Tobias McPherson
Teacher
Transfiguration Teacher, Head of Merlin
There is much to be learned from the beasts.
Posts: 90
|
Post by Tobias McPherson on Jan 22, 2007 17:01:47 GMT -5
June 1997: Plymouth County, Massachusetts Tobias' Beach HouseOutfit (Bluish-Grey Blazer and White Shirt)
Tobias had finalized the plans to have all the family over for a few weeks over the summer. He had done something he rarely did: Inviting a student over for the summer and of course, had the student's parents 'ok' before he had them come. Emma would be so surprised mainly because he had only mentioned having Robin and Andre over, but in all actuality, he had been able to all the children to come too. This was great! Grinning as he cleaned around the house, the song "Sh-Boom" was playing throughout the house and yet, Eloise and everyone was getting along for... a moment. "TOBY! Please turn down the music!" Eloise wailed out from one of the hallways. "What's the problem, Eloise? Can't stand what my boy listens to?" his father's voice boomed to yell back at Eloise. Letting out a hearty laugh, Tobias continued to let the music play loud until a loud rapping from the front door caught his attention. Walking to the music, Tobias turned it down and headed over to the door. "Yes, who is it?" Tobias inquired. "You blundering oaf! Open the door or I'll blast it down!" came the chuckling voice of his brother-in-law, Andre. Opening the door, Andre and Robin stood in his presence with a large grin. "Ahhh...Robbie and Andre! You're early...where's the children?" Tobias inquired as he ushered Robin and Andre in. Soon enough, he saw his niece and nephews. "Raoul! Emilie! Niko! I'm so glad you could make it!" he said cheerfully as they embraced their uncle warmly. "And miss the chance of Father looking like an idiot again in Croquet, Uncle?" Emilie said with the boys chuckling. Andre snickered as he had Robin in his arms. "Don't I get a hug or a kiss from you, Robbie? Or am I too much for you anymore?" Tobias inquired and quickly found himself in a warm embrace. "It's very good to see you, old man..." Robin replied and suddenly, the house filled with laughter. "Ah...you're getting older too, lassie...Make yourselves comfortable in the bedrooms. I have a guest I'm waiting on, so if you all need a nap, take one. I'll wake you up in a few hours." The family nodded and soon Disapparated to their bedrooms, leaving him alone once more. Hopefully Emma and her parents had received the instructions how to get here, Tobias wondered... It was 1:00 -- she was supposed to be here already...
|
|
Emma Vale
Agrippa
Junior, Hall Monitor
Posts: 251
|
Post by Emma Vale on Jan 24, 2007 0:49:47 GMT -5
Ever since she had received Professor McPherson's invitation, Emma had been counting the days until she could go. While at first she was terrified such a trip would be forbidden, chance had provided a feasible reason for her parents to let little Emma go out to visit a friend. Andre DuBois, famed wizzarding author was the Professor's brother-in-law, and with the temptation of letting it be known that their daughter mingled with the intellectual crowds, there was no reason not to let her go.
As her driver began to reach the coast, Emma couldn't manage to keep the slow smile from crawling across her face. For once she was getting a bit of freedom, actually getting to live outside the house during the summer, especially after the attacks. They still gave her goosebumps, but after the first week of nightmares, Emma was finally beginning to calm down. The trip would be good for her, and she couldn't wait to finally meet the jolly professor's family. He was like a father to her, or a favorite uncle, surely the rest of the family would be just like him. She had heard so much about his family, particularly Robin, that Emma felt as if she had known them for ages.
As they reached the house, Emma was surprised to see the beautiful house he called home. It was lovely, and it's beachfront property gave her thrills. She knew without a doubt that each morning would find her on its shore. The car began slowing to a stop, and with each second a small knot began growing in her stomach. What if they didn't like her? What if she made some huge mistake in front of them? The what-ifs were compounding inside her, threatening to make her sick. She automatically stepped outside the car, nodding to the driver as he held open the door. This was it.
With a deep breath, Emma made her way to the house, hesitating just a moment before giving the door a solid double rap. Looking behind her, Emma watched Phillipe removing her luggage from the trunk. She only hoped it wouldn't be placed back in before he even removed it all. Dear Merlin she hoped they liked her.
|
|
Tobias McPherson
Teacher
Transfiguration Teacher, Head of Merlin
There is much to be learned from the beasts.
Posts: 90
|
Post by Tobias McPherson on Jan 24, 2007 10:20:25 GMT -5
Upon hearing the rapping at the door, Warren and Benjamin began hollering at Tobias who had apparently sat down and had been watching "The Breakfast Club" on television for some strange reason. "Huh? Oh! All right, all right!" Tobias barked back as he turned off the television that was in the sunroom and then headed towards the front door. Opening the door, a large grin came upon his face. "Ah...Miss Emma Vale, I presume? It's good to see you, my dear! Can't believe I'd see you again... Especially after you know...the attacks," Tobias said with a comforting smile, hoping to calm her nerves if she had any at all.
"Who's the pretty lady, Toby?" Warren crooned and suddenly, the house burst into hysterical laughter from all the paintings, including Tobias. "It's a student, Warren. She's come to spend a few days here. Now play nice, all of you gents, got it?" Tobias said, trying not to laugh harder than what he saw. Luckily... Zephariah wasn't around and wouldn't be, which made Tobias extremely happy. "Won't you come in before the family wakes up because of the rest of my family making cat calls, especially Warren...he's like that, I'm afraid..."
|
|
Emma Vale
Agrippa
Junior, Hall Monitor
Posts: 251
|
Post by Emma Vale on Jan 24, 2007 16:15:31 GMT -5
"Ah...Miss Emma Vale, I presume? It's good to see you, my dear! Can't believe I'd see you again... Especially after you know...the attacks,"
At once all Emma's fears vanished at the Professor's comforting smile. Why on earth had she ever feared coming? Emma should have known she would be welcome, at least by Professor McPherson. She wasn't even sure what to call him now that they were outside of the school. Emma wasn't quite sure she could call him Tobias, perhaps Professor would work afterall. She could only hope it'd be alright, Emma didn't want the rest of his family laughing at her from the formality.
"Who's the pretty lady, Toby? It's a student, Warren. She's come to spend a few days here. Now play nice, all of you gents, got it?"
A fierce blush rose upon Emma's cheeks at the voice as she suddenly became very conscious of herself. She was wearing a skirt. It had been unavoidable, there being no possible way she could leave her house wearing pants for a trip to such a distinguished guest's house. Of course she had plenty packed away for the weekend, but for that moment she was only too aware of the cotton fabric that floated above her knees. It was a khaki cloth that she had fought for rather than wearing white. Finished off with a crisp sky blue button-up shirt, Emma thought she looked rather studius, despite the skirt and the small heels that had been forced upon her feet.
"Won't you come in before the family wakes up because of the rest of my family making cat calls, especially Warren...he's like that, I'm afraid..."
"Yes, thank you," Emma replied, stepping into the charming house. Once inside she looked back to see Phillipe coming up the steps. "Thank you so much for letting me come, where may I set my luggage?" Emma asked politely, smiling as she heard music playing through the house. That was Professor McPherson alright, she should have known it would be a musical house, or at least one where music was greatly appreciated.
|
|
Tobias McPherson
Teacher
Transfiguration Teacher, Head of Merlin
There is much to be learned from the beasts.
Posts: 90
|
Post by Tobias McPherson on Jan 24, 2007 16:38:20 GMT -5
Tobias wavered his hand to dismiss the 'thank you' from Emma. "It's quite all right, my dear... After all, I'm the one who should be thanking your parents for allowing me to invite such a bright student in to my home for a bit this summer. Wasn't too sure at first with what happened at SWIM. We'll make it through, dear... Oh yes, while you're here, you don't have to call me 'Professor' or the 'McPherson' attached to it. I consider you family, so it's 'Uncle' or 'Uncle Toby.' When we go back, that's when I'd like to be addressed as the professor then..." Tobias said as he looked at her luggage when she inquired about it. Snapping his fingers, Tobias realized that he had forgotten that she would be rooming with Emilie. "Erm...just leave them here at the door and I'll see to it that Emilie gets them upstairs," Tobias said to Phillipe and then looked back at Emma with a grin. "Yes, you'll be staying with my niece, Emilie. Don't worry though about her...she's a sweetheart and I imagine she'll fall for you the second she sees you, Emma. As for the rest of the family--" Tobias began, but was interrupted suddenly... "I'm guessing I'm that I'm the 'rest' that you're talking about, Toby? Shame on you...You know I've got a name," came the voice of Andre, who had come from upstairs. "Sleep well then, brother-in-law, if you want specifics, Andre?" Tobias said with a smirk. Soon enough, Andre and Tobias began laughing and then ended as Andre stared at Emma. "You didn't have any children, Toby... This is one of your students, I take then? Enchante, madame...I'm Andre...Pleased to meet you," Andre stated as he approached Emma and kissed her hand.
Sorry for godmode there and here's this: Andre (is smiling) Robin Raoul (but is smiling) Emilie Nikolas
|
|
Emma Vale
Agrippa
Junior, Hall Monitor
Posts: 251
|
Post by Emma Vale on Jan 29, 2007 16:41:52 GMT -5
"That's fine then...Uncle Toby," Emma tried hesitantly. It felt awkward, but she supposed she would get used to it after a while. After all, he did seem like family anyways; a family in an alternate reality where happiness excited, but a family nonetheless. As Phillipe set the bags inside, Emma gave him a warm smile and a nod goodbye before he started back towards the car. She was on her own now, and it was slightly intoxicating.
Emma was slightly daunted by the thought of rooming with the Professor's niece. While she had seen plenty of photos of the family, it would be another thing entirely to interact with them in person. What if they didn't like her? What if she made some horrible faux pas in front of them. Soon the introductions began as someone who had to be Andre bounced down the stairs.
"You didn't have any children, Toby... This is one of your students, I take then? Enchante, madame...I'm Andre...Pleased to meet you,"
While a sweet rose blush bloomed upon her cheeks, Emma raised her hand, smiling as he brushed his lips upon it. "Emma, Emma Vale," she offered in return, a slight stammer in her voice from the overwhelming introduction. She hadn't quite expected it, the smooth manners belonging to one of her father's friends rather than the McPherson family. Not that she thought less of them, but rather they seemed more down to earth than her own family.
So this was Andre. She had read all his books, and was very pleased to find him not at all the reclusive intellectual she once thought him to be. Still, there was one more family member that Emma was almost shaking with anticipation to meet.
|
|
Tobias McPherson
Teacher
Transfiguration Teacher, Head of Merlin
There is much to be learned from the beasts.
Posts: 90
|
Post by Tobias McPherson on Feb 12, 2007 17:00:40 GMT -5
"That's fine then...Uncle Toby..." Emma had said hesitantly and soon enough, the house roared with laughter from both Tobias and Andre. "E-Em..Emma..." Tobias tried to begin, but found himself too occupied with laughing to be unable to speak and even Andre could not find a way to speak. After kissing her hand and hearing her name being stated, Andre and Tobias continued to chuckle and laugh, even as a new voice began to speak. "Father? What's so entertaining?" came the soft, yet comforting voice of Emilie, who was coming down the stairs with a comforting smile. Looking at her father and her uncle, Emilie's facial expression expressed that she was genuinely confused. Looking at Emma, she raised an eyebrow. "What's going on?" she whispered, her British accent with distinct sound of French mixing together.
Looking at Emma and then her relatives, Emilie nodded her head as Tobias stopped his snickering and then patted his niece's shoulder. "E-Emilie...this is Emma Vale. She's the bright young student I was mentioning to you. She'll be spending the evenings with you and I do hope the two of you will interact well. Emilie's an actress of stage and screen, but she'd rather be known for her works on the stage, Emma," Tobias said as his eyes gleamed with tears of laughter and wonderment because of Emma. "Andre? Are you downstairs with Toby?" came another female's voice and Tobias looked at his brother-in-law. "Looks like the Beast's waking up..." "I HEARD THAT, TOBIAS!" came the quick reply and soon enough, Robin was walking down the stairs with two younger behind her, one hiding behind the other.
"Mere joke, dearest sister..." Tobias began and soon enough was put into a hug with his sister. "I love you too...Robbie..." "Well, if you didn't, I know you'd regret every moment you didn't... Oh! This must be our guest you spoke so highly of! Hello dear... I'm Robin, or as you've noticed, I'm also known as the 'Beast' because of me being the sister of this brute," Robin teased as she elbowed Tobias' side slightly. "Yes... Emma, this is my sister and of course, that's Raoul..." Raoul bowed slightly as Tobias continued. "And...Nikolas?" Tobias inquired as Raoul and Robin moved to reveal someone hiding behind a novel and reading it. "Ahem...Nikolas...you've got company aside from me, m'boy," Tobias stated and then cleared his throat. Soon enough, the novel dropped away from the face and Nikolas smiled at Emma. "Perdon, miss...I meant no offense...I'm Nikolas, enchante..."
|
|
Emma Vale
Agrippa
Junior, Hall Monitor
Posts: 251
|
Post by Emma Vale on Feb 13, 2007 16:48:23 GMT -5
At the sudden burst of laughter, Emma turned crimson with embarassment. It had sounded odd even to her, but the Professor had asked her to address him as that! It wasn't her fault! Still, she was glad it soon subsided, even though the laughter had brought even more shouts that threatened to make Emma dizzy.
Rarely had she even been met by such a vast number of people all at once; it was quite overwhelming, even for Emma. She could match most of the faces with names, thanks to the Professor's large collection of photographs, but even then it was quite overwhelming to find them living before her eyes. As she greeted her new roommate, Emma managed to interject a quick hello admist the Professor's complimenting and intstructing, before another member of the family came bounding down the stairs.
Greeting Robin and Raoul, Emma only stood back as she watched their interchange. She had heard the Professor talk about Robin enough, Emma should have expected such an argument at the start. It was still lovely to finally see who Robin was, rather than form an opinion off of Professor McPherson's ramblings, lovely as they were. With the music and voices, Emma found herself unable to catch it all, but she loved simply being there in the midst of it. They actually felt like a family.
Of course her attention was taken away the moment Nikolas came into view. Emma had been looking forward to it since she had a peek at his picture in Professor McPherson's wallet. Emma had never used the term 'beautiful' to describe a mail, but Nikolas certainly fit the bill. If only she were older, and someone else.
"Enchante," Emma echoed softly, returning the greeting. The voices of Tobias and family faded into the background along with the TV; it was just Nikolas. Emma only thanked her lucky stars once more that she had even been allowed over, and the chance of talking with Andre, as well as Nikolas, well, it was all too much for her. For once she was proud to be wearing a skirt.
|
|