[Great Hall] Carpe Diem- Seize the Day

[Prof. Hikaru Tanaka]

Hikaru sighed staring up at the ceiling of his room. Another day. Thank Merlin it was Saturday! Yawning, he threw the covers off and swung his legs off the bed to sit up. The young proffesor sat there for a few moments giving himself a few moments to fully wake up before getting dressed in his favorite outfit of a red graphic tee, black leather jacket, red belt, and black jeans. Quickly finger-combing his hair, he took one last look in the mirror and set off towards the Great Hall for breakfast.

Reaching the Hall, Hikaru pushed open the doors, the hall sprwad out before him like a massive cathedral-like chapel. Being as early as it was, very few students were about, yet tables were filled with food. Hikaru thought this was good. The more food, the better, in his opinion! Smiling at students as he passed, he walked up to the staff table, greeting his colleagues as he found a place to sit.

Hikaru had just sat down and was about to pour himself some tea, when he heard a voice in front of him. A voice that made his breath catch in his throat, a voice that made him go weak at the knees, that made his hands go cold and clammy. A voice, that could only belong to one person....Victoria Potter....

[Prof. Victoria Potter]

The bed creaked loudly as she rose from it. Her feet hitting the cold floor sending a shiver up and down her spine before she found her fuzzy slippers and put them on so she could move. Hanging on a hook outside her closet door was a robe the old lady kind made of terry cloth, the kind that was warm and comfortable. As was her custom Vicky went to sit infront of her vanity mirror and what she saw almost frightened her to death. Vicky had been on her best behavior when it came to her drinking, but it seemed without it she couldn't get to sleep. She was up most of the night tossing and turning.

Only one way to fix that mess. She headed for the shower and took a nice long leisurely one. There was a vast improvement but makeup would have to conceal the dark circles under her eyes. After everything had been applied it was like voila a brand new woman. She had to get used to being sober but it was hard for her.

Deciding not to dwell on that in her room all morning she headed for breakfast in the great hall. Food always made things seem better it just had a way. Since it was still early there weren't many people around which suited her just fine. One of her students grabbed hold of her before she could reach the table and said they had a joke for her. Bending to hear it Vicky's face turned pale and then red. Someone so young only a third year telling her such a dirty joke. Part of her wanted to laugh cause it was funny but the other half of her had a duty to do. After a polite telling off the student apologized before going back to their own table.

Vicky couldn't help it she grinned it was really funny. the staff table was empty except for a few teachers Vicky said her hellos but then one in particular caught her eye. Hikaru the flying Professor. Vicky made a beeline for him "Thinking about me" was the flirty comment she made before sitting down next to him.

[Prof. Hikaru Tanaka]

Hikaru smiled at the sound of her voice. "Well, that depends on rather you were wanting me to." he replied. He smiled as she sat down. "So, how have you been? Any good classes? Horrible classes? Classes that have bored you to tears?"

Waiting for her answer, he poured his tea, and filled his plate with food. "So, how have you been?" He lowered his voice, "Do you still need someone to talk to, and help you out?" he asked, his voice nearly a whisper.

He knew what Vicky went through. He wanted to help her...but...what if she didn't want his help?

[Prof. Victoria Potter]

"Touche" were her next words as she winked at him. "I certainly wouldn't have a problem with you thinking about me." Being bold was not something foreign to her even though she was usually more subdued at school. Too many gossips running around. Hikaru had been awfully sweet to her and Vicky in turn enjoyed being around him like now. He was easy and didn't judge her the way others did. "Lucky classes have gone well for me so far no ones tried to tie me to my chair and take over the class" what an image that made making her giggle a bit.

Hikaru asked her how she was doing and Vicky knew what sense he meant it. He had seen Vicky on a bad day and he was cool so Vicky felt she could trust him. "I'm coping. Sleeping is hard though I toss and turn all night. Thank you for asking. So tell me how are you doing?" Her stomach started to get all fluttery like she had butterflies the way she did when she really enjoyed someone's company.

[Prof. Hikaru Tanaka]

A small nod and smile. "Well, I have nothing to do today, would you like to go flying with me?" he asked looking at her. Did she even fly? He hoped she did. If not, maybe she would let him teach her.

He smiled again, "So, did you think of me?" he asked, half-joking, half- serious. He had to admit, he often thought of her himself. As if that wasn't obvious.

He sighed quietly as he looked around the room. He wished he wasn't so shy...that he could talk to people how he wanted to...

[Prof. Victoria Potter]

All the offers Vicky received from men she had never had one ask her to go flying with them. He seriously impressed her. She hadn't gone flying in so long she started to wonder if she even remembered how. Surely a broom was like riding a bike but one could never be too sure. Only one way to find out for sure. "Flying sounds like fun. Just be patient with me I haven't been on a broom since graduation from here. I'm probably real rusty. You may have to re-teach me a few of the basics." Pouring herself some orange juice Vicky took a quick sip finding it very refreshing.

Swallowing the juice Vicky heard Hikaru's next question and she was so glad she had swallowed because she would have spit it out right there. Biting her bottom lip Vicky tried not to look guilty, but she was. Vicky thought about him often. Meeting him in the staffroom some weeks ago. Vicky was taken with the man. He had an amazing singing voice and he was a good guy. Vicky sat and wondered how to answer him honesty was probably best since her face probably gave her away already. "I think of you," but there was no elaborating on that.

"Maybe we should head out before the quidditch teams start coming out for practice. I remember Saturdays being very popular practice days."