it's the same thing everyday - open

[Arielle Nerida Kersey]

Standing in the kitchen, she picked up the wet glass and rubbed it with the towel in hand. The glass slipped through her fingers and would have crashed to the floor, had she not caught it again. She sighed, wiping at her forehead. Placing the glass down in it's place. She tucked the cloth back in the draw with the rest of the towels. Wiping her hands on the blue material of her dress. She flicked the tied back fire red tendrils of hair back over her shoulder, so that they fell down her shoulder blades. Wandering through to the front of the Inn, she began setting the tables out the muggle way, she was given some strange looks from the landlord. Though she loved her job, she hated the look he gave every day. Everyday she refused to use the spells he provided her with for fear that she'd mess up, and everyday he looked at her like she was crazy,

Although she could make the tables using magic, she preferred setting them out using her hands. Arielle flicked from table to table, making sure each was clean. She itched the back of her neck idly. Wondering what she could do. Since she'd cleared the tables, and dried up all the glasses and plates. She wandered back to the bar, and slipped behind it. Ready to serve if need be. She leaned forward, elbows resting on the surface of the bar, though very unladylike, it was incredibly comfortable. She'd move when a customer came in. But for now, resting languidly on the bar was something she was content to do.

As the door opened, she stood up, a little quickly, as she flung her weight back she stumbled, not enough to fall but enough that it was noticeable. She blushed, and quickly set about picking up a quill and piece of parchment. “Anything I can get you?” she asked, her tone sweet and friendly. Blinking at the customer, she gave them a wide smile. As a Barmaid she was supposed to be friendly and smiling all the time. Not a hard feat for the friendly, happy Arielle. She tucked a piece of loose red hair behind her ear, and poised the quill over the piece of parchment, not even bothering to move it as the quill dripped black ink onto the clean parchment.

[Rowena Ravenclaw]

Rowena was infuriated when she slammed the door shut behind her and almost ran down the corridor, picking up her skirts. Without even thinking of her actions, Rowena hurried down the stairs, across the Entrance hall and finally left the castle, taking the narrow road leading to Hogsmeade. It was only when she reached the small friendly village that she realised where she actually was. She had known Alfie for years, but he had never made her so angry before. For Merlin's sake, she could kill someone... she could kill him; and perhaps she should kill him.

Lost in her quite unpleasant thoughts, Rowena entered the Three Broomsticks Inn and took a seat at a small empty table by the window. The landlord greeted her and Rowena just gave him a small nod, instead of her usual warm smile and kind words. She was sitting in her corner, bitter and depressed, when she felt someone's presence by her. Rowena looked up at the waitress (Arielle Kersey, very sweet girl, a former student of Helga's) after she realised that she was being talked to. It took her some time to decide what to say. It was such a simple question, but she had no idea what to answer. "I..." she started, nervously playing with a napkin. She would usually order tea or gillywater, but now she wanted something else, something that would make her feel better, something like... "Firewhiskey!" she exhaled "I'll have a firewhiskey." and after a moment of silence she added "Please." trying to add some politeness to her words.

[Arielle Nerida Kersey]

Arielle watched Professor Ravenclaw slam the door, and wondered what had gotten her old professor so angry. Arielle had liked Professor Ravenclaw, she just hadn't been any good at her subject. She waited patiently for Rowena to decide, and nodded before hurrying off to pour it, she gave the Hogwarts professor a sweet smile when she added 'please'. It was nice when people said please and thank you, some of the customers just assumed that she had to pour their drinks. Well she was paid to, but even so. She walked back from the bar and lingered by the table.

“Here you go” said Arielle, passing the drink over. She thought about going back and pouring herself a small glass of water to quench her thirst, but she was also curious about the transfiguration professors mood. “Is everything okay Professor?” she asked, she was so used to calling her Professor or Professor Ravenclaw that she didn't even think about calling her Rowena now that she had graduated.

She had thought about going to the founders and asking if there was a assistant professor position open in Care of Magical Creatures. She had always adored that subject, and Herbology, but she loved animals more than herbs. She tapped her fingers against her apron, the material slightly itchy against her fingers. It wasn't the nicest material, but it was above her dress and usually she couldn't feel the material against her skin, so she didn't mind.

[Rowena Ravenclaw]

Sitting there in the cosy inn and looking out the window made Rowena feel a bit better. She waited for her drink, but Arielle was impressively fast. Or perhaps Rowena's perception was affected by her distressed state. "Thank you." she said when the drink was put on her table. Rowena managed a small smile; after all it wasn't Arielle's fault that she was so angry and sad. The Founder reached for her drink, brought the glass to her lips and took a sip. She shook her head when the liquid touched her tongue, causing a burning sensation. For a Scottish witch, Rowena had very low tolerance for alcohol beverages.

The professor lowered her glass on the table and noticed that Arielle was still standing by her. Her dark eyes rose to look at Arielle's face. Rowena just nodded her head and simply said "Yes. Everything is alright." No! Nothing was alright! However, she didn't want the people of Hogsmeade gossiping about her personal affairs. It had nothing to do with them. Arielle, on the other hand had always been a very kind person and she genuinely cared. Rowena let out a weary sigh. Arielle was still calling her Professor, even though she wasn't her student anymore. It was so common between Hogwarts alumni, to refer to the Founders as Professors, even many years after leaving the school.

However, she didn't seem to be the only one who was bothered by something. Arielle seemed eager to ask her something and Rowena just looked at her, hiding her utter displeasure behind a serious, formal expression. "Is there something you wish to tell me?" she inquired politely. Rowena's eyes flew down to Arielle's apron, made from somewhat rough material. Then she looked down to her own dress - silky, soft and expensive and suddenly felt ashamed, realising that she was overdressed. She was always overdressed, she realised sadly.

[Arielle Nerida Kersey]

Arielle always found it quite amusing to watch the different reactions to firewhiskey, you could tell how much someone drunk by how they drunk their firewhiskey, if they could handle it, they were probably drinking it a little too much. Although she'd poured it manually and gotten the glass out manually as well, she prided herself as being just as fast as the other barmaids and waitresses who used magic. She was even faster sometimes since she didn't need to worry about casting or incantations.

“That's okay Ma'am” she said, “anything else you need?” she asked, “food perhaps?” she added, her mouth running out questions. Arielle raised an eyebrow at the professor, “You sure you're okay?” she asked, she'd seemed incredibly annoyed when she'd walked in. Though Arielle hoped she was not overstepping the boundaries by asking again. Arielle eventually gave Rowena a soft smile. Everyone had their secrets. She rubbed her hands together, they were still soft, like a ladies should be, though a little tougher than someone who used their wand for everyday spells. Arielle did most everything manually, for she feared she'd blow something up or hurt herself or another.

Arielle bit her lip, contemplating what she should answer. “Well no... I mean yes.. I mean I don't mean to be a bother” she rambled. She really did want to ask about the job, she didn't want to be a barmaid all her life, as lovely as the work was. She quite looked forward to one day teaching others about magical animals and creatures. She had always wanted to do so. She laughed softly at herself, before starting again. “I was thinking about asking if there was an assistant professor vacancy in Care of Magical Creatures” she finally admitted.

[Rowena Ravenclaw]

"This is more than enough, thank you." Rowena answered, her voice still a bit weak from the drink. She cast another glance at the glass and pushed it away slightly. Rowena rubbed her forehead with the back of her hand and looked up at Arielle, lowering her hand on the wooden table. "I am not hungry, but thank you." she said softly. Rowena was about to say something, perhaps even confide in her former student, but stopped before she managed to say anything. Even if she wanted to say something, she wouldn't be able to, for she had no idea how to start. The witch remained silent for some time, before suddenly asking "Have you seen the headmaster recently? Has he been visiting the Three Broomsticks?"

Rowena was looking at Arielle, patiently waiting for her answer. If she could do anything to help the girl, she would be more than willing to do it. Rowena blinked a couple of times, keeping her gaze focused on Arielle. "You are not a bother. Tell me... it is alright, you can tell me." Rowena encouraged her softly. There was a moment of silence when Arielle asked the question. Rowena broke it with a small chuckle. "Actually, there is a vacant position. More than one, to be honest." Rowena answered sincerely. "We have been looking for additional teaching staff, including the Care of Magical Creatures Professor." Rowena made a small pause, then continued. "Perhaps we should have arranged a more formal meeting, but this is perfectly fine for me. I am certain that the others will agree. Welcome to Hogwarts, Professor Kersey." Rowena finally said with a smile. Things would have been quite different had it been someone else in question and not their former student. They all knew Arielle, though and Rowena was certain that she would be a great teacher.

[Arielle Nerida Kersey]

She nodded, and slipped her hands into her apron. She looked around the pub, it was still early, and the other customers in the pub were being handled by the other staff, so she could stay and talk. She really hoped she wouldn't be needed. Though she had a feeling it was going to be a quiet night. “It's okay, it's my job” she gave a soft grin. She didn't mind the job. She did meet lots of interesting people, but it wasn't enough for her.

She watched Rowena's expression and listened to her question. She placed her hands on the empty chair opposite Rowena. She frowned in thought. “I don't remember seeing him, I mean if he has been visiting, it has been on nights that I have not been working.” she shrugged, “Is there any reason you ask Professor?” she queried. Arielle bit her lip, and nodded. She asked her question, and was a little shocked at the answer. She stood there blinking, and with her mouth wide open for a few moment before she came to her senses. She shook her head and smiled. “I-wow. Really?” she asked a little bemused.

“Thank you, but do you really believe I am competent enough for the job. I can barely cast spells, what if something went wrong and I needed to cast a spell to stop one of the animals” she rambled, that was her one major fear. That her inability to cast spells would result in an accident in which a student was injured. “I am really grateful for this Professor” she grinned after a moment, forcing her fear to the back of her mind. “I don't mind doing a formal meeting and interview and what not, really, if that’s what is necessary” she added quickly, her words merging together slightly at the speed of her voice.

[Rowena Ravenclaw]

Rowena smiled as a response to Arielle's statement that she was only doing her job. She looked around the pub, satisfied to see it nearly empty; it was probably too early for more customers to arrive. It was immensely suiting for Rowena, because she didn't feel like talking to many people. She simply wasn't in the mood for that. And everyone knew her in Hogsmeade, some of them had even been her students.

When Arielle put her hands on the chair, Rowena made a gesture towards it and offered: "Please, take a seat." Then she listened patiently to Arielle's words, frowning and nodding her head. She had been so foolish to ask such a question, it was not Arielle's job to make notes of arrivals and departures. Rowena had gone a bit too far. "Thank you. I was just wondering if you..." Rowena shrugged. "Never mind. Thank you." she was thinking before she answered "No, no reason whatsoever." She was supposed to be dealing with her personal affairs outside a pub, anyway.

Arielle's reaction amused Rowena. She nodded her head again. "Yes." she said. Rowena was observing her with her eyebrows slightly raised. Unfortunately, they'd had far less competent teachers in the past and Arielle would certainly be a beam of light in their staffroom. "I have no reason to think otherwise." Rowena said. "I would still have to discuss it with the other founders and the headmaster, but I don't think that a formal meeting would be needed." Rowena sighed and continued. "I know that you had some problems with practical magic, but you posses a rare gift when it comes to animals and magical creatures. You care about them and they can feel it." Rowena gave Arielle a warm smile. "That is more than enough as far as I'm concerned. I can suggest starting with smaller and less dangerous animals, to avoid the risk of anyone getting hurt."

[Arielle Nerida Kersey]

Arielle coughed for a moment, pressing her hand to her mouth. She cleared her throat before talking. “I will, thank you” she looked around for the landlord, before pulling the chair out and sitting down daintily. She crossed her ankles together and pushed her feet under the chair. “It's fine, I can look out for him if you'd like” she suggested, though she wasn't sure the suggestion would be liked. “Are you sure, because you looked like something was bothering you earlier, so I kind of thought that he had been the reason” she added quietly. Wondering if Rowena would snap at her for saying such a thing. Arielle was a little more observant than she looked.

She blushed lightly, as she reviewed her reaction in her mind. It hadn't been the best reaction ever. She'd panicked and stuttered. “Thank you Professor” she said softly, with Rowena's approval she felt better about asking for the job. “I understand, it isn't just your decision” she nodded, she hoped that her old head of house would say yes. She really wanted Helga's approval more than Salazar's or Godrics.

She brightened up incredibly when Rowena told her she had a gift. It was a heart warming statement. “Starting with the smaller animals is a very logical solution” she nodded. “I'd hate for someone to hurt on my watch” she mused. The eighteen year old smiled brightly at Rowena, “would you like a drink of water or anything, to help with your firewhiskey” she grinned. She didn't often drink firewhiskey, she couldn't take the burning sensation that followed. She laid her hands carefully on the table in front of her, but placed her feet to the right of the chairs legs to make sure she could stand quickly if need be.

[Rowena Ravenclaw]

Rowena followed Arielle's gaze, after realising that she was probably looking for the landlord. Well, if he wanted something, he'd have to deal with Rowena. A small dark smile appeared on Rowena's face upon hearing Arielle's suggestion. "It wouldn't be a problem?" she asked. "I wouldn't like to bother you..." Rowena hesitated. Then she took a deep breath, gazing sadly at the glass of the firewhiskey. She would usually say something rude or mean to person who inquired such things, but this time she just gave Arielle a small smile. "It's probably nothing, but... I would appreciate you telling me if you see him meeting someone in Three Broomsticks. Especially if he is meeting a woman." she finally added.

"You are very welcome!" Rowena answered with a smile. As though guessing what Arielle was thinking about, Rowena continued "I am sure that the others will be glad to accept you. Especially Helga." The smile hadn't left the brunette's face. She slowly nodded her head. "I am sure that you'll be successful in organising your classes. You can always come to me and Helga if you need anything. We would be glad to help you." Rowena let out a small chuckle "We are dealing with dozens of teenagers, still unable to fully control their magic. It is only natural to be worried. I am still worried, whenever I have to teach them anything more complicated than a levitation spell." Rowena looked Arielle straight in the eye. "You'll be fine, don't worry."

It would be a sin to reject such a lovely offer. "Yes, please! A glass of water would be absolutely appreciated." she said sweetly. "Would you like something to drink?" it was Rowena's turn to offer her new colleague a drink. "I will pay, of course."

[Arielle Nerida Kersey]

Arielle knew that the landlord would probably give her a warning over sitting and not working, but it wasn't busy and she couldn't see him so she didn't bother to worry. “It's not a bother or a problem, I'd be glad to help” she smiled, though a little worried by the dark smile. Arielle wondered if there was something romantic between Rowena and the Headmaster, though she wasn't to know about any of that. She'd faked having a fiancé for god sake.

She smiled softly, “I can do that, I'm quite happy to do that, nothing illegal there” she replied. She would have refused if the favour was something illegal, on moral grounds but she couldn't see Professor Ravenclaw asking for something illegal. It didn't seem to be her style, but people did mad things all the time. She grinned at the Professor. "I do miss Professor Hufflepuff” she mused softly, Helga had been brilliant with the Hufflepuffs. She was so kind. “Thank you ma'am, I hope that I won't let you down” she spoke after a moment of thoughtful silence.

“I always did get the theory side of classes so planning them shouldn't be too different” she mused, she didn't the planning and the essays, it was the spells she hated. “Thanks you Professor, that is a very kind offer, I will probably take you up on it in the first few lessons” she added. She nodded along with what Rowena said. “It must be rather worrying, even if you are brilliant at magic” she said, her tone slightly envious. She hated being jealous, but she was jealous of Rowena's control and skill in her area of magic.

“I'll go and get that for you then” she said about to walk off when she was shocked at the kindness of Rowena's offer. “I'd quite like a glass of water myself, but that's free so you won't need to worry about paying, thank you for offering Prof... Rowena” she said, testing out using the professors first name, she hurried off to pour the two drinks, from two bottles of water, and came back with two ice cold glasses of water, she placed one in front of Rowena and one in front of herself, as she sat down again.

[Rowena Ravenclaw]

Rowena was satisfied with Arielle's response. "Thank you." she said. If he was really seeing another woman, than she would learn about it within minutes. Rowena was certain that she could trust Arielle. "I am very glad that you are willing to do that for me." Rowena was wondering if she had made a mistake and accepted Arielle's offer to spy on her lover. However, as Arielle said, they weren't doing anything illegal. "I would never ask you to do something illegal." she said seriously.

Rowena smiled at Arielle's reaction when Helga's name was mentioned. "She'll be glad to see you." she said. "You have my full trust. I know that you won't let me down." Rowena spoke softly. Then she silently listened to Arielle's musings. Rowena offered another smile "You can come and talk to me if there is anything you need. It is a bit hard during the first weeks, but it gets better. It is actually a very interesting job." Rowena smiled, feeling a bit awkward, yet glad that Arielle had such high opinion of her and her talents. "Thank you, Arielle." A slight envious note in Arielle's voice didn't escape Rowena, but she decided to ignore it.

Rowena had to laugh at Arielle's expression when she used her former professor's first name. She wouldn't have minded paying for the drinks, after all they had to celebrate Arielle's new job. When Arielle brought their glasses, Rowena grabbed hers and took a large sip of the water. The cold liquid had much better taste than the firewhiskey. "Thank you." she smiled again, placing the glass gently on the table. The firewhiskey lay next to it, completely forgotten.

[Arielle Nerida Kersey]

Arielle smiled to herself. This was the kind of thing she was used to. Spying. She had always spyed on her 'marks' before playing her little tricks, just to see what would make them tick. “If I can help you then I will, you have given me the chance of a better job, and a job I am sure I will love” she smiled, though she liked the bar work, she didn't love it. Honestly she wished she had gone straight to Rowena and asked for the job after graduation, but she'd been to naïve to ask.

“I didn't think you would, you are too good for that” she said looking into Rowena's eyes for a moment. Arielle grinned “I hope so, it's been a while since I saw her” she said, trying to cast her mind back to the last time she saw Helga. Her heart leaped when Rowena said she trusted her. It was always nice to be trusted. Arielle being a Hufflepuff, saw loyalty and trust as the main traits she looked for in a friend.

“Thank you Rowena” she said using the teachers given name again, and felt a little more comfortable the second time. She added “I'm sure it is very interesting, I mean you are shaping the lives of young witches and wizards” It was that kind of thing along with the opportunity to work with animals that made Arielle want the job in the first place. “Not a problem” she said quickly, waving it off. The young girl often found herself wishing for a better control over the spell casting, what good was a witch who was too afraid to cast a spell.

She sipped at her water eagerly, to quench her thirst and wet her dry lips. “S'alright” she mumbled against the water in her mouth. She blushed at how bad manners that was. “Sorry about that, probably shouldn't talk while I'm trying to drink” Arielle smiled lightly, and placed the drink down on the table again, the glass chinked against the wooden table.

[Rowena Ravenclaw]

Rowena was wondering if Arielle did this often. She was wondering if other people asked her to spy on someone for them, their lovers or friends, siblings... but Arielle didn't seem like that kind of person. She was bright and observant, but most certainly not a bad person. "I hope that you'll be satisfied with your job." Rowena said, somewhat worried. She hoped that Arielle wouldn't quit the job as some of their former colleagues had. Rowena hoped that Arielle would come to love the job.

The professor smiled; she herself wasn't a bad person and she always tried to do the best thing, but Arielle thought too high of her. "Oh, you're flattering me." Rowena gazed into Arielle's eyes. Helga was always so kind to all of her students and it was no wonder that they all loved her. Helga would be so glad to see one of her students working in Hogwarts.

Rowena nodded her head, taking another sip of her water. She had been so thirsty without realising it. "Students can be hard to deal with sometimes, but at the end of the day you realise that you can't live without your job. You can learn from them almost as much as they learn from you." Rowena looked pensieve for a moment. Then she continued. "Some things will come on their own, you only have to relax and everything will be alright. You have to trust in yourself." Rowena smiled when Arielle blushed. The girl was merely thirsty, just like Rowena had been. "That is probably a good idea." she chuckled.

[Arielle Nerida Kersey]

Arielle tapped her fingers idly against the desk, thinking over the many times she's spent hiding around corners and idly waiting close to her target, trying to catch a word or phrase from their conversation. Other people had indeed asked her to spy for them. Not often, but it was something she'd done. She wasn't too proud of the times she'd been caught out. “I'm sure it will be more satisfying than this” she said gesturing to the pub. Though good work, it wasn't something she'd be proud to say she'd done. It wasn't 'life changing'. She was sure she could carry on working here at night-time and in the weekends, she wasn't a quitter.

She shrugged, she thought her words were true, that Rowena was indeed an incredibly good person “I'm just saying what I think” she said. Arielle reminisced over her years at Hogwarts delightfully. She had loved the school even if she had struggled with some of the work. She missed being in the dorm. In the dorm she'd been surrounded by people and now in her little flat it was so lonely.

“That sounds nice, plus it would be a job where you are constantly surrounded by people” she sighed. “I guess some of them are unruly” she grinned “and those Slytherin's can be judgemental” she laughed, she remember how the Slytherins acted, she had been at the receiving end of many slurs such as 'mudblood'. She picked her glass up again, her fingers lightly pressing against the glass. She sipped again at the cool water, grateful she'd remembered to pick out the cooled ice. Of course someone else had made the ice, she'd just picked it out.

She smiled at the look on Rowena's face, did she really enjoy her job that much? Arielle hoped she'd feel like that. She certainly didn't feel that way about this job. “I think I can relax, I'm good at that” she joked, Arielle had never been the hardest worker, but when she tried, she really did try. “I trust myself, but not my spells” she muttered. “Probably” she laughed.