Adrian Connery
Adult
Gryffindor Head of House and Auror
Mysterious; another word for boring.
Posts: 110
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Post by Adrian Connery on Sept 4, 2009 16:26:14 GMT 1
It was official, there was absolutely nothing better than taking a day off, well it wasn’t quite a day off but it was close enough. Topher was off looking out for vampire activity in Hogsmeade and here Adrian was in Diagon Alley dropping in on someone who would be able to get hold of a Kelpie for both him and Idris to use when term returned. It wasn’t just the Kelpie that brought the professor and Auror to the Alley, definitely not. He was there for the general atmosphere too of course, that and the amazing ice cream from Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour and a firewhiskey from the Leaky Cauldron later on.
Lazily he strolled past Gringotts looking from shop to shop and stopping to chat with various students of his that said hello. A shop in particular took his interest, it was Quality Quidditch Supply and they were displaying Harry Potter’s original Firebolt in the window. Adrian chuckled; he’d been told many a story about what had been achieved on that broom. Now it was an ancient model with the Firebolt mark 4 far outclassing it. The Gryffindor Quidditch team would have the Cup in the bag if they had those brooms.
Quickly Adrian grew bored of musing on holding the Quidditch and House cup over Abe’s head and moved on. Eyelops Owl Emporium made him tempted to get a friend for Aussie but after a moment’s thoughts the man decided against it, for the time being at least. He might just get a Puffskein or something, Topher raved about his all the time which had made Adrian curious about them. Again he was deep in thought, this time about magical pets. He walked as he thought, not really paying attention to where he was going. Accidently he bumped shoulders with a blonde haired woman rather roughly.
”Oh sorry... Diana is that you?”
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Post by Diana Addair on Sept 5, 2009 10:37:53 GMT 1
Augurey bones. Why was it that no Apocethary anywhere ever had Augurey bones? She needed it desperately for an advanced form of Hakata but every shop either had to special order it or didn’t stock it. God forbid, she had even tried Knockturn Alley, but the only thing of note she’d found there was a pair of clip-on earrings that tried to suspiciously sweet-talk her into wearing them. Uh uh, how stupid did they think she was? Silly earrings. Even if they were very pretty.
Another day wasted, it seemed. Well, mostly. She’d strayed upon an utterly gorgeous set of rune stones in one the stores that she just had to have, and after shelling out a crazy number of galleons for it, the box was now tucked under her arm as she dodged her way through the crowd in an attempt to get back to the Leaky Cauldron and catch the Knight Bus back home. The new stones completely made up for having to walk into half a million stores all over the British Isles.
Someone collided with her shoulder. Oh well, it happened. The place was busy. Diana threw a “Sorry!” over her shoulder and was fully intent on continuing onwards when—
”... Diana is that you?”
Diana stopped dead in suprise, her head snapped around immediately to see who'd spoken. Was it—? “Ohmigosh!” she exclaimed loudly. “Adrian!” Oh God of all the people to run into on the street! A bright look on her face, she quickly closed the gap and pulled him into a brief but tight hug, careful not to dislodge her rune stones. “Oh, I’m so sorry! It’s nice to see you! How are you? What’ve you been doing?” she asked excitedly and perhaps a little too quickly. “I haven’t seen you since I left!”
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Adrian Connery
Adult
Gryffindor Head of House and Auror
Mysterious; another word for boring.
Posts: 110
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Post by Adrian Connery on Sept 6, 2009 12:52:00 GMT 1
Indeed it was Diana, a fact that Adrian didn’t know whether to be extremely happy about or extremely awkward. He decided to go with happy, awkwardness just made situations like these, well, awkward. It was hard to believe it had been almost October since the man had last seen Diana. It also made him feel guilty that he hadn’t even sent one owl to see how she had been doing since she was attacked by Dacian and then subsequently quit teaching.
”Wow, jeez of all the people I could have bumped into!” Adrian exclaimed, as he happily, if a little awkwardly, reciprocated the tight hug. It was still unbelievable that he’d randomly encountered the woman he’d had a thing for a while back. A more foolish man would have thought it was fate, Adrian on the other hand thought it was nothing but a random chance and luck. ”I’ve been good. Haven’t really been doing much, just teaching and holidaying really,” as well as extorting strip club owners, hunting vampires and repaying debt to aforementioned strip club owners.
”What about you? What have you been doing with yourself? I know, it’s been months since I last saw you,” the man chattered happily, not realising that the middle of the street was not the best place to be catching up and that he had forgotten about meeting Abe at the Leaky Cauldron. It wasn’t until a man walked past muttering in a way that was very Abe like did Adrian remember. ”Shit, I promised to meet Abe at the Cauldron. You want to come? I’m sure he’d love to see you again,” he suggested, reluctant to let their catch up end as quick as it had begun.
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Post by Diana Addair on Sept 9, 2009 17:04:44 GMT 1
Well, on the plus side, letting Adrian talk was actually giving Diana a chance to get her breath back. Was it possible, or had Adrian actually gotten taller? Or maybe that was because she was on shorter heels today.
“You’re still at the school then? I would have stayed, but—” Diana suddenly felt uncomfortable and made an apologetic gesture. She should have owled, or something. Adrian had taken on a vampire for her for God’s sake and she never recalled ever thanking him properly for it. All those old feelings of guilt that she had been ignoring so well were trickling back.
“Me? I, uh―” Diana’s train of thought was pushed off its current tracks when Adrian asked her what she was doing now and for a split second she looked like a fish out of water. “I got a job at the Ministry assisting various departments,” she explained. “It’s decent enough work.” That unfortunately didn’t pay much and didn’t require her very often. Ergh. At this rate she’d have better luck using her Divination on the Stock Market.
Adrian suddenly seemed to remember something and Diana couldn’t help but smile. Yes, that was the Adrian she remembered alright. He’d always seemed a little bit scatterbrained in an endearing kind of way, although she had never managed to draw the connection that Adrian’s behaviour back during her teaching days was a direct result of her.
“I’d love to,” she replied automatically, before it suddenly struck her that this meant she was going to be in a room again with the man she used to like and the man who had given her very confusing feelings as of late.
... Oh dear.
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Adrian Connery
Adult
Gryffindor Head of House and Auror
Mysterious; another word for boring.
Posts: 110
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Post by Adrian Connery on Sept 18, 2009 8:56:35 GMT 1
”Yeah I’m still at the school, it’s a pity you left but I understand why you did,” Adrian answered awkwardly, giving the shorter woman a small smile. He didn’t blame her for leaving after everything that had happened. She had been attacked by a vampire, he was sure if he were her and had no training on how to deal with them he’d have done the same thing. In fact he found himself wondering why he had stayed as a teacher too. Probably because it was the best cover for his current assignment and the ministry had gotten him the job and wouldn’t be at all happy if he quit.
The man nodded as he listened to Diana talk, taking it all in. ”A job at the ministry, that’s awesome. I’m in there from time to time now, we should catch up more often,” Adrian told her with a hopeful look on his face. He had always enjoyed the time the two of them had spent together at Hogwarts even if it had only ever been a working relationship. Though he hoped this time around his nerves would stay under control.
Happily he led the way to the Leaky Cauldron, pushing through the worn wooden door once the tow of them did arrive. At once he spotted a familiar shape at the bar. ”Abe!” he called with more enthusiasm than was normal for him, ”Look who I’ve found!” He motioned to Diana standing behind him before taking a seat at one of the smaller tables dotted around the pub.
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Abraham Grey
Adult (A)
Hufflepuff Head of House
Arithmancy Professor
Posts: 152
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Post by Abraham Grey on Oct 19, 2009 14:59:07 GMT 1
Unlike Connery, Abe didn’t have the day off, but he did have the good fortune of teaching a subject that was about as popular as sharing a bed with a blast ended skrewt, so by midday he was finished with his classes and ready to floo to the Leaky Cauldron for an early afternoon meeting with his publisher. After that he intended to stick around and get drunk enough to spend some quality time in the company of one Adrian Connery without gagging. Although that might just be the bitter rejection of another pay raise application talking and not a real urge to vomit in the company of his colleague.
The meeting with his publisher went entirely as he’d expected, spurred on by the success of Abe’s latest book, the man had somehow got a glint in his eye that was even more crazed than usual and insisted it was time his loyal readers got a taste of the man behind the academic brilliance. While Abe was all for being reminded how brilliant he was, in fact his told him so in the mirror every morning, he wasn’t foolish enough to believe the public would want to read about his life. Mainly because he’d come up with the idea several months ago and his publisher had shot him down, not convinced about the money that could be made out of a fairly smalltime client.
Abe’s pride had been wounded and so now he was exacting revenge. Telling the man no had been highly enjoyable, he’d even frothed at the mouth at one point. He wasn’t just going to roll over on command, he wasn’t some performing monkey. Besides if he held out for at least another week he was fairly sure he could get a better deal on the royalties. However, keeping a rabid publisher at bay had taken rather more alcohol than Abe had expected and by the time Connery showed up (five minutes late!) he was already quite sloshed.
Abe had a good mind to scold Connery for keeping him waiting, but quickly decided that this wrong could be righted by making the man pay for the next round or two. And really, there was no need for Connery to go around looking so pleased, one of his favourite pastimes was making the man miserable and now his work would be cut out for him. Then he spotted Diana trailing after him and simultaneously realised why Adrian was looking so pleased (at least he thought he did) and all but forgot the slight Connery had made to their already strained working relationship.
Unfortunately, since his gaze never strayed higher than her shoulders all he had to go on was a flash of blonde hair and her ample bosom. Only the most talented of people can recognise somebody from their cleavage alone. ”Connery!” Abe leapt to his feet, his grin equally wide, if a little more lecherous. ”Good work old boy.” And that was all the praise and attention Connery got before he turned to Diana. ”May I say what a pleasure it is to make your acquaintance.” He said roguishly, reaching for her hand and kissing the back of it in a gesture that took perhaps a little too much concentration for a sober person while simultaneously conveniently bringing his line of sight to breast height.
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Post by Diana Addair on Oct 21, 2009 10:00:10 GMT 1
As Adrian led the way it didn’t take Diana long to wish that she was taller. It’d certainly make keeping up easier. Oh well, the younger man was doing a fine job of cutting through the crowd for her, so as long as she just managed to stay close things wouldn’t be too difficult.
The trip to the Leaky Cauldron was a short one, and Diana took a second to regard the entrance to the tavern tentatively. Well, if she wanted to get out of the potential awkwardness sure to commence, this was the point of no return. If she ran off now though what impression was that bound to give off? With a defeated sigh, she pushed through the door after her ex-colleague and into the smoky pub.
The place was much less crowded than outside, but still, where was Abe? Maybe he was late? Before she could bring this up to Adrian the man happily called to one of the people at the bar. Ah, so there he was. Odd, she didn’t remember the two heads of houses being that close to warrant so much enthusiasm on Connery’s behalf.
It didn’t take Diana long to realise something was a little bit off about the Arithmancy professor. Was he―...? Diana paused. Wait, was he tipsy already? Little early for that wasn’t it? He still seemed capable of functioning for the time being, so maybe it wasn’t as bad as all that.
Her cheeks threatened to blush red when he moved to kiss her hand. The gesture was unexpected, but at the same time not unwelcome; Abe had always given off the impression of being a traditional sort. Thankfully for him she had completely missed where his eyes were going. “Thankyou Abe, but we already know each other,” Diana reminded politely before glancing at Adrian briefly in a manner almost like asking for help. Perhaps her English knowledge was off, but she was fairly certain ‘pleased to make your acquaintance’ was for first meetings. “It’s great to see you again too! How’s everyone been?” she asked with another glance at Adrian then back to Abe.
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Adrian Connery
Adult
Gryffindor Head of House and Auror
Mysterious; another word for boring.
Posts: 110
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Post by Adrian Connery on Nov 2, 2009 10:24:39 GMT 1
He should have known that Abe’s attention would be all on Diana, now here he was left regretting ever having stepped foot in the Leaky Cauldron. Adrian rolled his eyes at his colleague and his blatant ogling of Diana’s chest area; that was no way to behave drunk or not. ”Abe, mate, her eyes are a little higher,” he pointed out with a smirk and a shake of his head. ”And she’s right, you already know her.” If only he’d run into Diana a little earlier, then Abe might not have had the chance to drink as much as Adrian was guessing he had already.
”Not bad, not bad at all,” the man shrugged, it was easier then telling the woman his emotions had the consistency of a yo-yo. ”Come on, let’s get a table,” he ushered Diana to a seat, throwing Abe a reproachful look. Part of him wanted a drink but Adrian didn’t want to leave his guest alone with the other professor for too long. Maybe he was just being petty, or even jealous, at the fact Abe had a way with women. He could be suave and charming when he wanted to whereas whenever Adrian tried he acted awkward or made a fool of himself.
Deciding to risk leaving the pair alone for a moment, the younger man moved to the bar and collected two butterbeers before he realised he hadn’t asked Diana what she wanted. He hoped she liked butterbeer then. ”Here, sorry I didn’t ask what you wanted. Anyway, how have you been? It’s been ages since I saw you last, I’ve missed you around the school,” Adrian finished quietly, glancing down at his drink. Great, his cheeks were burning and he already felt slightly awkward.
Diana had confused him for so long; he’d known he had feelings for her but had never quite acted upon them until just before she left. That was how his luck went; as soon as he worked up the courage to do something either he screwed up the situation or it screwed itself up. Fate hated him, especially when it came to women.
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Abraham Grey
Adult (A)
Hufflepuff Head of House
Arithmancy Professor
Posts: 152
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Post by Abraham Grey on Dec 8, 2009 12:41:35 GMT 1
Normally Abe would at least have the grace to get a little flustered over the social blunder, but the alcohol that had already managed to warm him up and was now working on blurring his vision a little round the edges and was also doing quite well at addling his brain. He looked up at Diana’s polite reminder, finally dragging his eyes away from her chest and taking in the familiar features of his ex-colleague. Then he shot a quick glare at Connery for calling him on the blatant ogling he’d been doing. It wasn’t on to out a man while he was in the middle of getting an eyeful, did Adrian have no clue about male camaraderie?
”Diana, of course!” He grinned at her, genuinely pleased to see his old colleague and pulled her into a quick hug. Abe hadn’t heard from her since she’d left due to that unfortunate incident in the forest, something he blamed entirely on Connery, and he couldn’t help feeling a bit like he’d missed his chance with her and her ample bosom. If only he hadn’t been so caught up in playing the nice guy to the school nurse at the time, it just hadn’t been worth it, no matter how appealing he found crayons.
”Any excuse to kiss the hand of a beautiful woman, eh?” The wink that followed might once have been roguish if hadn’t been quite so exaggerated. Unfortunately Adrian was still there, cramping Abe’s style as usual. It had probably been too much to hope that he’d make himself scarce. ”Yeah, the school hasn’t changed much.” He chipped in, agreeing with Connery’s assessment of how everyone had been and trailing after the two of them as they headed for an empty table. ”The new Divination Professor isn’t nearly as lovely as you were though.”
Connery was back all too quickly with the drinks and Abe gave a quick scowl when he noticed the man was only carrying two. Charming! ”Thanks Adrian.” He grinned, reaching out and plucking the second butterbeer from Connery’s hand. It was a drink he hadn’t had since he was about 18 and considerably more pimply, but it would do if taking it would annoy Adrian. ”Not drinking? You need to relax once in a while.” Abe rolled his eyes conspiratorially at Diana. ”You know how he is, always working.”
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Post by Diana Addair on Dec 9, 2009 14:48:27 GMT 1
“Abe, mate, her eyes are a little higher,” Adrian pointed out to his colleage.
Wait, what?
Diana’s cheeks threatened to flush red again and she shifted uncomfortably. Abe’s comment about kissing her hand would have been extremely charming in any other situation, but after that, coupled with the wink, it just came off as a bit...
She was glad when Connery suggested they get a table. Okay, she could last for an hour or two, no problem. Talk, drink a bit (just a bit) then excuse herself and run home. The opportunity to catch up was good too.
She put her new runestones on the table and sat down to listen to the gossip. The school hadn’t changed apparently – but then it never did. The news her old job was filled was a little bit disheartening, but then, she couldn’t expect it to remain open forever could she? And at least Abe seemed to think she was a better teacher, which brought an automatic smile to her face.
Adrian came back quickly and Diana accepted her butterbeer. Something light, excellent. It would be nice to have one of those again. When Abe snatched the one in front of Adrian she frowned slightly. She could have sworn that was Adi’s, but hey, she could be wrong.
“I’ve been alright,” she answered Adrian, tucking some hair behind her ear. “I’m sorry to skip out on everyone like I did but... I couldn’t stay in the school anymore.” She gave the boys a pleading look as though she hoped they understood. Ever since the attack by the vampire she had stopped sleeping and begun panicking when night fell. If she had of stayed in the castle she’d have gone crazy. But, Adrian had been able to fight the creature and he was alright, which was just more proof she was pathetic.
“Adrian, why don’t you get yourself another drink?” she agreed with Abe, snatching at the change of topic the second it reared its head.
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