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Harry Potter:"Do you really think there's going to be a war, Sirius?"
Sirius Black: "It… feels like it did before."
TURN ON THE LIGHT is a Post- Potter roleplay that takes place twenty-five years after the Second Wizarding War.
We welcome canon and original characters in this (currently) sandbox style roleplay.
Post by NATHANIEL ZIMMER on Nov 2, 2022 20:24:20 GMT
TO THE RESCUE
"Stupefy..." Nathaniel declared in a quiet voice as he came around a corner, taking out an attacker who fell back against a brick wall knocking themselves out. Quickly his hazel eyes darted about checking the cells. Empty. Empty. Empty. No Sally here.
Ducking into the next room he found a few people in cages that were locked with paddocks. He must be getting close. If Sally wasn't here she would (hopefully) be nearby. "Everyone step back." He declared breathlessly, waving his wand to cast firestorm. It was a lesser known spell and more showy than he would have liked considering the circumstances, but it was a spell that got things done when push came to shove. The fire lasso wrapped around the locks one by one and with one yank pulled the melted bolts away as they clattered to the ground.
"Everyone, heads up, eyes alert, that way. Go, go, go." He encouraged in a rough but hurried voice. They needed to get a move on. Gosh these folks were dirty which was to be expected with how long some had been imprisoned. Not a thought he wanted to dwell on right now. Had to keep moving. Had to find Sally.
Rounding another corner three attackers blocked his path, wands at the ready but Nathaniel, The Ministry's new temporary Head of Law Enforcement, was equally as ready. "Diminuendo!" All three wands scattered and as another infiltrator nearby cast a spell the path was clear for Nathaniel to continue. He entered a dark room. One cell door was opened, then another. No Sally. His brow furrowed in concern and worry. She had to be here. She just had to be. She couldn't be dead, she couldn't be.... There!
In the very back in a cell by herself... There she was. Lanky legs carried him the distance to where she was being held. Please be ok, please be ok, please be ok.
"Sally? I mean, Miss Byrne..." Surely niceties had no place here but still he couldn't help but be formal even with their dark surroundings. "Are you alright?" A foolish question, because he already knew the answer, even so he found himself asking it. Large hands clutched at cold bars as he peered at her with big eyes. "We are going to get you out of here." He swallowed. "I am going to." Maybe she would believe at least that. He needed her to believe it for the both of them.
Tagged:SALLY BRYNE Notes:*kicks down door* I NEED A HERO TIME Please note this thread is simultaneous to whatever breakout thread happens. We just wanted to one on one this and not get in anyone's way. It shouldn't affect anyone or any plans!
It felt like the entirety that she had been held captive. Something she never thought would happen in her lifetime. It was silly, after all. They thought she could tell them the future led a new group of death eaters on the right path. Sally would have rather died than do that. They made sure they knew their disdain for her—days and nights of the tournament. It all felt like one long day that would never end.
Worse of all, they had had others trapped down there with her. People like to consider lesser class than them because of their blood type. They had a silly little belief and a dangerous one at that.
Curled up with her face buried in her knees, she heard some commotion. She picked up her head, peaking out slowly behind bars she was caged in. She grabbed onto the bars when she heard fighting. Was someone breaking them out?
Nerves had taken over, and she hid in the corner of her cell. She closed her eyes and rocked, scared of what was happing. She did not want another life lost to these people, and she didn't know if she could handle another one gone.
"Sally?" A familiar voice called to her, and she opened her eyes as a wave of calmness came over her, seeing who it was. No, she was dreaming or hallucinating, and Nate could not be in front of her right now. "Nate..?" her voice weak and confused. "You can't be real." her eyes filled with tears. She placed her head pack on her knees, arms wrapped around. Nate had promised to get her out, and she looked back at him, and a soft smile came on her face. "I hope you are real and can truly get me out of here." She looked down and backed up. All Sally could do now was hope.
Post by NATHANIEL ZIMMER on Nov 22, 2022 19:12:03 GMT
Even from a distance he knew it was her, he had to get to her. Now. "Coming." He gave her a warning, racking his brain quickly for what spell to use so to aid in their escape. He pointed his wand at the lock with fierce intention. "Bombarda." Despite the dirt and blood on his face, the darkness of the holding area, and the adrenalin wave he was riding, the word left clearly and the lock burst at the metal seams allowing the door to swing open and the Charms Professor (and former auror) to hurry through it.
The current state of her broke his heart. Not just as a coworker at Hogwarts, but as a former student, as a friend who he cared deeply (perhaps too deeply?) about and for. In some ways she looked like a frightened child, hunched up on the floor in the tiniest ball of dread trying to take up as little space as possible. So caring and sweet, even when within a dirty, dingy, cell. He needed to bust her out of here before the last bits of her trademark Sally Byrne innocence that made her who she was were sucked right out of her. Hogwarts needed its helpers, it needed the positivity, it needed her most of all. Especially now.
"Miss Byrne.... Sally..." He corrected himself. How many times in their years of knowing one another had she asked for him to call her by her first name? A sad place to make an attempt of doing so, but one was made never the less. "It's me. Prof-" He stopped himself again and likewise stopped his steps toward her. "Nathaniel." Hopefully they hadn't used the obliviate spell and she remembered him. He wasn't sure if his heart could handle it if she didn't.
With his arm out he took a careful step toward her, not wanting to spook her after so much trauma. "It's me, Sally. It's Nate..." Her little nickname for him felt both unfamiliar and like it always should have been on his tongue. Whatever she wanted him to be is who he would be. Whatever made her happy. "I am real. As real as you are. I promise you." He told her softly, taking another long legged step toward her. He was quite close now.
Lowering down in a kneeling position he offered his large hand for her to take. "How would you like to go back home?" He asked her with the lightest tough of a smile pulling at the corner of his mouth (though he was sad she even managed to brighten his day even now). She was alive. Thank Merlin, she was alive. "What do you think?"
The sound of the broken door lock jolted Sally, and she tightened her grip on her knees, not yet looking at who was now standing before her. How was it that the sounds of Nate's voice clamed her? Her griped easied as she threw up her head to see him. Was. he there, or was he only a figment of her imagination dreaming of being rescued by the man she cared about?
Staying silent, she had studied him. Sally probably looked out of her mind, but a place like this would do that to anyone. Talking almost felt like a bad idea. If she spoke, he might disappear, and she would be once again alone in her cell. So she stared at him as he talked. His voice was almost like a siren to her, so calming and sweet on her ears. It felt nearly risky to let her guard down. What if she was hallucinating him and she was really with one of her captors, but what if it was real and it was time to go home? Soon enough, she would find out.
When he kneeled, Sally met Nate's eyes with hers. They were so very kind and inviting, just like she remembered. Sally had missed those eyes of his, but most of all, she had missed him.
Looking at his hands, she paused, still no words. She was afraid. Slowly she placed her hand out and placed it on his hand. The warmth of his hand was the kindness she needed right now, and it felt real that a bit of hope sparked in her. "Yes, as long as you stay with me." A weak smile came upon her face. Nate had always been there for her; now he was there in her darkest hour. He made her feel safe, and Sally did not want to let go of him.
Post by NATHANIEL ZIMMER on Nov 28, 2022 0:37:27 GMT
She was at least looking at him now and that was a start. It even seemed like there was a sense of recognition in her eyes which both touched and humbled him. He supposed that he shouldn't have been surprised, it wasn't like she had been missing for years (it just felt like it probably just to him) but it was nice after so long in dark and despair to think that he had brought her some joy or hope... mainly because she always seemed to for him without even lifting a finger. Just being Sally Byrne was enough: even now.
"Sally, please..." He swallowed, glancing nervously over his shoulder to see if anyone was coming then turning his gaze back down at her. "I promise with all that I have, on my reputation, on the hallowed halls of Hogwarts, on my mother's life, that it is in fact me..." His hand remained outstretched for the taking and he found that he was holding his breath anticipating what her next move might be - if any. Was anything that he said registering? She was just looking at him as he spoke, as if he was moving in slow motion like some sort of ethereal being. Probably the shock and adrenalin... for both of them. After he waited for what felt like an agonizing eon, she took his hand with her frail one.
"Yes, as long as you stay with me."
"Nowhere else I would rather be." He admitted gently, his thumb absently running over the top of her hand soothingly. Even though he had just insisted that they needed to get a move on, he wanted to live in this moment, small as it was... forever. She was dirty yes, in need of a shower (as were they all), her untamed hair cascading haphazardly around her face in a way that he found suited her but then again, he could never see her in a less-than-flattering life. And to want to steal this moment for all of time was selfish and as humble and giving a man as Nathaniel Zimmer was he couldn't let himself have it... but there was noting wrong with yearning was there? For the former auror it was old hat.
"Are you ready now?" He gently pried, not wanting to alarm her but full well knowing that they needed to get moving. Against his wishes he released her hand and moved to pull his wand once again from his coat pocket. "Stay behind me." Oh, one more thing. "But just in case-" Reaching into his other coat pocket he fished out her wand. "This wished to find its way back to you." He informed her with a little smile, lightly pushing the wand into her slender hand. "In any event, better safe than sorry." He shrugged a bit. Even if she wasn't up for fighting, and how could she be, he would still feel better if she was 'armed'.
Giving her one last once over and a small reassuring smile, he then led their way out of the cell and to the door, poking his head around to make sure that the coast was clear before checking on her behind him. "We're going have to move quickly to the stairs, once there we'll have to run down, they curve so you may get dizzy but it is the only way. If you have trouble tell me..." And he would do what? Carry her most likely. Not ideal, but he would do it if necessary and it may be. How would she notify him? Truthfully, in the moment, he didn't have the slightest but the offer was out there. "I apologize. I wish that this was easier..." Boy did he. Taking in a preparatory inhale he turned back to face the hall counting in a hushed, but never the less urgent, voice. "Three... Two... One... Now!" And they were off.
'Nowhere else I would rather be' His gentle voice had put her at ease. Sally closed her eyes with a tear falling out of one of them. Nathaniel was real. She could feel the softness of his hand rubbing against hers, sending chills down her. This horrible nightmare was at an end finally.
Opening her eyes back upon her now hero, she shook her head up and down. "Beyond ready." She pulled herself up, waiting never to see this place again.
Whatever he said, she would listen to him. After all, he did save her from her prison. Before they moved out, he turned to her, wondering what he was doing. It was a moment that stood still for her. Her wand. How she missed it. Sally was taken abruptly from her home, unable to reach her wand to fight back. Now it was back where it belonged, and she could defend herself this time.
Brushing along his hand as he handed her her wand, she grabbed her wand and held it close. "Thank you." Sally gazed into his eyes, and he turned more into an angel than a hero to her. "I'm so glad it was you that found it." After all these months, a smile had come to her face as she saw his. She might have missed the wand, but she had missed Nathaniel more.
It was time to move, and she followed him to the next part of their escape. Looking up at him, she nodded. "I think I have enough strength too." She was weak, there was no denying that, but the adrenaline rush kicked in as soon as she saw Nate. There was little she was working off of. They barely ensured she had drink or food, and the food given wasn't nourishing—a way to keep prisoners from fighting free.
"Don't be sorry. I'm just glad it is you. As long as we get out of this together, that's all that matters." As long as he was beside her, she didn't care how they got out of there, easy or hard. It was the first time in a long time she felt safe. That was something Nate always made her feel, and it seemed it wouldn't change now.
Taking a deep breath alongside him, she waited for the cue, and off they went.
Post by NATHANIEL ZIMMER on Dec 6, 2022 20:52:42 GMT
He wanted to reach out and wipe the single tear that trailed down her cheek with his thumb. Such a beautiful face should never be sullied with any bit of sorrow but he refrained. He didn't want to scare her and he certainly wasn't entitled to touch her just for rescuing her. He knew that he had feelings for Sally and they were not even deep down - rather in the forefront and always on his mind but he knew he had to keep it in. His own cross to bare. He was too old, she could do better, he had once been her teacher, he was now her coworker... Too many variables that all pointed to in your dreams Nathaniel... a motto that he was familiar with.
"Of course." Their hands had touched and their gazes locked for the briefest of moments, perhaps still longer than they should have, and he found that he was holding his breath. "Me too..." What he would give to see that smile every single minute of every single day. Had an accidental bit of magic gone off in hers when returned to its owner because he could swear his hand burned from where her fingertips had touched. It wasn't painful... quite the opposite... but he couldn't think about that now. Right now they had to get out of here. Sally had to get out of here his own well-being be damned.
The rushed the stairwell, battling off the occasional intruder as they went. Nathaniel was direct and purposeful with every spell not even needing to utter the words as he cast. Though he knew that Sally could defend herself his arm instinctively went in front of her as did his body as he wielded off attacks to keep her safe. Kicking down the door they rushed across the lawn and away from the holding place where once they were far enough away they apparated away and to his home.
Seated at the kitchen table in the dark he could hear the soft sound of the shower as Sally washed off the dirt and grime that came with being a prisoner. He hadn't meant to be presumptuous but his place was the first one he thought of and he couldn't very well send them to two different spots. Luckily she didn't seem adverse to it and now was getting settled. Just for one night he convinced himself because then she would probably want to return home... but gosh how he would relish in this one evening.
When Sally emerged from the bathroom upstairs she would find Nathaniel's faithful border collie Scraps lying by the door (apparently playing guard dog). Scraps rose onto all fours greeting her with a gentle lick to the hand before leading the way downstairs his collar jangling as he did so. Reaching the bottom of the steps he sat patiently awaiting her before leading her to the kitchen. Upon seeing this Nathaniel set down his teacup and stood so to politely address her (albeit awkwardly).
"Did you, um, find everything alright Miss Byrne?" Sally, old man. How many times must she remind you? Sally. "I see that you've met Scraps." He noted his dog now trotting over to him and sitting at his feet for head scratches which his master gave never once looking away from the young woman.
It had felt like a slow-moving picture as they ran along to freedom. Sally had tried her best when an intruder attacked them, but she was weak, so she again had to rely on Nate to take care of it. He was a better fighter than her as well. After all, her specialty was divination, not fighting. Watching him being him throw himself in front of her made her feel safe. Why was Nathaniel such a good man? Near the end, she grabbed his hand as they ran across the lawns. It was the urge to hold onto him for dear life. Sally never wanted to leave his side again when both had apparated away.
The warm water hit her body as she stood in the shower. Feeling the warmth of the water made her feel at ease. She had taken her time in the shower to the point where the hot water had almost run out. There was still a lot to deal with, and she was sure the Ministry would question her about what happened to her. Then she had to call her mother to let her know she was ok. All the thoughts had run through her head.
Sally turned the water off finally, and it was nice to feel clean after months of barely any hygiene. She placed on the clothes Nathinali left for her to wear, and Sally liked the familiar scent the clothes had on them, which reminded her of a happier time with Nate.
Once opening the door, she was greeted by Nate's faithful dog, Scraps. A smile came to her face as he licked her hand, and she patted scraps on their head and followed him to the stairs.
Finally, she took the steps downstairs with no fear. It was all she had felt for months, but being in Nate's home had made her feel safe. She felt like she was home, not because she was in a beautiful home but because he was there. Of course, the added bonus of Scraps as well was reassuring.
Sally followed Scraps to the kitchen leading her to Nathaniel looking as sweet as ever. A smile had come to her face since arriving at his home. "You can call me Sally after all you did save me." He was still awkwardly cute when he called her Miss Byrne. "Yes." She looked over at Scraps. " Right at the door to greet me when I was done." She had turned her head towards back to Nathaniel. "An adorable pup." She had a soft smile towards him as she inched closer to him.
Looking up at him had made her feel calm. She did not want to look away from him, but she placed her head down so she wouldn't make things awkward. "So.." She looked around, avoiding eye contact with him. "You have a lovely home, by the way." What did you talk about when you were just saved from a horrible prison?
Post by NATHANIEL ZIMMER on Dec 13, 2022 18:25:25 GMT
"Ah, that's right, well..." He fumbled over his words despite his massively brave act mere hours earlier. He could take on the most evil of beings but Sally's gentle smile always turned him into a blubbering child who couldn't tell sky from the ground. "I suppose it'll take some more practice." He already had years of it. What was a few more attempts on top of it? Luckily for him, she had the patience of a saint and despite multiple reminders was always kind. Never once raising her voice or sighing with annoyance. If only more people could be like Sally Byrne, then again, then she wouldn't be as special as she was, would she?
"Yes, well, Scraps is kind of the mayor around these parts... You should see him around the neighborhood on his walks. Cannot go ten feet without someone stopping him to say hello." Nathaniel smiled a bit at that. He enjoyed that he had a likable dog. He wasn't foolish enough to think the neighborhood kids, many of them muggles, found anything of interest about him other than a skill for tennis and soccer. No. Scraps was the apple of their eye - and rightly so.
"He's a good boy." He glanced down at the border collie at his feet giving his ears and chin a scratch which the dog all too happily accepted. "I would be lonely without him." Frowning a bit, realizing how those words could be taken he straightened, looking at Sally with a worried frown. "Lost I mean." Perhaps that wasn't any better. "Life would be less exciting." He corrected quietly, and as if in agreement Scraps gave a bit of a sneezed mixed with a grunt before shaking his whole body his collar and ID jingling. The dog then bit his pant leg gently and dragged his master toward Sally. It didn't even register for the Charms Professor and former auror who just walked along with him before he was released standing in front of the Divination Professor.
Just as he had been avoiding eye contact with her, she was now doing the same with him. It concerned him, then again everything did, had he done something wrong? Probably. Already he was in clean up mode even if he wasn't sure what the mess was. "Thank you." He quickly glanced around the currently dimly lit kitchen, a three wick candle flickering on the table providing some illumination. "I wish I could have done more with it. I suppose I do not really have much of an eye for aesthetic." He admitted humbly. His words failed and clearing his throat and swallowing he glanced down. Say something you old fool.
"I am glad that you are alright... Safe... I mean." He corrected his quiet admission, hazel eyes peering up down at her. "I do not know what I would have done if I had lost you." The words were out before he could swallow them back up. Oh no. Fix it. Fix it fast. "If we had, I mean." Ugh. You're a mess. Clearing his throat again he moved to step around her hesitantly. "I suppose I should go get cleaned up." If only to keep from saying more foolish things that would only embarrass him.
Sally smiled a rubbed her hands together, looking to the ground, pressing her lips together, and looking back up at him. There was something about Nathaniel when he got flustered, and she couldn't pinpoint it, but she had always thought it was quite cute. Being here with him had brought some joy after months of cold and darkness. "Take all the time you need, but I do like the sounds of you saying Sally more." It was true Miss Byrne was so formal, but when he called her Sally, it made her feel closer to him.
"Well, he is charming and knows how to make people feel safe. Can't blame them for trying to steal a pet from him." She said, looking at Scraps. "He reminds me of you a bit." On guard, always looking out for people seemed like Nate had chosen himself in dog form as well.
It was nice to see this side of Nate with his dog. Sally loved animals and one day wished to have a pet of her own. She understood him, though, when he meant he would be lonely and lost without Scrapes. That's how she felt in her dark prison, but now Nate had made her feel found, quite literally, too.
Scraps had brought him closer to her, and she blushed, hoping Nate won't notice her reddened cheeks. The two had never been this close before, or in fact, she had never been in his home before, and it somehow felt right to her.
She kept her eye on the flickering candlelight and laughed softly, something she had not done in months. "Still the same old Nathaniel, still so hard on yourself." She looked around the kitchen, still not meeting his eyes. "I've missed your modesty and not much of that in prison, you know." She truly wanted to say that she missed him, but she was too scared to say it. Maybe he would think she was only saying it from her fragile mind. Sally didn't want Nathaniel to feel that he deserved the world to her.
'I do not know what I would have done if I had lost you.' With those words, her eyes landed back on him. What did he mean? "Oh..." an awkward smile came on her face. She didn't know what she was hoping for. Silly of her to think that she meant the world to him.
Turning her head to watch him as he went around her, she tried to process what Nathaniel said. "Wait-" She paused, grabbing his hand."Ah sorry..it seems foolish." She let go, eyes gazing to the side. "I'm afraid to be left alone..." Her eyes well up, Sally was embarrassed, but she had thought that if he were in the bath, there would be none to protect her.
Post by NATHANIEL ZIMMER on Jan 6, 2023 2:55:52 GMT
"Yes, well..." She liked the sound of his voice saying her name? He did well to swallow down the excitement that threatened to overtake him at that simple admission. "I shall do my best." The weakest of small smiles graced his thin lips as their eyes met. He wanted her to like him. His face, his voice, him... And yet he knew that he shouldn't. He had been her teacher! Many years had passed of course, but something about it felt scandalous to Nathaniel... or at least it should have. Blame his sense of responsibility and duty. Blame his sweaty palms that he was now realizing and making a point to slide bashfully into his slacks' pockets before she could notice. Blame his oh-so-big heart that was pretty much created to love and to love hard even when it was not returned. Most of all blame him and his knack for putting himself into situations just like this. Sally was innocent in it. All of it. And she would continue to be so. He would see to it. He couldn't ruin her. He couldn't live with himself if he did.
"Old is right." He returned with a blush, once again thankful that the candlelight didn't illuminate it for her to see. It would make her uncomfortable, and he didn't want that. Far from it. "I am sure that you missed a great many things, as well you should have... That being said, I am honored to think that I, in some small part, was one of them." Say less old man or, better yet, say nothing at all. His blush deepened and he then again thanked the universe for darkness and candles.
As Nathaniel tried to give her some space to avoid goofing up much more this evening, he felt his breath hitch from the warm feel of palm against his skinny wrist. He was stunned. Turning, hazel eyes looked back at the source: Sally. Always Sally. He could only look. He was certain he could just watch her hours on end for no reason at all (which is probably something he should never tell her so he would keep that to himself).
"I will not leave you alone." The words were all too quickly and honestly dragged out of him in a soft, hoarse voice as if they threatened to catch in his throat from how truly raw they were. The tears in her eyes nearly broke him, right down the middle, split in two. "Do not fret, Sally." He made no move to pull his arm from her grasp. Instead he lightly moved to take her frail hand in both of his much larger ones. If he had his way, they would stay like this in this moment, as simple and delightfully complicated as it was, forever. Forever and a day.
Scraps' big eyes drifted between the two. He knew his owner well and the dog's heightened sense of hearing picked up instantly on the two humans' heartbeats. The Border Collie's ears perked and head tilted. Now, something was definitely up!
"I fear that I am quite a mess without a shower however." He offered with a weak smile, still holding her hand with his own. "But, if you do not mind..." He didn't want to let her down nor did he want to scare her. He could clean up after she had fallen asleep... *IF* she did. "Would you, perhaps, possible, maybe like to stay here for the night? To rest..." He was too quick to add that first part. Didn't need her thinking he was a creep (even if he might be crushing hard). "I have a guest room." Scraps nudged at both of their hips. "Apologies... It is normally Scraps' room during the day but he said he does not mind sharing. Right, boy?" In acknowledgement Scraps gave a little sneeze and licked Sally's hand gently.
It seemed, as always, Nathaniel was a gentleman. Sally knew it would be hard for him to call her by her first name. After all, it had been many years that he had called her Miss Bryne. It would be an odd change for him but for her as well. However, she welcomed the change kindly. At this point, she had seen him more than her professor and co-worker. She was not ready to admit that to him, but when he smiled, she felt her world melt around her. Her knees were weak, but that could have been from the trauma she endured.
A soft giggle left her lips when he made his comment. Sally had never thought of him as old; to Sally, he wasn't. "Maybe, an old soul but not an old man." Sally looked down, pushing a piece of hair back. She placed her hands together and looked back at him. "Well, you were a big part of them. After all, I owe you great gratitude for searching for me and coming to my aid as well." The man went out of his way to rescue her, and she would like to think something more.
Sally had felt like a fool jumping quickly to grab him but was afraid to be alone. What if they came back for her? She was in no shape to fight back, nor was she ever really a fighter but Nathaniel. He had the training and the skill.
She placed her hand on her stomach and closed her eyes. The fear had almost encumbered her until she heard his words and felt his hands take hers. 'I will not leave you alone.' He made her feel at peace once more. Holding his hand tight, she smiled at him and nodded. "Of course, I understand." Though she did not want to let go of his hands.
Stay here for the night? A surprised look came upon her face. Sally had not thought of it. But she didn't have to think twice about it. "Yes, I would love that." She finally let go of his hand when Scraps gave her a lick. She bent down and petted him. "Also long as Scraps doesn't mind, I will stay." having Scraps around was also a bonus.
"I should write my mother as well. Let her know I am ok and can do that while you clean up." She looked back up at Nate, a smile on her face.
Post by NATHANIEL ZIMMER on Oct 11, 2023 20:32:42 GMT
"Well..." He couldn't help but blush a bit at her remark about his lack of age (though surely she was just being Sally and abundantly kind to an old fool) even so he was touched. He felt like a young man again, a student at Hogwarts reading under the Whomping Willow that didn't seem to mind his presence at all, watching as pretty girls walked by with much handsomer schoolmates who were far more outgoing than he was. Back then Nathaniel's experience with women only really involved McGonagall giving him a compliment about his spellcasting which had him blushing profusely and rendered speechless... kind of like now. Better fix that. "Perhaps a bit of both if we must agree on it to avoid a debate." Well, *try* to fix that anyways.
Another compliment from her and Nathaniel was relieved he no longer had long hair as the shade of his cheeks would have matched the youthful strands of blonde but red hinted hue. Then his current state of bashfulness would have been so very obvious even in the dim light of the kitchen. "I think it would be a great tragedy and much to the students' detriment to continue the school semester without the presence of one Miss Sally Byrne." He looked down at her with a thin-lipped, half smile meaning every word. And if you didn't quite believe the words that left his mouth his sincere hazel eyes that relayed so much carried his point home. "I would have traveled to the ends of the earth magical or otherwise to bring you back. Both worlds are a better place with you in it." But words worked too he reckoned. The quiet confession left him before it even registered in his mind. It was the truth so why shouldn't he say it? It was like breathing. "It was my honor." Ok old man, slow down. Don't scare her.
Her hand held his, firm, clearly still scarred from her previous ordeal and needing to feel close to someone. He didn't want to be so egotistical to think that it had to be him. That would give him far too much hope and when the man had hope, at least pertaining to himself, it was always dashed in spectacular fashion. Just look at Rose... He always looked at Rose. She had crushed him. But when he looked at Sally, into her sweet eyes, he couldn't help but think about anyone or anything other than the sweet Divination Professor and her well-being as well as happiness.
She would love that? He blinked several times, registering his surprise but once again swallowing it down. Do not hope, remember? Then leave it to his border collie to save the day who let out a bark and hopped up in the air beside the two. "I think it is safe to say that Scraps definitely does not mind." Nathaniel scratched the pup behind the ears who accepted happily then nudged his free hand... toward Sally's? Scraps the Matchmaker. Add that to the pup's resume.
"I... have an owl that you can use. Several in fact. They're in the back. Scraps can take you." What are you thinking old man? She has just been through trauma. Straightening he released her hands and shoved both into his pants pockets. "On second thought, I will take you." Not wanting to embarrass her, if she was due to being scared, he led her to the back hall and opened the door. In the backyard was a small shed that he had turned into a coop. Lighting a lantern that dangled above the shed inside revealed several different owls happily cooing and fluttering about. "The white one there Aristotle is wise. He'll know where to go you just need to whisper it once. The tiny grey owl there Socrates is small, but quick... easily distracted but he's only once lost a letter. The barn owl Descartes is loyal. Not the fastest but he'll get your letter there no matter what... Well..." Realizing that he was lecturing he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "You have your pick."
Charming. Nathaniel was charming as always. Even without trying, he was a man that could sweep you off your feet. How any person could not be in love with Nathaniel bewildered her. It was what Sally had always adored about him. "You are too sweet, Nate." She places her hands together, looking at the floor. "But what I said was true, so it was never debatable." Sally looked back up at him and gave him a soft smile.
When he mentioned the school year, she smiled more. "I'm sure some missed me, especially some more than others. Well, I hope. I also don't have the stomach to finish the school year." She placed her hand on her abdomen. They thought of going anywhere, but her right now frightened her. Sally would need time before she returned back.
'I would have traveled to the ends of the earth, magical or otherwise, to bring you back. Both worlds are a better place with you in it.' Nathaniel's words had made her freeze in her spot. Why did he have to say them? Those words meant so much to her, more than he ever knew. Looking into his hazel eyes, she wanted to say something but could not find the words, though it wasn't words she wanted to use. Sally brushed a piece of her hair back as he said it was his honor. A soft blush came to her cheeks. "I'm happy it was you." She surpassed her feelings. After all, why would such a nobleman want an oddball like her?
Sally kept petting Scapes as it helps with the nerves. "Well, I am glad to hear that." She smiled and looked at Nate, feeling his hand graze hers as the pup seemed to push his hands toward hers. Or maybe it was him? No, that was a silly thought—just an accident from petting Scrapes, nothing more.
"Oh, I didn't realize you were an animal lover." She smiled, surprised that he had a bit of owls he owned. "Oh..." Surprised, Sally lost her smile; he wouldn't take her until he changed his mind. "Thank you." Now, a smile back on her face.
The lighting of the lantern was pretty romantic. Not that this was a romantic moment. Maybe it was just how safe she felt with him beside her.
"I love them all, and I'm unsure who to pick. I don't want to feel left out." She walked up to the owls, mesmerized by how adorable they were. "Very like you to name them after Greek philosophers." She gave a pet to Socrates. Sally turned her head and smiled. "Let me write my letter while you clean up. I'll be okay with the birds and, of course, scraps." She smiled at him, letting him know she was OK to be alone now. Of course, it was he who put her at ease.
Post by NATHANIEL ZIMMER on Dec 6, 2023 18:22:54 GMT
"I don't know about that." He let out a soft, barely there chuckle. It was his turn to look at the floor but out of bashfulness. Gosh, he felt like he was a teenage boy in school all over again. It wasn't all together unwelcome, it was actually nice to feel that little fluttering in his opposite chest but at the same time it was a painful reminder that led to humbling questions. When he was a seventh year at Hogwarts was Sally Byrne a toddler, five, born yet? Though it made his chest clench the lightness notably did not go away. It should have, to be a respectable man he needed it to, but it remained.
"You sell yourself short, I assure you. The students undoubtedly missed you. They will be thrilled and utterly relieved when you return." And they weren't the only ones.Looking back at her he caught her small smile. Sally Byrne had a lovely smile. One of the loveliest if not the best on the planet in his humble opinion. Soft, kind, warm, and all consuming. And then it was gone as she confessed her own nervousness. He caught glimpse of her hand moving to lightly grasp her stomach and his own tiny smile followed suit, fading completely. "Take it day by day." He reassured her gently hoping it provided some comfort and reassurance.
"I'm happy it was you."
He held his breath in his throat, willing to live forever in this moment, to bask in her words. She was happy it was him. She wanted it to be him. It was a good feeling. "I am glad as well." He admitted softly before he could swallow down the words and keep them to himself. Blame him being preoccupied by admiring the color in her cheeks that he could now see better when she moved some of her hair away. Her beautiful face.
"Oh, yes. Very much. I find that they are often times better listeners and far more forgiving than people." The Charms Professor offers whimsically as he mused on the thought. He had a lot to be forgiven for during his time as an auror. He had killed. He had to, but that didn't make it any easier. Scraps meanwhile was enjoying his head pats, lifting his head and leaning the side of his face and snout into her hand and slender leg. The border collie watched the interaction between the two and actually seemed to sigh in mild annoyance. Silly humans. He gave another nudge of Sally's slender hand with his cool wet nose then licked with his warm tongue.
"I promise you, none of them will take any offense. They're just glad to have a visitor that isn't me for once." He offered lightly, though there was some truth in his words. He watched her closely as she walked down each owl admiring them and he couldn't help but admire her. How careful and intentional she was with every movement, every look. She genuinely cared. He did too. He liked that quality about her even though he treated his own quality of it with judgement. Funny how love fondness for a person worked.
He was hesitant to leave her even at her suggestion and the hesitancy was written clearly all over his face. "Yes, well..." He cleared his throat. She's telling you to get out of the way old man. She's fine. "I suppose you are right." Even so his feet did not budge. Come on. Move. "If that is what you would prefer..." She said as much. Why aren't you leaving? Still, he remained. "Are you certain that you'll be alright?" Scraps sat at Sally's feet, eyeing his master confused by the behavior. Even dogs knew that go meant go. Why wasn't he going?
