Ask Professor Aesop Sharp

Shortcuts only ever lead to shortcomings, which must be how you ended up here. Come back during my office hours.

[ask-aesop-sharp]

Ask Professor Sharp

☞ Hogwarts Legacy RP and Ask blog. Current Potions Master and former Auror Aesop Sharp.

☞ Send an owl, should you wish - perhaps, if I wish, I shall respond. [Person behind the blog is much nicer... usually. ❤️]

☞ I try my best to answer my owls in the order they are received, but please keep in mind: I have a very, very emotionally taxing job. Thus, my offer of grief counseling to those who need it. It may take me a little while to respond sometimes, but rest assured, if your owl doesn't violate any of my rules or personal comfort, I will reply! ❤️

☞ No tomfoolery in my class. Absolutely no fraternization with my students... [Minors DNI, NSFW asks from students must be 18+, blog owner is 20+]

☞ 💗💜💙

☞ I absolutely will not *squints at parchment* stir... your... cauldron? Alright, who slipped this under my office door?

☞ Reply tag: #Aesop's Foibles

[ask-professor-bakar]

Sharp doesn’t wanna share so it looks like you’ll both have to have me individually…we can figure out a schedule later ;)

I mean I don't think he wants you to share me, as he said I am the beast wrangler and he might have a very large beast to wrangle.

[ask-aesop-sharp]

Aesop rubs his temples, before planting his entire palm over his face.

"Do you intend to try and tame me like a circus lion, Professor? Be wise with your words, you might... er, excite our visitor here more than they bargained for."

[ask-aesop-sharp]

Professor Sharp, I overheard you being unsure whether you are grateful or not for your life having been saved by the Blood-replenishing potion. I'm very sorry, sir, but I would ask you to not speak like that. I am aware that you've had your fair share of pain in life, many times greater than most of us will ever know, but you you also have to understand, that many of us indeed are grateful that your life was saved by that potion. Many of us would be greatly saddened by your demise, many of us would shed tears. Please, think of us on your bad days, those who are fond of you, and ready and willing to offer a helping hand, or a shoulder to lean on.

Aesop leaned back in his chair, looking thoughtful for a moment, before donning a vague grimace of shame and regret.

"Forgive me, you are most certainly correct. Sometimes, when I am left alone with my thoughts I fail to remember that so many of the people around me are young, impressionable, and trying their best to find themselves... who they are, who they hope to be. Though life has been unfair to many of us, it's not what we should be taught to expect; the contrast of poorer times allow us greater appreciation for the better times. Even the stars cannot shine without a bit of darkness...

And, it's with that I remind you, and all my students, no matter how gruff and impatient I may sound at times, I want nothing more than to see each and every one of you shine. Perhaps that's why I do seem so impatient, I see the potential in each and every one of you... it would be dreadful to see any of that go to waste. Soon, myself and the other professors, guardians, and role models in your life will have to step aside and hand the helm over to you. The least I can do is to ensure I've prepared you amply to navigate.

At times I forget that I, too, can still shine in spite of the darkness around me; should someone hold the mirror up long enough for me to realize.

Do not forget the greatness that resides in each of you, for I certainly will not."

[ask-aesop-sharp]

Dear Professor Sharp,

A couple of people were talking about how they believe teachers were like at our age and I am curious as to know what you were like as a teenager

Hope you are well.

Aesop tapped his fingers rhythmically on the edge of his desk, a smirk playing on his lips as quite a few memories came back to him of his school days - some better than others.

"Well, I could fabricate some moralistic superiority tale, in hopes of guilting my students into being well behaved and diligent, bu-u-ut... honesty is the best policy." He snickered, but continued on in his typical gruff, near monotone voice.

"Around my second year I, and a classmate, began a little "under the table" potions operation. For a finder's fee, paid to my partner, and an 'inconvenience' sum paid to myself, I'd offer the service of collecting potions ingredients. Particularly the ones that were a nuisance to find, or otherwise difficult. Fresh is best, you know.

Anyway, we'd usually sneak off in the night to pinch the forbidden plants in the greenhouses, and for everything else I'd slip over to J. Pippin's - we had a discount for being his best customers. The rest went to Honeydukes and other nefarious things, heh. By third year, we'd caught on to which student's families were struggling for school supplies; no charge for them. So you might say, like most teenagers, I was an incorrigible little bastard. Occasionally redeeming."

[ask-professor-bakar]

You and Professor Sharp just need to rail me already and stop being teases

I mean the real question is individually or together?

@ask-aesop-sharp you've caused imaginations to run wild.

[ask-aesop-sharp]

"Professor Bakar... you're a beast master. Please, wrangle these imaginations and return them to their enclosure. For our own good..."

[ask-aesop-sharp]

"Dear Students and Faculty Alike,

In light of... recent events about the school concerning the mistreatment of my students, I shall make my position abundantly clear: anyone found harming (physically, verbally, or otherwise) my students shall find themselves expelled from these halls faster than they can say 'wiggenweld'.

That said, I confess to having been trained in grief counseling as part of my role as an Auror. Should anyone need an understanding ear, do not hesitate to send me an owl, or visit me in person, no matter the hour. I assure you what is said will be kept between us, and I shall do what I can to help you feel safe.

Yours,

Prof. A. Sharp"

[ask-aesop-sharp]

I've got a question for you Professor Sharp. How do you pronounce your first name? The Encyclopaedia tells me "ee-sop" but I've heard pupils say "eh -sop" about the halls of Hogwarts. So, which is it?

Professor Sharp furrowed his brow, but wore a wry grin all the same; grateful for such a simple, friendly inquiry.

"Well, it's derived from old Greek; the 'original' Aesop, as it were, living some time around the 6th century B.C.E. So, if you'd like to be true to the original pronunciation, yes, 'EE-sop' would be correct. However, I've heard a number of creative pronunciations over the years from colleagues and students alike."

He tried to force a smile, but, it was clear he wasn't entirely fond of what he had to say next; even if it was a fond memory. "I once had a fellow Auror I worked with, on a number of occasions, take to calling me... 'Soppy'."

"Anyway, yes 'EE-sop' is... technically correct, but personally, I've taken a liking to 'Ay-sup', myself, if you so choose to use it as well."

[ask-aesop-sharp]

I often dream of you devouring me, your nose and chin covered in my juices, giving me the best pleasure I've ever known

I long for you to gently take me, and make me feel you inside me, making me moan out in pleasure, my dear Aesop, make me see stars

Yours,

Elle

a recently graduated hogwarts student 😉

[ask-professor-weasley]

A-aesop, are these the kinds of owls you get?? Oh dear

Oh dear

[ask-aesop-sharp]

Aesop heaved a heavy sigh, squeezing the wadded up letter even harder in his pants pocket; looking for the nearest open flame, as if the shock had made him completely forget he could do magic at all.

"N-Not all of them, some are rather... polite, and simply inquisitive. But yes, many of them are of this *ahem* unsavory nature. I thought about returning the letter to the sender with a telescope catalogue attached, should they want to see the stars so badly. I cannot simply stop accepting owls, some of my students genuinely need my assistance; I suppose it's a risk we must take?"

[ask-aesop-sharp]

Dear Professor Sharp, many thanks for your prompt response. I am happy to write that our paths will most definitely cross this Saturday, and you have my gratitude for being willing to give me some of your time. I shall be looking forward to that drink, as well as your company. Look out for a blue beret. Yours truly, S.

Dear S, With that, I shall do my best to stay tethered to the fairer side of sobriety until you arrive. One round on me, one on you... we'll see how we feel by then; of course knowing I'll have to walk back to the castle for the night. ...I've apparated while drunk to disastrous results. I do not recommend it. I shall keep an eye out for your blue beret, you keep an eye out for a grizzled, old dog with a lame gait. [a small scribbled out doodle looks as if he tried to draw a smiley face, and gave up halfway through] Yours, A

[ask-aesop-sharp]

I often dream of you devouring me, your nose and chin covered in my juices, giving me the best pleasure I've ever known

I long for you to gently take me, and make me feel you inside me, making me moan out in pleasure, my dear Aesop, make me see stars

Yours,

Elle

a recently graduated hogwarts student 😉

[ask-aesop-sharp]

Dear Professor Sharp,

Excuse my eagerness, but I saw one of your inquiries, and it had a rather...confusing comment about Professor Bakar. Professor... are you interested in Professor Bakar???

Much love,

S. Devereux

Aesop rubbed his eyes with the back of his hands, trying not to just let his head free-fall onto his desk in hopes it might knock him out. He was never so transparent... it always brought him a small smile when students would groan about how hard his expressions were to read. With words, it was different... semantics, of course. Just a matter of semantics. His reply seemed a bit more abrupt and rushed than his others had been.

Miss D, I asked only out of mere curiosity. I know, it seems like such a trivial thing, to care who another person takes romantic interest in, and most assuredly something I'd hoped to leave behind in my days as a student. Fraternization between professors is nothing new, and almost never stays a secret for long. -A.S. P.S. Professor Bakar is genial, pleasant company to keep, rest assured. ...and quite easy on the eyes, all things considered. His visits to bring me unicorn hair, Fwooper feathers, etc. for my potions stores are an anticipated weekly ritual. P.P.S. Ah, tell no one the contents of this letter. In fact, please burn it when you've finished. For good measure.

[ask-aesop-sharp]

Hello Professor Sharp,

What do you usually do in your free time?

Typically, aside from my usual obligations of grading exams and essays, I try to show as little of myself around the castle as possible... as you may have noticed. I find a great deal of peace in my solitude, reading novels (muggle literature has become surprisingly... fascinating), enjoying a Firewhiskey, and a fine, South American cigar when I can get them. Import is a hassle, but... let's say I know a merchant. I can settle for Italian substitutes in the meantime.

...I suppose there's no shame in admitting to the recent rumor that I have a certain, and well kept, affinity for art. Making my own primarily, but I'm hardly seeking to put my sketches in an exhibition.

Other than that, I address this new influx of inquiries... some inane, some polite and fascinating.

I appreciate your cordial correspondence.

[ask-aesop-sharp]

Dear professor Sharp,

Follow up question, have students ever declared their affections straight out? Have they tried to not so subtly hint at very suggestive situations? That's probably not how it works in reality, but alas, I have only read books.

Much love

-S. Devereux (a very curious 7th year)

Ps. How often do you ever actually have encounters with these admirers????

Aesop leaned back in his chair for a moment, reminiscing on a rather uncomfortable memory he tried his best to suppress. Though much like the incurable pain in his knee, there are some things a person simply doesn't live down easily - and his colleagues liked to remind him of that. Still, he had hope for one, so why not the other? Chuckling to himself he reached for his quill...

Miss Devereux, I'm sure it hasn't escaped your notice, at least one student in a class asks me about it, that any personal effects I carry with me are... for a lack of better description: quite well secured. Whether it be with a double buttoning pocket, an exceptionally well charmed wallet chain, or simply keeping the item so well hidden on my person that only a fool would go fishing for it, I do keep an exceptionally close eye on my belongings. Likewise, there are several locked cabinets in my classroom, and several more I keep in my personal office. Much to the chagrin of would-be pilferers, a simple Alohomora won't be enough to get them open (though I do so enjoy a laugh at watching them try, when they aren't aware I'm nearby). I, and only I, carry the sole key to each of them - I assure you this is relevant to your inquiry. I hadn't been a year or two separated from the Ministry, and in my role as Potions Master when, well, I'm afraid I was a bit careless. Perhaps my experiences as an Auror still predominated my thoughts... or, perhaps, I had simply forgotten what incorrigible little bastards some teenagers can be. Forgive my brusque generalization. I'm not sure how the concoction was brewed, or otherwise "acquired", but an unknown Slytherin student managed to spike my personal stash of Firewhiskey. ...with Amortentia. Just enough to be effective, and just a small enough amount even I didn't notice the change in aroma - I suppose I can commend them for their expert dosage, at least. Fortunately, I'd already locked myself into my personal quarters for the night - less fortunate was I when @ask-professor-weasley came to investigate a commotion she likened to, in her words, "a rabid, lone wolf gone mad, trying to rut the moon". She and I haven't spoken of it since... and I appreciate Matilda's excellent tact. Other than that, it's mostly anonymous love letters and crude notes I confiscate during class. I keep a box of my favorite, and most embarrassing ones in the top drawer of my desk, if you are ever in want of a good laugh. Yours, Prof. A. Sharp

[ask-professor-weasley]

Oh dear, don't remind me, *sigh*

[ask-aesop-sharp]

Mum's the word, Matilda, dear. ...and my eternal gratitude for your keen discretion. Do give my regards to @ask-deek, will you?

Goodness knows it was a long time before he and I could make eye contact again.

[ask-aesop-sharp]

Dear professor Sharp,

Follow up question, have students ever declared their affections straight out? Have they tried to not so subtly hint at very suggestive situations? That's probably not how it works in reality, but alas, I have only read books.

Much love

-S. Devereux (a very curious 7th year)

Ps. How often do you ever actually have encounters with these admirers????

Aesop leaned back in his chair for a moment, reminiscing on a rather uncomfortable memory he tried his best to suppress. Though much like the incurable pain in his knee, there are some things a person simply doesn't live down easily - and his colleagues liked to remind him of that. Still, he had hope for one, so why not the other? Chuckling to himself he reached for his quill...

Miss Devereux, I'm sure it hasn't escaped your notice, at least one student in a class asks me about it, that any personal effects I carry with me are... for a lack of better description: quite well secured. Whether it be with a double buttoning pocket, an exceptionally well charmed wallet chain, or simply keeping the item so well hidden on my person that only a fool would go fishing for it, I do keep an exceptionally close eye on my belongings. Likewise, there are several locked cabinets in my classroom, and several more I keep in my personal office. Much to the chagrin of would-be pilferers, a simple Alohomora won't be enough to get them open (though I do so enjoy a laugh at watching them try, when they aren't aware I'm nearby). I, and only I, carry the sole key to each of them - I assure you this is relevant to your inquiry. I hadn't been a year or two separated from the Ministry, and in my role as Potions Master when, well, I'm afraid I was a bit careless. Perhaps my experiences as an Auror still predominated my thoughts... or, perhaps, I had simply forgotten what incorrigible little bastards some teenagers can be. Forgive my brusque generalization. I'm not sure how the concoction was brewed, or otherwise "acquired", but an unknown Slytherin student managed to spike my personal stash of Firewhiskey. ...with Amortentia. Just enough to be effective, and just a small enough amount even I didn't notice the change in aroma - I suppose I can commend them for their expert dosage, at least. Fortunately, I'd already locked myself into my personal quarters for the night - less fortunate was I when @ask-professor-weasley came to investigate a commotion she likened to, in her words, "a rabid, lone wolf gone mad, trying to rut the moon". She and I haven't spoken of it since... and I appreciate Matilda's excellent tact. Other than that, it's mostly anonymous love letters and crude notes I confiscate during class. I keep a box of my favorite, and most embarrassing ones in the top drawer of my desk, if you are ever in want of a good laugh. Yours, Prof. A. Sharp

[ask-aesop-sharp]

Professor Sharp,

I was wondering...what is your favorite potion and why?

Looking up from his desk, he offered a brief smile; thankful to be asked about his expertise, for a change, rather than the... sudden array of other topics brought before him.

"This, here. Do you recognize it?" Reaching into his suit jacket, he fished around for a moment before loosening a vial from a secure pocket. The bottle was slightly smaller than the palm of his hand, rather flat and flask-like in shape - its contents a dark, shimmering red that appeared viscous, and almost sticky.

"Blood-Replenishing Draught. Simple in name and purpose, surprisingly tricky to make, as it contains unicorn horn. I started keeping a vial on me at all times, per the advice of a colleague, before coming back to Hogwarts to teach. It, ah, saved my life, once..."

Pursing his lips there was a distant gaze in his eyes before he put the vial back into his pocket. "...I've yet to decide if I'm grateful for that or not."

[ask-harriet-lancaster-deactivat]

Maybe one day, you can teach me how to brew it. Trouble seems to follow me everywhere I go (if I seeked it out or didn't), so I thought it might be helpful to carry one around, too.

And I am incredibly happy to see you here well and alive in Hogwarts. I must say...potions class is my favorite class!

[ask-aesop-sharp]

Aesop smirked, a small sense of pride shone in his eyes that he tried to suppress. Only a bit.

"I'm flattered, but it'll take more than a simple affinity to learn a brew like this. The ingredients are temperamental, and expensive... thankfully our Beast's Master here at the castle keeps my cabinet well stocked." He chuckled, to hide the strain in his voice as he rose from his chair. "It's a N.E.W.T.-level recipe, but I have no doubt you'll be up to the task, when the time comes."

He took a few labored steps to a heavily locked cabinet at the back of his office. It took him a few moments of patting each of his pockets in turn to find the gratuitously large, iron key to the door - Alohomora wouldn't work on this particular chest, and for good reason.

"In the meantime..." He retrieved a vial from the cabinet, an exact twin to the one in his pocket, and held it out for her. "Do try to keep yourself out of trouble. I wouldn't want to have to unlock that cabinet for you again."

[ask-aesop-sharp]

Professor Sharp,

I was wondering...what is your favorite potion and why?

Looking up from his desk, he offered a brief smile; thankful to be asked about his expertise, for a change, rather than the... sudden array of other topics brought before him.

"This, here. Do you recognize it?" Reaching into his suit jacket, he fished around for a moment before loosening a vial from a secure pocket. The bottle was slightly smaller than the palm of his hand, rather flat and flask-like in shape - its contents a dark, shimmering red that appeared viscous, and almost sticky.

"Blood-Replenishing Draught. Simple in name and purpose, surprisingly tricky to make, as it contains unicorn horn. I started keeping a vial on me at all times, per the advice of a colleague, before coming back to Hogwarts to teach. It, ah, saved my life, once..."

Pursing his lips there was a distant gaze in his eyes before he put the vial back into his pocket. "...I've yet to decide if I'm grateful for that or not."

[ask-aesop-sharp]

Professor, will you be my dad?

Aesop laced his fingers and rested his chin on the back of his hands, looking deep in thought. Perhaps his looks may imply otherwise, but he was yet young enough to be... keenly and uncomfortably aware of linguistic shifts among his students. Something told him to tread lightly, at first...

"Are you perhaps in want of a mentor or role model? If so, I could hardly recommend myself, but, if you are truly without guidance in your life, I may... perhaps be able to offer any assistance I am able to." He cleared his throat. "If this is your way of telling me you truly have no safe place to stay, I can't say I'd have recommended coming to me first of all people. But you're welcome to visit my office after hours. We'll certainly get you taken care of."