Rocking Around the Christmas Tree

[Sloane Halliwell]

The castle was decorated in such a lovely manner and because Sloane adored Christmas she had decorated every inch of the Hufflepuff common room and then with what she had left over she had decorated the Professors Common room as well. She loved Christmas probably more than she should, but she used it as an opportunity to start over and let this be the one day she didn't think about her past. She was a dreamer of course and always looking to the future, but she always had something holding her back, whether she wanted it to or not. Setting everything up wasn't even hard and so she had more than enough time to get some alcohol into the place as well. She didn't have any on her (as she never drank in the presence of her students, or even with the risk of being seen by them) but she had known that a couple of the professors had stashes with them and so she'd made sure to ask them to bring some with them to the party.

It wasn't really a party so much as a bit of a booze bash, but they probably wouldn't all get too drunk. Sloane wasn't likely going to drink any knowing how she was with alcohol and what she tended to do when drunk, but at least this time she would actually have somewhere to go if it did come to that. Grinning to herself and waving her wand (which she didn't get to use as often as some others given she was the muggle studies professor) and everything set itself in place nicely. It was still early, but she had made sure that everything was good for when the others got here. There was alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages that lived the walls and all the food was in the middle of the room. She'd left the chairs and lounges where they were, because they weren't troublesome at all. It just made less work for her. When the first person entered the room, Sloane turned and grinned at them. "Merry Christmas!"
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[Eduardo Orbon]

Eduardo wasn't sure about the holiday season because half of it he would be spending in Havana with his family, in secret to avoid his unfortunate ex-partner, and the other half with his roommate/colleague and his family. While most professors, he assumed, would be enjoying this break unless they were on duty to take care of the students who had stayed he knew there would be just a few poking about so before he went up to his office to pick up the present he had gotten Jon but not trusted to keep in their shared house he decided to get himself a large cup of tea as a treat for returning to work when he should really be on the beach with his younger cousins, playing a bit of quidditch before exchanging gifts. Sadly he knew his friend too well to trust leaving his gift at home because it was sure to be opened ahead of time.

Not thinking about any festivities that the professors might throw so he walked into the common room and nearly dropped everything he was holding, which happened to be a lot, because he also had to bring with him his suitcase as he was to floo out to Havana almost immediately. The woman who had surprised him was one he had not seen all semester thus far, making him wonder if she was a professor here. Perhaps she was confused as to who actually could enter the common room because as far as he knew it librarians and caretakers could not. He knew many caretakers here seemed to overstep their job description, allowing him to believe she was the same. He eyed her curiously and walked into the room, mumbling, "Yes, you too." All he wanted was his tea, not a party with someone who wasn't a colleague.

 

[Monty Pendleton]

Monty was not particularly pleased about his current predicament, for though he loved his colleague Arvo dearly, he did not fancy himself a taxi, which was exactly what the elder professor had turned him into. "I've got ten NEWTS, you know," he pointed out as he descended the last portion of the staircase, Arvo riding on his back and 'steering' him in the right direction. The Potions Professor's voice was lightly humorous, despite his efforts to sound indignant; he couldn't really stay angry with Arvo for long - not even when he pulled terrifying pranks on him.

Soon (but not soon enough) the two professors arrived in the common room for the Christmas party of sorts Sloane had put together. "Off," Monty instructed, his smile once again enfeebling the impact of his tone. He crouched to let Arvo oblige, and then headed across to the only other person in the room he really knew. "Professor!" he said, habitually referring to Sloane by her title. "How lovely of you to organise this. The place looks terrific."

GM approved

 

[Jon Phillips]

Christmas was a merry time of year indeed. And especially so for those who could not wait to open their presents, and who searched high and low every year in order to sniff the hiding places out before that faithful Christmas morning. Jonathon had always been one of those people, a man child and a complete dork in every respect who put in all the effort he could to find his Christmas presents even if it caused him to hurt himself or venture into the most unusual of places. That evening Jon's search brought him back to Hogwarts, specifically Eduardo's office as he failed to find the gift the other professor had brought for him in their now shared home. The other professor's office seemed to be the only possible hiding place left for Jon to look. But it wouldn't be the easiest place for him to break into considering he couldn't find the office key nor knew of any spells that could open the door to the office without alerting other members of staff

That was why Jon sighed to himself as he entered the professor's common room, formulating a plan of how he could find the gift and open it. Unfortunately he couldn't think of anything other than stealing the key from Eduardo when he wasn't looking, but that would be a difficult feat let alone a possible one. He was so focused on his plan that he was already at the drinks table, pouring himself a glass of juice before he realized a Christmas party was underway. His jaw was slightly ajar as he took in the atmosphere of the room and the other professors hanging around. Conveniently one of them was Eduardo. Jon nodded to Eduardo before he walked over to Monty, smiling at the older professor and greeting him. "Evening Monty! Happy holidays." His friendship with the potions professor was newly established but he was more than happy to make small talk with him while he further formulated a plan to steal Eduardo's office key before the night was over.
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[James Woodlock]

The semester had been pleasantly quiet and it seemed as though the addition of his cousin to the students ranks hadn't upset the apple cart as much as James had expected it too. Of course there had been some incidents which hadn't been a surprise, he knew Lucas wouldn't be able to keep himself out of trouble for an entire semester, it was just too much to ask. With Lucas now safely at home for the holiday where he was his mother's problem, which meant he was free to relax for the few remaining days before he headed home to his own family for the holidays.

As far as the staff Christmas parties went James wasn't often in attendance, often choosing to head home early to see his family. He decided to make an exception, and as ever his wife was supportive of it. After all it was about time he socialised more with his colleagues who he spent the best part of the year with. James made his way into the common room where the part was held, from what he knew the party was being threw by the muggle studies Professor and Hufflepuff head of house Professor Stark, she wasn't someone he spent a great deal of time with, but neither was anyone else. "Merry Christmas Sloane," He greeted the woman opting for her first name and dropping the formalities, there were no children around after all. "The room looks amazing," He said as he made his way over to the drinks table and placed two bottles of fire whiskey on it. After pouring himself a glass he returned to the host, "Any plans for the holidays Sloane?" He asked taking a sip.

 

[Arvo Tuuri]

Arvofelt absolutely no regrets as he guiding Monty through the castle by the hair (some of those turns were sharp, you know). He didn't quite yank it out, as he didn't want to be thrown off, but he held firm and gave his hair a pat as he hopped off and fixed his waistcoat. "Good job on your NEWTs, Monty," he replied happily. "That doesn't make you any less like a carrier, though." And off he went to greet the hostess of this years party - Professor Stark herself. Standing beside Monty, he nodded his agreement. "Yes, quite a lovely set up indeed. Good work, Sloane!" He didn't know the Muggle Studies professor exceptionally well, but the conversations they had had were pleasant to say the least. "If you two don't mind, I'll be heading for a drink," he added, giving Monty and Sloane a friendly wave, before wandering over to what he was promised - some alcohol to brighten up the night.
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[Sloane Halliwell]

Sloane's first guest was not someone she knew, a new professor most likely. She was about to pop over and greet him, only he didn't appear to want her to be near him. Well, okay then. Unphased, Sloane turned around when she was greeted by the ever cheerful Monty Pendleton. "Professor Pendleton," she started and looked down as the part goblin hopped off, "Professor Arvo" Upon first meeting, the small professor had instructed her to call him Arvo, but she still retained her insistence to be respectful to her elders and so settled for Professor Arvo. "Thankyou! This is all I had left from decorating the heck out of the common room, I'm sure my kids will hate me!" Christmas all over the place for them and she didn't care how annoying it would be. "The alcohol is to your left Professor Arvo!" She called over her shoulder as she was sure that was where he was heading.

Others also made their way in and Sloane greeted them happily. "Professor Phillips, classes have been good I trust?" she didn't know him very well despite being her educational neighbour, but she didn't mind, she was happy for all the professors to be here. Things had been rather boring since Elvera had left, she missed the bubbly professor. Almost four years she had been a professor, she was going to have to do this more often. Soon enough another professor was entering the room and she excused herself from her conversation with Monty and smiled at James. She'd not chatted much beyond pleasantries with the man, but she knew enough to enquirer about his family. "Professor James Woodlock, glad you could join us!" She didn't usually see him around for the holidays, no doubt he was with his family. "I've not got much planned, I might go and see my parents, perhaps my grandparents in France, you never know. How's the family?"
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[Wren Louise]

One of Sloane's donated alchy stashes belonged to Wren Louise, who was sitting in his favourite chair in the common room with a pair of reindeer antlers sitting askew on his head. He was quiet as usual, but brimming with contentment as he watched new Professors, old Professors, young Professors and mature Professors (plus one tiny, ancient Professor) file in and exchange season's greetings with one another. If there was one holiday he loved above all others, it was Yuletide.

Professor Louise was a very wealthy young man, and fortunately he'd remained so because he'd pulled himself together and gotten a job after his parents threatened to cut him off. It was the scariest and most rewarding decision he'd ever made, to apply at Hogwarts in New Zealand, and after his third successful semester of teaching, he was fully prepared to shower his fellow staff members with gifts for supporting him through it. Along with helping Sloane set up, he'd also donated a colossal Yuletide tree that stood in the corner of the room, sparkling merrily with trinkets and charms that he'd insisted on hanging himself. Tucked beneath it was an equally large pile of gifts, with each Professor's name written in curlicued script on a little parchment tag on the top.

The Frenchman was unlikely to see his coworker's reactions if he didn't get a drink in his hands, though. He had a lollipop in his mouth and was starting to doze even as the chatter picked up in the room.​

 

[Eduardo Orbon]

As Eduardo had been uncertain as to whether this woman was a professor he had been keen to ignore her blatant disregard for what was work-appropriate. While he enjoyed a drink, he didn't appreciate alcohol in the work place. They were in charge of the care of children, after all. Children with access to weapons if used correctly and as he had heard of a few events resulting in near tragedy. He didn't appreciate the copious amounts of alcohol, letting the common room seem more like a fraternity party and booze bash then a place of higher learning. He might have to agree with Aeon if this was what the Head Mistress allowed to occur in Hogwarts. How this could be a regular occurrence astounded him. He frowned to himself as he made his tea, not wishing to ruin the hard working staff's fun but he felt that a holiday party should be about coming together, expressing their pride for their work and their students and mostly having cookies with hot chocolate. They were professors not ski instructors, after all. They didn't need apres anything. Plus half of them were elderly, to put it politely. He hardly thought fifty-something year olds would appreciate going on a bender.

It was at this time he heard a familiar voice and he turned curiously at his house mate. Knowing he wasn't due at the school currently he was surprised to see him there and with his tea now brewed to perfection he walked over, careful of his office key, and said, admittedly unsure of the first man's name, "Hello Prindlytin, Jon. I wasn't aware parties were held here." He tried to keep his voice calm and free of judgement at the situation but he really was a terrible actor. It was then that he looked over at the blonde woman and nodded in her direction, glad to see her leave so he could lean in closer to Jon and ask something of him. "Who is that?" He looked puzzled and indeed was as he said, "I thought she was a caretaker." He held no judgement for those in that career path, but knew it was hardly at the same level. He couldn't just go about claiming to be a Healer in the same right even if he had taken both Herbology and Potions as a student. Certain things needed expertise. However, if she happened to be a professor he would be quite surprised and perhaps even a little apologetic.

 

[Monty Pendleton]

Monty gave Arvo a sideways look of disapproval, shaking his head. A carrier! Monty was going to have to think up an extraordinarily good prank to exercise revenge on his good friend. Until then, he smiled at Sloane, engaging in conversation with his colleagues for a short while until Arvo strayed away to the drinks table. Unable to keep himself from perceiving the contempt in Eduardo's tone, the Potions Professor raised his eyebrows in amusement before heading away to join Arvo.

Sliding up beside the part-goblin, Monty patted the miniature man's head and said, "Go easy on the eggnog this time, won't you?" Monty pressed his lips together to keep himself from grinning, for really he had handled his alcohol far worse that fateful night than Arvo. "Shall we take Wren a drink?" he suggested, nodding in the direction of the snoozing Frenchman and pouring himself a glass of something tame.

 

[Arvo Tuuri]

Arvo sipped his drink happily, always enjoying a bit of a drink at a party, and gave a wave to the Hufflepuff HoH for guiding him to the drinks. It was always nice to have fun with friends, and unwind after the year and get to rekindle his friendships and acquaintances with his fellow professors. It was a shame that his wife could not join in the festivities, but as she was not a professor herself, she was presumably at home planning some horrible prank to make up for his absence - at least one of a higher caliber than his dear friend's attempt - sometimes he still cried from laughter just thinking about it.

He wiggled his nose disapprovingly at Monty, knowing all too well who nearly knocked themselves out after two sips of his son's eggnog. "Whatever you say, Monty," he replied, swatting Monty's hand away from his head. At the mention of Wren, however, the part goblin snorted, but couldn't disagree - this would be great. Pouring the Frenchman a generous glass, he nodded to Monty and walked over to the snoozing Divination professor, giving him a gentle poke in the ribs. "Up you wake, Wren," he cooed, holding up the drink in offering. "Get this in you." He slept far too much - it was a party!
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[James Woodlock]

James helped himself to another drink as Professor Stark greeted some new arrivals. He ashamed to say that although he knew the names of the men entering the room and what they taught, that was where his knowledge of them stopped. James was pretty bad when it came to socialising with his colleagues, he had been teaching at the school for a number of years but still wasn't in a position to call anyone who worked with him his friend. With a fresh drink in his hand James made his way back over the Hufflepuff head of house, who upon turning her attention back to him asked about his family. "The family are great, the Mrs figured I should hang back for the Christmas party for once, actually be social for once you know? I think she just wants to enjoy having me out of the house for a little longer," He laughed. He knew that wasn't true, with four kids running around Margarette would no doubt be grateful for the backup when he did return.

He grinned as Sloane told him that she may go and visit her family in France, he nodded along having some fairly pleasant memories from his own time in France. "Ah, I love France, well Paris specifically, I have Paris to thank for the triplets as it happens," He chuckled as he took a sip from his glass before realising he may have shared a little too much. "I apologise for the overshare, I may have had a few of these in my office before coming up here," He smiled awkwardly at her.

 

[Cyndi Kingsley]

Figuring she'd go for a little while, enjoy some food, and then leave early to head home, Cyndi entered the professor's room. It was beautifully decorated, and she found herself smiling at the tree that was up along the wall. It kept her gaze for a few moments, fond memories filling her. Turning, the woman had a wave and a smile for her colleagues. They all seemed friendly enough, though her duties as an HoH and as the wife of the Minister of Magic that she often felt out of touch with them all. Still, she tried to not let the isolation discourage her and attended these events when she could.

Grabbing a few cookies- she favored sugar cookies- Cyndi managed to find a bottle of water amid the alcoholic beverages that dominated the table and swiped it up as she moved closer to the tree to admire it some more. It really was beautifully decorated.

 

[Sloane Halliwell]

With the party getting under way, Sloane left most of the Professors to their own devices as she focused on her conversation with one of the Herbology professors. She nodded at he claimed his wife may well have wanted him gone and laughed slightly at the thought. "Oh, I hardly think so, I'm sure she means only to make you interact with the people you work with!" They were fairly close in age, something that was not as common in this work place as in her previous place of employment. Sloane liked that some of them were older than her, a feat not as rare as she would have liked. She'd been in the job for four years, there abouts, and was very much enjoying it, even given her position. She didn't always have a lot of time for her fellow colleagues, and probably spent more time with the other heads than she would have strictly liked, especially after the Chaos incident - she was determined that would never happen again - and was rather appalled that he had been a Hufflepuff. "Maybe she's got a surprise for you!"

Sloane didn't know much about his family at all, but it was a possibility, after all, it was Christmas. She laughed at the overshare, but shook her head. "Don't worry about it, I don't even remember what you said." She told him, giving him a slight reprieve. She didn't mind the comment, but if he was a little concerned about it, she would be happy to make sure he didn't have to be. "If you'll excuse me, Professor, I really would like to sample some of this alcohol." Hopefully there was some Vodka. Wren Louise had been a tremendous look, and she noted with some humour, that he was currently being flanked by Professors Pendleton and Arvo. Perhaps they could keep him awake for a while. Sloane found the vodka and grinned in delight before taking a bottle and some glasses, walking past Cyndi and greeting her happily, and walked over to the Professor who'd appeared first and her neighbour. "Do either of you like Vodka?"
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[Monty Pendleton]

Monty grinned devilishly, following Arvo across the common room to the sleeping Wren. "Upsie tiime!" he contributed unhelpfully in a sing-song voice, sitting on the arm of the sofa and sipping his drink. The party was unfolding well; (most) everybody appeared to be enjoying themselves, the decorations were fabulous, and Monty wasn't feeling too anxious - something which would not usually have occurred at a party until after a drink. He chatted to Arvo and Wren, reminiscing over holidays passed and of the fun they had shared with each other that year. After a while, Monty perceived that Cyndi was standing alone; and though she was admiring the Christmas tree, the Potions Professor thought that she might appreciate some company. "I'll be back in a moment," he told his friends, slipping from his perch and heading over to Professor Kingsley.

"Spectacular, isn't it?" he said as he moved up to her side, smiling thoughtfully. It was not without courage that Monty had come to stand here; he and Cyndi were no longer uncomfortable in each other's company, but the latter was still a source of some anxiety for Monty, who respected the Ancient Runes professor highly, and who sought to appear respectable to her in return. "Have you any plans for the holidays?" he asked, angling his body to address Cyndi more than the Christmas tree.

 

[Professor Misha Haden]

Professor Misha Haden liked the holidays, mostly because it meant time away from teaching, and opening the bottle of alcohol that sat under his desk for the semester right for this occasion, so by the time Misha had remembered that there was a staff party, he was already half way through the bottle of the dark liquid. The man who'd had a somewhat rocky semester, his family was never one to kick up a fuss about things, but Misha's mother had apparently gotten sick, and had decided that she was definitely going to die, which had taken Misha away from his work and back to his mother in Russia, everything had been fine in the end, but it had been a stressful time, so though he'd done a little less work than he would normally do, he felt he definitely deserved this end of semester drink. The man had actually really enjoyed this semester of classes, he didn't know what it was about this semester where everything just felt good, the young students seemed eager and keen to learn, and there always seemed to be an attentiveness in his classes from most of his students that just gave Misha more energy to teach.

But right now, as he stood up, with the bottle at his lips, he realised that perhaps standing up hadn't been the best idea, the room spun but not too much to make it uncomfortable. The charms professor made his way to the professor's common room, standing up straight, and focusing more, giving the illusion that he wasn't as drunk as he probably was. He entered the room and greeted the people in the room with a warm smile, he glanced at the different professors already arrived, he knew most of them, and then zero'd in on his friend in the bunch, Jon. Misha took long strides and drunkenly hugged his friend, with little thought to if he might want such affection, "Happy Holidays," he said, both loudly and joyously, he still had the open bottle of dark liquid in his hand, and he held it out to Jon, "Here, you want some?" the man offered, "I'm getting snacks," he then proceeded to just push the bottle into Jon's hands and then went to grab food, filling his arms before returning to Jon and beginning to munch the food he'd gotten, "I love this time of year," he commented off handedly looking at Jon as he greedily ate the food he'd gotten, "Do you like it?" before he leaned in slightly to the younger man, "I'm a little drunk," he admitted before chuckling lightly.
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