Levitating the stump in before he, too, stepped in, Paul chuckled good-naturedly. "Why, hello, James! You're another grounds buddy, with me! I'm just over in the Greenhouses!" he smiled and set the stump down and sat right on it.

"I just came over to say...well, welcome! And that I got you a gift!" he patted the stump. "I thought it would be nice for your office..." he glanced around at the decor. "It looks like it goes all right with your color scheme!" He commented. "And...it's covered in moss because moss is LIFE and I wanted to give everyone a small piece of life!" Did James get it?? Paul was beaming all over the place! "Now..where do you want it?"

He stood up and placed his hands on his hips, trying to imagine the BEST place for said stump to go. Hmmmm. What about next to James' desk? Or...near the door? He didn't want anyone to TRIP on the thing!

"You have quite the cozy set up, James!"

The stump. It was being moved inside James’ office.

…..

Why.

He held the door open for Poncho Man, still eyeing the stump all the while. Would there be an explanation because James wasn’t about to ask incase it really was meant for a kumbaya session. But instead of an explanation, he was met with exuberance. And lots of it. Another grounds buddy? Somehow, James wasn’t as thrilled. ”Oh, how… lovely.” He couldn’t have picked anyone he would’ve been less excited to share the grounds with. Though that creepy, crazed lady would be a close second.

After having followed the Herbology Professor inside, he gave the man another look up and down. Perhaps the neighborly thing to do here was offer the man something to eat or drink. But James wasn't neighborly.

... A gift? James liked— No. He couldn’t possibly be meaning that… stump. Who in their right mind gifted a person with a STUMP!? ”How very thoughtful,” he really was trying to be on his best behavior. You had to give him that much. ”My color scheme… Yes.” Everything out of the man’s mouth was more ridiculous than the last. ”You can set it over there,” he pointed to the VERY FAR BACK RIGHT CORNER of the room. ”The corners get rather lonely.” and they’re mostly out of sight. Maybe Merlin could use the stump as some sort of scratching post.

Also, someone had to wipe that goofy grin off the man’s face before James went and did it himself. It was utterly unsettling. ”Cozy?” Any coziness that was a result of his set up was entirely coincidental and unplanned for. ”I don’t like clutter,” was his explanation. ”Though, I also do not plan on spending too much time in here.” He’d rather be outside, honestly. Though… If Poncho Man was lurking around out there… Maybe he’d have to change his mind.

Paul waved his wand and sent the stump to the corner of James' office. He rubbed his hands together. "Ahh...there we go! Now you don't have such a lonely corner anymore!" He smiled and put his wand away.

Clutter.

Paul didn't mind clutter, but he also didn't not..non-clutter either. It was all how he was feeling in the moment. He took a seat, without being asked, but he was sure he was welcome to have a seat, of course. "Ahh...well that makes sense. You sound a lot like my partner, Milton. Maybe that's why I want to be friends! Who knows--" Paul was rattling away. Poor James.

"So..you spend most of your time outside, then?" he asked. "I will spend MORE time outside this term than last term, since I was allowed to bring my dog with me this time around!" And Charles needed lots of walking and stuff. Paul has played frisbee with him just this morning, and worn himself out quite a bit. "Have you become acquainted with Justine yet? The groundskeeper? He's a funny ole' chap as well! Very friendly! Ah, us outside men." Paul smiled and sighed contently.

Having only had a chance to move into the room, her thoughts of waiting and being nosey were shot down as Professor Draper opened his office door and called her inside. Awesome. With a bounce in her step and a slight tinge on her cheeks still present from her run, Marsha moved quickly across the waiting area to the office door.

Peeking around said door, the red-headed Lion grinned at her new Professor. ”Good morning.” With a skip in her step she moved fully into the office to see him. ”I just wanted to come and say hello… and introduce myself and tell you how much I’m looking forward to your lessons.” And maybe see if you want an extra pair of hands with the Creatures… but that would come.

She took a few more steps towards his desk but didn’t sit down until she was told to.

How very wonderful. Emphasis on sarcasm. Though James had referred to the corners as lonesome, he was very aware that corners did not get lonely. He couldn’t speak on behalf of the man who stood before him, however, because Paul Myers looked as though he had just ended world hunger. It was a stump, not a Nobel Peace Prize. Through gritted teeth, James smiled back. ”Wonderful.”

He was, welcome to have a seat, but James was hoping this would be a standing around sort of ‘get to know you’. Because well, in all honesty, James had no desire to continue this ‘get to know you’ any further than it had already progressed. See, James felt as though he had gotten to know the Poncho-Wearer well enough to formulate a concrete opinion. The damage was done, recovery was futile. Yet the man was still going.

As much as James didn’t want to encourage anymore conversation, he walked behind his desk and sat down in his own chair. Apparently this was going to take longer than he would’ve wanted. Luckily, James Draper had become very good at tuning out parts of conversation that bored him. In this case: all of it. Though he pretended to listen, nodding at all the appropriate times. Forcing himself to look attentive, almost. Though he still had to show a little disinterest in hopes that the hippy would get the point some time or another.

Or not.

James nodded, knowing quite well that he actually did have to pay attention to this part, incase Paul ever allowed him the opportunity to speak. Which again, was doubtful. There was one thing, however, that caught James’ attention and that was the mention of a dog. ”Ah, you have a dog?” James took note, deciding that it’d be best not to tell the man that his own dog was currently sat in the barn. Circe forbid the man suggest they have a doggy-playdate or something as ridiculous as that. ”Are you keeping him in your office, then?” As far away from Merlin as possible. James could also bet that this doe-eyed hippy had one of them frufru pups, those that were carried around in purses and got their nails manicured.

As for the groundskeeper, James shook his head. ”I haven’t, though I assume he’s rather busy preparing now that the children have arrived.” Did Paul Myers gift the groundskeeper with a stump as well? He had no comment on the “outside men” thing though. No. James REFUSED to be grouped with this loon. ”Any news on the… new divination Professor?” That was what she was teaching, yes? She had made his list as well, so it was important to know her whereabouts. Two people James was trying to avoid here and one of them would be living right down the street. ”She’s in the castle, correct?” He was really, REALLY hoping here. That the smelly tent he had passed on his way down early today was NOT hers. Fingers crossed. And everything else crossed as well.

That was the advantage to early mornings. Even the air had a quiet sort of chill about it. Made recognizing visitors very easy. On busy afternoons, the sound of the door wouldn’t have traveled into his office. But luckily, it was still quiet enough to hear. 8 am was early for some, after all. Which is why he wasn’t sure who he’d be faced with this morning. A fellow Professor would have surely knocked… And he had pegged the students to be late-risers. They were all a load of troublemakers from what he had seen so far. And trouble never woke up early.

So he was curious, though he didn’t have to be for much longer as the incoming student didn’t waste a second before bouncing inside his office. Eager. Very eager. ”Good Morning, Miss…” he looked at her expectantly waiting for her name as he hadn’t bothered to learn any thus far. He took a long sip of his coffee, trying to brace himself. Patience. This required patience. Though he would be lying if he said he didn’t somewhat appreciate her… passion. ”Noted,” he even gave her a tiny bit of a smile. Again, a rare occurrence. ”And as you should be, I have a lot of plans for this term.” None that he would be willing to divulge just yet, as he had to keep some sort of suspense to brew interest.

He leaned back in his chair confidently, ”What are you doing up so early? Shouldn’t you be sleeping in? Enjoying the few days before classes begin?” He was so very curious to see what her intentions were here. Though… She looked as though she had just come from a run.

”Hanover.” Sha supplied quickly as he greeted her. ”My name is Marsha Hanover, though most people call me Sha.” She nodded her head as she continued to walk over to his desk and when he didn’t tell her not to sit down, made herself comfortable in one of the chairs opposite him at the desk. One leg slipped over the other as she perched on the edge of the chair… and she looked tiny. It was huge.

Beaming wide at him, she tried not to bounce on the seat. Seriously, she did try so she noded her head happily instead as he said her interest was noted. ”I can’t wait. I love creatures and animals… and although I’m only just becoming a third year, our Professor in my first year allowed me to join in a few of his lessons when I could. Last year, I wasn’t allowed as the class was being led by one of the Centaurs… but now that I’m a third year, I’m definitely going to be here as I’ve chosen it as one of my electives… and I would really like to work with Creatures after I leave Hogwarts too.”

She paused for breath, getting excited about filling the Professor in with how much she loved animals and creatures AND how much she would help him if he let her. In fact, I spoke to Professor Thomson about my love of creatures and how I wanted to study them at University and continue to work with them and he said that I should start to keep a journal on the animals I have helped to look after and what I have done, etc., and I’ve been keeping that log since then.” She grinned at him… but wondered if she was not giving him TOO much information. Blushing slightly she paused and added a softer ”Sorry, I get a little bit passionate.”

Shaking her head, Marsha smiled. ”No, I don’t really like lying in bed too long. It’s a waste of my day.” She smiled at him. ”I’m currently in training, so I do my workout and my run in the morning before classes, I’ve just finished now and I was on my way back to the castle to have a shower before breakfast… when I thought I could maybe talk to you first and then talk to some of the Creatures? I’m missing my horse Chestnut already even though it has only been a few days.” And she was doing it again… talking too much.

Paul got comfortable, even if James didn't look comfortable himself. Maybe he was just an uptight sort of fellow! That was perfectly okay! He was a little thirsty, too, but he wasn't going to ask the man to offer him a drink. He would wait patiently!

"I do! He's a white Lagotto Romagnolo...so he's very big." He grinned. "Big and fluffy...his name is actually Charles Fluffington!" he nodded. "He needs walks...and lots of love and affection." He loved his dog! "Milton and I have three more at home; a beagle names Shirley, a golden-doodle named Bugsy, and a collie named Zelda." Ahem. "We have a lot of space..ugh. I just love dogs so much!" He was getting SO excited he was trembling a bit. "Yes yes, he's with me in my office."

And ah..he brought up the Divination professor...Paul averted his gaze, his chest...feeling all tight again. "She...is living in a tent. On the grounds. I visited her earlier and..." he sighed. "It makes me wonder...I.." he just didn't UNDERSTAND. "I just get a bad feeling when I'm around her...and I feel bad, because I hope she feels just as welcome and wanted as you all do..but sweet MERLIN."

Paul blushed.

”Miss Hanover,” he nodded only repeating it so that he could keep it placed in his head. Otherwise he might’ve accidentally called her “500 Miles Per Hour” because that is how fast and eagerly she spoke. And it was starting to get very exhausting, very quickly. He also tried to keep note of her first name and her preference with “Sha”, though he would not be needing that last one. He was starting to develop a very bad habit of nicknaming those he came across. It was starting to get rather unhealthy. At some point he was going to let one slip and it’d all be over.

He supposed he ought to have offered her a seat, but why did it matter when the lot of them would sit without being asked anyways? And she did take a seat, so that only confirmed the thought. Offering wasn’t necessary. So hopefully she wouldn’t mind the fact that she wouldn’t be offered any treats either, James wasn’t one of those pansy Professors that did that. If she wanted pansy she could stop by Santa’s place or the Poncho Man’s. Both equally distasteful.

And there she went again. Miss 500 Miles Per Hour. He leaned back in his chair, listening. For the most part. ”Have any particular creature you’re interested in? Or just the general lot of them?” Surely he’d be able to put this one to good use. She was eager enough, why not harness all that energy. James had a few ideas.

And there she went again. Like a Roadrunner….. A “little bit” passionate, she said. Right. James had a hard time keeping his face neutral and his expression probably mirrored his concern for this girl’s sanity. Did she ever stop for breath? ”Ah, Professor Thompson sounds like a smart man,” James nodded though he most definitely surpassed that intellect with his own, he was sure. He nodded behind him, to the several journals stacked on the shelf, ”I used to keep journals as well,” he gave her a SMALL grin, deciding that once you got past all the words, this one wasn’t absolutely terrible. ”If you ever want to exchange…” James couldn’t promise he’d read through her entire journal as if it was anything like her speaking was then Merlin help them both, but he could take a peek. Give her suggestions.

He was thankful for the pause in her speech, as short as it felt, but again lifted his head as she went into more detail. Roadrunner most definitely. ”In training?” he inquired, letting his curiosity get the best of him. Though he was sure to regret asking later. She spoke too much and now he was prompting it.



The more Paul got comfortable, the more James got uncomfortable. Not that he would show it because he was still very much his cool, confident self. Just… With a twinge of annoyance plastered all over his entire face. Was Paul thirsty? Good. Because James wouldn’t offer the man anything to drink. Maybe that would be enough of a cause to leave the office. Though, a man could only dream.

…. And there he went. Did James ask for the pressing details of the matter? No. He was just simply confirming that the Banjo Man had a dog. A simple yes would’ve sufficed. But of course, he was given the entire preface, prologue, author’s acknowledgements, backstory, and the epilogue. Wonderful. James pretended to listen the entire time. Though he was actually eyeing the log that was sat in the far corner of the room. Who gifted someone with a log? It was ridiculous. As was the man sitting right in front of him. ”Milton has quite a lot to deal with,” he offered. Talking about Paul and not the dogs. The dogs were the easy part. The banjo strumming hillbilly, that took work. James almost pitied this Milton character, but only almost as the man brought it upon himself. Poor choice. Not his problem.

Though it sort of was his problem now as the problem was sat right across his desk.

And speaking of problems….. ”She… What?” No. Yet another thing gone wrong this term and classes hadn’t even begun yet. Between Shrieking Santa at the feast, Nana’s appearance, reckless food fights, the hippy in his office, and now the hag on the grounds… He was living a nightmare. Hopefully the children wouldn’t be completely unbearable. He needed SOME sort of sign that he had made the right choice by taking the job. ”She smells.” There. He said it. Someone sue him. ”But as long as she keeps her tent where it is… I’m not going anywhere near it.” Of course Banjo Paul went and payed her a visit. Wonder if he gave HER a stump too.

Pffffft. Paul rolled his eyes and snorted. "Don't get me started on that...he takes on a lot and then, yes, has to deal with it all." But Milton liked to stay busy, so...as long as the man was happy, Paul was happy.

The Herbologist didn't want to be mean about the hag..but he sighed. "She does smell...quite a bit." Sigh. He felt bad for admitting it. "But some...people just smell naturally and...yeah. I actually am a little afraid to let the children have class with her...she seems harmless so far but..." he shivered. His mind was roaming...but should one of the professors..y'know, attend the Divination lesson with the students? Just to be SAFE? Paul would volunteer if he had to..

Hmmmph.

He was quiet for a long time, lost in own thoughts, before he remembered he was visiting someone.

Right.

"Ah--sorry--" he blinked and shook his head. "I..got lost in my head," he said with a smile. "I should get going, James." He stood up rather suddenly, his mind not in a good place right now despite the smile on his face. The safety of the students had his chest tightening, and his worry spiking up.

Don’t get him started? Sweet Circe, that was the FIRST stroke of brilliance that Poncho Paul had uttered since the moment James had come across him. Though of course, whether or not James prompted the man, there was sure to be some unnecessary explanation that followed. Ah yes, James was right of course. He always was. The younger man decided not to comment further. He honestly did not care about this Milton bloke at all. Nor did he care much for the man sat across from his desk, but alas there was only so much a person could do.

Some people smell naturally? This man really was a hillbilly.

James deadpanned. For a brief moment. Ahem. ”But I’m going to steer clear of her path,” James nodded finishing out Poncho Paul’s sentence. Though if the lady really was a hag, they ought to watch the children carefully. Incase of danger.

”It was very nice to meet you,” James shot STRAIGHT UP out of his chair. He wasn’t even going to pretend to be disheartened that the man was leaving so soon. It took long enough. James had been attempting to send the man away since the moment he entered. Ahem. ”Thank you again for the… welcoming gift.” If a stump could even be called that. He moved over to hold the door open.

If Sha only knew the thoughts running through Professor Draper’s mind, she would love the nickname Miss Roadrunner or Miss 500 Miles Per Hour… but alas, she didn’t know that she had been granted nicknames by the man… so she would have to wait for him to slip up to make any form of comment on it.

A favourite. Creature. Are. You. Kidding. They were all amazing, how on earth did ANY sane person expect Marsha Hanover, animal lover, to choose? ”No, not really.” She replied, shaking her head and making her ponytail bounce. ”I have loved every creature I have come into contact with so far. We fed and hand reared Griffins and baby dragons in my first year… and I have two fairies, a horse and a cat of my own. We have stables at home so I’ve been working with animals since I was little… my Great-Aunt is a Dragon Expert!” HOW COOL WAS THAT?

Eyes going wide, she BEAMED at him. ”Really? I would love to! Thank you so much.” Even if he didn’t read everything of hers, she would read everything of his. Any experience and tips would be welcomed. Surprisingly, her notes on her Creature Care were accurate, concise and documented. They weren’t lengthy as she usually wrote on parchment before transcribing into her journal to make sure that she didn’t waffle. Professor Thomson had informed her that they were serious journals to keep and you wanted to be proud of them when it came to submitting your applications after Hogwarts. It was the best advice she had been given to date.

She nodded her head, unable to feel a small iota of pride seep through as she answered his query. ”Yes! I got picked to be on Great Britain’s Youth Athletic’s team. I’m a runner. Long distance mostly, but I’m trying to pick up my sprinting times to see if I can diversify.” She grinned at him, unsure if a new Professor would be impressed with that or not - but she had Professor Airey’s consent and permission which was what mattered…. for School purposes anyway. ”As I’m here and can’t be at the training sessions all of the time, I need to keep detailed logs of my training to show my coaches when I do go back.” She nodded once again, happy that Professor Draper seemed nice and like he was going to let her help with his Creatures… the Hogwart’s Creatures? Whichever way, Creatures.

James wasn’t planning to let his nickname game slip anytime soon, unfortunately. He was playing careful for now. Though he did have to congratulate himself because Miss Roadrunner was quite the discovery.

Ah, no then? No favorites. That was fine. He could work with that. Though he stopped listening after her ‘No, not really’ everything else felt like unimportant details. He was right, of course. All unimportant, to him anyways. He had worked with many dragon experts, nothing that would’ve impressed him. Good for her Great-Aunt though. Did James have one of those? A Great-Aunt. It was foolish at that point. Why call them a relative at all if they were that distant of a family member? Silly. He waited politely until Miss 500 Miles Per Hour stopped running her mouth—which took AGES, by the way— before continuing his own train of thought. ”I’m sure if you come to me later on in the term once I’ve established some more order around here,” not to say that he hadn’t already established order. There were just a few more things that he needed to attend to first. The first Saturday of the school year was much too early to make proper decisions. ”I can find some extra work you can do around here, build up your resume maybe?” And make his life a whole hell of a lot easier. Was she interested? He raised a brow, tilting himself forward, ever-so-slightly.

Er… On second thought, maybe he should’ve waited before offering her the journal exchange. Though the thought was already said and she had already processed it in her mind, her mouth running at 500 miles per hour with her thoughts on the matter. Definitely should’ve waited. But alas, the mistake was already made. ”Anything on the shelf behind me, fair game. Though, I ask you return them within a timely manner.” If she could read as fast as she spoke and processed, then they wouldn’t have a problem. He didn’t care whether or not she decided to read through his journals, but James thought they were very interesting selections. Of his own time at Hogwarts, whilst serving military in the Brunei forests, and then his own years of explorations within Asia afterwards. And if he did say so himself, his commentary was O-level entertainment. Worth a good laugh or two. Though that may have been his own confidence speaking. Ahem.

And remember that time he said he’d regret asking about her personal life? Yeah. He regretted it. Spot on. Again he only listened to her first few comments before graciously tuning the girl out. Still he nodded because looking attentive meant he had to play the part. He didn’t often do this to students, but sweet Circe this one said too much and he was growing tired. ”Very impressive,” hardly. But it was ironic. Miss Roadrunner was actually indeed a roadrunner. How is it that he was always so spot on? Grinning smugly to himself, he took a small sip of his coffee before letting his gaze return to the over anim

The gift? Oh, right. The stump. "No problem...I thought it was quite nice for an office space...it'll make a good impromptu seat..." he winked in James' direction. His hand was resting on his chest because he could practically feel his anxiety spiking right now...

GUUURR!

"I'll see you around, friend!" And with a wave, he slipped out of James' office, closing the door gently behind him.

Ailsa jumped slightly at the window when the professor's call brought her back from her little reverie about the spider.

"Happy hunting, little guy," she said in the general direction of the crack into which the arachnid had disappeared. "And you," she added to the little fly buzzing against the other side of the window pane, "be mindful to avoid webs, OK?"

Goodbyes said, she slowly opened the professor's door and slipped into his office.

"Professor Draper?" she inched closer to his desk before taking a seat and fidgeting slightly. She suddenly wondered if she should have worn her school robes as her Charms professor seemed to prefer but she'd just have to hope that Professor Draper saw the sense in her weekend outdoors preference of canvas trousers with a durable flannel shirt.

"I'm Ailsa," the slip of a girl held out a hand in greeting. "I know I'm just a first year and all but I was wondering if you, um, needed any help?" She was nervous and her voice betrayed it. "I'm pretty good with norm--" she stopped herself with a thoughtful look before continuing. "I was going to say I'm pretty good with the normal animals on our farm, but I guess it's normal for magical creatures to be magical, isn't it..." The girl trailed off for a moment.

"Even if it's just mucking stalls, it'd be nice to be around animals here, like I am at home," a small smile broke through. "And they always seem to like having me around too."

…. James had nothing more to say. No words. None.

Luckily Poncho Paul shortly ended his babbling and finally got up from his chair. James was still waiting with the open door. Almost there. Just two more steps. Silently, he willed the hippy!man to step closer and closer until the man was finally out of the door and SWEET CIRCE. Only took long enough!

Finally with the door shut and Poncho Paul out of the way, James walked back to his desk—scoffing at that horrid stump in the corner along the way—and took a nice long sip of his coffee. Of course it had gone cold by now.

He rolled his eyes.

James didn’t bother looking up from his parchment, still as the young girl made her way into the office. There were a few things he could already tell by the way she entered. One, she was shy. Two, she wasn’t one of those that waited to be offered a seat. And three, he hadn’t decided whether or not he liked her quite yet. Though, time would soon tell. James tended to make those decisions very easily. ”Ailsa,” he nodded still jotting a few things down. ”Do you have a surname, Ailsa?” Finally he looked up at the girl, surveying her for just a second as she held out her hand. He of course put his quill down instantly and offered his own.

James appreciated the handshake. So far, he wasn’t completely disappointed. Though he wasn’t at all fond of her choice of clothing. She did know that Hogwarts followed a strict dress code, yes? It was the weekend, however, so he didn’t mention it. Not unless she did end up getting on his nerves, which surely would happen. It had become a trend. He was almost expecting every knock on his door as another disappointment.

First year? Noted. It was really the only useful piece of information she had offered thus far. James catalogued it in his head for alter. ”Ah, another eager beaver,” he commented, offering her a friendly nod in acknowledgement. He didn’t often smile, but this was the next best thing. Alright? At least he was playing friendly. And then she started rambling. James didn’t care for rambling. So he let her stumble with her words, and feigned interest all the while. Another child raised on a farm. Where the heck did Hogwarts get their kids from anyways? The whole lot of them were raised on a farm, it seemed.

”I can’t say I’ve got any jobs that need to be done yet,” it was only the beginning of the term for crying out loud! Did people not think he had prepared for student arrivals!? Sweet Circe. He glanced over at Merlin who had just brushed his head against James’ leg. Giving the dog a scratch behind the ear, James looked up at the first year once more. He hadn’t come up with a good enough nickname for this one yet. But with time, one would reveal itself. ”But I know for a fact that I’ll need some student help a little later into the term.” Scooping up the dung was a job James wouldn’t mind sharing.

”If you want, you can leave me your name and house—“ with a flick of a wand, he summoned some spare parchment and offered it out to her. ”And I can be sure to call on you when I need the extra hands.” How did that sound? Was she on board?

And then his blasted curiosity got the better of him again. ”Tell me Ailsa, what animals do you have on your farm back at home?” Why did he constantly provoke more rambling when he knew he wouldn’t care for it anyways? Maybe it was in hopes that one day one of the students would impress him. But for now, he silently cursed himself for the question as he leaned back in his chair and took a silent sip of his black coffee once more.

"Denaker, sir. Ailsa Denaker." There was a pause and then... "The non-food-throwing Denaker," she added just in case Professor Draper had any confusion between Ailsa and her cousin.

The little slip of a girl settled into the chair a bit more comfortably and studied the professor in the same way she'd studied the zebra spider in the antechamber. She hadn't figured there would be anything that needed doing just yet and simply nodded when the professor confirmed it.

Tempted as she was to put him off as simply mean, the way he automatically responded to the Great Dane, and, more importantly, the way the Great Dane obviously cared about the professor, told Ailsa that however brusque this man might be he was about as far from truly being mean-spirited as she was. Animals knew.

The redhead would simply allow her professor to play at being a gruff old man until he tired of it. Which, if some of the old farmers near home were any indication, would probably be sometime around the heat death of the known universe. But that was his choice if he wanted.

When the parchment appeared she was ready, pulling the worn fountain pen from her shirt pocket. While the outside had clearly seen rough use from having spent decades in her grandfather's pocket before it had been handed to her, a keen eye might notice that the nib had been, and continued to be, immaculately kept as she signed, "Ailsa Denaker, Ravenclaw" in a deep green ink.

And then he asked about her farm. She couldn't stop her face from lighting up a little as he gave her the inroad. "Mostly highland cattle, though mam insists on a few sheep because she likes to knit," she paused here for a moment before deciding that a farmer shouldn't shy away from what they do, "and for some variety in meat we get of course. And then there are the animals you end up needing because you have animals." she laughed a little. "For us that's Raq and Ci, the collies, and the barn cats to keep rats out of the feed." She left it there, figuring that he really didn't need to know about all the wild things that lived in their pastures like the badgers (which really were just like Kenneth Grahame had suggested) or even the occasional adder (which really did not deserve the fear everyone had of them). The owls, of course, went without needing any mention.

Ailsa returned to studying the professor, hoping he wouldn't find her family's little farm too pathetic given the sorts of creatures he likely saw every day. It had been a good question to ask, she thought. Good way to suss out whether she actually knew about animals or was merely one of those girls who thought they did because their daddy had bought them a horse or something.

Denaker. He would’ve taken a mental note of the name, but eh. Effort. What she said next, however, had him wonder. ”Is there a food-throwing Denaker I should know about?” and add to my list, he wanted to add he raised his brows. Now she had his interest. Truly a tough feat to pull.

James watched quietly as the girl signed her name. And once she was done, he took the parchment and rolled it up, tucking it into a drawer for his safekeeping. He would’ve just disposed of it, but he would need some help cleaning the stalls at some point. And bathing the hippogriffs. And y’know, maybe he ought to enlist some more student help. There was a lot more to be done than he had given thought to. So yes, keeping this information was good. Good thing he was always two steps ahead.

He knew he had done it once her face did that thing. Sweet Circe. He was going to bite his tongue next time. He probably ought to have been listening to her whole speech, but she was wearing him out. He needed to make some more coffee or something. All mundane creatures,” he noted. ”A muggle farm, I presume?” Or did her family just prefer managing nonmagical creatures? Because even though he was only half listening, pretty sure he didn’t catch any worthwhile ones in her description.

Also, was she confused or was her face always like that?

Well Dante heard the 'Come In' and in he went right into his cold cold office.Now Dante was thinking he just liked the look of a fireplace in his office. Bet the guy was unmarried with his cold heart. Hehe. Anyway besides it being colder than Dante would like and he would know living in the dungeons for five years. Though it is warmer than people think. If not we would complain. Dante plopped himself on one of the seats that looked like their were for guests ad made himself comfortable as he could.. If enough trips into professor's offices and you notice things.

Like this guy had a dog. Which Dante was surprised. Took him for more of a cat person.

"Took you for more a cat person Professor"

His real questions could always wait or you know never happen depending on how much fun he was having.

"And is that fireplace just for show?"

"Weren't you at the feast?" Ailsa was beginning to decide that the professor's detached demeanor was more than an act. "The girl who dumped mashed potatoes all over a couple of Gryffindors was my cousin, Haddie." She probably shouldn't have said that, but judging by the professor's personality, and by Haddie, it wasn't as though Ailsa thought the two would get along anyway.

The girl's face fell slightly when the professor rather dismissively commented about mundane animals, but pressing on was better than giving up.

"Yes. Me mam's muggle-born and wanted to keep her parents' farm. I think she also does it for me da, sir. He's muggle and I think she doesn't want him to feel out of his element." She paused for a moment to evaluate the professor's response to her family's blood status before she went on. "I've read all about the creatures you have here though. I know that's not the same as working with them, but that's why I want to help. So I can learn."

For the record, James wasn't married and Dante was right. But also for the record, it was completely by choice. Had absolutely nothing to do with the temperature of his room heart.

James set his hot mug down with the bitterness of knowing it'd have gone cold by the time this office visit was over. Though of course that could be fixed with a simple flick of his wand, he chose to remain bitter about it. Honestly, he ought to invest in one of them muggle 'do-not-disturb' signs. Fortunately for them both, the person who entered the office wasn't Poncho Paul, nor any of the others that had made it onto James' list. So the boy was safe, for now.

He looked up curiously, watching as the lanky boy chose a seat. You could tell a lot about a person by the way they entered an office. And even more by the things they said. Barrington did not disappoint, by the way. The comment made a small smile tug onto the Professor's smug lips, as he looked at the boy. What game was Dante trying to play here? Pft. James returned the comment in the same confident tone, "I'm an animal person, Barrington." If that much wasn't already clear. The man was teaching Care of Magical Creatures. Thought it was as clear as mud. And yes, though James wouldn't admit it, he actually did take the time to remember some names.

"You're observant," he leaned back in his chair. Not sarcastic, but more of an observation of James' own. "The fireplace is there for when I want to use it. And right now, I don't want to use it." He raised a brow, "Is that not reasonable?" Though, his fireplace really just was for aesthetic here. It had started getting cobwebs already. Not that Dante needed to know.


.... "Yes," he nodded. What did she mean 'was he at the feast'?! Hadn't she seen the staff table was full? Though could he have gotten away with not showing up, he would've tried it. Especially after the events of the feast, skipping would've been a grand idea. Though, it would be frowned upon for his first day. Thus, he was present. Not by choice. "But I didn't keep a catalog of every student present." Which would explain why he didn't know there was a food-throwing-Denaker he should be aware of. Why was she so surprised? "Ah. Lovely." Was his only appropriate response to the explanation of this Haddie child. She just made the list. It wasn't a pleasant list to make.

If she was looking for a response to her blood status, he didn't give her one to take note of. So what? Was he supposed to care? Did it make a difference? No. He wasn't of the pretentious, judging variety. Not in this way, at least. Blood status meant little to James. As far as he was concerned she was just another witch here to get her Hogwarts education and move on with her life. And take care of a farm, apparently. Which was good for her, he supposed.

"Well Miss Daneker, your enthusiasm for the subject is appreciated," if not a little annoying. "We'll get to working with them very soon, look out on your Common Room noticeboard for that," he winked. "But in the mean time, if you are looking for any more reading material, I do keep quite a few journals." The ones behind him, of course. "And I know the librarian keeps many books for this particular subject area." He'd be a good man to go bother. Besides, the Library Loon deserved it.

There'd been no reaction at all to talk of being a half-blood daughter of a muggle-born witch. None at all. Which meant he either didn't care at all, or he was a very good actor. Ailsa did not think the latter was likely. Besides, she liked him. Under that laconic exterior she was certain there was something soft. She'd gotten that badger in the pasture to trust her, and, honestly, Professor Draper didn't seem all that different.

If the professor's question about her family's farm had made her face light up, his offer of journals might as well have shone a lighthouse in her emerald eyes. "You'd let me... You mean I could... Borrow your journals?!" Easy there, calm down, she admonished herself with limited success. "I've already ready anything I could get my hands on with ma's help, but that's nothing like as good as reading someone's actual notes! I promise I'll return them in good condition." It was several moments before she realised she'd used the plural term. "I mean, I don't want to borrow them all at once. Just one at a time. And when I've copied one, I'll bring it back and get another." The ginger girl was positively beaming at the professor by this point. "I'll start with whatever you think is best."

An animal person. Huh, well now who was being Captain Obvious. The Care of Magical Creatures Professor being an animal person. Dante would never have guessed. What did surprise him was that he actually took the time to look at a class roster and match names with faces. Good Job Professor. He did not think new Professors had it in them to remember names. He deserved a cookie as well.

"You don't say, Professor. Though i guess a cat would probably not like it in this office. No offense"

A cat would not like just sitting in the cold like this man appeared to like doing. Though maybe he got dumped in a warm weather location and now he can only stand the cold. Dante should actually spread that rumor. Thanks Professor he knew he was observant. It was what he did. And yeah sure, IF he wanted to use it. But it looked like it had not been used sine he got here.

"No, that's reasonable. I was just wondering why have one if you're not going to use it"

Dante replied shrugging. If he was going going to use it then Dante would stop caring about it.

"What do you know about Lethifolds?"

Come on Animal Man. Show me your animal knowledge.

…. If James had done something to win the first year over, he had no idea. But her enthusiasm only doubled. Of course offering his journals probably did him in, but they were here for people to read. IT would be a complete waste if they just sat and collected dust. Besides, he had already mentioned them to Miss Roadrunner when she came to visit.

Hadn’t he just said that she could? He gave her a small nod. She didn’t give him much time to say anything else though because there she went again with more of her enthusiasm. Eager Beaver. No other nickname felt more appropriate here. He watched her carefully as she practically bounced up and down with excitement. It was amusing.

Stepping out of his chair, the Professor scanned his shelf knowing exactly which one she ought to start with. He let his fingers brush over the binding of each one, until he found the one he was looking for. Of course it had been tucked in at the very end, naturally. Carefully he wiggled it out, and turned to face the girl once again. ”When my interest in creatures first peaked, I was a week into my training in Brunei,” he walked over and held out the book. ”It starts off with a few letters I meant to send home,” he tapped the cover. ”But my intentions with this journal changed.” From letters to notes and observations.

This one was the most beat up journal out of the bunch as it was the oldest and he wrote it with the least amount of experience. She’d have to be careful, he’d hold her accountable.


James face remained neutral, though he was annoyed. What was this kid trying to get at here? Though, he didn’t much care whether a cat would like it in this office. ”Good thing I don’t have a cat,” he replied. Offense not taken. But still irked.

Again, the boy’s thoughts were right. James had been dumped in a warm weather location. For over four years. Brunei stayed hot, hot, hot ALL year round. It was exhausting, the hot weather. But James didn’t feel as if he owed an explanation. It was just cold in here because he liked it cold. And that was that.

”Now you know,” he’d use it if he wanted to. Sweet Circe, this kid was a piece of work.

So many questions. The next one did not disappoint. Now he had James’ attention. The CoMC Professor gave the lanky boy a look, ”Depends,” this was a test, wasn’t it? See if the new Professor knew what he was doing. He knew how these things went. ”What do you want to know?” Also… Why? Why was he asking about one of the most dangerous, dark creatures known to wizard kind?

Marsha grinned and nodded. ”That would be perfect Sir. Can I help out down in the Housing until then? Brushing down the animals or even cleaning out the stalls.” She hoped for a yes, as she had been doing the same for the past two years and really - who said no to having to clean out less stalls? Smiling happily she waited for an answer.

Nodding more as they continued, Marsha smiled at him. ”Of course!” She exclaimed as if she was insulted that he would even suggest she wouldn’t return the journals as soon as she had read them. ”I’ll get them back to you in good time and in the exact same condition that I receive them in.” She smiled at him though, hoping he knew just how much it meant to her that he would let her read them.

Marsha smiled at him. ”Thank you Professor. I’m very proud to be on the team… there aren’t that many teens on the squad, so it is an honour to run for Britian.” She couldn’t help the way her eyes lit up when talking about running or creatures, so she probably looked seriously enthusiastic…. but honestly, she was. Hence why she wanted to run and work with creatures for the rest of her life… might as well love the thing you are forced to do on a daily basis to get galleons so that you and your family don’t starve. Or, at least that was what her parents always told her.