Somedays, I Am The Flower Somedays, I Am The Rain

you have so much light the plants grow towards you !

[hibiscusyriacus]

thundernterror‌:

“Ah,” Uriel simply said before going silent for a second. He had heard some of his colleagues discuss the boy’s apparent disdain for most of his classmates over the years, as well as his solitary and stubborn tendencies. In Uriel’s eyes, Cypress was a young man who knew what he wanted and what he was worth. There was reason to take pride in those qualities. Always polite but firm, Uriel had defended Cypress to the point, he thought, that his colleagues rather badmouth him once he turned his back than one of their students. Good.

He couldn’t explain why he felt so protective of the young man standing by his side then. Maybe because he saw something of himself in Cypress, albeit a less broken version. He may have simply done what he could to ensure Cypress wouldn’t feel the need to hide his qualities or snuff out the fire he had in him.

“That sounds fair.” Uriel turned to the waiting barista, appraising the list of drinks. “Two slices of lemon cake, one of today’s special, and a… classic gunpowder tea?” Whatever that was. It sounded nice enough. Turning back towards Cypress it was easy to find the smile he hadn’t put on for the barista. “Do you have a favourite spot? I’d like to know more about what you’ve been up to.”

Cypress gave a small nod before a half forgotten second, “Thank you.”, found it’s way from his lips. He was quite fond of the windows, the natural light they gave proving too good of a source to pass up. Ever weak for still life, he still enjoyed people watching now and again and the street outside always seemed to offer up the most interesting sorts of characters to sketch quickly. Often older men whose age tended to show in the crinkles near their eyes.

He turned in an instant, making a beeline not for the window but for the right back corner instead. There lied the comfiest seats, perfect for hiding from the steady stream of wixen who came in and out of the café at peak times. It prevented too many wandering passerbys from staring in at you as well, only hoping to figure out what you could be discussing. Despite not being a student anymore, something about this interaction felt forbidden. Was it the ease they had slipped into this accidental meeting or the thrill of being able to call a professor by their first name? Cypress wasn’t sure but he wasn’t keen on being the subject of anyone else’s scrutiny for gaining a smile from the notoriously difficult professor.

[hibiscusyriacus]

thundernterror‌:

Uriel shot a smile at Cypress, something he noticed he had been doing a lot since their earlier meeting. Not that he never smiled at the boy before, but he had never wanted to be accused of blatant favoritism. Besides, he never wanted to risk being seen open at work. Here, though, was a different story. “I would never use that work for you, Cypress, it doesn’t do you any favours. Rather I’d say you have a strong identity.”

Something bugged Uriel about being called ‘sir’ again. It was better than ‘professor’ by all means, but… No, he was being silly. Of course it was the only proper way for Cypress to address him, as requiring first name-basis would be too… Too something. He didn’t know what exactly, but something Butler senior would not encourage. What am I thinking, Uriel sighed for himself, cowering in fear at the mere thought of my father. Thirty-four and still a scared little boy. “If they are so good as to gain high praise from you, then I must have some. What will it be for you, Cypress? Oh, and do call me Uriel, if you wish. There is no need for the deference anymore, is there?”

“It’s been often said my personality was my strongest trait but your sentence sounds much more favorable.” Uriel was, again, surprisingly enjoyable outside of the castle walls. There seemed to be a life to the older man Cypress had never seen or never noticed.

Cypress paused, looking fully at his former professor with a thrill in his eyes. Uriel. In some respects, Cypress finally felt grown. “If you’re sure, Uriel. Thank you.” He looked to the menu board once more, feigning reading to take the moment to gain some composer over his small victory. “Today’s Brew and you’ve reminded me the lemon cake is worth it.”

[hibiscusyriacus]

thundernterror‌:

Indeed Uriel didn’t have to do anything, much less entertain a man over a decade younger than him. But that was mostly his father’s ghost speaking and besides, Uriel meant nothing much by it. He wanted to make sure Cypress was doing alright, and there was no reason not to enjoy good company when he found it.

The place Cypress took him was entirely unknown to Uriel, as he had expected, but he found it was a very Cypress place somehow. The decor was not fancy in the meaning of the word Uriel was used to, but a lot of flowers or small potted plants made it feel like a cleaner version of the greenhouses he had so often found his former pupil in. The smell was a mix of sugar, coffee, chocolate, and something lighter – probably fruit or flowers and herbs for the tea selection Cypress had mentioned. Indeed there was a large blackboard with various names on it and the inscription in bold letters in the middle: ‘Today’s Brew: Rose and Hibiscus Cold Brew! Get Freshened Up With Tea!’

“I am not surprised you would find a place like this. Or know of it. Do you sketch here sometimes?” Looking around, he tried to find a comfortable place to sit while also keeping an eye on the cakes on display. He really shouldn’t indulge, but would Cypress agree to eating something if he was the only one to do so? “That lemon cake looks… promising?”

Cypress drew his attention to the menu board, trying to decide what to get. Today’s brew was calling his name and he hadn’t tried that specific blend before. At the question, he shot a glance in Uriel’s direction. “I do. Am I that predictable?” The café did have quite a large resemblance to Greenhouse 2 and lended Cypress a lot of comfort in his transition from his home of the past seven years. 

He ran a hand through his hair, entire aware the style wasn’t one to be mused from a few brushes of his fingers, while watching the professor with curiosity. He couldn’t begin to guess what the older man’s taste buds gravitated towards. Lemon cake was not a high guess. “Promising is a rather underselling guess. Sir, their cakes are indescribable. You’ll have to try it yourself.” Chocolate was fine and good for most situations but Cypress’s upbringing had led him to have a refined palette. One that would often go for fruit based over a high sweetness.

[hibiscusyriacus]

thundernterror‌:

Uriel’s smile was rarely genuine, but he found Cypress’ peacock-like ways at being complimented quite heart-warming. Politeness forced him to deny his former professor’s words, but both of them knew the full extent of Cypress’ potential. Or did they? Uriel was ready to be amazed.

Contrary to the younger man, Uriel couldn’t stop himself from wincing at the sudden increase in noise in the shop. He got worried for a minute that it would cut his time with Cypress short, but the student was quick to think of a far more pleasant solution. The potions teacher followed with a barely suppressed smile, sighing happily once they got out.

“Do you have a place you’re particularly fond of, Cypress?” He asked, looking around. Uriel was a recluse of sorts, therefore he had no idea where the good spots were, even after years of visiting the town. That was the danger that came with only ever going to the same shops over and over again. “Feel free to go wherever you want, it’ll be my treat.”

Uriel small smile kept Cypress’s grin on his own face before a quiet ‘what?’ passed through his own head. He had an interest in seeing more of the older man’s smile and interest in someone other than himself was few and far between. It had to be the titillating conversation. That or the stream of compliments he hoped would come of it. Nothing more.

“Sir, you don’t have to do that.” A treat wasn’t also something he would turn down. Politeness was all a show everyone was expected to participate in. It would all be much simpler if Cypress could just accept without protest and say his thanks straight away but where was the fun in that. With a nod, he led their way through the streets to a more upscale yet hip establishment than the likes of the Leaky Cauldron or Ross Lee Teabag. It had a tendency to cater to the nouveau rich but it was the best they were going to do in this area. “But thank you.”

The young blond boy opened the door to Tamper, watching Uriel’s face carefully for a reaction. He very much doubted this was his former professor’s scene. The music playing couldn’t have been his taste but then again Cypress wasn’t too sure what Uriel’s tastes were. He should find out. “Their tea selection is unmatched.”

[hibiscusyriacus]

thundernterror‌:

Uriel snorted softly, shaking his head in disbelief. What was the world coming to? “Those people are so dedicated to forcing their lifestyle on us, they wouldn’t let us live in peace in our own corner, if that was something we wanted. Hogwarts is much the same, and all that leads to is sub-par teachers.” He pursed his lips firmly for a moment, mindful to slow down his breathing. This was not the time to start ranting: meeting a former student on accident was agreeable, especially when said student had been one of his favourite. There was no need to ruin the moment.

“Your potential, indeed. Your skills have yet to be matched, from what I observed from the current students back in Hogwarts. Furthermore you have the dedication, ideals, and ambition necessary to make your art more than empty reproductions of life. Talent is more than knowing how to hold a brush.” At first, his endorsement of Cypress’ hobby and the compliments he handed out here and there had mostly been means to an end. They had soon grown to become genuine as time went by, Uriel growing more interested in his pupil’s evident passion with each sketch he saw. And somehow, Cypress’ opinion on lesser bloodlines had ceased to be Uriel’s priority. “I appreciate you being careful on the matter. It is best to proceed with caution and finish your schooling quietly, rather than find yourself with unwanted attention. Expressing one’s opinion isn’t always welcome anymore.”

Had the castle gone quiet? No more than it ever had. In fact the younger years seemed to steadily grow rowdier. “Each new wave of students brings its own fresh-faced challenges. I have already had to extinguish several fires during Potions class. But I’d be lying if I said I’ve met a student as interesting as you so far.” After all, his own godsons aside, there weren’t many students Uriel had appreciated talking to as much.

An eager nod was the blond’s response, the smug smile not moving from his face. How could anyone think another way? A closed society, perhaps some respectable halfbloods wasn’t too much to ask for was it? Cypress leaned against the the stack of canvas’s eager to drink in all the compliments Uriel had for him. This is what he deserved, for someone to recognize his brilliance and then list it to him. Not being stuck in a class of students too focused on their band to even think of contributing to an intellectual discussion. “Sir.” was the only protest to leave his lips. He couldn’t have anyone thinking he truly enjoyed the compliments, regardless of how well deserved. That just wasn’t polite. Though he was in no hurry for Uriel to stop. “I’ve been told I’m one of kind.” 

Had it always been interesting to speak to his former professor? From what Cypress could remember, it had always felt like a chore but perhaps that was due to the older man’s insistent that art couldn’t be a career. It seemed like Cypress had proven him wrong. Finally. Cypress was about to say more when a witch with what seemed like a gaggle of young loud children flooded the aisle. Wasn’t it too early for children to even consider being awake? An eye roll was the only sign besides the dropping of the smile Cypress gave of his disappointment in being interrupted. “Would you have any interest in grabbing a cup of tea? I seem to have become overcome with a headache. It must be the caffeine withdrawal.” Without waiting for an answer, Cypress slinked around Uriel and out of the aisle. The more space between himself and those beasts the better. His brush could wait. “I want to hear more about these fires.” And how interesting he was.

[hibiscusyriacus]

thundernterror‌:

Uriel nodded slowly at Cypress’ admission. Hogwarts was its own world, and while students left the prestigious school academically prepared for whatever came next, they had to learn how to navigate an entirely different place. Some found it too complicated and thus decided never to leave the sanctuary of school, much like Uriel himself. Not to mention he was as far removed from his family as could be, that way.

The professor’s reaction was less muted as Cypress brought up the topic of muggles: his nose scrunched up before Uriel could stop it, and a sound of disgust made its way out of his throat as well. “They should separate you from them as much as possible. Is it that hard to put a charm on parts of the building so the muggles would think it under repair and not go anywhere near it? I truly am sorry to hear your environment isn’t up to par with, well– your potential. Did you at least find respectable individuals with whom to share your free time?”

Cypress bit down on his lower lip to repress a smile. He had forgot the older man’s distaste of muggles and those of lesser blood extended far beyond his own. “That’s not their vision, sir.” He wondered if polite disagreement was more acceptable now that he was out from under the man’s tutelage. “They want interconnectivity, harmony, and every other buzzword they can think to place on a pamphlet. It’s apparently one of their selling points.” And one of the reasons his parents pushed him to attend. It was the best program for professional artists in their world and his family’s view of society wasn’t the most popular at the moment. It didn’t look good to seem close-minded or old fashioned, especially not if you wanted to make it in the world.

“My potential?” This did illicit a genuine smile from Cypress. He had missed the compliments the professors at Hogwarts had showered him in. Especially Professor Uriel’s. His new teachers, while complimentary, seemed to believe all of the new students were on the same level. He could only do so many still life assignments. “It’s quite early in the year to tell if anyone...has the same ideals as I do. I find myself spending time with old friends more often than not.” Cypress wasn’t particular close to many other people his age except for family friends. And there was no question on how they thought. “Has the castle gone quiet with my class gone?”

[hibiscusyriacus]

thundernterror‌:

Uriel liked wandering around Diagon Alley in the quiet months. As a teacher he no longer needed to go on the yearly trip for books and cloaks, but he found himself missing the ritual in spite of himself. He made up for it by looking for potion ingredients there rather than harvest it from Hogwarts’ greenhouses. He wouldn’t trust whatever the Herbology teacher planted in those.

Another upside to walking around Diagon Alley was the opportunity to walk inside any shop that caught his eye. At that moment it was the cosy and bright art supplies store with its cheerful displays of colour and its smell of charcoal and parchment. Touching paper sheets with his fingertips and smiling at nothing in particular, Uriel was surprised to hear his name coming from somewhere down the aisle.

His smile subsided before coming back at the sight of Cypress Bae a few feet away from him. Uriel didn’t miss the fact that his former student had used his old moniker for the older man, the polite and respectful ’professor’ attached to Uriel’s first name, breaking the illusion before it even settled.

“Cypress, how nice to see you here.” Uriel walked towards the young man, absentmindedly noticing he was taller than in the teacher’s memories. “How have you been? Is art school treating you well?”

It seemed daring to refer to his former teacher by his first name wasn’t too daring at all. If the older man’s reaction was anything to judge by. “So nice to see you as well.” He replied, easily slipping into the polite tone of voice he used with any type of authority figure. His former teacher didn’t need to hear his surprise of the uncrowded streets, which for all intensive purposes should be filled to the brims with ragamuffin children. Maybe it was the early hour that allowed Cypress to browse the stores in peace.

“Art school is...Well, more unlike Hogwarts than I dreamed.” He wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad thing. It was delightful to be surrounded by others so seriously focused on their craft but the proximity to muggles was aggravating. He’d never had to worry about breaking the statue of secrecy before but now if he even wanted a latte it was a cross-community negotiation.

Never one to take muggle studies, Cypress expected his opinion would be well received by Uriel. Was he still to call him Professor Uriel? Surely not forever. “Did you know the campus is shared with muggles? I don’t know how they expect us to learn with such a distraction.” He hadn’t said as much to his new classmates of mostly muggleborns and half-bloods. It was still too early in their schooling to find likeminded cohorts.

[hibiscusyriacus]

@thundernterror

Diagon Alley was horrific for a number of reasons. The people, the smells, the children. All of these came to mind but Cypress could admit, for once, he may have assumed these things. His main reasoning for coming to this conclusion was his own experiences with the place. They only took place before the Hogwarts school year to buy the items somehow sold only in one location for hundreds of students. June was a joyous time to inhabit Diagon Alley. It was a rather nice day, only the need for a light sweater. The children were nowhere to be seen and for once the art supply store was nearly empty. Cypress could feel his gloomy mood lifting as he walked the aisles trying to find the exact kneazle hair brush on his list. Graduation from Hogwarts had him on cloud nine until he realized his Ministry affiliated art graduate programme was on the campus of the Royal College of Art. Muggles. The feeling of magic in the air was enough for him to breathe a sigh of relief. Add the lack of annoyances, smells, and loud noises, it was practically a gloom be gone. A happiness that was quickly turning into curiosity. A former professor who must have been turned around to be in this store? “Professor Uriel?” The words came from Cypress’s mouth before he had enough forethought to slip away. He had graduated. It wasn’t as though his old teacher would have any interest in him. Especially if he was no longer forbidden fruit.

[hibiscusyriacus]

thundernterror:

Houses were not all that, Uriel knew it, but he sometimes had to remind himself of the fact. Back when he was a student himself, many people had emitted doubts regarding his sorting: his being in Ravenclaw was strange, not only because the Butler family had a strong preference for Slytherin, but also because Uriel knew what he wanted and how to get it. Yet his ways were most often acquired through extensive knowledge, and even what he wouldn’t use he couldn’t find it in him to discard, and so Ravenclaw it had been.

Cypress reminded him of himself, sometimes. He simply hoped it was in more ways than one as he pushed the matter further. “Ah, of course. It feels a little late to me, considering how full of potential some students here can be. Of course others… Well, it doesn’t take OWLs results to know they won’t be going far. But you could get a very important position in our society, Cypress. Even if you did pursue art it would be better used for a higher purpose than, well, the sake of art.”

“I do hate to require you to specify but, sir, what purpose is art for if not for the sake of art itself?” He should probably say thank you for the wonderfully doled out compliment from the potions professor. It was rare he heard Professor Uriel compliment other students but it seemed to be directed his way more often than not. This couldn’t be, no. Cypress felt silly almost thinking such a thing. It was much more up the other professors’ alleys to proposition a student.

[hibiscusyriacus]

smokreaper:

Was that boy even listening to him? Jeez, the nerve some people had! And what was that about all the rich aristocrats in that school? Levi understood it mostly had to do with long lines of wixen making it easier to pile up ridiculous sums of money, but most of them sounded so proud, like they had done more than being born into it. “I understand very well that you’re completely incapable of making anyone feel anything for you but scorn, or a visceral need to drive your head through something solid.” He stood back up, preferring to retreat for the time being. He had never truly experienced anger before and wasn’t desperate to start. “Next time a prefect asks you a question,” he said as he turned around to take his leave, “you better answer it straightaway and with proper behaviour. Wouldn’t want people to think you have no manners, would you?”

Cypress stopped sketching and dropped his head into his hands, a loud unpolished cackle leaving his mouth. That was quite rare that he paid attention long enough to listen. He took a moment to try to collect himself into the unfeeling facade he loved to show off. “A mud-...m-muggleborn is going to tell me I have no manners? You’re telling me how to act?” A peal of laughter left him again, taking away all of his composure. It was utterly ridiculous. Being told what to do. He imagined telling any professor he was simply trying to finish his art would get him out of any punishment the mudblood bestoyed. 

[hibiscusyriacus]

miycmis:

Miyumi was thankful she was inside the Greenhouses when the rain poured. Guess she was stuck here — not that it bothered her, it was better to be here than be in the common room, where a lot of people stayed. Gloom was cleaning himself up at the edge of the table as she poured water on the plants, grateful that for once they were normal and not the noisy mandrakes. But the sudden creak of the door opening made her freeze in her spot. She slowly turned her head to see who the intruder was and it was the person she wanted to see the least. As he questioned her presence, she only gave him a blink while Gloom hissed.

Cypress couldn’t help his eye roll at the cat’s antics. It was more dramatic than he was, and that was saying something. “What are you doing in here?” His tone was harsh unintentionally. He brought a hand up to his head, hoping some pressure would release some of the tension he was feeling. Noticing her lack of response, Cypress sighed. “Am I allowed to work or is my presence truly disturbing you?” He always tried to watch his words around her but the gloomy weather made him much more touchy than usual. At least she could dignify his presence with a response.

[hibiscusyriacus]

@miycmis​

Rushing, running, carrying on, these were all things Cypress loathed. The Greenhouses weren’t only used for still life practice but also for a quiet, much needed escape. He banged open the door, glooming from the sky now in a downpour. Of course the second he had left the castle the overcast that loomed all day had broken. He was dry, thanks to a quick umbrella charm, but annoyed at the start of the pressure headache behind his eyes. Perhaps some quiet could be found in the back. His robe could be transfigured into a simple bed if the headache continued. Cypress quickly stalked his way to the back of the Greenhouse before doubling back after seeing something entirely out of place. “Miyumi?” He hardly saw her outside of classes. Truly he was surprised she hadn’t bolted the second he walked in.

[hibiscusyriacus]

LEVI.

That attitude was the exact reason Levi wished Cypress had been mute. Maybe he could arrange that with a quick spell, but that would get him in trouble. Instead he crouched down by the blond boy, feeling annoyance punching at his chest in an attempt to get out, get acted on for once. “You know, I really wonder sometimes, who do you think you are to talk down to people like that?” He asked in an even voice, no superfluous feeling getting in the way, but for once he wasn’t smiling. “Just because this is a castle and you live in it doesn’t make you royalty, Cypress. Get off your high horse, you’re just another kid.”

Was Levi crouching a bit about his height and nothing to due with the fact that Cypress was currently sitting? At least it removed to tall boy from most of the light. It enabled him to continue his sketching, ignoring most of what Levi said. “My horse isn’t here currently, Levi. It’s at home.” Had the mudblood ever even seen a horse? “What is the point of you doing all of this? Are your rounds boring? Do you need a friend? I can’t help you in that respect. Goodbye.”

[hibiscusyriacus]

Uriel.

“Debauchery, huh.” It wasn’t surprising in the slightest, but Uriel was still to catch anyone red-handed. No matter what went down in those greenhouses, he hoped to tie it to Lerman somehow, for the hell of it. Getting the mongrel fired would surely cause him great joy. “You do have a talent for art,” he remarked, glancing down quickly at Cypress’ sketchbook. “But you don’t wish to pursue it professionally, do you? You are a level-headed boy. Young man,” he corrected himself. “What would you most like to be, say, twenty years from now, do you know?”

“Utterly so.” Cypress was always careful with his words, even if the professor’s presence was quickly veering into ruining his time spent in Greenhouse A. He looked from his own sketchbook to Professor Uriel with a slight curiosity. What was the older man saying? Art was a noble cause. He could see himself perfectly as the muse of a rich patron or designing works to adorn both mansions and government funded projects. “Twenty years. Why, Sir, I’ve never considered that far ahead. We’ve only just begun discussing post schooling plans with our Heads of House.” It was difficult to keep his voice at it’s sweet nature when the teacher was insulting his very livelihood.

[hibiscusyriacus]

smokreaper:

The haughtiness Cypress frequently (constantly?) displayed was nothing really new for Levi: some people looked down on Hufflepuff as a house, and he was well aware of how yet others perceived people with a blood status such as his. Regardless of his opinions on both topics, the Ravenclaw was still a snob, which was a let down considering how handsome he was. If only he could stand around and never open his mouth, he could be great company. “Given that you don’t tolerate a shadow, I supposed you wouldn’t tolerate any kind of smoke, either. Do you have the ability to pretend to be part of the school or are you simply an Amazing Spider-Man film?” he asked, not moving an inch from his position.

“What?” Levi always had to speak about Muggle things as if they had any importance or relevance. “Are you done?” Cypress raised an eyebrow, half a step away from standing so he could tap his foot in impatience. He wouldn’t leave due to the prefect’s constant need to be a thorn in his side but he might report him. “Don’t you need to stop a first year from wetting themselves? I’m working. You’re impeding on the progress of my education. Go.”

[hibiscusyriacus]

URIEL.

“I will admit that peace is rare within these four walls,” Uriel drawled, tilting his head to try and get a better view of the sketch Cypress had been busying himself with until his teacher’s interruption. “Quiet, though, is why we send the lot of you to Hogsmeade on a regular basis.” Not that adults were much better: the mere mention of Orlando Lerman gave Uriel the urge to eat raw meat just so he could make something bleed. The greenhouse must be a special place for him, or so the pureblood hoped so he could desacralise it with his presence. “Do you spend a lot of time in here?”

Once Professor Uriel began talking, he seemed heavy pressed to stop. Only the invisible line of authority held back a loud sigh Cypress desperately wanted to release. Along with an attitude of annoyance. He certainly wasn’t better than the Potions Professor, though he didn’t seem himself ever becoming a teacher. Hogwarts was still a respectable institution but he had much bigger plans than pure education. “When it’s not filled with smoke and debauchery? Yes. It’s surprisingly peaceful here at the right times. The still life sketch possibilities are ever changing.”

[hibiscusyriacus]

LEVI

“Oh, that’s– that’s what I was doing, actually,” Levi nervously replied. Physically, Cypress wasn’t exactly intimidating. If one made sure not to look at his face, because the haughtiness of his chin and judgement in his eyes made Levi want to yell and throw whatever he had in hand at the blond like it was a hot potato. Just to give him something to do that wasn’t piercing his soul with his stare. “Hm, has anyone- have you told anyone else where to take their illicit smoking habits? Someone who was actually smoking?”

“Wonderful. It wasn’t blocking my light? You’re still standing in the way.” Of course Levi would be dull enough to interrupt him. He had no concern about his attitude towards the prefect. Why would a top student, a verified prodigy in Herbology, ever be written up for having a bad attitude? That would never be the case. “If I haven’t turned around to look at you, do you suppose I’ve spared anyone else a glance?” Huffing, Cypress shot Levi a glare. “I’m trying to finish my work. Do you have the ability to move or are you simply a low rent auror?”