Past to Present, all is not the same

[razeilblack]

Razeil was in the teacher staff room messing with one of his contraptions he had picked up on his travels. His hands flying over it, exploring every nook and cranny on it. Dark brown hair framing his face, piercing blue eyes searching for a way to open the cube. "How do Muggles find this fun....you rotate these things to make the colors appear all on one side on it but it doesn't open or give you a prize. Truly annoying thing..." He tossed it into the trash can before standing up and striding quickly across the room pulling the cabinets open.

"There has to be food in here some where..." He mumbled before shutting the cabinet door and moving to the next. His cat, which followed him every where if he didn't seal her in his chambers, was trotting behind him silently. He ran his hand through his hair deciding to give up the hunt for the snacks. "Why is it still as hard as it was when I was here a student to find food in this place..." He shook his head as he moved to sit back down on the chair he was just in, his cat jumping up on his lap curling into a purring ball on his thighs.

Slipping his hand into the bag at his side, he pulled a book and flipped to about mid ways through it. Blue eyes gliding across the pages quickly, taking in the information easy enough. Razeil was a quiet child all through school until the attacks on the school had happened. He fought against the Dark Lord and his minions proudly. Not for Potter, not for his distant cousin Sirius, but for himself. He was always raised to be a Black and not himself. To up hold the honor of the Family, To keep the Family strong. There was other ways to find that honor and strength than doing as the Dark Lord demanded.

"I wonder where that cursed bird is..." He mumbled as he had sent Fleckle out that morning with a package to his mother. He only wrote her once a month, but he always sent her chocolate frogs with it to. This time the package was bigger than his little owl was though the bird was able to carry it easy enough.

[Ursula Bennett]

Heels grate along the stone flooring, as hips pivoted in calculated circles. Her powerful steps drawing her forward, leading her down memory lane. Just a young girl. Awkwardly moving, awkwardly mute. Covered in disaster as her face smeared with red blemishes. Her own mane untamable as curls tangled. Her head always low, as Aquamarine eyes searching for her comfort, her precious Dumbledore. She paused mid step as she stared down the empty hall seeing herself years before. Her tiny feet shuffling quickly as she seemed to hurry, ignoring what was before her past eyes. Stumbling as her former self tripped, falling downward in slow motion. Ursula moved her arm as it trying to catch her past. Her eyes widened as she saw those ancient robes, the long white hair. Her lips parted as she whispered “Dumbledore” he helped the young witch up as she nodded her head in thank you before hurrying back to make it to class. Before walking in, those eyes glared back, staring at the Headmaster for one more moment.

Ursula sighed as her own eyes drew water as she shook her head back into reality. She was doing this for him. In his honor, for his reputation. Ursula continued moving as her own transformation took flight. No longer a morbid little ducking, she refused to be the blunt of the cruelest of jokes, she would be hackling, cackling at all those who downed her, mocked her, humiliated her. She has changed, a part of her hoping that the past was forgotten that she would not run into former classmates. Puffs so loyal, so true however the other Houses did not hold back. She wore a black hooded robe. The collar of the robe was cut into a v as it plunged down her perky breasts towards her navel. Yellow silk was sewn into the section covering her body with modest intent. She wore a tie of black and yellow slants. Long sleeves slithered down her slender arms until her elbows, the fabric than bellowed out as the edge of her wrists kissed the floor. The wrists and hood lining made with yellow trim as she was true patron to her House colors.

Her yellow heels adding to her height, gracing her to stand five feet tall. Ursula’s ember hair was straightened as the strands pulled back into a flawless bun. Yellow lace rested along the top of her head, her pointed hat pinned into the lace as a yellow band wrapped around the hat, an oversized bow decorated the back of the hat as the two tails curled, slightly tumbling over the rim. Her ivory skin brushed with soft pink blush as her plump lips painted black. Black thick frames rested on the tip of her nose. She heard the sound of voices as her fingers coiled along the handle. Her body leaning into the door as it opened slowly. She poked her head within as she saw Razeil Black.

She cleared her throat to allow the man warning of her own entrance. “Do forgive me for interrupting. I heard stirring, are you well sir?” Her voice was in a harmonious whisper as she moved a finger to push the glasses up along the center of her nose.

[razeilblack]

Razeil's mind was running wild with thoughts, memories, and emotions he had felt long ago. The book in his hand speaking of the time of Voldemort and what the certain tribe he was reading on did with him. His ears picking up on the sounds of another in the room, he glanced up before snapping the book shut and tossing it back into his back. Rosaline, his cat, stretched and jumped down as he stood up to greet the woman. "I am well, and yourself?" He asked softly, voice deep and strong enough though he had not boomed out his words like most men would. His blue eyes lingering on her trying to place those eyes, that hair. It was different, but at the same time familiar.

Razeil wore his outer robe of his teacher's robes, the lining being a deep emerald with the slytherin crest on the right side. He was a Slytherin Alumni and was aiming to take the head of house position since, well, it needed to be filled. He gave a warn smile to the woman before speaking. "I am Razeil Alabaster Black, Razeil is fine though. No sense in speaking the whole thing and making a long wordy hello out of some one's name because of their introduction was long winded...much like that." He chuckled before nodding to her. "I'm the Ancestral Magical Studies Teacher. First year teaching here."

His under clothes, under the outer robe, was a black button down and dark slacks. He found this attire more comfortable than his normal professional attire. His shirt wasn't tucked in either, his hair was slightly messy, and the stubble on his jaw line showed he had little care for his outter appearance. The truth was he didn't care how people view him because, most likely, he view them as annoying any how. He locked eyes with her for a long while after introducing himself.

[Ursula Bennett]

As soon as she heard his name she knew who he was. A year younger than herself she knew of Razeil however never fully associated, she never associated with anyone. As he asked herself how she was Ursula smiled lightly. “I am well thank you.” As he started to rant on the concept of formal introductions as he placed his position as well Ursula nodded her head. Showing silent engagement to ensure him that she was listening. She stood with her shoulders back, spine aligned as she laced her fingers along her front as her arms dropped down before her. It was her turn to properly introduce herself. Her plump lips parted as she spoke with fluid confidence.

“Greetings, Sir Razeil. I am Ursula Margaret Bennett, Professor of Muggle Studies. I as well am applying for the Head of House for our charming Hufflepuffs.” Ursula stepped forward as she moved her hands to unlock as she pinched the sides of her robe, her right leg stepping back as she curtsied, bending at her knees, her head lowered as her eyes remained fixated on his form. She rose slowly as she returned her hands in lacing as he spoke of his first year of teaching. “This is my fifth year sir. Before Hogwarts I was abroad. Since graduation I was an apprentice for Margo Danae. Since than I have had the opportunity to explore the Muggle World in a profound way which in truth, gives flare to my position. I do hope you enjoy your time here. I wish you much success in your application to Slytherin.”

She smiled warmly as her voice sung back to him, the two becoming engaged with the past as she felt haunted far worse than she did in the hallway. She was unsure if he knew much with her awkward years, she was embarrassed to even confess who she was. It was in the past, never to repeat itself, she knew of the Black family, they were known for their passion to detail. The Bennett’s they were simple wall flowers, exceptional in marks, however quiet and true. Ursula wanted to change that, to have the Bennett’s be known for their ambition and devotion. Her heart lingering onto the past, holding tightly on the anthem Dumbledore held dear.

[razeilblack]

Razeil stepped back when she did the respectable thing of curtsied. His left brow lifting as she did so wondering what she was doing that for. He shrugged thinking it was best he returned the favor, he lowered himself, as he kept his eyes on her, into a bow. When he stood up he listened to her and smiled lightly before tilting his head. He figured it out, she was older than him by a year and was a student back when he was. He tilted his head to the right trying to figure out where that stumbling awkwardness had gone and this beauty had emerged. Shrugging it off, he smiled sweetly to her before glancing behind him to his cat near his seat. "Would you like to sit with me and catch up Ursula? It has been a while since we both have been in the same room." He stated letting her know he knew she was.

Razeil took his seat carefully then brought his leg up, laying his ankle on the other knee making a triangle of sorts out of his leg for his cat to jump up and rest on. He silently stroked her while watching Ursula. For a moment, he saw her standing as she was all those years ago. He closed his eyes and smiled, he wasn't much different than what he was back then. Had facial hair now, his skin was darker, and he was more fit. "After graduating I spent a long time traveling through the wilds of the Wizarding world. Found out things that I never knew about to." He stated mentioning some about the stuff he would be teaching that year.

"In fact, I returned to Hogwarts to show off some of the stuff I had managed to find. Just some old forgotten magic." He stated proudly. Rosaline was purring loudly in his lap sated by being there. He had become a registered animagus while he was traveling to, Another change she wouldn't know about yet. "How has life treated you so far Ursula? Any man in your life? Family perhaps? Children of your own?" He was slightly nosy. His eyes cast from her to his cat thinking to himself.

[Ursula Bennett]

As he offered her to join him she nodded her head lightly. “Thank you Razeil.” Ursula slowly took a seat as she crossed her ankles as she sat on the edge of the chair. Her hands cupped in her lap as she listened to his words. As Razeil told his own tale of his travels than drew his attention towards her. Her aquamarine pools drowning his figure. “It has been some time since we both saw eye to eye. Even in school I do not think we were all too familiar.” With the word stuff, it caused her nose to twitch lightly, so vague yet demanding. Wanting to know so much of others yet limited his own replies.

“Oh tell me of this wondrous stuff Razeil, so curious I am to hear all about it, or even a sample.” She giggled playfully as her eyes drew downward towards his cat. Awe, how charming, a union between a pet and her owner.” She paused as she thought about her own diversion to his answers. The truth was apparent to herself, perhaps others could see. “Well, I traveled to Paris France, now fluent in the language of love. I actually lived like a Muggle for an entire year to end my apprenticeship. Thus gaining a true sense of their world.” She ran her tongue along her lips as she dreaded answering the cruel fate of reality.

“I am still single Razeil, there was one man who won my heart, I have not seen him for quite some time, our paths were not destined to ever be enwrapped. However, I do think of him each day and know my destiny is interlocked from his memory. No children. I do see mum and dad every holiday, and each holiday they request a guest. Dreadfully disappointing to mum’s hopes I am delighted to report. As far as life, well I became interested in a few extracurricular activities within the Muggle world. Life is well, life is well lived Razeil. Yourself? Perhaps I should be asking for you answer every question you asked of myself for my own knowledge?” She winked lightly as her glasses slid to the tip of her nose.

[Geneviève Olivier]

Geneviève was prepping herself for yet another year of teaching. She was but twenty-two and nearly tired of teaching? No, no. Not so much as she was tired of her apprenticeship. Thankfully enough, it was her last year of it and she was getting a new mentor (the last one couldn’t understand a word she said)! But Geneviève would deal with that later, in the mean time, she had other things to tend to.

Black kitten heels clicked and echoed through the corridor as she walked along, gracing the empty corridor with her presence. Genie’s ‘other things’ were moreso just her interest in rearranging her office and preparing for another term at Hogwarts. Her long auburn hair was kept down, as usual, minus a few stray pieces that were pinned back; her blue eyes scanning the portraits, smiling politely to those that noticed her—although some eyed her strangely for not being dressed in her robes. Even after all this time, Geneviève was still not accustom to these ‘robes’ and refused to wear them before the term had officially started. Instead, she opted to wear just what she usually wore beneath them: a sleek, well tailored, black pencil skirt and a simple light blue short-sleeved blouse.

Genie tuned out the clicking of her heels as she walked, but she was greeted by another sound. It was a voice, a voice of someone she knew but couldn’t quite place at the distance. Curious as ever, Geneviève followed the faint sound along the corridor, she was unaware of how many of the instructors had returned to Hogwarts. She approached the staff room, the source of the voices and listened for a moment before entering. “Urzeela!” Geneviève exclaimed, but the word sounded more like ‘er-ze-LA’. “Bonjour, I deedn’t know zat you were ‘ere,” she continued smiling warmly. But her blue eyes flickered and she soon realized she had interrupted something. “Oh, excusez-moi, monsieur. Désolé, I’m sorry.” She blushed lightly, embarrassed by her unladylike behavior. “I deedn’t realize zat I ‘ad eenterrupted.”

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[razeilblack]

Razeil laughed a bit, she seemed to be interested in his findings. He wasn't one to share his research with any one though, "You will have to come sit in on one of my Classes to find out more about my findings Ursula." He stroked behind his cat's ear before glancing up to Ursula again. He listened to her and found it hard to believe she was single at their age and looking like that. He decided he would answer the questions for her. He had hoped this wouldn't end up being a bad mistake but hey, he had to start trusting people he supposed. Razeil inhaled sharply before stroking his cat's spine as she purred loudly.

"Well, I have no man in my life even though I do find some attractive. No women either I'm afraid. No one can really handle my strange actions and handling on life. My life is fairly well, I haven't been almost eaten by any hawks recently." Having said that last bit before even mentioning her was an animagus. "I don't have children as I haven't found the right one to lay with just yet nor do I really talk to the Black family all that much. Or the Malfoys....I find them all....odd." He was being very nice on his family as he hated their guts. Even his mother bothered him at times.

Though he wasn't done talking, he looked up hearing another's voice as his cat bolted off his lap and down the hall quickly. Razeil ran his hand through his hair before leaning back smoothly in the chair. His eyes gliding up the body of the new woman. He took in her every curve and her long legs as his left eye brow lifted slightly hearing her accent. He would have to keep it in mind that not everyone was going to be relatively the same. He shook his head upon her saying she had interrupted something. "No, no, Just some old...school mates becoming reacquainted." He said before standing. Placing his hand across his body he bent at the waist bowing low to her. "I am Razeil Alabaster Black. Just Razeil though, would be rather bothersome to repeat my entire name in a simply hello. Would be a very long winded hello and would get no where quiet like my own speaking at the moment." He blinked looking quizzically to a spot on the wall. He shook his head before smiling politely. "And you are?"

[Ursula Bennett]

He spoke of lovers, both man and woman. She blinked her eyes lightly as she listened to him talk of his selection in chemistry. “Well Razeil, good luck in your search, I do hope you find happiness with whichever sex claims your affections. To be honest my heart aches, how awfully embarrassing it is to admit. An intense passion and devotion for Dumbledore. He is the one I desired. His age troubled me, but his wisdom and power over passes it all. I truly devoted myself to knowing him, to being that scarlet, to being someone he valued. Through all my years as a student he hardly gave me any form of acknowledgement.” Ursula cleared her throat as she shook her head.


"No matter, I valued him as a scholar and I yearn to be as infamous as he. So with this I have studied and master, even in attempts of teaching Ancient Runes. I wanted to come back, so he can finally see what I am and what he helped inspire to create. Alas Razeil my advise in your search is do not be foolish and admire something from afar, go forward and take it before it is too late. Naturally my crush never would have been accepted nor tolerate and thus ended.” Ursula smiled faintly at the offer of attending one of his classes. “Mysterious the Blacks are Razeil perhaps I can extend the invitation into attending Muggle Studies, perhaps that Rubix Cube you tossed within the trash may be finally completed.” Ursula winked as her long eyelashes batted quickly as she heard the sounds of another.

Ursula slowly turned around as her Genie approached. She pivoted in the chair as she collided with her dear friend. “Oh my dearest Genie! I have heard rumors that you would be here.” Ursula pressed her right cheek to both sides of Genie as her hands lightly grasped the woman gently along her shoulders. She was engrossed with the delight as she pulled away to allow Razeil to introduce himself. As Razeil spoke to Genie Ursula went to the trash scooping out the Rubix cube. Her eyes looked down at the toy holding it close to her.

[Victoria Rose Parker]

Here she was. Yet again. Victoria sometimes felt as if she never left school, and while sometimes she liked that, there were times she pondered life outside of Hogwarts, possibly back in Spain with her parents, or with a man, or...no, she wasn't even going to consider that. She was perfectly happy where she was, and wouldn't change anything about her day-to-day lifestyle. She got to work in a field she was passionate about, see people she cared about, and on top of all this, she got to spend the majority of her life in a castle. How many of those snobby boarding school girls could say that now? Victoria lived like a princess, and she liked it that way.

After rearranging her classroom and office for the new year, she headed out of the dungeons and upstairs, where she was sure to find more teachers, to possibly converse and catch up on the summer's events. Granted, her summer hadn't been too eventful, as usual, but she wanted to hear about everyone else. Dressed in her favorite jacket, a medium length black skirt, and a white blouse, she ruffled her long, dark hair as she sauntered through the staff room door.

Looking up, she saw Genie, who she had grown close with over the past few years she'd been there While Victoria was still doing her own apprenticeship, Genevieve, the beautiful French Beauxbatons graduate came in, and they had become fast friends. She was looking amazing, as always, and the look on Genie's face told her that some strange awkward moment had just happened.

She glanced around the room, and noticed a handsome guy she didn't recognize, and Ursula Bennett, the Muggle Studies professor. Ursula, in Victoria's opinion, was a pretty okay lady, she just had the tendency to get caught up in melodrama, and don't even get her started on "the Great Dumbledore." She had the tendency to go on dramatic monologues about his grand adventures, how amazing he was, and then trail off on some tangent about lost love. It was always one or the other with her. But she was cute, and quirky, and fun when she wasn't talking about all that.

Her observations then turned toward the new guy. He had a familiar, rugged look about him, but also looked like he might be fun to be around. He had seen a lot in his short time, she could tell. Victoria wandered what exactly he had seen. Seeing the cat in his lap, she smiled. She had a cat of her own. Maybe they would become friends or something. Nathaniel, her gargantuan black cat, needed an exercise buddy, she thought. Noticing the room had gone quiet and she had dazed off, she looked up, eyes on her now.

"Oh, I'm sorry...uhm...hello everyone. How was your summer?"

[Danica Kiernan]

Danica Kiernan hovered outside of the Staff room, trying hard not to laugh. Inside were some of the teachers she would be working with this year. The thought alone that she was now a teacher was a bit alarming, but she was slowly taking it in stride. At 23 years old, she knew what she wanted in life. Staring down at her black pointed boots she sighs, and glances inside the room. Though, it seemed, she would probably stick out like a sore thumb, much like she had in school.

Straightening her back, she brushes a hand across her face, tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear. She then takes off her hat to fix her now mussed hair and sighs, giving up on the new crop, and puts the hat back on. Without a word she slides into the room as quietly as her shoes would allow. Dressed in dark washed jeans, high heeled boots, a turquoise top, black blazer and black cabbie hat, she felt severely under-dressed compared to her peers. She opens her mouth to speak, and lets out a small squeak instead.

Blushing, she claps a hand over her mouth and clears her throat before trying to start again. Her voice is low and slightly musical as she speaks quietly. "I see everyone found their way to the staff room. Anyone find any snacks yet?" She smiles widely at her peers, the blush fading from her cheeks. She moves further into the room, sliding her turquoise bag up higher onto her shoulder. "Anyone sneak down to Hogsmeade yet? I was thinking about going and getting some butter beer for old times sake...And to answer your question, my summer was well." she says, her hands fluttering restlessly, a small smile appearing on her face again. She moves over toward the cabinets, setting down her bag and turns around, leaning against them, her eyes moving over the occupants of the room.

[Geneviève Olivier]

A cat zoomed by her, Genie took a step back with a look of surprise slowly appearing on her face. Animals were, let’s say, not Geneviève’s strong suit. The face lasted a matter of seconds, before she returned to her normal self—but that to was short-lived. Genie had, in her step back, nearly stumbled into Ursula, but the lady played it off well, hugging her friend lightly, “excusez-moi, mais oui.” She had regained her posture, shoulders back and a light smile playing on her pink painted lips. “Oui, of course I would be back!”

Geneviève was very animate, but she quieted once more as the man she had interrupted spoke, then stood and bowed for her. A light giggle escaped her lips as she crossed her ankles and bowed in curtsy fashion—it wasn’t really possible for her to properly curtsy in a pencil skirt. “Bonjour Monsieur Black, I mean Razeil,” but his name sounded a bit more like ‘Rah-zee’. “I am Geneviève Louise Olivier, but you may call me Geneviève o’ Genie.” Her dark blue eyes glanced over him in an unnoticeable act, matching figure to face. “C’est un plaisir de—Eet’s a pleasure to meet you, monsieur.”

But another voice joined the three. It was, thankfully, a familiar voice to Geneviève. She smiled brightly, turning to Victoria. “Bonjour, Veek,” Genie spoke with her ever-friendly tone, but her eyes gleamed with a hint that there was a story being told to her friend. “My summer was good, comment allez-vous?” Genie’s posture relaxed ever-so-slightly as she ran her right hand over her left arm and across her scar out of habit.

But the relaxation was short-lived as she caught Ursula’s movements out of the corner of her eye. The green flecks in her eyes shimmered lightly as she squinted curiously. As Ursula pulled the strange cube out of the trash, Gene’s expression became tainted with disgust. “Urzeela, what ees zat?!” There was a hint of shriek to her tone as she leaned closer, curiosity still getting the best of her, even if the look on her face was less than pleasant.

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[razeilblack]

Razeil stepped back as more women stepped into the room. His eyes glancing to them quickly before returning to the one speaking at the time. He found her accent interesting, something he would have to get use to as he had gotten a letter about him being her Mentor for her last year before she became a teacher. She wasn't that hard to understand, only in certain spots was she some what difficult. Turning his head to look again at the new women in the room, the small staff room was becoming crowded which made Razeil fidget, he looked them over one by one. Noting that they knew one another made him feel even more out of place.

It was expected though, he was the new teacher and would end up being the odd ball until he made friends. His eyes lingering on Victoria more than they should admiring her form he turned and looked over Genie. He had to admit she had qualities that he wouldn't mind exploring as well. Her facial details specifically, lips and eyes to be even more exact. He shook his head as he smiled to the new girls bowing once more and clearing his throat. "Good Afternoon, I am the one of the new teachers here in Hogwarts. Razeil Alabaster Black, though you needn't call me that in a passing hello. Razeil or Black is more than fine." He said before running his hand through his hair.

"No, I've searched this entire room. No snacks." speaking aloud to the one girl he didn't catch her name for some reason. Maybe he was zoning out a bit. Letting it slip from his mind, he took his seat before lifting his book and flipping through to a few pages before bringing up a pen he had bought in a muggle store just outside the train station. He found it easier to carry than ink and a quill. Jotting a few things down, glancing up at the women, then writing some more before closing his book and putting it away followed by the pen. He placed his hands on his legs fidgeting in his seat as he wanted to get out of the becoming cramped room before more people slipped in some how.

The mixture of perfumes and his own cologne teased his nose as he was suddenly reminded of the first dance he had gone to. The Yule Ball, forced to go with some no body from the Slytherin Dorm, it wasn't something he was proud of. In fact, he got there and pretty much went to the table where the food and drinks were and remained there the entire time. He wasn't one for large crowds, but his mother had insisted on him going. Shaking the memory out of his head, he looked back to Victoria then to Genie. He would have to some how get to their offices and speak to them alone. He wasn't sure why, but those two were pulling his interest. Genie because he would be her Mentor, and Victoria because she looked like some one he would find interesting.

[Victoria Rose Parker]

Victoria smiled out of politeness, eyeing the new girl. She had dressed kind of plainly, but her outfit was cute, regardless. She could tell she was nervous around the others, and was probably expecting some kind of general public school setting. She looked very...muggle-ish to Victoria. And not the quirky, fun sort of muggle, like the way Ursula taught her class. Just...plain.

"I see everyone found their way to the staff room. Anyone find any snacks yet?"
Victoria paused, giving the girl a confused look. "You mean...you found your way to the staff room? We, aside from this gentleman, know our way around here by now. No, there are no snacks in here, but you'll probably find a welcome basket in your personal office...assuming you're even staff," she gave her a sideways glance. "Who are you, anyway?" Victoria wasn't keen on people who didn't introduce themselves properly before addressing someone new, as this was the way of children to her.

She turned to Genie, happy to see her friend returning for her last year of apprenticeship. "My summer was lovely, thank you. Spent some time in Spain, looking for my childhood friends again, with, I'm proud to say, some success. I spent some time in the sun, shopping, you know. Usual Victoria. What have you been up to?" She caught the look in Genie's eye and smirked, guessing they would chat and gossip more privately later, possibly in her office, since she was in the process of redecorating.

Her eyes then caught those of the gentleman with the cat, giving her the usual up-down she noticed most men giving her, but she eyed him as well. "I didn't catch your name, sir. Who are you? I'm Victoria Parker, Potions Master here at Hogwarts." She extended her hand politely, taking in his quiet but interested demeanour. This was going to be an interesting year.

[Ursula Bennett]

Ursula narrowed her eyes, stalking the rubix cube with intention of war. She shall be the glorious victor to outsmart Muggle boredom as she shall conquer the toy. Her idle hand went to peel the glasses away from her face, her head shook slowly as she placed the thickened frames along the top of her head. As Ursula’s face moved downward her fingers quickly worked, her wrists jerking as she went to decode the colors. It seemed like for hours as sweat beaded her forehead, her face gleaming in the light as the room added one more. Her teeth clamping down as she smiled wickedly, she shall win, oh yes. She was speaking in her mind, her voice bouncing between her ears, coaxing her.

Ursula became that pudgy little child trying to climb up the large hill where the ice cream truck parked, teasing her, tormenting her. All she wanted was her triple scoop double chocolate chunk cookie supreme, why not? The talk of food was filtering gibberish within her ears. She was hungry apparently, oh yes, Victoria did mention the basket with trinkets, perhaps some chocolate frogs, they are so delicious. The corners of her mouth moistened as the waterfall of saliva dribbled down her chin. She was focused, somewhat focused on that annoying little code.

That story, that one with the little train where knowledge is power! Thinking it could climb up the hill, trying with all its might like the little chubby girl whose parent insists it is all just baby fat! Ursula’s face turned squeamish as her fingers started to ache. She must have been working on this for an hour. She had to of been. Finally she was making progress. The sound of the clicking vibrated off the walls as she stood. Be the train! Her mind was taunting her! She always hated riding the train as a student here. As she worked the twisting and churning was the background music to the conversations within the room. She was almost there, she could taste victory. Sweet, sweet victory like that decadent chocolate she craved. As she reached the final portion of the puzzle she heard the adoring voice of Genie. Ursula looked at her friend smiling widely. Panting as she finished the vigorous activity. “This is a Rubix Cube. A puzzle made of six different colors. The objection is to get all the same color squares all on the same side. It is a mental stimulant that assists with fine motor tuning as well as assists in memory and directional capability.”

Ursula cleared her throat as she dug her chin into the shoulder of her robe wiping the gleaming stream off. In the heat of battle one does become dehydrated. Ursula thought someone said ice cream out loud, so she responded. “Yes, I would love some ice cream, shall we venture off into the Grand Hall?” Ursula walked towards the door opening it as she smiled. She loved ice cream.