• This section is for roleplays only.
    ALL interest checks/recruiting threads must go in the Recruit Here section.

    Please remember to credit artists when using works not your own.

Fandom Hogwarts: A New Era

Aleida watched with masked amusement as Ryder prattled on about the magical qualities of a poltergeist. Despite not needing it explained to her, it was almost sweet. Still, her expression was flat and practiced. She scratched Lupo under the chin quietly while Ryder spoke. There was no need to intervene, she figured she'd just let him tire himself out with the explaining.

Even if Peeves was just a manifestation of trouble-making, she still felt some injury about it. It was never lost on her that the idea of blood purity still held stock with many people. She let it go, or at least, put it in a box and stored it somewhere in the back of her mind to deal with at a different time.

"Lupo," she echoed. "Such a sweet boy aren't you?" she cooed softly, speaking directly to Lupo as she pet him with both hands, "Thank you for protecting me."
 
Johnny was quietly grateful he wasn’t reprimanded or made to feel even more uncomfortable than he was already having just blurted out a whole bunch of irrelevant information in such a manner. What with how things were left between the two of them the other day, it was certainly a pleasant surprise. He wasn’t sure if he should feel the most amount of gratitude towards Staghart for not saying anything about it, or Lupo and his soft coat and slightly stinky breath for being an absolutely brilliant distraction. Well whichever way it should be, there was no denying that Lupo would be getting more treats later as a thank you for it.

Any thought of Peeves had totally vanished as Lupo’s fluffy white tipped tail wagged whilst he received his ever so important pets. Johnny knew he should continue to continue utilizing Lupo as a distraction but didn’t exactly know how. Like any manner of socialisation, Johnny had several weaknesses here. Especially when it came to making idle small talk. Especially if he had to do such a thing with a woman who was incredibly beautiful.

“Yes…” Johnny smiled brightly although had little idea what he was intending to say afterwards. He knew he had to hurry and work it out during a brief pause. Any longer than that and it would sound incredibly odd. After all, who usually started a sentence with ‘yes’ like that as if more was to follow, only to be followed by silence instead? A bumbling, socially inept buffoon, that’s who.

Whilst being agreeable was also most definitely in his benefit, he probably shouldn’t look as eager to to do so whilst continuing to talk. That’d be suspicious, if not a tad weird. So, naturally in his continual state of overthinking social situations he found most difficult, his smile faded a little as he rubbed his nose. He wasn’t wearing his glasses so unfortunately didn’t have those to fiddle with instead.

“…Lupo is uhh… a very good friend. Intelligent, easy to train… most of the time. He’s so clever he thinks he knows better than I do at times,” He allowed himself to chuckle as he scratched his ear before returning his left hand to his pocket before he forgot what to do with it, “But umm… yes, he’s a very good dog indeed. Been quite a hit with some of the students actually. He’s also sent a few to me who thought they could get away with not signing books out as a matter of fact. Remarkable really. I never trained him to do that. Actually, because of Lupo, I’ve successfully discovered that many students are simply determined to attempt taking the latest book by Bridget Beetlebark, ‘Omens of Death and Dragonoligy’, without permission - Merlin knows why! It’s an utterly dismal read. Anyway, it’s safe to say they won’t be getting away with it any more. Not when they discover the new enchantments I’ve placed on those truly terribly written attempts at a book. The students will be getting a bit of a shock dare I say when they try and leave the library with them without signing them out first - absolutely harmless, might I add, but yes, I expect their attempts to take what isn’t theirs without permission will simmer down soon enough.”

Johnny again caught himself. Did he just blurt about something Staghart hadn’t asked about again?

His smile grew fainter still as he looked down at the floor beneath Lupo’s paws and cringed internally. He couldn’t bring himself to look up at Staghart until he knew how she’d react.
 
Aleida made a soft noise of an exhale. With her attention still directed on Lupo, she addressed Ryder.

"You're more talkative than I remember." She smoothed her hand over Lupo's back and then pulled it back to repeat the motion. "If you want the students to respect your authority, you have to be a little firm."

It was a mistake Aleida had made before, and knew from personal experience not to repeat.

"If you can, try to establish your power early, don't let things slide, don't make exceptions to your rules." Aleida glanced at Ryder from the corner of her eye. "Word travels unbelievably fast, and all of the children are friends or housemates or relatives in one way or another. The first time you make an exception or go lax, someone else will find out, and they'll expect it of you."

"Being strict doesn't actually make them hate you, unless you're strict and you don't praise them or form friendships with them. Set high standards, thank them and reward them for meeting them, and don't get stuck in the slippery slope of allowances."

"Cause then you're trapped, really," she murmured. She stood to her feet, giving Lupo one last pat. "Dogs are remarkably intelligent and socially aware creatures. It seems you've got a very lovely puppy on your hands."
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top