pomonaxsprout

[pomonaxsprout]

phillip:

It hadn’t been all that long ago that he had finished his schooling so it was a bit of a surprise that there were a couple of new professors much like the one now entering his office. “Thank you” he said, returning her smile and accepting the small plant she offered him, “This will definitely help. Everything is pretty bare bones right now. I’m Phillip McCormack, it’s lovely to meet you. I was hoping for a chance to sit down with a couple of professors if you’ve got more than a couple moments of time.”

“Plants always make a space feel more like a home, I think. I’m biased, of course, but greenery is good for the soul. I’m Pomona Sprout.” She didn’t recall teaching Philip, and she had a fairly good memory for such things, but she truly hadn’t been teaching for that long either. Pomona was quick to nod at his statement, feeling relief that he wasn’t too busy. They all were at the moment, and someone settling in had another layer of stress to handle, but he also needed too be fully aware of how the atmosphere in the castle had changed. “I’m free til later this evening, actually, so I’m at your disposal for now.”

[pomonaxsprout]

dom:

It was probably a good thing that he had worked so long on schooling his features otherwise she would have been treated to a pretty rapid array of them: surprise at the fact that she had found him at least a little funny, happiness in response and the smallest touch of embarrassment as he noticed how that little laugh lit up her eyes. “No problem” he replied as he reached for the bag of soil she had indicated. After passing it to her he rolled the sleeves of the tan trench he wore as part of his uniform so that he would be ready to get his hands dirty, “Alright, how can I help then?”

Pomona found herself oddly . . . flustered as Dom handed over the soil and began rolling his sleeves up. She really hadn’t expected him to be serious about the offer to help - she’d heard it enough times to realize it was usually just the polite thing to say. It didn’t bother her either, because she was more than capable. However it would be foolish to turn down help, and she didn’t want him to leave. “If you could just add it to the top,” she said, gesturing at the pot. “I was transplanting some into a new pot and it needs more soil on top. Don’t pack it down, just spread it down gently - like so.” Taking a handful of soil, she sprinkled it over the top of what was already in the pot. “Fill it to here,” she gestured to the appropriate spot, “and then it should be perfect.”

[pomonaxsprout]

dom:

Out of habit Dom allowed his eyes to trail the room. It was almost as he remembered it, lush and green and beautiful, but there was something very different about it - something he figured was probably uniquely her. Just like the first time they had met her hair was braided and there was dirt beneath her nails which to him was just a sure sign that she really loved what she did, perhaps her being here was testimony to that. “To the best of my knowledge there is no need for alarm” Dom replied, noting the furrow of her brow, “I’m sorry if I alarmed you. Perhaps it was the flutterby bush that attracted me”. The joke was a little flat, but he had never really been very funny. After all, the plant was known for attracting those who lacked caution and that was more than a little ironic. “Would you like help?” he asked again. 

Pomona stood uncertainly, setting aside her wand when it became apparent that nothing was wrong outside. That was a relief. They’d been through enough lately, and she just wanted to make it through the rest of the school year without any problems. “I’m glad to hear that,” she said, relaxing as she turned back to her plant. A soft laugh escaped at the joke, and she shot a look at him from the corner of her eye. She hadn’t expected him to make a joke, but it was amusing. “Maybe it was. And - well, I never turn help down. I’m almost done though, so it shouldn’t take too much of your time. Can you hand me that bag of soil?”

[pomonaxsprout]

phillip:

It was with a sort of nervousness that Phillip propped open the door to his new office. Like many other families excellence was an expectation in the McCormack family. His elder sister Catriona was a chaser and Captain for the Pride of Portree prior to the thirty-six games she played with the Scottish National Team. This career path was nowhere near as glamorous but he knew that this is where he belonged. Helping people, even just a little, was what made him happiest and he was a hefty believer in the pursuit of what made the heart and mind joyful. Working as a counselor at Hogwarts wasn’t his first job in this field, but it held the most potential to be impactful. He had only touched the surface in learning what these students had been through this year when he had agreed that he would do whatever he could for them and now that he knew more he truly hoped that someone would stop by. 

Now with the door open all he could do was sit by and wait. Her perked up immediately when he noticed a hand on the door frame. “Hello there” he greeted, rising from his desk to greet whomever was there, “You can come in if you would like”

Hearing that they were finally getting someone who might be able to help their students had been a huge weight off Pomona’s shoulders. She did her best and tried to be supportive and helpful, but she just didn’t know how to handle the problems her students faced now. And there were some who really needed some help. Currently she was most worried about Andromeda Black, if only because she was spending so much time with her - there were others, of course. She’d been watching Lily Evans and Alice Fortescue and so many other students. 

She’d grabbed a small pot with a dittany plant in it - everyone needed plants around, she thought, and this one had the bonus of being useful, if he managed to keep it alive. She paused in the doorway until he greeted her and stepped in, smiling. “I just wanted to welcome you to Hogwarts officially,” she said as held out the plant. “And here’s something to liven up your office.”

[pomonaxsprout]

dom-marchand‌:

Who: Dom Marchand & Pomona Sprout @pomonaxsprout  When: March 4th, 1978. Evening.   Where: Greenhouse #4

Dom had forgotten how eerily quiet the grounds of Hogwarts could become until he had returned here. Of course, the Auror had encountered far worse than a creepy landscape during his career but being back here he couldn’t help remember how things used to be. A time when things were simpler. Back when his biggest worry was whether or not Mr. and Mrs. Bones would decide that they didn’t want him to be their son after all. He’d dedicated the last twenty-three years to aiding his little corner of the wizarding world and yet it still blackened. 

This evening had been spent in ensuring the wards around the castle were just as strong as they always had been and that nothing that normally wasn’t there lurked within the woods. On his way back things were considerably simpler, he just had to make sure that no students were out past dark. A low fog had settled on the ground and the moon rose high into the sky as he approached the Greenhouses. A light from within had called his attention. Dom had expected to find a student, not a professor working late into the night. “Is everything alright?” he asked, looking around at the plants that surrounded them “Do you need help?”

Pomona had never been given to much worry or anxiety, which she had always been grateful for. She tried to focus on problems only as they became serious and not borrow trouble. That had become much more difficult as time moved on, and things became much worse, and so quickly. Just since the school year had started, she had developed sleeping problems and found herself keeping later hours in the greenhouses - although that was now at least partially due to Andromeda and Ted. Tonight, however, they had not been able to meet up and Pomona's late hours were only due to her own worries. Rather than toss and turn in bed, she'd just stayed in the greenhouses, tending her plants and trying not to think of all that could go wrong.

Hearing the door open, she snatched up her wand and held it defensively, only to relax when she recognized Dom. “Everything's fine,” she said, attempting for a casual time. It was difficult for multiple reasons, including her attraction to him and her general worries about everything. “I just needed a little extra work with the flutterby bush tonight. Is everything alright outside?” Despite herself and her desire to keep him from knowing how worried she was, her brow furrowed she she stepped closer, reaching for her wand. “Nothing's wrong at the castle, is it?”

[pomonaxsprout]

ted:

Professor Sprout’s compassion never ceased to amaze Ted. He’d found that normally people tried to relate to his struggles and advise him accordingly, but rarely did anyone admit that perhaps he knew his own situation better than anyone else ever could. Of course, he appreciated the way others tried to assure him that he was not alone in his struggles, but there was a sense of satisfaction he felt from the fact that an adult was suggesting that he had a sense of ownership over his own life. It was true, unless anyone else had been in a similar situation, no one else could possibly know what it was like in Ted or Andromeda’s shoes. Even Ted and Andromeda could only imagine what it might be like for the other, having grown up in completely different worlds.

It comforted Ted to hear that Pomona had struggled with the decision as well. He had struggled in his own decision to get back together with Andromeda and what that relationship could look like before it inevitably ended with the school year. It shouldn’t be a decision made lightly, especially when faced with such dire consequences. “You’re braver than I am.” Ted admitted softly. The truth was, he was scared of Cygnus Black and as much as he hated to admit it, he was scared of his own father. Ted was so desperate to hold onto his life and his choices while he still could, however, knowing all too soon he would be home once more, the rest of his life planned for him. Just this once, he wanted something for himself, even if he knew he shouldn’t. His relationship with Andromeda was a risk, but Ted had decided it was a necessary one and Professor Sprout’s assurance it was the right thing helped him find confidence in the choice he’d made. “I promise we’ll be careful. I’m sure you can imagine that the last thing either of us want is for our fathers to find out about any of this.”

Pomona’s words about Cygnus Black had come out without much thought, so she couldn’t be entirely sure that she meant them. He was a formidable man - frightening, to be sure. But she knew what was the right thing to do and she had to follow her moral code. Keeping apart two people in love for a matter as insignificant as their birth was wrong, no matter how you spun it. As was trying to control your child’s choices, which was certainly true for both Ted and Andromeda. “With any luck, my courage won’t be called into question,” she said with a laugh. “I’m not sure I could be so brave to his face.” But it didn’t matter. She would choose this same course of action no matter what happened. 

It was nice to think that she could be helpful, even in such a small way. “I can only imagine. But I’m sure the two of you can manage it, with so much experience. I’ll be nearby,” she added. “Just in the next greenhouse, most likely. That way if anything happens, I’ll be able to intervene. But no one comes to the greenhouses at that hour, so I think you two should be safe.”

[pomonaxsprout]

ted:

Ted nodded, blinking back emotion as Professor Sprout spoke, not daring to interrupt her. This was without a doubt the kindest thing someone had ever done for him. Professor Sprout had no reason to involve herself in Ted and Andromeda’s affairs. In fact, staying out of it would likely be safer for her lest Cygnus Black discover what Ted and Andromeda had been up to since Valentine’s Day and how Pomona had allowed it to happen. After her mention of privacy, Ted suspected Professor Sprout was well aware of what she had allowed to happen on her watch and he felt the back of his neck and ears burn hot with a blush. Surely she risked her position by helping him, and he couldn’t find the words to express his gratitude.

“We’ll be extremely cautious.” Ted promised her, though he already planned to do so considering his sisters’ lives were at stake. As the thought flashed across his mind, Ted realized his professor had absolutely no idea just what she was offering or what the repercussions might be, and Ted felt he owed her an explanation. “Professor Sprout” he said suddenly, meeting her gaze with a sense of urgency coloring his words. “I don’t think you realize what we’re risking to be together.” He admitted. “And this-“ he held up the piece of paper “this means everything to me- to both of us I’m sure, but I can’t accept it if you don’t understand what this might mean for you, too.”

She expected nothing less than the absolute most caution from Ted. Andromeda as well, although Pomona didn’t know her as well; from what she had seen since January, however, Andromeda was responsible and thoughtful. Surely the two of them could manage to get away without being seen or caught. They deserved a break, in her mind, although she couldn’t even begin to guess what would happen at the end of the year - they could have this time, however, if nothing else. She glanced at Ted as he spoke, the change in voice not escaping her notice. It only reinforced her thoughts that they would be careful, and that she needed to help them this way. No one else had, clearly. Maybe no one else could but she could, and she had to. 

“I don’t understand what it means to you, since I’ve never been in your shoes.” She spoke slowly, hoping that it came across as sincerely and thoughtfully as she meant it. “This isn’t a spur-of-the-minute decision, Ted. I’ve been considering it for some time now. I know what Andromeda’s family can be like and I know that this could have consequences for me. But I have to do the right thing, and in this case, the right thing is to help you two. I’m not afraid of Cygnus Black. Or your father. Don’t take unnecessary risks, and I won’t either, but I think we can make this work.”

[pomonaxsprout]

adbellatrix:

Bellatrix Black was not the type of person to forget details. One of them, during her firestorm of a conversation with Andromeda, had been about Pomona Sprout. Their Herbology professor. Though Bella got good marks in the class, it was one of those subjects that simply held no interest. Majority of their lessons included how to reap the benefits of plants for medicine and other skills that were needed if someone was to become a healer. She’d always thought of it as a filler, the type of course kids took if they couldn’t make it to the ministry. Or some other path that was exciting. Working at St. Mungo’s was one of the least attractive positions Bella could think of. There was no power there, no grandeur, no playing on the world stage. As she simmered over her thoughts, she pulled the doors open to the Greenhouse.

The earthy smell hit her senses almost immediately, making Bellatrix wrinkle her nose. Did Andromeda really spend her evenings in this dump? Surely she didn’t deserve that kind of punishment for falling behind in classes. Bellatrix took a few steps forward, scanning the greenery for Professor Sprout. Just as she was about to venture further inside, the woman’s voice called out. She couldn’t help but smirk at the mention of Addie Ivers. The poor little Hufflepuff was the Carrow’s plaything, more often than not, and a sad excuse for a witch. Professor Sprout came into sight, and Bellatrix looked her over. Stains of dirt ran up and down her arms, the telling sign of a busy Herbalogist.

  “I’m not quite sure, Professor Sprout.” Bellatrix replied, pushing back a strand of falling hair. For years now, she’d known everything that was happening with her sisters. When Andromeda was upset, what perfume Cissa used, silly little secrets. Now, her middle sister was beginning to seem like a stranger instead of family. The hysterics and hatred she’d seen not too long ago worried Bellatrix to no end. She’d already lost enough people, Andromeda would not be another name on that list. “I heard that you’ve been working with my sister. On remedial work? I hadn’t realized she’d fallen so far behind…”

She might have known that would come up sooner or later. Pomona had never advertised the fact that she was helping Andromeda, but neither did she hide it. Andromeda had gone to all of her professors for remedial work as well, so it wasn’t as if she was being punished in Herbology. Just that Pomona’s work was more extended than anyone else’s had been. It seemed to be helping Andromeda, however, and Pomona was glad for that. “Come on, Bellatrix. Would you like some tea?” She reached for a towel and rubbed her hands briskly.

“You heard correctly. Andromeda has been working with me since January, actually. I don’t usually inform other people of what I’m doing with a specific student, even if they’re family. That’s a private matter, in my opinion. However, I’ll make an exception this time.” She frowned again; obviously she couldn’t go too far. Andromeda was entitled to her secrets and it was quite clear that Bellatrix would never approve of Andromeda and Ted. But someone needed to know about Andromeda’s nightmares, and given the way she reacted when Pomona woke her, it seemed unlikely that anyone knew. 

“I did extend the work a bit more than was strictly necessary but your sister was very upset in January and I thought she needed to know that there was someone she could talk to. I know you two are very close, but sometimes when a family has gone through a loss such as yours did, it can be difficult to look to each other for help. I wanted to be able to help your sister if I could.” She paused again, reaching for the tea pot she kept in the greenhouse. “Has she said anything to you about having nightmares? She fell asleep with me the other night and she had one. It seemed very traumatic for her but she didn’t want any help. I was a little concerned that she might do the same thing in the dormitory.”

[pomonaxsprout]

t-edwardtonks:

His professor’s words struck him. Never before had an adult told him that a demonstration of his frustration was acceptable. Had his parents seen his outburst, he would have received a lengthy lecture on respect and poise, even when provoked. He wasn’t even able to express his frustration with his sisters half of the time, lest he upset them. Frank and Edgar were really the only people in this world that accepted Ted’s more negative emotions and allowed him to express them freely without judgement. He supposed Andromeda did as well the very few times he had reason to vent around her, but such an occasion was rare. His problems always seemed so very small in comparison to her own. Therefore, after Professor Sprout’s kind words, Ted hesitated to say anything, he simply waited for the other shoe to drop with some sort of comment on better controlling his outbursts in the future. Instead, he was only further surprised and touched by her words.

She wanted to help them? As in, more so than she already had? Ted watched as she shuffled through her papers before finding the one she had been looking for and holding it out to him. He blinked at her explanation, not quite sure he could believe it. She was quite literally handing him the answer to his prayers, a safe way to avoid prying eyes and visit with Andromeda. Pomona was offering a safe haven and Ted couldn’t bring himself to words. Silently, he reached out for the paper, his eyes roaming over the schedule and lingering on each day that had a star. “Thank you.” He managed, forcing his gaze from the paper to meet hers. “Professor Sprout- I- thank you.”

Pomona had always functioned with the understanding that her students were human and had the same emotional range as any adult. They might get emotional over things that seemed insignificant to someone with more life experience, but that was due to their lack of experience. She’d never believed they should be punished or ridiculed for making a problem seem larger than it was. And that meant that Ted had every right to be angry, and he deserved the chance to express that anger without fearing that he would get in trouble for it. He seemed quite surprised but she didn’t mind that. From what she knew of his parents, he had every right to be surprised. 

She smiled as her words had the impact that she hoped for. She’d thought a lot about Ted and Andromeda; it had been obvious to her, working with Andromeda so closely, when the two of them had been reunited. Andromeda’s spirits and health began to improve. But there was little they could do to be together, and Pomona could only assume they weren’t supposed to be together. But she could help with that. “You’ll have to be very careful,” she said, reaching out to touch his shoulder gently. “The alibi should be strong, since I’ve been working with Andromeda since January, but I don’t want either of you taking unnecessary risks. And I will be around, just not in the same greenhouse.” She didn’t want to think about what they had been up to on Valentine’s Day, although she had her suspicions. “But I think the two of you deserve a chance to be together.”

[pomonaxsprout]

Who: Pomona & Bellatrix ( @adbellatrix ) Where: Greenhouse No. 6 When: March 2

Pomona heard the door open but she was up to her elbows in dirt and couldn’t very well leave her work at the moment. “I’m in the back! If that’s Addie, thank you but I don’t need any help at the moment.” But it was not Addie she saw approaching. It was Bellatrix Black, someone who Pomona had very few interactions with outside class. Frowning, she straightened up and began brushing dirt off her arms as she tried to think what could possibly bring Bellatrix to the greenhouses. “Is everything all right?” Her first thought was that something might have happened to Andromeda and her frown grew deeper. 

[pomonaxsprout]

t-edwardtonks:

Ted squared his shoulders with a deep breath and made his way into the greenhouses expecting a lecture for his behavior. He was used to lectures, especially when he spoke out, and he had been so rude to Professor Sprout, he believed he deserved any cross words she might have for him. He watched her brush the soil off of her hands, though some still lingered, and she began rifling through a stack of papers. Would she hand him a detention slip? A report to file in his record about his conduct? That didn’t seem like her. Even so it would have made more sense to him than her apology. Not for a moment had Ted Tonks expected to receive an apology from a Professor, let alone one that he had been so rude to, and he blinked in confusion. Still, he knew better than to interrupt and allowed Professor Sprout to continue.

“I- I don’t understand.” He managed, both surprised and touched at her words. “I came here to apologize to you.” He said slowly, his brows furrowing in confusion. “The way I spoke to you- I didn’t mean that. I was just so- so frustrated.” Ted ran a hand through his hair, the emotions of that night rushing back in a moment. “I love her, Professor Sprout, and- and we can’t be together. I shouldn’t have snuck off to your greenhouse without permission, I just didn’t know where else to go. We’re not- it’s not safe for us to be together.” He was doing a poor job of explaining himself, he knew, and an even worse job of apologizing. “You don’t have to make anything up to me.” He assured her. “You’ve already been so kind.”

Pomona still hadn’t found the parchment yet, but she kept her attention on Ted as he spoke. Her heart broke for him a little - he really hadn’t done anything wrong, unless you really thought that raising his voice after she called his character into question was wrong. In her mind, it was only fair. She owed him the benefit of the doubt after the length of time that she had known him. “Ted, you don’t need to apologize. Your frustration was completely understandable.” She knew a little of the difficulty he and Andromeda faced just from watching the atmosphere in the school, and she knew a little of the toll the separation had taken on Andromeda after working so closely with her. It wasn’t fair that something as insignificant as who their parents were should separate them when it was so clear they were good for each other.

“I don’t know what it’s like for the two of you, aside from what I’ve seen over your time at Hogwarts. But it’s not right, and I don’t like to think of the two of you getting in trouble when it could be avoided. You know how much I love my students, and Andromeda is special to me too. I want to help.” It probably was foolish or dangerous to get involved but Pomona had her morals and she knew when something was wrong. Turning back to the stack of parchments again, she frowned as she spoke. “Just - oh, here it is!” It would have been terrible if she lost this one. “Ted, this is the schedule Andromeda and I worked out for her make-up work with me,” Pomona said softly, holding the parchment out to him. “I’ve starred the evenings when I’ll be working in one of the other greenhouses for most of the time.”

[pomonaxsprout]

professor-kettleburn:

dom-marchand:

t-edwardtonks:

pomonaxsprout:

dadwardbones:

vane-notvain:

auror-alexfawley:

Alex had been keeping her distance from student, giving them their space. Which was also what she was doing with Dom when she noticed him talking to Professor Sprout. Sure she hadn’t been a Hufflepuff, but she’d still taken Herbology classes. Plus the woman had never been shy when it came to helping out any students, regardless of their house. She couldn’t help but think that the two of them looked nice together. She was also pretty sure that she’d never seen Dom actually smile before, which was why she decided leaving them alone would be best. It seemed that the other students had some other ideas though, as they popped into the conversation. “Well that’s great!” She smiled, popping up from behind Dom and standing next to him. “Dom knows the best places to eat dinner. Which I’m sure he’d love to show you sometime soon Professor.” 

@vane-notvain​ 

Loretta had just walked out of her room when she saw a group of people had gathered in the common room. She didn’t hear the initial interaction between her head of house and the Auror but she quickly was able to catch onto what was going on. Although usually this was the type of situation she would stay out of she decided to stick around and see what was going to happen. Loretta didn’t know anything about the man but Professor Sprout was her favorite teacher. 

@dadwardbones

From across the hall, Edward had noticed Dom talking to Professor Pomona Sprout. Truth be told, he hadn’t thought much of it at first, other issues weighing heavily on his mind. Charlotte Fawley’s betrayal, Emmeline’s pregnancy, his son’s scheming, all vying one another for his attention. When minutes later, the two seemed to be surrounded by a group of students, however, the commotion caught his interest. He studied his partner’s stance, the expression on his face, and found himself grinning. It had been many years since he’d seen that look on Dom’s face, but there was no doubt about it, his brother was smitten with the herbology professor. Edward couldn’t blame him, she was an extremely kind and beautiful woman after all. Now that he thought about it, Edward quite liked the idea of them together. Figuring it was about time to rescue his friend from the mob of excited students, Edward made his way over. Clapping one hand on Dom’s shoulder, the other on Ted’s, he couldn’t help but chime in as well. “Right you are, Alex. Though he’s not a bad cook either.”

@pomonaxsprout​

Pomona had been taken aback by the question at first, and almost certainly looked like a fool, standing there with her mouth agape - as if the dressing gown and sloppy braid weren’t silly enough. But then before she could even begin to respond, they were interrupted. And again. And again. Until she just gave up, as one after another of her students came to join them - and then Aurors. She looked from the students to Dom, hoping he wouldn’t be frightened off. He wouldn’t be the first; there was a reason she hadn’t found anyone serious yet, and that reason was few people seemed willing to adopt the entirety of Hufflepuff house the way she did. Her gaze finally landed on Edward Bones, one of the Aurors she felt most comfortable with and she offered a small smile in his direction. “That’s very nice to know. And the children are correct,” she added with a slightly flustered look at Dom. “I do like dinner. Most meals, really.“

@t-edwardtonks​

Ted wanted to wince at the awkwardness of the whole exchange but there was no denying how alike Professor Sprout and Dom were when it came to dating, as was now evident by their complete lack of composure in setting up a date. It was understandable, especially considering the small crowd now here to witness their conversation. Ted himself was actually quite awkward at times as well, but his more recent practice with Andromeda had done wonders for his confidence. That being said, if he’d been faced with so many witnesses, he was sure he would stumble over his words too. At least in his case Bellatrix would murder him and spare him from any enduring embarrassment, though he decided he would be much kinder in assisting his Head of House and his honorary uncle. “Well that’s perfect! Dom will send an owl with the details then, won’t you Uncle Dom?” He asked pointedly.

@dom-marchand​

As soon as the words had left his mouth Dom had realized just how awkward they had been which was undoubtedly due to the fact that it had been twenty-three years since he had last gone on a date and that hadn’t necessarily gone well. He was almost relieved when the first student jumped in to save the situation. What he hadn’t expected was for one student to rapidly to turn into a crowd. It became more and more difficult to school his features to hide his amusement, especially when members of the department and his nephew popped up in the crowd that gathered around them. His eyes caught Edward’s as he gave the man a near indiscernible nod of thanks for his encouragement. They’d have to speak later. “My nephew’s right” he began, putting a hand on Ted’s shoulder, “It’s alright to send the owl here, right?”

@professor-kettleburn​

Height truly did have it’s advantage sometimes, especially when it meant you towered over a rather vast majority of the room. It certainly helped with keeping an eye on the frightened little chickadees fluttering about every which way, and definitely called his attention when a little flock surrounded his little Bean Sprout. That wasn’t so unusual, she was a Head of House after all! What was unusual was how incredibly red her skin appeared today and how utterly incapable of proper speech he was. Something was wrong with his precious little Jelly Bean! Silvanus made his way closer, slowing as he caught bits of conversation as he came up behind his best friend. “Lamb pie!” he said in what he believed was a whisper, but most certainly was not, “You go on dates? Since when? I didn’t even know you liked boys….not that he’s a boy! I mean….Mr. Trench Coat Guy is definitely a man”

@pomonaxsprout​

Ted was her favorite student; she’d have to make this up to him somehow, interrupting to help her keep from embarrassing her further. Or that’s how it seemed in her own mind, whether or not he meant it that way. Pomona was nearly over her ridiculous words when Silvanus interrupted them. It took a great deal of control to keep from sighing as he spoke; Silvanus was her dearest friend, of course, but the man was not subtle by any means and this was a bit much, even for him. “Silvanus,” she said stiffly, hoping the nickname went unnoticed by Dom. “This isn’t the time or place to discuss my lack of dates. Of course I like boys - men. This - this isn’t a discussion we need to be having right now.”

@darcy-saoirse

[pomonaxsprout]

maiareyes:

WHO: Maia Reyes and Anyone WHERE: An empty first floor corridor WHEN: February 25th, 8am

Maia never liked her birthday. She guessed she’d celebrated at some point in her life, but it was an occasion she could hardly remember. Ever since her mother’s second pregnancy, everything had gone downhill at home, and birthday presents and cake were foreign concepts to her. And then, the month grew even more worse with her father’s death at seven years old, and being transferred to the orphanage at eight. 

Needless to say, her birthday wasn’t that fun of a day. 

Still, Maia managed to push herself out of bed at her usual early time, groggily getting dressed and trudging to the Great Hall. She already wasn’t faring well after the attacks on Valentine’s Day, which made her morning experience of pushing open the doors of the Great Hall, where her heart beat a bit faster out of fear of seeing a similar scene to the one she saw that morning not that out of the ordinary. Except, today was supposed to be different. She didn’t want it to be, and luckily, she didn’t expect it to be either. Few people knew anyways. 

However, she was proven wrong the moment an owl dropped a letter right in front of her, causing her to nearly spill her pumpkin juice. Maia never got letters. She didn’t have anyone that’d send one. And yet, there was one right in front of her. Hesitant at first, Maia reached out to pick it up, unfolding it, and letting her eyes scan over the text. 

Dear Maia, 

I know it’s been a long time. I know I wasn’t supposed to contact you at all, actually, but I’ve worked over the legal things, and I’m allowed to write to you now. When you were taken away, things were really rough, but I’ve been working on myself and my problems, and I swear to you I’ve changed. I’ll never be a proper mom, but I want to be in touch with you more, you know? Also, what the fuck did I miss? You’re a witch? It was hell getting this address, and an owl to deliver it. Honestly, I think this might be some bullshit lie they told me to not let me write to you, but I’m trying anyways. You should reply back or something like that. I don’t know what else to say except, I’ve changed, and I want to see my daughter again. 

Sincerely, your mom, Janelle Reyes

Maia felt the paper slip from her hands, landing on the table and nearly straight into her plate of food. Her heartbeat accelerated with each word, and despite the claim that she’d changed Maia noticed a stain on the paper that could only be alcohol and oh god, her hands were shaking, she had to get OUT. Grabbing paper and crumpling it in her shaking fist, she pushed herself out of her seat and nearly ran out of the Great Hall. Determined to get somewhere safe, she kept on moving until she reached an empty hallway, leaning against the wall and trying to regulate her breathing. 

This was just the cherry on top of an already horrible day, wasn’t it? 

Pomona tried to keep an eye on all of the students, as much as she could. Her Hufflepuffs were her first priority, of course, as they were her direct responsibility here and her surrogate children - especially as it seemed less and less likely that she’d have children of her own. But she kept an eye on students from other houses as well, and Maia had been one she felt particularly burdened about. She’d felt that way since she first met the girl, but it grew even stronger after the attack, when Addie had taken her out to where the other two girls waited, both shell-shocked and silent. Hestia seemed to go out of her way to avoid Pomona, but Maia just seemed withdrawn.

So when she left the Great Hall so hurriedly, Pomona excused herself and went after the girl. Maia was fast, and it took longer than Pomona liked to find her again but she managed it eventually. Crossing the corridor quietly, she knelt down in front of Maia and held a hand out, not quite touching her arm but close to it. “Maia, dear, I want you to breathe with me.” She took several exaggerated, slow breaths, her gaze fixed on Maia.

[pomonaxsprout]

t-edwardtonks:

Who: Ted Tonks & Pomona Sprout When: February 20th, Late afternoon Where: Greenhouse #4

Classes still hadn’t resumed after the attacks on Valentine’s Day, a point that no students had complained about thus far, but Ted was anxious to speak with Professor Sprout. He had seen her for a brief moment in the Great Hall when his Uncle Dom had asked her out on a date, but of course she had been much too preoccupied with the invitation and the small crowd of onlookers for Ted to get a word with her. He had lost his temper with her on Valentine’s Day and he couldn’t shake how bad he felt about it. She was within her rights to stop Ted from sneaking off to the greenhouses after hours, she had even been within her rights to question his actions, but Ted had snapped at her all the same. After everything that could have gone wrong that evening, running into Professor Sprout hadn’t been a thought in his mind, and for her to question his feelings for Andromeda when he had already executed an elaborate plan to spend nothing more than a few hours with her, well, it had gotten the better of him. Ted knew that he had been wrong to speak to her in that way, and was deeply grateful for her allowing them to have their date in her greenhouses. He not only wanted to apologize, he also wanted to thank her.

It didn’t escape his notice that he found Professor Sprout in the very greenhouse she had allowed them to sneak off to just a few nights ago, and Ted tried not to blush when he glanced over to the corner, nearly expecting their picnic to still be there despite cleaning it up that evening. Clearing his throat for her attention, and to shake his own nerves at approaching her, Ted called out to her from the doorway. “Professor Sprout? Can I have a word?”

@pomonaxsprout

Pomona would do anything for her students. She had always felt that way, since her first year as a professor. The students were the reason she came to teach, after all, and they were her responsibilty - for far more than just teaching about Herbology. As a professor, she felt the duty of teaching them morality and critical thinking skills. When to follow your heart and when to attend your responsibilities. How to apologize. Which made her current situation a little uncomfortable, because she felt that she owed Ted an apology for being so quick to jump to conclusions about him. There were a number of excuses she could - and had - offered: there had been no way to tell it was Andromeda with him rather than Amara; she’d spent so much time with Andromeda lately that she felt immensely protective of the girl; the past weeks had been uncommonly stressful. But none of them could excuse her from her behavior.

When his voice interrupted the otherwise quiet greenhouse, she looked up with a smile and nodded. “Do come in, Ted. I’ve been hoping to speak with you as well.” She’d taken the coward’s way out and planned to wait until he had to see her for class, but this was better. Dusting her hands off on her robe, she began shifting stacks of parchment, looking for one in particular. “I owe you an apology, Ted,” she began, pausing in her search to meet his gaze. “I know you well enough to know you’re not fickle when it comes to your heart. I hope you can forgive me. I have something that might make it up to you if I can just . . . find it.” 

[pomonaxsprout]

dadwardbones:

vane-notvain:

auror-alexfawley:

imogenconnolly:

astridflint:

benitocarlosortiz:

t-edwardtonks:

chvrityburbage:

dom-marchand:

Were he a man who was not more able to school his features his eyes would have widened in the recognition of her name. The first year on the stairs all those years ago. Surely she didn’t know it, but hers was the first life that he had ever saved. Over the years he had thought about her and a small handful of others when he failed a mission to reassure himself that he wasn’t merely incompetent. This helped his drive to be better and was what had eventually brought him up through the ranks and deposited him in a rather high position within the Auror Office. “Perhaps I could speak to you privately sometime?” he asked, “Do you like dinner?”

@chvrityburbage

The unity of all the Hufflepuffs, of course, extended to their head of house. Charity loved Professor Sprout, and while Herbology wasn’t her favorite class, it was certainly an enjoyable one. She visited the greenhouses every once in a while, and it was always enjoyable. Which was why, when she spotted Professor Sprout and an auror she couldn’t name talking to each other, a small smile spread across her face. She’d gotten the attention of a few other Hufflepuffs around her, and tried to listen in as much as she could. She’d admit, it was a bit strange to be eavesdropping on her teacher, not to mention she thought she’d seen Professor Sprout blush at one point. However, Charity felt a strong urge to interject, just for a moment. She could tell everyone had been considering it, but she was the first to dare. Walking up to the two of them, she got there just in time to here the auror’s question. “If you don’t mind me interrupting,” She began, unable to help a mischievious smirk. “I think I’m speaking for all the Hufflepuffs here when I say she definitely likes dinner.” 

@t-edwardtonks

Ever since their run-in the night before, Ted had been hoping to apologize to his head of house. He’d lost his temper a bit with Professor Sprout when she had accused him of being so fickle in his affections for Andromeda. Ted Tonks may be many things, but fickle wasn’t one of them, not when it came to Andromeda. He had planned on speaking with Professor Sprout in the Great Hall but hadn’t wanted to interrupt her conversation with non other than Domhnall Marchand, a man whom Ted greatly admired. After years of visiting the Bones family, he had run into the auror many times, and from their very first meeting Ted had felt he’d found a sort of kindred spirit. Another muggleborn that the Bones family had taken in, the two had a number of things in common and Ted had been thrilled to meet someone in the wizarding world who had entered into Hogwarts much as he had. Ted had been content to eavesdrop from afar before Charity had made her way over to the unlikely pair. He’d tried his best to intercept her, hoping she wouldn’t interrupt the conversation, but hadn’t been quick enough to stop her. In a way, he was glad he hadn’t, and he couldn’t help a grin as he stepped next to Dom, realizing what she was up to. Perhaps he could return the favor to Professor Sprout, setting her up on a lovely date of her own. It was the least he could do after what she had done for him last night and Ted couldn’t think of a better man to set her up with. “That’s true, she does. And what a coincidence, I believe you also like dinner, don’t you Uncle Dom?”

@benitocarlosortiz​

Benito had been close to dozing off into a nap, when Charity Burbage had grabbed his and Imogen’s attention. At first, he had been a disgruntled, and had sternly informed Charity that he had been trying to sleep. However, when she gestured rather excitedly in the direction of Professor Sprout, both Imogen and Benito found themselves drawn into the show with Charity. Professor Sprout held a high place in Benito’s heart and she was about one of the only professors except perhaps Professor Vablatsky who was exempt from any form of attitude. He didn’t recognize the man she was talking, but he knew that he was an auror, so Benito didn’t really expect to recognize him. For awhile, he was silent like the rest of the observing Hufflepuffs, but then Charity stepped forward, and Ted after that, and that was all Benito needed to join in too. He let out a long wolf whistle, waving so that Professor Sprout would see him. “Who doesn’t like dinner, r–” Benito didn’t get to complete his sentence, for Imogen had suddenly slapped her hand over his mouth. That was fine. He had said what he wanted to say.

@astridflint

Astrid had been minding her own business with reading her textbook upon her own cot in the corner of the Hufflepuff huddle when her attention caught sight upon Benito, Ted, Imogen and Charity began to strike up a conversation with Professor Sprout and one of the Aurors; one of her favoured professors. A small smile appeared upon her features as she watched the way that they began to interrupt the conversation, making sure that the Professor was encouraged to join the Auror. She began to move slowly towards the small group, her own book forgotten as she heard Benito’s wolf whistle across the room, moving to lightly slap Benito to scold him for maybe embarrassing one of their favourite Professors as she shook her head at his antics before stating, “What he meant to say, um is that Professor Sprout enjoys dinner. Very much so, isn’t that right Im?” 

@imogenconnolly

Imogen’s fingers toyed with Benito’s hair as he napped, his head resting in her lap. She was lost in thought, thinking back on the night before and how she had effectively ruined their date with a panic attack. He had been so kind to her, but it was clear he didn’t understand. She didn’t even understand what had come over her. The commotion between Professor Sprout and that nice Auror was a welcome distraction, and she watched with amusement as her fellow Hufflepuffs chimed in. It wasn’t long before Benito jumped up to join them, Imogen hot on his heels. Her boyfriend could be obnoxious at the best of times, and while she found it endearing, she knew that others might not. Namely, Professor Sprout. His sharp whistle had her rolling her eyes as she reached to slap her hand across his mouth. Nodding at Astrid, Imogen turned to give Professor Sprout and apologetic smile. “Please excuse my obnoxious boyfriend for interrupting.” She said pointedly, flinching when she felt Benito’s warm, wet tongue lick her palm. Still, she kept her hand in place, fighting the urge to pull it away and wipe it on his robes. “Oh ho, don’t you start that game with me.” She warned quietly, ready to lick him right back in retaliation.

@auror-alexfawley​

Alex had been keeping her distance from student, giving them their space. Which was also what she was doing with Dom when she noticed him talking to Professor Sprout. Sure she hadn’t been a Hufflepuff, but she’d still taken Herbology classes. Plus the woman had never been shy when it came to helping out any students, regardless of their house. She couldn’t help but think that the two of them looked nice together. She was also pretty sure that she’d never seen Dom actually smile before, which was why she decided leaving them alone would be best. It seemed that the other students had some other ideas though, as they popped into the conversation. “Well that’s great!” She smiled, popping up from behind Dom and standing next to him. “Dom knows the best places to eat dinner. Which I’m sure he’d love to show you sometime soon Professor.” 

@vane-notvain​ 

Loretta had just walked out of her room when she saw a group of people had gathered in the common room. She didn’t hear the initial interaction between her head of house and the Auror but she quickly was able to catch onto what was going on. Although usually this was the type of situation she would stay out of she decided to stick around and see what was going to happen. Loretta didn’t know anything about the man but Professor Sprout was her favorite teacher. 

@dadwardbones

From across the hall, Edward had noticed Dom talking to Professor Pomona Sprout. Truth be told, he hadn’t thought much of it at first, other issues weighing heavily on his mind. Charlotte Fawley’s betrayal, Emmeline’s pregnancy, his son’s scheming, all vying one another for his attention. When minutes later, the two seemed to be surrounded by a group of students, however, the commotion caught his interest. He studied his partner’s stance, the expression on his face, and found himself grinning. It had been many years since he’d seen that look on Dom’s face, but there was no doubt about it, his brother was smitten with the herbology professor. Edward couldn’t blame him, she was an extremely kind and beautiful woman after all. Now that he thought about it, Edward quite liked the idea of them together. Figuring it was about time to rescue his friend from the mob of excited students, Edward made his way over. Clapping one hand on Dom’s shoulder, the other on Ted’s, he couldn’t help but chime in as well. “Right you are, Alex. Though he’s not a bad cook either.”

@pomonaxsprout​

Pomona had been taken aback by the question at first, and almost certainly looked like a fool, standing there with her mouth agape - as if the dressing gown and sloppy braid weren’t silly enough. But then before she could even begin to respond, they were interrupted. And again. And again. Until she just gave up, as one after another of her students came to join them - and then Aurors. She looked from the students to Dom, hoping he wouldn’t be frightened off. He wouldn’t be the first; there was a reason she hadn’t found anyone serious yet, and that reason was few people seemed willing to adopt the entirety of Hufflepuff house the way she did. Her gaze finally landed on Edward Bones, one of the Aurors she felt most comfortable with and she offered a small smile in his direction. “That’s very nice to know. And the children are correct,” she added with a slightly flustered look at Dom. “I do like dinner. Most meals, really."

@t-edwardtonks​

[pomonaxsprout]

dom-marchand:

Dom was used to having people act strangely in his presence. He did all of the recruitment for the department and was extremely familiar with feeling as if he was making someone nervous, but this was completely different. This was not the usual nervousness. It was also rather difficult to not notice the color that had risen to her face. If he didn’t know any better he might guess that she fancied him. “I apologize, but i’m not able to release information on that right now” he said gently, “as soon as I am able I will happily find you. May I get your name?”. The statement was protocol, especially as they didn’t have all of the information quite yet, but the final question was entirely for him. Had he wanted he could have asked the headmaster who she was, but he would much rather learn it from the lady herself. 

She nodded, dropping her head to mask the disappointment. It was so difficult to see her students upset and be unable to help, but she hadn’t really expected anything different. It wouldn’t be too hard, with the younger ones, at least; Merlin only knew what she’d tell the older students. Her head lifted at the question and she nodded, saying quickly, “Pomona Sprout. I’m the Herbology professor, and head of Hufflepuff house. Thank you, I understand you can’t give any information. It’s just hard -” Her voice cut off as she caught sight of one of her students watching them curiously, which struck her as a little odd. “I’ll be here, when you can release any information.”

[pomonaxsprout]

dom-marchand:

It took him a moment longer than he cared to admit to analyze the woman in front of him. There was something in her eyes that registered an extremely vague familiarity that he could not place no matter how hard he tried. Dom also recognized an intense almost motherly vibe from the woman which was just cemented in his mind as he noted the faintest of laugh lines that to an untrained eye might otherwise have gone unseen. She was someone that smiled a lot. Someone who was likely extremely caring. Her nails weren’t as manicured as some ladies usually were which was perhaps an indicator of someone who worked with their hands. The way she wore her hair and the fact she was in her dressing gown indicated someone who had rushed from their bed. This woman had to be a professor. Dom was almost sure of it. He looked at people all the time, but there was something different about this one. Something that the auror could not quite place. “I’m good at answering those” he offered, the slightest of smiles rising to his lips before he was able to suppress it. Merlin, this woman was attractive. 

She was most certainly blushing. Pomona could feel her face heating up and she couldn’t believe that she was having such an inappropriate reaction - of all the times to be embarrassed, it would have to come when they were in the midst of a crisis. Lord, he must think she was being completely unprofessional, and she made a resolve to grow more serious - or she started to resolve that, when he almost smiled and something in her heart just seemed to melt. Any hopes of being more professional fled away. “Oh that’s lovely for me then, isn’t it?” Ignoring the fact that she was surely as red as a tomato, she brushed one of her braids over her shoulder and stepped closer. “I was just wondering if there was any update on -” she hesitated, not sure how the most diplomatic way to phrase a question in the moment - “the situation? I only ask so that I can know best what to say to the students. Some of them are quite frightened, and it breaks my heart to see that, especially when I can do so little to help.”