Alphard Black

[Alphard Black]

WIZARDING APPLICATION

"There are two things to aim at in life.

First, to get what you want. And, after that, to enjoy it.

Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second."

VITAL INFO

Character Name: Alphard Cyrus Black

Born: 27 December 1930
Died: 13 October 1977

Father: Pollux Black

Mother: Irma Black

Siblings: Walburga Black, Cygnus Black III

Bloodline: Pureblood

Back Story

20 July 1976

Sirius,

I have heard that this letter will reach you in a new home.

A fine outcome, indeed. 

I left that same room when I was around your age, and the home I found with your great-grandparents in Bordeaux - the doors of which will open always for your brother and yourself, but, alas, have somehow convinced themselves to stick shut when it comes to your parents - was what I needed to heal from that time of life, and avoid a future in service to someone who casts a shadow over so many in our family. I hope that you find a similar comfort, safety, and relief in this new home.

In light of recent events, I have made certain amendments to my will. I expect to be around for years, mind you, but when I go - what is mine will be yours. To tide you over, I have instructed my contacts at Gringotts to start an account for you with some of your inheritance. Be watchful for an official owl from them to arrange to receive your key. The money is yours to do with as you wish. There will be enough to cover your books and equipment until you've finished your schooling, and a fair bit left over. By my calculations, the "fair bit" will cover a motorbike.

Do with that what you will, and come see me when you can. 

Your uncle,
Alphard

The heart of the serpent had to show itself at some point, eh?

It couldn't come out during childhood, after all. Not with parents who didn't much care about the happiness of their flock, the irate and irrational jealousy of his sister, the indifference of his brother. Etiquette school, Hogwarts - they provided a respite from the closeness of Grimmauld Place, but not a complete separation from its ideals. While the boy who was a prefect in his House had not yet become the Dark Lord, he was on his way, bringing many of their contemporaries along with him. The conversations in their House echoed conversations in his home, of how the pureblood way of life was dying, how they needed to hold fast to tradition, to take back what had been pilfered from them. Status, space, importance - what use was all of the old gold in the world if it no longer made anyone listen?

But while Hogwarts had its upsides, Alphard only felt safe there during his first year. For in his second? The Chamber of Secrets had opened, a girl was killed but chose to remain, haunting the lavatory and her friends...In the months that followed, the young boy retreated inwards, private but quick to draw his wand, to fight back against the smallest slight. After an exchange of far too many letters between his Head of House and his parents, far too many wasted days in detention, far worse days at Grimmauld Place, it was evident that a great change was needed.

The boy came into himself again in the quiet of his grandparents' home and the welcoming environment of Beauxbatons. A fresh start that was much needed, full of distractions beyond measure to engage his inquisitive mind - there were so many languages to learn, so many interesting classes to catch up in, so many people willing to engage in every manner of discussion or activity. The years passed quickly with the thrill of life reignited in him, and Alphard extended his stay until he had aged out of the program. He could not return to England, he could not remain where he was...Fortune came his way again as his most beloved professor called him in to discuss his future. He could return to the school as his successor if he continued to put in the work - a few years of traveling, learning from masters of magical and moldu defense, sounded like an absolute dream. Alphard leapt on the opportunity, and returned to Beauxbatons when the time came.

Life as a professor held its satisfactions - he had a captive audience, after all - and in the off-season, it was back to Bordeaux for a spell into the home he inherited, then onto the summer trips with the students. It was busy, enlightening, maddening, and incomplete. Once there were nieces and nephews to spoil, visitors in his empty home, life became better, even if it meant allowing his siblings further into his life again for the sake of the children. Once there was a fellow professor who wanted him back, the best of his days were suddenly upon him.

But the best can never last, can it?

On his final excursion, Alphard encountered a curse that slashed away his remaining days. There was enough time to put his affairs in order, write the handful of letters that required writing, and the last came quickly.

APPEARANCE

Height: 6' 1"

Hair: Black, long

Eyes: Green

Style/Other characteristics: Stays clean shaven during the school year, occasionally sports a beard during the summers or sabbaticals;
keeps a simple, versatile, elegant wardrobe

TEMPERAMENT

Primary Motivators: Discovery, Education, Competition
Emotional Disposition: Curious
Moodiness: Even-tempered (adulthood)
Topics of Conversation: Politics, relationships, defense, music
Quirks, Habits, & Oddities: Eavesdropping, smoking/toothpicks/nail biting, drinking, foot tapping
Hobbies & Enjoyments: Plays piano, often has classical records playing in the office and the home, combat practice,
oversees dueling/fencing/mixed martial arts clubs, attends athletic events
Fluent Languages: English, French
Familiar Languages: Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish

CORE TRAITS
Outlook: Cynical
Integrity: Pragmatic
Impulsiveness: Steady
Boldness: Vigilant
Interactivity: Candid
Conformity: Freethinking
Sense of Humor: Sarcastic

MAGIC
Boggart: Being bested in his field
Patronus: Great Grey Owl
Wand: Red oak, dragon heartstring, 12", slightly yielding

SEXUALITY
Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual
Libido: Moderate
Sexual Expressiveness: Seductive
Openness to Sexual Experience: Moderate
Promiscuousness: Noncommittal

EDUCATION

House: Slytherin

Time at Hogwarts: 1942-1947
Time at Beauxbatons: 1947-1952

EMPLOYMENT

Type of Application (Order, Death Eater, or Civilian): Civilian

Job/Position: Professor of Defense (Magical & Moldu) at Beauxbatons

How long: 1957-1977

Qualifications: Post-graduate education and travels to become an expert in a wide range of defense (on recommendation from the prior professor), periodic sabbaticals to enhance knowledge and practical skills

OTHER

Play By: Adrien Brody

Player Name: Sam