[Staff Room] The Expulsion of Loren Hayes

[Loren Hayes]

It seemed word of two students making their way to the Headmaster’s office had passed on ahead of them, for as Loren and Dax rounded into the corridor that led to Professor Darrow’s office the statue that eternally guarded entry and whom accepted nothing less than Professor Darrow’s personal choice of password, simply jumped aside without question, although a harsh glare followed Loren as she climbed the spiral staircase.

Fear had subsequently been replaced defiant, silently bubbling rage. Loren practically flung Dax’s hand from hers as she barged into the circular office, heading straight for one of the two chairs set up in front of the Headmaster’s desk.

‘I don’t care if he expels me!’ She shouted at Dax without looking at him. ‘I’ve had enough of this bloody place, and all its bloody people!’

Her voice broke and she ceased yelling, afraid that she might reduce herself to tears again. Who was she crying for exactly? The only person in her eyes who deserved any tears was herself, but she knew it’d do no good. Would Professor Darrow really expel her? She intended fully to tell him what Professor Hubbles had tried to do – something which was much worse than giving someone a few nasty cuts – and that would surely make her crime lesser…

Portraits were muttering, but Loren refused to acknowledge them. Right now she was training herself to believe that the sacking of Professor Hubbles would provide her with enough justice to believe her own punishment was worth it… so far, it wasn’t working.

[Dax Simmons]

Dax followed Loren like he was told and he could tell that Loren was fuming, well furious and knew it would be best to remain quite then risk saying something and having his head bitten off. And as soon as they entered the office Dax could not help but smile as Loren shouted around the office, however he wiped it off his face as she clamed down. If she saw him smiling he feared she would turn on him.

After a few moments of silence it seemed that Loren was thinking hard about something, Dax really wanted to say something and make sure that Loren was alright, that she knew he would fight her corner. Moving forward in his seat Dax reached out and took hold of Loren’s hand and squeezed it tightly. With a soft smile Dax knew what to say.

“Loren everything will be fine, you will not be expelled and I am willing to bet my happiness on it. You will be fine, Darrow is a sensible man and will see reason.“

He gave her hand an extra squeezes and moved back in his chair looking fondly on at Loren. Dax never thought he would ever feel like this about anyone and yet here he was staring at the most beautiful girl he had ever met, and although she had character flaws just like anyone she was such an amazing person he could not imagine himself with anyone else.

[Loren Hayes]

Loren tried to smile as she listened to Dax, although it was a sad one. 'I just wish I could've competed in the tournament is all... I hate the idea of that stupid girl beating me...' Loren's eyes narrowed as she thought about Girty, her heart filling with loathing and rivalry. Hufflepuff hadn't had any sort of victory in over a hundred years - and Loren wasn't about to let them get one now. The Ravenclaw looked at Dax, a stab of guilt hitting her. Here she was slating the Hufflepuff house, when her own boyfriend was one! Loren wondered, briefly, if she would've felt differently about him if he'd been in any other house...

The gold and silver clock in one of the many glass cabinets chimed to the late hour. Darkness pressed against the windows outside. Would Loren being leaving her school without even getting to look back on it in daylight?

Several of the portraits were now pretending the be alseep in preperation. She leaned round her chair and looked at the door expectantly, when one of the portraits spoke.

[Prof. Darrow]

"So you're the girl creating all this upset eh?" Demanded the stern faced man from within his portrait.
"Really Fomars, was such a comment strictly necessary?" Lightly questioned a kindly looking witch, her features motherly and affectionate towards Loren.
"Course it was, Egdelene" Stated Fomars indignantly "she needs to learn her place..."
"That place being the same as any other student Fomars." Intruded a plump witch with gleaming sharp eyes which bored into the dark haired wizard who scowled back in return.
"Now Daphne, he said nothing explicitly about blood." Cautioned Egdelene with a drawn look, she had grown weary of their on-going argument about the pureness of blood.
"Yeah, I'm on about her," stated Fomars jabbing a finer towards Loren, "attacking a teacher, it's disgraceful."
"Even in self defence?" Interjected an eccentric old warlock, literally bouncing up on down upon his strange contraption of a chair, he seemed genuinely concerned to know the answer.
"Yes, even in self-defence, he must have known precisely what he was doing, teaching her a lesson I'll bet, and I hope she's learnt it." Fomars had to raise his voice to contend with the angry murmurs from several disgruntled Headteacher's. But as reasoned arguments were formulated to counter the coloured views of Fomars the voices suddenly ceased and snoring immediately started from a few indivduals, one Headmaster's was so loud it was clear they had literally fallen asleep. Quietly they now awaited the verdict of the present Headteacher.


Time is a curious phenomenon, there is so much and yet so little too, and right now Darrow didn't have enough time on his hands. Days would go by with little difference and alteration, but then everything would happen at once, leaving the mind reeling. Such was happening on this fateful day.

Darrow strode purposefully along with the destination of his office in sight, the stone gargoyle lept obediantly aside with a wide smile, clearly half hoping the Headmaster would raise his voice as he forcefully expelled the disgraced pupil. Calmly entering his beloved office Darrow smiled wanly as his various trinkets caught his eye, a sheathed crystal blade with an emerald encrusted pommel lay upon his desk, a painting lay face down upon an oaken surfaced cupboard, polished to gleaming. Snapping his attention towards his students his smile wavered as he settled himself onto his chair. Silence reigned supreme as he clasped his hands before him upon the desk, his gaze lfiting calmly from each pupil, resting upon the nervous girl his smile returned, slightly diminished and not so heartfelt, but reassuring and with a touch of lightness. "Well," he breathed "you've certainly given me plenty to ponder upon Miss Hayes." Glancing up at the beaming eccentric Headmaster, he took comfort in his unnerring trust.

"You realise the gravity of the situation I'm sure, please relay what took place in detail. I needn't state the complete truth is necessary." He stated with assurance.

[Loren Hayes]

Loren's jaw jutted out as Headmaster Fomars condemned her. She was about to thank the kindly headmistress when the grind of stone rumbled beneath her feet, indicating the gargoyle had leaped aside to permitted Headmaster Darrow. Loren looked at Dax with desperate eyes, the two of them shared an aspirated look before the door opened, her executor walking in.

Resting her elbow on the armrest, her forehead in her palm, Loren gave Headmaster Darrow a forlorn sigh. 'There isn't really much to explain - one minute I was talking to Andrea Riley, trying to find out the answer to get into the common room -' Loren's eyes flashed with guilt, as it was against the rules for Ravenclaws to use another student's guess for entry. 'And the next, he was throwing me over the banister!' She shrieked impetuously.

Whispers were suddenly being exchanged all around their heads, and with an impatient tut Loren sat up straighter, her arms poised as if sat on a throne. 'That - that spell just came out of nowhere, I swear. I didn't even know I knew it. I didn't mean to hurt him that much, but I was so scared! He didn't look like he knew what he was doing at all - he looked absolutely deranged!'

Loren looked round at Dax imploringly, only to remember he hadn't been there. 'Ask Andrea Riley - she was there! She's my witness.'

[Dax Simmons]

Dax looked over at Loren feeling slightly worried as Professor Darrow asked her to tell her side of the tail. He listened closely, wondering if the rumours match her side of the story. However when it got to the part when Dan was throwing Loren over the banister he could not believe it, he would not believe it. He had got to know Professor Hubbles well over the years and it sounded like something he would not do and he never came across as a very strong man.

Frowning Dax turned to look at Darrow and studied his face, he seemed to be taking everything and reaming rather calm it was more the Dax could do. His hands were gripping tightly onto the arms of the chair as he wondered what could happen to Loren, had she really meant to hurt Dan. She did hate him but Dax never thought her capable. It was then he noticed Loren look over at him, was he meant to say anything, should he defend Dan or Loren.

“If you excuse me for speaking out I do not think that either of them acted that way on purpose. It does not sound like Dan to throw someone over the banister and if he did why did no one else stop him? But then Loren would never mean to do a spell like that, it is dark magic, she is not a Slytherin. Dan must have done something really bad to cause Loren to…to…”

Dax broke off, he was talking faster then he could think. His mind was going around in circles and he dared not look over at Loren as he knew that he had just defended his head of house more the his girlfriend. It must be true, Dan must have lost his mind and tried to kill Loren. He was at a lose, slumping down in his chair Dax just looked at the edge of Darrow’s desk wishing he could just vanish.

[Loren Hayes]

Loren looked sideways at Dax as he spoke, scrutinizing his tone of voice and expression, trying to determine his loyalties. He seemed to be battling with not only trying to remain on the fence but the fact that he would have to side with someone eventually, which for him seemed to be nearly impossible. Loren felt like crying as she watched him try and justify both of them - making Loren sound as much a lunatic as Professor Hubbles in the process - when she knew she would never have defended a Ravenclaw just because they were a Ravenclaw.

Who are you in love with, Dax? Me, or Professor Hubbles? She thought despairingly.

Loren looked away from him now, her eyes glassy. 'Despite what I said, I actually do think he knew what he was doing. He's hated me since the first day we met, and this isn't the first time he's attacked me! Dax, you were there is Hogsmede, remember? When he took advantage of me under that love potion? He wasn't out of his mind then, was he?' Her voice was purposefully icy, waiting for Dax to try and squirm Professor Hubbles out of this one.

It's me or him, she glared ruthlessly.

[Dax Simmons]

Dax’s heart sank, he had heard that tone of voice before. Still not wanting to look at her he pushed himself up in his chair a little more so he could have a proper look at Darrow. Here he was again having to decided weather to decided between his house and the love of his life. Sneaking a sideways glance at Loren he saw the her cold complex, she was waiting for him to slip up. That is when he made his choice the only way was the truth.

“Well you were under the influence of the love potion and were rather ruthless. And come on it is Dan, he hates you so much that he would never want to be beaten by you at anything. You could see him actually finding it hard to physically touch you. But I think he was in the wrong, he should have know something was up, I think he may have had a bit to drink before hand.”

Dax turned to look at Loren actually starting to feel the fire in his belly, it was relief to actually say all this out loud. His voice wavered a little at the start as panic came over him but he some how found the confidence to continue.

“But come on, I told you we should have left but no you stayed and had to look at the love potions. You’re the most intelligent person I know, you should have known the dangers. And Girty has told me about other situations, how her brother got burnt supposedly that was you as well. However...” Dax turned and addressed Darrow. “ Girty thinks that Dan may have used an unforgivable curse. Loren mentioned something to me about dreams, I looked it up in the library and it maybe he wiped her memory of it. I think you need to talk to him about that, could be serious and no one has the right to do that and not to my Loren.”

Sinking back into his chair Dax looked over at Loren with a stern face, he did not care what she thought at present. The truth needed to be told and if he had to risk everything with her to do it then he would.

[Loren Hayes]

Loren, convined that Dax was once again going to drop out of defending his one and only, turned back to Professor Darrow to declare that, if she was going to be expelled, then Professor Hubbles was going down with her. However, before she had even opened her mouth Dax was suddenly jabbering away, his face turning red as he critised Loren into the ground.

‘Oh, so it’s all my fault that I got drugged?! A typical MALE response to a –‘ Loren was cut off abruptly as Dax held his hand up to her face, silencing her as he carried on. She glowered at him furiously as she prepared to shout, but then he did something she hadn’t expected: he denounced both Girty and Professor Hubbles right in front of Darrow.

And mentioned an Unforgivable.

‘That was real…? THAT WAS REAL?!’ Loren practically screamed.

Thunder crashing overhead would’ve suited Loren’s feelings to a ‘T’ round abouts now. Of all of foul, disgusting, down right arrogant things that so-called man had ever done to her, this had to be the worst. Kissing her, pulling her hair out, trying to toss her over a banister… none of them compared to being made to do his biding, to bowing before him – to losing. The humiliation pained her like fire, and her thoughts were literally paralysed with the amount of things she suddenly wanted to do to Professor Daniel Hubbles, the most loathsome creature anyone anywhere had ever had to suffer.

‘…no one has the right to do that and not to my Loren.’

The lightening striking in Loren’s eyes died down, and she blinked slowly, replacing her unquenchable fury with tears. Torment and misery were so thick in her throat that she could barely breathe, but for all her anguish and embarrassment, a small bubble had swelled in her chest at Dax’s final words. He was on her side at last.

‘Oh, Dax…’ She sobbed, smiling. ‘Thank you, thank you, thank you! You really do care!’ She leaped out of her chair and onto Dax now, smothering him in a lung-crushing hug, kissing his face all over passionately and unrelentingly.

[Dax Simmons]

Dax held his breath a she looked over at Loren. Her face seemed to be a picture of anger and rage. He knew that she was still trying to work things out but then something happened. The anger cleared away like a frost melting away at the first heat of the winters sun beamed down on it. Then there eyes met, the cold glare he had received before had gone, they were how he remembered them, like at the ball all those many months ago.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! You really do care!

Dax was slightly taken aback at this statement, did she not realise that he had always cared. Maybe he did not show it enough, maybe it seemed to her that he put his loyalty to his friends above her. As she came over to him Dax forgot that Darrow was even in the room, it had been a long and emotional night and just to be able to hold Loren was enough for him. Hugging and gently kissing her back Dax pulled away and brushed the hair out of her eyes and dried her cheeks with his sleeve.

“I have always cared. Even after meting you in that poxey little teashop I cared. Loren I love you more then anything in the world and I am sorry if….if my actions never proved that to you. But I always cared.”

His grin only grew wider when Loren said that she loved him, every time she said it he could not help but grin like an idiot. It made him feel complete, and that everything could only get better between them. This was just another hurdle they needed to get over and although as normal Dax stumbled and it was up to Loren to pull him over it. He liked to think it made them stronger, they both made just as many mistakes as the other and they always helped each other out, it was their own little system.

"Everything is going to be ok. We will get through this together. Darrow has no leg to stand on, Dan is the one at fault not you."

Kissing Loren once again Dax tried to block out the sound of the portraits around them were muttering, many of disgust; ‘Doing such a thing in front of the headmaster’, others saying; 'it is about time we get to see some romance, 150 years I have been up here and not one single kiss'

[Prof. Darrow]

Steepling his fingers all Darrow had to do was listen. Casting a solemn calculating gaze between each as they spoke, he pieced together the events with a true artist's skill. Chuckling with mirth as his presence was forgotten with the lustful emotion of the moment, he smiled knowingly, raising an eyebrow as the two kissed each other fervently with a keen gusto. Respectfully averting his gaze, it alighted upon Fomars' look of complete outrage and disgust, he was pleased to note he'd even been rendered speechless but the act. Noticing Egdelene's joyous tear filled eyes his own heart was gladdened, as she exclaimed, "'it is about time we get to see some romance, 150 years I have been up here and not one single kiss."
Darrow chuckled and remarked, "you must have missed mine then Egdelene, or am I too old and wizened to count?" He questioned wryly.
"It's young love that means the most though Darrow." She stated with a knowing shake of the head.

Yet one remark stood out, "no leg to stand on indeed?" He questioned suddenly his voice rising just above their smooching, his narrowed eyes glittering and focusing purely upon Dax, his bright brown eyes shrewdly analysing the boy.

"Did I not impress upon you the severity of the situation?" He demanded cooly, taking control of the floor. The office remained eerily silent a moment, all conversations ceased; Darrow's sharp look was enough to drive the two lovebirds apart. "Please don't tell me how to do my job Mr Simmons," he said calmly, his calculating gaze upon him.
"Professor Hubbles shall be dealt with soon enough, first I've you to see to." Diverting his steely gaze over to Loren, Darrow sighed ruefully shaking his head. Clearing his throat he passed his judegement much like he had done during his time in the Wizengamot.

"Miss Hayes, your actions were irresponsible and rash, a man nearly died...yet that is guilt enough for you to bear I deem. Given the dire nature of the circumstances and the evidence offered; I shall not expell you." A faint smile lightened his weathered features.

"But do not jump for joy yet, you must learn from what took place, the authority as Headteacher shall not be seen as weak. You will report to my office hence forth every Wednesday evening for tea and crumpets." Breaking into a smile Darrow finished, "add to that what little teachings and wisdom I can offer you."

"Do you repent your actions and ask forgiveness? Not only from others but yourself included, one so young shouldn't live with guilt. Oh you must apologise to Professor Hubbles...and mean it sincerely." He finished solemnly, no smile gracing his lips. "I trust you realise I've put my neck upon the line for you? Please don't disappoint yourself."

[Loren Hayes]

Loren’s rose-tinted little bubble of her and Dax sharing a perfect kiss abruptly burst. Headmaster Darrow had remained silent only long enough to make the whole thing very awkward, and at his powerful stare Loren clumsily slipped back into her own seat, her expression doltish with fear of his rare but well publicised wrath. Although he seemed to be breaking Dax apart with his almighty gaze, Loren felt equally subjected to it.

There was an excruciatingly long moment where the man let them stew in anticipation, and Loren almost jumped as he suddenly looked at her, returning to the matter at hand.

At his words Loren suddenly felt a stab of surprise. Guilt had, in fact, not once come into it for her. She had been consumed with such dire worry for her own fate that her maximum consideration of Professor Hubbles had been that his death would only place her in deeper trouble. The fact that he had been in ruins when she had left him had simply strengthened the grip of fear she had for herself, and herself alone – Loren had not once felt shame for what she had done.

If it had been anyone else, you would have felt terrible, a blunt voice reassured her. He tried to kill you. I’m sure you can be forgiven for not sympathising with him!

‘I shall not expel you.’

Loren’s insides nearly spilled themselves over the floor they were that happy for her. ‘Really?’ She half-gasped, half-choked, looking at Headmaster Darrow as if he’d just asked her to marry him. ‘I do! I mean – thank you!’ She laughed in disbelief, even finding the strength to nod appreciatively at the prospect of spending Wednesday nights in his frankly frightening presence. Her fingertips were buzzing with elation and she grinned at Dax in blissful relief.

However, her inner celebration was soon gatecrashed. ‘R-repent?’ She echoed, a puerile rebellion threatening to take over if she did not find some humility, and quickly. Pretending to be sorry was one thing – but pretending to be sorry in front of Professor Hubbles was another. No matter how or which way she said it they would both know she was being insincere. They had both learned to see the anger and mocking in each others eyes when no one else around them could. Their hate was more than just public, but there was a secret depth to it that only she and Professor Hubbles were capable of experiencing.

The worst part was that he would still count her fake apology as a victory.

Clearing her throat and sitting up straight, Loren began to talk calmly, and with great difficulty. ‘I do ask your forgiveness,’ she said, looking at Headmaster Darrow and Dax with rectitude. The next part made her feel sick. ‘And I do want Professor Hubbles’s forgiveness – no really, Dax – and I’ll mean it when I do ask for it.’ She felt like a traitor to herself, but the least she could do for Headmaster Darrow was swallow some pride. She practically owed him her wand. ‘Thank you.’ She added softly, her eyes glassy once more.