The Badger and The Snake Pt 2
Soon enough, through what most would call a miracle, the pair managed to complete their studies and graduate. Having had many fond memories of their time together at Hogwarts, Simon and Johnny had a few years off to really paint their life together. Theyâd gotten married, moved into a quaint, charming home on a quiet piece of land overlooking the Scottish Highlands, and became professors at the very school they fell in love in. Simon became a professor of Divination, having a fun ability to connect with the beloved spirits on a level not many have reached. Johnny became a Herbologist and teaches the Herbology class, since heâs always loved plants of all kinds and such. Back at the house, heâs even got a garden of many crops, plants and flowers. Simos says he helps with it but what he really does is watch his beloved work, the sunlight always highlighting Johnny perfectly.Â
They DO have other means of transport in terms of getting to Hogwarts when the school year begins but ever the romantic ones, they opt for taking Hogwarts Express, for the nostalgicness of taking it as students and for the closeness they get in the train car. Even now, as adults, they still act like the teenagers they once were, sneaking kisses when they think nobodyâs watching or holding hands on their way to their offices. The Hufflepuff and Slytherin, always together, practically glued at the hip. The students make jokes about it if they notice the hand holding or the glances. Older students are much more likely to call it out JUST because they can and see if itâll fluster the pair, It only ever works on Johnny (or Professor Soap as they call him since his story of soap induced magic back in the day STILL gets told by many professors on what not to do in Transfigurations and Potions. ESPECIALLY to the older students who may use transfiguration for mischief) and gets an eye roll from Simon (aka Professor Ghost since his still scared many, now by mostly accident).
Theyâve changed their dynamic over the years but some things are still the same such as Johnnyâs quips and sass and Simonâs bad jokes, which he uses on his students literally all the time, earning a laugh or two,followed by a groan and eyeroll. One thing they do is when one or both have a free period, theyâll go find each other in their classrooms or offices and spend the class period together doing god knows what bt it helps keep their moods light and minds clear. Sometimes when only oneâs free, theyâll go to the otherâs class and sit in and watch them teach. Simon loves watching Johnny teach herbology, listening to him talk with the Scottish accent that stole his heart all those years ago. Heâll stare and draw on parchment like a schoolboy with a crush. Johnny is fascinated by Simon and his ghostly abilities and sits in on his divination class a lot as well. Sometimes heâll even ask questions like a student would or do a bit class clownery because old habits die hard. They tease each other during these times too, usually calling each other out while oneâs teaching like a teacher would a student, causing their respective classes to laugh.
There are downsides to this professor work, however. Their biggest annoyance comes from the ghosts both around Hogwarts and in Simonâs classes because they LOVE interrupting the more intimate moments during the quiet class periods. The Bloody Baron is by far the worst for it because he doesnât leave the room, no, heâll start messing with the pair and being kind of a dickhead since what are they going to do? Kill him? Yeah sure. The Fat Friar and Nearly Headless Nick are much nicer about it, acting like they walked in on someone changing by mistake. Herbology isnât all pleasant either. Sometimes Johnny gets a poison ivy/oak type rash and gets pouty when he has to let it heal and canât hug or cuddle Simon.
Luckily,Simonâs always there to make sure johnny doesnât scratch and put ointments on the rougher spots. âSucks.â heâd pout âCannae even hold ye with my arms. Not holding yer hands, sitting on yer lap, nothing.â The sadness in his eyes always makes Simonâs heart ache. âI know, Love.â said with a kiss on Johnnyâs head and a ruffle of his mohawk. âDonât worry, wonât be long âtil youâre right as rain, yeah?â Other times he gets pollen on his clothes and revs up Simonâs allergies hardcore and practically immobilizes Simon âNever Gets Sickâ Riley, with Johnny playing the role of nurse, bringing tea and medicines. âWhyâd you do a whole week on trees?â Simon croaked, throat feeling like glass, nose blocked so hard, his voice sounds extra funny. â âM sorry, Mo ghrĂ dh.â Johnny croons, holding his, poor, sick love. âYâken i love when spring comes and the trees bloom. Cannae help it.â Always the same, these two, always looking out for one another.