Abstruse

Lately, Gale feels like the air around the castle has become rather stuffy. The place had indeed stood the test of time and he would very much like for it to go another century. He remembered when he first got his acceptance letter from Hogwarts, proudest day of his life, he couldn’t wait to get out of his house. Years later he has his own little class to teach, nothing too special as the professor for defense against the dark arts.

He prefers arriving early to class, preparing some of the materials he will be teaching throughout the day. Gale opened the blinds to his class, elegantly flicking his wand whilst taking off his coat. Spring was around the corner and the room was heated enough. He pulled out stacks of copied materials from his bag and watched as the paper flew to each table, landing neatly on the worn wooden desk.

The door creaked open and he smiled as the second year kids started to enter the class. Never occurred to him that he prefers to work with children rather than adults. When he was their age, all he ever wanted was to be an Auror. They were the real deal, fighting dark wizards and always having to travel back and forth to the muggle world. Once he's been there, to indulge in muggle things, like riding a rollercoaster.

However, he had come to a distaste toward the whole ministry of magic and their old rules. He just didn’t like the idea of kissing the boss's ass and being all nice to a douchey co-worker. He let that dream go when he was offered a position as assistant professor.

His students greeted him one by one as they entered, some waving their hand and others only nodded in acknowledgement. Gale stood up from his chair as he noticed the class was filled.

“Good morning everyone, how are you today?” He started the class with his usual greeting as he leaned against the table, arms crossed around his waist, putting up an encouraging smile towards the students and almost all simultaneously shouted, good, great and he could catch a few groans as well.

Defense against the dark arts could be considered one of the rather intimidating subjects but Gale is determined to break that stigma. He hummed when the class settled down, nodding as he lightly scratched his cheek in a thinking manner before resting it on his palm.

“That’s very good to hear. I’m rather jealous really, I couldn’t sleep last night” some of the girl student's expressions change in pity and concern, soft ‘awww’s echoes in the classroom. He chuckled, amused at their reaction. One student, Lillian, brilliant as ever raised her hand and Gale’s attention immediately went to her. He gave her a soft nod signaling for her to proceed with the question.

“Is it because of the recent fanatic group? I heard they are targeting young wizards and witches to join their army!”

“Yeah! I also heard they are heading to Hogwarts right now!” the girl next to Lillian added with much enthusiasm.

“OMG, they could already be here!” another chipped in with a hint of fear in her tone, raising concerns in the class. Gale scanned the room and hushed whispers started to fill in the space.

“The castle is huge though, how can you be sure?” One boy now commented, obviously not affected by the girl’s rather absurd theory.

“That’s the thing dumbass, the castle is huge they could be anywhere!” She argued, too sure of herself with her voice rising in annoyance. Sighing, Gale should break it off before it gets out of control. He cleared his throat and stood up straight, pulling their attention back towards him. He placed his hand on his hips and pulled out his wand in another.

“Now, settle down. We don’t know any of that for sure,” he flickered his wand as he proceeded to walk down the middle of the class. The books on the desk sprung open to Gale’s desired page as he walked past every table.

“However, I can guarantee that Hogwarts is safe. But, to make sure to test your own ability, can anyone tell me which is the most commonly used disarming charm?” Most of them raise their hand, eager to answer; and with that the class began without much discussion into the whole fanatics.

He only had three classes that day but his brain was fried. He swings his wand to gather the pop quiz he made the fifth year student do. Most of them were barely passing his class, he isn’t particularly fond of teaching older students per say. As most of them preferred to pass notes and some would blatantly flirt with him.

Gale lets the moonlight shine through the huge window of the classroom. It was clear that night he could see thin clouds moving about and flickering from the stars. He lets out a content sigh, just peacefully enjoying solitude. No one to scream at him, no one telling him how useless and worthless he is, like he said earlier, Hogwarts is safe. It’s his safe place too.

“Wow look at you all bathing in the moonlight vibe.” Her heels echoing with every step until she stops right beside him, leaning on the table to enjoy the view as well.

“Hi Marge, how was muggle studies?” she shrugged her shoulders, “Same old stuff, you?”

The taller of the two responds, mirroring the previous act, shrugging his shoulder and frowning his lips for dramatic effect, “Same old,” he said with a hint of tease. She playfully slaps his shoulder and giggles nonetheless.

Marge here is married to a muggle, sadly, she doesn’t earn the same kind of respect from many of their peers. To think wizards and witches think they are much superior than muggles, yet the thought of marrying one is still absurd. Gale is half-blood himself, so he relates to any sort of muggle life that Marge shares with him, having spent his whole childhood with them.

“Actually, I do have a bunch of kids talk about some fanatic group again today. They say the troublesome individuals might be heading for Hogwarts.”

“I wouldn’t worry about that.” Gale said reassuringly, looking back at the full moon. There had been talks about the so-called fanatics for almost a week or two, but no real evidence has ever come off of it. For what purpose and goal is still in the dark.

“Well, you don't, but the headmaster does…” Now this caught Gale’s attention, he eyes Marge. She smiled knowingly, she has more information that she isn’t letting out. He searches her eyes and as if on cue her smile widen as Gale had figured out what possibilities ensue,

“Oh god is she–”

“Yes! Inviting Auror to stay at Hogwarts!” Marge really likes Auror, Gale was pretty sure that she initially befriended him because he was in the Aurorial Appraisal. He doesn’t dislike Auror, nor that he belittles what they do. But, some Auror at the program was just too arrogant to his liking, unnecessarily loud and rude to muggles and even alike. Gale huffed, his shoulder fell a bit and Marge claps her hand together

“Cheer up! It’s nice to have new faces around for a bit, a little bit of change in our routine,” that does sound rather pleasant, there aren't many professors in Hogwarts. Well, there is professor Crosby, but he was practically married to his plants, the guy spends an unhealthy amount of time in the greenhouse.

They share a bit more classroom shenanigans before Gale finally feels like his stomach was demanding for dinner. The two of them head out to the great hall short after, walking side by side in comfortable silence.

When they arrived at the great hall, Crosby was seated in his usual seat waving at the two approaching professors. Marge waved back and Gale was too busy greeting the students they passed by to notice the expression on Crosby’s face.

As both reach their table at the front of the hall, then Gale notices the group of strangers to the right of their table. They were in a tight circle, seemingly in the middle of some sort of briefing. Gale looks at Crosby and the other mouthed, ‘Aurors’, confirming the blonde’s thought.

Gale took his usual seat between Crosby and Marge, fixing his coat so he won’t sit on the long tail. Gale could practically feel Marge vibrating beside him, she has no shame in checking them out. There were four people so far, the three nodding at whatever the lead Auror was saying. Man, he was the tallest of the bunch, hands on his hips as he occasionally pointed here and there, emitting a noticeable commanding aura. The long dark blue coat also helped him look intimidating, he was wearing a three piece suit and a tie, with the ministry symbol as his tie pin.

Marge cleared her throat and Gale’s heart skipped a beat, embarrassed as he was caught checking out the lead Auror.

“That’s your type, isn't it?” she wiggles her eyebrow and before Gale could form any sort of denial Crosby added, “The lead Auror? Oh definitely, I mean look at that shoulder, am I right Gale?” he winks and leans back on his chair as he and Marge laughs, satisfied with teasing the DADA professor.

Gale sighed, defeated, but he couldn’t help but smile at his friend’s antiques. Shaking his head as the two went on coming up with a makeshift scenario on how the two would hit it off.

The two only stopped when the headmaster entered the hall. She headed towards the Auror and shook each of their hands, presumably welcoming them before having a little chat. It barely lasted five minutes as she then dismissed them to their designated seat on the left of the hall. They were seated within eye-view of the trio to their right. Marge made a knowing look towards Gale and Crosby did the same whilst Gale was struggling to keep a straight face, so as not to invite any attention towards him.

The headmaster began her usual dinner speech. The Aurors are here by the request of one of the student’s powerful parents and the ministry of course. They will be patrolling on both evening and day for a week, until further action needs to take place. Apparently the whole fanatics rumors had reached the parents of a good amount of students.

“... and I would like to invite Mr. John Egan, lead Auror, to say a few words to our students and Hogwarts staff,” Marge and Crosby both mouthed the Auror's name whilst side eyeing Gale, who now couldn’t keep his straight face and just decides to hide his face in his palm.

He wasn’t even paying attention to whatever John Egan was saying because my god, the two are acting like teenagers, completely bewildering him.

“...Our professors would be more than delighted to assist with any sort of requirements you might need, please feel free to ask.” The headmaster finishes and John nodded a ‘thank you’, walking back to his seat. Gale looked up as John stole a glance towards their table and for a millisecond their eyes locked and John smiled.

Dinner was fine as usual, the house elf never ceased to amaze. Steak cooked perfectly and he was glad it had become the topic as soon as dinner started. Crosby and Professor Bubbles were debating which plant could tenderize veal meat in less than a minute. To be honest, Gale was terrified to hear such a thing was possible, was it even safe to consume? Marge had butt in with an input of a muggle’s recipe that Gale was much more familiar with.

“I must say it's easiest to just let the meat soak in soy sauce and salt.”

“What is soy sauce?” Professor Bubbles asked, he was a pure-blood so he might have a different name for muggle ingredient, however Crosby was more than happy to elaborate. Gale was half listening to Crosby whilst he finished his meat, cutting the last piece off the fat and popping it in his mouth.

He wiped his mouth with the towel tissue and felt a nudge from Marge’s elbow, he whipped his head towards her and she leaned closer to his ear, “Mr. lead Auror Egan has been stealing glances at our table all night,” Gale almost choked on his own saliva

“Don’t be silly, Marge. You are just imagining things.” he said, trying to busy himself with folding his tissue and straightening his utensils. Marge huffed, she knew Gale was shy but honestly this is just straight up denial, she must do what is necessary.

“Well Gale, you should brace yourself because I am not letting you die alone.” Marge said as she stood up from her chair, making a rather loud screech against the wooden floor. Most of the students and some professors had finished up for the night, and the majority of students preferred to take dessert to the dorm to accompany their studies.

The Aurors seemed to sense it was a good time to tune in for the night and stood up from the table, well John first of course, and as on cue with the headmaster approaching him. Gale watches as he takes a sip from his cup, Marge was making her way towards the pair. He was struggling on swallowing plain water as he watched Marge shake hands with John, smiling and laughing. John had his hand in his pocket listening to Marge and the headmaster saying things he couldn’t make out, by Merlin’s beard he wished he was a legilimens right now.

Gale was curious what Marge was saying but his intrusive thoughts were screaming for him to escape the scene before he was further involved. Gale excuses himself to Crosby and Bubbles who was still on about some type of plant, slowly pushes his chair back to not drag attention and straightens his coat. As he was stepping out of his chair however he heard Marge call out to him, shoot

“Professor Cleven, could I borrow you for a second?” Gale closes his eyes, curses to himself and walks calmly to the trio in conversation.

“Evening headmaster, and pleasure to meet you Mr. Egan,” Gale smiled his friendliest despite having murderous intent at Marge. John took his hand and it was a strong and firm handshake, Gale could swear it lasted three seconds longer than a normal greeting, but he wasn't opposed to it.

“Pleasure is mine professor. I heard you teach defense against dark arts?” Gale darted his eyes towards Marge and back at John, nodding.

“Yes, it’s my fourth year teaching at Hogwarts.”

“He is the finest teacher in Hogwarts, ever since he taught the subject, no students have failed the class. True miracle worker.” Marge added with much enthusiasm, with a suspiciously extra emphasis on the word ‘finest’. The headmaster raised an eyebrow at Marge but nodded in agreement.

“That’s exceptional,” John commented. Gale wanted to melt into a puddle. The atmosphere was rather awkward. He feels like it's his mother and aunt trying to set him up with a date at their cousin's wedding.

“Indeed. Perhaps due to similarity within the field of knowledge surrounding dark arts, I can assure Mr. Egan would be in good hands with professor Clevan.” what

The headmaster looks at Gale and without waiting for a response she claps her hand together and smiles, “Brilliant, it is settled then. Professor Clevan can help the Aurors settle in and perhaps give a bit of a tour of the castle. Please report to me if you encounter any inconvenience.”

“You were also head boy weren’t you, professor?” Marge unnecessarily adds and it finally confirms in the headmaster's head what they were implying. She chuckles mostly to herself, ah young love. She bid the group good night, but not before handling some papers for the Aurors room assignment and map of the castle.

Gale could see in Marge’s eyes that she was doing an internal dance of victory, whilst patting herself in the back as ‘the greatest wingman ever’. He bets that was what's going on in her head. Crosby joins the group and introduces himself to the Auror.

“Gorgeous pin,” Crosby commented, John thanked the shorter professor and cleared his throat.

“I haven’t introduced you to my team, my apologies. This is Curt, Rosie and Frank.” They all exchange greetings and Rosie immediately starts talking about the steak again which got Crosby excited and the two were lost in their own little bubble.

Gale reads the paper assigned to him, apparently the Aurors' rooms were spread across the castle since there are four of them so they all took each respective section of the castle. Gale opened the map that was given by the headmaster and kindly circles each member’s room on each map so they could have an understanding on where they are.

“Do you need help?” John offered when he saw Gale opening and closing each map. He shakes his head, pen cap between his lips and he circles the last map. John stares at him amused and waits as he finishes putting the cap back with a fine click.

“Here is your map, I circled your room to get a good idea on where you are.” Gale handed John the map and he felt their skin brushed against another. Stay focus Gale, you are 32, you don’t need this.

“Shall we begin the tour?” Gale offered to the group.

Everything happened so fast, he wasn’t that vocal compared to the rest of the members of the group and somehow they ended up splitting the job. Turns out Rosie and Crosby are both graduates of Ilvermorny in which they bonded over quickly over one nasty Arithmancy professor back in the days, “Can’t believe she is still alive!” Gale caught Rosie commenting as they separated towards the marble staircase.

Curt and Frank were Hogwarts alumni and they respectfully denied any form of tour and preferred to roam nostalgically around the castle on their own. Marge bid her goodbye as the boys have settled into their own separate group.

John’s room is assigned at the north side of the castle, on the sixth floor, they had turned an empty classroom into a suite for the week. It was quite the walk there but the tour is inevitable.

They first headed out to the south courtyard, some students were still roaming around the area, some chatting and gossiping, a few actually studying or reading a book. John observes as Gale greets back every student that says hello to him. Exchanging one or two sentences, some girls even added a giggle or two.

“They weren’t kidding when they said you were popular,” John remarked as Gale bid a good night to one of the first year students.

“I wouldn’t say popular. I’m just… doing what teachers do at school,” he shrugged and shyly darted a look at John, before diverting back towards the hallway. John hummed, placing his hands in his pocket.

“So what house were you in?”

“Take a guess?” Gale teased, unsure of where the spike of confidence came from as he addressed John, only to be greeted by the warmest smile. John lets out a nervous chuckle, scratching behind his ear.

“Oo, you have to give this Durmstrang graduate a hint on that matter.” he has a nice laugh, Gale thought. He smiled back, feeling a bit silly that he forgot John wasn't familiar with the four houses.

“That’s alright, just define me by color.” John whistles, and pulls out a thinking face. Closing his eyes and looking up at the ceiling before opening one of his eyes to let out a small, “Hufflepuff?”

Gale frowns, playfully, failing to hide his smile “And what made you say that?”

“Hufflepuff is the yellow flag, am I correct? You just seem so bright and nice, like sunshine.” Gale widened his eyes, it was barely noticeable but John caught the micro expression and cleared his throat. His smile was replaced by an awkward fist to his lips.

“Sorry, that was unfitting–”

“No! I think that's… sweet. Thank you.” Gale gave him a reassured look and John breathed out his nervousness, his friendly demeanor back on his face.

“I’m a little curious, why Durmstrang?”

“Easy, I just wanted to be as far away from my family as possible. For the challenge of course.” Gale hummed in response and John continued, “And, I wanted nothing more than to be an Auror. Durmstrang basically specialize in teaching dark arts, and what more to fight dark arts than to get into one, right?”

Gale nodded, that isn't bad logic. He crossed his arms as he felt a rather chilly breeze as they approached the exit towards the suspension bridge. John was talkative to say the least, kept complimenting the architecture of the castle, comparing it with his own school. Gale only gave out an appropriate response, wanting to keep the interaction both professional and friendly.

They continued toward the north courtyard where Gale pointed out each classroom and the astronomy tower. Through the courtyard they headed up stairs, towards the second floor.

“This is the Library, there is a restricted section at the back, but you cannot access it without the headmaster's approval. There is a second floor library, just through the study hall, entry from the third floor.” Gale explained and John nodded whilst acknowledging some students who were still out and about with a polite nod.

“Where is your class then?” Gale wasn't sure why he was taken aback at the question, but of course John wanted to know, it was his class.

“Just up this stairs,” John gestured for him to lead the way and silently followed behind

They enter the moonlit classroom and John’s attention is immediately directed towards the massive skeleton hanging above the room as decor.

“Is that a Hebridean black dragon?” John pointed up like a kid, barely containing his grin as his mouth opened as he observed the well preserved skeleton. Gale laughs this time, surprised at the discovery of this new side.

“Just the skeleton but, yeah it is. Brought here by professor Hecat back in–”

“1878.” John finishes, “During the Great Poacher Raid. I know my fair share of history, professor.” John winks and Gale ducks his head down as he blushes like a little girl. He wasn’t expecting the sudden shift to confidence and arrogance coming out of John; just a few seconds ago he was like a child given candy and now Gale can’t even associate the word ‘professor’ in a non-sexual manner.

Gale tries to hide his smile as he leans against his desk, mouth covered by his dainty fingers, as the other arm crossed across his waist. Marge said it was a habit he picked up when he was nervous, simply a small act of trying to keep his composure from crumbling.

“That’s your office I presumed?” John eyed the staircase behind the black board. Gale looked up then nodded unmoving from his previous position.

John turns his attention towards Gale now and takes a careful step to the other male, still keeping a reasonable distance between them. Gale prayed to all that is magic that John couldn't hear the pounding in his chest.

His eyes nervously looked everywhere but at the young professor. Gale could sense he was nervous and it's making him way more nervous. The blonde opened his mouth to probably just end his suffering and call it a night with the Auror, but once again beaten to it;

“You know, I don’t think I’ve seen the, uh, clock tower back there,” John gestured with his thumb pointing at the door, eyes finally meeting. Gale tried to hide his surprise, he doesn’t want to assume the other was interested in him, personally.

“Well, I assumed it was getting a bit late to explore the south building at this hour…” Gale dragged the sentence, tilting his head to the side finding it difficult to give a solid reason.

“So, tomorrow then?” John sounded hopeful, maybe it was the late hours fucking up Gale’s perspective.

“I have class tomorrow…” Gale clicked his tongue, unsure. He went around his desk, pulling out his book to check on his agenda from one of the drawers.

“Oh what time?” John breathes out, fingers fidgeting at the edge of Gale’s desk, as he leans into it a little, anticipating the professor’s answer.

“In the morning and another at 2.35 PM,” Gale confirms as he reads his makeshift table in the notes. John hums, it was noticeable that gears were shifting in his head trying to muster up the courage to keep the conversation going.

“We can do it before lunch?” John shoots almost no thought behind the sentence. Gale saw the panic and the other quickly added, “Only if it works for you, of course.” He cleared out his throat, nervous once again whilst shrugging his shoulder in a nonchalant manner, putting his hand back in his pocket.

“That’s fine by me.” Gale notices John’s body visibly relaxed as he responds to the request. He wanted to say a date proposal but it’s too early to decide what John's intention was, he could just be really friendly with everyone for all Gale knows.

“Fantastic. I’ll come by then.” John smiled, one of his toothy grin and it's contagious, so Gale mirrored it in response and nodded.