Do you have the time to listen to me whine?

[Erich Griesser]

Closed - Harland

If his silence wasn’t enough to suggest his unhappiness, then surely the disgusted scowl on his face had to. Sitting quietly in his thestral-drawn carriage Erich stared vacantly at the castle of Hogwarts Galaxia that his path was leading him closer to minute by minute. He had been dreading this day for the past week. It had been exactly seven days ago to this particular Monday that he had been called into his editor’s office. Thinking that he was about to be lectured again for another rather opinionated piece he did on the lack of new security measures supposedly promised by the Ministry, he walked into his meeting calm and already thinking about which one of the seventeen pictures of his boss’ family he’d pretend to be interested in so the subject could ultimately change. He had taken his seat like normal, picked out a picture of the man feeding his large toddler and waited for the first “Griesser..” to leave his mouth. Unfortunately, it never came. Something much worse did. “All members of my family are alive and breathing Griesser and doing just fine before you ask.” Erich’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Had he known this tactic all along? “Yes, I’ve known about your not so humorous antics, but we’ll discuss that later on.” Damn. Now Erich was going to have to find something else to keep him from rolling his eyes every five seconds. He doubted it’d be that hard though. The man’s office pretty much summed up his life throughout the walls. “GRIESSER! PAY ATTENTION! I have a new assignment for you.” His ears perked up at this. It wasn’t often he got pulled into the man’s office for his next piece.

“The Ministry thinks it would be a good idea to report on the current going-ons at Hogwarts Galaxia. It’s no secret that many parents are still weary on having their children attend a school that once educated Darren Morgan. Since teenagers can sometimes lies to reassure worried adults, the Ministry wants someone to go in and spend a few days at the school getting a feel of the place. And I personally see no other better candidate then you Griesser.” Erich’s eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?” His editor grinned. “Well, I personally believe there ARE better candidates then me sir. Were you not aware that I don’t like children?” The man chuckled. “Were you aware that I really don’t care? Austria needs an outside opinion and somehow, yours is highly looked upon.” Well he could have told him that much. He already knew that people mostly enjoyed his writing because of its blunt honesty. He was never one to hold anything back. “There’s no arguments about it Griesser. You’re going and that’s that. The world already knows as much as we can offer it on Darren Morgan and with nothing else about the man or his followers making headlines, we’re back to square one.” Erich scoffed. “Be that as it may sir,” he started, sitting up in his chair, “I really think someone else would be more qualified.” There wasn’t, but he really had no desire to go back to Galaxia. “I don’t have enough patience to deal with a bunch of hormonal, teenage angst filled boys and girls. I have enough angst to give everyone in that damn school a run for their money. His editor rolled his eyes. “Trust me Griesser, I know. The fact of the matter, is that you are going, you are going to thoroughly investigate the school and come back to write an article that’ll go on the front page. End of story.”

And that was what miserably led Erich to his current position. Running his hand down his mouth, he shook his head as the castle appeared to be even closer now. When all had been said and done, he had been assigned to the school for three to four days. His editor was at least lenient enough to give him the option to stay a fourth day if necessary but he would make sure it wasn’t. All the arrangements had been made for him. Some punk would meet him at the entrance, tell him how happy he was to meet him and then give him a tour of the school before meeting with LeGrand. He wasn’t sure why a tour was necessary considering he had spent seven years at the damn place and knew the castle enough to never forget it in his life, but it would have to be protocol. What also would be protocol was being searched and having his wand taken from him by the bloody Aurors assigned to keep watch over the school. Merlin he was going to be miserable here. Bringing his hand back up to his face Erich rubbed at his temples with the middle finger and thumb of his left hand. At least the ride up was far more luxurious then the old carriages that used to bring the students up to the castle. This one barely rocked. The seats were also lined with comfortable cushions. This one was probably used to carry the important dignities that came to the school every once in awhile. He certainly would think himself one for the week, that was for damn sure.

Dropping his hand back down to his lap, Erich began to shift through his filing folder to make sure he had everything. He always brought several quills, extra bottles of ink and a small notepad with him whenever he went on assignment. It had only been twice so far, but he was always prepared just in case. Along with his supplies, there were several articles he had ripped out from other newspapers about the school to fact check. One idiotic writer for Innsbruck’s newspaper said that Darren Morgan, not Elizabeth LeGrand, was currently Headmaster of the school and had his DeathEaters running it. Clearly they hadn’t been to the campus since it’s re-opening. On the floor next to his face was a small suitcase. During his stay, Erich would be sleeping in one of the sleeping quarters set aside for the professors. What was also another bonus what that he would be entitled to all of the perks that an adult at Galaxia was. He could sit at the staff table, go to the staff lounge and whatever else there was that was the envy of the students. Unfortunately, he couldn’t take points away or give kids detention, but at least he was able to rub in their face how awesome he was. He was still looking through his things when he felt the carriage’s speed decrease. Looking up, another scowl came to his face as he saw the entrance came into sight. Groaning, Erich shook his head and forced himself to look back to the folder on his lap. After a few more minutes, the carriage finally came to a stop. He could hear movement from the outside, more than likely the stupid Aurors come to grope him. Sure enough, the door opened several seconds later to expose the face of an older man with a Ministry badge firmly around his neck. “Mr. Griesser. Welcome to Galaxia.”

[Harland Burrows]

This was it. This was the very moment he had been anxiously anticipating the whole semester. This was the day that he would find out if his internship was approved or not. He was literally sweating with nerves. He hadn't been able to sleep a wink all night long, he had lain in bed tossing and turning before he had given up and stole away down to the kitchens to give himself something other to do. Of course, that was only after he had managed to finish all of his week's assignments and start on over half of next weeks homework and reading. Surprising what one can accomplish whenever given too much nerves and stress. For Harland, it made him over productive. He had always been able to thrive under pressure but this was something new entirely. He had been up thinking about the future all night long. If he hadn't of gone down to the kitchen he would have started in on his portfolio. That, would have been a disaster. He would have started in an editing and re-writes. While some of the changes that he would have done might have proved to be positive changes, there just weren't enough hours in the night in order for him to edit them all as well as write them up into final, presentable copies for the reporter to read legibly. So he would have been forced to hand in a nicely bound, stack of articles he had written over his years here at the school, but littered with red ink and crossed out words. He would have been turned away for wasting the reporters time without a second glance. So instead, he had spent most of the night eating pretzel sticks. Not a good choice since it left him feeling bloated as well as dehydrated. So, in accompany to his nerves, he had a dry mouth and couldn't stop running his tongue over his lips to keep them moist. He hoped that it would all just be chocked up to an overly ambitions teen who tries too hard. That had to be a good thing right? Ambition and wanting to do the best that he could? It wasn't like the reporter was going to stay for awhile and really get to know him. In fact, the main reason that the man was coming to the school at all had nothing to do with Harland, that was just to be the reporters side project.

As far as Harland had been told, he was going to be allowed a couple of hours time with the reporter in order to basically beg for a internship slot at the daily Timestopper. He hadn't been told who they were sending, which was making him anxious since there was such a range of different styles and personalities within those office doors. He really wished he had been given a name to go off of, then he would have been able to cater his portfolio to what would please that particular person, but then again, that was likely exactly the reason that he had been left in the dark. Harland had been pulled out of his morning classes just for this. Which was for the best considering he was so nervous he hadn't been able to hear a single word that any of his professors had been saying. He had ran through the halls to get his portfolio, and running wasn't allowed, he knew since he was a prefect. He was wearing a freshly pressed uniform, but had forgone the robes. He had made sure that his Prefect badge was sitting just perfect and polished. He wanted the man to know that he was in the running for this year's head boy. Of course, it might just be a little much but he had to try. He wanted to be the very best candidate for this position he could be. He had been instructed to stand just outside of the Great Hall and wait for the Reporter to arrive. Of course, that was just the worst torture in the entire world for him. He didn’t have anything to do, but to stand, and wait, and let his mind go in every single crazy direction that it could. He didn't have a clue how long he had been waiting, realistically it couldn't have been too long, but it felt like years. He didn’t even want to walk around in a circle for fear of being caught looking a fool. He could see the outside grounds, since the Ministry Official who had pulled him out of class had been standing in the doorway, watching this whole time.

Then he moved. Harland stood up straighter. He wasn't the only person in the school gunning for this internship, but he was the only prefect. Which was just about the only reason that he had gotten the honor of first interview and giving the reporter a tour about the school. The other two, as far as he knew were going to be getting their interviews over the next two days following breakfast. Harland bent over to the point of almost falling in attempt to see further out the door to the carriage that had brought in the reporter. He just wanted to hear if the voice was male or female, he hadn't ever met any of them so he had no idea how they sounded when they spoke, but he felt as if he should have been able to tell, to just know who it was before they came inside. Smoothing down the front of his Hufflepuff sweater vest he double checked his attire and resigned to not knowing. No doubt, the Auror's were checking him and his luggage to make sure that everything was in order. “Mr. Griesser. Welcome to Galaxia.” It was like time stopped, the voice was very far off, but it was the Ministry official who had pulled him out of his lessons. Mr. Griesser? That couldn't be right, no way they would send their very best reporter down here just to conduct interviews. Whatever the main story was that he was here to get had to be something very important. If Erich was to be the one looking at his pathetic portfolio, he was in a large bucket of hot water. Suddenly, he found himself re-thinking this entire endeavor. Hoping against hope that he was wrong, that really it was one of the others, and not the reporter that made him want to become a writer in the first place walking through those grand double doors. His palms were growing sweaty, he had copies of this man's articles lining the inside of his trunk, he admired him beyond words. If his mouth hadn't been dry before, it certainly was now.

[Erich Griesser]

Erich fought the urge to chuckle at the man’s greeting. He knew it was just formalities with the way he had been addressed, but he really did feel like some sort of dignitary or something. He was an important person. He had been sent her to write an article that could better or tarnish the school’s reputation. He damn well deserved to be treated like royalty. Still, it felt peculiar as he gathered his suitcase from the floor and lifted himself up from the seat. Back in his days here, visitors were greeted by Headmistress LeGrand personally. Now they had to be cleared by Aurors in order to even say hello to her. Not that he wanted to of course. Stepping out of the carriage, Erich stood silently by the door as the men around him began to shuffle around and get ready for the next part of the process to allow him access into the castle. Two men went towards the front of the carriage, no doubt making sure the driver wasn’t smuggling anything on the grounds or hadn’t been bewitched to blow up. Two others went inside the carriage to do the same. The man that had greeted him remained outside with him, no doubt being the one who would conduct the personal pat down. Erich nodded at the man, doing his best not to unleash one of his normal tirades for having his privacy invaded. No amount of forewarning could prepare him for being groped by a man as a security measure. None. He prayed it’d be over with faster than it was taking him to start. The longer he had to wait, the fouler of a mood he was going to be in with the little brat assigned to babysit him.

“I am sure you have been made knowledgeable of the scanning process Mr. Griesser, but I am required to give you a rundown anyway.” Erich rolled his eyes. “Of course you are.” The man gave him a look. “Ministry Aurors are currently inspecting the carriage you arrived in to make sure that nothing has been brought to the castle that could inflict harm and damage to the school and its faculty, staff and students. Upon being cleared, you will then be searched for the same items while your wand is tested to confirm that it has not been used for illegal purposes within the last twenty four hours.” That wouldn’t be an issue since he hadn’t used the thing for two days now. He had spent his entire weekend sleeping, eating and watching television at home. “Once everything has been approved, you will be granted entry into the castle of Hogwarts Galaxia. You are required to stay with the student that has been assigned to greet you until given permission to do otherwise by Headmistress Elizabeth LeGrand. At that time, you will also be required to follow the rules set in effects for the population of the castle in regards to curfew. There is no entry inside or exiting the castle after nine o’clock. Any attempts made will be forced to undergo questioning by myself and another inspection. Have I made myself clear?” The man’s tone after his last comment wasn’t hostile, but Erich still didn’t appreciate being spoken to like a child. A simple follow the rules and try not to be too much of an asshole would have sufficed. Sighing, he nodded his head. “Crystal.”

It was only another minute or two before the men inspecting the carriage gathered back to where Erich and the lead Auror had been standing. “Everything has been checked sir. All clear.” The man who had been talking to him stepped closer. “Very well. Mr. Griesser, please hand Mr. Svenson your wand, Mr. Douglas your personal effects and then extend your arms outward and to the side.” Here they went. Glaring at the men that approached him, he did as he was told. “Can you at least give me your name before you have your way with me?” he sarcastically asked the lead Auror. He should have held his tongue since any odd behavior would have given him a one-way ticket to Azkaban, but he had already been here for five minutes and his impatience didn’t want to be contained anymore. The Auror looked at him, clearly not amused. “Schulze.” Shrugging, Erich looked away as the man placed his hands on his right shoulder. “A last name is better than anything I guess.” The body search lasted about a minute, but to him it felt like hours. He was a firm believer in personal space, having actually looked into an enchantment that could form a bubble around him as he went about his everyday routine. He didn’t like being touched, not even a pat on the shoulder due to a job well done from his editor. He wouldn’t go as far as to say he had been violated, but he absolutely felt like setting the damn school on fire for having to endure being treated like a common criminal. He would make sure to address his displeasure with this when he sat down to begin writing his article.

Erich crossed his arms to his chest as he waited for his luggage and wand to be checked. He felt like they were taking longer than they usually would, probably out of spite. Keeping his eyes focused on their movements, he practically grabbed his personal belongings out of their hands when they brought it back to him. “Thank you for your forced patience Mr. Griesser. You are free to enter Galaxia.” It was about damn time. Huffing, he pulled the strap of his bag over his shoulder and held his folder underneath his other arm. “Delightful gentleman. Now that we know the Ministry has been spending top dollar on ways to improve security, I’ll be on my way.” True to his word, Erich pushed past the infuriated faces of the Ministry Aurors without saying anything else. He hated when assignments started out on such a terrible note. Whether he liked it or not, being biased started from the beginning and when things continued to not go in his favor, his outlook rarely changed. He had been writing for enough years now to know that being open-minded was critical. This was just going to be so damn hard. Not only because he had walked into this with a bad taste on his mouth and the pathetic security measures, but because he was going to have to be here for five solid days doing nothing but being reminded of how much he loathed his school years. Merlin help the kid that was stuck with him. Erich sincerely hoped it wouldn’t be some brat who was trying too hard to impressive or was unnaturally happy. His time was too precious to be wasted with that nonsense.

He saw his tour guide fairly quickly. The kid was tall, pasty and wore a black and yellow sweater. Hufflepuff colors. “Merlin,” Erich said to himself, rolling his eyes. All the students that had been in the lame duck house of Galaxia when he was here had all been the same. Oblivious to the dangers of the world, thought things were made out of rainbows and sunshine and didn’t have a backbone if their lives depended on it. Naturally, he would be led by one. He was a decent-looking guy as well, meaning that the chances of the two of them being followed by a herd of lovesick teenage girls were extremely high. Even he hadn’t thought of how terrible this trip might actually be. As he got closer, he could also see a folder in the guy’s arms. Facts about the castle perhaps? A welcome packet from LeGrand? His curiosity had been sparked, as well as a desire to rip the papers from the kid’s hands and toss them into the nearest fireplace. Erich finally approached the anxious looking Hufflepuff with a frown on his face. “I swear to Merlin if you’re required to frisk me before going any further, I am going to set this castle on fire.”

[Harland Burrows]

This was so much worse than waiting for test results. That horrible limbo between taking the actual exam, and the day that those results started coming in over the morning post. It was a horrible, can't eat, can't sleep limbo. Given the current situation, it made those nerves seem like nothing at all. The way that he would sit at the breakfast table, surrounded by students who were all talking and laughing, generally just excited about the way that the school year had or had not gone and talking about their summer plans. Yet Harland would be stuck, sitting on his own with his hands tucked in his lap, twiddling his thumbs. Literally sweating in anticipation. Those tests were only twice in a lifetime...but this opportunity, it was once in a life time. If he didn't get this...he didn't know how he was going to be able to live with himself. He could feel his leg wanting to start shaking at his side, but it was taking a lot of his control to keep it from doing just that. If he concentrated on containing himself much longer, the nerve right under his eye was going to start twitching, and then that was just going to ruin his whole day. Distractions like that were exactly what he couldn't afford today. He felt his body leaning closer to the door, though his feet never left their spot. He was so nervous, the muscles in his calves were burning because he was straining so hard. He just, had to know. He needed to know if it was Erich, or if it was just one of the other fabulous reporters. He just had to know. There were shadows coming up the steps, he could just make them out through the open doors. One tall lone figure, flanked by what looked to be at least two or three other men. They seemed to be arguing but he couldn't quiet make out what it was that they were arguing about. If possible, his stomach dropped another foot lower. Harland was surprised that it was able to move at all since it was tied into one solid knot around the mass that was the rest of his intestines.

Instinctively, his eyes clamped shut, he knew who it was by the way that the heavy footsteps were moving just fast enough in order to stay in front of the people behind him. As impressive as his writing was, Erich certainly has a very savory reputation. Of course, Harland had always just chocked it up to the fact that everybody that brilliant had to have some sort of vice, something about them that just sets them apart, usually it was negative but it was justified by their brilliance. He felt like if he were to watch the man walk in, he was going to start fumbling all over himself and that was just so immature. “Merlin,” At the mention of the sacred name his eyes forced themselves back open and he found himself face to face with his idol. He felt his jaw open a fraction of an inch. He couldn't remember his own name, it was like his mind was going blank. He felt like a fish out of water, at least he knew that since the man had been in Ravenclaw there was still a slight chance that he wasn't going to be judged right off the bat for being in the Yellow and Black house. He felt like he had just swallowed a spoon full of cinnamon, or had been stranded in the desert for months and months. He needed water, or perhaps to sit down. This must be how most people would greet a celebrity. To Harland, Erich was a celebrity. “I swear to Merlin if you’re required to frisk me before going any further, I am going to set this castle on fire.” He knew that his mouth was flapping like a fish, but he couldn't seem to make it stop. He did finally manage to shake his head. He had been practicing a very eloquent speech for weeks, he had note cards and had gone over every aspect of the tour as well as all of the possible questions that he could come up with for the interview itself. Of course, he had imagined himself talking to Sondra or even Beckett. They were both very respected journalists and tended to handle the smaller projects, which is what Harland had been expecting the time stopper to treat this as. Apparently not.

Whenever his lungs decided that he should be allowed to speak again he did. “N-no” he fumbled upon his first attempt. Part nerves, part shock. Either way, it was a very bad start. He stuck out his hand a little bit too pointedly, not thinking that he needed to wipe his palms just a little first. “It's an honor to meet you Mr. Griesser. Truly, an honor.” The words came out fast and a little breathy, he hadn't realized he had been holding his breath or the light headed feeling that had come over him until now. He was starting to surface, he could feel himself starting to be more grounded. He forced a curt smile to Erich, but felt like it was too little too late. He wanted to make jokes, lighten the mood as well as keep the ball rolling. He had it all planned out, he was supposed to be charming not a bumbling idiot. “I know the last thing you want to listen to right now is a long spiel about the castle that you attended only a few years ago. But there are a few things that happened recently as I'm sure you are aware of and a lot of changes have been made to the castle” He was rambling, but he just couldn't stop himself. He wanted to, more than anything he wanted to be impressive and glib but he just...couldn't stop.

[Erich Griesser]

Erich had always imagined what it would be like to see the Hogwarts Galaxia castle on fire. He figured it’d be glorious. The whole thing up in flames with professors and staff trying their damndest to put it out with their meek water spells. The students off to the sides crying their eyes out about their precious school burning to the ground. All the woodland creatures would be watching from their stupid little forest with brains too small to realize what the hell was going on. And then there would be him. He’d have a spot right on the tallest hill on the grounds, laughing like a maniac. His notepad would be in his hand as he scribbled vicariously about the scene unfolding in front of him. In the weeks that followed the tragic event, Erich would be thriving off of the misery that radiated from each and every member of the bloody country. It was a morbid thought, but it went to show the extent of his hatred towards the school. It just never did anything from him. For starters, they had no handle on the bullying problem. He understood that kids would be kids, but those who wished to be left alone had every right to be. As well as not being called gay for having a lack of interest in the female race. He also honestly believed that his mother could have taught him more and she wasn’t even an educator. Perhaps he had just gone through the school during a bad time, but the faculty then hadn’t had a clue as to the subjects they were teaching. Apparently the only one that did was Darren Morgan and everyone saw how he had turned out. Who knew how many future DeathEaters and the like were roaming around freely now.

Thinking badly of the school was putting Erich in an even worse mood then he was five seconds okay. It often amazed him how angry he could get and how quickly he could elevate it. He liked to attribute this to the pampering he received from his mother all of his life. The woman didn’t know how to say no to him, unless it involved his career. Then she somehow managed to grow a backbone and put her foot down whenever he protested that staying in bed all day was more rewarding then going out and interviewing a bunch of morons. Other than those instances, she always gave him what he wanted. An extra five hours in bed, two plates of her infamous cookies after dinner and even the expensive journal he had wanted as a teenager. Erich could hear her voice in his head now, bitching at him for not making the best of his current situation and being mean even though he had only said one sentence to his tour guide. He shook his head, listening to the lecture in his mind. He needed to keep reminding himself that he was his own man. His mother wasn’t here. He was more than capable of making his own decisions with or without his advice. He hadn’t been completely sheltered as to being incapable of dragging her along everywhere he went. Though truthfully it would be more difficult if she was constantly carrying a heaping pile of chocolate chip cookies with her. Then he might have issues with doing anything on his own.

Focusing back on the teenager, Erich narrowed his eyes at the sight of the kid’s mouth moving but with no words coming out. The look on his face was peculiar period. He knew he could be an intimidating guy and it gave him more satisfaction that the kid appeared to think the same. He was speechless. Normally, such behavior would inflate the ego of those who thrived off of intimidation, but to Erich, he was just annoyed. It was already bad that he had to be here for nearly a week. Being led around the school by a kid who couldn’t even introduce himself would make his experience here even longer and more in need of finishing his father’s bottle of vodka alone when he got back home. “It’s rude to stare,” he said flatly. Hopefully that would illicit some sort of response from the Hufflepuff. The faster he could end this thing, the faster he could find his room and get some sleep. “N-no.” Erich rolled his eyes again. He could take some relief in finding out that the kid was able to talk, even if he was stuttering. “It's an honor to meet you Mr. Griesser. Truly, an honor.” He looked down at the hand waiting to be shaken. It was strange hearing that someone was honored to meet him. Usually, people were angry or disappointed. They liked reading his articles, but when confronted face-to-face, any previous expectations were tossed right out of the window. His written works should have spoken for themselves. He didn’t take bullshit, didn’t beat around the bush. He got right to the point, always. If he wasn’t happy about something, he’d be the first person to let it be known. “You can cut the nice guy act kid. As long as you do whatever it is that you are expected to do, I won’t give LeGrand a bad report on you.” Erich moved his eyes down to the kid’s hand. “You can put that away. I don’t shake hands.” To further emphasize his point, he crossed his arms to his chest.

Ignoring the awkward smile the Hufflepuff was making to lighten the mood, Erich waited for him to finish talking. “I know the last thing you want to listen to right now is a long spiel about the castle that you attended only a few years ago.” He nodded at this. “You’re right,” he interrupted. “I could be sleeping.” The comment surely came off rude, but he was being honest. He just wanted to be rolled up in a bunch of sheets and blankets dreaming of better days. “But there are a few things that happened recently as I'm sure you are aware of and a lot of changes have been made to the castle.” He snorted. “Like your little buddies guarding the front door? Trust me, you don’t need to talk about them.” Erich doubted he’d ever forget having their grimy hands on him. Before allowing the kid to say anything else, he held up his hand. “Let me stop you briefly,” he started. “I know you have a job to do, just as I do as well. You don’t have to attempt small talk with me. Like I said earlier, do what you’re supposed to and I’ll give LeGrand raving reviews on how you are the best guide ever. Deal?” He figured this was what the kid would want. It was completely unlikely for the kid to actually give a damn about what he was being forced to do.

[Harland Burrows]

“It’s rude to stare,” “Sorry” Harland squeaked, quickly averting his eyes to the floor. Harland had always been a nervous individual. Oh, he was kind and very mild mannered. He didn't usually stand out in any way, never in a bad light. He liked everybody, and tended to look for the best in every situation he was in. Yet, he was always imagining himself to be another way, a better man, a funnier man, a more ambitious man. The kind of man that people wanted to be like, and if he couldn't be that way he sure could write like he was. His voice while writing was amazing, enthralling even. Yet, he didn't like to share it with anybody, actually becoming a real reporter was going to be a huge step for him. It would be the most outgoing thing that he had ever done. If he could be as brazen, as honest and biting as the man in front of him on paper, he would consider his life to have been a success. Because of this need, this drive to want more he always had piled more and more onto his plate, while most people took it easy their last year in school, he was currently managing his heaviest course load. He had been nervous all year, about passing, about getting everything done on time, about finally making a move on the girl that he had been crushing on since he had come to this school. Yet this moment, right now, standing face to face with his idol, actually shaking his hand, never before had he been at risk of shaking so hard he might vibrate his whole body across the room without even noticing it. Yet, the hand shake never came. To say that he was disappointed was putting it lightly. He felt like he could relate to Erich in many ways, in fact, had Harland not been an optimistic fellow, he could have been Erich, and in many ways he felt like his best friend was well on the way to becoming just like him. Harland didn't get picked on as much as Erich had, even if they had never been at school together, he had done his research, just like any good reporter, he had looked into the history of the man he idolized and knew enough to know why people called him cynical. Harland too, was a loaner, only he was better at staying out of the spotlight. Given the house that he came from, people tended not to pay too much attention to him anyway. Had he been in Ravenclaw, things might have been different.

“You can cut the nice guy act kid. As long as you do whatever it is that you are expected to do, I won’t give LeGrand a bad report on you.” LeGrand? He hadn't even know that he was going to be reviewed on whatever tour he did give the man, as if he didn't have enough on his mind right now. “You can put that away. I don’t shake hands.” That was for the best, he was sweating too much anyway, he would have repulsed him. Retracting his hand in one jerky motion he realized that he still hadn't introduced himself, but now didn't know how to force his name into the conversation, but he didn't want to just blurt out his name since he already looked like an idiot, he didn't want to make it worse. Wiping his hand on his sweater as discretely as possible. “You’re right,I could be sleeping.” Harland wasn't sure if he had picked up on his nerves or if Erich was being rude, but either way the comment somehow made him feel a little bit better. It humanized Erich in his eyes, after all it was only the living mammals that slept right? His awkward smile melted in lieu of a real one. “Like your little buddies guarding the front door? Trust me, you don’t need to talk about them.” Harland wasn't the bad guy here, he didn't like the Aurors at every door any better than the rest of the students, in fact he had already written quiet a few satirical mock articles on them for his portfolio, which was still clinging to his body, cradled in his arm. He couldn't help but feel like Erich was blaming him personally, even if he wasn't. He had no reason to. If only Erich could see him on a regular basis, he might see that they had more in common than he had originally thought, on the days that Harland wasn't a nobody, he was teased for being so awkward, had his belongings stolen or stepped on since they didn't like him despite the fact that he had never said a rude word to anybody.

Still not sure where to interject his name, but starting to speak again in his nervous ramble, Erich stopped him once more. This time, holding up his hand like he had to signal whenever Harland was going to be able to talk again. . “Let me stop you briefly, I know you have a job to do, just as I do as well. You don’t have to attempt small talk with me. Like I said earlier, do what you’re supposed to and I’ll give LeGrand raving reviews on how you are the best guide ever. Deal?” “Oh” was the only thing that he muttered, not sure what to do next. Of course Erich wouldn't want a tour from a student, why would a full grown, single man, want to spend any time with a teenager at all. He glanced over his shoulder at the direction that, according to his earlier plans, they should have been walking in by now. Clearly, he had been looking forward to his for awhile now, even if he was beyond nervous about the prospect. He had been working for years to gain, and be worthy of this interview and already he had horribly botched it. He was supposed to give a tour, and work his portfolio into it somehow. Then again, he was supposed to be coming off as suave and collected. This wasn't going to go in his favor, obviously. “Well...alright then” he adjusted the hem of his sweater and the cuffs of his sleeves with his one hand, like a nervous twitch he extended the black leather portfolio, obviously stuffed with neatly typed articles and clippings that he had done for the meager school paper. “I will just ah, give you this then and we can...walk in silence?” He had hoped that he would be seen by the other students, Harland, in line for Head Boy, showing around an important, and popular personality around the hallways of the school while he listened to what Harland had to say. Perhaps with another representative of the paper that was how it would have been. Alas, he had ruined his chance. Forcing a smile onto his face he extended an arm in the direction of the main staircase, since he had assumed they would start at the top and work their way down, ending in lunch. At least they could still do that if he wanted.