The Next Step

[Professor Kalif Styx]

The previous several months have been rather pleasant, even for someone like Kalif Styx. Ever since he asked Jacqueline to dinner, the two haven't been separated for long. The thought of being with another was extremely uncomfortable, but only at first. After the Valentine's Dance, Kalif seemed to be less tense about the growing relationship between Jacqueline and himself. She was teaching with him as well. He did hope that would not bring up complications, especially with students that have never seen their Head of House participating in school events, let alone chaperone or even leave his office for any such occasion. He had not done that since he started teaching many decades ago. The weekend came and went, and it was almost time to be back at the school for another round of teaching. He opened his eyes to the familiar quiet of his manor. With the kids out of the place, the silence deafened all around. Sleeping in was not what Kalif did often, but something that he felt he needed to do more. He looked to his side to see that his companion, or whatever she was meant to be called, was already awake.

It was rare for anyone to ever see someone like Kalif ever sleep. When he did, it was incredibly deep and quiet, almost as if he were dead. He never tossed and turned either. Someone could move his body and he would not wake up to it. At least, not in his own home. At the school, a fly could land ten feet from him and he would stir awake. While at home, Kalif was more relaxed than ever. He sat up on his bed, the dark, emerald green comforters sliding off of his form. Even after the night, he still wore a full set of clothes to sleep. The Slytherin Head of House stood up, and grabbed his robes from the rack next to the bed and wrapped them around himself, covering the scar that once labeled him as a Death Eater. That life was very much behind him, though he believed in the ideals. The leader at the time was too blind by one other. It was a royal shame.

 

[Jacqueline Styx]

Jacqueline was not a heavy sleeper under any circumstance, and sleeping in was something that never occurred in her life. She always woke up as soon as the sunlight began to pour through the windows. She glanced at the sleeping man beside her. Unlike Kalif, Jacqueline did not feel it was necessary to sleep completely clothed. She wore only a thin silk nightgown under the covers. Not wanting to disturb him, she picked up a book from the bedside table to read as was her habit when this happened.

Lately, the woman had fallen into a comfortable pattern with Kalif. They were teaching together once more, and it was impossible to keep it from the students and staff that they were in fact a couple. It was odd how serious things had turned between them in the last six months. It was something Jacqueline had not anticipated, yet, she enjoyed it. It wasn't too long before she noticed Kalif stirring next to her. She closed her book and looked over at him as he stood up. "Leaving bed so soon?" she teased with a smirk on her lips.

 

[Professor Kalif Styx]

Kalif looked over his shoulder as Jacqueline spoke to him, almost teasing him. "I thought about making Volos prepare breakfast. I believe that we need the energy after the previous night, don't you agree?" Kalif smirked slightly, as he looked over her form. Her dress contrasted heavily to his own. She looked as though she was comfortable with just one layer, and it was a nightgown. He barely showed any skin, but anyone that knew Kalif, he hated showing skin. He hated seeing his own form. Even while he bathed, the mirrors were often blocked or nonexistent. He snapped his fingers and the old elf popped in, where Kalif told him to prepare a meal. The elf bowed and went about his way. Kalif sat back down onto the bed, turning his form to face Jacqueline. "We have about half an hour until it is ready. The place is empty and I'm not expecting family for a while, so if you want to get dressed or not, that is up to you."