criminalminds (criminalminds) wrote in wizardland,
@ 2011-03-26 10:02:00

To--Anyone at this point :D
Gorsemoor Academy had the auspicious designation of being not only a preparatory academy for magical youngsters, but also a place that offered undergraduate programs for further wizarding education. That's what the brochure had said anyway. What it really meant to Archemedes was that he would have plenty of work during the summer (nearly a full course load of college level classes) so that no moment of his life could be called empty. Vacation was a terrible thing to him for it left his mind to wander and it always wandered back to very negative times.

Unfortunately, the academy still gave out breaks. Things like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the current nightmare of Spring break. Archemedes paced back and forth in the small--but sufficient--living room of his professor's apartment, wishing that he had any papers left to grade. He even had all of his curriculum for the rest of the quarter planned out thanks to the winter holiday break. The cat that his mother sent him meowed plantively. "You're not any help, Pox, so you may as well shut up." Archemedes liked the cat, but had resented the fact that his mother sent her to calm his nerves, as if he was nothing more than some nervous little old cat lady now. Then again, maybe that was the case. Regardless, Pox now reminded him of that fact and so he always spoke to her gruffly. Fortunately, Pox didn't seem to mind.

When he couldn't handle the small confines of his apartment anymore, Archemedes stormed to the door and flung it open, startled to see someone already on the other side of it. His Auror sensibilities mocked him as soon as he heard his own girlish cry of surprise and maybe a little terror.

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deathproof
2011-03-27 02:54 am UTC (link)

Jordy had decided to stay behind rather than go home for break. His parents were overseas anyway, and it would have been boring for him to be all by himself in their large home. Jordy was a talker, a friendly kid, and he preferred to be in a crowd then all on his own - maybe it came from growing up in such a large family. With everyone gone, off doing their own thing, he just didn't want to go home. It wouldn't have been the same. Besides, he was very serious about scoring well on his tests to advance - becoming an Auror like his Grandfather was dream.

When he'd landed the teacher's aid position, he'd been ectsatic. It was a highly coveted job, and though a lot of it was paper work, Jordy didn't mind. It would look good on his transcript for when he advanced on to the college level.

He was carrying up some papers he'd graded for Professor Monroe and when he got to the door to the man's chambers and had just about been ready to knock when the door flew open. Jordy's eyes went a little wide in surprise, and he wasn't sure what to say to the shriek that Archemedes had made.

"I'm sorry, didn't mean to startle you - I graded those papers," he said hastily as he held the stack out. "Is... everything all right?" he asked, hoping that he wasn't about to get yelled at.

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criminalminds
2011-03-27 03:58 am UTC (link)

Sometimes people covered their humiliation with bluster. Archemedes simply pretended that it hadn't happened even though he could nearly still hear the lingering echo of his fear between them. It had been genuine, as if he really thought dark wizards had come for him and he'd have to go back to the Death Eaters' lair. Clenching and then unclenching his jaw, he straightened his back, making his immense height all the more prominent.

"Everything's fine," he said with forced pleasantness. Everyone always seemed far too polite to really thwart his efforts to completely ignore his obvious shortcomings. While no one knew exactly why Archemedes had gone into teaching instead of staying an auror, there were suspicions and rumors. Most were filled with pity for the poor little war hero. Archemedes hated those rumors the worst because they were the closest to the truth.

Reaching out to take the stack of papers, he tucked them against his chest like a flimsy shield. "Thank you. I didn't expect them to be finished until after spring break. You're sticking around or did you finish them up early so you weren't bothered with them during your vacation?"

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deathproof
2011-03-27 04:23 am UTC (link)

When Archemedes just acted as if nothing had happened, Jordy was a little bit relieved. Honestly, he was hoping for that reaction and he was going to follow the older man's lead respectfully as Archemedes tok the stack of papers.

"I'm sticking around," he answered with a curt nod of his head before he bit down on his lower lip and cleared his throat. "My family - they're all out of the country and I didn't want to go home and be in that big house all on my own. I figured I could get a head start on my studies and sharpen up on a few things since testing is coming up soon. Are you sticking around as well? Maybe you could help me."

No matter the rumors, Professor Monroe was an excellent Auror and he was talented. Jordy wasn't sure what to think of the man's past, but he was someone to look up to, most definitely. And he had a bit of a crush on the older man too, though he'd never admit that in a million years. There was just something that was so unique about the way Archedemes looked that Jordy quite enjoyed.

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criminalminds
2011-03-27 04:34 am UTC (link)

As soon as he realized that he didn't have to posture for the kid, his back relaxed and somehow he seemed far less imposing that way. Archemedes used to fancy that he cut a very intimidating figure. Now he was just happy to walk down the street without flinching or having to mutter calming spells to himself. He hated taking potions for that sort of thing, but he made sure to keep a large stock on hand just in case the nightmares got too bad.

He blinked slowly and then his eyelids fluttered as if snapping back to attention. "Hm? Oh, yes I'm staying here. I don't have any family to visit so it hardly seems worth traveling." That's often what happened to aurors--they died early, even good ones. Archemedes' family had been solidly wiped out in various battles over the years.

The idea that he could help Jordy was a fantastic one and Archemedes raised his eyebrows with interest. Anything to keep his mind busy and his time full. "I'm sure you would do fine without my help, Jordy. You're my best student. But I would be happy to help you practice. My final exam will be a practical, and even the brightest can use extra training." The thought of having to make up the practical final for the Dark Arts made him twitch, but he knew it was necessary for hands on.

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deathproof
2011-03-27 04:52 am UTC (link)

The idea of getting a leg up and having Archemedes basically tutor him for the week brought a wide and happy smile to his face. He was always eager to learn, and such was constantly present in his body language and the way he looked at things - sometimes even people. Like how he was looking at Archemedes right then.

"Really? I'd really appreciate the extra help. It'd mean a lot to me," Jordy said eagerly.

The thought of the practical made his heart spark with excited energy. He was thirsty for the chance to really prove himself properly.

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criminalminds
2011-03-27 04:59 am UTC (link)

He could easily see that zeal for defense against the dark arts and to be quite honest, it worried him. Half the time Archemedes struggled against the desire to tell everyone in his classes that they should not be aurors but only learn the material to protect themselves when they absolutely had to. How cowardly that would sound though and Archemedes hated himself for wanting to do that. Somehow, looking at Jordy right now made him feel even more ashamed. Backing into his apartment, he gestured for Jordy to come inside if he wanted.

"Do you approach all of your classes with this much aptitude and passion? You're one that wishes to be an auror, correct?" He had a passing knowledge of everyone's focus just because the upper level classes weren't offered or required of everyone, just those with that future in mind.

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deathproof
2011-03-27 05:08 am UTC (link)

Jordy offered a glance behind himself before he took the open invitation and slipped into Archemedes apartment. He closed the door quietly behind himself and let his eyes flicker about, taking in the decor of the place. After a moment, his attention landed back upon the older man and he focused his attention on him entirely as he nodded in answer to Archemedes' question.

"I do - well, maybe not quite as much, but I always do my best and I'm always eager to learn," he answered as he nodded again. "Yes - my Grandfather was one. My father would be very proud if I followed in his footsteps."

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criminalminds
2011-03-27 05:25 am UTC (link)

"Didn't your father follow in his footsteps himself?" he asked curiously. Pox proceeded to wind herself around Jordy's legs. She was silvery gray cat with wide green eyes and a cranky, scratchy meow. Archemedes pursed his lips at her. "Don't mind her. Her greatest joy is annoying the company."

He stepped into the small kitchen which was really just a part of the living room itself with a small sink, fridge, and microwave. The fridge and microwave were magical, of course, allowing for far more room inside than what they appeared to afford on the outside. Mostly, however, he took his meals in the main dining hall as was expected of the professors. Mingling with students was encouraged, especially if it meant they could keep an eye on them. "Bertie Bott's Soda? I think I have bubble gum and pineapple."

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deathproof
2011-03-27 05:29 am UTC (link)

"Um, no he didn't," Jordy said as he looked down at the cat, and he moved to kneel down so that he could gently pluck her up and scratch behind her ears a bit. "I think that's why he'd be so proud."

Jordy was still quite young, and he didn't understand that a lot of his dream wasn't even his own, really. He lived to please his father and he wanted to make the man proud. He also craved the glory and praise that came with being an Auror, and the danger. It seemed so adventurous. Muggle boys dreamt of being fire fighters or cops, Jordy dreamed of being an Auror.

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criminalminds
2011-03-27 05:41 am UTC (link)

"What does your father do?" Archemedes frowned. It annoyed him to think that a father would pressure his son into doing something so dangerous. Even if it wasn't explicit pressure, it was still like encouraging your kid to go out and get killed for glory. Yeah, yeah, there was all that about protecting the innocent, but when it came down to it, the job was suicidal. But he stopped himself and tried very hard not to make this personal. He envied the boy his bravery and knew that it would probably last longer than his own had.

The two bottles of bubble gum pineapple soda popped their own tops and he offered Jordy one. This was good, even if they were discussing being an auror, at least Archemedes wasn't alone. He breathed easier when he wasn't all by himself.

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deathproof
2011-03-27 05:54 am UTC (link)

Jordy had been so focused on looking around the apartment and answering Archemedes questions that he'd forgotten the offer of a beverage, and he smiled sheepishly as he reached out to take a hold of the pineapple can.

"Thank you," he said as he set Pox down gently and moved to have a seat on the edge of the couch so that he could take a sip of his soda. Once he swallowed, he wet his lips and cleared his throat. "He writes books on spell casting," he told Archemedes. "Some of them get used in schooling here, even."

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criminalminds
2011-03-27 12:29 pm UTC (link)

Archemedes wanted to pry though he was trying not to do so. Or rather, he was trying not to get caught doing so. He regarded Jordy as he sipped from his soda. Pox stayed close to the boy, clearly having decided that she liked him.

"That's a much safer job. Maybe you should follow in your father's footsteps instead? Just because the war is over doesn't mean you won't probably still get killed in that line of work." He quirked a smile so it couldn't be told if he was being serious or cavelier.

The apartment itself was halfway between messy and tidy. it smelled a bit like clove, a protective element that Archemedes used to keep away people with bad intentions. It was a silly extra precaution given the natural protection spells built into the school.

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deathproof
2011-03-28 01:56 am UTC (link)

Jordy sipped at his soda happily, and he reached over with his free hand to slip his fingers through the cat's fur again. He liked pets, always had. He had a cat of his own named Sylvester who could be a moody little thing, but Jordy adored him to pieces.

"No, I'm not afraid," Jordy said as he set his gaze on Archemedes. "This is what I want to do with my life - I want to help people, and I think I'll be very good at it," he added, though he paused as he gave his teacher a curious look. "Do you think I won't be good at it?"

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criminalminds
2011-03-28 02:04 am UTC (link)

That last question softened Archemedes' expression. Maybe he'd been too harsh on the profession and unintentionally hard on Jordy. "Actually, I think you'll be an amazing auror. I guess war just kind of changed my opinion on the job. But look at me, I'm a professor teaching others to do it, so I hardly have room to talk."

He straightened. He'd been far too candid with the boy. "Anyway, do you really want to spend spring break studying? I can set up some scenarios."

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deathproof
2011-03-28 02:16 am UTC (link)

Jordy wasn't sure how he should take Archemedes words. He wasn't sure if he should take them as a tale of caution, or if he should just ignore them because they'd only hinder his focus. The last thing that he needed was to have his focus off - he needed his focus more than anything. Pushing the older man's words far from his mind, he nodded his head in response.

"Yes, that'd be great - I'd really like to practice and study as much as I can so that I'm ready."

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criminalminds
2011-03-28 02:21 am UTC (link)

"Ready for the auror exams? Will you be applying for the program at Gorsemoor or are you going to travel for it?" While Archemedes wasn't the head of the department at the academy, he was part of the admissions committee. Jordy was an obvious choice for admission since he was such a good student and would graduate from the secondary program. But they still made the students go through the admissions process--it was just understood as a formality.

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deathproof
2011-03-28 02:26 am UTC (link)

"Yes, and I'm not sure about that just yet - I haven't decided," Jordy said as he set his soda can down on the little table that was in between he and Archemedes, so that he could gently pull Pox onto his lap. "I'm not sure which route is best for me yet. I think the structure at Goresmoor would be fantastic, but I also find the idea of travelling and learning very appealing."

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criminalminds
2011-03-28 02:38 am UTC (link)

"I'm sure you could get in anywhere." He looked down at Jordy's lap with Pox in it. In spite of himself, a smile curled at his lips. It sat awkwardly on his face, but he was still strangely handsome even with the uncomfortable expression. Finally, the small smirk spread into a smile. He should be happy. He had company when before he'd been all alone. Clapping his hands together as if coming out of a trance, Archemedes stood up. "Care to go down to the Care of Magical Creatures classroom and visit the jarvey? He's new and I hear he's got a terribly amusing list of insults."

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deathproof
2011-03-28 02:49 am UTC (link)

It was a huge compliment, especially coming from someone like Archemedes, and Jordy couldn't help but feel his cheeks flush a bit as he offered a warm smile in thanks. At the mention of a jarvey, he perked up even more and nodded his head eagerly.

"Yes! I've actually never seen one before, only read about them in books," he said as he gently set Pox aside and got to his feet.

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criminalminds
2011-03-28 02:56 am UTC (link)

The blush on Jordy's cheeks suited him and Archemedes paused to regard his face. "You're pink," he pointed out. Maybe he just wanted to make him go red.

"I'm glad you came by. I certainly don't mind the company." He cleared off the empty cans and then headed back to the front door where this had all started. It was a short pleasant walk to the menagerie and when they got there, no one else was around. It was concealed with hedges and various animals roamed in appropriately sized cages.

"Snot nosed toad fucker!" Came a shrill voice from around the corner and Archemedes laughed. "Ah, that would be him."

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deathproof
2011-03-28 03:05 am UTC (link)

When Archemedes made note of his blush, Jordy felt his face go a bit warmer, and he let out a soft laugh as he bowed his head and followed the man out of the apartment. A lot of young men who wanted to be Aurors often had a God complex, and they acted like they owned everything - Jordy was quite opposite, though. He was more quiet, more humble, and much more observant and it often worked in his favor.

"You know, I don't mind it either, I was hoping you'd agree to help me out with my studies because it's just so quiet around here," he told Archemedes. "I'm not use to it at all," he added as they made their way down to the menagerie.

When he heard the sharp insults, he let out a laugh and looked over at Archemedes - who Jordy had to admit, looked lovely all of the time but especially when smiling.

"He sounds charming," he joked.

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criminalminds
2011-03-28 03:15 am UTC (link)

Archemedes was prone to mood swings, bad thoughts that encroached on his brain and turned his emotions into a dismal tide. But when he focused on being bright and cheerful, he often managed. Right now he was doing that because it felt more appropriate to be congenial with a student and Jordy's calm, inquisitive nature was infectious.

"Entirely charming. I think he once called Professor Marshall a lily livered hornswaggler. I don't even know what that means. Consider this a test of your mental resistance. If you ever face a jarvey, you'll be fully prepared for all of his shinanigans."

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deathproof
2011-03-28 03:21 am UTC (link)

"I have no idea what that means either," Jordy said with a warm laugh as he peered in at the creature. "It's funny - if he was smaller he'd be cute, but he just looks creepy at this size," he told Archemedes before he glanced over at him. "I actually have seen one before now that I remember. My Mom wanted her garden degnomed - it was kind of disturbing the way they do it," he added as he looked back at the animal.

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criminalminds
2011-03-28 03:30 am UTC (link)

"Douchebags!" The creature cried indignantly from his plush cage. All of the animals were well cared for here. They were all valuable specimens for educational purposes.

"This is the reason I'm glad Pox can't talk. I have the feeling she'd have some choice words for me." Archemedes stared down the jarvey and after a moment, the animal quieted. Maybe he still had some intimidation factor left. The thought puffed him up. "My mother never de-gnomed her garden. I think she was trying to start a little army."

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deathproof
2011-03-28 03:33 am UTC (link)

Jordy kept his attention focused on Archemedes face while he stared the jarvey down, and he stared a bit afterwards in awe. He wanted to be able to do things like that with just a simple look. Wetting his lips, he forced himself to look away and he watched the animal as it stared back at them.

"I'm sure my cat would have some interesting things to say too, especially when I don't have time to feed him his favorite food," Jordy said with a faint smile.