Amongst the creature paddock, looking partially organized in the way that suggested Professor Menon had, at some point, intended to clean properly before class and then simply decided against it. Brushes, folded blankets, and half-opened crates sat scattered beneath the shade of the trees while several wicker baskets lined with old quilts shifted with occasional movement from inside.

Kraetos after leaning against the fence with sleeves rolled unevenly to his elbows, bits of pale fur already clinging stubbornly to his dark robes when students came one by one. Among them, Miss Gracae-Ryans, gave a nod to him. He responded as well with on, "Welcome in, Miss Gracae-Ryans." Followed by, "Ah, hello, Miss Patterson." Surely her twin was following right after her. Then came in... "Mr. Grunt, welcome, but remember to ask before bringing your familiar alongside next time." Before others start bringing theirs.. Some creatures could find them as a tasty treat, ahem. "But today, your Nesquik might find themselves in pleasant company." Then came in, "Hello, Miss Bay, come on and settle in." There was plenty of space here.

A sharp yowl sounded from one of the baskets. "Yeah.. you’ll survive," he muttered toward it before looking back at the class. Clearly, it caught wind of his intended statement earlier.

Menon's gaze swept briefly across the gathered students.

"Welcome back, everyone. Before we start, think about any animal or magical creature you’ve spent time around before. Doesn’t matter if it was yours, someone else’s, or if it only tolerated your existence for five minutes." He shoved his hands into his pockets. "What’s something you learned about earning an animal’s trust?" Another basket rattled sharply. "And no, feeding it until it stops hating you doesn’t count as a personality trait." The movement inside the baskets continued intermittently as the professor waited for responses.


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OOC: Welcome, everyone! Class has officially started, so new posters can join in as if they’ve been here to avoid IC late arrival consequences. The next post will be in at least a day from now.