In Some Dreaming State

Aubrey beamed when she complimented them on a job well done. Healing Quilson was one of their best accomplishments to date. It was what sparked their love of Herbology. The idea that maybe, just maybe magical plants can blossom better with muggle remedies and vice versa. It was a whole world of unexplored opportunities that Aubrey wanted to dive head first into. Plants and animals were two things Aubrey was passionate about. It was nice that just by sharing an experience with someone that they saw that in them. It made everything they had done worth it.

“Same!” Aubrey grinned and nodded their head. “Back at Hogwarts I’d have to be dragged out of the greenhouses. I could have lived there. Tried to once but it didn’t work out exactly,” They explained, laughing at the memory. “Took a sleeping bag and everything. Of course, I got caught by a prefect. My friend Cass tried to get me out of trouble but it didn’t work. I took the week’s worth of detention like a champ. To this day I still say it was worth it.” The mention of Dragonolgy peaked their interest and it had Aubrey leaning forward. Somehow they had missed that on the course list. “Really? I’ll have to see if I can get into that next semester I bet it’s fascinating. I wonder if the students in the course actually get to meet a dragon. Wouldn’t that be absolutely wild?”

Aubrey had been captivated by the idea of possibly taking a course on dragons that he almost forgotten that she had mentioned playing Quidditch. “So you play Quidditch?” They asked after a moment. Aubrey had never played before. Too many rules to remember but in the past they had been known to bet on the games and win a handsome sum. With a little help. “What position do you play? How long have you played? Oh, and because I’m purely curious and fascinated by the sometimes brutal sport…what’s the worst injury you’ve gotten from playing?”

Odd giggled at his story and could only imagine what the prefect thought when they had stumbled upon them. “In your defense, the Hogwarts greenhouses always did have a calm and cozy atmosphere, so I see the appeal.” She chimed in and nodded in understanding. “Ouch! A week? There have been worse things done by students with less of a punishment than that.” She made a ‘tsk’ sound and shook her head as she sipped at her coffee. She was greatly enjoying the company of the other, they held an air about them that was not only unique but a little mysterious and it intrigued her enough to want to learn a bit more about them. 

“That would! Maybe they even have some sort of internship? Lucky students get to intern in Romania at the Dragon Sanctuary? Get some first hand experience!” Odd stated and slid some of the dirty plates she had to the side where the waitress waved a wand in order to have them float away from the table and into the back. “Another thing would be interesting is if they let you care for a dragon egg, could you imagine?” She shared his fascination with the subject of Dragonology, when she’d heard about the subject it had her wanting to take it but she’d held back and decided her focus would be better spent on her Quidditch classes for the time being.

“Used to.” Odd clarified, brushing back a braid that had slipped out from behind her ear, “I was a Chaser, started playing with my siblings as a kid in grandma’s backyard for fun and when I was accepted into Hogwarts I joined Hufflepuff’s team.” I thad been so long since she’d talked about her playing that it had a bit of a bittersweet feeling to her. She’d stopped talking about her actually playing and mostly focused on her wanting to coach to hide from the events that lead to her to stop playing and lead to her aching and broken body. “Worst injury...” She acted as though she had to wonder but she knew. It was the one that caused her to stop playing, the final hit...

He swore he’d never be able to use anything his parents tried to teach him about healing. And he was not about to start saying that now. While it did come in handy, he was still a bit miffed he’d known how. But at least for her sake it wasn’t all for not. “Ya very welcome.” He smiled as he’d watched her inspect each of her cuts. It could have been so much worse and while he wasn’t sure he could have done it as quickly as she had, he felt more comfort in the relief she’d exuded upon finishing up. 

“Now tha’s wha’ I like ta hear.” He beamed. It was rather admirable that her attitude didn’t seem to sour too terribly bad. If anything he’d wished more people were like that but then again he probably wouldn’t have found it as endearing as he had if that were the case. “Sho’s are always a betta option. Plus ya go’ the legs ta make anyone weak.” Bit cheeky he thought but still he’d meant it all the same. And he’d be lying if he didn’t say he was intrigued by a little while longer in her company. “I thin’ a bi’ o’ a smokeo migh’ jus’ be in order.”

“Odd?” He questioned as he took her hand and gave a proper shake. “As in ya name’s odd o’ …..” It’d dawned on him that perhaps it was shortened. “You kno’ wha’ leave me in suspense.” Isaac was more for the mystical and this one in-particular had a very sweet way about them. And if for no other reason than he didn’t mind a little discovery along the way. His hand slid in her’s and gave the soft digits a light squeeze. “An’ the pleasure is mi’ I assure ya.” It was probably a bit too much on the charm but given their already hectic circumstances it wouldn’t hurt. 

Isaac took that moment to start their feet just before he’d left her hand go. Maybe if he’d acted like he knew where he was going it’d work out more in his favor. Not even that damn tour he’d taken from his house RA helped. But perhaps something in this would stick. Maybe. “So besides bein’ able ta pull all so’ts o’ creatures to ya, wha’s go’ ya back in here?”

Odd couldn’t help smiling at his encouraging attitude at her own calm demeanor. She just hadn’t thought to put the effort into being upset about it all. There really was no point and the more time passed the less she thought to linger on the terrible start to her morning. She couldn’t help but laugh at his little remark of her legs. “Well thank you,” Odd brushed back some loose braids from her face and gave a sheepish shrug. “Gotta work hard to keep them looking this good.” She quipped as she brushed off some of the dirt that was on her clothes and skin. “An I couldn’t agree more!” She could feel aches in her bones from the strain but chose to ignore it until she could get to her room for some of her pain medication.

Odd chortled as she agreed, “I can do that for you, no doubt.” She felt her face flush a bit at his charm, it seemed to come so naturally to him. It didn’t have her stumbling or thrown off guard. After the chaotic morning she’d had she didn’t think anything would throw her off for the rest of the day really. Besides she felt that he didn’t mean any harm with his charming attitude. When their hands released each other she took a few steps in the direction of the cafeteria, “If you mean back here on the trails, I enjoy a nice run before I start my morning classes.” Odd winked, a bit of a tease to the gentleman before shaking her head and looking forward at the trail. 

“I’m back at university to try to learn some more Quidditch tactics. Want to try being a coach for the professional teams since I couldn’t make it pro.” She knew that stating she didn’t make it to the big leagues wouldn’t warrent any more questions. Why didn’t you make it? Was not a question she ever got when she’d state that she couldn’t make it to the big leagues and she counted on it. “Thought I would brush up on my Quidditch before I went out and really tried for the job.”

Redbone - Childish Gambino || Stay the Same - Bonobo || Ghosts - Ibeyi I'm no Angel - Dido || Heart of Glass - Blondie || Elephant Woman - Blonde Redhead River - Ibeyi || Blood - The Middle East || Natural Blues - Moby || Jocelyn Flores - XXXTentacion Take it Easy - Jetta || Alright - Logic || Ridin Round - Kali Uchis || Classic Man - Jidenna Formation - Beyonce

Aubrey nodded, feeling rather proud of themselves for the feat. “Yeah, I got it all healed up nicely within a couple of weeks. Surprised myself a bit to be honest. I’ve never had to do anything like that before. Scared myself a bit especially because his leg is so teeny tiny and I felt like my hands were giant and I would hurt him on accident,” The Raven rambled on and on. “I don’t mean to toot my own horn but….toot, toot. I was quite pleased with myself when it worked. I used a mixture of muggle vet remedies and also magic ones.”

Aubrey leaned over to look inside of their jacket, eyeing the little rascal who was sleeping now that he had been fed. “I know it takes time. I’m just impatient and it doesn’t help that I’ve picked an animal that needs to be won over. I’ll get there though.” They closed their pocket back up and turned to the other. “I do,” They said cheerfully with a grin. “I haven’t taken anything with magical creatures yet. I wanted to settle in first and adjust to being back at school. I’m majoring in Herbology. Aside from saving magical creatures in my gardens at home I…well, I tend to my gardens. I think if I have some free time a semester I might take a course on magical creatures just for curiosity sake.”

They tilted their head listened as she doubted herself. It was a curious thing to admit to a stranger and briefly, Aubrey wondered why she would. “I think you should take a course on magical creatures. I can tell by how you talk about Pear and the things you’ve done for her that you’re good with them.” They shrugged, setting their fork down in their bowl and reached for their tea. Taking a small sip, Aubrey shifted their body so they were turned to face her and they got her an inquisitive look. “And if you do take a magical creatures course…maybe I’ll see you there.”

Odd couldn’t help chuckling when they made the toot sound and nodded. “I’ve heard muggle remedies can be useful. Sounds like it could have been a bit challenging, I know some Muggle remedies can be a bit confusing.” Odd had personally known how confusing some remedies could be, especially the advanced ones where there were things such as procedures and surgeries. Then it was confusing with all of the extra details, the healing process. Everything. She knew if she was in Aubrey’s shoes with Pear though, she would have done whatever it took to get the little critter back to tip top shape. Pear was her heart, the little thing had stolen it and kept it when she’d left for college. “Especially since his foot is so tiny. Makes it even harder, I admire your patience Aubrey.”

“I see! Herbology was always a favorite of mine when I was in Hogwarts. It’s a good subject to get into, least I always thought so. You could possibly be good at Magical Creatures with how you dote on Quilson here..” She brushed back some of her loose hair from her face and pushed the dirty plates to the side as she started to work on the coffee she had in front of her. “Thank you,” She smiled at their words and shrugged, “I’m only good with Pear though, haven’t really tested my skills with other creatures. I’m more of a Quidditch gal if I do say so myself.” She mused, “I’m taking Quidditch Tactics, planning on being a coach, or an advisor. Something of the sorts.”

“Not long actually,” Aubrey admitted to her. “Over the summer I was tending to our garden. My mum and I started it when I was younger and it’s been a tradition of ours. It’s huge and honestly it’s her pride and joy besides me, of course. Well, I was planting some foxgloves for my mum because they’re her favorite, and I fel-I saw something out of the corner of my eye rustling through a bush. I found him when I went investigating. His leg was messed up real bad but sure if he got caught in something or if something tried to get him.”

Actually, Aubrey could feel the little guy’s pain. It was the first time they had felt something that wasn’t human and it definitely was a new experience for them. Since meeting Quilson, Aubrey hadn’t another experience similar. Sometimes, they wondered if the pair were fate.

They poked a strawberry with their fork and brought it up to their mouth, chewing it slowly. “I brought him in and helped set his leg. Which was such a challenge because of how tiny their legs are. Magic definitely came in handy there.” Aubrey explained after they swallowed. They absentmindedly poked and prodded the fruit in their bowl with their fork. “Then I guess I just got attached to him and I didn’t want to let him go. Purely selfish on my part.” Aubrey glanced down at their pocket, smiling at the memory of meeting the knarl. “He might be grumpy but I adore him. Eventually I’ll break him down.”

“Poor baby...” Odd couldn’t help speaking upon hearing how they had managed to get Quilson. She was relieved that the knarl had at least found himself in the care of someone who honestly did have the creatures best intentions at heart and simply wanted to bond with him. “Well I’m glad that it was you that found him rather than someone or something else. His foot has healed properly since you’ve had him?” She questioned him as she took another bite of her breakfast.

“That’s a sweet story Aubrey. I’m sure eventually you’ll get him to warm up to you. Just keep at it.” She laughed lightly and took a sip of her drink before finishing off her eggs and such. “I’m curious...are you attending the university?” She asked with a tilt of her head, “If you are, have you taken any classes around magical creatures or are you interested in other things?” She was curious of her companion and seeing as their conversation on the knarl was drawing to a close she figured it would be interesting to learn more about the person.

“I’m enrolled there, but I’m not taking any creature classes. So I only know about knarls because of Pear.” She finished off the rest of her eggs and slid the finished plate off to the side as she started to work on her drink. “Thought I was considering taking a few side classes for them to learn more about others but I wasn’t too confident in myself.”

It didn’t feel as though he’d done a good thing as she’d said. While he couldn’t deny if he hadn’t done something the both of them would have been in a very different state, it was still hard to swallow that he’d had to. Whether or not the woman behind him could understand that struggle was another matter entirely. And not one he was really ready to get into right then. The muffled nonsense the troll seemed to be muttering wasn’t something he could readily recognize, other than it felt incredibly sad. While she went on, Isaac took another moment to cast a temporary sleeping charm. At least the creature could have a few moments peace before the handlers or whomever came to collect it.

He’d finally been able to give the creature’s prey his full attention. She seemed sweet and very nervous. Understandably so. Isaac simply shook his head at her denying his help. “I insist.” He offered, smiling softly at her. It was neither their fault, just the result of all beings expanding and he supposed this was probably a little oversight. He ducked down on the spot, inspecting her scrapes. A few looked a little deeper than he would have liked. “Won’ take lon’.” He assured her, peering up a moment with a small smile.

“Episkey.” He whispered, waving his wand back and forth slowly. The gashes slowly starting to mend up as if the skin was so easily pressed back together on it’s own. His smile stretched a little more it wasn’t often that he’d caught himself in awe of the power they each possessed but in this instance it seemed a little more precious. “I don’ think I ca’ save the pants.” He told her, muttering the next to spell away the blood at least. Once he was satisfied with his handiwork he’d finally raised up to join her upright.

“Jus’ don’ forget that wan’ again. Would hate to see anythin’ tryin’ ta use ya as an after supper snack.” He teased lightly as he stowed his wand away for safe keeping. Perhaps he ought to see to her, the troll would be fine on it’s own at least for the next few minutes. “Let me walk ya back. Or at leas’ fo’ a cup of tea or somethin’.”

She didn’t know what was going through the other’s head, or the emotions he felt. She felt relieved that someone had come to help her and she hadn’t gotten into any type of worse trouble than she had, but she was also relieved that the troll seemed to be alright enough that when returned to the creature quarters it would be just as normal as it had when it chased after her.

“Thank you..” Odd spoke quietly as he took a better look at the cuts on her body. She had taken a nasty fall and she could feel the improperly healed bones in her body ache from it but there was nothing that the gentleman before her could do. It was something she had learned to handle and deal with but the sudden faded pain from the fall was greatly appreciated. “Thank you...” She was quietly watching him heal her wounds, impressive with his skill. She wasn’t at all good at healing spells personally, mostly skilled in charms and transfiguration so seeing someone with more skill than she possessed was interesting, and she couldn’t help but feel a little envious.

“No it’s fine, I can just cut them and turn them into some jogging shorts..” She joked as he straightened and she took a look at her now healed and cleaned leg. “Honestly, I do appreciate it. Right place, right time...at least when it comes to you.” She couldn’t help the sheepish smile she flashed at him, “Obviously wrong place, wrong time for me.” She teased, wanting to make light of the situation as much as she could as she looked around to see if anyone was on their way to come and collect the Troll though she was sure they would be soon since the man had sent a flare up into the sky. “I'll make sure I won’t next time. I prefer myself being put together in one piece.”

“I...” she didn’t want him to feel he needed to help her, worried she came off as though she needed it but at the same time he was kind enough to offer. “I live off campus but...I wouldn’t mind company over to the cafeteria honestly.” Odd smiled at him kindly. She didn’t know how she would convey her appreciation to him, and it had her wondering if he would even take any type of thanks from her. He seemed kind enough, his disposition from what she saw was very proper in a way and she felt almost intimidated by him but she wasn’t going to let it wary her away. “I’ll buy you a cup of tea to show my appreciation.”