PLEASURE & PAIN; [Closed]

[JAMES ALASTAIR BLACK]

Bending over at his desk James Black closed his eyes and yawned. Dark circles were under his eyes from spending most of the night and now early morning working on papers for the school. Whoever would have guessed that he of all people would ever be headmaster of a school, a wizarding school at that. School had never been James' cup of tea, even though he had excelled in his classes and in athletics. Quidditch and rugby had always been his heart. He had played Quidditch for England until his accident a few months ago. There were some things in the Black's life that he didn't like to talk about and his accident was one of them. Another thing he didn't like to talk about was his weakness. Some say it's the opposing female that makes him weak at the knees and others say that anyone that aims for his knees or below his belt will make him weak. It was just something James Alastair Black would not discuss with anyone, not even his own tenderhearted mother and his over bearing father.

James leaned back in his chair and looked at the clock on the wall. One-forty in the morning?! Where has the time bloody gone? Rubbing his face he put down his pen, since he hated quills. Quills let ink get everywhere and there was one thing the Black disliked and that was having dirty hands. He began organizing his papers as he got up from his chair. The rest could wait until the morning after he had a long nice sleep. But the thing was that he wasn't sleepy at all. Even though he had never been diagnosed James swore he had insomnia. The last time he had gotten a good night sleep was when he had drank twenty shots of Jack, and boy did he regret those shots and that night. Not bothering to cover his mouth as he yawned he walked away from his desk and toward his kettle. Tea time was often a fond pass time of the Black. It was also an excuse he used a lot when he didn't feel like doing anything at all. Recently he hadn't had to use the excuse, but perhaps one day soon he would be able to use it. Depending on a conversation of course.

A bag of caramel tea was put into his coffee mug and he added two cups of sugar to the cup, and then some. He liked his coffee with a bit of sweetness to it. One thing he thought was odd was people adding milk to their tea. Normally that was a European way of drinking tea, but he wasn't one to follow suit. He guess it was because he didn't like milk at all. It always tasted sour and thick to him. The kettle began to whistle and he grabbed it placing the steaming water into the mug. Once his tea was the way he liked it he took out the bag and threw it away. Now it was time for a long walk until he got sleepy and wanted to turn in for the night. Now where would he go? I do have to name that blasted garden. I don't know why it has to be renamed but it was on a list of some sort. Like I would know what to name a garden. Do I look like a pansy sort of guy? James snorted at his own pun and blew into his mug to cool the tea.

Outside of the school he walked over to the garden. Why couldn't it just keep the name it had? The new headmaster walked over a nearby bench in front of some roses and sat down. Leaning against the back of the bench and spreading his legs a bit James relaxed. His brown eyes looked up toward the sky full of stars as if they would have the answers to every problem he had on his plate. Now what to name this place? Pansy Meadow? Repulsive Garden? Maybe at last minute he would use those. Wasn't the deputy suppose to come today? I hope I wasn't suppose to meet her or anything at the train station. Oh well. She has two legs and knows how to walk. Would suck if she was a cripple wouldn't it? Drinking his tea he tried to remember her name. Her first name was Amanda and the rest he didn't remember. Daphnie? Del? Delphine. That was it! What a stupid middle name... just like this garden. With a smirk coming upon his lips like a dear child who thought of something funny. I shalt name this dreaded garden Delphine's Garden. She can deal with it once she gets here. Stupid name, stupid garden, her problem. Fantastic. His mug went to his lips as he stayed relaxed in the garden.

APPAREL •

his clothing, his pants.
MUSE • just dance by lady gaga.
NOTE(S) • first post since march. rather bleh, but i'll work on it.
TAG • amanda lupin.
WORD COUNT • 812 without coding.[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]

[Amanda Delphine Lupin]

I THOUGHT I SAW YOUR EYES
LACED IN SMOKE & CIGARETTE CURLS. I THOUGHT I SAW YOUR EYES
BUT I'M SEEING GHOSTS TONIGHT

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

It was late, real late when she arrived on King Cross. Her luggage in disarray from her quick packing. She never expected to take upon this job, but it's the best she can do for now. Worried of her late arrival, she glanced at the clock, lips pursed as the evening drew. No matter how long it will take, she hoped that on the other end there would be someone waiting for her. Finally on board, the train cried out for one last warning call. Wizards who were going the same distance, possibly further, entered and took their seats. Luckily she reserved a compartment to herself. It brought back all those fond memories of when she would ride to Wexford Academy, giddily looking out the window to see it's towering spires. But of course she learned that the train was only part of the journey, the next would be a ride on carriage or boats. The school changed it up every now and then, but boats were prohibited because of the squid and merpeople. She wondered if times had changed with a new Headmaster. Amanda didn't remember his name, so he wasn't an impressionable bloke.

Time began to fester and her nerves were on edge. The moment the train stopped at Hogsmeade, she exited, her bags already waiting on carriage for her arrival. Of course a theastral was at the head of the carriage, but no one to greet her. The side of her lips creased as her brows furrowed. Hazel orbs looking around for a particular face, any that would recognize her. No one had stepped forward and well, she felt a little frustrated. Her clock read that it was late, well early morning since it was past midnight. If only she had taken the earlier train ride, she would have been earlier in day light. Good thing she had dinner on the train because it would be her luck that the kitchens at school be bare. Well she still wasn't pleased with not having anyone greet her and she wondered if this man was worthy to be head of the school. Such rude manners! I don't know if we will get along at this rate. Her mind already made as she stomped off to the carriage, hoisting up inside and taking a seat, legs crossed at her ankles and hands flat on her lap.

The ride was reminiscent of her years at Wexford Academy. The first time on her arrival, she was greeted by students who were years ahead of her. Sorted into Maior, it was the perfect house fitted for her and the traits she possessed. She had to admit that their mascot was pretty wicked too, a dragon, who could beat that? The night grew and the moon above passed. Stars dotted the skies magically and she laid back comfortably against the cushions. The night wasn't half bad, the scenery making up partly for the other half that still niggled at the back of her mind. She had a bone to pick with the new Headmaster. They haven't met properly yet, but to leave your second-in-command hanging at the train station alone wasn't a very good impression at all. Sighing quietly, she rested her eyes, waiting for the journey to pass and finally be at the school. What seemed like hours only happened in several minutes, and the sudden stop of her carriage woke her up. She looked around at the advancing house elves, already picking up her bags to bring inside.

Amanda smiled shyly at them, trying to look at each and see if she remembered them. There were quite a few new house elves, but a couple she had seen years ago. Thanking them forever in her debt, she stepped off the carriage and stretched. The high castle looked the same, even in silhouette, and a smile grew across her delicate features. "So this is home," she whispered. She looked around the grounds, objects still visible beneath the moonlight, and she decided to take a small walk before entering the school. Amanda wanted to relive some of her fondest memories, those particular spent under trees or in the garden reading. The loops that reigned high above the quidditch field could actually be seen in the distance. Some of her frustration had been relieved out on that field in the air. She loved how the wind used to whip through her soft brunette tendrils, even when her fringe would matte her forehead of sweat and dirt from the game. Of course her brother did give her a run since he played for Ignis.

She followed down a clear path, knowing exactly where it would lead her since she's trotted on it plenty of times. The smell of exotic flowers and roses filled the air and her senses. It would be her last stop just for tonight until the next day. Amanda was tired and restless, but nothing like a cup of jasmine tea could calm her nerves. As she crept into the gardens, taking in all it's wonder and aroma in the dark, her eyes landed on a dark figure relaxed with his drink. She frowned while looking at the man who appeared vaguely familiar as if she had seen him once or twice in her life time, particular her school years. Someone with a messy mop of hair like his and a lanky body. She could already sense negative vibes coming off of him and knew that this man must be the Headmaster. "So you're sitting out here having a relaxing time sipping tea and forget to welcome me here? I understand that it is late, but a simple greeting and some company at the train station would have been nice," she muttered while closing the distance between them and placing her hands on her hips.

Tag;; James Black
Word Count;; 963 w/o code
Outfit;; The whole attire
Muse;; Eddie xD
Notes;; It’s a lovely post!

[JAMES ALASTAIR BLACK]

He took a sip of his hot tea as he looked more at the garden. There was never too much to do at this school. Well he thought that because he was always either doing homework, at the Quidditch Pitch, or with some girl in an empty classroom. James ruffled his hair with one hand as he continued to hold his mug in the other. Maybe when he had some spare time he would have a look around the castle. One time during his fourth year he stayed at the school over the summer with some mates to explore the school. They didn't get too far since it was hard to find what secrets there were, and the school kept changing every time they did something. No one knew how happy he was to leave the school and do his own thing. All his life it had been lessons, lessons, and more lessons, and Quidditch. Quidditch had always been his life and he missed the breeze in his hair and against his body. It had been over a year since he picked up a broomstick and rode in the air. But it was the past and Quidditch would not be the same.

James Alastair Black looked at the rose garden and shook his head. Who ever liked these sort of things? What did flowers do that was so important? They were something just to stare at when you were bored or to look pretty. Filthy things and trashy too. A sigh came from his parted lips and looked up at the sky again. Rubbing his face he tapped his foot. There was just so much to do and such little time. Would this school ever run as it once did. Somehow he doubted that, especially when he was the headmaster. Not like he ever did anything worth wild. Licking his lips he wondered what more he was gonna have on his plate in the morning. Already he spent a day or two here and there was already loads to do. He scratched his cheek and sighed. Bending over he put his elbows on his knees and rubbed his face again. Soon he would go turn in for the night if he could find some way to sleep. Nights back home he couldn't sleep either so he would spend his time reading or watching films. His head turned once he heard the sound of footsteps on the grass. A dark figure was coming toward him.

"So you're sitting out here having a relaxing time sipping tea and forget to welcome me here? I understand that it is late, but a simple greeting and some company at the train station would have been nice."

If she hadn't opened her mouth James would have made the mistake of trying to hit on her. So this must be the deputy then. Nice pair of legs if I do say so myself. Just only if her mouth hadn't opened she would be perfect. Standing up he extended his hand out to her. "James Black," he said shaking her hand. "I'm really sorry about that," he said with sincerity. "I'll carry those bags for you to your room once you're done being out here." James sat back down on the bench. "Not exactly relaxing. Trying to relax is more like it. Sit down?" She was making him nervous standing up with her hands on her hips. Definitely the warden if you asked him. Not someone he wanted to cross, even on a good day. "Well welcome to Wexford. Hope your time here is more eventful than working on bunches of paper for the Ministry and students." James had read her application and did some research on her. Tried out for the Ministry. Wondered why on Earth she would pick a place like this to work.

"Oh, by the way this garden," he said pointing his finger around the area, "is yours. I want nothing to do with this pansy garden." James looked back to the deputy. "I named it after you so technically it is yours. For the gratitude I have for helping on short notice and other reasons." He bit his lip so he wouldn't start snickering. His own secret joke that she didn't need to know about. James liked his head on his shoulders thanks very much. A sigh came from his lips and he looked out to the petunias. "Filthy place. Don't see why anyone would want a garden." Back home his mum had a huge garden in the back yard. Couldn't even step on the grass without her wanting to chop of your head. With a snort he scratched his jawline. There wasn't too much to say to the new employee and it was getting to feel a bit awkward. He was waiting to be stabbed or something with the warden next to him. "Did you go to school here or anything?" James Black didn't remember her ever being at Wexford when he was in school.

APPAREL •

his clothing, his pants.
MUSE • monarch of the glen.
NOTE(S) • i actually lost muse. D:
TAG • amanda lupin.
WORD COUNT • 834 without coding.[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]

[Amanda Delphine Lupin]

I THOUGHT I SAW YOUR EYES
LACED IN SMOKE & CIGARETTE CURLS. I THOUGHT I SAW YOUR EYES
BUT I'M SEEING GHOSTS TONIGHT

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

A brush in the bushes and thorns snagged on to her sweater didn't waver her attention from the man. As beautiful as the night gleamed upon the rose buds and leaves, the fountain in the distance trickling, she couldn't ignore the irritation that she felt toward this man. Her dark eyes laying on his sitting figure across from her, how he appeared so calm compared to her. If she were in his position, she would be inside preparing for the students. A simple note of clearance would have been better instead of empty company upon her arrival. If he didn't feel like coming for her, he could have at least send note. Amanda was distraught and her body shook with wrecking nerves all over. He appeared nonchalant in her manner, ignoring the fact that she was angry in him. The familiarity of his bone structure hadn't become apparent, but soon she would find out why he reminded her of someone. Keeping her strong stature in place, she pursed her lips when he extended a hand to make his introduction. Amanda reluctantly took his hand, repulsed the moment he spoke his name and she felt like her innards dropped to the floor. James Black. This man is suppose to be her boss? He is the Headmaster of this school? Her ears and her eyes could hardly believe it all, and felt like everything she knew in this world wasn't all it turned out to be. "Amanda Lupin..."

Amanda took her hand back, letting it fall to her side as a brown quirked at his sincere words. She wasn't sure if they were dripping with sarcasm or lies because what she remembered of him back at school certainly didn't act the same now. Girls were notorious for gossiping and though she caught wind of everything, Amanda never participated in flirtatious behavior, especially toward James Black. Girls fawned over the guy as much as they did with her brother Jonathan. A Lupin and Black in camaraderie’s was something legendary and uncanny to the past of their grandfathers' friendship to each other. Nevertheless, she never found herself wanting to associate with James Black and steered clear of his path of swooning destruction. It seemed like every where he went, a girl's heart either broke or swelled three times large than normal size. She was sick of how men could cause such a commotion and even fought with Jonathan at times when her friends tried to be kind, even if they wanted a glimpse or sit-in with him. After a while, Amanda had become bitter over the incidents of her brother's careless manner as well as James's, and here she was facing the very man she hoped to never see besides at a family reunion if her brother cared to invite him.

Her lips twisted to the side while he sat back down, excusing himself for leaving her at the station. Offering to take her bags seemed quite fishy to her and she simply shook her head. "I'm sorry, but the house elves have taken my bags inside already. So I don't need your assistance in helping me inside, I guess," she replied calmly while looking over at him. She observed the man, noticing he looked quite relaxed when he said the opposite. While he offered a seat next to him, she simply refused. No way would she step close to that man, as if he were diseased, or that she would cause some of his stupid. He was still a half-wit to her eyes, unbeknownst of his intentions since he sat there so calmly and coolly. It was like a ticking bomb, each minute further intensifying the situation. She felt on edge, uneasy in his presence and wanted to hurry and return inside. Further distance between them would allow her some breathing room and safety after what she had pulled awhile back. Luckily his lack of response toward her attitude relieved her, momentarily, just for the time to let her ease her way toward the bench he sat on. She'll just take a shower once she enters her room, probably scrub around once or twice to make sure he had no affect on her whatsoever.

"I hope it is worth coming here than the Ministry. I wouldn't mind the paper work," she replied quickly. Paper work kept her busy, her mind running on end, and fingers seamlessly sifting over folders and words. She loved to keep her mind constantly going because it enabled her to learn, think, and remember faster than before. Amanda sat beside the man, still keeping distant from him, and crossed her leg over. It was still unbelievable that she would be working next to, or more likely under, James Black. Right now she was under the impression that he might have changed over the years. Her preconceptions of the man wavering, but she was still cautious. It wasn't like Jonathan changed much since he graduated from Wexford. And by the way she was actually surprised he knew of her applying at the Ministry. She thought that was private and only mattered to the Ministry itself, but he must have been doing his research. Folding her arms around her body, she looked over her shoulder at James. The moment he mentioned naming the place after her, he felt unsure now of her own feelings. He was very quick to change them with the way he mentioned how the garden just wasn't up to his par. He was a man looking at the garden as if it were useless. "What name do you mean? And why would you go and do something like that? As if naming the garden after me for gratitude is a present, honestly," she barked, standing up and moving away from the bench.

This was absurd! He handed off the garden to her as if not only to con her into forgiving him, but having to put up with him. She wondered what other reasons he had to presenting her the garden. Also she would like to know the name of it. A garden named 'Amanda' sounded plain and what it was before was perfect. She frowned as she stepped toward the rose bushes, glancing down at the closed buds. Only at night did they recoil their petals to keep fresh for the next day. "Gardens are not filthy, but beautiful and good for the environment. I don't know what you have against them, but now that you've given it a name, maybe you'll spend less time here sulking." Amanda sighed quietly, letting her arms fall to her side. Minutes passed and she didn't realize how tired she was. Her body restless and mind still listing things to start off with in the morning. She let a small yawn pass, covering her mouth with her hand. Glancing over at James, she felt obliged to answer his question. "Yes I went to school year. I was sorted into Maior, only a few years behind my brother Jonathan Lupin. I'm sure that name rings a bell to you. I haven't been here since I graduated in two-thousand five. Amazing how five years pass and the place barely changes."

Tag;; James Black
Word Count;; 1198 w/o code
Outfit;; The whole attire
Muse;; Courtney xDD
Notes;; Awesomeness!

[JAMES ALASTAIR BLACK]

As the warden-like woman stood there he was beginning to feel nervous. James intertwined his fingers together lacing them as he kept his eyes off Miss Lupin. Attitude doesn't she? One thing after the other. Trying to make up for what I did and all she does is bark like a dog. It's going to be a long, long time at this school. I can feel it already. At that he sighed and kept his eyes near the ground. As soon as she sat down he could feel the aurora coming off them both. It wasn't a good feeling, but what could he do about it? There wasn't much he could do if she was going to carry on with that chip on her shoulder. It was getting hot out in the garden wearing long sleeves. The castle wasn't very warm and often freezing to him. Now that he was out of the castle and even though the sun was gone he could still feel the heat coming toward him. Unlacing his fingers he began rolling up his sleeves to his elbows. He would unbutton his shirt, but that would be rude in the presents of the warden. Also, he was afraid that she would think that he was stripping for a joke.

As soon as she sat down she got up to bark at him again. "Because I had to rename the place and I couldn't think of a name to call it. Yours popped up and it seemed perfect." What more did she want? Couldn't she just fake a smile and carry on with her life? There was something oddly familiar about her and he couldn't place it. Where had he seen her before? Even the name was familiar. Oh well. James wasn't going to dwell on the thought of her. Not with her standing about. Soon she would be barking orders at him and telling him what he should be doing. And what he should be doing was getting a good nights rest for tomorrow. "I named it bloody Delphine is that alright? If you don't like the name of the garden then name it your self. Good grief. You're giving me a headache already and you've only been here ten minutes." His hands went to his head as he put his hands around it as if he was trying to keep his brain in. James Alastair Black's eyes went wide as he tried to hold it together and not lose it.

Standing up he tried to relax. Where was a cup of tea when you needed it? This girl was absolutely absurd and he didn't know how anyone could stand her. "Your brother? Your brother is Jonathan? Now I know why your name rang a bell. Talked about you often he did. Drove me bonkers like he did when he dated a lass." Jonathan Lupin was his wingman in school. It had been years since he had talked to him. Once James got onto the Appleby Arrows Quidditch team he had left his past behind to make room for the future. Old friends were forgotten and sometimes he wondered where they were and what they were doing. Of all people that had to come to this school to help him it was Amanda Delphine Lupin. Sighing he shook his head and his fists clinched together. "This place hasn't changed one bit. The halls are the same along with the portraits. Common rooms look the same as they once did. The only thing that has changed is from seeing it through a student's eyes and now someone who has to run it."

Suddenly he heard a galloping noise coming toward them. Pulling out his wand from his pocket he got it ready. At Wexford you could never be too careful. There were many dangerous creatures that surrounded the old castle. Now as headmaster he had the obligation to protect the people in it, even if one girl was a complete snob. The closer it got he could see something running toward them and James didn't know what to do. The last time something ran at him it was a cat named Pom-Pom that his mother owned. That cat knew he was allergic to felines and used it against him. A sly cat that was. At last he saw the creature that came toward Amanda and himself, then he fell to the ground with a thud. "Get off me," he said through gritted teeth. A huge dog and by the looks of it a Great Dane was on top of him... sitting. All the weight was on his stomach and it was hard to breathe with a beast on top of you. James could feel its tongue over his cheeks and his face. "Look, mutt if you want to lick me it has to be my hand 'cause I don't like you near my face. I know where you lick!"

With his arms he pushed the ignoramus dog off his body and into the grass. The Black liked dogs as much as the next one, but he didn't like them all over him like that. "You know this, this thing?" It looked friendly enough. James rubbed the back of his neck and looked at the mutt that sat before him. "Do you mind?," he asked looking at it. "I mean really. Have to go and tackle me like that. Couldn't ya have asked for my permission first, y'know?" He patted the dog's head gently and scratched behind it's ears. "You put him up to this didn't you. I can see it in your face. You got the dog to charge and sick me." Shaking his head he got on bended knee he began rubbing the dog's neck. It was getting late and he was getting sleepy. At least he knew he'd sleep well. James stood back up and rubbed the dog saliva on his work pants. "Good, boy. Now go lick her to death." Who knows where this dog licked last. Good grief. Gonna get some disease aren't I? Dog balls disease or something. Disgusting.

APPAREL •

his clothing, his pants.
MUSE • chelleeee.
NOTE(S) • oh our chats kill me.
TAG • amanda lupin.
WORD COUNT • 1'017 without coding.[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]

[Amanda Delphine Lupin]

I THOUGHT I SAW YOUR EYES
LACED IN SMOKE & CIGARETTE CURLS. I THOUGHT I SAW YOUR EYES
BUT I'M SEEING GHOSTS TONIGHT

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

How on earth will the two get along after this first greeting? She cannot decide whether she should let it pass since she's tired or ignore the whole situation. Amanda didn't want to make an excuse for how she felt toward James, but his past made an impression on her quickly. She doesn't go back on how she feels about a person, no matter how much they claim they have changed. James Black still looked to be the egotistical guy she had first laid her hazel eyes on. Her best friends fawning over the guy from another house because of his good looks and athleticism. He may have been Wexford's best at the time, but his reputation had another thing to speak about him. Her lips twisted to the side, a side-glance to James and his abrupt reply to her questions. A garden named after her is intentional, she just knew it. In spite of all he said, it wasn't an excuse that her name just happened to pop in his head. Considering he used her middle name, Delphine. Her mother gave her that name and as she grew up, Amanda never one complained about it because it was beautiful. Letting a quiet sigh escape her wilted lips, she looked the other way to avoid his irritating stare. She could sense that his blood must be boiling over her berate of questions, much to her pleasure, but she cannot stand his poor attitude.

"It will stay Delphine. I have no objections to that I guess," she replied in a nonchalant manner. Of course not turning to look over her shoulder to his reaction, a smile trickled across her flawless features. Even though she's not happy with renaming the garden, since it was a place she loved in her youthful years, she cannot help but feel a little in debt to James. Though she'll never admit that to him because first impressions are still hard to conquer, especially for a Black. She didn't know how it came to be that their families had a strong tie, but neither of the grandchildren spending one minute together. Her brother talked fondly of James, like the next best thing to their younger brother Romolous. Amanda felt like an outsider to her siblings, different, and yet she liked that individualism between the Lupin kids. She may not have made a name for herself, one that James could remember entirely through school, but at least she was proud of her honorable accomplishments at Wexford and her current position. No matter how repulsive James came to be or will be in the future, she hoped that none of it will phase her. She will take action and justice, and for the most part, she will make sure that any antics of his will be costly. Amanda will make it miserable for James if she has to, depending on how well he treats her as his Deputy Headmistress and not as some servant or host to accommodate him. This was all business, not pleasure.

It came to no surprise that Jonathan would mention her as his sister. The children got a long, but he wasn't anything like Amanda. She assumed he talked about her high rankings and accomplishments to James. She felt gratitude to her brother, even if she's heard the same stories as James about the girls he dated. Jonathan wasn't a nobody at school, but quite popular. She was just his sister hidden in the shadows, but they both had something they were good at. All she ever heard about James from Jonathan is that he was a good player at Quidditch, good friends, and the amount of girls he went through. Thus her immediate reaction to judge him and never like him for his exploits. "Jonathan has a track record with girls, but not as much as you do. I've heard some stories, but ignored most of the rest. He figured I could care less, but warned me to never date a guy like you. I intend to keep that promise of course," she smiled wickedly to herself. No matter James' efforts to bury the hatchet, if he had any, she wouldn't be fooled to agree in such circumstances. Hell would need to freeze over before she could give one positive notion to the recently named Headmaster. If the school and the board had been smart, she should have been chosen for Headmistress instead, but their faults now rely on his hands. Hopefully James can live up to their standards and perhaps override his reputation.

Amanda didn't step one foot inside to see how much has changed, but by his explanation, she agreed that they would be looking at the castle as an adult rather than a student. Though the castle's silhouette still towered over her, giving her the same chill she had when she first arrived. But of course excitement ran through her veins, waiting to re-familiarize herself with the school. Five years have passed since she stepped inside and now the doors call to her to enter. However, sleep dawned on her and she felt tired to explore a bit. Coming to the gardens was her only distraction, one that she wished to have ignored upon her arrival. At least she faced the Headmaster and could give him her two cents, but it will be remembered between the two of their first and failed attempt at greeting each other. Her attention drew toward the distant thuds of paws galloping on the ground. She forgot about Duke in the carriage and now remembered she had let him explore the premises. He must have had a good run for him to return to her side, but as she looked over to James' reaction, a menacing smile curved at her lips. Amanda forgot to mention to him about her pet, Duke, her great dane. She wouldn't come to the school without him and her parents couldn't take care of her dog while she was away at school. He was hers after all, a great companion, and good for protecting her against any harm.

With his wand pulled out for protection, she stood aside waiting for her monstrous dog to appear. It took seconds for him to finally reach the two, trampling all over James and sitting on his abdomen, licking his face. Amanda tried hard not to laugh, but the sight of James on the floor didn't help. She watched while her dog slobbered on his face, unaware of what he had eaten or done beforehand. Amanda wasn't all that sure what Duke had got himself into either, but she imagined that he chased after some animal and tore it apart when he got a hold of it. Her sides hurt from laughing hard, finally able to breathe when James settled with Duke. Amanda nodded her head, taking a couple steps over to rub her dog's ears. "He's my dog, Duke, and he does whatever he pleases," she answered James, leaning down to kiss Duke on the head. "I didn't put him up to this. Duke just gets real excited when meeting new people. If I did put him up to it though, I would have been very pleased with the reaction. But just so you know, he did have dinner before we arrived. Liverwurst. I bet there are still traces all over your face. I think it's very well deserved too," she smiled very innocently. "But I have no idea what else he got into. He was running around the grounds for quite some time. Anyway, I hope you don't mind him being here. He's a good guard dog." Her eyes narrowing on James as she still displayed a warm smile across her face.

Tag;; James Black
Word Count;; 1289 w/o code
Outfit;; The whole attire
Muse;; Cookies!
Notes;; Chats are so much fun and random. Even if I don't pay half attention to them.

[JAMES ALASTAIR BLACK]

James bent down and picked up his wand with his left hand. His wand was put into his back pocket and he looked down at the dog that stood at his feet. "Ah... I see," he said to Amanda as he looked down at Duke. "Bring any animal that you want. Whatever makes you happy here," he said with honesty to the new deputy. He rubbed behind the dog's ears as he looked toward Amanda. "As long as he doesn't eat the student's food at dinner, though I'm sure they'll feed him anyway under the table." "Just whatever makes your stay here enjoyable and like home again." A sigh came from his lips as he became extremely sleepy. There was a lot of work he had to do in the morning and it wouldn't end there. Students were starting to arrive and they still didn't have enough teachers to do anything. Would the school be like it once was? Somehow he highly doubt it when they had two adults working at the school who didn't even have college education under their belts. One wanted the Ministry and the other one wished for Quidditch again.

"Well, it's getting late and we have a busy day tomorrow," he said softly. "And your brother told me to not go near you, not that I would have. Your brother's friendship meant more than any relationship with anyone. So don't get your knickers tied up in a bunch about it." "People do change believe it or not. Everyone also deserves a second chance. They say it's the past for a reason so don't jump into things before you understand them. You'd get a second chance and just because of what I did in the past doesn't mean that I don't." James walked a little toward Amanda and shook his head. "Not that you care anyway about anything than yourself." James put his hands into his pockets and continued to stare at her. "Your brother did the same thing I did so don't be hypocritical if you can't think the same to both people, Miss Lupin." Before he thought about walking off he came up with an idea. His hands came out of his pocket and he grabbed Amanda by her elbows. "By the way," he said putting his cheek next to her and rubbing his slightly scruffy face against her soft cheeks. "Thanks for coming on short notice."

Letting her go he smirked and began walking off. "Your room is on the fifth floor third door to your right, Miss Lupin. Feel free to leave and go as you please. My office is on the fifth floor second room to your left if you need anything. The kitchen is still the same - tickle the strawberries in the bowl." James Alastair Black continued walking back to the school. "By the way," he said as he walked, "your brother said something about applying here in a few days. Just can't get from home can you?" Soon he began whistling the theme for Quidditch World Cup. Stupid, repulsive girl. How on earth they were going to work together with the tension so high? James didn't mind the dog one bit, but the girl would have to go or something was gonna have to change. Just because of what he did in the past did not make him a bad person. Can't be so hypocritical of one person. Another sigh came from his lips as he shook his head. It wasn't a first good meeting with Amanda Delphine Lupin, but hopefully things would change.

In the school he began walking up the staircase toward his office, which led to his bedroom. Once he woke up in the morning he would take a long hot shower, see if anyone sent in applications, and check everywhere he could to make sure the place was still safe, see how many students arrive, and to make sure everything was perfect. Oh, and he had to send a letter back to the Board of Education at the Ministry." James had a lot to do and a lot to make up for. He had been rotten in the past at this school and he wasn't about to do it again. Things had changed for the better. The Black walked up the staircase and made it to the fifth floor. A cup of tea would have to be made in the morning also. He was in dire need of some caramel hot tea with lots of sugar. Tomorrow would be a bright new day and he would start again with Miss Amanda Lupin. Somehow he felt like he needed to show her what a different person she was. There was no reason for her of all people the feel the way she did about him. He had never done anything to her.


APPAREL • his clothing, his pants.
MUSE • our future threads. :D
NOTE(S) • ew, he rubbed her cheek!
TAG • amanda lupin.
WORD COUNT • 807 without coding.

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