One ♒

[shellfishlovver]

Students of Defence Against The Dark Arts class number twwo, I ask that you refer to chapter 35, specifically pages 223, 230 and 237 before you attend your first class.

I suppose I should also introduce myself wwhile I'm at it. My name is Murdoc. You wwill call me Professor Donoghue. I wwill be the second Defence Against The Dark Arts. Any questions should be directed here. That is all.

[Filtered to Eridan Ampora]
I believve wwe need to talk.

[Filtered to Cyrus Onikous]
I'll behavve if you do.

Comments

[wwistful]

[If Murdoc felt something offputting through the other man's writing, this room was like a summary of it. At least, to him it was. Murdoc was nothing if not straight laced. His own chambers were plain, sans the occasional map or book.

Though, if he kept everything on the surface and in clear view, could he really be hiding something? Certainly!]

Bein' colleagues is the point?

[He's seemingly distracted by the painting as the other speaks. He jerks his head away from the gaze he's stuck in and quirks an eyebrow at him. Instinct and formality says he's obliged to accept the offer, but trust issues coupled with the fact that Rhys is the potions master leaves him hesitant. Though, he doesn't attempt to hide from his expression.]

No, I'm fine.

[grandhighwizard]

Something like that. Do you like the painting? [Rhys busies himself with pouring himself another cup of tea. It smells quite nice - a bit of jasmine, something herbal.] Wizarding art is usually so stodgy. Formal.

[wwistful]

It's interestin', to say the least. Never was interested in art.

Now, you had somethin' you wanted to elaborate on?

[grandhighwizard]

I'll take that as a compliment, that you find a piece of something you've never been interested in as a whole, interesting. [smiles] And no, actually.

You had something you wanted me to elaborate on.

[wwistful]

Take it as you will, it's of no concern to me.

Fine. Now that I'm here, elaborate.

[grandhighwizard]

So impatient. [And instead of answering, Rhys takes a sip of his tea, half closing his eyes in obvious pleasure, lips curling up in another smile around the rim of the mug. After a long moment, he puts it down, and finally directs his gaze back to the other professor.]

I believe I had mentioned I was going to enjoy something, and you had asked what? That would be the question you'd wanted answering?

[wwistful]

[The rod up Murdoc's arse makes his current stance come almost naturally to him. His back is ramrod straight and his eyes are set upon Rhys. His arms hang idly at his sides, his fingers twitching and forming a fist every so often as a means of venting frustration.

He grits his teeth and hisses through them, wanting to get to the point so he can leave. Though now he's regretting coming at all.}

Yes. That.

[grandhighwizard]

[Murdoc really probably shouldn't have come, he's not going to like the answer he's going to get.]

I merely meant that I was going to enjoy taking the piss out of you. And perhaps making an attempt at seducing you - you are so very tightly wound, and I think it would be an amusing challenge.

[wwistful]

[There are no words for how much he dislikes that answer.

No, really. He can't even form a sentence. He's just opening and closing his mouth like an angry goldfish.]

How dare you! Why on earth do they hire people like you, you aren't even funny

[grandhighwizard]

I wasn't joking. [Rhys grins like a shark, all teeth and hunger and predatory intent.] If I was funny, do you think I'd be a better candidate for the position? I never got the impression that you much appreciated humor.

[wwistful]

[Murdoc brings both hands up in front of him and mimics the action of throttling the other whilst making a variety of hilariously infuriated noises]

That isn't what I meant an' you know it! Stop twistin' my words you inmmense waste of time!

[grandhighwizard]

[Oh, god, Murdoc is one of the funniest men Rhys has ever met, hands down. Who mimes choking? This is brilliant.]

Then don't say such easily twistable things. One would think you were trying to feed me straight lines, my boy. Though straight isn't really the word I'm looking for ...

[wwistful]

I could care less about what you're lookin' for! What did you bloody well expect? Disjointed, nonsensical lines like the drivel you keep spoutin'?

[grandhighwizard]

Certainly not. I doubt you could keep up. [serenely]

[wwistful]

And I'm thankful for that much.

[grandhighwizard]

[Okay, Rhys has to just laugh at that.] You're remarkably charming in your sullen stodginess. It's almost refreshing.

[wwistful]

Refreshin'? Please don't tell me the entire staff acts like you do. [Going to ignore that backhanded compliment.]

[grandhighwizard]

Of course not, don't be ridiculous. I'm certainly not a trend setter. But nor do they act like you, Donoghue. You're ... unique.

[wwistful]

I'm so flattered. From the bottom of my heart. [Eye roll.]

[grandhighwizard]

You did ask.

[wwistful]

My mistake.

[He shifts from one foot to the other and stares at Rhys.]

Is this all you wanted?

[grandhighwizard]

Of course not! But again, you were the one who wanted me to elaborate. Really, Donoghue, you act as though I initiated this whole visit. You asked, and it's your decision when we're done, wouldn't you say?

[wwistful]

What else could you possibly want?
[SIGH.]
It's easier to seek clarification face to face. [Muttered.] And matchin' faces to font makes you easier to avoid...

[grandhighwizard]

Ah, plan on never eating in the Great Hall when I'm there? Or walking on the other side of the hall when we pass? Not very professional of you - is it my jokes that make you want to run, or do you think I'm the sort to try and physically corner you? [Murdoc, you are far too intriguing to be let alone.]

[wwistful]

Please, not everyone is so childish. I would waste time avoidin' you, I simply intend on ignorin' you.

You're one to be talkin' about professionalism. [He wasn't really expecting that question.] I'm not afraid of you.