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Post by thatxander on Apr 2, 2012 16:48:53 GMT -5
"Oh, so much more passion!" Professor Cavanaugh professed. "My goodness, there are one or two students in my NEWT classes who may even enjoy the class more then myself. I am considering a small project where the students choose a topic and are allowed to actually teach the class for bonus marks." He shook his head and thought back to the hour and a half long debate between himself and one of his favorite students that ended with him having to write her a note, as she had missed a class period (it had been his free period) and received a harsh berating from Professor Snape. That had not been a fun conversation. Not at all.
"Well in that case, my dear, perhaps I should get sick more often." He joked. He noticed her eyes sparkled when she laughed, and he decided that everyday, for the rest of his days, he wanted to do something to make her laugh. Perhaps she was the kind of girl who would like to enter her classroom at the beginning of the day to a bouquet of flowers on her desk. Or perhaps she was one to like a night off, allowing someone else to grade for her. Maybe she liked large elaborate dinners, or maybe a small Muggle joint on the corner near a beach. Did she covet fancy and expensive jewelry, or was she one for the small homemade arts. Xander Cavanaugh knew the answers to none of these, but he wanted desperately to find out. He wanted to know her favorite color, her favorite food, where she grew up, if she had siblings, where she was ticklish, if her lips were soft...he froze, blushing at his own thoughts. To put it simply, Xander Cavanaugh wanted to spoil this woman until she didn't know what to do with herself. And he wouldn't give up until he had succeeded. In his mind, he was already planning things he could do, little things, large things- he would accomplish them all. Because she deserved it. She was too sweet to not be spoiled by someone.
Then Professor Cavanaugh was thanking him, and through his own thoughts, he had forgotten what he had said. So he nodded with a smile. "Anytime, my dear." That was quickly becoming his favorite words, and he hoped she didn't mind. He laughed as she tried to stare at them dramatically. She was just so precious. He felt silly gushing about her, but never in his life had he felt this way- and to be honest, he wasn't sure if he didn't like it. It made if feel like he had a meaning. He wasn't being pulled at from both sides. Like this entire outcome, rested on him. And he wouldn't blow it. The professor began to fiddle with the pages in his book when he hissed lowly.
"Paper cut." He shook his head, sucking on the offending wound lightly. "Got to hate them, but I am used to them by now." He smiled reassuringly, but she seemed to pale a little. "Professor Piper, are you okay?" The two professor's slowly moved back to idle chitchat. Professor Xander cleared his throat, planning on asking her for another meeting, lunch, or maybe another planned study hall, anything really, but then he heard a crash. He looked over just in time to see the Gryffindor launch himself at the prepared Slytherin. In a flash Professor Cavanaugh had launched himself gracefully over the table, as going around would take longer, and he headed down the main isle towards the two boys, breaking through the throng of students watching, hoping to catch sight of blood. The Slytherin now had the younger Gryffindor pinned down.
In a swift move, Professor Cavanaugh hauled the boy off of the other and he yanked the defending child up. He gripped both of their upper arms painfully, this was apparent by the wince on their face. "This is unbelievable." His voice grew louder. "I warned you time and time again. Have you no respect?" His grip tightened as he seethed with anger. His eyes glanced between the two, each of them already sporting darkening eyes. The one on his left held his nose closely, Cavanaugh suspected it was broken. He opened his mouth to speak again when he heard a loud thud.
Professor Raisa Piper had passed out. Professor Cavanaugh's eyes widened in shock and he released the boys. He looked over to the first boy he saw, the Slytherin who stood protectively by the ridiculously bright hair colored Ravenclaw. "See that they get to the Healing Ward." He said through gritted teeth as he knelt down in beside Raisa.
"Raisa," he said softly under his breath, stroking her cheek with the back of his hand lightly, "Professor." He said a little louder. He moved his legs out from under him and sat her up, resting her against a supporting arm. "Professor Piper." He was a little worried, although there wasn't much to be worried about. He had dealt with students passing out for one reason or another. It was Raisa. He didn't like seeing her unconscious. He didn't know why yet, but seeing her look so helpless killed him.
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Post by kat55 on Apr 3, 2012 6:38:21 GMT -5
“More passion than you? How is that even remotely possible?” she gasped theatrically, grinning brightly. “I’m not sure how much the Headmaster would agree to you have a student teach a class. You might find that Professor Snape is a bit opposed to giving the students any freedom. “ She had never actually thought of giving the students the freedom to teach for a class. What Raisa did do was let them research their own creature for a month, and then do a project on it. The scheme worked quite well, it got the lazy students working on what they wanted to work on, and the excited students would have something to do to keep their selves occupied.
“No, never get sick! I’ll care for you no matter what.” She argued before clamping her hand over her mouth, shocked that she’d said such a thing out loud. How very, very unlike the usual Raisa Piper that was. The woman was usually quiet, reserved, and kind. She rarely said things out of turn or anything that would potentially cause a scene. Her face was it’s brightest yet, the colour imposed by her embarrassment at having exposed her true feelings that she’d tried so hard to keep hidden down within her personal safe.
The way Professor Cavanaugh said ”Anytime, my dear.” made the muggle born woman flash back to her childhood, and the book “The Princess Bride.” In it, Westley would always respond to his true love’s wants and needs with “As you wish.” She had always imagined it being said the precise way that Xander had said “Anytime” and her heart nearly melted at the thought. It was such a romantic, beautiful way that he said the line that the blush in her cheeks diminished from lack of thought. Her mind was swirling among thoughts of her once favorite book (probably still her favorite) and Xander, whose presence beside her was most certainly not going unnoticed.
She was still dazedly thinking about the similarities when she heard her fellow professor hiss in pain. Raisa jerked out of her lovely reverie only to see a spot of blood. Immediately, she paled, feeling a little faint. Luckily, the blood was gone before anything drastic could happen, and they were talking again. Raisa took a deep breath to steady herself before continuing the conversation.
Ever since she had been a little girl, the sight of blood had been something of a phobia for her. Raisa never could remember why blood suddenly became her worst nightmare, it had happened quickly. One day, she had been fine, the next, her mother cut herself chopping carrots and WHOOMF, she was on the floor, waking up minutes later on the couch with a towel pressed to her forehead. Since then, the mere sight of blood had caused her to feel faint and dizzy, the more blood there was, the worse she became. It seemed a very irrational fear for a talented witch, but there you have it.
Well, Raisa was fine moments later and after a short while more of talking, she happened to glance down to where the boys had begun fighting at the exact time that one of the boys was punched in the nose. She saw the spurt of blood caused by the breaking of the nose, and time slowed. She stood, as if to call them out, but instead she blacked out, falling sideways only to hit the ground.
Raisa was swimming in a pool of blackness, feeling lost and more than a bit panicky. Then, she heard her name being called, and like a rope she grabbed onto it. Moments later she opened eyes, only to see the beautifully green eyes of Professor Xander staring down at her in concern. She smiled than, probably (most definitely) still a bit out of it, but all she could think of was ”Oh he’s so perfect!” And he was. Of course, little did she realize that the words had been spoken aloud; quietly, but they passed her lips all the same.
There was no doubt about it now, none at all, Professor Piper gazed up silently, a smile upon her face, before moving. “I’m fine.” She whispered softly. In fact, she couldn’t be more fine as she realized that she was in Xander’s arms, and he was concerned for her.
Then it hit her.
She’d fainted in front of a professor and a room full of studying students! Fainted!!! Maybe it was time to leave and prevent any further harm from coming upon her reputation as a teacher. And so, her smile dissolving into a look that said, “Leave me alone,” Raisa stood, using both Xander and the desk as her aid. For a moment she looked out at the various faces turned towards her before she smartly took her books and papers in hand. As soon as everything was gathered she strode from the study hall, chest heaving at her frustration with herself. Xander had been perfect, absbsolutely lovely, and she had just ruined any chances she’d ever had with him.
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Post by thatxander on Apr 6, 2012 22:00:50 GMT -5
Relief washed over and filled the forest eyes of Professor Cavanaugh as hazel eyes met his. He let out a relieved sigh and his forehead dropped to hers, his eyes closing. After a moment of calm breathing he pulled back, and sat her up, easily supporting her with an arm. She looked a bit dazed as she smiled, and the professor grew a bit nervous, hoping she hadn't injured herself. He ran a hand through her hair, feeling her head for bumps. She seemed to be okay. Her words came out mumbled, and Xander Cavanaugh blushed. But his heart swelled. He wasn't the only one. She seemed to like him too, and he was more than happy. He was ready to pull her close and mutter words of comfort, but he couldn't. Not yet at least. He hoped that one day he could pull her close, pull her into his lap, rubbing her back, and it wouldn't be unusual. It would be normal- expected even. Her words gave him all the confidence he needed.
"Are you okay, dear?" He asked her quietly, brushing the hair out of her face and smoothing it down. Xander smiled down at her, resting a hand on the side of her head and letting his thumb stroke her cheek. He hadn't realized just how nervous he had been, despite her waking up, until she whispered that she was okay. That's when he let himself pull her close momentarily before remembering the room full of students. He pulled back with an apologetic look and before he knew it, the girl he had just officially met- the girl he wanted to see everyday for years to come, was out the door. He watched her walk away, stunned still. He felt- he felt empty. And he was not used to it. Well, he was actually. He was very used to it. He had felt it mere hours ago. The man had never noticed it before. Not until he had quite literally ran into Raisa Piper. Not until she left his presence did he realize how alone he was in life. He didn't like the feeling, and while the other students began to whisper, he rose to his feet and turned to one of the older students.
"You know what Study Hall is for, keep it orderly!" He snapped as he ran out the door, his elbows at his side. He stopped at the end of the hallway, not knowing if she had gone left or right. He felt distressed as he looked left, and then right. He closed his eyes and made a quick decision. Right. He picked up speed and was running. He must have been kneeling, staring at the door, longer then he thought. He turned left after a ways and finally saw her.
"Raisa, please!" He called out to her. His footsteps increased and he cut her off. The professor was breathing hard and he had a hand on her shoulder as he bent over to catch his breath. After only a moment, he had recovered and he straightened himself up, ready to say something- say anything really. But then he saw her, he really her, and how upset she looked. Her eyes watered and the frustration and embarrassment radiated off of her. Xander hated seeing her anything but happy and smiling. His mind flashed to her smile as she looked over at him with her head on the desk and his heart fluttered. Wordlessly, Xander snaked a hand around her neck and pulled her into his strong embrace. He held her head close to his chest with a warm hand on the back of her head, his other one rubbing up and down her back gently. His head lowered to her hair and he closed his eyes, breathing in her scent, committing it to memory, not wanting to ever let go. Tenderly, he kissed the top of her head before nuzzling his cheek into her hair.
"Are you sure you aren't hurt?" He said softly, feeling that anything above a whisper would ruin the moment. He didn't want to mention her embarrassment or frustration. That might make it worse, and she had no reason to feel that way. Xander was nothing but worried about her. He squeezed her tight before pulling back, his worry filled eyes meeting her damp ones. He opened his mouth to speak when someone turned the corner up behind Raisa and his eyes met that of a fellow Death Eater. One of the more despicable ones. One that, if he had his way, wouldn't be allowed within a mile of Raisa Piper. He pulled her to his side and entered a nearby empty classroom, closing the door softly behind him before approaching the woman he had officially gone sweet on.
"You ran out before I could express all my worries." He said sincerely. Xander's hand's moved to her cheeks and he brushed her tears away with his thumbs, leaning in to press a light kiss to her forehead. "Don't- please don't run away like that. I know I'm not the best of people," his eyes automatically flickered to the marred area on his arm that he always kept covered, "but, I care...about you. There is something special about you. Something that draws me in and makes me want to know you more then I have ever cared to know about anyone before," he confessed softly, his hands dropping into his own personal bubble and his eyes glancing around her, but careful not to meet her own. For once in his life, Xander Cavanaugh was ashamed of a decision he had made. His hand rubbed at the covered mark subconsciously.
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Post by kat55 on Apr 7, 2012 0:22:54 GMT -5
Walking quickly through the dimly lit hallways of Hogwarts, Raisa was aimless. She wasn’t sure where she was headed, or why; all she knew was that she might just have ruined something beautiful and murdered her chances of ever really knowing Professor Cavanaugh. He had been so perfect too... Honestly, when had Raisa ever[ met a guy as romantic, caring, and fun to be around as Xander? That’s right, never. Never in her life had she known a man like him. Not only had she embarrassed herself in front of him, but she had run away afterwards like some... like some cowardly youth.
There were tears in her eyes but she refused to let them spill and Raisa continued to stride away from the Study Hall, and away from her one chance at true love. She closed her eyes tightly in a long lasting blink, thinking that if her luck was really gone she’d be running into walls in no time. But her luck held and she continued on, clenching her eyes shut and feeling absolutely awful about herself. Good things had a tendency to skip by the school these days and such opportunities as Raisa had just had were rare, and the thought that she had left would eat at her until something, anything, changed. Raisa kept on walking, her eyes still closed, until she heard a voice. For a moment she thought that she might be dreaming or that she was hallucinating. But she opened her wet eyes only to see Xander stop in front of her, panting, and place his hand on her shoulder. He’d come after her! Raisa’s eyes widened and her breath caught in her throat for a moment.
“You... You came after me.” She choked, more than a little shocked that he had actually cared enough to follow her. There was no way that Raisa had done enough good in the world to actually deserve him and there was a nagging thought in her mind that she would lose him eventually. But just then, he was there, and Raisa shoved the offending thought into the dark recesses of her mind. She opened her mouth to say something, anything, but before she could he was reaching down and pulling her tight to his chest. Raisa didn’t resist and she let herself be embraced, pressing herself in closer with a sniffle.
Feeling his lips on her head, and soon after his cheek, Raisa sighed. She let her mind be filled entirely with thoughts of Xander, wanting to feel his embrace forever, but that would never be. “I’m sure,” she said with a soft smile, “I... I faint at the sight of blood.” She admitted her voice almost silent with humiliation. Really, a fear of blood was nothing to be proud of. It was just another of those stupidly irrational fears and Raisa would have loved to be rid of it. She never wanted to move, but of course she had to eventually and the sudden movement of Xander made her look behind to see the Death Eater. She started and followed close behind Xander nervously.
It was well known within the school that Raisa was a ‘mudblood’ and the sight of the Death Eaters brought up fear and anger like nothing else, but once she was with Xander inside the classroom all thoughts of anything but him disappeared again. He was good for her; he brought her out of her self-depreciating thoughts and gave her light to clearly see. Xander was her remedy, her medicine, and everything she could ever have hoped a man to be. Forget life, forget worries, he was there and she was with him and the worries fled like cats to water.
“I’m sorry...” Raisa whispered, eyes apologetic and compassionate. “I don’t know what came over me.” She smiled a little when Xander brushed away her tears as she had only thought a man would do in her dreams, and her face reddened slightly. He kissed her forehead and her mouth opened slightly to let out a breath. In any normal situation, it might have seemed a bit forward, but Raisa smiled, the gesture giving her a happiness that she had not felt for a very long time.
“I’ll try not to run again, but I might just to watch you chase after me.” She teased lightly, ignoring what he’d said about not being the best of people. He was perfect in her eyes, blanking out his loyalties. She breathed out sharply suddenly, “I think I care about you too.” She said softly, smiling still. “And I want to know you, I want to be with you, all the time. I don’t care about your faults, because your strengths are so much better. I wish I’d met you sooner.”
It seemed as if Raisa’s entire past was collapsing, only to be filled with new thoughts of Xander and every little possibility of their life together as Raisa was wanting it to be. “I can’t remember the last time I felt this way.” She said, going up on tip toe suddenly and kissing his cheek with care. She leaned against his chest again, loving the closeness between them and wanting it to go on, and on, and on until there was nothing left of the world to exist in. It was sudden, and maybe it shouldn’t have happened so fast, but the love within her had hit her hard and fast, like being hit with a stunning spell (but oh so much more potent). Raisa wasn’t sure what to feel, but she knew that she was loving what she felt just then.
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Post by thatxander on Apr 7, 2012 12:24:11 GMT -5
"Of course I came after you!" Xander proclaimed. "I couldn't just let you walk out the door- out of my life like that." This woman had managed to burrow herself so deeply within his heart. It was bit scary. Well, to others it may seem that way. Xander Cavanaugh had no problems with how he felt now. It was too perfect. She was perfect. He wanted to travel t he world with her. He wanted to literally sweep her off her feet in the random-est of places on Earth and if given the chance, he would! She was reassuring him that she was okay and he squeezed tighter, rubbing soothing circles into her back. Xander chuckled.
"It's alright, Love. I faint at the sight of Unicorns, remember?" He pulled his head back to look down at her face and ran a hand through her hair. "If that's not embarrassing then I'm not sure what his." He kissed her forehead again and trailed his lips down her skin, planting soft kisses, until he reached the tip of her nose. His eyes were closed and he drank in the moment.
"Don't." He cut her off. "Don't ever apologize. You have nothing to apologize for. Human nature is human nature. You have nothing to be ashamed of. I assure you." He smiled down warmly at her, wanting to pull her close again, but not wanting to push his luck. Xander Cavanaugh snorted.
"Raisa, darling, I will always chase after you. To the ends of the Earth and then some. Because you are so special. You are the woman every man wants. That special pearl that is enclosed in a clam- hiding its beauty because the rest of the world would be jealous. But you let me see- you let me fall-," he blushed and cleared his throat, "I've seen too much, and I can't just walk away. You are a precious rare woman, and your beauty outshines all others." Some would call him cheesy, but that was how he was. He wouldn't say anything that he didn't fully believe. He brushed the back of his hand against her cheek a little boldly, her skin feeling like the smoothness of a pearl. His pearl. His eyes lit up as the wheels in his head were turning. She spoke, saying she cared for him too, and his heart swelled to such a size that it dropped to his stomach. Raisa Piper was so beautiful. He had latched on and he would never be able to let go. She could walk away right now, and he would never move on. It was a risky feeling, one that he welcomed.
"I'm glad. Because I think I could spend everyday with you." He said with a whisper, blushing only slightly and wondering if he was even worthy enough to speak to this pearl. She touched on his strengths and he gave in, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close, burying his head into her neck, his eyes shut tight. He had never had anyone speak to him so kindly and in such a light that she just had. Not even his own Dark Lord supporting parents. None of his past relationships- not a thing. If he lost her...
"I think if I'd have met you sooner- no, I know if I'd have met you sooner, I would have made better decisions." He hinted at his mark. No, Xander Cavanaugh was not your typical Death Eater. He was merely a financial supporter and adviser. But the point remained. He had switched sides because he feared that fighting on the light side was to fight on the loosing side. And while his logic seemed flawless, he now felt so ashamed of himself. Raisa Piper brought hope into his life. A light that he had never seen before. And suddenly, he knew the light would prevail. For she was on that side. And he would never let anything happen to her. If he had to murder the snake bastard himself to protect her then by Merlin he would!
“I can’t remember the last time I felt this way.” Xander smiled as she picked herself up and pressed a chaste kiss to her cheek. One of his hands left her and he touched the spot on his cheek that tingled from her lips. His smile widened.
"Well, if I have my way, that will all change, and you won't remember a time when you didn't feel this way, my beautiful pearl." He pressed a kiss to her nose again, excitement filling him up as his confidence swelled. He wanted to do everything for this girl. He wanted to Apparate away with her run through fields together in some corny visual. He wanted to drop into the tall grass and be surrounded by books. He wanted to lay her down and pamper her with soft kisses. He wanted to have numerous children with her. Daughters he could spoil and sons he could bring up to be respectable young men. Xander Cavanaugh wanted it all. He wanted it with no one else but Raisa Piper.
"I think I should walk you back to your quarters," he said politely, "the period has ended and I am sure all the children have fled. I need to head up to the Hospital Wing and speak with Madame De Luca about the boys, and then to the Headmaster." He wrapped an arm around her shoulder as they began to walk. They talked about little things along the way, and then finally she had guided him to her quarters, as he had no idea where they were. He turned to her with a sparkle in his eyes.
"Next weekend." He said suddenly. "Let me take you out." Xander could already picture it. "You won't regret it!" He was going to take her to Monaco. It was such a beautifully romantic place. The perfect place to take beautiful woman. He only hoped she would say yes.
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Post by kat55 on Apr 9, 2012 18:32:19 GMT -5
Raisa blushed, “I’m sorry.” She apologized once again with a little dip of her head, “I really didn’t think and when I get embarrassed I do lose most of my common sense.” She smiled then, feeling his strong hand rubbing circles on her back. It was a beautiful moment for her, the feeling of being cared for and loved, and comforted. Comfort was something Raisa needed, and Xander was giving it to her at the moment when she needed it. Raisa had nowhere else she wanted to be, and fortunately for both of them, she didn’t have any classes for the rest of the day.
At Xander’s words Raisa burst into laughter, “That you do.” She said before covering her mouth with a hand. “I’m sorry.” She said, her voice muffled. “You didn’t laugh at my phobia so I really should laugh.” Raisa bit her lip, pulling her hand away only to stroke Xander’s cheek. “You don’t really seem all that embarrassed though, so I don’t feel too bad.” And then he trailing kisses down her face and she closed her eyes, never wanting to end the day. “I don’t know, fainting in front of a class of students isn’t on my top list of things to do.”
“I guess I shouldn’t complain though, the fear of blood is much more common then... whatever you have.” She smiled, face pink.
“Always?” she squeaked. He would always chase after her... But he would never have to, because she would never leave him. And Xander wasn’t done talking, he continued on about how special she was Raisa’s face continued to get brighter and brighter, happier and happier. Raisa caught Xander’s stumbled, his catching of his words. She listened with growing love, his words slowly bringing up the hidden Raisa inside, the woman that wasn’t so shy with the rest of the world. It was a woman that had not seen the light of day since he-who-must-not-be-named came back.
Raisa could see the bright light of thought in Xander’s eyes, and she silently rested against his chest, feeling more confident than she had for years. There was no way that she would be leaving him, none. Raisa felt more attached than ever, and they’d only just really met.
She now understood the true meaning of soul mate, and it was beautiful.
“I never want to spend a day without you.” She whispered back, somehow not surprised in the least at her feeling. She was touching her index finger to his pink cheek lightly, feeling the heat of his blush against her finger. Then he was embracing her and she rested her cheek against the top of his head where it lay against her neck.
“I know that you would have made better decisions, but I’m not sure it would change you, because you’re perfect enough as it is from what I’ve seen. I’m not sure I’d be able to handle anything more to tell you the truth.” She shrugged then, “Although the fact that I’m muggleborn and you’re a deatheater does make things a little difficult.” She said with a hint of frustration and sadness in her bright voice.
Raisa smiled though, he was far too charming and perfect for her to stay even remotely unhappy for any period of time. “Well, I hope you have your way then. If you manage that, I’ll reward you with a little more love dearest. And then you’ll forget the dark parts of your life, if I can help it.”She loved his little kisses to her nose and already she could see them being a regular routine in her life. Where had this sudden love come from? Raisa didn’t care to know, she just wanted to stay with Xander.
But the man was right, they were Professors and they both had their responsibilities, although Xander was quickly becoming Raisa’s priority. “Alright, I guess I should actually begin marking the work I intended to do in the Study Hall. Someone distracted me too much for me to get any work done.” She teased, winking at Xander with a smile. Raisa wrapped her own arm around his waist, walking by his side and leading him to her quarters. Soon enough, they had arrived at her door.
Xander had turned towards her and was asking her to go with him on... on a date. Raisa grinned, excitement plain in her eyes. Were they going too fast? Was the chance of a date too soon? No, of course it wasn’t, Raisa would go, no regrets. “Of course.” She whispered, once again leaning up to kiss his cheek. How could she say no? There was nothing she wanted more just then to spend her time with Xander, and just Xander, no possibility of being seen by sneaking students frequenting every corner.
“I’ll happily come with you anywhere you take me.” And it was time to go, time to do work. She looked down at the arm she hadn’t used for a while, realizing with a start that she still carried her books. Raisa opened her door, propping it open with a foot. “I’ll uh... I’ll see you tomorrow?” she asked, more like pleaded. She wanted, no, Raisa needed to see him again soon. Raisa was going to make it happen if she needed to.
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