e r w i n · s m i t h

Erwin Smith | 34 Head of Ravenclaw Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor tracking: #commanderravenclaw

[professorackerman]

As Erwin left his office and walked down the dark corridor, he noticed a very familiar backside of someone pacing further up ahead. With no students around, why not take the opportunity to indulge his playful side? Taking quick steps, Erwin was soon right behind the shorter man and promptly bumped shoulders with him. "Ugh," he feigned annoyance and then surprise, "Oh, Levi, where did you come from, didn't even see you there?"

Unaware of his pacing, Levi was deep in thought. He’d received a letter earlier in the day that had preoccupied him even somewhat through his first block of classes, but now that he did have some time for mulling, he found that it really wasn’t getting him anywhere particular. Suddenly rousted as someone knocked into his shoulder, Levi jumped noticeably and tried to hide it with a scowl that would have been much more intimidating had the interrupter not been a ridiculous giant. “Irwin,” he said, looking up. Damn the man, how could somebody so huge walk around quiet as a cat? “That’s because you weren’t looking where you were going,” Levi replied dully, though the glint of humor in his eyes betrayed his annoyed tone. 

[professorackerman]

Levi thought about the letter, under his pillow, unopened. He frowned. “I was trying to decide something. It’s none of your business.” He shifted his weight and crossed his arms, trying for irked rather than anxious. It seemed like a good time to change the subject. “Are you just roaming about knocking into people or are you headed somewhere specific?” 

[commanderravenclaw]

He could tell Levi definitely had his mind preoccupied. And such was always typical of the man. Here Levi would be, seemingly listening and looking at him but his mind would always appear to be elsewhere, miles away. Erwin began to speculate the reason he had become so sensitive to Levi's habit was because it was growing into a pet peeve of sorts. Levi was just always mysterious and Erwin although usually not the curious type, couldn't help it in this case.

He decided he'd give it one last go before dropping it. "I only knock into people who deserve getting knocked into," he quipped, "but you know...you can always talk to me if something is on your mind."

[obdurate-leader-blog]

// CommanderRavenclaw

"Erwin?"

He knocked on the door twice, knowing full well that the other man sat inside right now. He could smell the man’s scent through the door, something akin to sandalwood and mint mixed with fresh ink that he had picked up from their days at school and for some reason never quite left him. It had been a long day for Mike and he knew that the other man also had a lesson free this period. Erwin was probably being a responsible adult and spending it preparing for another class, but Mike had been bored with nothing yet to do and it had already been almost a whole week into the new school year and he still hadn’t had a proper chance to catch up with his friend. They had nearly an hour before everyone was to go down to the great hall for dinner, so he was going to take his chance and enjoy the time he had. Thank you very much.

[commanderravenclaw]

Hearing that all too familiar voice call out for him, Erwin already knew who was on the other side of the door. "Come in," he said as the door opened on command. "Mike, you came a good time. I was almost about to fall asleep from all this reading," Erwin said, a slight smile on his face, as he stood up and greeted his old friend. He gestured to the haphazard pile of books and papers on his desk, "You see what I have to put up with?"

Mike was the first friend Erwin had made years ago when they themselves were students in these very halls. So to say he trusted the man was quite an understatement, rather he could let down his guard completely, put away the stern serious facade he was known for and just be himself. Just be the plain old Erwin who liked to laze and joke around. It wasn't often that he was able to let this side out, so spending time with Mike was always a breath of fresh air.

[professorackerman]

As Erwin left his office and walked down the dark corridor, he noticed a very familiar backside of someone pacing further up ahead. With no students around, why not take the opportunity to indulge his playful side? Taking quick steps, Erwin was soon right behind the shorter man and promptly bumped shoulders with him. "Ugh," he feigned annoyance and then surprise, "Oh, Levi, where did you come from, didn't even see you there?"

Unaware of his pacing, Levi was deep in thought. He’d received a letter earlier in the day that had preoccupied him even somewhat through his first block of classes, but now that he did have some time for mulling, he found that it really wasn’t getting him anywhere particular. Suddenly rousted as someone knocked into his shoulder, Levi jumped noticeably and tried to hide it with a scowl that would have been much more intimidating had the interrupter not been a ridiculous giant. “Irwin,” he said, looking up. Damn the man, how could somebody so huge walk around quiet as a cat? “That’s because you weren’t looking where you were going,” Levi replied dully, though the glint of humor in his eyes betrayed his annoyed tone. 

[commanderravenclaw]

"Guess I wasn't paying attention," Erwin murmured as unnecessarily straightened his cloak. "So tell me," he said as he glanced down at Levi, realizing that his scowls never really looked like scowls the more he stared, "what had you thinking so hard that you didn't even hear me coming around?"

[commanderravenclaw]

"Um... sir? Do you mind if I ask something?"

Erwin turned towards the young witch. “Ah Rune,” it was one of his students. He didn’t know much about her yet, except for the fact that she was hardworking and quite the determined type. He put down the book he was reading and gave her his attention. “Sure, go ahead.”

[runeayers-deactivated20230307]

"Is… that a ‘no’, sir?" She tried not to sound disappointed. She knew better than to get her hopes, after all, but she’d been so excited after hearing a teacher mention it to Professor Hanji that she’d all but ran to his office. 

[commanderravenclaw]

Erwin could hear Rune’s voice fall a little flat. Was she disappointed? Usually Erwin couldn’t find it in himself to care about students and their trivial feelings. But somehow he suddenly felt the urge to to thread very carefully. After all, he had never met anyone who shared an interest in horse riding before (mainly because he never opened up about it, but still…).

Without putting his book down, he let the girl’s question go answered for a few more seconds before finally murmuring, “…I hear… that the field in between the Whomping Willow and the Forbidden Forest is quite nice to ride on… especially in the early morning hours. But of course that’s just what I’ve heard.” Erwin then let out a small unassuming cough and left it at that.

[arminravenclaw-blog]

"Why hello, Armin. How are you doing this fine day? Have you been practicing the jinx we went over last class?"

"Oh, hello there Professor!" Armin turned to find the tall, blond professor standing near him rather unexpectedly. But Armin smiled at his superior’s presence. He had always gotten along quite well with Professor Smith. His subject wasn’t always Armin’s best fit, but they seemed to get along quite well. Armin attributed that to them both being Ravenclaws.

"I have been, yes…" Armin said, falling in step with the professor, having to match three steps to his one, "It has been a bit tough for me to master it. You know me; I’ve always been more comfortable with charms and spells rather than jinxes, but I think I’ve got it down…Although…" Armin brought his hand to his chin thoughtfully. "I have been looking for some help…" Armin admitted. "I’ve never had to be tutored before but…fifth-year Defense Against the Dark Arts has been a bit of a struggle for me…I’ve been looking for someone to help me out with it…Perhaps you could help me out, Professor? Direct me to someone that would be willing to tutor me? Just until I get it down, of course…”

Armin looked up at the Professor hopefully. He often didn’t speak so freely about his fallacies and weaknesses, but he knew he had to be open and willing when it came to talking to his professors and school work.

[arminravenclaw-blog]

Armin looked back up to the tall man, a bit surprised. “Oh! I wouldn’t want to bother you, Professor. I know you must be busy with classes and paperwork and things…”

Armin thought about it for a few more paces. However, Professor Smith had seemed sincere in his offer and Armin looked up to the man quite a bit. This was a pretty golden opportunity to get some one-on-one lessons with one of the best wizards at the school.

Armin nodded and looked back up to Smith with a smile, “But, if you’re serious with your offer, I suppose it would be foolish of me to turn it down. I think it would be really beneficial, actually. So…I would be glad to be tutored by you, Professor.” He concluded pleasantly. 

[commanderravenclaw]

Erwin was actually a little surprised that the Armin agreed so readily. Perhaps he was loosing his touch. He remembered a simpler older time when students used to be afraid of even looking his way. But now the young wizard was staring up at him with a wide smile and instead of the usual uncomfortable feeling that would seize up in his chest, he felt rather light instead. Perhaps Erwin was changing for the better, or perhaps Armin was just an exception. Regardless of the reason, Erwin was going to be a tutor now so there was no point in dawdling about.

"Okay," Erwin agreed, offering a smile that matched the young student’s. "We need to set a schedule for the sessions then. Since you’re probably very busy during the week with all your classes, would you be fine coming to my office sometime during the weekend?"

[purebloodkirschtein-deactivated]

"I’m really sorry, sir. The training was longer than planned and then I ran all the way here as fast as I could." He explained himself with a little lie but the way he panted harshly was to his advantage at the moment. He really did run and what difference did it make if it was from his common room, not the quidditch pitch? None, of course.

Dumping his bag on the floor he sat where Erwin gestured him to, then bent to take out his quill and parchment as well as the DADA book.

"Actually… Am I allowed to ask questions about the topic of the assignment, sir?" He asked, deciding it couldn’t really hurt and if Smith wasn’t too angry with him, asking him about details could actually soften the man. Jean knew he was the type to really care about teaching them all as much as possible, even if he was very strict too.

[commanderravenclaw]

Erwin let out the most dramatic audible sigh he could manage while containing his stoic expression. "Yes... Kirschtein... you may ask me questions. That.... is why I asked if you had any," he said slowly and calmly, contrary to the vein he was sure was popping on his forehead.

"Go ahead boy, what do you need to know?"

[commanderravenclaw]

"Um... sir? Do you mind if I ask something?"

Erwin turned towards the young witch. “Ah Rune,” it was one of his students. He didn’t know much about her yet, except for the fact that she was hardworking and quite the determined type. He put down the book he was reading and gave her his attention. “Sure, go ahead.”

[runeayers-deactivated20230307]

"Well…" Here was hoping the gossips were actually telling the truth. "I’ve heard you ride horses? And was wondering if you knew of a place to ride near here?"

[commanderravenclaw]

Erwin was sure he felt his eye just twitch. Taking in a slow steady breath, he hoped the young witch didn't notice. Nobody ever asked him about riding horses before, and well that's because nobody ever knew he did. And that's how it was supposed to stay. 

There was nothing wrong with riding horses of course, it was a honorably sport for only the most patient of people, and part of him admired Rune for even having such curiosity on the subject. But the bigger part of Erwin was more uncomfortable with the idea of knowing why he took up such a hobby. If word got out of his slight phobia of flying, he knew he'd never hear the end of it from the other professors and that he'd lose face in front of his students. So opting for the easiest method to avoid the question, Erwin picked his book back up, high enough so that it provided a barrier from the questioning student's face, and continued reading where he left off.

"Hmmm..." he muttered after a beat, as if he never heard the question.

[careofmagicaltitans]

Erwin could see her bent over her latest research, eyes nearly boring into the numerous papers on her desk. She was too deep in focus to even register his presence and opportunities like this occurred only every so often. He held his breath and slowly approached the woman from behind, taking slow stalking steps until he was a mere few inches from her back. Leaning over, his lips hovered next to her ears, "Well hello there Hanji, it's been a while, hasn't it?" he whispered softly.

Hanji had stayed up all night researching into her most recent obsession about Threstrals and if it was possible to create something to make her whole class see them. It is always so difficult to make people believe in ‘invisible creatures’, which made no sense as they all knew about magic. 

Leaning over her papers eyes flicking from one book to the next her breathing barely audible apart from the odd gasp. However due to the extreme silence that was previously in her office, the sudden presence of Erwin’s voice so close to her ear caused a loud cry of shock to leave her mouth. Along with the scattering of the many papers, quills, ink pots and who knows what else across the office floor.

"What did you do THAT for?!" She complained loudly at the tall blonde, who looked rather smug with himself.

[commanderravenclaw]

Erwin let out a rare hardy laugh. "Because you're way too easy when you're neck deep in your research," he said as he pulled back, still unable to wipe the grin off his face. Erwin always did enjoy teasing others but Hanji would probably be his favorite, for obvious reasons. Her reactions were quite magnificent. But as he eyed the room and it's sudden disarrayed state, he knew he was to blame at least for a bit of it. In one fluid motion he pulled out his wand and gave a small swish. The papers picked themselves up and rearranged in their previous positions on Hanji's desk, and the same for the tossed aside quills and spilled over ink bottles. Within seconds the room was returned to it's previous state and Erwin pulled a chair over to sit across from Hanji.

"So, how've you been?"

[commanderravenclaw]

"Um... sir? Do you mind if I ask something?"

Erwin turned towards the young witch. “Ah Rune,” it was one of his students. He didn’t know much about her yet, except for the fact that she was hardworking and quite the determined type. He put down the book he was reading and gave her his attention. “Sure, go ahead.”

[purebloodkirschtein-deactivated]

If it wasn’t for Annie and the way she looked at him as if he was the biggest moron on Earth while asking: “And you are here still… Why?”, he would have forgotten about Smith’s request completely. He was so excited, and tired, with the Quidditch training that it just emptied his head. So he was kind of proud of himself when he reached the professors office, panting loudly as he knocked on the door. Maybe he wouldn’t get beheaded on the first week…

[commanderravenclaw]

"Come in." Erwin gave a gentle flick of his wrist and the heavy iron door to his office creaked open. He didn't even have to glance up to know who it was. "Congratulations Kirschtein, you're only half an hour late. I'm glad you're so courteous and conscious not to waste other's time. Take a seat." Erwin motioned to the chair in front of his desk. His table was plenty big, enough room for both of them to work without invading one another's personal space.

"You can leave when you finish the written assignment. Any questions Kirschtein?"

[arminravenclaw-blog]

"Why hello, Armin. How are you doing this fine day? Have you been practicing the jinx we went over last class?"

"Oh, hello there Professor!" Armin turned to find the tall, blond professor standing near him rather unexpectedly. But Armin smiled at his superior’s presence. He had always gotten along quite well with Professor Smith. His subject wasn’t always Armin’s best fit, but they seemed to get along quite well. Armin attributed that to them both being Ravenclaws.

"I have been, yes…" Armin said, falling in step with the professor, having to match three steps to his one, "It has been a bit tough for me to master it. You know me; I’ve always been more comfortable with charms and spells rather than jinxes, but I think I’ve got it down…Although…" Armin brought his hand to his chin thoughtfully. "I have been looking for some help…" Armin admitted. "I’ve never had to be tutored before but…fifth-year Defense Against the Dark Arts has been a bit of a struggle for me…I’ve been looking for someone to help me out with it…Perhaps you could help me out, Professor? Direct me to someone that would be willing to tutor me? Just until I get it down, of course…”

Armin looked up at the Professor hopefully. He often didn’t speak so freely about his fallacies and weaknesses, but he knew he had to be open and willing when it came to talking to his professors and school work.

[commanderravenclaw]

Erwin looked down at the young student and could feel his gaze soften. He was quite fond of Armin. The boy was was intelligent and a fast learner, he had the potential to be a great wizard. But moreover, he exuded sincerity, almost to the point where it was contagious. And perhaps it was Erwin's lack of experience to that emotion that piqued his curiosity.

"I do know quite a few people who could help you out with that subject," Erwin said, "and I could gladly give you their names as a reference." He kept silent for a few more steps before continuing.

"But then again, not to brag of course, you do have the master of Defense of Dark Arts right here so...." he glanced at Armin, letting a subtle grin grace his lips before returning to his resigned expression.

"I wouldn't mind tutoring you, Armin."

[purebloodkirschtein-deactivated]

Smith… actually agreed?

"Thank you, sir!" Jean said quickly, not hiding his relief as he sat down at his desk, grabbing the book to open it where everyone else did. Looks like he had some luck after all! Well, if staying till late with Smith could be called luck but still, he wouldn’t miss the training and get shouted at by his Captain. 

[commanderravenclaw]

Erwin glanced at the clock on his office wall, the seconds audibly ticking away. It was already 8:19pm and that Kirschtein boy was still nowhere to be found. Part of Erwin figured this would happen and he tried to remain apathetic. If the student didn't want to put in any effort, then what more could the teacher do but oblige. On the other hand, the other part of Erwin was pissed. It was not everyday that he made an effort to meddle in his students lives, but goddamn it, today he had decided to care and this was what he got in return? Nothing. Erwin frowned just the slightest as he furiously scribbled something onto his notes.

[magic-mina-deactivated20140810]

Erwin turns around sharply to the shrill cry of his name. It sounded like Mina. Was she in trouble? Was she hurt? He rushed over to her side, only to find her pointing a trembling finger to the corner of the room. It took his eyes a few seconds to adjust to the dim light before he saw the cause of all the commotion. Eight hairy legs and eight beady eyes. A...spider. "Shit," Erwin mumbled under his breath before he could stop himself.

This sort of thing hadn’t probably been properly seen since those old mid-nineteenth century television shows. Even then, they were greatly exaggerated. Then again, it suited Mina. She was a bit dramatic—or, rather, it was that she didn’t bother very much with reining in her emotions unless asked to such. All the same, when she’d been “cornered” (read: the door framed an admittedly larger-than-normal spider) the girl’s first instinct was to get the hell off the floor where that thing could scurry over and touch her. Why didn’t she have a cup or something on her?! She didn’t have a real beef with spiders, she just didn’t want them… touching her.

And Erwin had the misfortune of being the first person within terror-shrieking range she could call upon. So caught up in her little episode was she that she didn’t notice his cussing at first. She was still on top of the desk, adamant. “P-Professor Smith, do you have a cup?! Or maybe a box?! It’s got to be caught!!”

… it was a spider, not a cobra.

[magic-mina-deactivated20140810]

The sarcasm was lost on Mina. “That’s actually really convenient,” she quipped, calming a bit. However, after a moment, she registered his frustration and realized he wasn’t being serious. “…oh.” Now, normally, Mina was absolutely one hundred percent against killing anything unnecessarily. She didn’t like to kill spiders because they kept worse bugs away, particularly Satan’s personal assistants, the mosquitoes. However, without a cup, it would be impossible to turn it loose else where. Mina looked around. Oh, thank god someone left a scroll behind. “Wait, wait,” she pleaded, getting off the desk tentatively before scurrying over to the scroll and then facing the spider. “Can you stun it?” She was less asking if he could and more-so if he would.

[commanderravenclaw]

Erwin glanced at the spider, then Mina, then back at the spider, then finally settled his gaze on the young student as he let out a sigh. "Fine," he nearly grunted as he swiftly pulled out his wand and gave it a flick. Almost immediately the spider was immobilized. Using a levitation charm, Erwin picked up the arachnid, led it to an open window and dropped it into the bushes. He'd be lying if he'd said he wasn't feeling much more relieved knowing an eight legged-thing wasn't in the room with them.

"Well that's that," Erwin said, his expression perhaps still a little too serious.

[magic-mina-deactivated20140810]

Erwin turns around sharply to the shrill cry of his name. It sounded like Mina. Was she in trouble? Was she hurt? He rushed over to her side, only to find her pointing a trembling finger to the corner of the room. It took his eyes a few seconds to adjust to the dim light before he saw the cause of all the commotion. Eight hairy legs and eight beady eyes. A...spider. "Shit," Erwin mumbled under his breath before he could stop himself.

This sort of thing hadn’t probably been properly seen since those old mid-nineteenth century television shows. Even then, they were greatly exaggerated. Then again, it suited Mina. She was a bit dramatic—or, rather, it was that she didn’t bother very much with reining in her emotions unless asked to such. All the same, when she’d been “cornered” (read: the door framed an admittedly larger-than-normal spider) the girl’s first instinct was to get the hell off the floor where that thing could scurry over and touch her. Why didn’t she have a cup or something on her?! She didn’t have a real beef with spiders, she just didn’t want them… touching her.

And Erwin had the misfortune of being the first person within terror-shrieking range she could call upon. So caught up in her little episode was she that she didn’t notice his cussing at first. She was still on top of the desk, adamant. “P-Professor Smith, do you have a cup?! Or maybe a box?! It’s got to be caught!!”

… it was a spider, not a cobra.

[commanderravenclaw]

"Yes I have a cup with me, it's in my pocket where I always put it because who goes anywhere without a cup on hand," he replied curtly, unable to hide his frustration. It wasn't that he was scared of the tiny creature, God no, it was just that spiders made him...horribly uncomfortable. But he had to pull himself together, especially in front of a student. "I could...kill it," Erwin offered instead, hand already reaching into his cloak to pull out his wand.

[unwelcomeguest]

[lydiajoypalmer]

Hooded by ~periwinklepaints

[commanderravenclaw]

ooc excuses