The Sculpture Exhibit

[Roselyn]

http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz192/unknownslytherin/Medea%20Romanos/threads/TheSculptureExhibit.jpg

What was once an abandoned room next to the arena down the corridor is now full of metal sculptures in the shapes of creatures. Labeled accordingly, most of them one could recognize as being more dark in nature, such as the hinkypunk and red cap. Others seem to be created due to sudden inspiration from the maker, such as the squirrel or swan. The door is usually unlocked, open to both student and staff. Don't panic if some of the sculptures seem more lifelike than you first thought. A twitch of a wing. Movement of a head. A chirp from a bird. Was that clabbert always hanging from there? Watch where you walk however. You may just run into a cobweb or two.

OOC: All SS Board and School Rules apply

[SlytherinSistah]

Since the opening feast, Cutty had heard much about the castle. A supposedly friendly and enormous squid that lived inside of the lake and getting to sleep in a dungeon, the latter of which had turned out to be something Cutty enjoyed greatly. It was only a matter of time before he'd gone exploring, and his expedition had landed him there. Near the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.

Cutty could see a door nearby and he decided to approach. The only risk was not taking one, right? Or maybe, not taking one yourself, but getting someone smaller and stupider than you to take one. Fresh out of those. His skinny little hand reached out and twisted the knob and to his great delight, it opened up to a beautiful and horrific display.

Cutty felt his heart leap into his chest at once. Animals, beasts and creatures of all types flooded his eye. Some were small, but others were his size or even larger. One that Cutty swore was a manticore appeared to be crouching, readying itself for a pouncing leap. Step by step he entered further into the sculpture garden, his body reacting to the darkness and foreboding. Was he even supposed to be in there? His eye spotted something in the farthest, darkest corner which looked to him like a shrouded figure. Could it have been a beansidhe? Cutty swallowed hard and took another step closer, then froze, almost giving a little jump at what he thought was the same crouching creature from before heading him off, but it remained perfectly motionless giving Cutty the chance to exhale and laugh a mischievous little monkey laugh.

As quickly as he'd entered, he found his way out and quietly shut the door behind him. He left the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom area with a good little scare and chock full of inspiration.

[DecemberMoon]

When Eliza'd found this room, she'd initially thought it was pretty neat. She liked art, so sculptures were right up her alley. Some of the ones in here were really something to see. She found herself wondering if she'd ever be good at something like sculpting with clay or metal work, but the further she walked in, the less curious and the more uneasy she became.

It was a lot darker and more...serious in here than she had been expecting, and what had seemed like a good place to pull our her sketch book was now beginning to give her the creeps. She didn't want to chicken out and run away, but she wasn't sure how much longer she would stay either. Her eyes still hadn't adjusted to the room and its inhabitants, so she drew her wand for light.

[emjay]

When Eliza'd found this room, she'd initially thought it was pretty neat. She liked art, so sculptures were right up her alley. Some of the ones in here were really something to see. She found herself wondering if she'd ever be good at something like sculpting with clay or metal work, but the further she walked in, the less curious and the more uneasy she became.

It was a lot darker and more...serious in here than she had been expecting, and what had seemed like a good place to pull our her sketch book was now beginning to give her the creeps. She didn't want to chicken out and run away, but she wasn't sure how much longer she would stay either. Her eyes still hadn't adjusted to the room and its inhabitants, so she drew her wand for light.Having the afternoon off from classes, Claudette decided to take the opportunity to explore the castle a little bit. There was still a lot for her to get accustomed to and it would probably be helpful for her to know her way around at least generally so she wasn't late for classes and that sort of thing. And the moving staircases were more troubling than anything to help her find her way around.

She soon found herself on the first floor (thanks in part to those said staircases again) and the sixth year began slowly walking through the corridor, green eyes scanning the area for anything of interest and to look for memorable markings to help her find her way back if she needed it. The DADA classroom was here, was it not? And at least one other.. it would be best if she knew where she was going. Rounding the corner, Claudette came across a room with the door ajar. Curiosity getting the better of her, she pushed the door open a bit more and crept in. It seemed to be a sculpture exhibit of sort, which was admittedly pretty cool but rather creepy at the same time. It was sort of dark inside, both in the light of the room and the nature of many of the metal creatures, she noticed as her green eyes fell on each of the sculptures.

Another person was in the room as well, one whom she recognized to be Eliza and who appeared to be deeply concentrating on something else. Sketching, by the looks of it. Was she so engaged that she didn't notice her entrance? Claudette crept up behind her very quietly, then shouted, "Boo!" Then she took a few steps backwards before the girl could whirl around or scream or whatever, allowing a few giggles to escape her lips.

[DecemberMoon]

Another person was in the room as well, one whom she recognized to be Eliza and who appeared to be deeply concentrating on something else. Sketching, by the looks of it. Was she so engaged that she didn't notice her entrance? Claudette crept up behind her very quietly, then shouted, "Boo!" Then she took a few steps backwards before the girl could whirl around or scream or whatever, allowing a few giggles to escape her lips.

Just as she was about to allow herself to high tail it out of the unsettling room, there was a loud voice shouting into the depths of the place. Eliza nearly jumped out of her skin, which would have been a horrifyingly disgusting sight she was sure, and accidentally sent sparks shooting from her clutched wand, that raced across the room and ricocheted off of several sculptures. The startled girl yelped and flung herself to the floor in a tight position as she muttered the word, "Protego!" as she fell. An orb of protection covered her, keeping her safe from the bouncing lightning bolts she'd sent out.

Once the unintended spell ping-ponged itself out on the art in the room, Eliza lifted her head and peeked around at what she now knew must have been a female voice. Her eyes found Claudette and she let out a sheepish grin, followed by a narrowing of the eyes. "You gave me quite a fright, Claudette!" she said accusingly. She stood and brushed herself off, and immediately felt her cheeks grow hot from her outburst. "I-I'm sorry. That was rude. I was just still a little tense," she said apologetically. Great, can I EVER have a decent interaction with this girl? She's Ethan's cousin for crying out loud Eliza, get it together! She took in a few even breaths to slow her heart rate back to normal and said, "It was a little funny." She smirked and arched an eyebrow at the blonde. Surely she thought Eliza was just...a trip at this point. She wanted to tell her that she wasn't usually like this, but then she considered it, and thought maybe she really was. "I don't mean to be so...so jumpy. Sorry," she apologized again, looking at the girl with confused eyes. Is this why I don't have many friends? she wondered. Does everyone think I'm just a big scaredy cat? She wasn't sure, and she didn't like being unsure. Well, I'm NOT just afraid of things! Last year I cast a spell at a goblin for crying out loud! Let THAT be known, eh? Her mind was a maze of thought now and there wasn't much she could do about it. In fact, she'd almost forgotten Claudette was standing there, probably watching her.

[Roselyn]

With the door slightly ajar, quiet music could be heard to passerby's, as well as a faint sizzling sound every now and then. Which could've been anything really. Really. This was defense against the dark arts after all. Softly humming along to the tune, Medea sat in the far corner of the exhibit, bent over a small table with two candles hovering nearby for extra light, and working on a new sculpture creation. Tiny. Unrecognizable. But had been holding her interest for the past hour or so as Chu Chu found a place to sleep somewhere in the room.

Somewhere......

[sweetpinkpixie]

With the door slightly ajar, quiet music could be heard to passerby's, as well as a faint sizzling sound every now and then. Which could've been anything really. Really. This was defense against the dark arts after all. Softly humming along to the tune, Medea sat in the far corner of the exhibit, bent over a small table with two candles hovering nearby for extra light, and working on a new sculpture creation. Tiny. Unrecognizable. But had been holding her interest for the past hour or so as Chu Chu found a place to sleep somewhere in the room.

Somewhere......
After the dismal display that had been the opening feast, Airey found himself feeling even more apprehensive about things and did not understand why he was being so insistent on a) delivering this in the first place and b) delivering this to her in person. Truth was, there was a lot the astronomy professor was feeling bad for thanks to the past term. He had made peace with the whole ice cream bit - for the most part thanks to Miss Wisteria and Miss Wheatborn specifically - but Medea...that was a whole other galaxy.

Not only had he made the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor feel like she was not up to standards to teach the subject thanks to the lack of a patronus, he had squished one of her pets. Her pet spider to be precise, and Airey understood what it was like to lose a pet.

Done with the dramatics in his head, Airey explored the first floor classroom until he came upon the Sculpture Exhibit. Ha. How ironic. Poetic? Both? Peeking in he spotted her and cleared his throat to announce his arrival with both hands held behind his back to hide the small box with a lopsided bow on top.

[Roselyn]

After the dismal display that had been the opening feast, Airey found himself feeling even more apprehensive about things and did not understand why he was being so insistent on a) delivering this in the first place and b) delivering this to her in person. Truth was, there was a lot the astronomy professor was feeling bad for thanks to the past term. He had made peace with the whole ice cream bit - for the most part thanks to Miss Wisteria and Miss Wheatborn specifically - but Medea...that was a whole other galaxy.

Not only had he made the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor feel like she was not up to standards to teach the subject thanks to the lack of a patronus, he had squished one of her pets. Her pet spider to be precise, and Airey understood what it was like to lose a pet.

Done with the dramatics in his head, Airey explored the first floor classroom until he came upon the Sculpture Exhibit. Ha. How ironic. Poetic? Both? Peeking in he spotted her and cleared his throat to announce his arrival with both hands held behind his back to hide the small box with a lopsided bow on top.


Her humming stopped short as she looked up to...Airey. Eyebrows raising, she blew away the little smoke that was coming from the creation type thing, before she smiled warmly. "Hey, Airey. Something up?"

...And she was going to ignore all those sudden thoughts and feelings until she knew what was up.

[sweetpinkpixie]

Her humming stopped short as she looked up to...Airey. Eyebrows raising, she blew away the little smoke that was coming from the creation type thing, before she smiled warmly. "Hey, Airey. Something up?"

...And she was going to ignore all those sudden thoughts and feelings until she knew what was up.
Saying the ceiling or the sky was not the appropriate answer for that question, right? Right. He didn't really need to ask that out loud to know the answer. "Looking for you, actually," he said without thinking about the words coming out of his mouth. At least he didn't say something like 'I like your hair' again.

And then he saw that she was working on something. "I can....um...come back at another time, if you are too busy, doing whatever it is you are doing..." he said as he fidgeted with his tie a little. All those parts reminded him of why he was here in the first place though. Parts. Broken parts. Broken spider parts?

[Roselyn]

Saying the ceiling or the sky was not the appropriate answer for that question, right? Right. He didn't really need to ask that out loud to know the answer. "Looking for you, actually," he said without thinking about the words coming out of his mouth. At least he didn't say something like 'I like your hair' again.

And then he saw that she was working on something. "I can....um...come back at another time, if you are too busy, doing whatever it is you are doing..." he said as he fidgeted with his tie a little. All those parts reminded him of why he was here in the first place though. Parts. Broken parts. Broken spider parts?


That was all that was needed to be said before those thoughts and feelings burst through the flimsy wall paper that was set up in the first place. Oh, dear Merlin. Did this have to do with what Callie said? Oh gosh, she couldn't even properly remember what her dear friend had mentioned at the feast. It'd been thought and re-thought in her mind so many times...who knows how twisted the words had become.

"Really...?" she muttered, glancing down to her not even half finished worked. As tempting as it was to continue, her curiosity was far too great to compete with. "No, no. I've got plenty of time. Just...hobby stuff."

Leaving her project be, she turned towards the astronomy professor in her seat and grinned. Nervously. Yeeeees?

[sweetpinkpixie]

That was all that was needed to be said before those thoughts and feelings burst through the flimsy wall paper that was set up in the first place. Oh, dear Merlin. Did this have to do with what Callie said? Oh gosh, she couldn't even properly remember what her dear friend had mentioned at the feast. It'd been thought and re-thought in her mind so many times...who knows how twisted the words had become.

"Really...?" she muttered, glancing down to her not even half finished worked. As tempting as it was to continue, her curiosity was far too great to compete with. "No, no. I've got plenty of time. Just...hobby stuff."

Leaving her project be, she turned towards the astronomy professor in her seat and grinned. Nervously. Yeeeees?
Thankfully the astronomer was distracted by his own panicky thoughts so that he did not notice the awkwardness that was oozing from Medea right now. He was drowning in his own as it was. Clearing his throat once again before he spoke - and he could really use some water right now, by the way - he stood there for a few moments looking like a fish out of water. Just opening and closing his mouth.

"Really," he finally managed to say, his throat feeling like he had just swallowed a dusty tapestry. But he wasn't quite ready to dive into the deep end just yet. Not when he noticed that inanimate objects as pets was not the only thing they had in common. "I didn't know you built things as a hobby too," he said as his curiosity was peak. "Does this mean that all your metal creatures have been....your creations? Minus Sonya that is."

And he wasn't sure which answer he would rather hear, by the way. Knowing that he had smashed a hand crafted spider was just going to make the knots in his stomach tighten even more.

And then she was looking at him like that and he followed his instincts without even thinking and took a small step back. Glancing up at Medea again, he somewhat reluctantly moved his hands out from behind his back to reveal his poorly wrapped gift (http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae180/sweetpinkpixie/article-page-main-ehow-images-a01-uu-j1-receive-bad-gift-graciously-800x800.jpg). Muggle tape and him never got a long well.

[emjay]

Just as she was about to allow herself to high tail it out of the unsettling room, there was a loud voice shouting into the depths of the place. Eliza nearly jumped out of her skin, which would have been a horrifyingly disgusting sight she was sure, and accidentally sent sparks shooting from her clutched wand, that raced across the room and ricocheted off of several sculptures. The startled girl yelped and flung herself to the floor in a tight position as she muttered the word, "Protego!" as she fell. An orb of protection covered her, keeping her safe from the bouncing lightning bolts she'd sent out.

Once the unintended spell ping-ponged itself out on the art in the room, Eliza lifted her head and peeked around at what she now knew must have been a female voice. Her eyes found Claudette and she let out a sheepish grin, followed by a narrowing of the eyes. "You gave me quite a fright, Claudette!" she said accusingly. She stood and brushed herself off, and immediately felt her cheeks grow hot from her outburst. "I-I'm sorry. That was rude. I was just still a little tense," she said apologetically. Great, can I EVER have a decent interaction with this girl? She's Ethan's cousin for crying out loud Eliza, get it together! She took in a few even breaths to slow her heart rate back to normal and said, "It was a little funny." She smirked and arched an eyebrow at the blonde. Surely she thought Eliza was just...a trip at this point. She wanted to tell her that she wasn't usually like this, but then she considered it, and thought maybe she really was. "I don't mean to be so...so jumpy. Sorry," she apologized again, looking at the girl with confused eyes. Is this why I don't have many friends? she wondered. Does everyone think I'm just a big scaredy cat? She wasn't sure, and she didn't like being unsure. Well, I'm NOT just afraid of things! Last year I cast a spell at a goblin for crying out loud! Let THAT be known, eh? Her mind was a maze of thought now and there wasn't much she could do about it. In fact, she'd almost forgotten Claudette was standing there, probably watching her.Claudette had stepped back, giggling a bit, waiting for Eliza's reaction. It was awfully spooky down here and she figured it a laugh to just startle the seemingly preoccupied girl.. but she was not at all prepared for what was to come next. Her eyes widened as sparks sprung out of the other girl's wand, ricocheting around the room, and the blonde threw a protective arm over her head as she crouched down. Her eyes darting around the room, the fell on Eliza as she cast a shield and Claudette's hand found her wand, doing the same to keep the sparks from burning off her hair.

The sparks soon slowed and fizzled out, leaving Claudette still staring wide-eyed and open-mouthed at Eliza. She slowly straightened up to her full height looking stunned back at the other girl, not saying anything and just letting the girl speak. Finally, after a few minutes and the 16 year old was again able to form words, she began. "Well.. that was.. interesting.." She started chuckling a little, then shook her head. "No.. that actually was pretty funny." Wow.. Eliza was pretty excitable, she'd have to file that away in her memory bank. "I wasn't really expecting all that, to be honest.. so, um, what is this place anyway?" She looked around again at all the little metal creatures.

[Roselyn]

Thankfully the astronomer was distracted by his own panicky thoughts so that he did not notice the awkwardness that was oozing from Medea right now. He was drowning in his own as it was. Clearing his throat once again before he spoke - and he could really use some water right now, by the way - he stood there for a few moments looking like a fish out of water. Just opening and closing his mouth.

"Really," he finally managed to say, his throat feeling like he had just swallowed a dusty tapestry. But he wasn't quite ready to dive into the deep end just yet. Not when he noticed that inanimate objects as pets was not the only thing they had in common. "I didn't know you built things as a hobby too," he said as his curiosity was peak. "Does this mean that all your metal creatures have been....your creations? Minus Sonya that is."

And he wasn't sure which answer he would rather hear, by the way. Knowing that he had smashed a hand crafted spider was just going to make the knots in his stomach tighten even more.

And then she was looking at him like that and he followed his instincts without even thinking and took a small step back. Glancing up at Medea again, he somewhat reluctantly moved his hands out from behind his back to reveal his poorly wrapped gift (http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae180/sweetpinkpixie/article-page-main-ehow-images-a01-uu-j1-receive-bad-gift-graciously-800x800.jpg). Muggle tape and him never got a long well.


Too? Did he say too? She could've sworn he said too. Though despite how long they'd known one another and how many times she broke into his office, Medea could not think of what that 'too' would apply to off the tip of her brain. Then again, complete sentences weren't happening either.

"Yea, erm..." Glancing momentarily to the metal creations beside the astronomy professor, she shrugged up her shoulders and chuckling softly. "Yea. Might haff a little too much time on...my hands...oh..."

Oh my. What was that for? Eyebrows raising in surprise, she stared at Airey questionably, at the red package, back to Airey, and finally after a few seconds of blank thoughts, slowly reached out to take the wonderfully wrapped gift. "Vot is this for?" It wasn't Christmas yet! She was sure of that!

[sweetpinkpixie]

Too? Did he say too? She could've sworn he said too. Though despite how long they'd known one another and how many times she broke into his office, Medea could not think of what that 'too' would apply to off the tip of her brain. Then again, complete sentences weren't happening either.

"Yea, erm..." Glancing momentarily to the metal creations beside the astronomy professor, she shrugged up her shoulders and chuckling softly. "Yea. Might haff a little too much time on...my hands...oh..."

Oh my. What was that for? Eyebrows raising in surprise, she stared at Airey questionably, at the red package, back to Airey, and finally after a few seconds of blank thoughts, slowly reached out to take the wonderfully wrapped gift. "Vot is this for?" It wasn't Christmas yet! She was sure of that!
Too much time on her hands? Was that really such a bad thing to have a lot of spare time to do something that you love? Or, well, he assumed that it was something that she loved to do. Building these metal creatures. It looks like a rather complicated process and, while the two of them had never really discussed their education background, he could only assume that this meant she was also very gifted in Metal Charming. There was also a subtle 'too' at the end of that thought. Charms was something he excelled in, including the alloy equivalent.

"Oh um...well...two reasons really," he said as his boyish fidgeting returned. "First...this is sort of my apology for crushing your spider last term." Ironically with a bowl of ice cream. "I...guess you made that spider then, yeah?" Actually, she really didn't need to answer that. Really. "But...also...um....happybirthday," he finished, mumbling, as he handed over the box. He didn't realize it until he was waiting for her to open it, but the contents of the box (http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae180/sweetpinkpixie/tumblr_mo0igkLgEJ1s6je0mo1_500.jpg) was quite the metaphor for what was going on inside his stomach right now. Only there wasn't just one. More like there were thousands of them fluttering around.

[Roselyn]

Too much time on her hands? Was that really such a bad thing to have a lot of spare time to do something that you love? Or, well, he assumed that it was something that she loved to do. Building these metal creatures. It looks like a rather complicated process and, while the two of them had never really discussed their education background, he could only assume that this meant she was also very gifted in Metal Charming. There was also a subtle 'too' at the end of that thought. Charms was something he excelled in, including the alloy equivalent.

"Oh um...well...two reasons really," he said as his boyish fidgeting returned. "First...this is sort of my apology for crushing your spider last term." Ironically with a bowl of ice cream. "I...guess you made that spider then, yeah?" Actually, she really didn't need to answer that. Really. "But...also...um....happybirthday," he finished, mumbling, as he handed over the box. He didn't realize it until he was waiting for her to open it, but the contents of the box (http://i969.photobucket.com/albums/ae180/sweetpinkpixie/tumblr_mo0igkLgEJ1s6je0mo1_500.jpg) was quite the metaphor for what was going on inside his stomach right now. Only there wasn't just one. More like there were thousands of them fluttering around.

Medea hesitantly smiled at the mention of spider. There was no doubt she was noooooot going to mention that some parts she was working with at the moment had come from that creature's remains. The window of opportunity to do so anyhow was so small and barely noticeable, she did nothing but continue to smile. And then frown.

Oh no. "Oh you didn't." A birthday gift for her? Really? Who...who told him anyways?? Eyeing the wrapped gift, she raised an eyebrow at Airey lightheartedly as she veeery carefully tore one piece of the tape off. The thought of this being a prank had suddenly crossed her mind. If that was to start up again, would this have been a good enough time as ever to do so?

Yet it became clear it was not a prank after opening the box. Her eyes widened and mouth partially dropped as she gingerly took out the delicate creation from it's container. "Oh vow...Airey..." Despite the dim lighting in the room and it's small stature, she could see just how much beautiful detail the artist had put into it. Placing it upon the makeshift workshop table, she stood up and stared at the butterfly with wonder for a moment longer, hands clasped in front of her, before she glanced towards the very generous Astronomy professor.

"How...Vhere did you find this?"

[sweetpinkpixie]

Medea hesitantly smiled at the mention of spider. There was no doubt she was noooooot going to mention that some parts she was working with at the moment had come from that creature's remains. The window of opportunity to do so anyhow was so small and barely noticeable, she did nothing but continue to smile. And then frown.

Oh no. "Oh you didn't." A birthday gift for her? Really? Who...who told him anyways?? Eyeing the wrapped gift, she raised an eyebrow at Airey lightheartedly as she veeery carefully tore one piece of the tape off. The thought of this being a prank had suddenly crossed her mind. If that was to start up again, would this have been a good enough time as ever to do so?

Yet it became clear it was not a prank after opening the box. Her eyes widened and mouth partially dropped as she gingerly took out the delicate creation from it's container. "Oh vow...Airey..." Despite the dim lighting in the room and it's small stature, she could see just how much beautiful detail the artist had put into it. Placing it upon the makeshift workshop table, she stood up and stared at the butterfly with wonder for a moment longer, hands clasped in front of her, before she glanced towards the very generous Astronomy professor.

"How...Vhere did you find this?"
Yes. Good. Don't mention the spider bits. Everyone knew that that would just make the man squirm and potentially bolt towards the nearest exit with some awkward flailing of the arms and a hurried 'farewell, nice running into you today' sort of expression.

"Um...I did?" he said in a slightly questioning tone. See? There was a box. Right there. With a ribbon and everything. He hadn't placed any Disillusionment Charms on it or anything either. Although that WOULD have been a good idea. Could have done this a la muggle magician sort of style. His nerves eased up just a little when he saw how she was eyeing the packaging. Probably was assuming it was a prank. ANOTHER awesome idea. "Watch out, it bites," he teased.

He was definitely holding his breath when she pulled the butterfly out of the box though. Definitely and if she took much longer with things he was going to turn blue in the face - and he already looked like a monkey, or a hamster, with puffed out cheeks as it was. Sucking his cheeks back in when she spoke, he rested both hands on the table and was back to not really making eye contact with Medea.

"A muggle flea market," he nodded. "Did you know that there are next to no fleas at those? Muggles really need to sort out their wording." Seriously. First fast food not moving and now a flea market with no fleas running the show. What a let down. This is why he enjoyed science so much. Everything was properly labeled. "She was all rusty and bent up when I found her. The muggle selling her practically gave her away to me, but I managed to get her all cleaned up." Airey was especially proficient with Cleaning Spells after all. Not to mention good ol' elbow grease of muggle cleaning methods. "She should be in perfect working condition once the proper spells are put in place."

Which was Medea's cue to work her magic. Literally.

[Roselyn]

Yes. Good. Don't mention the spider bits. Everyone knew that that would just make the man squirm and potentially bolt towards the nearest exit with some awkward flailing of the arms and a hurried 'farewell, nice running into you today' sort of expression.

"Um...I did?" he said in a slightly questioning tone. See? There was a box. Right there. With a ribbon and everything. He hadn't placed any Disillusionment Charms on it or anything either. Although that WOULD have been a good idea. Could have done this a la muggle magician sort of style. His nerves eased up just a little when he saw how she was eyeing the packaging. Probably was assuming it was a prank. ANOTHER awesome idea. "Watch out, it bites," he teased.

He was definitely holding his breath when she pulled the butterfly out of the box though. Definitely and if she took much longer with things he was going to turn blue in the face - and he already looked like a monkey, or a hamster, with puffed out cheeks as it was. Sucking his cheeks back in when she spoke, he rested both hands on the table and was back to not really making eye contact with Medea.

"A muggle flea market," he nodded. "Did you know that there are next to no fleas at those? Muggles really need to sort out their wording." Seriously. First fast food not moving and now a flea market with no fleas running the show. What a let down. This is why he enjoyed science so much. Everything was properly labeled. "She was all rusty and bent up when I found her. The muggle selling her practically gave her away to me, but I managed to get her all cleaned up." Airey was especially proficient with Cleaning Spells after all. Not to mention good ol' elbow grease of muggle cleaning methods. "She should be in perfect working condition once the proper spells are put in place."

Which was Medea's cue to work her magic. Literally.


Honestly, she was quite thankful he mentioned there were no fleas at a...muggle flea market. "I...did not..." she muttered, unable to keep her attention away from the butterfly for long. Oh gosh, and he cleaned it up, as he said? For her? The latter part was left unsaid, but he did give it to her as a gift.

It took her juuuuust a moment to register what he said... "OH!" Hands flailing in front of her as she reached for her wand left upon the table. Of course. It should be animated right away. The proper spells, as so mentioned, didn't take long to be put into place. Soon enough, she stepped away from the table, watching the butterfly intently with anxious eyes. A wing twitched. And then the other. Until they twitched in unison and soon enough, started to flutter with ease like butterfly wings did.

Medea couldn't help the squeak of delight that escaped her once the little sculpture lifted itself off the table. Nor did she think twice about suddenly moving to hug Airey with an excited hop in her step... or the kiss upon his cheek. "Thank yooouuuu, oh gosh. She's beautiful. Thank you. She's perfect!"

[sweetpinkpixie]

Honestly, she was quite thankful he mentioned there were no fleas at a...muggle flea market. "I...did not..." she muttered, unable to keep her attention away from the butterfly for long. Oh gosh, and he cleaned it up, as he said? For her? The latter part was left unsaid, but he did give it to her as a gift.

It took her juuuuust a moment to register what he said... "OH!" Hands flailing in front of her as she reached for her wand left upon the table. Of course. It should be animated right away. The proper spells, as so mentioned, didn't take long to be put into place. Soon enough, she stepped away from the table, watching the butterfly intently with anxious eyes. A wing twitched. And then the other. Until they twitched in unison and soon enough, started to flutter with ease like butterfly wings did.

Medea couldn't help the squeak of delight that escaped her once the little sculpture lifted itself off the table. Nor did she think twice about suddenly moving to hug Airey with an excited hop in her step... or the kiss upon his cheek. "Thank yooouuuu, oh gosh. She's beautiful. Thank you. She's perfect!"
There was actually a lot of interesting things at this flea market and Airey had been kicking himself over some of the vintage astronomical equipment he had found. And maps. There had been plenty of old maps and other things, but he hadn't converted his galleons into muggle money to have been able to afford it all. He had just been planning on a simple trip to the dry cleaner's after all.

Can't put a price on happiness, though, and seeing his colleague's reaction was priceless. and for everything else there is that muggle plastic card.

He held his breath as Medea performed the spells. Wouldn't it just be his luck that these alloys were not the sort that could be charmed or some other stroke of bad luck. Thankfully this was not the case and soon the metal butterfly was, er, fluttering - for lack of a better term.

What came next was not expected. Well, the hug was at least. He had read about hugs and friendship after all. He had even hugged Calista in Diagon Alley over the summer. You know. Being a good friend and all. It required hugs according to the text. Step 5 in the 10 step program if it recalled correctly. The kiss....that was different and it was her lips - the same ones he had kissed last term - on his cheek that caused his body to freeze up as if hit by a Full Body-Bind Curse.

THAT...wasn't a part of the 10 steps....

Hugging her back somewhat timidly - WAS HE SUPPOSED TO KISS HER CHEEK NOW TOO?! - he smiled. Not that she could see that since his chin was resting on her shoulder and he was sort of afraid to turn her head because...well...the mechanics behind things were that he would be putting himself in THAT position again. He wanted to though, but he also didn't want to be more confused about.....them.

They probably needed to talk about all that.

After what seemed like an eternity of him just holding her in his arms and getting lost in his on confused thoughts, the astronomer finally spoke. "I'm glad you like her."

[Roselyn]

There was actually a lot of interesting things at this flea market and Airey had been kicking himself over some of the vintage astronomical equipment he had found. And maps. There had been plenty of old maps and other things, but he hadn't converted his galleons into muggle money to have been able to afford it all. He had just been planning on a simple trip to the dry cleaner's after all.

Can't put a price on happiness, though, and seeing his colleague's reaction was priceless. and for everything else there is that muggle plastic card.

He held his breath as Medea performed the spells. Wouldn't it just be his luck that these alloys were not the sort that could be charmed or some other stroke of bad luck. Thankfully this was not the case and soon the metal butterfly was, er, fluttering - for lack of a better term.

What came next was not expected. Well, the hug was at least. He had read about hugs and friendship after all. He had even hugged Calista in Diagon Alley over the summer. You know. Being a good friend and all. It required hugs according to the text. Step 5 in the 10 step program if it recalled correctly. The kiss....that was different and it was her lips - the same ones he had kissed last term - on his cheek that caused his body to freeze up as if hit by a Full Body-Bind Curse.

THAT...wasn't a part of the 10 steps....

Hugging her back somewhat timidly - WAS HE SUPPOSED TO KISS HER CHEEK NOW TOO?! - he smiled. Not that she could see that since his chin was resting on her shoulder and he was sort of afraid to turn her head because...well...the mechanics behind things were that he would be putting himself in THAT position again. He wanted to though, but he also didn't want to be more confused about.....them.

They probably needed to talk about all that.

After what seemed like an eternity of him just holding her in his arms and getting lost in his on confused thoughts, the astronomer finally spoke. "I'm glad you like her."


Oh, she got hugs back! Sort of. No, yes, it was a hug back, which made her smile more, and possibly...put a little more effort into her own hugging. Quite a long hug too. Went way past the three second rule. Or was it five seconds. Oh who was she to argue about hugs and rules. Hugs didn't even HAVE rules!

Though really, should one of them part? Medea nodded as much as she could with their position after Airey spoke but, that...was that. Parting. She should part. Because...that's what people did. Even though, it was very nice to be there. With his arms around her........ Few more seconds maybe...

________WOOOOOOSH!

A small, black shadow like figure zoomed past their heads, possibly even having grazed their hair. Flinching out of instinct, Medea parted from the astronomy professor just enough to glance behind. "Oh!.........OH! Chu Chu! No!" No no! FLAIL! The precious bat had the precious butterfly! In it's mouth. Oh gosh, adorable......NO! BAD! Ehhhh!

[sweetpinkpixie]

Oh, she got hugs back! Sort of. No, yes, it was a hug back, which made her smile more, and possibly...put a little more effort into her own hugging. Quite a long hug too. Went way past the three second rule. Or was it five seconds. Oh who was she to argue about hugs and rules. Hugs didn't even HAVE rules!

Though really, should one of them part? Medea nodded as much as she could with their position after Airey spoke but, that...was that. Parting. She should part. Because...that's what people did. Even though, it was very nice to be there. With his arms around her........ Few more seconds maybe...

________WOOOOOOSH!

A small, black shadow like figure zoomed past their heads, possibly even having grazed their hair. Flinching out of instinct, Medea parted from the astronomy professor just enough to glance behind. "Oh!.........OH! Chu Chu! No!" No no! FLAIL! The precious bat had the precious butterfly! In it's mouth. Oh gosh, adorable......NO! BAD! Ehhhh!
It was a good thing that those thoughts about hugs were not vocalized. Would have caused more awkward and most likely some planking to happen.

Medea wasn't out of his arms for long as something can swooping in and grazing the astronomer's hair - even pulling out a few strands with its itty bitty claws. Shrieking like a little girl, Airey clung to the brunette for dear life - arms around her waist as he hid behind her like she was a shield. He had to squat somewhat due to his height, but he stood up just enough to take a peek over her shoulder. Chu chu? "What is a ---"

*SMACK*

Medea's flailing hand...er...elbow...er...some part of her flailing arm collided with him square in the nose. Eyes crossing for a moment, his eyes began to tear up, blurring his vision, from the impact and he fell back on his bum. "I'm alright," he mumbled while looking like a little boy sitting crossed legged on the ground in daddy's suit.

[Roselyn]

It was a good thing that those thoughts about hugs were not vocalized. Would have caused more awkward and most likely some planking to happen.

Medea wasn't out of his arms for long as something can swooping in and grazing the astronomer's hair - even pulling out a few strands with its itty bitty claws. Shrieking like a little girl, Airey clung to the brunette for dear life - arms around her waist as he hid behind her like she was a shield. He had to squat somewhat due to his height, but he stood up just enough to take a peek over her shoulder. Chu chu? "What is a ---"

*SMACK*

Medea's flailing hand...er...elbow...er...some part of her flailing arm collided with him square in the nose. Eyes crossing for a moment, his eyes began to tear up, blurring his vision, from the impact and he fell back on his bum. "I'm alright," he mumbled while looking like a little boy sitting crossed legged on the ground in daddy's suit.


Not even aware of the SMACK she gave Airey, she hurried forward to try and catch the...hungry bat. No! Don't gnaw on the metal butterfly! Or...fly away. "CHU CHU! Gosh...sit..." Muttering in her native tongue, she snatched the bat, before prying the work of art away from him. For the love of Merlin, the little thing had a big grip.

AHA! Success!

Holding to the two creatures apart at half arm's length, she turned to beam in Airey's direction, but...nope. What in Merlin's beard happened to him? "Oh my, are you alright?" Oh he was all teary eyed! Did he not like bats too?

[sweetpinkpixie]

Not even aware of the SMACK she gave Airey, she hurried forward to try and catch the...hungry bat. No! Don't gnaw on the metal butterfly! Or...fly away. "CHU CHU! Gosh...sit..." Muttering in her native tongue, she snatched the bat, before prying the work of art away from him. For the love of Merlin, the little thing had a big grip.

AHA! Success!

Holding to the two creatures apart at half arm's length, she turned to beam in Airey's direction, but...nope. What in Merlin's beard happened to him? "Oh my, are you alright?" Oh he was all teary eyed! Did he not like bats too?
Contemplating the idea of planking on his back - you know, because he totally meant to fall over and all that - the Astronomy professor rocked back and forth in Indian sitting position for a moment. Because that was the less awkward thing to do. Especially after Medea muttered things that he couldn't understand.

Although he was now pretty sure he had, through deductive reasoning, figured out what a Chu Chu was.

"I'm fine," he repeating, rubbing his nose and blinking a bit but not yet standing. "So...Chu Chu is your bat then?" Cue a perplexed look towards the bat in her hand. It actually was....sort of cute. "At least....it is able to defend itself. You know...so your...............felines don't devour it."

Vivid imagery. He had it now.

Shudder.

"Is the butterfly okay? I still have all the cleaning materials in my office...if there are any scratches or anything."

Was he rambling? He felt like he was. Um. Yeah. Just going to stay here on the ground. Not awkward at all.

[Roselyn]

Contemplating the idea of planking on his back - you know, because he totally meant to fall over and all that - the Astronomy professor rocked back and forth in Indian sitting position for a moment. Because that was the less awkward thing to do. Especially after Medea muttered things that he couldn't understand.

Although he was now pretty sure he had, through deductive reasoning, figured out what a Chu Chu was.

"I'm fine," he repeating, rubbing his nose and blinking a bit but not yet standing. "So...Chu Chu is your bat then?" Cue a perplexed look towards the bat in her hand. It actually was....sort of cute. "At least....it is able to defend itself. You know...so your...............felines don't devour it."

Vivid imagery. He had it now.

Shudder.

"Is the butterfly okay? I still have all the cleaning materials in my office...if there are any scratches or anything."

Was he rambling? He felt like he was. Um. Yeah. Just going to stay here on the ground. Not awkward at all.


Was he sure he was fine?

With the mention of the bat, she kinda turned so she could almost hide the creature behind her back if needed. Though there wasn't any manly!screaming like there was with her cats. SPEAKING...of her cats... "Oh, no." she shook her head, letting the bat go (who in turn perched itself in a dark corner), but kept a firm grip on the butterfly piece. "No, I left feline pets vith a neighbor back at home. Their relationship does indeed go straight past enemies and right to dinner........unfortunately..."

A year without her cats. Did anyone even realize how EMPTY her office felt now?!

"But um...yea. That's Chu Chu. My new bat." Momentarily glancing towards that dark corner and seeing his beedy little eyes glint orange every now and then from the candle light, she smiled a little before turning her attention to the butterfly. It SEEMED fine to her. Though who could even tell in such dim lighting? Not that she really cared if her own pieces were scratched, but this was different!

"I'll need to look at it in better light but, it should be fine." Her smile grew, just by looking at the gift. Gosh, brought a whole new outlook on metal art! And the wonderful gift giver........was still on the ground. "Are you SURE you're alright, Airey? I...I can take him avay if he's bothering you..."

[sweetpinkpixie]

Was he sure he was fine?

With the mention of the bat, she kinda turned so she could almost hide the creature behind her back if needed. Though there wasn't any manly!screaming like there was with her cats. SPEAKING...of her cats... "Oh, no." she shook her head, letting the bat go (who in turn perched itself in a dark corner), but kept a firm grip on the butterfly piece. "No, I left feline pets vith a neighbor back at home. Their relationship does indeed go straight past enemies and right to dinner........unfortunately..."

A year without her cats. Did anyone even realize how EMPTY her office felt now?!

"But um...yea. That's Chu Chu. My new bat." Momentarily glancing towards that dark corner and seeing his beedy little eyes glint orange every now and then from the candle light, she smiled a little before turning her attention to the butterfly. It SEEMED fine to her. Though who could even tell in such dim lighting? Not that she really cared if her own pieces were scratched, but this was different!

"I'll need to look at it in better light but, it should be fine." Her smile grew, just by looking at the gift. Gosh, brought a whole new outlook on metal art! And the wonderful gift giver........was still on the ground. "Are you SURE you're alright, Airey? I...I can take him avay if he's bothering you..."
Woah. Wait. WHAT?!

As much as this news pleased him - less felines in the castle and all that - it was hard to imagine Medea without the four legged beasts in her office. From what he had been able to observe in terror, they were like an extension of herself. Sort of like how Pebbles was of him. Wow. Depressing thought right there. At least her "loss" was by choice.

"You must really like Chu Chu then. To be willing to part with your cats and all like that," he said with a boyish flush to his cheeks. Which made him a little curious as to just how she happened upon the bat. Probably one of the monsters had caught the thing and brought it to her as a prize. Felines were barbaric and evil like that. Airey was still convinced that the bringing of dead, or at least partly dead, critters to their owners was a warning. One that said 'mess with me and you're next.'

"No. Really," he said, rubbing his eyes to remove some of the straggling tears there. "You got me good in the nose, that's all." Maybe he should get off the ground now? Yes. This seemed like a good idea. "Actually...he is sort of....." Dare he say it? "..............cute."

Still on the ground, by the way. But now his legs were straight out in front of him instead of crossed. You know, just casually stretching.

[Roselyn]

Woah. Wait. WHAT?!

As much as this news pleased him - less felines in the castle and all that - it was hard to imagine Medea without the four legged beasts in her office. From what he had been able to observe in terror, they were like an extension of herself. Sort of like how Pebbles was of him. Wow. Depressing thought right there. At least her "loss" was by choice.

"You must really like Chu Chu then. To be willing to part with your cats and all like that," he said with a boyish flush to his cheeks. Which made him a little curious as to just how she happened upon the bat. Probably one of the monsters had caught the thing and brought it to her as a prize. Felines were barbaric and evil like that. Airey was still convinced that the bringing of dead, or at least partly dead, critters to their owners was a warning. One that said 'mess with me and you're next.'

"No. Really," he said, rubbing his eyes to remove some of the straggling tears there. "You got me good in the nose, that's all." Maybe he should get off the ground now? Yes. This seemed like a good idea. "Actually...he is sort of....." Dare he say it? "..............cute."

Still on the ground, by the way. But now his legs were straight out in front of him instead of crossed. You know, just casually stretching.


"Yes vell...I try not to think about it often." Even though Chu Chu was a fantastic little creature, the loneliness from the lack of her cats wasn't something she could rid of over night. Nor would she have liked that to happen. Who would want to forget about their pets!?

But...What? She? Got him in the nose? How in Merlin's beard.....

"OH!" Eyes widened slightly in horror as she covered her mouth from alarm, momentarily stiff as a board as realization dawned on her. With a click of her tongue, Medea sighed and flopped to her knees next to him, guilty as all get out. "I'm sorry. I just...that happens...around me. I don't know vhy.......I'm sorry." His nose didn't look too bad in her opinion though, even in the dim lighting. It looked like an Airey nose to her, though that didn't stop her from being anxious. Here he was, giving her an amazing gift, and she whacked him in the nose. "Are you sure you're okay?"

AND DID HE INDEED JUST SAY THOSE WORDS? "Oh my...Airey Flamsteed finding one of my pets cute." A smile tugged at her lips as she poked his shoulder. "I might faint of shock."

[sweetpinkpixie]

Try not to think about her felines? Despite him knowing that that was not meant to be a joke, he couldn't help but laugh. Internally. He had just enough people skills to know that laughing would not be appropriate at this time. Instead he gave a small nod - just to confirm that he was listening. "I suppose...you are keeping yourself busy then? Too busy to...you know...hang o---think about them."

Hands were going into his suit pockets now. And there was some definite rocking back and forth on his heels as well.

He was also back to shaking his head. "I'm perfectly fine," he said, flashing two thumbs up. "I'm not bleeding and it isn't broken." She was right, though. She did tend to whack him quite a bit slash they both got into awkward situations with each other. All the time. "I guess it is just that we can't keep out hands off each other."

........................

Astronomer say what?

"I mean. Um. You know. Um..........."
........................

Hands right back in his pockets now. Planking was seeming like more and more the THING he should be doing at this moment.

"I just mean that, you know. We enjoy each other's company and...................stuff."

Probably not the best lead in to asking her to help him find a pet, right?

"D-Don't faint," he said, slight panic creeping through his limbs. "I need your help with something and if you faint, well, you wouldn't be able to help." Logic. He had it.

[Roselyn]

"Oh, you caught me." Raising her hands in front of her, Medea chuckled softly before laying down the butterfly piece gently upon the table top, giving a glance to Chu Chu as she did so. No stealing it, hmmkay? Even though...Airey was so soooo...right. Well THANK you Mister Flamsteed. She was thinking about her cats now.

He just continued being right though. He wasn't bleeding, and her thoughts were confirmed. His nose wasn't broken-

Astronomy Professor said what?

"Oh." she nodded after he corrected himself, letting go of that breath she'd held for no reason at all it seemed. No need to start thinking about anything like those pokes or hugs or... "Oh, right. Riiight, that is.............true." Wasn't it? Maybe? She enjoyed his company at least. He probably didn't think much of hers anymore, after constantly hurting him somehow.

But, more of that thinking later. Biting the side of her lip, her hands slipped into her jeans back pockets, eyebrows raising somewhat. "Help vith something?" Heeer? She hadn't been feeling very helpful lately. Merlin, she had a basic theoretical class for goodness sakes. Kids could've just read their books to know that information.

[sweetpinkpixie]

Could he just like, you know, have one of those muggle remote controls for the television but instead of for the appliance it was for life? Because he would so push rewind and not say the things he just said. Or at least not said it the way that it had been said because, well, it was true. To an extent.

Could he also have the power off button for his brain? All these thoughts were confusing him.

"It...............is?" he asked, half bewildered by her response. Maybe this WAS the right time to discuss....stuff. Awkward stuff. Stuff that had him all sorts of unsure about how to interact with people.

Or not. Not was fine too. Especially since he really did need some help. "Help. Yes. I need that," he said while still stumbling over his words and physically stumbling over his own feet as he took a step towards her. "I..um...I still haven't found Pebbles, but I've been thinking that it might be time for....a new pet. Not a rock one. A........" He paused for a moment because he hated using the word real because, as he had explained to Miss Wisteria, Pebbles had been a real pet. "A living and breathing pet."

[Roselyn]

It was. Is. Right?

Though staring at the man without words coming to mind, made it impossible to do anything but nod somewhat. If that could've even been called a nod. Some form of a nonverbal agreement before their topic had moved on. Thankfully.

Oh, poor Pebbles. No, wait. OH. MERLIN'S. UNICORN. SOCKS. Medea's eyes didn't grow wide because he couldn't find his rock pet. Nor did a smile so large appear on her face where she had to cover her mouth with both hands to keep in the squeal of delight happen because his unfortunate loss. He'd said the shocking words. THE. WORDS! SPEAKINGWASALMOSTIMPOSSIBLE! Eeeeeep!

"Are you serious?"

[sweetpinkpixie]

Airey was back to fidgeting like a school boy before the Yule Ball - not that he had ever really stopped doing so really. This was a big step for him you know. Admitting that he a) wanted a living pet because he tended to kill things on accident and b) that he was also subconsciously admitting that he was lonely. Not to mention also coming to terms with the fact that Pebbles was probably gone forever. Or maybe no probably. She WAS gone.

"Erm...yes, yes I am," he said while rubbing the back of his neck. "I feel the most comfortable coming to you about it. What I should get and...stuff." He was probably swaying a little bit now but the man was far too nervous to notice. "You are really good with creatures and ... " Long pause. "You...you understand me."

Just don't suggest a feline because he might cry. Manly-like, of course.

[Roselyn]

"That's vonderful, Airey!" Slowly shaking her head from side to side, after a moment's pause once when all had gone quiet, Medea moved to hug the man. Goodness. This. Was. A. Big. Step! Airey Flamsteed! Wanting a pet. A living...hopefully breathing, otherwise what a horrid shop...pet! "Ve von't stop looking for Pebbles though of course."

She had, perhaps, kept an eye out for her. Sometimes.

Yet there was a good question in this delicate situation. "Oh, but there are so many choices." Leaning back a bit, the defense professor stared at whatever sculpture was nearest...before turning her gaze to Airey. "Are you positive you vont one?"

[sweetpinkpixie]

He had been expecting her to be excited about this revelation. The hug, well, that he had not been expecting so his body froze up for a few moments before his arms moved on their own accord and rested timidly on her shoulders. "I am not sure that wonderful is the word I would use...but sure."

Her shoulders got a soft squeeze when she mentioned Pebbles. He really appreciated the gestured and still hoped that he would find his pet rock, but it was not looking good.

He took a deep breath, still not entirely believing he was really saying all this, and looked Medea straight in the eye as he spoke. "Affirmative."

[Roselyn]

Oh? Despite being 'affirmative', as he so said, it certainly brought up little alarms. A whirlwind of thoughts were finally falling into place. Why indeed was Airey Flamsteed, detest-er of fur, wanting something that could potentially cause misery? Unless he wanted some kind of hairless animal, such as a fish or lizard, but...she just couldn't picture that. Nor was thinking of him with a furry creature any easier.

Blinking and breaking the eye contact momentarily, she smiled a bit yet a concerning frown started to slowly overtake it. "Do you mind if I ask...vhy...you vont a...vell, a real pet?"

[sweetpinkpixie]

Oh? Despite being 'affirmative', as he so said, it certainly brought up little alarms. A whirlwind of thoughts were finally falling into place. Why indeed was Airey Flamsteed, detest-er of fur, wanting something that could potentially cause misery? Unless he wanted some kind of hairless animal, such as a fish or lizard, but...she just couldn't picture that. Nor was thinking of him with a furry creature any easier.

Blinking and breaking the eye contact momentarily, she smiled a bit yet a concerning frown started to slowly overtake it. "Do you mind if I ask...vhy...you vont a...vell, a real pet?"
He almost felt as if a weight had been lifted from his chest. While he had already shared such thoughts with Miss Wisteria and Calista prior to this conversation, it felt heavier telling Medea. Probably because of her and her bloody felines.

Her question caught him a bit off guard and his hands slid off her shoulders and to her arms as he cocked his head to the side in thought. That WAS a rather, er, weighted question and the answer was certainly going to make him feel about as uncool as Pluto being kicked out of the planet club.

"Well," he began as his blue eyes looked down at his feet. "I guess, erm, I guess you could say that since Pebbles went missing I've been, well..." He paused and looked up now to meet Medea's gaze. "...I've felt a little lonely."

UG. There. He had said it. And he felt like a right pansy for it.

[Roselyn]

He almost felt as if a weight had been lifted from his chest. While he had already shared such thoughts with Miss Wisteria and Calista prior to this conversation, it felt heavier telling Medea. Probably because of her and her bloody felines.

Her question caught him a bit off guard and his hands slid off her shoulders and to her arms as he cocked his head to the side in thought. That WAS a rather, er, weighted question and the answer was certainly going to make him feel about as uncool as Pluto being kicked out of the planet club.

"Well," he began as his blue eyes looked down at his feet. "I guess, erm, I guess you could say that since Pebbles went missing I've been, well..." He paused and looked up now to meet Medea's gaze. "...I've felt a little lonely."

UG. There. He had said it. And he felt like a right pansy for it.


Aw, so the truth was out. Her frown had no chance of staying, disappearing within the second Airey finished the final word. Chuckling softly, she patted his arms as her focus landed on the creases in his jacket, trying but failing to keep the amusement she found from his confession a secret. Instead, her hands found his and she gave them a gentle reassuring squeeze.

"You shouldn't feel lonely, Airey." she murmured, meeting his gaze once again, her smile almost reaching her eyes. "Not ven you haff m...so many people here..." Having had a quick change of words halfway through speaking, she trailed off, fighting the fact that her cheeks may have gone a little rosy red. Oh dear. "But, erm, you know, if...if you're absolutely positive..."

[sweetpinkpixie]

Airey, still feeling like a boy who had been caught with his hand in a cookie jar, was trying not to make eye contact. A task that was only made easier when she took his hands. She. Took. His. Hands. WHAT?! He instinctively gave them a squeeze back. Why? He did not know, but there he was doing it.

And then he was choking on air and wishing she had finished her thought. Part of him that is. The part that was currently choking was glad she hadn't because he wasn't sure how he would have reacted to it. Although there was a rather vivid reaction in his mind and it caused him to lean forward just a little subconsciously. "I'm glad I do," he said, a boyish smile pulling on his features.

Your blushing wasn't helping things, by the way Medea.

"Absolutely," he nodded once more. "So...um...this means you'll help me, right?"

[Roselyn]

Was it just the lighting playing tricks or was Airey closer now? Not by much, but it was enough. Enough to suddenly make her hyper aware of plenty of things, including the fact that the holding of hands was occurring in...the present...moment. Continuing to possible future moments. A friendly gesture of course. Reassurance. That's what friends did. Colleagues. Hand holding. Yup. And if glancing to the southern region of his face had happened, then it was a complete accident.

Total accident. Total...ly. Fraction of a second.

Yet she took a deep breath as her small stretch of a smile grew into a lighthearted grin after he spoke. Reasons to be tense didn't make it far in her mind. They were squished down like a shoe on an ant! "Of course." she nodded, eyes narrowing with a slight mischievous twinkle. "I'm assuming nothing in the feline category, right?"

[Bazinga]

Minerva walked into the Sculpture room. She had never been there before. It seemed very interesting. She walked around looking, it had seemed she beat Claudette to the room. Walking around while she waited. Min moved towards a bird sculpture and looked at it as she was examining it, the thing chirped. She jumped back with a tiny yelp. Yes it just scared her, but she shouldn't have been so surprised, nothing surprised her anymore.

Moving away from the chirping sculpture. Minerva pulled out one of her books. It was one of her heaviest books. She set it down. They could use it for one of the things they would try to pull. Now she probably needed to practice while she waited. Doing the whipping movement with her hand, Min practiced the words. "Carpe Retractum... Carpe Retractum... Carpe Retractum" Alright she felt she knew the words pretty well. She did win the cake war with Alec even if she stopped the spell to do it. *giggles*

[emjay]

Minerva walked into the Sculpture room. She had never been there before. It seemed very interesting. She walked around looking, it had seemed she beat Claudette to the room. Walking around while she waited. Min moved towards a bird sculpture and looked at it as she was examining it, the thing chirped. She jumped back with a tiny yelp. Yes it just scared her, but she shouldn't have been so surprised, nothing surprised her anymore.

Moving away from the chirping sculpture. Minerva pulled out one of her books. It was one of her heaviest books. She set it down. They could use it for one of the things they would try to pull. Now she probably needed to practice while she waited. Doing the whipping movement with her hand, Min practiced the words. "Carpe Retractum... Carpe Retractum... Carpe Retractum" Alright she felt she knew the words pretty well. She did win the cake war with Alec even if she stopped the spell to do it. *giggles*Claudette walked the first floor corridor, practicing the whipping wand motion of the spell she was going to practice with Minerva. She had heard of the spell before class but never had much cause to use it so hadn't really practiced much before that lesson. So why not practice a little, right? Besides, it was the homework.

Carpe Retractum... Carpe Retractum... she said in her head a few times as she headed into the sculpture exhibit room. The blonde couldn't help but to giggle to herself thinking about the last time she was in this room, scaring the bejeezus out of Eliza. She spotted Min with her back to her and thought about how easily she could sneak up on her and scare her in this spooky atmosphere as well.. but she had learned her lesson the last time and quickly decided against it.

"Hi, Min," she greeted cheerfully as she stepped inside, her green eyes falling on the book. "Is that what you want to practice with?"

[Bazinga]

Claudette walked the first floor corridor, practicing the whipping wand motion of the spell she was going to practice with Minerva. She had heard of the spell before class but never had much cause to use it so hadn't really practiced much before that lesson. So why not practice a little, right? Besides, it was the homework.

Carpe Retractum... Carpe Retractum... she said in her head a few times as she headed into the sculpture exhibit room. The blonde couldn't help but to giggle to herself thinking about the last time she was in this room, scaring the bejeezus out of Eliza. She spotted Min with her back to her and thought about how easily she could sneak up on her and scare her in this spooky atmosphere as well.. but she had learned her lesson the last time and quickly decided against it.

"Hi, Min," she greeted cheerfully as she stepped inside, her green eyes falling on the book. "Is that what you want to practice with?"


Minerva was just about to try the book for a possible test try when she heard her name and turned, "Hey Claudette, you found the room alright? I have never been in here." Figured it was something different at least. Glancing back at the book she shrugged, "I figured something easy for the first try. We have to use three things. I'm just trying to figure out what for the two." Maybe something in this room could work, than there was the extra credit she eyed up Claudette.

Well that could be asked later.

She turned towards the book and did her whipping motion with her wand hand. Feeling comfortable enough and concentrating she did the whip motion again, "Carpe Retractum" Watching as the familiar rope came from her wand and went around the book.

Keeping the concentration she began pulling it towards her. "Well that wasn't to bad. The books a bit heavier than I thought, but it worked at least." Picking up the book she carried it back to it's spot she had drug it from. "Want to try now?"

[emjay]

Minerva was just about to try the book for a possible test try when she heard her name and turned, "Hey Claudette, you found the room alright? I have never been in here." Figured it was something different at least. Glancing back at the book she shrugged, "I figured something easy for the first try. We have to use three things. I'm just trying to figure out what for the two." Maybe something in this room could work, than there was the extra credit she eyed up Claudette.

Well that could be asked later.

She turned towards the book and did her whipping motion with her wand hand. Feeling comfortable enough and concentrating she did the whip motion again, "Carpe Retractum" Watching as the familiar rope came from her wand and went around the book.

Keeping the concentration she began pulling it towards her. "Well that wasn't to bad. The books a bit heavier than I thought, but it worked at least." Picking up the book she carried it back to it's spot she had drug it from. "Want to try now?"Claudette gave Minerva a little smile as she turned around, then nodded. "Yes.. I've been finding my way around better." She could hardly believe she had been at this school for almost six months now, but she really felt like she knew the castle. Even if she was sure there were lots of secret passages and stuff that would probably be left undiscovered by her. "I've actually been to this room before," she added, her eyes snapping to several of the metal figures. It was still spooky in here and she left her previous thoughts unsaid.

Three things? That sounded familiar, though admittedly she hadn't paid that close attention to the notice board.. she trusted Min on it though. She took a glance around the room. Romanos probably wouldn't be thrilled to have them practice on her sculptures, though most of them probably weren't large enough anyway. She watched the Hufflepuff perform the spell with no problem and was fairly confident that she could do the same.

"Sure," she agreed as Minerva dropped the book back to its original place. Claudette pointed her wand at it, eyeing it for a moment, then whipped her arm towards the book as she commanded, "Carpe Retractum!" The rope shot out and wrapped around the book and it was pulled towards her. "You're right.. it is kind of heavy," she agreed as she caught the book with her other hand. "Um.." She took a quick look around. "What do you want to try it on now?" Maybe she should take a look in her tote bag, but Claudette was sure she didn't have anything heavy in there other than a book herself.

[Bazinga]

Claudette gave Minerva a little smile as she turned around, then nodded. "Yes.. I've been finding my way around better." She could hardly believe she had been at this school for almost six months now, but she really felt like she knew the castle. Even if she was sure there were lots of secret passages and stuff that would probably be left undiscovered by her. "I've actually been to this room before," she added, her eyes snapping to several of the metal figures. It was still spooky in here and she left her previous thoughts unsaid.

Three things? That sounded familiar, though admittedly she hadn't paid that close attention to the notice board.. she trusted Min on it though. She took a glance around the room. Romanos probably wouldn't be thrilled to have them practice on her sculptures, though most of them probably weren't large enough anyway. She watched the Hufflepuff perform the spell with no problem and was fairly confident that she could do the same.

"Sure," she agreed as Minerva dropped the book back to its original place. Claudette pointed her wand at it, eyeing it for a moment, then whipped her arm towards the book as she commanded, "Carpe Retractum!" The rope shot out and wrapped around the book and it was pulled towards her. "You're right.. it is kind of heavy," she agreed as she caught the book with her other hand. "Um.." She took a quick look around. "What do you want to try it on now?" Maybe she should take a look in her tote bag, but Claudette was sure she didn't have anything heavy in there other than a book herself.

Minerva looked at her and beamed "Oh you have? I hadn't been in here before. That bird scared me a bit when it chirped." She pointed to the bird sculpture. She then watched as Claudette did the spell and she clapped a bit. "That was great. Is Charms one of your strong classes?" She thought she knew, but maybe she had forgotten it had been a long term already with all the studying, easy to forget things.


Looking around Minerva wasn't sure what to try next. Maybe she should have thought of this better. She looked around the room and gave a small smile, "What about that bird over there. These sculptures have to be heavy enough. We won't hurt them if we move them a little bit and we can put them right back." Shouldn't be to hard at least.

She did the whip motion again. This was going to be harder and she knew it. It had to be heavy it was metal. Doing the whip motion, "Carpe Retractum" watching the ropes come out again and go around the bird she pulled with some strength to get it to move, but gentle enough not to break the sculpture. It moved just a bit. "It moved.. did you see it.. it moved." Even if it was just a little.

[emjay]

Minerva looked at her and beamed "Oh you have? I hadn't been in here before. That bird scared me a bit when it chirped." She pointed to the bird sculpture. She then watched as Claudette did the spell and she clapped a bit. "That was great. Is Charms one of your strong classes?" She thought she knew, but maybe she had forgotten it had been a long term already with all the studying, easy to forget things.


Looking around Minerva wasn't sure what to try next. Maybe she should have thought of this better. She looked around the room and gave a small smile, "What about that bird over there. These sculptures have to be heavy enough. We won't hurt them if we move them a little bit and we can put them right back." Shouldn't be to hard at least.

She did the whip motion again. This was going to be harder and she knew it. It had to be heavy it was metal. Doing the whip motion, "Carpe Retractum" watching the ropes come out again and go around the bird she pulled with some strength to get it to move, but gentle enough not to break the sculpture. It moved just a bit. "It moved.. did you see it.. it moved." Even if it was just a little.Claudette glanced over at the bird as Minerva pointed it out and she couldn't help but to chuckle. "Yeah.. it is really creepy down here.." She couldn't quite put her finger on it.. the dim lighting, the quality of the almost animated objects, or just the atmosphere.. but it was downright spooky. She gave an involuntary shudder, then added, "Last time I was down here, the girl I was with got so spooked that she sent defensive spells ricocheting off the wall." It was kind of funny thinking about it.

"Yeah," she nodded as she looked around. "Charms and Potions are my top classes.." Then her eyes snapped to Minerva. She wanted to try one of the sculptures? Yes, she supposed there were some in here that were big enough to qualify as heavy for this assignment, but she wondered what Romanos would think of them practicing on her figures. She looked at the bird, but before she could voice her thoughts, the other girl was already trying the spell.

She watched as Min did the spell and nodded with a smile. "Yes.. I do think it moved a little." Wow.. must have been heavier than she thought. And the girl had been right.. it just moved a little and didn't hurt it.. maybe she could give it a try. Claudette looked around the room for something suitable then jumped back a little as her eyes fell on a clabbert hanging from a beam in the ceiling. "Where did that.. ?" She stared at the mechanical creature for a moment.. had it been there before? Shrugging it off, she pointed her wand, then whipped it towards the sculpture. "Carpe Retractum!" The rope shot out and wrapped around the sculpture, pulling it towards her a bit as it stayed hanging from the ceiling. "It worked!"

[Bazinga]

Claudette glanced over at the bird as Minerva pointed it out and she couldn't help but to chuckle. "Yeah.. it is really creepy down here.." She couldn't quite put her finger on it.. the dim lighting, the quality of the almost animated objects, or just the atmosphere.. but it was downright spooky. She gave an involuntary shudder, then added, "Last time I was down here, the girl I was with got so spooked that she sent defensive spells ricocheting off the wall." It was kind of funny thinking about it.

"Yeah," she nodded as she looked around. "Charms and Potions are my top classes.." Then her eyes snapped to Minerva. She wanted to try one of the sculptures? Yes, she supposed there were some in here that were big enough to qualify as heavy for this assignment, but she wondered what Romanos would think of them practicing on her figures. She looked at the bird, but before she could voice her thoughts, the other girl was already trying the spell.

She watched as Min did the spell and nodded with a smile. "Yes.. I do think it moved a little." Wow.. must have been heavier than she thought. And the girl had been right.. it just moved a little and didn't hurt it.. maybe she could give it a try. Claudette looked around the room for something suitable then jumped back a little as her eyes fell on a clabbert hanging from a beam in the ceiling. "Where did that.. ?" She stared at the mechanical creature for a moment.. had it been there before? Shrugging it off, she pointed her wand, then whipped it towards the sculpture. "Carpe Retractum!" The rope shot out and wrapped around the sculpture, pulling it towards her a bit as it stayed hanging from the ceiling. "It worked!"

Minerva looked at Claudette and couldn't help but laugh, "She sent spells, what did she think the sculptures were going to harm her?" That was the most odd thing, but the more Min thought about it, it was Hogwarts. She jumped a little and stared toward the sculptures. Maybe they could finish up and get out of there. "It shows, you are really.. what the.." Min jumped with Claudette's focus, "I know that wasn't there before. This room freaks me out."

She watched as her friend braved it out and took hold of the metal creature. Watching her pull it, Min smiled, "You are so good at this." She looked around the room. "So you enjoying school or ready to go back to Beauxbaton? Oh do you know the students that are here for the competition?" Min knew they talked a bit about that during the first round, but maybe Claudette knew more about them now.

Spotting a bench in the corner she figured it looked like it was one of those older heavier ones. She did the whip motion, "Carpe Retractum" The ropes came out and went around the bench. She pulled, but just as she went to pull again something flapped a metal wing or leg or something and Min yelped and jumped losing focus. "Well that stinks, guess I need to try this one again." She took a breath and looked around at these creepy things again.

[sweetpinkpixie]

Was it just the lighting playing tricks or was Airey closer now? Not by much, but it was enough. Enough to suddenly make her hyper aware of plenty of things, including the fact that the holding of hands was occurring in...the present...moment. Continuing to possible future moments. A friendly gesture of course. Reassurance. That's what friends did. Colleagues. Hand holding. Yup. And if glancing to the southern region of his face had happened, then it was a complete accident.

Total accident. Total...ly. Fraction of a second.

Yet she took a deep breath as her small stretch of a smile grew into a lighthearted grin after he spoke. Reasons to be tense didn't make it far in her mind. They were squished down like a shoe on an ant! "Of course." she nodded, eyes narrowing with a slight mischievous twinkle. "I'm assuming nothing in the feline category, right?"
That. Airey caught that. Definitely caught where she had just glanced and he didn't need a book to tell him what that meant. At least the pit in his stomach was telling him that he didn't need to and he was being sent all sorts of signals and jolts in his head and limbs telling him he just needed to do it. And not with the excuse of it being an 'experiment' or because of some ice cream. But because he wanted to.

Only his brain was still too much in control of the situation to let instinct take over. So there was no leaning further in, but there was some more rubbing of her arms instead. Sort of awkwardly too. Erm.

"Right you are," he chuckled. "I'm a little lonely...but not THAT lonely." Maybe he could work towards a feline? Ha. Nope. The mere thought of owning one of those made his skin crawl and want to go hide in a Vanishing Cabinet. "So, when you look at me, what animal do you see?" he asked as he leaned just his head back a little while grinning from ear to ear.

[Roselyn]

That. Airey caught that. Definitely caught where she had just glanced and he didn't need a book to tell him what that meant. At least the pit in his stomach was telling him that he didn't need to and he was being sent all sorts of signals and jolts in his head and limbs telling him he just needed to do it. And not with the excuse of it being an 'experiment' or because of some ice cream. But because he wanted to.

Only his brain was still too much in control of the situation to let instinct take over. So there was no leaning further in, but there was some more rubbing of her arms instead. Sort of awkwardly too. Erm.

"Right you are," he chuckled. "I'm a little lonely...but not THAT lonely." Maybe he could work towards a feline? Ha. Nope. The mere thought of owning one of those made his skin crawl and want to go hide in a Vanishing Cabinet. "So, when you look at me, what animal do you see?" he asked as he leaned just his head back a little while grinning from ear to ear.

Right right. Having caught herself almost glancing to the arm rubbing thing he was doing to her, she smiled and nodded a few times more, gaze forced up. She was all too conscious of it. Why he was doing that, she didn't know, but, you know...

Question. Question was good. "Oh! Umm..." That was, a good question. A rather difficult one actually. The first picture that came to mind had morphed into that of a pet rock. And continued doing so until her thoughts went blank in just seconds timing. Oh dear. There were indeed, many choices to choose from. Too many in fact, now that she had to think about it, and being able to just stare at Airey's face with that smile of his without consequence wasn't the greeaatest of help either.

Goodness to Merlin.....

[sweetpinkpixie]

Right right. Having caught herself almost glancing to the arm rubbing thing he was doing to her, she smiled and nodded a few times more, gaze forced up. She was all too conscious of it. Why he was doing that, she didn't know, but, you know...

Question. Question was good. "Oh! Umm..." That was, a good question. A rather difficult one actually. The first picture that came to mind had morphed into that of a pet rock. And continued doing so until her thoughts went blank in just seconds timing. Oh dear. There were indeed, many choices to choose from. Too many in fact, now that she had to think about it, and being able to just stare at Airey's face with that smile of his without consequence wasn't the greeaatest of help either.

Goodness to Merlin.....
He was still staring. Sort of. His eyes were definitely drifting down and then back up to meet her gaze for sure. Not obvious at all. Nope. But something about what was on his mind just didn't seem right. Maybe he DID need the push of ice cream to get the job done? Or maybe it was just the setting. It was rather unprofessional and all...

Ahem. What? Yes. He had asked her something. Pets. Right. They were talking about pets.

Only she wasn't giving him an answer. "Am I...hopeless?" he asked as his grin faded just a tad. Destined to be petless?

[Roselyn]

He was still staring. Sort of. His eyes were definitely drifting down and then back up to meet her gaze for sure. Not obvious at all. Nope. But something about what was on his mind just didn't seem right. Maybe he DID need the push of ice cream to get the job done? Or maybe it was just the setting. It was rather unprofessional and all...

Ahem. What? Yes. He had asked her something. Pets. Right. They were talking about pets.

Only she wasn't giving him an answer. "Am I...hopeless?" he asked as his grin faded just a tad. Destined to be petless?


Slowly shaking her head before she even comprehended what he asked, Medea finally blinked and smiled as she quickly glanced elsewhere, the rosy red on her cheeks not at all held back. "No.... No, of course not." Erm? Don't mind heeeer. She was just standing there staring like a dolt. But after a cautious look back towards him, her gaze was unable to move elsewhere. With no words. Again.

But finger fiddling and hummingbird heartbeats could happen. Her feet worked too. One of them even took a small step forward. How 'bout that? And her toes...they were numb from sudden butterfly nerves but were certainly functional as she stood on the tippy tops of them. Her brain, was far too frozen to work properly however. Not when in the half seconds it took to process what she began to think of what to do, and what actually happened...

Medea leaned up and placed a hesitant kiss just on the corner of the astronomer professor's mouth.

[sweetpinkpixie]

Slowly shaking her head before she even comprehended what he asked, Medea finally blinked and smiled as she quickly glanced elsewhere, the rosy red on her cheeks not at all held back. "No.... No, of course not." Erm? Don't mind heeeer. She was just standing there staring like a dolt. But after a cautious look back towards him, her gaze was unable to move elsewhere. With no words. Again.

But finger fiddling and hummingbird heartbeats could happen. Her feet worked too. One of them even took a small step forward. How 'bout that? And her toes...they were numb from sudden butterfly nerves but were certainly functional as she stood on the tippy tops of them. Her brain, was far too frozen to work properly however. Not when in the half seconds it took to process what she began to think of what to do, and what actually happened...

Medea leaned up and placed a hesitant kiss just on the corner of the astronomer professor's mouth.
THAT got Airey grinning again. He wasn't hopeless. He COULD do this and come out with a pet of his own. Maybe this would be their summer adventure - looking for a pet. He hadn't been in a proper pet shop since, well, his first year when his parents had insisted he at least get an owl since "real wizards have animal familiars' or some rubbish like that.

He was in the middle of wondering where the best pet shop was - muggle one, of course - and contemplating what suit to wear when they went to it when IT happened.

IT.

He sort of just froze, still grinning, and stared at Medea for a moment. Okay. THAT meant...what exactly? A few vivid memories came back to him, a conversation that the two of them had yet to have, and a whooooooooooole lot of anxiety. He felt his fingers twitched, or at least imagined that they did, and he was almost sure that his mouth could move to speak. But none of that ended up happening because he just sort of stared back at her like a teenager trying to ask his crush to dance at the Yule Ball.

"......uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh..........."

No. Words. Not noises. Words. People skills, Airey Flamsteed.

"...you..." He pointed at Medea. "...me..." He pointed at himself. "....two times...."

[Roselyn]

THAT got Airey grinning again. He wasn't hopeless. He COULD do this and come out with a pet of his own. Maybe this would be their summer adventure - looking for a pet. He hadn't been in a proper pet shop since, well, his first year when his parents had insisted he at least get an owl since "real wizards have animal familiars' or some rubbish like that.

He was in the middle of wondering where the best pet shop was - muggle one, of course - and contemplating what suit to wear when they went to it when IT happened.

IT.

He sort of just froze, still grinning, and stared at Medea for a moment. Okay. THAT meant...what exactly? A few vivid memories came back to him, a conversation that the two of them had yet to have, and a whooooooooooole lot of anxiety. He felt his fingers twitched, or at least imagined that they did, and he was almost sure that his mouth could move to speak. But none of that ended up happening because he just sort of stared back at her like a teenager trying to ask his crush to dance at the Yule Ball.

"......uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh..........."

No. Words. Not noises. Words. People skills, Airey Flamsteed.

"...you..." He pointed at Medea. "...me..." He pointed at himself. "....two times...."


o.o

Fingers froze in a clasp of nerves while her heels found their way back on the ground, dark eyes staring straight at his tie in disbelief. Oh dear. Her brain was surely functioning again, going into overdrive on sooooo many reasons that wasn't a good idea.

Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh was right...

Planking had been momentarily expected to happen, but thank Merlin single words were spoken. Medea finally filled her lungs with much needed air, even if it were short. Him. Her. Twice. Twice? Good Merlin, twice. Twice was a lot. "I-I..." Was. Stuttering. Ahem.

She managed a twitch of an anxious smile and a slight shake of her head to kill a few seconds for proper thinking and composing herself. Apologizing was at the top of her mind. She...didn't ask permission after all. That was wrong. Though, she didn't want to apologize. Not...when...she wanted to do it. But, it wasn't up to her now.

"....Is that.......bad?"

[sweetpinkpixie]

o.o

Fingers froze in a clasp of nerves while her heels found their way back on the ground, dark eyes staring straight at his tie in disbelief. Oh dear. Her brain was surely functioning again, going into overdrive on sooooo many reasons that wasn't a good idea.

Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh was right...

Planking had been momentarily expected to happen, but thank Merlin single words were spoken. Medea finally filled her lungs with much needed air, even if it were short. Him. Her. Twice. Twice? Good Merlin, twice. Twice was a lot. "I-I..." Was. Stuttering. Ahem.

She managed a twitch of an anxious smile and a slight shake of her head to kill a few seconds for proper thinking and composing herself. Apologizing was at the top of her mind. She...didn't ask permission after all. That was wrong. Though, she didn't want to apologize. Not...when...she wanted to do it. But, it wasn't up to her now.

"....Is that.......bad?"
For whatever reason, it made HIM feel a little better that she was stuttering, but it did very little to ease the tension and the tingly feeling that was picking at his limbs. Nothing he had read in any of his books about human interaction and relationships could have prepared him for this - VERY disappointing since he had spent muggle money on them in a muggle bookstore to get them. Muggle money was a fascinating keepsake, you see.

He actually choked on some air when she asked her question, making it difficult to keep the smile on his face, but he did somehow manage to keep something there that was between a grimace and a smirk. "B-b-b-bad?" he said as he continued to gag on air a bit more. "Far....far....farfromit."

Coughing and gagging and choking had stopped now, but the astronomer's face was hard to read - a reflection of his thoughts at that moment. HE had no clue what to think and therefore words were having a hard time forming. This, he and Medea, was not something straightforward like classifying the luminosity of a star. It was still something organic. Natural. Something that both came easily and not. It...it just was.

Was what exactly? That was the million galleon question.

And so it was that, in a moment of so-called Gryffindor bravery, that the lanky Astronomy professor just said the first thing that came to his mind while his complexion rose dramatically in color. "I-I-I think about that night in the Tower Patch all the time....and how I....s-s-s-somewhere in the back of my mind hoped it wouldn't be the last time."

[Roselyn]

For whatever reason, it made HIM feel a little better that she was stuttering, but it did very little to ease the tension and the tingly feeling that was picking at his limbs. Nothing he had read in any of his books about human interaction and relationships could have prepared him for this - VERY disappointing since he had spent muggle money on them in a muggle bookstore to get them. Muggle money was a fascinating keepsake, you see.

He actually choked on some air when she asked her question, making it difficult to keep the smile on his face, but he did somehow manage to keep something there that was between a grimace and a smirk. "B-b-b-bad?" he said as he continued to gag on air a bit more. "Far....far....farfromit."

Coughing and gagging and choking had stopped now, but the astronomer's face was hard to read - a reflection of his thoughts at that moment. HE had no clue what to think and therefore words were having a hard time forming. This, he and Medea, was not something straightforward like classifying the luminosity of a star. It was still something organic. Natural. Something that both came easily and not. It...it just was.

Was what exactly? That was the million galleon question.

And so it was that, in a moment of so-called Gryffindor bravery, that the lanky Astronomy professor just said the first thing that came to his mind while his complexion rose dramatically in color. "I-I-I think about that night in the Tower Patch all the time....and how I....s-s-s-somewhere in the back of my mind hoped it wouldn't be the last time."


Between what could have been an awful case of the stutters or something else entirely and her own fit of nerves, Medea slowly started to frown even more. Until she registered what was said. It wasn't bad. It was...far from bad. Far. From. Bad. Did he hear that!? No, wait, of course he did. He said it. He...said that.

In fact, more words were being said and the more that was said, the more those nerves intensified into uncomfortable little critters crawling under her skin until she felt like one giant buzzing bee with the inescapable rosy burn rising upon her cheeks. Frolicking fireflies, goodness. Few words, but a whoooooole lot of meaning and a whole lot to take in.

"...Really?" she whispered softly, before faintly clearing her throat. "I-I...I mean, you.....really?"

[sweetpinkpixie]

Between what could have been an awful case of the stutters or something else entirely and her own fit of nerves, Medea slowly started to frown even more. Until she registered what was said. It wasn't bad. It was...far from bad. Far. From. Bad. Did he hear that!? No, wait, of course he did. He said it. He...said that.

In fact, more words were being said and the more that was said, the more those nerves intensified into uncomfortable little critters crawling under her skin until she felt like one giant buzzing bee with the inescapable rosy burn rising upon her cheeks. Frolicking fireflies, goodness. Few words, but a whoooooole lot of meaning and a whole lot to take in.

"...Really?" she whispered softly, before faintly clearing her throat. "I-I...I mean, you.....really?"
Really? What was that word supposed to mean in this context? Was that a really that meant 'you sure you feel that way, Airey Flamsteed?' or was it a really that meant 'I feel the same way about you, Airey Flamsteed!' or was it a really that was more 'ew, you do feel that way, Airey Flamsteed?' It was hard to translate the secret language of humanity.

Why couldn't she be speaking with gamma rays or something equally straight forward?

"Really," he squeaked back as he fiddled with his vest absently. "Is..........that bad?" he asked, echoing her same words from just moments ago.

[Roselyn]

Really? What was that word supposed to mean in this context? Was that a really that meant 'you sure you feel that way, Airey Flamsteed?' or was it a really that meant 'I feel the same way about you, Airey Flamsteed!' or was it a really that was more 'ew, you do feel that way, Airey Flamsteed?' It was hard to translate the secret language of humanity.

Why couldn't she be speaking with gamma rays or something equally straight forward?

"Really," he squeaked back as he fiddled with his vest absently. "Is..........that bad?" he asked, echoing her same words from just moments ago.


Ooooh my, take a breath, that really couldn't have been any more clear. Could it? There wasn't much room for hidden meanings. At least, with...this. Right? Maybe? Goodness knows, she wanted to believe that it were true. A really to her really was...wow. A rather marvelous really.

"N...no, actually." Shy smile upon her face, her gaze glanced down with a short shake of her head. "Far from it."

[sweetpinkpixie]

While the man may have felt like that awkward boy at the Yule Ball moments ago, he was now transported to another plane of existence entirely. One that defied the laws of physics entirely and with such few words Medea made him feel like he would just float away if gravity were suddenly taken away.

Maybe even with it still acting on his person even. Logical thinking seemed irrelevant right now.

His hands were now back in his pants pockets and he had to force himself to look at her directly. Now WHAT was he supposed to do? This WAS the point where the man was supposed to make the official gesture, right? It was what his social interaction books had suggested at least. But to do that he needed words and those were hard to find right now.

"Does this mean that we are....a we?"

[Roselyn]

Fiddling with her fingers, wrists, and sleeves that were pushed up to her elbows, she unconsciously bit the side of her lip as silence took over for a moment. Perhaps three, five, or fifteen seconds passed. Maybe. It felt like an eternity. Though no time was wasted for her gaze to flicker back to Airey, fidgeting coming to a halt.

We. Were they a we? An us?

She smiled, before she could form the words. A simple three letter word was all that was needed. Starting with a Y and ending with an S. Say it. Saaaay it. Say it say it say it say it. "I think so..."

Close enough.

[sweetpinkpixie]

The astronomer found himself holding his breath while waiting for her to answer, which surprised him quite a bit. He had not taken himself to be the sort that would be so anxious and apprehensive over this sort of answer. It was a refreshing sensation.

Even if it was torture.

And – if he was being entirely honest – he didn’t even hear what she had to say because the smile that graced her features said it all. Hands came out of his pockets and formed fists so he could perform a subtle double fist pump like all mature adults should do under such circumstances. Who would have thought that a simple request to help him find a living pet would have resulted in not only that request being accepted, but another one as well? Not this man, that was for sure.

He then took a small step forward and, because he felt like his hands should be doing something more than just being held out there in the air, patted Medea’s shoulders with them while he grinned like an idiot. “You, so, um, you, yes, thank you for agreeing to, you know, help me with finding a pet and, um, I'm glad you liked the butterfly...and I promise I won't smash it like I did the spider.” Patting the shoulders some more. Pat pat pat pat. “I should, um, go and um, iron my hands…TIES…I meant iron my ties.” And then he leaned forward and kissed her cheek gently. “So…um…I’ll….be seeing you…” He took a step to the side to start making his way out of the room. “…around…” and then moved his index fingers in circular movements in the air for unneeded emphasis.

[Roselyn]

She couldn't have smiled more even if she tried. Actually, her cheeks were starting to hurt, but those were the best smiles to have. Right? It was SO nice to get this off her chest. It...whatever it was called. All this stuff. And to have it be returned?

Speaking of return, the defense professor didn't really know how to return the, shoulder patting. Nevertheless, in a split second, she hesitantly reached up and patted his...elbows. Was the first reaching distance she landed upon so, elbow patting, yes. "Right, right, yea. Of course." She nodded. A lot. Noddiiiiing to whatever Airey said, having unfortunately flew through one ear and right out the other. Her thoughts were in a frenzy. Too much to sort through in a... few seconds time... Oh my.

Medea held her breath. If there was ever a moment where time appeared to stop, it was now. Seemingly almost enchanting how a simple kiss on a cheek could cause such an experience.

"Right." she breathed out faintly, with a single final nod and lingering gentle smile. "I'll...see you around."