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Post by Nicholas Gawain Lannsman on Dec 21, 2007 15:23:05 GMT -5
The professor reached over and poured some of the warm liquid into two mugs, giving one to the Slytherin youth and one for himself.
"Donall, why wouldn't I be? You stood up for yourself, went against the grain, didn't fold under peer pressure again. That's always a good thing. Although I do have to say I'm surprised that my word means that much to you. Happy, but surprised. I always thought you hated me. Lot's of students don't like me that much, so it doesn't really surprise me. Most just don't like my class, but then again, I can be a little persistent in my trying to push students. Some don't like being pushed." he said as he leaned back into the chair. His gaze flickered to some of the portraits.
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Post by Dónall Kennedy on Dec 21, 2007 15:31:49 GMT -5
Don searched for the right words, as he held his hot chocolate in both hands. He watched the steam rise from the liquid, and let out a sigh. Then, he answered. "I never hated you, Sir. I just never understood what you were about. I never let myself understand, because you stand for all things good, or so it seems. And I guess that was something I never wanted to see, because then I would know what I was doing wrong with my life."
He paused and sipped his hot chocolate, then stared into the mug for a few moments, thinking.
"I admired you, but I never admitted it to myself. But I guess I just did..."
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Post by Nicholas Gawain Lannsman on Dec 21, 2007 15:41:05 GMT -5
Guilt seemed to flash before the professor's eyes momentarily before he sighed.
"Donall, I'm not good incarnate. I'm human, I make mistakes, Lord knows I've done plenty. So did my father. He wasn't invincible, he wasn't infallible. He'd done some things he regretted in his life but I understand where you're coming from. The students not bothering you so much? I heard Rodolphus and Gavin even came to your assistance the other week in the situation that instigated the duel. It's gotta be nice having some people stand with you, isn't it?" he asked.
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Post by Dónall Kennedy on Dec 22, 2007 19:28:21 GMT -5
Dónall mulled over the knight's question for a moment, not too sure how to answer. Then, it came to him. "I suppose it is good to have people stand by my side in my time of need..."
A look of realization flashed on his face, and then he continued. "It's something else I'm not too familiar with, either... But, I think I might like it."
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Post by Nicholas Gawain Lannsman on Dec 22, 2007 20:06:13 GMT -5
Nicholas grinned, pleased. "It is difficult to say who do you the most mischief: enemies with the worst intentions or friends with the best. But they are always a comfort to have with you."
Donall had really come a long way. Never had he really suspected that such a change had happened in the young man, but Nicholas new one thing for certain; he was going to need some support. As good as this change of heart was, it could easily be taken away at such an early stage.
"If you don't mind my asking, what is it that's been pressuring you to act like you did all those years? If it's too personal, by all means, we can leave it at that."
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Post by Dónall Kennedy on Dec 22, 2007 20:11:29 GMT -5
Dónall sipped some more at his hot chocolate, not wanting it to turn cold before he could finish it.
He thought, and then realized that this was one thing he wasn't quite ready to share with anyone, but he did offer up one tidbit. "My father always wanted what was best for me. In his eyes, and his only."
Frowning, slightly, he continued. "I'm not comfortable expanding on that..."
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Post by Nicholas Gawain Lannsman on Dec 22, 2007 20:35:52 GMT -5
Nicholas nodded. "That's alright, Donall. I won't ask you to expound upon it. Just keep in mind that it's easier to live through someone else than to become complete yourself."
He stood up and walked over to the fireplace, picking up the poker and nudging some of the burning logs. "Not that I'm complaining, but...why come to me to talk about this?"
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Post by Dónall Kennedy on Dec 22, 2007 20:42:32 GMT -5
Don's eyes followed the professor as he prodded the fire. Then he answered. "Like I said before, Sir; If not for your class..."
He continued, nervously, for this bit of information had only just come to himself, as well. "I wasn't too sure why I had come here, until now. I needed to thank you."
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Post by Nicholas Gawain Lannsman on Dec 22, 2007 20:52:24 GMT -5
Looking into the fire, Nicholas smiled.
"Your thanks are appreciated Donall, and I'll let you know that mine are returned in kind. You don't need to force yourself to say anything or stay any longer than you feel comfortable with as well, alright? As you know, my door is always open." he said finally turning around and saying so without it sounding so much as a dismissal as a fact.
Putting the poker away, he went back to the chair and sat down.
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Post by Dónall Kennedy on Dec 22, 2007 21:01:22 GMT -5
"I'll keep that in mind," he said, with a small smile, "I suppose I should get going now, anyway. I do have some homework to attend to."
He finished the rest of his hot chocolate, but stayed seated for a moment longer. "It wouldn't be strange for me to come back again some time, Sir? You being the Gryffindor Head of House, and not very well liked by my own House Head...?"
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Post by Nicholas Gawain Lannsman on Dec 22, 2007 21:09:14 GMT -5
Nicholas smirked. "Donall, I'd like you to try a little experiment that might prove useful. I'd like you to look at people and see them as though they had no House. Come up with an estimation of their character and whether or not you like them, and keep it that way. As for visiting me, that's fine with me. I think I'd be fascinated to hear of anyone being liked by your Head of House, Donall. He's a very...interesting person."
He leaned forward and grabbed Donall's empty mug. "Allow me."
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Post by Dónall Kennedy on Dec 22, 2007 21:17:06 GMT -5
Don sighed. "I'll try your little experiment, Sir. It seems useful, but I know it's also hard to break old habits. I'm not sure it'll be so easy to break through this one so fast."
He let Sir Lannsmann take his mug, and then he stood up. "I'll be on my way, then. Thanks for your time."
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Post by Nicholas Gawain Lannsman on Dec 22, 2007 21:43:26 GMT -5
Nicholas nodded and extended his hand to the Slytherin boy.
"Take care then, Donall. Till next time? Maybe a game of chess or checkers could be of interest?" he said in a friendly manner. He gave Donall an easy smile.
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Post by Dónall Kennedy on Dec 22, 2007 21:51:36 GMT -5
"Sure, that sounds nice," he said, as he took hold of the professor's outstretched hand and shook it. "Til next time."
He began walking out of Sir Lannsmann's office, but turned around, as if he had forgotten something. "Have a good day, Sir." he said with a genuine smile, then turned back and walked out without stopping again.
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