 Post #3 ~ Rise and Rise Again, Until Lambs become Lions ~
It was exciting to see how well the others were doing. That the Porlocks were actually coming out from hiding and being social. That it wasn't just years of experience and skill that would yield results.
Amur turned her attention back to her little pile of food. One of the winged horses had moved a little bit closer, its dark eyes considering the food offering and the other students around. Amur's breath caught with a sudden pique of excitement, and worry.
Were the Porlocks paired with horses based on personality similarities? What happened if the horse that she bribed was skittish? Would the Porlock be skittish too? Would it then be doubly difficult for them to encourage a friendship. Amur worried her bottom lip as she tried to breathe as little as possible and to move even less.
She didn't want to startle either creature.
The horse had moved a little bit closer, and Amur found herself staring in awe at the size and beauty of the creature. She had always liked horses, but this was only her second time seeing the winged version. And her first seeing it so close and personal. She wanted to creep forward, to try to befriend the horse. Could it actually fly? Or was it like a penguin or chicken, where the wings were just for show? They didn't look like they were just for show. Could the horse carry a student, or even a Professor into the sky?
Amur tried to imagine what it would be like, flying among the clouds. Probably like riding a horse through a field, but less jarring. Would they get to try at some point in her Hogwarts career? Maybe in an older year? She certainly hoped so.
It was the sneeze-like sound that brought Amur back to what she was supposed to be doing. Her eyes dropped to the shaggy creature that stood in front of the horse's forelegs, one hand pushing a lemon into its mouth as the other gathered up the last apple. With a start, Amur realized that all the fruit she had put out was gone. How long had the Porlock been standing there, eating? How hungry was it? It hadn't even shared any with the still-curious horse.
Fumbling for her wand, Amur fished it out of her robes and aimed it at the Porlock. The Professor's words rang through her head. Golden intentions. Her wand lowered a little and she let out a sigh. Which meant that she couldn't cast it in a rush, fearing she would miss her opportunity. The spell likely wouldn't take. No, she had to be deliberate and honest. If the Porlock left, then she would just have to try again.
Settling her hands in her lap, Amur watched the creature munching away on the lemon. Her spell must have worked well in changing it to a treat, as she was sure she heard some sort of cooing sound coming from the creature. It was cute, in the way that shag-rugs, mop-dogs and cotton balls were cute. In it's own way. And they seemed to be friendly enough. She really did want to be it's friend. To show these Porlocks that she wasn't someone to be feared. That they all weren't something to be feared.
Her wand came up with calm resolve as the Porlock began munching on the second apple. "Animalis Fidelis."
For the first time ever, the spell was cast, hit target and was successful. The Porlock, still munching on its apple, began to amble on over.
__________________ I've got a fire for a heart._________________________________________________
I'm not scared of the dark._________________________________________
_______________________________________You've never seen it look so easy. |