Oh! That Guy Named Mitchell!
Mitchell's cuteness, Annabeth knew, was attributed to his being the son of Aphrodite. He was one of the good guys in Cabin 10, a firm supporter of Piper's in the McLean uprising against Tanaka years ago, and although popular with the girls at camp, he had to Annabeth's knowledge never tried to fuck his way through every one of them the way some of his brothers had. As all of Aphrodite's children had some degree of amokinesis, the ability to control love, lust and beauty, fucking their way through camp was pretty easy for the guys there to do, but over time the rest of the camp developed immunity or at least awareness to that ability to some degree. None of the Aphrodite sons had ever pursued Annabeth; she was seen as off limits due to Percy, and his proclivity for killing things around Annabeth.
She wasn't off limits anymore, but Mitchell didn't know that yet.
Annabeth hugged him tight, then out of the blue stood on her toes and gave him a quick kiss on his cheek, just a friendly one, but still surprising even herself. It was just so good to see someone from the good old days that didn't openly despise her. They looked into each other's eyes, hers grey and his almost sparkling blue, then hugged again with sighs coming from each.
Annabeth caught herself though and realized that she might be acting inappropriately in front of her students and staff.
"Mitchell, it is so good to see you! Its been, what? 10 years?"
"I guess, wow, time flies!"
"Looks like its been good to you, how have you been?" She asked, referring to his now broad shoulders, muscular build and chiseled good looks. As if to illustrate what she was referring to she ran her hands over his shoulders and down his arms, giving his biceps an appreciative squeeze. He had just a hint of five o'clock shadow and was, well, he was yummylicous in Annabeth's mind.
"Good, good, I've been teaching at Beauxbaton's the last few years, muggle relations, what about you?"
"Well I finished school, now doing the ICW thing full time for about three years. Same old same old. Come on, let me introduce you to everyone." Annabeth said while pulling herself reluctantly from his embrace, taking his arm, and leading him to the table. It had been some time since Annabeth was embraced by anyone and she had felt warm all over at Mitchell's hands gently on her waist as they pressed their bodies together. Still, decorum had its demands and Annabeth broke away slowly.
"Hey everybody, this is Mitchell, we grew up together and did our, um, original magic training together," she said as she led him to the table, looking at him as she said "original magic training" so as to alert him that these people did not know about Half Blood. People that had been there knew not to talk about it openly, even to the world of wizards and witches, and Mitchell picked up on the cue. Although the existence of divine born was technically known to traditional Anglican magicians, who they were and how they trained was not broadcast for a variety of reasons.
"Mitchell is the sweetest, nicest guy ever!" she continued, "Mitchell, this is Minerva McGonagall, Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. We were about to order brunch, can you join us?"
"Sure, for a minute, I have to run up north in a bit. Wait a sec, 'The' Harry Potter? The hero of Hogwarts Harry Potter?" He asked, his face filled with shock.
"Um yes, there is just the one I suppose," Harry replied, not at all comfortable with the celebrity treatment.
"Never heard of ya," Mitchell deadpanned, before grinning. "Seriously, its an honor Mr. Potter. You too Miss Granger, it is truly a pleasure. I followed your saga all the way down in Beauxbatons."
Harry grinned at the jest. He and Hermione were instantly at ease with Mr. Laurens.
"You teach at Beauxbatons?" Hermione asked. Harry noticed that as she did, she sat up straight and seemed to be pushing her chest out. He only noticed this as the grip she had on his thigh had tightened since Mitchell arrived.
"I did. Muggle studies. They cut the program due to budget constraints in the spring, I spent the summer in Tibet tracking Yeti, but now I need a real job so I'm going up to Hogwarts today. I understand they are in need of a muggle studies instructor." Mitchell smiled.
"Oh. I'm afraid that position has been filled already," Minerva said as she stared at Annabeth with a look that said, "You fucking idiot," only in a proper, dignified, British way.
"Well. Crap." Mitchell replied. "Maybe they have something else. At Beauxbatons I filled in a lot. I even taught defense for a couple weeks when the instructor was on leave. Can you imagine me teaching defense Annabeth?"
"I can imagine it," Hermione mumbled.
"Ha! Really, that's… well I'm sure you were great at it. So you know, Mitchell was always a quite peaceful person, never had any need for defense training as he gets along with everyone. Love ya Mitch, but no, I don't think that's the position for you." Annabeth grinned.
'I have other positions for you that involve me being bent over a school desk' McGonagall, Hermione, and Annabeth all thought at the same time. Annabeth wondered where this thought came from and was able to check up before she embarrassed herself.
"I thought you were running a salon in Brooklyn, wasn't that you? Mitchell does the best make overs ever!"
Oh, after I left ca… school, I got licensed and worked at a shop, but just to put myself through NYU. Information tech and library science, and then I got back involved with the magic community. I heard Beauxbatons needed a muggle relations instructor and thought 'Hey! I know muggles, and I speak French, so I applied and; viola!"
At the mention of library science, Minerva and Annabeth looked up at each other, startled.
"Hol up! Five steps back. Did you say library science?" Annabeth asked.
"Yeah, it went along with my info tech major. Why?"
"Mitchell, would you excuse us a moment. Minerva and I need to speak privately for a second, Hermione, Harry, we will be right over here, oh, and don't believe anything Mitch tells you about me when I was young! Lies! All lies!" Annabeth said, her voice practically filled with laughter.
"So you did hair and make up for muggles? Hermione asked as the professors rose.
"Not much anymore, but when I was in school it was a constant. I've kept up with it at Beauxbatons but not professionally. I just like helping people who feel bad about themselves feel better. I'll tell you a secret, for the most part people are already beautiful, unless they are ugly inside and there isn't much I can do about that," he smiled, "I just help them to realize it."
"I've been thinking about making some changes, what would you suggest?" Hermione asked. By now it was pretty clear to Harry he was no longer in the conversation, nor did he want to be.
"Nothing. You're perfect." Mitchell smiled.
"You're very kind, but I, well what if I was just bored and needed a change?"
"Well you're have a great look already, so I wouldn't go too bold. More often than not people that do so just become more self-conscious. If you really wanted to try something different, for summer and fall I would bring out the red undertones in your hair like this," Mitchell said as he ran his wand through her mane, "then add some soft highlights, change your base to something more in line with all the sun you've been getting, and maybe, yeah lets fix this eye shadow to work with it better." At each thing he mentioned he touched his wand to Hermione, and Harry watched in amazement as it all occurred. She really didn't look different, just, well; everything was a bit more somehow. She went from beautiful in Harry's eyes, to simply stunning.
"What do you think Harry?"
Harry had to swallow before answering.
"Hermione, well, she's always been amazing, but yeah, its weird how just a few little things… just, wow."
"Let me see!" Hermione exclaimed as she retrieved a compact from her purse.
"Oh my god! Mitchell! You're a miracle worker!" She exclaimed.
"Nah, you were beautiful before, you still are, and nothing's changed, except the season and the lighting. If you adjust for that as the calendar changes you never had to do anything bold. Like I said, you're already stunning Miss Hermione. All I do is help you realize it."
While this was going on, the professors had stepped a few yards away and spoke in whispers.
"So, are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Annabeth asked.
"I mean this will all due respect Headmistress, but if you don't offer him the library assistant job right now, I will offer it to him and then murder you while you sleep for the greater good of the magical community." McGonagall smiled.
"Great minds think alike" Annabeth grinned as she held her fist up. It took McGonagall a moment to realize what she was supposed to do, but having seen students do this same action, she bumped her fist into Chase's.
"Boom" Chase said.
"Boom" Minerva grinned.
They talked a moment about how to sell the budget increase to the rest of the staff and decided that just introducing Mitchell to them would do that, so it was quickly agreed that he would be at the dinner meeting that evening.
"Mitch, Professor McGonagall would like to ask you something," Annabeth said as they returned to the table.
"Sure, I'm an open book," he replied.
"Mr. Laurens, at Hogwarts we do have a position that is currently open which may suit your talents, but not as an instructor. Our library is quite a busy place as you can imagine and we have but one librarian. For years she has requested assistance, and if the proposed endowment comes through it will be filled. You seem well qualified; truthfully I wasn't even aware there was a muggle collegiate course on science in libraries, and I'm not sure what sort of science one might conduct there. Miss Chase speaks highly of you. It would of course include housing and board, and something of a salary, probably in line with a first year instructor. Would you be interested?" McGonagall asked.
"Oh yes, that would be wonderful, right up my alley. Honestly funds are getting short and I was dreading going back into the muggle sector. Thank you Headmaster, uh, Headmistress," Mitchell replied.
"Oh, I'm merely the deputy, and professor of transfiguration. You'll still need to meet with the Headmistress for final approval," McGonagall smirked.
"Sorry. You're not going to turn me into a newt are you?"
"Not today Mr. Laurens," she smiled.
"So, do you think I could meet with the boss today? I'd like to get this going as soon as I could so I can make plans, I mean, I know her schedule must be busy but if she could squeeze me in, just for a few minutes,"
"Why don't you ask her? Perhaps she will invite you to brunch," Minerva continued to smirk.
"Uh.." Mitchell stammered, confused.
"She's sitting beside you Mr. Laurens.
Mitchell turned to his other side but saw only Annabeth there. Hermione was practically giggling at this point with Minerva not far from it.
Annabeth raised her hand and gave a little wave.
"That's me," she grinned.
"Oh. Ooohhhh! I should have figured. Congratulations! I heard they were getting a new one but had no idea it would be you! You'll be great!" Mitchell exclaimed.
"Why don't you come up after we eat and shop a bit, we can go over the details and get you up to speed?" Annabeth asked.
"Sure, might take a bit, I'm not sure if I can apparate that far."
"Take the portkey with us, no worries."
"Sounds like a plan," Mitchell smiled.
It was then that Mr. Barnes returned with plates full of "a classic English breakfast" while another waiter brought Mitchell coffee and refreshed everyone else's drinks.
"I didn't order this" Mitchell said as he looked at the largest pile of food he had seen in some time.
"In my work, loser pays. Eat up." Barnes replied with a smile.
"Okay, but bring me the check," Annabeth said.
"No mam, loser pays, its been that way since basic," he smiled. "Let me know if I can get you anything else."
"I thought you might want to return to cover," Annabeth said.
"This is my cover mam." He grinned.
"He's part of the ICW security team," Annabeth whispered to Mitchell.
"Well, the food looks great, thank you ICW."
"Oh we should thank Harry, he spotted the cover team. That's what the 'loser pays' business was about," Annabeth explained.
"Well thank you Harry, great job. I was across the street waiting for a break in coverage for 10 minutes or so. Truthfully I wasn't sure it was you, I mean, you sort of look like the Annabeth I knew, but how could you have ever gotten even more beautiful than I remember? And yet, here we are," Mitchell grinned.
"Yes. Here we are. Mr. Laurens, are you trying to flatter your new boss?" Annabeth asked.
"Uh"
"Well keep it up, you're doing a fine job," Chase said as she smeared jam on her toast.
"Yes mam, will do mam, roger wilco."
"Mr. Laurens," Hermione started to say until she was cut off.
"Please, call me 'Mitchell,' Miss Granger."
"Please call me 'Hermione' then," she smiled.
"That's well and good but once school starts I ask both of you to observe more formality," Minerva said, saving Annabeth the awkward task of doing so.
"Of course. I'm sorry I…"
"Its quite alright for now, just it wouldn't do to have students and staff on a first name basis in front of other students; that said there are exceptions, I don't recall Albus or Remus ever calling Harry anything other than Harry," McGonagall stated.
"My bad, geez I haven't even gotten there and I'm already getting students in trouble." Mitchell remarked.
"Par for the course I'm sure." Annabeth smirked.
"Anyway, how can I help you Miss Granger?" Laurens smiled.
"Well, I was going to ask about the social life at Beauxbatons."
"Oh sure, well it's about like any other school, quidditch once a month instead of football every week, but it's year round. They throw big parties every game, then usually a dance every few weeks. Breakfast and lunch are open but dinner is always sat by house. The various houses tend to mingle together quite a bit and often throw mixers, there are usually one or two of those every weekend. I guess it's about like Hogwarts."
"That's nothing like Hogwarts. We have the Halloween and Yule balls, when we have the Yule ball, and the winning quidditch team usually has an impromptu party," Hermione said.
"That's all?" Annabeth asked as she looked up.
"Yes, Albus, for all his wonderful attributes, wasn't much on promoting student life." McGonagall answered.
"So students were left on their own to socialize? That must have led to tons of mischief." Annabeth said.
"You have no idea. Mr. Potter and his friends were the tip of the iceberg," McGonagall smiled. "Remind me to tell you about the Weasley twins and Marauders some time."
"I like the house mixers thing, remember after the fight at school Professor McGonagall when all the houses just sat together without a care as to who was in which house and everyone was just one big group? That felt right. I wish we were like that all the time. I think the house system, well its good for some things, but it also divides everyone from each other. That feeling of all of us together, that was, uh, nice," Harry remarked.
"Well spoken Mr. Potter," Minerva said.
"Well we must fix this. Hermione, Harry, I'm appointing you to work up the social calendar. Minerva, if we add that to Mr. Lauren's duties that would make it a full time position wouldn't it?" Annabeth said as Hermione gasped.
"I would like to work on that as well, and maybe form up a committee with the Senior Prefects from each house?" McGonagall asked.
"Sounds good, that would be eight students and two faculty, that's a good size for such a committee. Mitchell, your old house was known for throwing great parties when Silena ran the show, are you up to it?"
"Sounds great! I think I would like putting together school dances more than being in the library. Honestly, libraries are more your thing Annabeth. I'm just good at organizational structure. Years of people like Tanaka demanding perfect order and not wanting to fail house inspections I think caused that."
"Gods I hated that bitch," Annabeth said, and then realized it wasn't a particular professional remark. Harry and Hermione snickering didn't help that feeling. "I probably should keep my mouth shut about that though."
"For what its worth, she didn't care for you either Annabeth, I think she hated that for all her efforts at superficial appearance, you were still prettier than her," Mitchell grinned as Annabeth blushed.
"Oh stop!' Chase grinned, and for a moment got lost in his eyes.
"This is social committee is all contingent on the school receiving the proposed endowment so we can open of course," McGonagall said.
"Of course, but, I… I'm optimistic," Annabeth replied, as Minerva's voice startled her back to reality. She was worried she was really going to embarrass herself if she didn't focus on something other than Mitchell.
"Professor Chase, you said eight students, but with the Senior Prefects in four houses, plus Harry and me, that would be ten," Hermione said.
"Oh!" Annabeth replied with a startled look. She and McGonagall looked at each other, and Minerva smiled.
"Well Miss Granger, try to act surprised when you get the letter; we were waiting for Ronald to decide before we announced, but now that he has chosen to not attend, yourself and Mr. Potter are to be senior prefects of Gryffindor, as well as Head Boy and Girl. Our Headmistress apparently doesn't think before speaking sometimes," McGonagall smirked.
"Hush! I've got a lot on my mind." Annabeth said as she glanced again at Mitchell. 'Geez he has a cute smile' she thought. "Congratulations to both of you. You're going to be great!"
"So, I won't be on the quidditch team?" Harry asked.
"Why wouldn't you? Ginny Weasley is to be its captain, I'm sure she can find a spot for you," McGonagall answered with a sly smile.
"Ginny is doing the pro tryouts."
"Oh. That is unfortunate. Well, I suppose the head of house will have to name a new captain. It seems you will have a busy year Captain Potter." Minerva smiled.
"That is a lot Harry, perhaps you should…" Hermione began to say.
"At least this year Voldemort won't be trying to kill me. That was a big distraction honestly."
The group finished brunch chatting about the coming school year and Annabeth gave all an update on the funding situation. Her optimism on Percy and Estelle had not necessarily increased, but she was hopeful. She was more hopeful that if required she could get some of the gold seized in the raid on Greengrass released to open the school, then hit up the Wizengamot to fund it fully.
"Percy? Your Percy? He would never let you down," Mitchell exclaimed as Minerva tried, and failed, to wave off that conversation.
"Well, no, he never has, but he's not my Percy. Not now. That's a bit personal though, lets talk about it privately please," Annabeth replied, the sadness showing in her eyes.
Now Harry and Hermione knew there was a past between the Headmistress and their new defense instructor, but from the stress in Annabeth's voice knew it would not be a good time to mention it. So they stored it away to talk about later.
"That's really surprising Annabeth" Mitchell remarked as they later entered Flourish and Blotts, the bookstore where students were already purchasing their texts for the year.
"Oh? Percy and me? Thanks for not asking about it around the kids. Yeah, we're not together right now. Still hurts. Please don't ask for more details."
"Okay, sounds recent. I'm very sorry, I thought you two were perfect for each other." Mitchell said with sincerity.
"I did too. It's been a few years. Big misunderstanding that got out of control and hurt both of us too much."
"Oh, so you've moved on. That's healthy," he replied.
"No, not so much, I'm not sure I ever will. True love, you know about that."
"That's not so healthy then. If you ever want to talk I'm here."
"Thanks, I'm, getting by I guess," Annabeth replied.
'By that I mean I've spent three years in the dumps emotionally. Percy have moved on, why can't I? Its not like I haven't had options, but I've been chaste just for a guy that thinks I'm a whore and won't listen to my side of the story. Maybe that's what mom meant when she said Aphrodite was laughing at me. Maybe it is time for me to move on. Gods I'm so fucked up.' Annabeth thought.
"When next you see a mirror, do me a favor. Look straight at it and vow to yourself, 'I'm Annabeth Chase, a powerful, strong, intelligent, gifted and beautiful woman and I can do anything.' Will you do that for me? And then do it again and again until you know it to be true, like everyone else that ever met you knows it already."
"Are you some kind of pop psychologist now?" Annabeth smiled, suddenly feeling better about herself.
"No, just someone who has believed in you since we met when we were kids, and cares deeply for your happiness."
"You're too sweet Mitchell" she sniffled as she pulled him into a brief embrace. Annabeth broke it off quickly as she despised public displays of affection, especially when two known students were about and several more still unknown to her probably wandering around the store. Her timing was excellent as just as she broke away from staring into Mitchell's sterling blue eyes and feeling a rush of warmth all over, Hermione returned.
'Did he just touch my ass?" Annabeth thought as her and Mitchell released from their embrace. ' I think he did, his hand just barely grazed my butt as he moved away. Was it on purpose? I think, maybe, it might have been on purpose. Hmmm, well he's half greek and we greeks are supposed to… well maybe he's an ass guy, and if I have one thing going for me it's a great butt. I've put a lot of work into it and shit Hermione is asking me something. Did she change her hair and make up? She looks different somehow and… Focus girl! Focus!'
"Professor, we are able to get all our books except Defense Against the Dark Arts, any idea what we should get? Its not on the list."
"Oh, no, the list went out before the new instructor was retained. You are probably well past Groshawk's Basic, so get her First Edition if you don't already have it, and you probably have it already, and get the Advanced, that is the one Professor Jackson will most likely use," a distracted Annabeth finally stammered out.
"We were only about finished with Basic when last we had a real instructor,"
"Well strap in tight. Its about to be a wild ride."