The stern Professor liked his daily fix of sunlight too, okay? Despite popular opinion he didn't' fancy sitting in an office all day brewing up plans to make the kids miserable. That's only on Tuesdays.

And also, Merlin was making an awful lot of noise. Meaning a) the dog had to take a dump or b) there was a squirrel outside that needed chasing. In all likeliness, the answer was a. So James had to let him out of course.

It just so happened to work out that the Professor was planning on taking a break anyways. There were only so many essays you could read on the practicality of pet nifflers. After reading about 3 all the rest started to sound the same. Though, he did applaud the one that turned in a food-stained essay. That kid had knocked himself down to P level without a look at the first sentence. A grand accomplishment.

Anyways, all of that was beside the point. The point was that James Draper was out with Merlin, the dog who really had to pee, and it was a really really nice day. Oh, and they weren't alone. "Miss Lynch," he nodded as he walked around the barn over to the play area. Merlin was long gone, trying to find a private bush so that he could attend to business. Ahem. When you gotta go, you gotta go.

"Are you a crup person, or a kneazle person?" he asked curiously with a sideways glance over to Daisy.

James watched Daisy, rather amused at her antics. You'd think after spending so much time teaching the crups how to fetch a ball, they'd be willing to do it. Though, she probably picked up on the fact that there wouldn't be any treats involved had she retrieved it... They were smart creatures, those crups.

Merlin hadn't returned quite yet, so James attention remained undivided as he listened to Hady's answer. He paused for a moment, decided that he would've much rather heard a definitive answer from her end. Though it would've shut one group out over the other, at least it'd be honest. Though her answer wasn't terrible either, he nodded. Meant she wouldn't form opinions without the proper insight. Very intelligent and incredibly calculated.

"You sure you don't belong to the blue house?" he asked amused. And though he was only joking, he could never be sure how his tone came off. Had a very distinct sense of humor, apparently. Anyways, he did have more to say to the girl regarding what they had gone over not too long ago, but with Merlin still out and about... He had time.

He liked being out with the creatures. Perhaps it was one of the times James was most approachable. The animals had that sort of effect on him, softening his often times cold demeanor. He watched Daisy for a few moments longer before returning his gaze back to the young Slytherin.

He could make the argument for Ravenclaw, but the yellows? He'd have to disagree with Hadleigh on that one. Maybe the Professor was just feeding into the stereotype, he definitely was, but he didn't see her as a fit for Hufflepuff. But more on that matter in a second. She was asking a question now.

"Most creatures do," he nodded. Well, unless you were going to adopt a pygmy puff, but really those silly creatures only belonged to those who liked prancing around in pinky tutus. Which meant Airey Flamsteed was probably a proud owner of three. He wouldn't put it past the catastronaut. "Crups want a lot of attention and you have to be willing to give it to them." Attention seeking creatures, really. "But they're a man's best friend. Or a young woman's, in your case." So the benefits far outweighed the costs.

10/10 recommend.

Also, "I can see the blue house," yes they were going back to this. "But your ambition far outweighs that." Which is why she was green, naturally. "And speaking of which, I've got some good news," he smiled.

Which he never did very often, alright?

He considered the question, "That depends," meaning there wasn't actually a clear-cut answer out there. Which was the case for many of the questions his students posed. Contrary to popular belief, not everything would be spelt out for them. It was the fatal flaw of nativity: thinking everything is black and white. Though he knew this wasn't exactly the case with this particular student. "They all have different temperaments and behaviors much like humans." For example, James Draper had the temperament of a dementor according to some of his students. Whilst Paul Myers had the temperament of a baboon. Or a sea otter.

"Best spend time with the one you want before taking him home." Just a word of advice.

He nodded in response to her thanks, noting her politeness, another fundamental quality many of the younger students could care less about. "Well Miss Lynch, that also depends." He said, looking around to see if Merlin had returned, which he had. The dog was now basking in the sun of course. Lazy mutt. "Are you still interested in summer internships?" Because spoiler alert: her interest is what it depended on.

He nodded, knowing very well that if the girl was as serious about her creatures at home as she was about the ones at Hogwarts, then they'd be in good hands.

Anyways, as for the good news. "Excellent," he grinned, pulling a folded piece of parchment from his pocket. "I went ahead and reached out to some of my contacts from university," he had connections, mhm. "And there are a few opportunities that I thought you may be interested in." See, despite popular opinion James Draper did in fact care about his students. Not in the sense to go advertising it to everyone because he would never admit it out loud. But he cared. This was just one of the few ways he'd show it.

But Merlin forbid he go around singing songs to them like Poncho Paul. No, he'd let the more eccentric Professors take that role. James carefully opened the folded parchment before looking back up at the young Slytherin. "There is an opportunity to shadow or intern at a small, private animal hospital over in London," which would most definitely be right up her alley. "I know the head Doctor well and can help you with recommendations," but only because she was a good student. He'd never offer the same to some of the others. "I would also consider looking at this reserve in Ireland, they have a variety of rescued creatures that you may not have the opportunity to work with while in class," he pointed to the second item on his list as he handed over the parchment.

"I've listed some other places here too, as well as how to contact them. Though I think the first two options will be more relevant to your intended path of study," he nodded. "Most places will require an application and you may need to send in a letter of recommendation as well." Which, he could provide if she wanted. "And while I don't think interviews are needed for all of them, you may want to consider that as well." She was getting all of this, yeah? "I'd recommend choosing one or two first, before applying to too many." He waited for her to take it all in.

Questions? Comments? Concerns? None of the above?

Yes, yes, he was incredible. He knew that, of course. Hold the applause.

He gave the Slytherin some time to read over the options, looking over to make sure that Merlin was still happily sat in place. Pft. And they though James Draper didn't care. Of course he cared. But it was always easier when they thought he didn't, so Hady wouldn't slip word of any of this, yes? Because James rather liked the reputation he had built for himself here.

Friends weren't necessary. James much rather have respect.

Anyways, "That all depends on which one you choose, shadowing will most likely provide the most flexible hours..." He nodded, "But that's why I left the contact information for you. Best do that sort of research on your own time." He did a lot for her, but also self sufficiency was a good trait, yes?

As for her second question, he thought about it for a moment. "I'd choose whichever peaked my interest," it probably wasn't the straight forward answer she was looking for. He wasn't good at those apparently. But he would've chosen the reserve, only because it was similar to his experience in Brunei and he loved that. Though she was an entirely different story, "You have to decide that much on your own. They will all be impressive on your university applications, so choose whatever you want to do most. First instincts are usually the best ones." Or did he think so because he was a Gryffindor?

Solid advice. Ten points to Draper.