[Library] First Patrol

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

One week into the year and Ash was still trying to wrap his mind around the fact that he was a teacher at the school he’d been a student at only a couple years ago himself. He had seen the look Dante had given him at the start of term feast, and knew that when Dante confronted him; he’d have a lot of explaining to do. Oddly however, Dante had not confronted him. In fact, Ash hadn’t even seen Dante after the feast. Normally Ash wouldn’t have thought anything of this had it been someone else. But when Dante was involved, Ash got worried. The boy was probably just biding his time, waiting to corner Ash somewhere.

Right now though, Ash didn’t have time to think about that. He was on duty, patrolling the darkened corridors, making sure no students were out of bed. Those that were, he stopped them and sent them back to their dorms. Things were going pretty well for his first patrol. Not many students were wandering around tonight, and those he caught quickly headed off back to their dorm. A few tried to give him an attitude, but the threat of having a few points taken away, and a detention if they continued to argue, quickly shut them up.

It was twelve-thirty, which meant that Ash was almost done with his patrol. It ended at two am. Two and a half hours left. Although he was glad he hadn’t had to yell at too many kids, he was still hoping for a bit of excitement. Rounding a corner, he heard footsteps against the stones. It wasn’t the loud clunking of inexperienced first years, but rather the soft thump of an older student. Someone who had been sneaking around after curfew a long time; raising his wand and lighting it with a quick "Lumos", Ash called out. “Whoever that is, it’s past curfew.”

[Dante Nikolas]

It was late, Dante knew it was but he had a very good reason. He had been one of the three who had shown up to the half eleven Astronomy class that night. Dante had tried desperatly not to fall asleep but staring at stars had made him incredibly sleepy. He hated Astronomy lessons due to the fact one prefect or another was always trying to corner him coming back to the Ravenclaw Common Room. Yawning as he found himself in the corridors, it was dark but he darent put the light on with his wand in case the portraits began to yell at him. Instead he felt his way along the long corridors hoping he could find his way back without falling asleep in a huddle.

However, as he rounded another corner, a voice sang out in the darkness followed by light. This is all I need. He thought crankily to himself. "Yes Mr Pompus I know." He said as he rounded the corner and came face to face with Ash. His so called friend who hadnt even told him he was to be a professor. "But unfortunatly our dear Astronomy Professor doesnt care for curfews." Pulling out of his pocket his timetable he thrust it at Ash, "See, Monday... eleven thirty to twelve twenty five. Astronomy." Sighing, he took the timetable back off Ash and tried to walk around him but found his path blocked by the older guy. "So, now you're not going to let me past either? Come on Professor, I need to get back to my common room." Taking a step back he looked at Ash through his tired eyes. The younger boy was unsure how he should act around him now he was a professor, annoyed at him cause he hadnt told him he was going to be and quite peeved about being up so late, so Dante was not in a very happy mood right now.

"Look, Professor." He tried to keep his voice polite, "But I really need to get back before I get in some serious trouble." He tried to get past, but he wouldnt look Ash in the eye. How was he supposed to be? Hug on sight? I dont think so. Hugging a professor was so far out of the question it was unreal. Sighing again he leant on the wall and dropped hi bag on the floor, it was obvious Ash was not letting him pass. "Do you want something, sir?" His voice was still gentle and polite, but it was clear Dante wanted to get away.

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ash raised an eyebrow. To say he was shocked was an understatement. "Woah, Dante, what's gotten into you?" He looked over the timetable and nodded. "Ahh Astronomy... I'd forgotten about that." he admitted with a sheepish laugh. Ash wondered why Dante was acting so hostile, then remembered... he hadn't told Dante that he was going to be a teacher....

"Dante look, if this is about me not telling you that I came back to teach, then I'm sorry. But that's no reason to be so hostile. I just wanted to surprise you. I guess you don't take surprises well though." He sighed with frustration as Dante continued to call him 'sir' and 'professor'. "What I want is for you to stop calling me that, and stop walking on eggshells around me, acting like I'm going to give you detention at any moment." A smile softened his words. "I'm still your friend Dante, I'm.... just your teacher too." Ash flashed his signature quirky grin at his friend.

"Well technically, I'm not your teacher... since you don't take flying... not that I know of anyway... but still." Ash smiled as he wrapped an arm around his friend's shoulder. "Come on, let's go before someone else comes along."

[Dante Nikolas]

He knew he was being difficult but he couldnt help it. He was tired and annoyed, not to mention a little bit confused and hurt because Ash hadnt told him. He also felt a little awkward. How were they supposed to continue thier friendship, as close as they'd become, when he was a professor and Dante was still a student? "Nothing, why?" He wasnt going to tell Ash the reason he was being so off with him. He shifted his weight uncomfortably from one foot to the other while Ash didnt seem to feel the awkwardness at all. Of course, that only added to his own. "Well its been a while since you were here..." He amended in a small voice.

"I usually do like surprises." His voice was still quiet, it didnt have an edge but it was distant. Dante still wouldnt look Ash in the eye either. He wasnt being hostile, at least not intentionally but what could he do? He couldnt see them going back to how they were. His eyes scanned the floor as though he was seeing something interesting in the stone, but in reality he was just avoiding the older boys gaze. "I'm sorry but I cant." He said simply with a shrug. "You are a professor and you could give me detention at any moment. I'm sorry I just feel awkward." He turned and rested his hands on the windowsill, glancing out over the forest. "You're a teacher, and while you're a teacher how can we be friends? Professor's are supposed to stay professional with students."

"Maybe not but you are still a teacher." Dante wouldnt take flying as he was terrified of the thought of it.. Ash knew that, so did everyone who knew Dante. He felt an arm around his shoulder as he was pulled along. They passed the Ravenclaw common room which was when Dante stopped. "Give me a minute." He said and walked through into the common room. It took him about five/ten minutes. He dropped off his bag, changed into his jeans, t-shirt and a jacket and walked back out to Ash. Although, he felt like just crashing on his bed but nevermind. "Where are we going?"

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ash sighed, running a hand through his raven-black hair. He should've known Dante wouldn't make this easy for him. Sapphire eyes gazed tiredly at the boy he considered to be a friend. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you Dante. I didn't know it would upset you this much. Believe me, if I had, I wouldn't have kept this a secret from you."

He laughed lightly at Dante's detention comment. "True. I could." he smiled at the younger boy, "But I won't. Do you have any idea how often I was out after curfew? And I graduated not even three years ago I'd be a hypocrite if I gave you detention for doing something I used to do." he laughed again. "I mean, at least you have a valid excuse. I was just out because I was bored."

Ash shook his head at the 'professors can't be friends with students' comment. "And just who told you that? Look at me and Dan Hubbles. Did you know that while I was a student here, I considered him to be one of my closest friends? Still do in fact. If I ever need anything, or need someone to talk to; I know I can always go to him. That's how I want you to feel with me."

They reached the Ravenclaw common room and Ash stood patiently outside while Dante went and dropped his things off. Dante came out and asked where they were going. "Well, I'm just making my rounds if you'd like to come with me, you can. Or if you just want to stay here and go to bed, that's fine too. In fact, that's probably a better idea."