Absit Omen RPG

“I’m surprised you know that, most students don’t know about that, at least I don’t think so.”

Tim was a little embarrassed. He hadn’t realised it was private information about his teacher.
“My, er, my dad mentioned,” Tim explained truthfully, “he’s a school governor.” He shrugged his narrow shoulders, hoping that was enough of an explanation.

“Well, you are one of the most responsible students in this school…” Professor Malfoy seemed satisfied, and gave him some conditions. It had gone from restricted library books to studying the professor’s private collection.

“Are these terms acceptable?”

“V-Very, Professor.” Tim stuttered out of surprise. “Thank you. I’d be honoured.” He gathered himself, and remembered he’d still need permission for the librarian. “Should I direct Madam Williams to you, sir? For permission?”

“… I tried to find me parents over the holiday and couldn’t. When it was time to go back to school… what’s the point? I didn’ know I wasn’ coming back - okay?” When it came to tall tales, the way Mairead spoke suggested this wasn’t a particularly tall one, but Tim was now swept along with the metaphorical drama llamas.

“Have me explanations met yer exacting standards…?”
“You think I care that much? Whatever you decide is on you.”

The girls’ standoff continued, and now Eirene turned her scorn on Allura who had taken Mairead’s side, ticking her off too.

“Who d’ya think’s going to win?” Tim asked Rylan, “you think Mairead’s going to hex her?” Eirene turned and fixed her eyes on him. “Don’t turn your back,” He suggested quickly, “she might hex you yet.”

Selly was waving her hands around, demanding they drink her potion again. She wanted this over, though Tim noticed she’d not held back getting involved. She did share a dormitory with Eirene though.

Just as the girls seemed to be about to scrap, Rylan turned up.
“Hey Tim!”
“Hey!”

Tim was glad to see his friend. He generally was, but he was particularly happy since he was feeling a bit outnumbered by the girls right now…

“Something going down?”
“Ah, Mairead’s turned up, after vanishing at Easter. Got a problem with Eirene as ever.” Mairead was in Rylan’s house at school, so he’d had to tolerate her for the last three and a half years until she vanished. Tim uttered his assessment of the situation in a lower voice, inclining towards Rylan, given the girls had epic hearing.

“… funny that you’d show up out of the blue, then act so surprised…” Eirene was explaining, arms crossed.
“Pass the popcorn.” Tim grinned, feeling cockier now his good friend was here.
“… here to have fun you know…” Frank was trying to intervene. Tim figured it was futile, like how he’d try to stop Akira from eating too much sugar…
“… didn’t your werewolf friend run off also?” Allura took Mairead’s side.
“Someone’s gonna get heeexed….” Tim raised his eyebrows and exchanged a look with Rylan.

“Top gun?” Tim echoed, wondering why someone would make a film about their selection of muggle weapon. “I mean, I’m happy watching what you love - I might like it too after all.”

He received the muggle carrying case, full of little flat circles which Muggles printed films onto. Passing Sucker Punch, he paused on Troll Hunter[1] and looked up to Akira quizzically.

“They haven’t filmed like, actual trolls have they?” He asked, confused.

1.	Released in Aug 2011 Troll Hunter (2010)

“…If you were to be granted access to some of the more rare books that would help you, would you be willing to only use them in my office?” 

Tim was taken aback, surprised by this generosity from the Professor who got such a bad rap from the other students.

“Er - well - I wouldn’t expect, but of course. Yes Professor. I would be honoured.” Tim managed to put together a coherent sentence in response to this surprise at the offer. “Thank you. I wouldn’t want to impose on you though, sir.” He added self consciously.

“You helped St Mungo’s put together their new potions department[1] together, didn’t you Professor?”

1.	28th May 2011 - Whining Potions

“Didn't know y'had to pass Antonopoulos' muster t' be able to show up.” Mairead’s voice carried over the music. Tim felt himself inwardly cringing at the conflict, while simultaneously being entirely here for it the drama.

“Is that what yer sayin'?  I'm not welcome and should bugger off?”
“You did just leave without saying goodbye.” Selly put her foot straight into the disagreement. Tim wasn’t sure if she was defending her fellow Ravenclaw or just speaking out of turn. “Or were you really expelled? Nobody believed you were dead obviously.”

Noriko looked to Tim who averted his eyes, like a herd animal keeping the hunter in his periphery, he didn’t look directly at Mairead for fear of also receiving her wrath.

“Should we…?” she ventured timidly.
“I think this is a girl thing…” Tim uttered under his breath. “She’ll get chucked out if she throws a hex though.” Tim rubbed his chin. “Perhaps we should have some of Selly’s potion. Can’t argue when you’re busy dancing?”

“Hi!” Noriko was the first to greet him, “It’s been alright.” Typical British response! He smiled warmly at her, “How has yours been?”

“Yeah, alright too,” Tim managed before Noriko’s questions continued to the wider group, and he left it at the stock response until proper attention came his way.

“Who else do we think is coming? Frank, did you talk to Eirene?”

“I’m here!” Speak of the witch. “I’m sorry I’m late. I was working the late afternoon shift at St Mungo’s.”

“Oh, I was on earlies,” Tim replied a little too keenly. He was shadowing on Spell Damage after his exchange with Healer Misslethorpe, the Deputy Head Healer. Tim knew that Eirene’s mum was a healer on the Potions and Poisoning floor though, and they’d run into each other while both helping out that summer.

“What is she doing here? I heard she dropped out of school.” All eyes slid in the direction of Mairead ó Fearghail.
“I heard she transferred to America.” Frank added as they all oogled. Allura slipped from the group and approached.

“Who did?” Selly Gamp asked, direct as ever. Tim double took at her hair which was changing colour. “… Maybe she did get expelled after all. Anyone want a drop of this? It makes you want to dance. I brewed it yesterday.”

“Er.. maybe later,” Tim replied, raising a hand, “thanks though. Do you think she’ll have to come back to sit her OWLS?” He asked, naturally more interested in whether Mairead could exist in the world without a set of qualifications.

“I hope my sister hasn’t freaked you out.”
“I’m used to it, what with my cousins,” Tim had three close cousins - Theta, Zeta and Eta. Akira knew Zeta and Eta as they were still at school in Hufflepuff. They were both quite intense personalities, and much like sisters to him.

Tim was carefully creasing a slice of pepperoni pizza to enjoy. He was sat cross-legged beside her on the couch in t-shirt and shorts, barefoot. The Hericho house was homely, but very muggle. It wasn’t a world away from what Tim had grown up around, before they’d moved into his step mother’s place in Wiltshire. While they’d never really owned a television, Tim had seen plenty of television growing up and hanging out with Muggle friends from primary school in Biggleswade. They all just thought he went to boarding school.

“What’s Twilight?” He asked, having not been to the cinema in a while with the move. “Oh hang on, is that the one you were talking about the other day… with vampires?”

Professor Malfoy looked over the book list with interest. Tim didn’t realise but he was holding his breath with hope that the Professor would agree and give him permission for the librarian’s satisfaction.

“You’ll take extra care with the books then?”

“Of course, Sir.” Tim agreed respectfully, a little waver to his voice at being spoken to directly by Professor Malfoy. “I take great care of all books, especially library books.” He was a Ravenclaw, and abuse of books was abhorrent in the eyes of that house! Even to fold the corner over of a page in a paperback instead of using a bookmark was heresy.

“I can study them in the library and not remove them if you prefer, Professor. You can trust me.” He straightened his school tie and stood a little taller, wishing he had just a smidge more confidence.

If wizards had the internet, Tim Pepper would have been all over it researching Spellpunk. The Ravenclaw wanted to be prepared, given he’d always been too young. Following in the footsteps of his brother Ambrose, Tim had begun to gain some inches - only in height, rather than in bicep measurement - over his fourth year. He looked to be bucking the trend of his paternal family’s modest height, inheriting that trait from his late mother. It was unlikely he’d be a beanpole, but he’d had to buy longer trousers for school again. (Thankfully this time no vampire bats were involved in the tailor’s shop.)

Tim had quizzed Ambrose about Spellpunk, anxious not to make a social mistake, but the older Pepper had been somewhat vague about it all. Their dad had always been a bit more protective of his older brother, owing to magical accidents, though in reality Tim thought more because he was the brainer of the pair. Ironically, Ambrose had explained that he’d more likely be seen in the likes of Death & Co. or any pubs with colleagues, especially now he was of age, and eighteen next month. He was also an apprentice beast handler, a dangerous job in itself.

“I dunno, wear something cool,” Ambrose had suggested the weekend before. “No, not that, not that either… er…” He’d shown dismay at Tim’s shirt and t-shirt collection. Offered a jacket of his own, only it was too big for Tim’s slender shoulders. “You could charm it?” His brother had suggested, charitably, pulling at the bulges. In the end, Tim had borrowed one of Ambrose’s tighter wizarding rock t-shirts and charmed that, throwing it over jeans and some favourite trainers. He hoped it didn’t revert to normal size at midnight like Cinderella’s dress. He added one of his shirts over it, but undone, just in case.

Before Tim knew it, he was through the queue and his hand sported a coloured stamp. Into a room full of people he recognised from school and beyond, but didn’t necessarily speak too. Also… they were looking him up and down like he’d forgotten to wear trousers, or as that just his teenage anxiety? Focus, Pepper, focus! Akira was relying on him to take notes.

Suddenly he spotted a familiar figure all in blue. Allura was no stranger to glamour. She shimmered. She had boys flirting with her at the best of times at school. Tim got on alright with her, as ravens often did with snakes, but he’d always been conscious she might just consider his friendliness for an attempt to chat her up. But to his relief the other figures she was greeting included a fellow Ravenclaw. It wasn’t a surprise Frank had snuck in there, Figaro had probably helped him…

“Heee-yy!” Tim found himself awkwardly waving one hand as he approached, and then shoved his hand into the pocket of his faded blue jeans. “You all look.. terrific…” he attempted, “sorry, first time here and…” he gave an awkward shrug. “How’s your summer been?”

Tim Pepper, fourth year Ravenclaw, was a good student in his classes. He didn’t cause his teachers any issues, other than to ask them extra questions or pose the odd philosophical debate. His ears and eyes remained open, both for study, and to observe his classmates, keeping up with the gossip as far as possible. He even managed to wrangle the sugar-induced mania of Akira Hericho in the younger year, as his girlfriend of sorts. As such, Tim had built up plenty of goodwill with professors, even the likes of Professor Malfoy… well… hopefully.

At the end of Fourth Year potions that Monday before the Easter holidays, Tim made his move, approaching the Professor’s desk at the close of the lesson.
“Professor Malfoy,” he addressed, “please would you have a moment?” He blinked and glanced away to the other students leaving the potions laboratory to go to history. They were either oblivious or gave him glances that read typical Ravenclaw, asking for extra work. (Equally, Tim was oblivious to the mischief his classmate Mairead had in store for Malfoy at the Friday night feast at the end of the week.)

“I wondered, sir,” Tim continued respectfully, “if I could have permission for some of the books on this reading list.” He extended the letter[1] from the Deputy Head Healer of St Mungo’s,  Healer Sandy Misslethorpe. He was also Slytherin student, Meredith Misslethorpe’s dad. There was a short book list attached.

“I took the list to Madam Williams[2],” the Hogwarts librarian, “but she asked me to seek your permission to access some of the books as they are above fourth year standard[3], sir.”

1.	21st March, 2012 - Wand and Bone
2.	23rd March, 2012 - Book and Bone
3.	Quote from: Terra Williams on January 01, 2022, 12:41:12 PM …However, I request permission from professors who are more aware of your skills rather than just your aspirations" she said kindly. "It is nothing against you or the Deputy Head Healer of St Mungo’s Hospital, but they are unlikely to know fourth year students and their capabilities. Speak with Professor Malfoy, see if he will provide you a note. Explain your reasoning. If he refuses to even hear you out, come to me and I will speak to him on your behalf. You need to make the first attempt though."

“Ah, you are Ambrose’s little brother, non?”
“Yeah,” Tim nodded.
“I see him when I visit my friends at the Ministry.”
“Oh cool,” Tim brightened when a professor was positive about Ambrose, rather than remarking at how glad his older brother had left the school. It wasn’t that Ambrose had been a bad student, just that he’d been prone to magical accidents, and could get a bit tongue-tied when casting. “I think he likes catching up, Professor.”

“Come, come….” They were ushered, “… They have only just arrived from America.” Tim looked to Rylan, and gestured for him to follow the Professor first down the path towards the paddocks. He slid his hands into his pockets as they went, smiling to himself at the energy in Rylan’s steps at the prospect of meeting a new creature.

They arrived at a paddock further along, full of what looked to be rabbits crossed with reindeer. They had fluffy tails, just like rabbits, and otherwise looked exactly the same as rabbits, apart from curved antlers before their long ears.
“Cool,” Tim repeated, surprisingly at a loss for adjectives that morning, “I’m kind of expecting to see a little rabbit santa and sleigh rock up to deliver presents to woodland creatures, though!”

Madam Williams stood firm to her spells.

“… I request permission from professors who are more aware of your skills rather than just your aspirations….” she explained. “Speak with Professor Malfoy, see if he will provide you a note. Explain your reasoning…”

Tim deflated a little at the prospect of speaking to the surly potions master. Malfoy wasn’t well liked by the students, and he had a particular reputation, of course. But Madam Williams had suggested she would also put in a good word after a first attempt, and Tim was never one to shy away from academic challenge.

“Alright,” he agreed, conceding, and taking half a step back, “thank you. I’ll speak to Professor Malfoy.” He gave her a polite nod. “But please can I take these for now?” He gestured to the volumes she had assembled for him.

Madam Williams was happy to help despite the early hour. Tim beamed politely at her as she examined the list, though the longer she scrutinised it, the smaller his grin became in worry.

“Flaming Bat Bogeys we don’t have,” she explained, and Tim’s face fell, issuing a quiet ‘oh’. “I’m afraid too many students, Ravenclaws included, tried to cure themselves …” Fair dos.

“Oh, right, yeah, I suppose…”

“I could likely write a letter to the bookstore on your behalf?”

“Er…”

“History's Blisters - Common Magical Ailments …” the books flew to the desk with momentary delay, flying through the air as if by wordless summoning charm. Two out of four wasn’t bad, he thought to himself, ducking as the second book shot to her hand, though he was not in any danger of being brained by the volume.

“Now Golpalott's Third Law is covered in NEWT level potions… you may want to ask your Potions Professor which book is the best reference to this. I'm also not the most comfortable handing this book to a fourth year.”

“Right.” Tim was making mental notes, wondering if Professor Malfoy would be happy to discuss the laws with him if they were for NEWT level, rather than OWLs.

“If you get me written permission for this book, I will lend it to you. For now, these two books should do,” she smiled and patted his hand as he reached for them. Tim looked startled, but not in a terrible way, just surprised.  He nodded several times at her instructions about the note.

“I.. I can, of course.” He agreed, but paused, fingers wrapping around the top of the front cover of Common Magical Ailments, “but that list has been sent by the Deputy Head Healer,” he paused, eyes flitting from the note to her face and back again, “of St Mungo’s Hospital.” He meant it in the nicest way, as Tim wouldn’t dare cross a librarian - he was a Ravenclaw!

“I want to be a healer, see,” he explained and reached into his uniform robes for the letter from Healer Misslethorpe. “So I wrote to St Mungo’s.”