Post by Morgan Pendragon on Jan 6, 2011 19:12:41 GMT -5
Morgan escorted Ashelle from the hospital wing to her deserted classroom. She then took out her wand and conjured a pair of armchairs and a small tea table, complete with a prim, white tablecloth and dainty, china tea set with a rose pattern. Once all that was ready, she reached into her bag and retrieved a few things. After a few minutes and a few more simple charms, a tea service was ready.
"Sorry for not saying anything on the way here, but I thought I'd better have the tea ready before we started talking. Please, make yourself at home. Help yourself to a biscuit." Morgan herself had settled into one of the chairs, an overstuffed, girly thing covered in pink corduroy. "The tea will be finished steeping in a moment. I know I could have just transfigured the water into tea, but fresh brewed always tastes better in my opinion, do you agree?"
She let the question hang for the barest moment before speaking again. "But, nevermind that now, Ashelle. To business, I suppose. So, tell me, what did you mean when you said you'd had a hallucination? Surely, I can't believe you'd be the unstable sort."
Post by Professor O'Conner on Jan 24, 2011 18:23:26 GMT -5
Ashelle sat down in the offered chair and stared at the steeping tea. She didn't want to be here with her graduated on again off again friend Morgan. She didn't want to be at this school. She didn't want to be having hallucinations and she didn't want to be Hated by nearly every new student at the school! Technically she hasn't even be able to take any points yet, why should she be hated so? Everyone treated her like a evil Dark Lord only without the powers. Like she just didn't get it, like she didn't understand. Just what was it she wasn't getting? Why didn't someone tell her why everything was a mess already?
"I was crying, by the lake," she heard herself begin, " because one of the new students had drawn a very crude picture of me in a compromising position which she'd labeled 'Ashelle Bitchface'. I had just realized that she'd probably had a lot more opportunities than I ever will to do what was going on in the picture, and I was wondering why everyone hated me so much. Then I saw Bismarck Apparate a few feet away." Ashelle took a deep breath. The next few moment were as surreal to her as this one and she likely wouldn't ever see it differently.
"He grabbed me and said to me that he'd always loved me as a daughter and that he respected me as a person, as well as respecting my life choices -not that I have made any, mind, but that's what I thought I heard- Then he said he didn't see any reason why he had wanted to kill Marc, because he loves Lycans wholeheartedly. He then said he wished we could've been best friends and that I didn't hate him. Then it got truly bizarre, because he said he wished we could've been married and have had many babies and lived happily ever after - after he said he thought of me as a daughter! Then he disapparated." Ashelle looked at her old friend with a raised eyebrow.
"Now a sane individual knows there are only two possibilities to consider. Either Bismarck has gone completely round the bend, or I am clearly hallucinating. If Bismarck is insane we would have heard of it from the authorities or it would have been in the paper that he was admitted to St. Mungo's or a like Hospital. I am more inclined to believe that all that happened in my own head. I was crying rather hard and I had just let my elemental powers get out of hand to the point that the picture I mentioned was burnt to ashes in a matter of milliseconds." Ashelle paused about to ask Morgan if she'd ever pleasured a man, but decided she probably wouldn't like the answer, and shut up.
Post by Morgan Pendragon on May 15, 2011 21:59:08 GMT -5
Morgan listened carefully as Ashelle spoke. She was familiar with her, and she had to not let that familiarity interfere with her ability to counsel Ashelle on what was troubling her. This problem sounded like it could be serious if not handled correctly. So, the blonde woman cave herself time to reflect on her fiery-haired friend's words before she spoke.
"Ashelle," she began, her voice gentle and contemplative, "I think your theory that this event was a figment of your imagination may be correct. However, I do not believe that such a thing should worry you overmuch. Actually, worrying too much is probably what caused it." Here, she paused, trying to walk the line between honesty and tact without falling too much to either side. She wouldn't lie or sugar-coat things, but she didn't want to pointlessly anger the girl either.
"I know you, Ashelle. I know how much you worry about what other people think about you. I know how much you base your own self-worth on the opinions of others. I also know that you are not a liar. If you say you saw what you've described to me, I believe you. The fact that you realize that it was a product of your own mind means that you are not insane, you're probably just stressed." Morgan watched the girl for signs of reaction. Ashelle was impulsive, and often unpredictable. It may have been the reason why she was so adept with fire, but it also meant that one had to use diplomacy when speaking with her.
"Likely, this incidence of bullying was not in and of itself the cause of hallucination, but it was likely the straw that broke the thestral's back, so to speak. I know how dedicated you've been to the cause of Lycan Equality, and I think you likely saw something you wanted to see. Not necessarily marrying Bismarck, but coming to peace with him, and eventually moving on with your own life and starting your own family. I believe that with a little rest, you'll be fine. And you should know, Ashelle, that I'm more than happy to listen to anything you want to say."534.13
Post by Professor O'Conner on May 15, 2011 22:16:53 GMT -5
Ashelle almost interrupted with "With BISMARCK? Ick, GROSS!" but stopped herself when she saw Morgan was not finished. What Morgan said was making some sense - well except for the family part, that was a useless dream if no one liked her. Still maybe she was right. Ashelle perhaps could use a bit of rest maybe.
However, when Morgan added that she'd be glad to listen to whatever Ashelle wanted to say, she suddenly realized she had a million things she wanted to tell Morgan.
"I am giving up on having a family," she began, looking down at her hands, "because my one love has gone missing again and I fear this time it's permanent."
Then Ashelle looked straight up at Morgan. "I know it is likely inappropriate to bring it up but do you remember that day a few years back, when -uh," she paused searching for words, "-it was near Valentines Day, and we um - " she sighed heavily, she seemed to be working up her courage to say something, "Made out like heated drunk teens? I was just wondering -um- what was that about? If you are not offended I have more questions after that one."
Post by Morgan Pendragon on May 16, 2011 18:28:55 GMT -5
Ashelle it seemed, was more than happy to open herself up, once someone asked her to. Seemed the poor child was desperate for anyone to listen to her. Morgan could relate. During her last year as a student of Firefox, she would have given anything to have someone she could have said anything to. Of course, she'd had plenty of friends, but Morgan was the sort to not want to burden others with her own problems, and so had left her troubles unspoken.
As Ashelle spoke, Morgan paid close attention. Of course the girl was grieving over the relationship. Morgan remembered Nav and how much Ashelle seemed to light up whenever he was around. Morgan wasn't sure that denying herself the chance for future love and happiness was really a healthy response, but she wouldn't push it. Ashelle might change her own mind if given time.
Morgan was less able to keep silent after Ashelle spoke again. She did remember that day, quite clearly. The day she and Ashelle had...well, it was just good luck it hadn't gone any farther than it had. Unlike with Lucius, who she ended up dating for several months after the strange incident that brought them together. Still, though her eyebrows quirked upward as Ashelle broached the topic, Morgan did not overreact. It wouldn't do to make Ashelle think her offer to listen was an empty promise.
"I do remember that day," she began, cautiously. "Unfortunately, I do not know what caused such behavior," unlike the time I accidentally released that other potion, she mentally lamented, "but, after hearing that several others have seemed to experienced the same sort of effect, I imagine that it was likely a spell gone wrong. It was near Valentine's Day. It's not hard to imagine that someone somewhere was trying to make a love potion that got out of hand."
Post by Professor O'Conner on May 16, 2011 20:23:53 GMT -5
"Ohhh," said Ashelle, well at least that was put to rest. It wasn't that she or Morgan secretly were pining after each other, it was a school wide incident. "That's a comforting to know. I can stop worrying about it now. Many people you say, hmm I hope they caught whoever did it. Love potions are illegal."
Ashelle thought for a few more moments then began again. "That doofus of a Herbology teacher kicked me out of my post as assistant nurse. I am so angry with him. Also that new professor of -of all things- Muggle sex education! Doesn't she know in the Wizarding World, parents TELL there kids about that sort of thing when they see fit to do so?"
Ashelle shook her head, "Honestly, where does she get off? I am missing so many classes now-a-days because of teachers who hate me or are loony, I'm worried I might have to take an equivalency exam along with my NEWTs! I wish there was one or two teachers who could catch me up or at least make sure I am not too far behind." She looked at Morgan hopefully, then sighed.
Post by Morgan Pendragon on May 17, 2011 23:37:22 GMT -5
Ashelle's naivety was refreshing. Love potions were frowned on, certainly, and banned within most wizarding schools, but they were not actually illegal. And, in addition, even if they had caught the 'perpetrator' of this 'crime', the person in question was almost positively not punished harshly. Likely, it was some first or second year girl harboring a crush; someone who didn't mean any real harm. Probably the potion was just too complex for them, and they lost control. It wasn't hard to imagine such a scenario.
But, it seemed that Ashelle had other things to worry about. "I can't imagine why you would have been dismissed as a student-nurse, Ashelle. But, maybe it's for the best, at the moment. You have quite a lot to deal with on your own, without also having to tackle the problems of others. If it really means that much to you, I can speak with Professor Lesseur, or even Headmaster Windwaltz. However, maybe you should take a little time to focus on yourself right now."
If the poor girl was having stress-induced hallucinations, well then, she certainly didn't need to add any more pressure to herself.
"As for Professor Vablatsky, I understand that the sex-ed class was a one-time, optional class. If you truly did not want to hear the information, then you were not obligated to attend. And, Ashelle, not all wizarding families are open about that sort of information. And, besides, many of the children here are half-bloods or muggleborns, and you don't know what their parents may or may not tell them. Certainly, I believe that young people should have access to such knowledge. To know is to be prepared, after all.
"Speaking of, I'd be happy to hold weekly tutoring sessions until you get past your NEWTs, Ashelle. I also have several resource books from when I took mine, not too long ago. I will have them sent up to your dorm as soon as I get back home."
Post by Professor O'Conner on May 18, 2011 9:19:18 GMT -5
"REALLY!" Morgan had likely never seen Ashelle this ecstatic before, but now it was plain to see how different Ashelle had become under Aunt Ashlee's influence.
"Wow, thank you Morgan! I's not so much I think I am behind but I've read up on so many strange things- likely I went off on too many tangents and haven't learn core material - but thank you! Finally! I haven't dared to send my request to study on my own to Professor Lesseur or Professor Vablatsky even since my last letter was denied by that other evil teacher! They likely thing I am some sort of delinquent but that won't matter when I ace my NEWTs in there subjects! HA!"
Ashelle smiled, and it was like a sunrise on a perfectly clear day. It would be easy for anyone to see, at this moment, why Ashlee might favor Ashelle as her Heiress. She might have a bit to get over but she had a true heart underneath that suffering attitude. However just as quickly as it had risen the sun set again.
"Morgan - do you think - do you think Aunt Ashlee really favors me? Or am I just imagining it? Sometimes I look back and I wonder how I could have said and done some things. But then I have to ask myself where some of the kids get off making me out to be so bad. There is a girl named Layne here now who apparently thinks I am a whore. Where would she get an idea like that? Who is saying they've 'had' me? Part of me would like to curse their tongue out of their heads and part of me just wants to leave Firefox. But I know neither of those is what Aunt Ashlee would want me to do ."
Post by Morgan Pendragon on May 22, 2011 12:26:08 GMT -5
It was true that Morgan had never seen her friend in such high spirits before, but coupled with the glum attitude she had shown only moments ago, Morgan had to wonder if Ashelle was perhaps a little more in need of help than she was letting on. She paid no attentions to Ashelle's mention of an 'evil teacher', because she knew that Ashelle had a tendency to classify people as being good or evil depending if she felt they were with her or against her.
It was true, that with a little work to soften the rough edges of Ashelle's personality, that she would indeed be a fine leader. She really did have a kind heart, for all her dramatic inclinations.
Again, Morgan took her time before replying. "I truly don't know, Ashelle. I haven't spent nearly enough time with your Aunt to know what she might make of you. However, the fact that you acknowledge your mistakes for what they are speaks volumes of your character. You have no idea how many people cannot admit when they've made an error in judgement."
She took a sip of her tea. "Personally, I believe that bullies like this Layne girl are just trying to get a reaction out of you. She might not really believe that you are, as you said 'a whore'. She might actually believe the contrary, that you are unexperienced in that area, and is just taunting you to get under your skin. I would suggest that you don't give her the reaction she obviously wants. Perhaps if you tried to make friends with her, she would see that she can't get to you."
Post by Professor O'Conner on May 31, 2011 22:26:11 GMT -5
"Do you think that would really work?" asked Ashelle thoughtfully. "I don't think it would, I think she might make fun of how nice I was being, or something. But - I suppose I will try it, since you are my friend and all - and my teacher."
Ashelle sighed, she wanted to get over herself but she wasn't exactly sure how to do it. On top of that she still wasn't sure her problem was all that simple.
"I just want to be great, not revered, or anything, not put up on a plaque or a trophy, I just want to be great and confident. Also I'd like at least a few more friends. Your the only one I have, now."
Ashelle looked at Morgan and smiled sheepishly.
"I want to be great like you Morgan. You don't need anyone, but because of that confidence people like you. I don't understand why after all I've done to get to the top, I am back at the beginning socially. I just want one kid a day to ask me a question about things. Is that so much to ask? Now that Professor Follet took away my assistant nurse job, it's like I don't exist to the other students! I just - I don't know. I just don't know."
Ashelle found herself looking at her tea which had by now cooled. She took up the cup and drank it down in a few gulps. Then she put it back and lay back in her chair depressed as ever.
Teagan Offline: This board is full of nostalgia.
Aug 22, 2020 8:39:09 GMT -5
Missing the old MH: gotta say missing when MH and all that was around.
Nov 6, 2019 0:02:30 GMT -5
Willow_lazy: why tf are there 400 posts about adidas
Sept 6, 2018 17:35:57 GMT -5
Azrael: I'm not hard to find, since I'm the only one there who goes by "Azzy", I'm pretty sure. XD
Feb 10, 2018 16:44:41 GMT -5
Azrael: Dunno if anyone still pops by here from time to time, but if any of you mofos do and still feel like gettin' yo nerd on, I've been hanging around this here place a bunch recently: www.roleplayerguild.com/
Feb 10, 2018 16:44:10 GMT -5
Azrael: hold onto your pantaloons
Jul 25, 2016 5:16:43 GMT -5