sortinghat_logs | The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.

WHO: Dolores Maryam and Bro Strider
TONE: General, possibly angsty/tense
RATING: PG-13
WHEN: October 18th
WHERE: Hospital wing
WHAT: Dolores calls Bro to the hospital wing for a check-up after the Quidditch match, and a chat.
STATUS: Ongoing

---

Professor Strider, I Would Like You To Make Your Way To The Hospital Wing At Your Earliest Convenience.

[Of course, 'I would like you to' means 'I demand', and 'at your earliest convenience' means 'now'. It isn't often that she puts such force behind her words, but it's not only for an after-match check-up that she wants to see this particular professor. Dolores knows that she involves herself in the mental wellbeing of the students perhaps a little too much, but she rarely feels the need to take it beyond herself. Usually, she is able to make them feel better, but she has never before met a child so hurt and conflicted as Dirk Strider.

It worries her, and more than that, she finds that she is also concerned for his uncle. She and the professor have shared a few conversations, and her opinion of him is good, though she had rather heavily disapproved of his conduct after the match. That, however, is not for her to judge. She's sure he has had enough berating from others for it.

When Bro enters the hospital wing he will find her making one of the beds near to the door, by hand rather than by magic. It's the kind of repetitive, menial task that allows her to get her thoughts together and in order]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[There it is again. Something about her makes it hard to argue with. He doesn't realize it, but it's very much like a child being admonished by their parent- him being the child in the scenario. She's just so damn... authoritative. He really can't help but listen.

But that doesn't mean he believes what she says. Any of it. After his conversation with Dirk, he's entirely convinced that it isn't true. Dirk doesn't seem to think he's the best anymore. He certainly doesn't feel like the best.]

Again, with all due respect... bullshit. After our last talk, I think he'd rather go to Texas. I'm pretty sure I've let him down hardcore. I ain't risen to any occasion. The occasion's kicking my ass up, down, left and right.

Do you always give up hope so easily?

[If he's going to be stubborn, well, two can play at that game. A frown is settled permanently on her face now and it looks strange on her usually soft features]

Dirk thinks the world of you, but he also believes himself the source of all of your problems.

[A quiet breath is drawn in, and let out on a sigh]

I believe that I can see where he gets such negativity from. You are quite mirror images of one another.

[He still can't bring himself to look her in the face. He's looking anywhere but, really. Even with his shades on, even though she can't see his eyes, he still can't bring himself to look into hers. The disapproving, frowny look just isn't something he can face. The tone is hard enough. He lets out a sigh first, but when she finishes speaking, his eyebrows shoot up.]

Wait, what? Excuse me? I've been nothing but as positive as I can be with him! You think I've said any of this shit to him? I tell him all the goddamn time he isn't a burden or anything like that. I don't know why he thinks he is, because he isn't. I'm working as hard as I can for him!

[Her voice remains calm, level, but there's the faintest of authoritative edges to it]

I believe you, and I would be more than happy to bear witness to your character before a court should it be necessary, as I have done so many times when speaking to Dirk.

[Oh yes, the boy had told her about the custody battle]

But children are capable of picking up on a great deal from their environment. It is entirely possible that he is taking these feelings from somewhere else, and placing them upon himself.

[For the moment, Bro is completely caught off guard by that offer. He barely knowns the woman, and there she is offering to be a character witness, of all things. He's... honestly touched by that. Baffled, but touched.]

I... hold on a sec. Why would you do that for me?

Edited 2012-10-24 09:01 (UTC)

[It's a natural thing for her to offer, and she smiles faintly, that sharp edge in her voice softening when she speaks again]

I care for Dirk, professor, and I know how important it is for a child to be secure and happy. I have no reason to think poorly of you, and certainly not given how highly Dirk speaks of you. Is there a reason that I should not offer to do such a thing for you?

[He lets out a sigh. That's such a loaded question, and he doesn't even know where to begin. Honestly he isn't even sure if he should.]

No- maybe. I don't know. I mean, I appreciate the offer. A lot. It's just I'm really, really not parent of the year, no matter what either of the boys say. Far from it.

[Something in that seems to hit her. The smile fades and she closes her eyes for a moment, pressing one finger to her lower lip. When she opens them again, she just looks a little saddened]

Your boys are safe, well, and alive. They adore you, and even a fool would see it. You are a better parent than I was, Strider.

[Bro opens his mouth to respond, but something in that look stops him for a moment. The sad look gets to him far more than it should and he feels bad that somehow the conversation ended up turning into one that would make her feel bad.]

I don't believe that. Not for a second.

[Maybe one day she'll tell him why she knows very well how right she is, but now is not that day. She only smiles and gently touches his shoulder.]

That is your choice, of course, but this conversation is not about me, it is about you and Dirk.

[Considering their previous conversation on the journal, however brief, he decides it's probably best not to push the issue. He doesn't want to upset her more than he already seems to have done.]

Fine. But honestly I really don't know what's left to talk about.

[She nods once, and moves to draw the screen back, speaking up as she sees someone entering the ward.]

That will be all then, Professor Strider, you're in perfect health.

The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject