Grounds: The Topiary Garden

[Wilber Winterbottom]

Graphic credit: FearlessLeader19

The Topiary Garden is home to creatures both magical and mundane. From Hippogriffs to rabbits and everything in between, these figures have been trimmed from specially selected plants to provide a relaxing environment for you.

Take a seat on the grass or perhaps on one of the polished, wooden benches and inhale the crisp freshness of the air. More often than not, you may find yourself being distracted by a topiary as it waves to you or it randomly scratched its nose. Once in a while, they may even resort to performing a small hilarious act if they are not receiving enough attention. Professor Khanna asks that you refrain from interacting roughly with the topiaries. None would want a broken wing or a twisted paw.


OOC: The topiaries are charmed to move about, however their actions wouldn’t be anything over the top. There will be no attacking the students and professors or dragons breathing fire. You are free to RP for the topiaries as well as to decide what sort of creatures live in the garden!

[FearlessLeader19]

Aryan had wanted to check out the Topiary Garden the moment he had gotten back to Hogwarts. Unfortunately that was not to be as that time was allotted to him for resettling in for his third year {how was he the age for this already?} then the next day there had been a full day of classes. Not to mention he had gotten himself caught up in a mood since his return to the Castle, a mood that saw him talking even less and a feeling of stress had come over him. So it was after all those classes that Ary finally have the time to make his way there, with Drake by his side. Even if he didn’t at all feel enthusiastic about the visit anymore.

There were a ton of things that he wanted to say to Drake right now: that the Topiaries could move {his source? Professor Khanna themself}, that the greenery and creatures were a combination of their likes, and other stuff he had been grappling with for an entire year. Aryan passed into the Garden silently instead.

[Chelliephone]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

Aryan had wanted to check out the Topiary Garden the moment he had gotten back to Hogwarts. Unfortunately that was not to be as that time was allotted to him for resettling in for his third year {how was he the age for this already?} then the next day there had been a full day of classes. Not to mention he had gotten himself caught up in a mood since his return to the Castle, a mood that saw him talking even less and a feeling of stress had come over him. So it was after all those classes that Ary finally have the time to make his way there, with Drake by his side. Even if he didn’t at all feel enthusiastic about the visit anymore.

There were a ton of things that he wanted to say to Drake right now: that the Topiaries could move {his source? Professor Khanna themself}, that the greenery and creatures were a combination of their likes, and other stuff he had been grappling with for an entire year. Aryan passed into the Garden silently instead.

It had been quite obvious to Drake was something was off in his best mate when they'd made it back to school. Initially, he had the nagging self conscious thoughts he was prone to that maybe HE had done something to upset him, and while there were still moments where he considered that possibility... Ary hadn't pulled away completely, considering this putting in itself, and so Drake pushed those thoughts away. Still... There had to be something that was going on. And as much as Drake wanted to ask and offer his assistance, he also didn't want to invade Ary's privacy. He figured if it was something Aryan wanted to discuss, he would have done so.

But also..... Drake WAS only 13 and his patience could only last so long until worry won the overall battle.

Walking along with Ary through the Topiary Garden, not taking as much joy in it as one would have assumed from the plant obsessed teen, he watched his friend out of the corner of his eye. They'd hardly gotten all the way in before patience was declared the loser and Drake spoke. "... Are you alright?"

[FearlessLeader19]

SPOILER!!: Duck! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

It had been quite obvious to Drake was something was off in his best mate when they'd made it back to school. Initially, he had the nagging self conscious thoughts he was prone to that maybe HE had done something to upset him, and while there were still moments where he considered that possibility... Ary hadn't pulled away completely, considering this putting in itself, and so Drake pushed those thoughts away. Still... There had to be something that was going on. And as much as Drake wanted to ask and offer his assistance, he also didn't want to invade Ary's privacy. He figured if it was something Aryan wanted to discuss, he would have done so.

But also..... Drake WAS only 13 and his patience could only last so long until worry won the overall battle.

Walking along with Ary through the Topiary Garden, not taking as much joy in it as one would have assumed from the plant obsessed teen, he watched his friend out of the corner of his eye. They'd hardly gotten all the way in before patience was declared the loser and Drake spoke. "... Are you alright?"

Please, Drake. As if you could do anything wrong.

From their blanket and pillow fort up in their dorm to his friend’s usual chatter, Ary was grateful for Drake being preoccupied with other things. Ary would have been lying to himself if he said that those closest to him hadn’t noticed that he was off. That was how he was though: he tended to withdraw; he got even quieter.

He certainly appreciated Drake not asking him what was wrong. But already Ary was considering the possibility of actually confessing to him all that had been going on in his head for a year now. Should he do so now? Or should he put on a show and be cheery? Because Aryan was certain that he was going to spoil both his and Drake’s enjoyment of this garden. He had so badly wanted him and Drake to be out here together because of the combination of greenery and ‘creatures’; like Drake was flora and Ary was fauna. But before a decision could be arrived at, Drake unknowingly made the decision for him.

How should Ary answer that question? Honestly, of course. He shook his head. “No,’’ he replied, looking around everywhere but Drake. He squinted at their nine o’clock. “Is that a hippogriff?” He pointed where the topiary was flapping its magnificent wings. Lowering his hand, Ary sighed softly. “Been dealing with something for a bit now. Just didn’t say anything because it could make things go very bad between you and Bry.” And the two had been making such headway in their friendship. The guy shrugged. “But it’s fine. I’ll figure it out.”

[Chelliephone]

Drake was quite certain he could do a plethora of things wrong! He was human, which meant as much as he didn't want to ever upset people with his own actions, it was sometimes going to be inevitable wasn't it? But still, he would have been quite pleased to know that whatever it was going on with Ary was not a direct result of something bad he'd inadvertently done.

Truly he would have liked to have been even more patient for him so Aryan didn't feel like he HAD to tell Drake anything. And yet.... He was just too concerned. It was a flaw, for certain, but one he was giving into because he cared. Though he would have assured Aryan too that nothing could spoil their time together. Drake loved being outside with him, and relished any time that he had that he could spend with his best friend. Plus this WAS the perfect Flora&Fauna hangout.

The boy's attention turned fully to his friend as his face fell slightly at the answer. He knew that, but still he was upset for Ary. In any other circumstances, the attempt to distract him probably would have worked too. As it was, Drake reached out and gave his friend's hand a small squeeze. "Do you want to talk about it? It might be easier to just... Get whatever is weighing on you off your chest?" Drake didn't quite understand what news would make things poorly for him and Bryony when they'd made such progress over the summer but... "I think.... While it's admirable that you're trying to work through whatever it is on your own so as not to affect us, it's not your responsibility to have to. I know you CARE but I feel pretty certain I can speak for Bryony and I both when I say we do too and we wouldn't want you to put pressure on yourself for our sakes. We're big kids!" Drake was very much not, but still he straightened his shoulders and stood up a little taller, giving Ary a small smile to convey reassurance. Although if he didn't want to talk, Drake also certainly wouldn't force him.

[FearlessLeader19]

SPOILER!!: Duck! <3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelliephone

Drake was quite certain he could do a plethora of things wrong! He was human, which meant as much as he didn't want to ever upset people with his own actions, it was sometimes going to be inevitable wasn't it? But still, he would have been quite pleased to know that whatever it was going on with Ary was not a direct result of something bad he'd inadvertently done.

Truly he would have liked to have been even more patient for him so Aryan didn't feel like he HAD to tell Drake anything. And yet.... He was just too concerned. It was a flaw, for certain, but one he was giving into because he cared. Though he would have assured Aryan too that nothing could spoil their time together. Drake loved being outside with him, and relished any time that he had that he could spend with his best friend. Plus this WAS the perfect Flora&Fauna hangout.

The boy's attention turned fully to his friend as his face fell slightly at the answer. He knew that, but still he was upset for Ary. In any other circumstances, the attempt to distract him probably would have worked too. As it was, Drake reached out and gave his friend's hand a small squeeze. "Do you want to talk about it? It might be easier to just... Get whatever is weighing on you off your chest?" Drake didn't quite understand what news would make things poorly for him and Bryony when they'd made such progress over the summer but... "I think.... While it's admirable that you're trying to work through whatever it is on your own so as not to affect us, it's not your responsibility to have to. I know you CARE but I feel pretty certain I can speak for Bryony and I both when I say we do too and we wouldn't want you to put pressure on yourself for our sakes. We're big kids!" Drake was very much not, but still he straightened his shoulders and stood up a little taller, giving Ary a small smile to convey reassurance. Although if he didn't want to talk, Drake also certainly wouldn't force him.

Ary wouldn’t see it as a flaw, at least not where Drake was concerned. See, he knew his friend’s ‘impatience’ came from a place of concern. Being so caring was one of Drake’s strongest traits; Ary counted himself lucky to have another friend who has his wellbeing at heart.

Catching Drake’s expression, the younger guy quickly shook his head. “I’ll be okay. I can bounce back from things like that.” After he had processed and felt all the emotions, that is. That squeeze certainly helped as evident by the small smile he broke into. Ary remained silent, listening to Drake’s words of wisdom and mulling them over. “Has anyone ever told you that you can easily make one feel better?” Because Drake’s advice had heartened him. Besides, he knew that spilling his secret to Drake would be far easier than spilling it to Bry.

Ary focused his gaze on a topiary Fwooper which, much to his amusement, seemed to be yawning. “I do think I need to let it out so here goes. I have a crush on you. And Bry. At the same time.” Was that how one confessed feelings? The guy didn’t know but what he did know was that the burdensome feeling on his shoulders had been lifted greatly.

[Chelliephone]

SPOILER!!: Fauna!

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

Ary wouldn’t see it as a flaw, at least not where Drake was concerned. See, he knew his friend’s ‘impatience’ came from a place of concern. Being so caring was one of Drake’s strongest traits; Ary counted himself lucky to have another friend who has his wellbeing at heart.

Catching Drake’s expression, the younger guy quickly shook his head. “I’ll be okay. I can bounce back from things like that.” After he had processed and felt all the emotions, that is. That squeeze certainly helped as evident by the small smile he broke into. Ary remained silent, listening to Drake’s words of wisdom and mulling them over. “Has anyone ever told you that you can easily make one feel better?” Because Drake’s advice had heartened him. Besides, he knew that spilling his secret to Drake would be far easier than spilling it to Bry.

Ary focused his gaze on a topiary Fwooper which, much to his amusement, seemed to be yawning. “I do think I need to let it out so here goes. I have a crush on you. And Bry. At the same time.” Was that how one confessed feelings? The guy didn’t know but what he did know was that the burdensome feeling on his shoulders had been lifted greatly.

He was certain that that was true and that Ary could bounce back from things, but that didn't mean that it wasn't a difficult process in the mean time. And Drake just hated seeing his friend having a hard time, and he desperately wished there was some (however miniscule) way of making him feel better now instead of just... In the future. At the compliment, the boy gave a tiny half smile. "I think you're the first that's said that." Gilly and Etta had both at times made him feel like his presence calmed them or helped when they were feeling down, but to his recollection neither had outright said it - not that he expected that high of praise from anyone. Plus, he didn't do it for praise - he just wanted his people happy or at the bare minimum, to feel supported.

Drake missed the Fwooper's actions (which he would be sad about later) because he was focused on studying his friend's face. Though certainly nothing he saw there could have prepared him for the admission. Had Aryan stated he had a crush on Bryony (which Drake honestly expected and ever since his own complicated thoughts had surfaced he'd squashed them down because it was silly to even entertain them), Drake wouldn't have been surprised. In fact, he might have even let slip an 'obviously'. But.... The fact the boy also had a crush on him was something he'd never truly considered.

But...... There it was out in the open. Drake could actually feel a smile start to stretch on his lips, but the moment he remembered this was a source of consternation for his friend, he quickly moved his hand to cover it until he could gain control of his muscles again. "And I guess you think if Bryony knows she'll be mad at me for it?" Which .... He wasn't entirely certain what that outcome would be, but Bryony not liking HIM was far more likely than her taking issue with Ary, he supposed. "I stand by though that... I don't think it's your responsibility to have to monitor how Bryony and I react to each other. You can't help your feelings. And I certainly wouldn't blame you for them." Now, now he was very certain he was out of his element for talking to Bry's feelings, so Drake made no attempt.

Feeling like perhaps his face was under control again, Drake dropped his hand and pretended to be very interested in a hedged Grindylow, which the legs were moving slightly as if it was still submerged in water as well. "I... I don't want to complicate things further, so I'm only sharing this in the spirit of honesty and .. and because I appreciate you telling me how you feel. But .... Ihaveacrushonyoutoo." It was exciting to say out loud and yet, he couldn't help the twinge of guilt he felt too - both towards Bryony and Aryan in case Drake saying as much made things any harder.