Chapter Text
Hogwarts accepting a counselor into their school seemed totally unlikely for a very long time. Despite their concern and care for their students, the importance of the practice seemed to escape the wizarding world. It would take years, decades, centuries for them to even consider it.
Surely though, that time had come considering a young man named Theodore Pollux was just arriving at the castle.
A proud alumni of Hogwarts and a recent graduate of a muggle university. He proposed the idea and was honestly shocked it was accepted so easily... Perhaps the students had been struggling in recent times. Maybe needing a supportive figure that wasn't just whatever professor would listen.
Nonetheless, Theodore, assisted and guided by Filch, made his way to his office.
The walk brought back memories, fond and unfortunate. He recalled walking the halls with friends, attending class, and he wondered who all was still teaching. He wondered if any of his former classmates were to be working here as well. His reminiscing was abruptly interrupted by Filch, "Mr. Pollux! Your office..." He pushed the door open, grumbling with some annoyance that Theodore was so distracted. "Ah! Yes, Mr. Filch, thank you-" Theodore fumbled the bag he was carrying just a bit. He gave a sheepish smile and stepped inside.
"Set that down anywhere, I'll get it all sorted..." He gestured to the lovely stone floor. He really didn't want to get on Filch's bad side on day one. Well, day one as a staff member. Filch had been caretaker of Hogwarts for quite a long time. Theodore had the vaguest memories of him scolding students in the halls.
Filch set the large case down to the right of the door and turned to leave, Theodore thanked him again but didn't get much of a response. The door closed and he sighed, looking about the empty room he thought of where to begin.
The room had some furniture in it already which Theodore was thankful for. Bookshelves, a desk, some nice seats, just enough for his needs. If he needed anything else he could figure that out down the line. He took the bag of his personal belongings into a connected room. He knew his bed would be close but this is almost comical. He plopped the bag onto the bed and began unpacking. It was honestly quick work, it was all fairly organized to begin with. Once his clothes, sheets and other such personal things were put away he walked back out to his office.
Theodore furrowed his brow looking at his remaining luggage to the left of the door. His tongue pressed into his cheek as he thought for a moment. He gave a soft, “Hm.” and picked the bag up. He carried it to the desk and set it down as gently as he could, not wanting to damage the wood. He popped it open and resumed his unpacking.
Before long the desk was neatly organized, some books had made it onto the shelf and Thoedore’s luggage was empty. He smiled and shut the bag, pleased with himself. He carried it off into the other room, putting it away with its twin. When he returned he felt something. It wasn’t something he could easily explain but something was… off.
His hands met in front of him, rubbing together in an anxious manner as he scanned the room. He sort of squinted at all he had arranged and set out. All seemed okay and just as he left it except one thing. A desk drawer was open! He slid it shut. He was certain he hadn’t left it open… Something felt awfully familiar here. He reached over to rest a hand on the desk but just as it made contact he heard a thud from his room.
He ran over, stopping in the doorway to see a photo album in the center of the floor. Not open or dishevelled in any way. Just plopped straight down. He picked it up and flipped through with a small fear the photos would be gone. However, they were all there. Thedore smiled and set the album back on his nightstand. Just before he pulled his hand away, a memory struck him. He quickly flipped open the album, directly to photos of him in familiar robes and colors. He grinned and shut the book.
He folded his hands behind his back and tried to dampen his cocky grin. He stepped into the center of the room. “Peeves right? The poltergeist here? You can show yourself I know it's you.” His voice was stern, projecting, it made it horribly obvious he did theatre during his time in university. A fit of giggles erupted behind him and he turned quickly to face it.
And face it he did, there was Peeves, his grinning expression much too close. He instinctively stepped back from the little man hovering before him.
“Heard of me, have you?” The impish man giggled, arms crossed.
“You could say that, yes.” Theodore responded.
“Well I haven't heard of you, what's your name hmm?” His tone seemed disingenuous but Theodore answered anyway.
“Theodore Pollux, I’m the new counselor.”
Peeves kicked his feet and giggled, already trying to think up rude names for him.
Theodore tilted his head a little and considered something, “Peeves,” he said, “we’ve met before.” He crossed his arms in front of himself. “Well,” he chuckled at an almost fond memory. “I’ve met you. You tripped me at my sorting ceremony.”
“Really?? Ohh it must’ve been dreadfully embarrassing for you hmmm?” He was giddy, hearing about something he had done a hundred times over to students over his many years.
“For a moment yes, you made a fool of me Peeves.” Theodore chuckled, "It's a wonder I made it into Ravenclaw. No matter though, I think without that experience I wouldn’t be the same today.” He pushed up his spectacles with a smile and walked back into his office, paying no mind to Peeves who remained where he was.
Peeves felt like the wind had left his sails, that wasn’t the reaction he wanted at all! Where's the embarrassment? The shame? He zoomed after Theodore in a frustrated huff. He appeared in front of the man yet again but with a nastier tone. “Well, TheoSNORE you must have been just as boring then as you are now!” Peeves vanished before Theodore’s eyes. He hardly had time to react or respond as his books all blew off their shelves, tumbling to the floor around him.
His hands met his hips and he sighed, looking at the mess. “Well… books aren’t so bad,” he mumbled, kneeling down to pick up some of the stray books in front of his desk. “Could be worse.”
Thedore’s relief was spoiled by the sudden sound of something popping open. Thankfully he looked anywhere but up, because before he knew it ink poured onto his head. He gasped at the sensation, shutting his eyes tight as the black trailed down the tip of his nose. It dripped onto the books under him. The now empty inkwell clattered to the floor. He stood and swiped a hand across his forehead to keep the ink out of his eyes and across his nose to stop its dripping. He gave a frustrated sigh, unable to see the poltergeist responsible.
“Happy now?” Theodore said through gritted teeth, looking at his inkstained hand. He felt foolish thinking Peeves would leave so easily.
A delighted cackle came from the room, “Very much so!” His wicked giggling faded as he seemingly left the office for real this time.