House: Slytherin
Category: drabble
Prompt: [Character] Professor Cuthbert Binns (Living days, not ghost days)
Word count: 400
oO0Oo
"Cuthbert, you're getting on in the years."
Cuthbert turned to the Headmistress. "And what if I am?" he wheezed. "Might I remind you that I've been teaching here at Hogwarts longer than you, Miranda?"
"Hey, don't talk to her like that." Isaac intruded on the conversation, his eyes flashing dangerously as he glared at Cuthbert. "She's the Headmistress, and she deserves your respect."
"Oh, leave me alone," Cuthbert sighed. The young ones were always so hot-headed and irrational. "You're only the assistant gamekeeper, Isaac. Talk to me when you have a proper job."
"I do!" the boy had the nerve to say, throwing up his arms. "I teach Care of Magical Creatures now, and you know that I want to teach History of Magic! The goblins are a mis-represented race, and—"
"Please, there's no need to shout," Miranda interrupted. "Isaac, you know that once Cuthbert retires you are to teach History of Magic. And Cuthbert, you know that Isaac means well. After all, once you've passed, someone must complete the thankless task of filling young minds with the wealth of knowledge."
"I know." Cuthbert pushed his glasses up and regarded the young man with suspicious eyes. "But I do not believe he does."
Isaac smirked. "Believe me, I do." He tipped his head at Cuthbert. "When our doddering old Professor here finally kicks the bucket — because we all know he isn't going to retire willingly — it's my turn to teach History of Magic."
Miranda pursed her lips. "I wouldn't have put it that way," she said. "Well, either way, I have a meeting with the Board of Directors soon. I shall leave you to it."
"I should be going to," Isaac said, sneaking a look at Cuthbert as he spoke. Something in the young man's gaze made him uncomfortable… he looked almost predatory? But that couldn't be right.
"Have a nice time." Cuthbert settled into the armchair that was placed before the raging fire. "I'll just be sitting here, preparing for my next class." He shut his eyes, soaking in the warmth, and he was on the verge of falling asleep when he heard a muttered, Avada Kedavra.
When he woke, he realized that he was pearlescent, but he decided that was only a minor consideration. After all, he hadn't heard Isaac walk away before he died, and he would be damned if he let that hot-headed youngling teach his subject.