If you have any questions please feel free to reach out. I am more than happy to answer questions via PM or posted here.

Hogwarts: The New Professors

Professor Liam Wallox

History of Magic Classroom

Liam stood in the dimly lit History of Magic classroom, staring at the stubbornly locked desk with a mixture of frustration and disbelief. It was a week before the start of the new term, and while most of the castle remained quiet, Liam was already hard at work preparing for his first year as the new professor. But things weren’t going as smoothly as he had hoped. The desk, an ancient relic from a time long before even his student years, had remained unopened for over a century. Now, it held the former professor's carefully prepared syllabus hostage.

Liam ran a hand through his short, tousled brown hair, his hazel eyes narrowing at the unyielding piece of furniture. He had expected challenges—teaching at Hogwarts was no small feat—but arguing with a ghost and being thwarted by an ancient desk was not part of the plan. Of course, what plan ever survived this school, he thought with a mindful smirk and an internal laugh.

Earlier in the day, Liam had found himself in a frustrating exchange with Professor Cuthbert Binns, the ghostly former History of Magic teacher who continued lecturing long after his death. Professor Binns was less than pleased to discover that his old classroom was being taken over by someone new. Even more upsetting to him was the fact that he had somehow been replaced without notice.

"I have taught this course for centuries!" Binns had droned, floating aimlessly through the chalkboard as if to emphasize his point. "I see no reason why that should change."

Liam had tried to be diplomatic. "I understand your attachment, Professor Binns, but the Ministry of Magic has asked me to take over. I believe the students could benefit from a more... interactive approach."

Binns had grumbled, his transparent form flickering as he disappeared through the wall, muttering something about "newfangled methods" and "disrespect for history."

Now, as Liam stood before the old desk, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of doubt. If the ghost of his predecessor was so resistant to change, how would the students react? Would they accept him as their new professor, or would he always be seen as the man who replaced Binns? While every new professor was going to have their issues, none of them could be haunted by those wounded by their very arrival.

Liam knelt down beside the desk, inspecting it more closely. The wood was worn, darkened with age, and etched with the faint outlines of runes. He recognized a few of them and, through the context they gave, figured it was some sort of ancient locking spell, likely put in place to protect the belongings of the previous professor. It was no wonder his modern unlocking charms had failed—they simply weren’t designed for something this old.

He stood up and walked over to the dusty bookshelves that lined the walls of the classroom. With a single blow of air, it was clear these books hadn’t been touched since the good Professor was able to shelve them. After a few moments of searching, he found an old tome on ancient magical artifacts and their security measures. Flipping through the yellowed pages, he located what he was looking for: a passage on unlocking spells and deciphering ancient boobytraps.

Returning to the desk, Liam pulled out his wand and carefully traced the runes on the desk’s surface, muttering the incantation he had found in the book. The room seemed to hold its breath, the air thick with the weight of old magic.

For a moment, nothing happened. Then, with a soft click, the lock disengaged. Liam exhaled in relief as the desk creaked open, revealing his syllabus neatly folded inside, along with a few old scrolls that had likely belonged to long-departed professors.

He quickly grabbed the syllabus and glanced over it to make sure everything was in order. Just as he breathed a sigh of relief, the parchment began to glow faintly at the edges. Liam’s heart skipped a beat as he watched, helpless, as the glow intensified.

Before he could react, the syllabus burst into flames, the fire spreading rapidly across the parchment. Liam tried to extinguish it with a hurried flick of his wand, but it was too late. The flames consumed the syllabus in seconds, leaving behind nothing but a few ashes that floated lazily to the floor.

Liam stared at the charred remains in disbelief, his mind racing. The syllabus was gone, and with it, any hope of knowing where in history each year was ending their lessons. The realization sank in like a heavy weight on his chest. He’d have to start from scratch, piecing together the curriculum with whatever resources he could find, and with only a week before the students arrived.

Liam slumped into the nearest chair, rubbing his temples in frustration. The ancient desk, the stubborn ghost, and now this—a secret magical booby trap set long ago to protect the contents of the desk. He could almost hear Binns’ ghostly chuckle echoing in the back of his mind.

But as the initial shock wore off, determination replaced it. Liam wasn’t about to let a cursed desk and an ancient ghost get the better of him. He’d faced challenges before, and he’d face this one too.

After all, he was a history professor at Hogwarts, and if history had taught him anything, it was that resilience and perseverance always win out in the end. With a resolute nod, Liam stood, already planning his next move. The term would begin soon, and with or without a syllabus, he was going to make sure his students learned the fascinating, complex history of the wizarding world.