The new boy in town... (open to wandering adults)

New Student **Number of posts**: 18

Matt wandered down the tiny wizarding village known as Villenure. It had been a while since his last visit some 7 years ago. When he had been carefree and not a worry in the world. . when it all been at his feet for the taking. Nothing much had changed, a few different shops but nothing too alarming. He wished Alexis was here, but he was with his sister Éléonore and her new husband who had just moved into a house in Dijon . He himself was up this way to meet with the Head Mistress at Beauxbatons about a job.

He had left Alexis with his sister and her new husband in Dijon for the moment but he knew he could not leave him there for long. That was why he had come up early today, to see if he could find a place to live closer to where he was hopefully about to start work. That way he could pop in on weekends to see his son. Plus he needed to hire a nanny/housemaid to look after him, after all Alexis was barely 4 years old.

His still thought about her, the mother of his child from time to time , where was she, did she ever think of him or her baby. he had no idea where she gone or what she doing and he never looked for her. She had abandoned her child as far Matt was concerned she had no claim to him. But it did not stop him thinking about her.

He gave a sigh as he stopped in front of a shop. A book shop by the looks of it. Though he wanted to write a book, the shop held no interest for him as his mind turned back over the events again. He was doing that more and more these days. It had been the main reason that he had applied for this job when he had seen it in the paper.

A change from what he was used to.

He gave another sigh and moved away from the window. He needed to see about a house so he started off toward the local real estate. His thoughts turned to Émilie again . . Had he loved her . . the answer was no . . he had liked her but he never entertained the idea he would marry her. Had he known what was on her mind . . could he have made her stay . What mind had she been in to just walk out .

He checked his watch. . still enough time. Head Mistress was not expecting him until 2pm. He would even have time for a spot of lunch before heading to the castle. He was no teacher but he looked forward to a new beginning. He was also no expert in Astronomy but a love of the stars and their stories had kept him on the sane side of life for a while now. When things got too bad he would always take a chair and stare into the skies. It was that love of the stars he now hoped to bring to the young students of Beauxbatons.

“enough of these silly thoughts” he told himself as he came up to the real estate and the bell tinkled as he pushed open the door and entered.

Professor **Number of posts**: 138

Belle had dragged herself out of bed that morning. Finally, the weekend she told herself as she stepped over her clothes to wander out to the lounge/dining that were her quarters. Breakfast as usual was laid out but all she went for that morning was a cup of herbal tea and a buttered crumpet. She knew she aught to eat more but she really was not in the mood.

Thoughts of seeing Astrid in a bit cheered her up as she made her to the bathroom to have a shower. At least that made her feel a little better, and she found, when she went back out, that she eat a bit more. She looked at her bag that she had dumped last night . . she still had papers to mark. Later she told herself as she surveyed herself in the mirror. Little red top under a black leather short jacket, matched with a frilly short black skirt and long black socks that came to just over her knees. Even at 25 she could still pull it off she thought as she added her doc martins and a bit of jewelry.

Next came the hair and Belle spent a good 20 minutes on it as she teased it and styled it until she was left with a short flowing style that left a few strands hanging over her face. Satisfied she grabbed an apple from the plate of food on the table then made her way from her rooms.

10 o'clock they had agreed. . . Belle was a little early but her philosophy was better early than late. it was quiet as she made her way through the castle. The students seemed to having a lay in for the weekend. . she only met three on the way, greeting each of them with a hearty good morning. All three had looked after her as she passed for they had never seen their potions Mistresss dressed in such a way.

Belle stepped out into a beautiful January morning. It was a little windy but the sun was shining which was good. Belle hated the winter . . give her summer anytime. Summer meant exploring and fun . . pity she had a fear of water though . . she would have loved to have added swimming.

She gave a smile . . despite all that had happened this week, Belle was determined today was going to be a fun day. Just her and Astrid . . what could be better.

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Professor **Number of posts**: 82

Astrid had dressed more casually than usual today, and she wasn't sure she was enjoying it much, she continued to stare in the mirror, staring at the clothes in disdain, and changed again, pulling on a pair of dark blue skinny jeans, and a cream flowy blouse, and then picking up an emerald colour cloak, she pulled on a pair of lightly heeled brown boots, and hurried across to her bathroom to quickly brush her teeth, and then swept her hair up into a low chignon. Astrid looked up to the clock and gasped. This would have to do, she decided, grabbing her bag and calling for Lux.

"Lux... I need you to take me too Villeneuve." She smiled, lightly holding the bird, and closed her eyes. This part always made her feel dizzy. Astrid groaned as she felt the usual ripple under her skin, and opened her eyes, finding herself to be in old village from her childhood. "Zank you! Take care my love!" Astrid called, as her companion took to her air.

Astrid pulled her cloak tightly around her, and navigated through the loose crowd of people, her eyes searching out Belle. Twenty minutes had soon passed, and their still seemed to be no sign of Belle. "Perhaps she 'as changed 'er mind." She said quietly to herself, but knew instinctively Belle would have owled her. Astrid continued to look, and soon found her eyes land upon an unmistakable crown of golden hair.

"Belle!" Astrid shouted across the square shamelessly, striding across fluidly, "You made it! I am so pleased... Pardon my tardiness. Where would you like to start?" Astrid garbled, her breath leaving her. She chuckled at herself. Today would be fun, a chance for herself and Belle to really have some alone girl time.

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Professor **Number of posts**: 138

Belle could have apparated into the village when she had made her way down out through the gates . . but she had time and thought the walk in would do her good. She been cooped up in classes and homework all week . . it would be nice to get some fresh air.

It took her about 30 minutes and when she got there she tried to think where Astrid had agreed to meet her. But she not have worried as she heard her name called out and Belle turned around to see her friend marching boldly across the square.

"ASTRID " Belle exclaimed with a smile, taking the last few steps toward her and gathering her into quick hug. "You look fabulous " she added stepping back to look her up and down. And she did . . look out any men around today she thought . . and gave a laugh.

"I thought you were going to meet me at the school . . the walk in was marvelous. I actually saw a few sprigs of blossom starting to poke through. Spring will be here before we know it " Belle said as she started to walk " Well I wanna check out the bookstore and I need to pick up few ingredients . . but they can both wait if you got something you want to do. " Belle said. Truth was she wanted to leave both to after lunch for she did not want to be lugging books around all day and the ingredients she wanted needed to be fresh and once she had them she had to get them quickly back to the castle.

She stopped for a moment to look in one of the local clothing stores. She looked up " La Maison Vert " the sign said. More uptown than what Belle usually wore. More Astrids style she mused. Though she quite liked Astrid's style . . but it was not a style she could ever pull off. Not that she would ever want to . . she quite liked her own style.

They moved on . . next to the clothing store was a real estate. Belle did not stop at this one but she did glance in. "maybe one day I'll have enough to buy a house . . " she mused more to herself as they passed the door.

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Professor **Number of posts**: 82

Astrid returned her friends hug heartily, giggling. It had been a long time since Astrid had, had a friend, but Belle made it easy. Astrid resisted the urge to snort. "As do you Belle." Astrid replied truthfully, Belle's look was one of the many things Astrid found herself loving about her friend. She had in truth never had the courage to try such a daring look.

Astrid wrinkled her forehead, she had be sure she had said to meet here as she had some errands to run, "I am sorry, I was under ze impression we were meeting 'ere... eet is no matter now z'ough." She smiled, linking Belles arm with her own. "Indeed eet shall not be long now, I am looking forward to being able to use ze lake!" She said excitedly, and began navigating them through the crowd of people.

"Ah, I also want to go to ze bookstore, I might pick up ingredients to place under my pillow to 'elp me sleep better aswell." Astrid said, and right on cue she yawned, no matter how long she slept, she constantly tossed and turned, and she never felt well rested enough. Astrid continued to walk with Belle in comfortable silence, noting a few new stores, and some familiar ones. 'La Maison Vert.' This seemed new, Astrid peered throug hthe window and smiled at the array of outfits. This would defintely warrant a look at, and there were a few numbers Astrid desperately wanted to see Belle in, though she supposed it would not be without a fight. She chuckled, then noticing Belle looking at the store next to the clothing shop.

"Ah I am 'oping to find a small place also." Astrid agreed. She didn't want to have to spend her summer with her parents. It seemed so ungrown up. Astrid looked at some of the listings and tutted, she would never be able to afford even a flat at this rate... not that she wanted one. She sighed. "Where will you be going at ze end of ze year Belle?" She asked, gazing longingly at one of the bungalows listed.

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New Student **Number of posts**: 18

Matt had a pleasant hour or so in the tiny real estate. Run by a man by the name of Phillipe Montague and his wife Penny, a British girl about 6 years older than him. They were nice people who showed Matt a few properties around the place. Be shuffled through them, placing many to one side. By the time he was done he had 4 properties that he was interested in looking at.

Phil ( as Phillipe asked Matt to call him) set up an appointment for Monday to go view them. After all, he explained, this was Saturday and he was closed by 2pm, and he never worked Sunday. Though if Matt wanted he could go and check them out, he just would not be able to get inside to look around.

Matt told him that would be fine and set up an appointment for 9.30 for the following Monday. He got directions to to the four places and with a promise to meet Phil at the closest one on Monday, he gathered the details and made his way from the shop.

Stepping outside he almost collided with a couple of young ladies who seemed intent on crowding the doorway. "Dames de pardon. si je peux juste obtenir à travers." he said with a smile, tipping an imaginary hat as he sidled past them. He paid them little attention as he checked the instruction on where of the first place, then pocketing the details he turned and headed for Montague Street.

((Translation: Excuse me ladies. If I can just get through))

Professor **Number of posts**: 138

Belle shrugged . . it no longer mattered where they had agreed to meet. They were both here and it was all good. "You are having trouble sleeping . . you should let me make you a potion . . I developed one that would give you the sweetest sleep and dreams. Just three droops for a good nights sleep and you wake so refreshed in the morning " Belle smiled. It was one of her bet potions she had always thought. It had sold well after she had perfected it and presented it to her employee. It would be pleasure to let Astrid have some. . anything for her friend.

"You want a place here . . not sure I want to live here . . maybe a small place in England somewhere . . in one of those little muggle villages where I can potter away in my garden. I would have to have a large garden and a greenhouse. . a greenhouse would be a must " Belle smiled at the thought as Astrid fired her next question. At this one she frowned.

"I am not sure . . I have no place of my own . . I guess I will just stay here at the castle . . or if I have saved enough maybe i might spend a week or so on that island. Blackstone. . have you heard of it. Set in the south somewhere . . its a magic holiday island. Cut off from the muggles. I hear the Ministry even have a training camp down there . . but it is a popular place so if I decide I guess I should book soon. " she said as she decided it was high time they moved on. But as she did the door to the real estate opened and a tall man with long blond hair walked out, nearly colliding with them but managed to sidestep them as he excused himself and wandered on.

Belle gave him no thought.

"What about you , where will you spend your holidays?" she asked as she spotted another clothes store across the road. "Astrid check out that skirt will you "Belle gasped as she made her way across to gaze at a cherry red short rather flouncy thing that was in the window. She even liked the top that was featured with it .

"C'mon . . I want to check this out " she smiled at Astrid and made her way in through the open door.

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Professor **Number of posts**: 82

Astrid beamed, she loved potionmaking, but she doubted that she could do a better job then her friend. "Oh zat would be wonderful," Astrid said humbly, "I would take even ze foulest of potion if eet would mean a peaceful nights sleep." She chuckled, smiling warmly at her friend, it was an amazing feat to be creating ones own potion, but given Belle's age is was extraodinary. "You are so very talented Belle." Astrid complimented, pulling her cloak tighter around herself to shield herself from the cold. Perhaps a hot drink would hit the spot.

Astrid looked back at the house listings again, "Not permanently, perhaps somezing I might be able to rent, or buy up cheap and rent out." Astrid answered absentmindedly. It was something Astrid dreamed of, she wanted to create a life for herself and her future children, a sizeable home... a happy home.
"Zat would make sense... I would like a home near a pond or lake, so I could skate sometimes... my Mothers used to take me skating all the time." Astrid added, smiling at the memory of her youth. Astrid continued to look at the listings, as if to will the prices down. "Eet sounds familiar... But I do not know a great deal about eet." Astrid tapped her head, as if to drag up the thought, but nothing came.

Astrid jumped back slightly, the door to the real estate opening suddenly, and a man with shoulder length blonde hair stepped out. Astrid smiled politely, and let the man through, and then turned to watch him go, Astrid soon became distracted when Belle called out to her.

"I do not know as of yet... what skirt? Ah." Astrid smiled seeing the skirt, it was an attractive colour, and she could see why Belle would be drawn to it. "Oui, ok, lets go, but we must grab a drink afterwards!" She called , and ran giggling after Belle, like a schoolgirl.

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New Student **Number of posts**: 18

Matt had gone to have a look at all 4 places and had immediately ruled out 2 of them. The one over on Jansky Place had not had a large enough garden and the one on Harrington just did not appeal in the way it looked. He had been most impressed with the one on Montague and the one on Franklin. He was looking forward to viewing the inside of both of them on Monday.

He made his way back to the center of town. He still had a few hours before his meeting with the Head Mistress. Normally he was not one to window shop but seeing as how it was still a bit early for lunch, he started wandering along the shops.

First shop he came to was the travel agency where the windows were advertising some place called Blackstone Island of the south of England. He had heard of such a place but had never been and he stood for a while looking at all the pamphlets. It looked nice but he doubted if he would ever be able to afford such a holiday.

Matt gave a sigh and wandered to the next shop. An Ice Cream shop. It made him think of Alex and he gave a smile. Would Alex like living here, he wondered as he stepped back from the window and turned, looked around the town. Not too many out and about. . . a couple of old men sitting out on a bench talking . . a couple of young mothers chatting while their kids played hide and seek. The two young ladies he had nearly bumped into earlier, who seemed to be checking out a rather obscure clothes shop. Not the taller one he thought, she was too well dressed for that kind of shop. But the other . . and he shook his head. . she looked like something out of a . . well he wasn't sure . . but it was a far out get up.

He stared at them for a moment . . for no other reason that they seemed such an unlikely pair. He gave a soft laugh and wandered on. His stomach rumbled, reminding him it had been some 5 hours since he had last eaten. To heck with the fact it was not yet a suitable time to eat . Matt was hungry and he still had the walk to the castle later so he made the choice and headed to a cafe across the the road.

Seems he was not the only one to come in for an early feed. There was quite a few patrons already in there, some eating, some drinking, some talking, some reading. A few looked up as he walked in and he gave them a nod as he walked up to the front desk to order.

A young girl looked at him and asked what he wanted. Matt checked the board and told her he wanted a toasted sandwich with cheese, tomato and capsicum and a Café au lait. He gave her the money and she told him to take a seat and she would bring it out in a moment. He thanked her, grabbed one of the complimentary papers, and made his way outside. He chose a small table over by the side and sat down. He popped his sunglasses on for the sun was at a odd angle and opened the paper ans started reading.

Professor **Number of posts**: 138

Belle looked around the shop with a huge smile on her face. She had not expected to find such a shop here in France in the only entire wizarding village. What a find she thought as she went from rack to rack, the red skirt in the window soon forgotten as she went through the clothes. Astrid was fun to be with and a good sport, she would be sure to repay her later by perusing a clothes store she was interested in. Belle loved Astrids style but it was not her, she could never pull of anything so classy.

"OH MY GOSH " Belle exclaimed as she spotted a dress and rushed over to find it was exactly her size. Not that it would have mattered, it had never stopped her before, if it was the wrong size a little magic went a long way.

Belle grabbed it and kept looking and before long she found the perfect boots to go with it. But these were not the right size but still she picked them up for they too could be fixed with a little magic.

"see anything you like " she said to Astrid as she made her way to the front counter. She would have loved to have bought more but she still had those books and ingredients to get and working at the school did not pay a fortune. She paid over her money to the assistant and waited while she wrapped the dress with tissue paper and place it in a cardboard box. The boots were packed similar and then both put into a carry bag. Belle was quite impressed, the clothes shops back in England never went to that much trouble.

She bade the assistant a farewell with a promise to come back soon and then stepped back out in the street. She felt good, but then she always did when buying new clothes.

"do you wanna grab something to eat " Belle asked for Astrid had suggested a drink but she thought a snack was in order. Lunch was still an hour or so away. Morning tea was more the word. She spotted a cafe across the street " will that suit? " she asked but not waiting for an answer, started making her way over.

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Professor **Number of posts**: 82

Astrid stood behind Belle, slighlty to left, and scanned the shop with her eyes, before settling on Belle again, Astrid struggled to stiffle her laughter. Belle's face had lit up, and she began to riffle through the store with all the excitement of a child in a sweet shop. She shook her head, and walked across to a rack, skimming through the articles of clothing, Astrid almost had a stroke when Belle let out a squeal, she turned sharply ready to shout at anyone who had upset her friend, but simply found Belle clutching a red dress.

"I take eet zat you are liking zis dress." Astrid mocked, watching as her friend skitted aroudn the shop trying to find matching shoes, and eventually landed on a pair of red... boots? Astrid was unsure of what to call them, but smiled encouragingly nonetheless.

"Anyzing I like?" Astrid asked, though she assumed Belle was only asking out of politeness, "I am afraid I would not know where to start with zis style of clothing." She answered honestly, "But zat dress is rather lovely, the colour suits you well. She added quickly, walking over to the counter with Belle, and waiting as the woman at the counter boxed the purchases up, Belle paid for the items, and they both exited the shop.

Astrid had been about to remind Belle of stopping off for a drink, but it seemed that in all her excitement she had not forgotten. "Oui... I 'ave not yet 'ad my breakfast." Astrid conclude, following after her friend. "Ah zat will do quite well." Astrid confirmed, removing her cloak as she neared the cafe.

"Do you want to give me your order, and zen go grab some seats?" Astrid asked, suprised that the cafe was so busy so early.

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Professor **Number of posts**: 138

As they neared the cafe, Belle realised she had not eaten that morning. She now regretted it for her stomach was protesting so loud she was sure everyone would hear it

"I just have some pancakes and a Chai Latte thanks "she smiled at Astrid as she looked around for a table. It was rather crowded she thought but spotted one over by the side. She saw another lady enter with a small child who had also spotted it but Belle made the move and got there first, getting a dirty look as she slid into the seat but she did not care. Her and Astid had got there first so in her eyes the table was rightfully theirs.

Belle dumped the bag under the table along with her handbag, but not before extracting a pair of sunglasses, the sun was nice but it was shining in at at an odd angle from where she was sitting. It didn't seem to affecting anyone else, other than a young man at the next table who had his nose buried in a paper. She could only see his eyes and his hair.

But she paid him no attention as she waited for Astrid. Her thoughts were on Thomas again . . those dark eyes and the way he seemed to look straight through her. Strange Astrid had not said anything about him this morning . . she thought and screwed up her nose. Should she tell him about last night and the discussion she had taken on poisons. Tommy had not looked too impressed with her but he had complimented her. And he had left first too, probably to get back to Astrid, which made it strange she had not said anything. Belle would ask her when she got back.

Having nothing to do until Astrid got back, Belle bent down and pulled the boots from the bag. Taking them out of the box they were in, she wriggled out of her doc martins and tried them on. They were a size too big but a quick wave of the wand soon fixed that. Smiling she popped the doc martins back into the box and back into the bag.

She looked up to see where Astrid was . . She really wanted to try on this dress but she was not about to get up and leave it. That lady was still watching her carefully.

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Professor **Number of posts**: 82

Astrid nodded, mentally taking Belle's order, and strode into the cafe and up towards the bar where a man who seemed to be in his forties, and three young children stood, having their orders taken. and waited patiently while the girl at the counter took them down. Astrid's tummy rumbled again and she huffed, she'd never seen somebody taken an order so slow, she drummed her fingers on the counter and continued waiting, until at long last the woman addressed her.

"Ah ok, can I 'ave a Chai Latte, a Caramel Machiato, a plate of pancakes, and some french toast with eggs and mushrooms, ooooh and could you send over some of ze toasted fruit loaf." Astrid said politely, with a tight lipped smiled, the woman nodded aloofly and gave her the bill, Astrid bit her lip, and tried to smile, desperate not to say anything with her sharp tongue, she knew 'ow people in zis industry dealt with troublesome customers. Astrid blinked twice, and pulled her purse out, quickly handing the money over, muttered a thanks, and walked back outside sliding into the seat next to Belle.

"Insufferable woman." Astrid hissed placing her cloak over her chair, and her bag on the floor, slipping her right foot through the loop to ensure it wasn't taken, it was then she noticed the woman and her child looking rather angrily in their direction. "What are zey looking at?" Astrid asked curiously turning to Belle, "Nice sunglasses." Astrid commented. She hadn't brought any herself, but she was lucky she was seated with the sun behind her.

Astrid resisted the urge to run her hands through her hair, she didn't often put it up, and she cretainly didn't want to mess up her hard work. "I was wondering whether you 'ad ze chance to talk to Tommy about starting up a duelling club, some of z'ose Beauxbaton boys need a wake up... and goodness the girls. A student stopped me and asked me whether I would be teaching a lesson about transfiguring objects into make-up. Ridiculous." Astrid exclaimed, the girl had shown difficulty transfiguring a match into a needle, so how she ever hoped to attempt that feat was beyond her.

"Zat reminds me, why did you send Miss Avalyne for Tommy ze other night?" Astrid questioned, as the waitress finally appeared with their orders.

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Professor **Number of posts**: 138

Belle smiled as Astrid made her way back and sat down. " what woman " she asked then "how much do I owe you " as she reached dow to her bag and pulled out her wallet. She place what she hoped was a fair amount in front of Astird as she asked about the lady with the small boy.

"Hasn't she moved on, oh she came in after me and she's a bit miffed I got this table first" Belle said with a shrug. She popped her sunglasses off for a moment and raised her eyebrows at the lady and saw with satisfaction the lady grab her sons hand and march inside.

"Thomas? " she asked thinking seeing as she was him that he might have mentioned she had spoken to him. That had been before the kiss that was and it all gone terribly wrong. "Yes I did, he was going to talk to Head Mistress about it when she got back. Does anyone know where she is" Belle asked thinking it was strange she had been gone for so long without leaving anyone in charge.

She laughed at Astrids little joke... well not for the student concerned but it was still funny. " I know, I had one student ask for a love potion for valentines. She had tears in her eyes when I explained the dangers of it and a potion could never imitate real love. " Belle added with a smile.

But it faded as the waitress came out but she first stopped at the next table with the young man before bringing theirs over. " has he not told you . . " she asked quite astonished. But then it hit what she had actually said. Somehow this was not making sense.

"hang on . . you were with him when Miss Avalyne came . . but he has not told you . . did he not come straight back to you, he left in a hurry once we were done. But in answer to your question . . he had agreed to do a special lesson with me, on Dark Potions . . I sent Miss Avalyne to remind him we had the first discussion." she told her as she took in the smell of the delicious looking pancakes.

"So how are you and Thomas going. . " she asked reaching for the honey to pour over her pancakes. Not that she really wanted to hear but Astrid was her friend and Belle was determined to be there for her.

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New Student **Number of posts**: 18

Matt momentarily looked up from his paper as someone sat at the table next to him. It was one of the girls that he had seen earlier, the odd one who he noticed was putting on a rather bright red pair of boots. She have have just bought them he thought. Shaking his head he went back to the paper.

A few minutes later her friend joined her, complaining loudly in French accented English. Even though he did not understand the most of it, he got the distinct notion she as upset with someone. He had a good view of her for she was facing him while the other had her back to him. Again he was struck at the unlikeness that these two were friends.

The French girl continued to talk and he would have ignored her other than the fact she mentioned Beauxbatons and from the little English he knew he gathered she was talking about classes. The other spoke in perfect English, but still he got the impression she too was talking about lessons. Was it possible he wondered. Were these two Professors at the school he was heading to later this day. Surely not, he thought, maybe the French girl but not that the English one. No way could a such a person be employed in a place where students were easily impressed.

Yet the French one had said Beauxbatons and that was enough to get his attention. He put his paper down, took his sunglasses off and leaned across the table.

"Excusez-moi des dames. Je ne pourrais pas aider mais surprendre. Pardonnez-moi, mon nom est Matthieu Lévesque et je m'applique à Beauxbatons pour un travail. Suis je redresse en vous assumant pourrais être des professeurs" he inquired of them hoping that at least one of them could speak French.

((Translation ~ Excuse me ladies. I could not help but overhear. Forgive me, my name is Matthieu Lévesque and I am applying to Beauxbatons for a job. Am I right in assuming you might be Professors.))

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The new boy in town... (open to wandering adults)

The new boy in town... (open to wandering adults)

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