Chapter Text

“Just as much as it is to have proper pronunciation, it also matters to have proper wrist and wand movement. Just having one or the other would make your spell liable to combust in your face as much as you want it to do the same to whoever you use it against.” The words of Mlynar Nearl had everyone rapt in attention, most of all the niece of his who sat in the front row with eyes wide and ears eager to listen to his every instruction. If he paid any extra mind to her hand when he asked for volunteers, she didn’t take it to heart when he ignored her. The friends she sat beside however took it to some heart. “Isn’t your Uncle kind of an ass?” Eunectes questioned the other girl as she wrote down her notes. She scowled at her quill, it quickly shaking before settling down in submission.

“My Uncle? He’s a Kuranta though,” Maria bulldozed over, completely missing the context. Eunectes went to say more but a hand on her shoulder had her pause. Turning she saw Feist looking at her with a hapless expression and shook his head.

“No point, it all just goes over her head,” the Ravenclaw sighed. “At best she’ll only hear it if you compliment the man. Watch this.” Clearing his throat, Feist turned to an already laughing Rochelle. “He’s a right one ain’t he, got a lot of experience.”

“Indeed! My Uncle has fought a lot of Deatheaters BEFORE becoming the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher!” Maria agreed with a bright look in her eyes. Eunectes just had a look of abject disgust on her face before sighing. The girl’s hero worship of her family was certainly… Something.

“Miss Maria.” A gravely and otherwise contemptful voice cut through the air as the girl in question stiffened in her seat. She turned around to see a half furrowed brow of Professor Mlynar looking at her with tired eyes. His expression always seemed tired but this time it seemed exceptionally so. “Please stop disrupting class with needless chatter.”

“Sorry Uncle.”

“Professor Mlynar.”

“Professor Uncle.”

“Tch… Wrong again, but acceptable… Barely,” the man replied tiredly before flicking his wand and a series of balls began to fly out of his bag and towards the student’s desks. “I won’t be petty enough to take points away from Hufflepuff, but I will do so if it continues Miss Maria.”

“Okay Professor Uncle…” Maria glumly replied before the man turned back to the class.

“Now, everyone arrange yourselves in pairs and practice the Protego charm. We have a few varieties of items-” Mlynar continued as Maria sat down at her desk, steaming from embarrassment.

“Eventually you’ll get used to it,” Eunectes waved with her wand as she took a position just a small throw away from Maria. “He’s only been our Professor for what, a month? Month and a half?”

“Four months,” Maria sighed as she grabbed one of the balls set out by her Uncle and half heartedly threw one at her partner. Eunectes flicked her wrist and the ball deflected right back to Maria, who caught it easily. “Four months and it’s still… So weird.”

“Yet you couldn’t help smiling the entire time,” Rochelle chimed in from beside the girl. 

“Oi Rock, throw the bloody ball!” Feist shouted when he saw Mlynar look over to their group. 

“Five points from Ravenclaw, not following instructions,” Mlynar announced dully before going back to seeing over another student’s wandwork.

“Blood hell, Rochelle!”

“Relax Feist,” Rochelle chided as she tossed the ball at the mechanic’s son. “Five points ain’t gonna be much of an issue.”

“It will be if it keeps on repeating,” the boy replied tersely. He flicked his wand, but the ball wasn’t stopped nor deflected. “Bollocks.”

“Mister Feist, remember the proper form is circular, rounded curves, not ninety degree edges.” Mlynar’s eyes didn’t even turn to see the boy’s wanding error as he was more focused on the group in front of him. Feist let out a withering sigh before trying, in vain, to keep his shoulder rounded when using his wand.

“Blast it,” the muggleborn wizard sighed before looking up at Maria. “Why’s he got it out for me?”

“He’s usually more strict on people he knows can do better,” Maria replied helpfully as she easily made the wandmotion and sent the ball back to Eunectes, who returned it in turn. They had joined many of the other students in a two man ball passing game using their counter charms. A short bark of laughter came from Rochelle at her friend’s expense as she threw the ball again.

“Hear that Feist, someone’s got expectations of you now.”

“Shove off Rochelle…” In anger, Feist’s wandwork accentuated his anger as he made a sharp circular motion. Smaller than the others, but enough that the ball ricocheted off his counter charm and shot towards Rochelle’s face at a dizzying speed.

“ Arresto Momentum!” A stiff voice called out as the ball stopped short of hitting the girl’s face as everyone turned to see a very cross look on their Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher’s ebony wand, a faint glow of magic indicating his action.

“A smaller circle makes a stronger counter reaction. Do be aware of that students.” Mlynar’s voice held barely restrained irritability as Feist let out a small yelp of fear. He was saved by the bell however as the end of class was called.

“Prepare your outdoor clothes for tomorrow’s class, we will work on actual physical movements it seems.” The students quickly began to shuffle about and around the class, grabbing their materials as they shuffled to the great hall.

All but the few handfuls before as Maria approached her Uncle.

“Uncle, have you heard from Big Sis or Aunty Zofia?” the younger Nearl seemed to be unaffected by the man’s otherwise unapproachable aura as he seemed to be busy himself putting away his own materials.

“An owl mostly about their position. They send you well wishes on your Muggle Studies club,” Mlynar replied evenly. Maria beamed. “And if you’re going to ask if they sent word on WHO they’re looking for in Bavaria, no they did not.”

“But I wasn’t going to ask about any need to know information!”

“Hm, then I wonder where Fealty got the little bow on his ankle from?” Mlynar said offhandedly as red took over Maria’s ears. “They’ll be fine. They’re some of the most accomplished Aurors, however you I know aren’t the best when it comes to your classes. Pay attention more Maria if you wisht to catch up to them..”

“Okay Uncle,” Maria sighed with a smile before running over to her friends.

“Professor. At least say Professor,” the man sighed unhappily as Maria and her three friends exited the class.

“Your Uncle needs to relax,” Eunectes said as she played with her tie. Now that she and the others had left the confines of the classroom, she loosened up her stiffening robes, the top few buttons on her shirt showing a little more skin than otherwise allowed, but not many of the boys around would say against such.

“I tell him every time that he should find another hobby instead of work,” Maria agreed. “But he never says anything. Just says to work is to live, or something esoteric.”

“Esoteric,” Rochelle supplied from beside her. “And I doubt your Uncle COULD find hobbies. Didn’t you say before he used to be an Auror like your sister and aunt before he had to quit?” A look of guilt crossed Maria’s face. “Shit, sorry, forgot it was a sore subject.”

“Chin up Mari,” Feist replied with a small push against her shoulder. “Your Uncle apparently does have a social life. Franz told me that he hangs out a lot with Professor Czerny.”

“Does your Uncle play an instrument?” Euncetes questioned Mlynar's association with their music teacher.

“I… Don’t remember. I think my father used to play the piano in his spare time?”

“He needs to get laid.”

“Ah!”

“Kafka, bloody hell!”

“Merlin’s beard,” Rochelle looked at the smaller girl as she and Aosta came by. “Who needs to get laid?”

“Professor Mlynar of course,” the American shrugged as Maria’s eyes widened. “The dude seems waay too pent up. And if Maria’s right, years of playing single daddy to you and Margaret probably put a hamper on his sex life.”

“You-Wha-Eh.” Maria let out a sputtering of nonsense as she seemingly froze in place.

“Oh boy, you broke her. Got to let her have time to refresh,” Eunectes sighed. “Aosta, help me since Kafka didn’t bring her boytoy around.”

“Hey, he’s very busy.”

“Yeah, and you and he sucking faces probably isn’t helping him when it comes to studying either.”

When Maria finally came to, her friends had brought her into the great hall. Already food and students were easing their time at the tables as the other professors sat at their heads. Maria even saw the Doctor Headmaster Doctor alongside Professor Kal’tsit, though it seemed the Headmaster Doctor had to bring paperwork alongside their lunch.

However all eyes seemed to be not even on the rare Headmaster Doctor taking part as they were all drawn to the even rarer Professor Mlynar. The man who seldom only ever showed up to the Great hall save for the time he was introduced, or during special announcements. What’s more, he was even seen talking to those next to him, including the aforementioned Professor Czerny, the groundskeeper Mister Midnight, Instructor Blaze, and even the Magical Law teacher.

“Wow, guess the rumor wasn’t wrong after all,” Eunectes said as she and Aosta set Maria down in a chair.

“Uncle in a relationship??!” Maria’s voice screeched out loud enough that many people looked towards her with wide eyes before she realized she was in the Great hall. She quickly covered her mouth with mashed potatoes as many people, including her Uncle looked over to her.

“What’d your niece just say?” Blaze asked as she looked over at the younger girl as she tried to eat food in order to cover up her shouting. Mlynar, who did hear it, just raised the goblet of coffee to his mouth, not letting a reaction occur.

“Just the usual sorts of things a young girl says about their Uncle,” he muttered, though he casted a small side eye glance at the person beside him. She was otherwise engaged in conversation with the Herbology professors, although her eyes seemed icey, he noted the small smile on her eyes as his other hand carefully drifted towards her under the table. His expression softened as he made sure to not openly look at her.

To many, there would be nothing of note to see on Mlynar. To a certain person, whose pre-witching life revolved around walking amongst the many muggle gangs of New York, San Francisco, and Chicago, she noted something of note between at least one person. 

A smile spread on Kafka’s face as she saw something particularly juicy that could tell Click and freak Maria out with if she could ever confirm the identity of the second party,

S&P

Maria awoke to the feeling of something smacking her foot and she shot up with a shout. A shout that would have woken her roommates had something not covered her mouth. Her eyes widened as she moved to try and shake whatever was grabbing her. A foot found a soft area and a voice let out a familiar hiss of pain.

“Chill chill. Maria, it's me!” Kafka’s voice came from a hissing whispering in the dark before pressure on her mouth moved.

“Kafka? Where?” Maria echoed the volume as her eyes searched around. “What time is it?”

“It's only midnight. You Brits sleep so early.” Kafka’s voice laughed.

“I’m Polish…” Maria whispered before there was a shifting in the shadows at the foot of Maria’s bed and beneath a shifting cloak of darkness Kafka appeared. 

“An invisibility cloak? Where’d you get this?”

“Stole it from some rich asshole back in New Orleans, but that isn’t important. Come on, get dressed! You’re the last one.” 

“Last… Last one? Last one for what?” Maria murmured as she groggily slid out of her bed. The large white sleeping dress was being tugged by Kafka as she pulled Maria over to the girl’s own garment cabinet. “What’s going on?”

“Shh, don’t wake your roommates. And we’re going to the Shack tonight.” Kafka replied before she easily unlocked the locked cabinet. Putting her tools away, Maria blinked as the words finally reached her brain. She was about to shout once more before Kafka’s hand shot out to muffle it. “Always with the screaming-eck!” Kafka withdrew her hand when she felt Maria’s tongue slip out and lather the palm. “Gross.”

“Don’t put your hand over my mouth.”

“Don’t scream at every little surprise like in the Great hall,” Kafka fired back before turning around to give Maria some privacy to change. “It’s a little cold, so bring like a sweater or something.”

“But the Screaming Shack? It's not even a weekend. It’s against the rules. How are we gonna get there?” Maria’s whispering voice came out fast as she found herself babbling once more from anxiety overcoming her heart. “Who’s coming?”

“The usual gang,” Kafka answered the last one as she kept an eye on Maria’s other two roommates. “Plus like, a few extras.” Vigna was fast asleep, the girl’s leg sticking out of her bed, the same could be roughly said for Erato. There was some unnatural stillness from Sussuro’s bed that made Kafka narrow her eyes to see better in the dim light. And of course, Eunectes’ bed was empty, there was a lump that served as her body, but it was nothing more than carefully arranged pillows and clothes. “We got some outside help to put up with us if we need to lay low after our real fun.”

“Real fun?’
“Come on, less talking, more changing. Moonlights burning, and we gotta act fast.”

“Alright. Alright. Finished. Still can’t believe you’re bringing me.”

“I have some vested interests, but also, we’re gonna need someone at least somewhat responsible if we’re gonna head out.”

“I’m not that responsible…”

“Yes you are Marii.” Kafka turned around to see Maria wearing just jeans and a gray sweatshirt that had the Nearl family crest on it. “Didn’t know your family did merch.”

“It's from when my sister and aunt used to be on the national team,” Maria blushed as she crossed her arms over it. “M-Maybe I should change-”

“Nope, too late!” Maria felt a hand grip her wrists before being dragged under the cloak. 

“Good, they’re finally gone,” Sussuro muttered as she slid her eye mask back over her eyes. “I thought they’d never leave.”

“Hehehe.” The laughter seemed to be next to the girl’s ear before covers were ripped off of her form, leaving her shivering to the cold air. “Pricks!”

“That wasn’t very nice,” Maria muttered as she and Kafka continued to walk under the invisibility of the cloak through the candle lit halls of Hogwarts. 

“Meh, she’s got to relax just as much as your uncle,” Kafka shrugged before she stopped walking. Maria had to hunch down to avoid having their feet show and almost toppled over the smaller girl before being aided by Kafka.

“Wha-”

“Shush!”

“Crammin halls, achoo!” A rasping voice was heard as the tell tale sign of a lantern began to glow from around the corner, foretelling the appearance of Hogwarts’ groundskeeper. Miss Asbestos’ abrasive voice meant that people could tell where she was coming from meters away, but at the same time, she also had an incredible talent of always being able to sniff out troublemakers before they could complete their mischievous tasks. And as a frequent night owl, she was more often than naught, the person who patrolled Hogwarts at night to make sure people like Kafka weren’t sneaking out. 

“Sniff sniff.” The woman stopped just a hairsbreadth away from the, her lantern held aloft on a stick as she looked around. She forewent her eyepatch, allowing both girls to see the unsettlingness of her mismatched eyes as she scanned the area. “Something… Something smells off.” She clicked her tongue as she began to turn and twist to look around the corridor, knowing that something was amiss but not realizing it was Maria and Kafka beneath a cloak of invisibility no more than arm’s reach away.

Neither girl spoke, rooted in fear as they felt their hearts hammer in their chests as the woman’s lantern passed by them. Kafka was never religious, but at this point, she prayed to every god, the different muggle ones, the magical ones if they existed, and even prayed to the few named witches and wizards she learned about when she got to the school. All in hopes of Asbestos not finding her and Maria.

“Hey oh bestfriend! What are you doing?” The voice of Hogwarts OTHER resident groundskeeper/caretaker called out as Asbestos turned on her heel to see the ever familiar sight of Winter Magellan skating by.

“Oi, clean up the ice after you leave it, someone could tri-aaah!” Asbestos turned to try and walk after her friend before her foot slipped and she let out a shout as she began to slide on her rear after Magellan. “SNOW FOR BRAINS!!!!”

“... We should probably hurry.” Maria finally said as she saw the sprinkling of frost begin to melt.

“We indeed should, and fast before she comes back.”

S&P

“What took you so long?” Eunectes was standing by the tree with a roll up in her hand. Feist, Rochelle, Mountain, Aosta, and Bison were also there. The four boys playing a card game besides a hastily conjured up fire from Rochelle.

“Almost got caught by Asby, luckily Miss Magellan was doing her usual schtick,” Kafka cackled before handing her hand out to Eunectes. The taller girl looked at her. “Payment.”

“For what?” Eunectes sneered as she turned away to keep the lit roll up further away from the Slytherin.

“The bet. You said Maria wouldn’t be coming with us. Even bet your last one,” Kafka responded proudly as Maria gave her greeting to the others, ignoring the borderline illicit activities going on behind her. “So puff and pass it or you’re gonna have to owe me the new ones you’ll be getting later.”

“Tch,” Eunctes clicked her tongue before taking an extra long drag from the stick before passing it to Kafka who eagerly placed it between her lips and did the same. “You better not touch my new ones then. Aak finally got some of that stuff from a herbalist from Kazakhstan,” Eunectes hissed as she put her wand away, having used it to light it. Then she turned to Maria. “I’m surprised you joined.”

“I am as well, but…” Maria’s voice trailed off. “I… I don’t always want to follow the rules. And while we’re allowed to go to Hogsmeade, and my Uncle did sign the slip, we aren’t allowed to go to all the shops that were there.” Maria’s face began to grow a shade of red as Eunectes looked at her friend. “And you guys always talked about sneaking out and it sounded like fun too…”
“Wow, didn’t know the Nearls produced a rebel,” Eunectes laughed as Maria just laughed before letting out a yelp when the taller girl gave her playful slap on the ass.

“Everyone else ready to go?”

“We got one more hand to play,” Anthony replied as he looked between Aosta and Bison as the other two did the same. Feist was content with being the dealer who gave none and got none in the game. Mostly on account of his grandmother ever hearing him play the game with real money, she’d cuff him over the head and force him to work on oil changes for an entire summer. And it would be because Rochelle would tell on him. 

“Raise.” Anthony rumbled as he stared at his cards, not letting his expression show.

“Fold.” Aosta admitted, putting his cards down. He had junk. A six, a two, a king, a jack, and an ace. None of them even in the same suit.

“Raise.” Bison chimed in, his mouth givered a little but nothing showed up. Anthony saw that he repressed a feral grin.

“Tch. All in then.”

“Hmmm. Call.” Bison replied evenly.

“Alright, lay 'em out,” Feist clapped before the other three revealed their cards. Aosta saw his gabrage hand, but whistled when he saw the results.

“Pots at a galleon and twelve sickles,” Feist laughed as he looked between Bison and Anthony. “Glad I didn’t take part.”

“Three of a kind.”

“Four of a kand.” 

“Fuck,” Anthony growled as he eyed the four sixes that were in Bison’s hand. The only odd card being a Jack. “You weren’t cheating?”

“Our wands are in the center, Anthony. I couldn’t have cheated if I wanted to,” Bison replied with a laugh as he took the earnings before standing up after grabbing his wand. Feist did the same before flicking it roughly.

“Accio.” The cards all collected themselves, stacking in a neat grouping before falling into his hand and he pocketed them. “Right, finished that up. Bison, you’re prick. Anthony, you’re terrible as always.”

“Fuck off, let’s go already, its cold,” the Gryphondor bristled as he shook. He felt a small bundle of heat as he felt a body grab onto his hip and moved his hands to automatically pet the top of Kafka’s head. 

“Let’s go then,” Aosta replied as his wand let loose a low light. The others quietly followed him into the dark. They walked towards the ever dangerous weeping willow. The air of apprehension still upon them before Aosta raised a hand up. “Don’t worry, just stand back.”

They did such, eyes widening when they saw him change from his normal form to a sleek gray wolf. Smaller in size to an average wolf, he was faster than his normal body as his four paws scampered past the Whomping WIllow’s wrathful branches as they tried to strike him. Skidding on clawed feet, Aosta’s teeth quickly clamped around a small exposed root that caused the willow to stiffen as all its branches were raised, like hair exposed to electricity. 

Everyone saw as the wolf then transformed back to Aosta as he spat out some small splinters from his mouth as he beckoned everyone.

“Still can’t believe you’re an Animagus,” Anthony noted when he and the others got up under the Willow.

“The process is not worth it,” Aosta replied shortly before they all entered through the door beneath the Willow. They all felt a brief rush of air before a black starry sky was met with an old wooden ceiling and dirt became creaking wooden floorboards. Aosta barely got through the door before his head was put into a strong headlock.

“Ayo, look who finally decided to make it!” Chiave cackled before releasing the younger boy. He turned to look at the others. “Welp, welcome to the Screaming Shack you little troublemakers. Managed by two dumbass residents running a home for wayward Werewolves.”

“Thank you for having us on short notice,” Maria thanked politely as Chiave let out an easygoing laugh.

“No need for formalities,” Chiave waved off as leaned against a refurbished countertop. “Aosta gave us the heads up a while ago. Said this would be the best date for yall’s little sneak out. New moon, a little bit after a break, etc. So we got your back.”

“We?” Maria asked before the sound of a door unlocking was heard. All eyes turned to see as another form entered from a large door. Many saw the many bolts and chains on it lay unused as it swung open to reveal a large shadow. Said large form was of Broca who had his arms ladened with bags.

“Oh, you guys snuck out this time,” he said evenly as he sat them down. “The others are still asleep since last week’s full moon was doozy.” Aosta looked to say something but Broca held a hand up. “Don’t sweat it. We handled it fine, and you’re “special pack friend” is probably still here.”

“Red is present.”

“Gah!” Broca nearly leapt to his feet as he turned to see the tired look of one Red Hood. The gray haired girl had on a large red sweatshirt, hood up, and hands in her pockets as she stood at the foot of the stairs. 

“Aosta’s friends loud,” she replied in a clipped tone as she stared at them all with unblinking eyes. “But others are out.”

“Red,” there was a beat of emotion in the normally monotone voice of the Gryffindor student. Quick steps were heard from him before all in attendance saw him embrace the other girl. “Mmmssd ou.” was barely heard from his mouth on the crook of her neck.

“Red thinks it is nice to see Aosta too,” the girl said with the barest hint of a smile appearing on her face as she reciprocated the hug.

“That must be the vaunted Red,” Anthony noted as stood by Broca.

“Yup, the first, and longest tenured, lycanthrope resident of the Shrieking Shack,” Chiave laughed. “And our little guy’s “special pack friend”. Don’t they look so cute together?”

“Enough to be jealous,” Eunectes replied from the side, hands in her pockets. “Bad enough Mountain and Kafka shack up-”

“We are not dating!”

“I’m just crashing in his room at times cause his stuff is always massive!”

“-and there’s those two’s tension.” Eunectes pointed to Rochelle and Feist as they seemed to squabble over some food that Red had pulled out. “It's like in the waning months of our school year, everyone is starting to hook up with others.”

“What does that make me?” Bison came into the conversation with an indigent look on his face and Eunectes snorted.

“Don’t think we haven’t noticed you making mooning eyes at the seventh year Hufflepuff redhead,” Eunectes responded and Bison went red in the face. “And so the only truly single people are me and Maria.”

“And here I thought you Hogwarts kids were meant to be focussing on studying,” Chiave remarked. “But then again, if you were the good kids, you wouldn’t be wanting to sneak out to go to Hogsmeade at night.” This time a sharp bark of laughter came from Eunectes at that.

S&P

The streets of Hogsmead remained active, even at night it seemed. Though the activity was different from the normal day bustling of students and villagers, the people who were out and about at this time of night were notably those who seemed to be little less than reputable. Nothing extremely illegal, the town wasn’t a fan of dark wizards and witches after all, but there were certainly some things you wouldn’t find in your standard Olivaners shop or certain things a less than stellar reputational goblin would sell.

And in truth, Maria’s group of friends weren’t the only students who were outside the castle’s grounds after curfew. Maria thought she saw Exusiai’s group of friends running from some sort of boggart. She also thought she saw the Russian Gryphondor, Sonya, skulking about. Granted it was generally older students, who had both the experience, knowledge, and the connections who were able to squeeze out of the normally uptight security of the castle.

What she didn’t expect however was to see her UNCLE of all people walking about. The only reason she even did see him was due to the fact that she and Eunectes were coming out of a pet shop, with one considering getting a snake in lieu of a rat, cat, or other such “standard” pets. Although, Maria wondered if the Slytherin dorm WOULD allow snakes considering.

Upon exiting the shop with the new pet, a brightly colored parrot actually, the two nearly had their hearts leap from their throats as they saw a tall blond man walk past. Maria almost screamed out in surprise had a hand not covered her mouth. Instead the two huddled closer to the wall as they saw Professor Mlynar walk past them… And to their shock he had a companion with him.

“MMmm!” Maria shouted against the palm over her mouth and luckily so because even with the ambient noise of the familiar store’s tent covering them, Maria’s shouting would easily out volume even the most rancorous of mandrakes.

It was easy to see that it was Mlynar. Seldom a person stood so tall, wizards weren’t usually short people but at this time of night the more noble cut figures were either in bed or in their studies.

Then of course both girls’ eyes went to the companion who walked in step with him. She had a hood over her head so her identity could not be seen from the back, but both could hear a faint chime of laughter after she seemed to find amusement from something Mlynar said. Maria certainly did not miss the rather tender look her Uncle’s normally cold eyes had.

“Holy shit, is your Uncle on a date?” Eunectes hissed. Maria made a muffled noise against her hand and Eunectes realized she would only hear actual words if she took it off.

“Blah, your hands taste like oil.” Was the first words Maria said as she seemed to clear her tongue on her lips. Eunectes scowled, hoping that the red stayed on her ears.

“I wash my hands after class.”

“Sure you do,” Maria bit back before her eyes once more went around the corner to see her Uncle and his companion grow smaller and inkier amongst the candlelit path of Hogsmeade. “I can’t believe Uncle is on date!”

“Can you?” Euncetes wasn’t even given a response as Maria’s eyes trained on her Uncle. She had the same look when she was playing Quidditch and saw the snitch.

“Maria… Don’t be doing anything foolish right now…”

“We need to follow them!” the other girl declared. 

“Tch, and you think that’s a good idea, why…?”

“It's only right for an Uncle to tell his niece if he’s dating anyone, right? Family always talks to each other,” Maria responded as if that was a ubiquitous answer. Eunectes knew it was certainly not, even if she didn’t know her parents.

“You really want to risk getting caught by your Uncle?” Eunectes questioned. Maria opened her mouth to answer, but then closed it. Then Eunectes saw the gears in the girl’s head start to turn.

“He’s… Just never showed interest in anything outside of work before,” she admitted. Eunectes looked at Maria. “So I just think it's nice that he’s finally… Not just himself.”

“What, expecting her to already become your new aunt?” Maria sputtered at Eunectes ribbing. “Relax, you probably don’t have to worry about anything like that soon. Ain’t like people stop dating once they reach 20.”

“Uncle certainly seemed like he did,” Maria added, she was briefly reminded of the stories Margaret told of their upbringing. After their parents disappeared, with most assuming they were killed, it was their Grandfather who raised them, but his worsening health and subsequent mental deterioration meant that things were always at their best. Their young as them aunt Zofia and her parents would come by to try and help but they had their own problems to worry about. It was only when they were finally able to contact their father’s brother did things stabilize, but that came at the cost of Mlynar’s time as he was brought back from the numerous searches he had for his brother and sister-in-law.

Maria couldn’t remember what her father looked like. There were old faded photographs, and Margaret did her best to try and talk about how awesome and cool their Auror Father was, but nothing seemed to stick for Maria. She only ever could remember her Uncle Mlynar being there, despite the look of irritation that crossed his face when he thought he wasn’t being looked at.

He never openly said anything, but there were times at night when he had thought she and Margaret had gone to bed where he would sit alone in the dining room with an empty glass and a hand over his eyes. He went from an Aurora to someone in the Ministry, doing paperwork and forms in exchange for standard hours and pay. He had kept that job up when Margaret and Zofia were accepted into Hogwarts, graduated, became an Auror, and then Maria’s first few years into Hogwarts. Then at the end of her third year he left that ministry job, and had accepted a temporary signing as Hogwarts’ Defense Against the Dark Arts professor after their previous one, Professor Pallas, needed to return to Greece for prior duties. He had then been kept on AS a professor for the following year. It was still surprising when Maria first saw her Uncle enter the halls in his normal dark suit, and she had hardly ever seen him actually use his wand, but then on that first lesson as a Defense Against Dark arts teacher, he had quickly shown his prowess.

“And now he’s dating some random witch…” she muttered. “Forget everything, we are going to follow them!” Maria declared. Eunectes sent the girl an exasperated look before being dragged through the night.

“This is gonna be a bad idea…”

S&P

“This was a bad idea…” Mlynar admitted as the two went to the ever crowded Three Broomsticks. As always. It was quite crowded at night as the patrons of the eatery were in their normal tom foolery. He shouldn’t have expected anything different, even on a random Tuesday night. Beside him, Lavinia Falcone only laughed at his exasperated state. The Magical Law professor had said she was fine with anywhere, and truthfully Mlynar could only remember one place open late enough for the two instructors to share a meal and drink.

“It's only like the dining hall. What’s the difference?” she asked as she held the small glass of wine.

“It's exactly the reason, it's like the dining hall, but worse,” he responded tiredly as he saw one man cast a spell to blow air out, attempting to ruin the card game being played and catch a few witches unawares. He was quickly countered before a flagon of ale was dumped on his head.

“Would it be better if we left?” she asked, but he shook his head. “Why?”

“Because you’re enjoying yourself,” he responded simply. She sent him a small smile at his sweet words. “But if he tries to cast that spell on you, I’m breaking his hand.”

“Oh hush, you’re not an Auror anymore,” she laughed and he returned it with a smile.

“I still think I qualify.”

“You said it was nearly a decade and a half old. I think it's long since expired,” she smiled as she leaned up against him. “Though, maybe you might still have a few charms you can show me, signor poliziotto. “ Those last words were purred right against the man’s ear as he felt her arms wrap against him.

“They’re right there!” Maria hissed as she had her face pressed against the amber glass of the window. “They’re not even trying to hide it!”

“Oh no. The horror,” Eunectes droned emotionlessly as she played with the bird. It was rather appreciative of the cracker she gave it, but did not seem to like the pepper. “How long are we gonna be out here? It’s getting cold.”

“Until they do something,” Maria replied without blinking. Her eyes were staring at the tall form of her Uncle, blond hair tied back, but that blond was an iconic Nearl trait, she could spot him, her sister, or her aunt in a crowd of a dozen other blond people. Her eyes however looked at the woman. She could see soft brown hair, but there were a multitude of people like that. It could be someone’s parents, another teacher, a random witch. It could even be, Maria nearly had a heart attack as this thought passed through her, a student. She knew that many witches found her Uncle “hot”, much to her horror when they had asked her but now…

“Hey guys, watcha doin?” Kafka’s voice shocked Maria so much she jumped and fell back. Eunectes saw her friend land on her face as the bird she now called the Professor, let out a squawk. 

“The Blond Lugnut over here found out her Uncle was dating someone,” Eunectes answered. She put a hand to calm the bird down. “And now she’s making it her life’s work to “observe” them like the uncle-obsessed girl she is.”

“I’m not obsessed!” Maria shot back as Kafka finally picked her jaw up from the floor and let out a loud, “I knew it!” Maria then rounded to her.

“You knew?!” Maria shrieked and Kafka saw a brief look of murderous intent in her eyes before the golden gaze softened into an inquisition rather than an execution.

“C-Calm down there Mari!” Kafka said as she backed up. “I saw your Uncle with a pep in his step recently! He actually gave points one day!” Maria seemed flabbergasted at both not being the first to see her Uncle’s change in mood and for not realizing why the mood changed. Eunectes saw her friend wilt like a weeping willow as Kafka looked to her for help.

“Don’t look at me. I’m an orphan with no parents, I don’t know how to fix her Uncle-complex,” Eunctes stated. 

“I’m also an orphan! Is it weird so many of us are orphans?” Kafka questioned. Eunctes shrugged and pointed to Maria.

“This one is like half of one.” Then she smacked the girl on the back, hard. A yelp and she shot back up to her feet as she glared at her friend. “Don’t lose your head. Just cause your Uncle didn’t tell you everything doesn’t mean he probably doesn’t love you any less… It’s not like you tell him everything.” Maria was about to refute that statement before Eunectes barreled on through. “So you told him you made out with Feist AND Rochelle at least once?” Maria’s face grew red and Eunectes saw the girl’s ears steam. “Or that you drank the smuggled whiskey that led to you making out with both.”

“You said you’d never bring it up!” Maria put her hands over Eunectes’ mouth as Kafka’s jaw dropped once again.

“Was this at the party I missed last week cause of the flu?!”

“Yup,” Eunctes responded as she pulled Maria’s hands away from her mouth. “Little Miss Goodie Two Shoes here dranks two whole bottles and then made out with lovebirds.”

“I fucking miss everything!”

“Shutupshutupshutupshutup!” Maria tried to stifle the words from her friends to no avail.

“See you don’t tell your Uncle everything, and he shouldn’t tell you everything to,” Eunectes postured as she flicked Maria’s forehead. “Now let’s get out of here before-”

“Before what?” A severe and leveled voice spoke up from behind them as all the girl’s slowly turned around to see a tall blond form of their Defense Against the Dark Arts professor glaring down at them. “Before what, Miss Eunectes?” His tone conveyed a level of reserved anger, but both girls could tell despite his words being directed as Eunectes, his ire was turning towards the girl who seemed to want to wilt into the shadows.

S&P

Lavinia looked with a sense of bemusement as the infamous lecture of “Mlynar the Mean” came down upon the girl who seemed to have been spying on them. She had spotted them earlier, mostly because like Mlynar, Maria had a natural sort of magic to her that glowed like a faint halo. Even in the dark of the night, it was easy to see Maria if one had eyes like Lavinia. She had also persuaded Mlynar to let the girl and her friend’s have their time.

However once noticing that they had followed them to the Three Broomsticks, it was a little more pressing. Their relationship wasn’t really a secret, at least not a well kept one amongst the staff, and it was somewhat recent. If sleeping together for some time before actually going on this first date today counted as recent.

Headmaster Doctor knew about their relationship because when they first started sleeping together, Mlynar had it in him to report a breach of conduct to the Headmaster Doctor, even if there was no need to, only for Headmaster Doctor to wave it off with a “you know there actually isn’t a provision about teachers dating”. Vice Headmaster Kal’tsit was also there and only said they could keep it a secret or announce it if they wanted.

For ease and less of a gossiping headache, they opted to keep it a secret. Though there were a few times it came out. The music teacher, Czerny, knew only because he came upon them using one of the closets in a state of dishevelment. The groundskeepers Magellan and Asbestos knew because they had seen him come out of her bedroom one day. And of course it seemed that Potion Teacher Thorns only noticed because he had come into Mlynar’s office one day to pick up some leftover materials, looked to the side to see the two frozen as they beheld each other, and left without another word.

After being caught by Thorns, Mlynar had been more cautious with his actions, because in truth it was Mlynar who seemed more active in the pursuing role much to Laivnia’s delight, and had stemmed his efforts. Only sharing a passing word in the teacher’s hall or more recently the Dining Hall.

Then it came this night, where the two went out after Mlynar had grown to realize that if it was too obvious if they were caught in Hogwarts, they would go to Hogsmeade instead, on their first date, at least in his mind.

In truth there were a few dates that he probably didn’t remember years ago…

Lavinia shook her head free of those reminiscing memories before seeing Mlynar return with an irritated expression. He ran a head over and up his hair as he let out a sigh.

“What’d you do to them?” she asked, she had only heard the first start of it.

“I let them go,” he sighed as he drank from a flagon of mead. 

“Oh my, has Mlynar the Mean finally grown a soft heart?” she teased as he sent her a half hearted glare before a smile eventually formed on his lips.

“They’re old enough to take care of themselves.” There was a sad sort of wistfulness to his voice. “If they were second yearers sneaking out, I’d drag them to Hogwarts myself.”

“So you think Maria is a grown girl?” He snorted at her words.

“I’m maybe more glad she’s willing to do this… Actually being a normal girl,” he explained. “But following me is a line I do draw.”

“She probably wants to know what evil witch seduced her Uncle,” Lavinia jokes. “Even if that were the case.”

“It was mutual,” Mlynar rumbled as he wrapped an arm around her and drew her close. She giggled as she felt him kiss her neck. 

“So you still don’t want to tell anyone yet,” she asked. He looked at her with a tense expression.

“I… Like it not being public,” he managed. “I wouldn’t want the questions and gossip to make your time an issue.” She ran a hand along his jaw and cheek.

“You know I can handle it myself.”

“You can indeed,” He agreed and she smiled.

“But I can agree with you on the annoyance the gossip would bring. And…” she let her voice go a little sultry as she kissed under his jaw. “There’s something quite nice about keeping it a secret.” He let out a low growl before grabbing her hand.

“I got us a room,” he said quickly before Appartiting the two away with her laugh being the last thing others would see of them that night.