Getting re-acquainted

It was odd to be back.

Why? Because ever since she graduated Hogwarts, Rhiannon thought of returning even if only for a few minutes. Albeit she did not necessarily participate in many socializing activities (save for study groups, quidditch and an occasional chess game), this school certainly left an impact on her. Good, mostly, of course; and she wondered every now and then what her previous school mates have been doing after leaving this place. But of course this idea of returning to Hogwarts had been just that - an idea. Her life had taken an extremely busy turn after graduating: a year was spent exploring the world, trying to seek out what she wanted to do while simultaneously attempting to fill in the void that came with having the utmost thing she loved taken away from her (she had a flair of being dramatic there), then she focused on things she'd excelled at during her studies: the defense against the dark arts. And that's how she was directed towards the aurors, how she passed the 'entrance' exams, the exhausting and challenging trials, and how she finally came to be the woman she was now. Some already knew her name and her relentless pursuit towards her goals, others did not bother a second glance towards a woman that stood nearly a foot above everyone else.

But despite the initial anxiety that came with the return, Rhiannon felt an odd sense of ease after the doors closed behind her and she was welcomed by the dark and long halls. It was almost as if all the stress had been lifted from her shoulders and she was a student again.

She'd spent good three hours in one of the classrooms reserved for her. With the new patch of graduates emerging soon, and to encourage some younger students too, Rhiannon had been invited to speak about her work; share light on the challenges and some of the interesting parts. Of course, the main objective was to inspire, hence she did not focus on the negatives. For what it was worth, she was happy to see how most students were listening with keen interest, absorbing every word like she once had.
After the seminar was over, Rhiannon was allowed to stroll down the halls at her leisure, and she grabbed the opportunity. Approximately another hour was dedicated to walking around, reminiscing and studying the new additions to the castle. Unfortunately, she did not get to meet up and talk to some of her previous professors, but that was something she was sure they could remedy with a few letters. Eventually, the young Auror ended up in one of her favourite places: the library. She'd spent many hours there, mostly to study, but on rare occasion she'd also been there to look into tomes to appease her curiosity. Libraries were truly a marvel.

She'd occupied a seat near the window; a heavy book rested on her lap, though instead of focusing on it right now, Rhiannon's pale blue eyes were looking out of the window.
Gods above, it was good to be back, and it was a pity that she'd need to return to her duties soon.

Honestly, the staff lounge was just as prone to gossip as any other part of the castle. Of course, the gossip was more high-level. The professors honestly did not care which students were dating (unless there was a point of concern) or who had detention (they already knew that in any case.) The rumors they paid attention to had more to do with potential issues, students acting out, parents going through financial hardship, any sort of mass planned ditch day.

But when it came to the actual staff, all bets were off. It was a big castle, but it wasn’t that big, and with staff living and working in close quarters, gossip was going to happen. Their current crop was more seasoned and more professional than past years, but even so, it did not take long for Teddy to hear a former pupil was visiting.

He loved when graduates came to visit, especially when they were success stories spreading inspiration. Rhiannon had done well for herself and he was excited to catch up with her.

When he found she had not been invited to the Staff Lounge on her break, he decided to seek her out. A helpful Hufflepuff pointed him towards the library and soon he had spotted her.

“Ms Rhiannon Morgan,” he said, his voice cheerful despite the hushed tone the library demanded. He dropped into the seat across from her, taking her in. “Back once more!”

She heard the footsteps long before they even approached her.
Rhiannon paid them no mind at the beginning, considering the owner merely a passing student or a rushing librarian, but when she was able to detect that they were, in fact, headed in her direction, the Auror tilted her head a bit to glance towards the person who seemed adamant on talking to her.
And, lo and behold, it was one of her former professors! "Salutations," she responded with a subtle smile.

Everyone seemed to love Teddy Lupin and Rhiannon had been no exception while she was studying at Hogwarts. This man with his cheery presence seemed to deflect any form of negative opinions that were aimed his way. "Professor Lupin." She wondered briefly, just as during some of his classes, how he managed to carry the legacy of his family with such ease and sunshine. Both of his parents were legends, and being raised by the Potters also added to his value as a respectable member of the society.

Despite her thoughts, it was refreshing to see him. She did not even waste her breath on reminding him as to where they were; libraries strictly demanded communicating in voices no louder than whispers, but Rhiannon could see now that this would probably not deter Teddy Lupin from speaking as he willed or that quiet places did not have enough power to diminish his good spirits and radiance. Rhiannon felt easing into that rather fast, too. Just as during the lessons. "Indeed! Happy to be back," she added with a nod, but she kept her voice low. After a brief moment of consideration, Vesper relocated the book from her lap to the table, and then she leaned forward enough to rest her elbows on her knees.

"I already began to think I'd not be able to see you at all, sir. I'd ask 'what brings you here?', but..." she shrugged. Her attempts at humour were just the same as when she was studying: awkward and criminally bad.

“Teddy,” he quickly corrected. Teddy loved his students but had also endeavored to never be that professor who was too familiar. However, after a few years out of school it was no problem in his mind to be on a first name basis. School was for turning them into adults, they’d earned the right to be treated as such.

“Back and already studying again, wow we must have really scared you,” he teased, indicating the large book in her lap.

“I actually stopped by to say hi to you,” he said. “I heard you were talking to some of our students about your job, wanted to hear all about it! I was going to suggest you take refuge in the Staff Lounge, it’s much quieter.”