Getting to know you (Jon)

[Deleted]

Selene had decided, though she had the rest of the day to do with what she wanted and she didn't have students to deal with the rest of the day, she was going to spend the day outside with her daughter Willow. She knew that Willow was excited to be back outside and that the girl had always loved the out doors more then anything else and had cared about things out there. She had brought Willow with that day because Hecate was at work and Nerefon was busy dealing with Sirius and getting his shots and making sure that he was healthy and she was going to be coming in to see Tony soon.

She knew that Willow liked a lot of people and all but she was worried about her since she didn't know what it was like that people weren't all good or all bad. She also wanted to watch her play and she smiled at the little girl in her arms as she pointed at things excitedly and she was exceptionally happy with the things around her. When she stopped and placed Willow on the ground and watched Willow laugh and ripping the grass out getting it all over her blue jeans and her little fall jacket laughing at what was going on and started laughing when a caterpillar started crawling up her hand. Selene sat down smiling at her and watched her and this was the best time of her life watching her little girl grow.

"You love having the little critter crawl on you don't you Willow?" she said smiling and heard someone approach.

[Jonathan Doom]

Class was over. It had been the last class of the day. He wouldn't even have to think about Herbology until the following day, he supposed. He marked his last paper, standing up quickly and stretching, arms high above his head. He couldn't quite explain it, but he was feeling exceptionally good that day. In high spirits, he might even say. Only Alissa and Jacoby were close enough to him to know that such days were the ones where he had to be watched the most. Nevertheless, the thought didn't cross his mind as he left the greenhouse.

Autumn had completely taken over the castle grounds. Not a sign of Summer was left. Not that Jonathan minded. It was, after all, his favorite time of the year. He had convinced himself it was the reason for his good mood. Of course, deep down, he was sure he was fooling himself. He walked the grounds quickly, not even sure where he was going. He had come awfully close to tripping over Willow, but spotted her just in time. He recognized her instantly, though she'd grown a bit since he'd last seen her. "Hi there," he said, seeing the young girl tear up grass as she laughed. He glanced over to face Selene. They may have worked together, but between classes it wasn't like the Professors had much time to truly get to know each other. "Selene, right?" Seldom one to address anyone by last name, it was no wonder he remembered her first name first. "I hope you guys have been okay," he said.

OOC: Egads. I hope it works.

[Deleted]

Selene noticed that the head of house, Jon, had nearly tripped over willow which she noticed that Willow looked up with an expectant look and smiled up at him. Selene knew that Willow had always liked people and she remembered seeing Willow and Airous in the Library and Willow had wanted to play with Jon's hair. Willow stopped ripping the grass out and tugged on Jon's pants wanting up and Selene just rolled her eyes smiling and let out a soft laugh which made Willow laugh as well.

"Yes, it's Selene. We have though slightly stressful but everything is going alright. How have you been, Jon? I don't think Airous would like it if you weren't doing ok." she said and smiled when Willow pulled herself up after getting a good hold on the pant legs of Jon's pants and stood there.

"Looks like Willow remembers you fondly. Why don't you join us, we were just sitting out here and I brought her out here for a bit of fresh air before we go home." she said smiling a little.

OOC: It works.

[Jonathan Doom]

Jon felt Willow tug at his pants, looking down with a smile at the gesture. It was something he'd grown quite used to. His own children at her age had made a habit of tugging on pants legs. He and Jacoby both had learnt the hard way to always wear belts when around toddlers. "They're so cute when they laugh," he remarked as Willow responded to her mothers laugh, "Well, I'm glad to hear everything is going all right, at least. Sucks about the stress, though," he said, stating the obvious in a way that only Jon could, "Anything you wanna talk about?"

He looked down again as Willow stood herself up, grinning at the sight. How awkward they looked when they were that young and pulled themselves up. "I'm doing fine," he replied, "Airous shan't have to worry. In fact, I feel great today," he added, grinning. He didn't mention the fact that he hadn't just a couple days ago. No need to point that out, though. At her offer, he nodded, "Wouldn't hurt," he told her, sitting down at that moment, "She looks like she's enjoying the fresh air."

[Deleted]

Selene couldn't help but smile at Willow. She knew her daughter had always like Jon and she didn't blame her, Jon was nice and that's why Willow would like him. She had grown used to the fact of Willow always pulling on her jeans to get her attention and to pull herself up and start standing and walking which was a good sign.

"They are when they laugh, it makes me laugh all the time hearing her giggling at things such as the puppy we got for her and little things that makes her life easier on us to hear that laugh with everything going on." she said smiling at her daughter but then looked up at Jon.

"Well yes it does suck but then again, life is meant to have stress and we are meant to have to deal with things. If we didn't we wouldn't learn from it and we would not become as strong as we can in order to live in this world. I am just stressed cause it's become harder and harder to see Airous and I am worried about him everyday, just worried that he will relapse, worried that the stress will get to him, stressed that we all won't survive in this war." she said frowning slightly.

"They are a little awkward aren't they? When they are this young trying to pull themselves to stand and to hold onto something that can help them stand. It's a cute. Are you sure Jon? You know Airous cares a lot about you and he would worry. She loves being outside, always has and she enjoys watching animals a lot." she said smiling.

[Jonathan Doom]

"Puppy?" Jonathan asked with a grin, unable to hide his interest in the animal. It was no secret that he loved dogs, after all. His family had more than enough of them. "I bet she loves having the puppy around," he said, "All of my kids grew up with dogs. As long as you're smart about supervision, they're the perfect combination. Children and dogs," he smirked saying, "Who can possibly be down when they're around both of them?" he continued, not even realizing he'd said all opposed to both. Old habits died hard, even though that one was years old.

"I suppose you're right," he agreed. Though, if you asked him, dealing with it could be very trying at times. But he didn't care to think about that at that moment. "It's as though life tests you, isn't it?" he asked. He glanced at her as she admitted to being worried, frowning for a moment before he said, "You should take some time off to see him. I'm sure Hogwarts can find a substitute. I imagine it is pretty hard now that he's not in school. Isn't he training to be an Auror? I think Jacoby said something about that," he thought aloud, "As far as the war goes, if you look at history, the good guys somehow almost always manage to win. Even when the odds are stacked against them,"

Jonathan laughed as she agreed that they were awkward, nodding in response. "Very much so. I miss it sometimes," he admitted, "There's something amazing about seeing them pull themselves up like that for the first time," he turned toward her at her question, smile on his face, "Right now, yeah, I'm sure. I mean, it's been tough. At home. But what can you do, really?" he asked with a shrug, "I'm great today and that's what matters. Neither he nor yourself need worry," he glanced at Willow again, grinning, "That's good. Is the puppy the only animal you have?"

[Deleted]

"Yes a puppy. A german Shepard to be in fact. I have always love dogs myself, loyal animals, strong and proud too. Willow loves the puppy a lot and they are connected by the hip cause everywhere the puppy goes Willow fallows and where ever willow goes the puppy fallows too. That's true, thats why I keep them in the same room as me so I can keep an eye on both of them and I guess no one really." she said smiling.

"I guess sometimes though I wonder if I am half the time. Life is always testing you, but in different ways so that it isn't always clear to us when it is." she said nodding thinking about her father and how she was beaten. I wish I could but the only people that I know that know the branch of magic I teach are either 1. already a teacher and it would be a little difficult for him, 2. the other person is an auror, 3. the other, being my twin sister who is training to be an auror. Though If I ask Tony he most likely would try to do it for me. It is, the only other reason why I took post here is to keep an eye on him but now that he is gone I don't need to but I have reasons now to stay, it's to keep an eye on Ariel. He is yes. But the war is always hard on the good people, we always have several losses." she said nodding with a sigh.

"I bet you do. I love it though I don't want her to ever grow up though but I know I can't stop it but accept her and watch her grow up. It is yes, it amazes me that someone so small can actually learn pretty quick in how to get up and walk and eventually talk." she said nodding with a quirk of a smile.

"Jon...you can't push yourself to the brink of exhaustion it will get to you. Plus yes it can be tough but you know...a person must find a way to see what needs to be changed and fight for those changes to come forth and work hard at them. If something is seriously going wrong that makes a person sad or even feel like there is nothing they can do to change something in order to make life better, you need to look at the positives and find what you love about the other person." she said knowingly.

"I hope so, Sometimes a person puts a face on to make it seem like they are ok but in reality, the really are not ok, they are hurting deep inside and they won't admit that they are because they feel that others shouldn't have to worry or try to help them. Don't end up pushing others away out of fear of them helping you Jon. I don't want to have to worry Jon, I don't want anything to happen to you. We have just the family owl." she said.

[Jonathan Doom]

He grinned, nodding at her words. "My friend, Jacoby, has always wanted a German shepherd," he frowned for a brief moment before adding, "His youngest boy is severely allergic to dogs, though. But yes, they are very loyal animals. Sometimes, it amazes me. I think we humans could learn a lot from them," he said, smile still intact. Animals were a subject he loved. Always had been. "The puppy's like her other foot," he mused more to himself than her, but loud enough for her to hear, "That's the best way to do it. As loyal as they are, they're still animals. Creatures of instinct just like the rest of us."

He shook his head, frowning. She was right. It wasn't always clear. It would be easier if it was, but that just wasn't how life worked. "It's often clear when the test is over," he said, "but never when we're actually taking the test. Which sucks, because how are we going to know how to pass if we don't even know we're being tested?" he snickered at the thought. "Ah," he said. He supposed that made sense. She didn't teach a very common form of magic, "So, they're all too busy to take on the extra job," he said, "Do you like teaching?" he asked suddenly, "I mean, I'm sorry if asking that comes across as brash or something. Just curious, is all. I mean, are those your only reasons for being here?" he nodded. She was right. At that moment, he didn't want to think much of the potential losses. That didn't mean he didn't realize there would be some, "I think that's true of any war," he said, "You have to lose a few battles before you can win the war,"

He nodded, "I do," he said, glancing at Willow again for a moment, "I have mixed feelings about that growing up part. It's amazing to watch them grow. And yet, I know that when they do, I'll have to let go," he sighed, but a smile was on his face nonetheless, "Either way, it's worth it. Just wait till she's learning to read. That will amaze you just as much," he said, "I try not to," he told her, eyeing her for a moment, "The positives," he mused, "Right. They can be hard to find for some of us. But are always there,"

Jonathan grinned, shrugging the words off. Yeah, he put on a face from time to time. But he didn't think he was at that moment. Then again, for him it was hard to know. "I won't," he vowed. He wasn't sure if it was perfect honesty or not. There were some days he'd essentially barricade himself inside his house, and during those days the only human contact he had was with his wife, his children, and Jacoby. Nevertheless, he kept all his friends as close as possible. He sighed, "You don't have to," but there was something hidden behind the words regardless, even in his current state of mind. "Oh, owls, of course. I think most, if not all, of us have at least one owl."

[Deleted]

"German shepherds are great dogs, very loyal and very loving and caring to those it lives with and I have loved those dogs so much too. Well that's to bad for Jacoby not being able to get the dog because of his son but then we have to sacrifice our time and parts of what we want because of children. I agree that we could learn a lot from them. Yes, the puppy is like her other foot and it's adorable." she said nodding as she thought of their puppy who would be excited to see them when they got home.

"It is and that is very true that we learn after the test and realize that what we needed to learn was right there. Exactly it does suck but then again...it's life. That's life though and that is the point some times so we have to take one day at a time." she said thoughtfully thinking about how hard it was after learning that she was pregnant and how she was scared what Airous would do but it all happened for a reason and it was a good thing in her life.

"Yes but I can probably still find someone who would be willing to do the teaching. Yes, I love it though it gets hard sometimes but I think it's worth it in the end and I fully enjoy watching others work this branch of magic. No, it's ok I don't mind it at all I mean it's ok I don't mind answering your questions. Not really, I just want to make sure that kids are safe and that I could try to help them here at the school without the interference of their parents if they are being abused at home. Yes it does." she said solemnly and nodding.

"It's going to be hard when she is growing up, I just don't want her to, she is so loving now and I don't want her to be grown up just yet. It is though, watching them grow and I know that too but I don't want to let go just yet. Yes it is and it will amaze me when she learns to read." she said and smiled lovingly at her daughter who seemed to enjoy Jon's pants.

"I understand that but sometimes even in our memory we have to. I sometimes wonder what we think of positive and loving is something not what others would think. I, when I was abused by my family, surrounded myself with as much love as I could in order to make it through the beating." she said.

"Good. No, I want to Jon, If I didn't do that, I wouldn't be the person I am. Yes at least one owl but you know I love owls to death." she said.

[Jonathan Doom]

"They really are," Jon replied, "He had one back when we were in school. We found him during winter break as a stray. Jacoby and I would sneak him to the castle and hide him in various places while in class," he said with a snicker, "Shockingly, we never got caught. Even though we had him from our second to seventh year," He looked toward her as she continued to speak, grinning at her words. "I suppose that we do. I just wish he understood that as well as you do," he frowned when he realized how bad that made Jacoby sound and quickly added, "I mean, he cares about his children in his own way. He just isn't completely... grown up, in there," he said with a light chuckle, gesturing to his temple. "I bet that it is," he commented about Willow and her puppy.

"Exactly," he replied with a nod, "I suppose that you're right, too. It is life," he said, "You get used to it after a while. In a way," he added, brow furrowed. He guessed that he wasn't always used to it. Really, it would depend on his mood for the day, or the week. "Yeah," he agreed lightly, "One day at a time," Though he himself didn't often take such advice. That didn't mean that he didn't try.

He nodded, "Probably. Substitutes don't really need to know everything about the subject," he said with a chuckle, "Provided they're only there for a day or two, they're mostly just... babysitting," he said. Of course, he didn't think badly about substitutes, but he supposed it was the truth. If they could keep the classroom in one piece, then they've done their job. "I probably would, too. I'd love to learn it myself. I don't know if I'd have the patience, though," he admitted. He smiled when she said she wanted to make sure the kids were safe, "I don't blame you," he replied, "It's so easy to worry about them, isn't it?"

He nodded in understanding. He guessed that any parent would understand. In some ways, he already knew from experience that letting go was hard. That, however, was something else he didn't quite want to think about at that moment. "Well, you won't have to think about that part for a while," he said optimistically. He smiled at her next words, "It will. My daughter picked up on it so fast. My son took some time, but when he figured it out, I could just see it click. Like a lumos went off in his head."

He thought about her words for a moment before saying, "I don't think it is. I mean, I think everyone has a different idea of what those mean," he explained, moving either hand as he spoke out of habit. He nodded, understanding what she meant more than he'd care to explain. After all, he survived his own family by finding love and acceptance elsewhere. Isn't that what led him to not only Alissa, but Jacoby, as well? In many ways, he was still reaching for substitutes in that respect. He chuckled, "Fair enough. I don't blame you for loving owls, though. They're very loyal to us witches and wizards, aren't they?"

[Deleted]

"Yes. Bet that was fun trying to hide a dog from the professors here at the school and try to take care of it when you were younger without anyone really finding out. If they did they didn't say anything about it." she said smiling thinking how it would be interesting to try to hide an animal when they wouldn't know any better themselves.

"I guess. Well, I think it determines what a person goes through in order to really understand what it is like to have those thoughts and understanding. Both Airous and I do since neither of us want to be like our parents or one parent so we try to be the opposite of what we went through. I don't think any less of him Jon, everyone has their own way. I think many arent until they actually face something that makes them grow up a little. It's adorable though watching Willow love the puppy." she said smiling down at willow as she started ripping the grass again.

"Life isn't easy but yes. Guess so but it isn't always that excepting half the time trying to get used to things. One day at a time is easier due to the fact that you don't have to put to much on yourself in order to survive or go through the day." she said ruffling Willows hair and she giggled.

"Or at least get the kids through the class and assign what is needed to be done or review what they already know for a few days at the most. It is I guess. Many people don't and sometimes people don't have the ability to do such a thing too but it's stronger in some rather then others. Yes it is and to think a year ago I was among the student population." she said laughing slightly.

"I guess I won't not for a while and until then I will be happy with the time I have with her. I think she will understand and pick it up pretty quickly. Both Airous and I read to her all the time." she said smiling.

"I guess since everyone has a different point of view. Owls are yes and I am surprised that they have remains such loyal animals after all of these years." she agreed.

[Jonathan Doom]

Jon laughed, the sound nostalgic as he let it out. He and Jacoby had certainly been hell on wheels at that school. There was no denying that. It was a bloody miracle that either of them had ever found decent jobs. Well, Jacoby had cleaned up well in many ways. At least, compared to Jon. Nevertheless, he'd been a pretty terrible student, too. When he was around Jon, anyway. "Oh, it was hard. But we loved that dog," he said. He bit his lower lip as he realized, for the first time, why they had. Because the dog was, in many ways, connected to both of them. "We managed to take care of the dog well. Snuck him food from dinner, even had the house elves cook something extra for us sometimes. It was easy with my common room being close to the kitchen," he added, chuckling.

He shrugged, not wanting to say too much about his parents or his brothers, but wanting to share his opinion, anyway. "I understand more than I'll ever admit," he said softly. After all, he had family members he didn't want to be like, either. He loved his parents when they were alive, and he loved his brothers. But he'd rather be dead than end up like any of them. Which was ironic, since he didn't realize he was just like his mother in many respects. Right down to the drinking. "I'd think he should. Considering how his mother treated him. But, I guess I'd be wrong," He supposed Jacoby was one of the rare few who repeated the cycle. At least it wasn't abuse. Though, the lesser of two evils was still an evil. Jon snickered, shaking his head, "Oh, he's faced a lot," he said softly, "I don't think he'll ever grow up," he didn't add onto that. Jacoby's problems were his own.

He nodded, "Exactly," he replied, "And isn't that all most of us want to do? Just get through the day so we can, God willing, make it to the next," he sighed. There were times he didn't feel like making it to the next. That was another thing not worth pointing out. Especially since he was in high spirits that day. No need to try to ruin that on his own. "I wonder if I'd even have the ability," he mused. He chuckled, "It was just a year ago for you?" He nodded in understanding, Michelle crossing his mind. The solemn smile on his face flicked past quickly. If one hadn't been paying attention, they wouldn't have even caught the brief sorrow in his eyes as he said, "That's the best way to do it. Enjoy the time you have," he glanced at Willow, gaze returning to his previous grin. "That's good. I started reading to mine as soon as they could all sit up," he chuckled about the owl comment, "Well, we do treat them well. And by that, I mean give them lots of treats, of course," he joked.

[Deleted]

Selene couldn't help but smile slightly at the thought of her school days though she never really got into trouble she had always found ways to sneak into the kitchens to get food. She hardly ate because she feared that she would be forced to throw it all up and be punished for eating and when she was at school she didn't eat a lot but she did make sure she got enough though at dinner she hardly touched a thing. Many reasons why she didn't eat a lot at meals when she started was because she knew if she tried she would be punished and she feared that.

"Love is many times unconditional, especially with animals. Well I am glad you took care of the dog well. Bet that was fun though sneaking around, I used to too when I was here because I never really got enough food and I was always afraid to eat." she said smiling slightly as she watched Willow squeal with pleasure from a butterfly landing on her nose.

"Sometimes you don't have to admit it all you could tell truths but not give everything. Sometimes we can be wrong and others we just know. Sometimes there are just different types of abuse. Some receive all and some receive the lesser of the others. I bet he has though, been through a lot, I think most of us have at some point or other. Sometimes we don't have to." she said watching willow more.

"Yes it is but we should live in the now sometimes just to love each moment we are alive with those we love for we never know if it will be our last. Thats why we should look for the positive. You could though I guess it depends too. Yes, it was a year ago but it's worth it in the end." she said nodding with a slight smile.

"Exactly and with her, I enjoy every minute of the time I have with her no matter how hard it is on me to not always giving her my fullest attention though because of work but trying. Did they enjoy you reading to them? I know Willow enjoys it a lot I read to her every night to get her to sleep and she loves it a lot. Yes we do and you know, they are the most spoiled animal, other then dogs to get the most treats." she said laughing lightly.

[Jonathan Doom]

"It truly is," Jon said with a smile, "I think we adult humans could learn a lot about love from animals and children," And he supposed they could. For he felt they were the only ones who loved completely blindly. Despite all faults and misgivings. "Jacoby and I managed," he said with a chuckle, in regards to the dog, "He could never come home with me, though," he added a bit sadly, "Spent summers with Jacoby," He looked at Selene again when she spoke about sneaking food. "It's good that you did. Sad that you had to. But, Hogwarts can become a safety net for some of us, can't it? I suppose that's part of why I came back."

He nodded. In his own family, Lloyd had received all and he'd received the lesser. But not even he could deny that it had affected both of them, albeit in different ways. "He has," Jon said with a nod, "He tries to act like he hasn't," he added with a snicker, "But it's a front," He smiled at her words. Too often he tried to tell himself that, and too often he forgot. "Sometimes, that's easier said than done," he replied, "And yes, it's always worth it in the end."

"They'll understand," he said, "About work. We have to work to care for them, after all. And most children, eventually, understand that. But yes, they definitely enjoyed it. Sam enjoyed it the most. It's no surprise she was put in Ravenclaw. As soon as she could walk, she'd find books and bring them to my wife or myself. Yes, they are definitely one of the most spoiled animals," he agreed with a laugh of his own.

[Deleted]

Selene smiled at Jon as she listened to him and nodded. It was true that they all could learn something when they were adults to learn a lot about the love between the two, it made sense cause when they are children and animals it is unconditional love and that is what matters between everything.

"I would have to agree though they are the ones that can love the most without judgment and without putting anyone in between them regardless of who the person is. I am glad you and him managed, sometimes it's hard to. Well look at it this way at least he was with someone who also loved him too." she said gently.

"Sometimes I wonder if it was good that I did but in many ways it was sad that I had to do that because it was the only way to make sure I got something to eat and stay healthy. Hogwarts was my home at the beginning but glad my aunt had taken me out of my abusive house I live in with my father. Glad she adopted me too. It's a reason why I came back too but to also help kids who are troubled just like I was." she said with a small smile.

"Everyone in their own way has, it's hard and everyone tries to hide it. I feel sorry for him. Many times thats all we can do to make sure people don't see the pain that we have gone through or the pain we are going through. It is though harder to do then said but yes it is worth it when we can do what needs to be done." she said.

"I hope so. It's been difficult for the two of us, Airous and I, to really be a family with Willow since the two of us are trying so hard. Yeah, when everything settles they will know that no matter what we are trying to make sure that they have a good life. Yes, I bet Sam is quiet the young student and intelligent too. You must be proud of her. Yes they are." she said laughing as Willow came over and sat in her lap.