demetrius-haggarty

[demetrius-haggarty]

*Boops Meech between the eyebrows.*

:)

You know, I was told once that if I frown with dedication in my brows, I'll be able to catch booping fingers in the creases in between. Not that I've been practicing that... Not most efficient self defence. But you're a rare person who reaches this high. What if your finger gets stuck?

*Meech frowns.*

Sorry, I didn't get a great deal of sleep last night. Ignore me.

*He violently shakes his head. Perhaps he can catch a nap somewhere between classes.*

[demetrius-haggarty]

Meech realized that there was no point in hiding anymore. He gulped down his nerves.

As he shimmied along the tables to his normal seat, he didn't look away from Asani's wand even for a moment.

Asani flies into the classroom, runs up to your desk, and slams her hands on the table: "FELIX!"

She gets a wand out of her pocket and aggressively points at the gramophone in the middle of the classroom, casting a spell. Loud music starts booming all over the place.

"FELIX, SHOW US YOUR BEST DANCE MOVE!"

Felix blinked in surprise, his quill freezing mid-sentence as the sudden sound of Asani’s voice rang through the classroom. Before he could so much as utter a "Hello?", she was already slamming her hands on his desk.

"Asani, wha-" he started, but his words were drowned out by the music that erupted from the gramophone. The classroom seemed to shudder with the beat, the booming rhythm made his chair vibrate, and a few startled students peered over their books with wide eyes.

He glanced around the room, then back at Asani's determined expression. Felix' lips twitched.

"Alright, why not?" he relented, standing up and brushing off his robes. "But don't laugh too hard, alright?"

[demetrius-haggarty]

Sorry, a what wind again?

I almost saw Imelda smiling today in Potions class! Can you believe it?

It was probably excessive cabbage wind.

[demetrius-haggarty]

*Should Aileen look in the direction of the Gryffindor table after the note makes its rounds back to the original sender, she will see Demetrius giving Aileen a little wave and a few nods in agreement. She did bring up a good point — Meech's hands might actually be too big. But better a little too tight than going to the Hospital Wing with the cabbage bites (again).*

*Through a small chain of dorm mates, classmates and random students, a note gets passed to Aileen from the Gryffindor table. The piece of parchment in question looks a little torn on one side. One can only assume that some small animal bit a chunk out of it.*

Aileen, good morning! I have a favour to ask of you. Do you mind if I borrow your dragon-hide gloves for a moment today? I think I misplaced mine. Today is, as luck would have me, a Chinese Chomping Cabbages Feeding Day. As you can see, I find myself in a bit of a predicament. Meech

Pewter blues attentively focus on her breakfast, fearing another incident of food horrors. Aileen hardly notices when the parchment lands near her plate. It requires a clearing of a throat nearby for her to take it between her fingers, continuing to hold suspicion towards the tomatoes.

A gasp falls from her lips and she quickly scrawls her reply on the back of the torn parchment.

Oh goodness! Of course, you can borrow mine. I only hope that they aren't too snug of a fit for you. Meet me near the viaduct courtyard after our first class and I will give them to you.

[demetrius-haggarty]

The Gryffindor gives a hearty laugh after hearing about the boots. He watches how Theo turns the fox on the ground into a wiggling barking puddle and moves a little closer.

'I understand it all too well. You know that gramps doesn't make much, between collecting monster parts and our little farm? Despite my parents sending us plenty of money, most of that went into, er... Paying off my great aunt's debt?'

He mumbles on the topic a little, always reluctant to talk about Catrin's disappearance.

'We were saving where we could, and if you remember, and I hope you don't, most of what I wore until recently were hand-me-downs. We couldn't buy anything new. I outgrew all the earlier uniforms too fast,' Meech laughs and scratches his head. 'As far as the boots go, I only had one pair of my size at any given time. Well, until my parents found out and gave both me and gramps a good scolding. Mam was furious!'

His hands itch to pet the creature on the ground but he doesn't dare to come closer until the clear invitation is barked out.

'Sounds like my talks have tired out the prince,' the Gryffindor chuckles. 'Aren't you a fluffy attention seeker? Yes, you are, who else!'

He crouches down and finally pays attention to the needy fluff. Meech's hands are large and calloused, but the touch is gentle and thorough. Years of looking after animals at Catrin's camp and Beasts classes taught him that animals are kinder than humans. A good scratch behind the ear, soft cheek rubs, some attention under the chin. And, of course, the belly.

Demetrius notes that the fox's coat is much cleaner than that of a wild creature. The boy is not as skittish, perhaps he gets plenty attention from other students. Why else is he so close to the castle?

'Theo, have you seen this one around before?' he asks and suddenly frowns. 'Merlin, do we have to fox-proof the greenhouse too now? The bunny corn won't survive such a princely visit.'

Ah, she is walking barefoot again! Let's see how she likes THIS move, that'll teach her!

Half way through the random fox forgets why it was doing what it did to begin with, and runs around with your shoe playfully.

Theo isn't even done questioning her ankles before she spots the blur of red, but it's already too late! The fox has run away with her shoes!

"Meech, did you just see that?!"

She doesn't have time to think before she sprints after the fox, sprinting to keep up with him. It's a good thing that she's used to running with no shoes on.

She finally catches up, winded and trying to corner him into a tree of some sort...but the spry thing seems far too amused to be contained, bounding around with her boot happily.

"Hey! Give that back!" She lunges, but misses. She almost resigns to being barefoot forever, unless she can entice this mysterious fox with something else. She sits crossed legged across from him, thinking for some reason that maybe flattery might do it.

"Aren't you a pretty fox? Come here over here, won't you? Please? Such a lovely coat...!"

[demetrius-haggarty]

Aww, baby cabbages? That's really cu—

*The catapult catapults.*

They are just babies...

What would you like for Christmas? I plan to stay well ahead of schedule this year!

Not sprouts.

[demetrius-haggarty]

Sebastian, have you ever walked onto somebody being preoccupied with their, hmm, hot dogs? Do you comment or just leave before they notice you?

Interrupting a meal can be quite the awkward thing. Unless I am invited to partake in said sausages, then it is my opinion that it's most polite to quietly leave them to enjoy.

I suppose you could always ask to join if you're hungry, though not everyone may be in the mood to share.

[demetrius-haggarty]

At the back of the classroom, the heat was palpable. Even with the windows swung wide open, the heat of the air pressed down mercilessly, and any draught that miraculously made its way into the room only replaced stale air with another batch.

The student next to you took their parchment in hand and fanned themselves, droplets of sweat rolling down their forehead. In a low voice, they turned towards you, “I burn for you, Felix. I actually do.”

Felix needed a few seconds to process the words before he quickly covered his face, trying to stifle the laughter bubbling up. Once he managed to compose himself - just barely - Felix leaned slightly towards his classmate.

"I see," he murmured back. "I already thought something smelled really lovely." 

[demetrius-haggarty]

“ICEBERG , ICEBERG!”

[demetrius-haggarty]

Meech looks at Lilith pleadingly.

'I still don't get it.'

*Builds three small towers made out of coffee beans on your nightstand and waddles away.*

That's a lot of beans to flick.

[demetrius-haggarty]

Demetrius wonders if he should help Theodora to put her boots back on: the feets situation got him rather flustered. He doesn't dare to look anywhere but his friend's face, when he notices some movement right beside them. In a blink of an eye some dog-sized creature sprints away. With something that looks suspiciously like a boot. Did Meech hear an excited squeal come from it mid the burglary?

Meech, did you just see that?!'

The Gryffindor mumbles something incoherent. A fox? What is a fox doing here?

He runs after Theodora (which isn't too hard) but with a chuckle. Not the first time he's been dealing with a mischievous woodland critter. It wants to play, so naturally loosing them isn't the plan.

Meech leans against a tree, watching the two redheads sort their boot business out. He wants to pet the fox. It's coat really does look well taken care of, almost as if it is somebody's pet.

'Theo, are you sure you really want that boot?'

Ah, she is walking barefoot again! Let's see how she likes THIS move, that'll teach her!

Half way through the random fox forgets why it was doing what it did to begin with, and runs around with your shoe playfully.

Theo isn't even done questioning her ankles before she spots the blur of red, but it's already too late! The fox has run away with her shoes!

"Meech, did you just see that?!"

She doesn't have time to think before she sprints after the fox, sprinting to keep up with him. It's a good thing that she's used to running with no shoes on.

She finally catches up, winded and trying to corner him into a tree of some sort...but the spry thing seems far too amused to be contained, bounding around with her boot happily.

"Hey! Give that back!" She lunges, but misses. She almost resigns to being barefoot forever, unless she can entice this mysterious fox with something else. She sits crossed legged across from him, thinking for some reason that maybe flattery might do it.

"Aren't you a pretty fox? Come here over here, won't you? Please? Such a lovely coat...!"

[demetrius-haggarty]

Alsius,

Thank you for the healing salve. You have no idea how much this will come in handy! A tree bite here, a Kneazle scratch there, paper cuts — there is no shortage of situations. Hope the dumplings were to your liking!

Demetrius

Alsius!

It just so happens that you get this card on Valentine's Day but don't mean anything romantic by my gesture. I wanted to thank you for your help when I fell off my new broom some time ago. I am a little unsure about using Floos, and then the walk to the Hospital Wing itself is taxing. So thank you! William is right, the stairs really can be evil sometimes...

I baked something for Felix and Andrew today with the help of a Hufflepuff I know. I hope you too like Clootie Dumplings! My grandma used to make them often. Happy Valentine's Day after all, I suppose!

Demetrius Haggarty

[Alsius breathed a sigh of relief. Finally a valentine he knew how to answer without embarrassingly fumbling over a response.] Demetrius,

No thanks necessary. I was glad to help and I'm relieved that you are on the mend. The floo network is typically quite safe so long as you enunciate, but I understand the hesitancy when you're already injured. If I'm quite honest, I've yet to understand why the Hospital Wing is so inconveniently located to the ill and injured...

I've never had clootie dumplings before, but I am sure they will be enjoyable. It's a very kind gesture. Thank you for thinking of me.

I'm not used to having things on hand to give as gifts, but I have sent along a small tin of healing salve, should you ever find yourself in need of one. I developed the compound myself. Rest assured it is extremely gentle but highly effective.

Kindest regards, Alsius

[demetrius-haggarty]

Felix,

I hope your dorm mates are ok with sharing space with my greens. I will feed them before passing them into your care. They should be good and sleepy for a couple of days as they process the nourishment. A dark box somewhere quiet is all they need to distress.

I will, of course, leave some extra snacks for them with you, in case the Ravenclaw Tower ends up being a restless place after all.

I heard Lilith has done a number on the Hospital Wing a while back with... Coffee beans? I pray that the cabbages never get their teeth on the stuff. Caffeine will turn them into hyperactive toothy shredders even if they are not hungry. It is a good think you share a room with Alsius.

Grateful for the opportunity,

Cabbage Wizard

P.S. Oh, so if something happens to Clem Allegra will get in trouble? Sounds like I need to tighten up security in the greenhouses. Thank you!

Felix,

Any chance I may ask you to shelter a few of my chomping cabbages for a night or two?

They've been a bit restless those past few days: some younger Gryffindors poked their noses around my dorm room and agitated the plants. I think a calmer academic environment would do them good. Cannot bring them to the greenhouses either since Allegra's dog (is it her dog?) is rather fond of... Well. Clem plays a bit rough with them in my opinion. It is ok if you say no, I promise!

Your cabbage man,

Meech

My dear cabbage man,

Of course, I can shelter your chomping cabbages! However, I’ll need to consult with Als and Andrew first to ensure their approval. But if they give the green light, I'd be delighted to host your leafy little rascals.

Now, forgive my ignorance, but do your cabbages have any special dietary requirements? Do they need some sort of exotic fertiliser or perhaps a rare strain of soil?

Herbology was never my strongest suit, but rest assured, your cabbages will be in safe, albeit slightly inexperienced, hands. I'll muster my best efforts for your sake.

Ses imorgon!

Felix

P.S. Clem, from what I gather, doesn't belong to Allegra exactly. She just seems to have taken up the mantle of caretaker. There’s a story there, I’m sure, but I don't know much about it.

[demetrius-haggarty]

He should've known it was Theodora. Who else loves the bushes so much that they sleep in them? Or strategize to bamboozle Demetrius in such a cute way.

The Gryffindor does not expect the petals and flowers to be tossed in his direction. He tries to fight off the attack until he realized it's Theo and feels rather silly. He is almost 6"5, there is nothing Theodora can do to him other than make him feel flustered and somehow sheepish. He looks at her legs and then quickly to the side.

'Your, er, feets were in the way... I mean feet. Not too secret if a lad can accidentally trip over them.'

Whatever petals he manages to collect off himself he sprinkles on top of Theodora's head.

*Meech nearly trips on some feet sticking out from under a flower bush. He nudges his new founding with his shoe and clears his throat.*

Hello? Miss? Are you alright?

*stretches lazily, waking up from quite a lovely nap under the flower bush and pops out quite suddenly with no warning. A multitude of flowers are tossed at her friend.*

No need to kick me Meech ....looks like you found my secret nap spot.

[demetrius-haggarty]

Meech laughs lightly at Felix’s growth spurt comment and follows his friend. The pair makes their way up and down the numerous staircases of the castle, past various statues and through numerous halls on their way to the Charms classroom. Being around Felix feels comforting to the Gryffindor. Demetrius finally isn’t the tallest one in the room and his Ravenclaw companion is a handsome lad. Didn’t Meech hear something about him being a prince? It won’t be a surprise, not with how charming Felix is and with how girls swoon over him.

Although he supposes looks aren’t everything. Even Meech with his imposing demeanour and visible scars got some admirers. The Gryffindor shudders. He still hopes those were all silly little jokes, whether they were aimed at boosting his self-esteem (but his self-esteem was fine already?) or were meant to entertained some bored students.

‘You? Hexing people?’ Meech questions in disbelief and puts a hand on Felix’s shoulder. ‘You are one of the kindest souls I know. I can’t imagine you doing it but I thank you for the thought. But to answer your question, there were multiple instances of me getting some rather passionate and curious, er, notes and comments? Theodora helped me with a bit of advice in that regard, but I still feel uneasy.’

The Gryffindor sighs. He suddenly becomes acutely aware that his hand is still on Felix. Oh, how long does he have to keep it there to get the message across? Should he pull it away now? Should he wait for some sort of a signal? Demetrius frowns. He is not used to such interactions and can’t even tell why he put his hand there to begin with. Change of topic!

‘I’m sure we don’t have to sneak out a ruler, Felix. I wonder if Professor is around to perhaps land a helping hand?’ he continues weakly and slides his hand off with a relief when they reach the classroom: the Gryffindor uses the opportunity to open the door. ‘Um… after you?’

After Felix was done with lunch, he stood up, brushing crumbs off his robes with an absentminded flick of his wrist, and surveyed the bustling Great Hall. The clatter of plates and the hum of chatter filled the room, but his focus was solely on the Gryffindor table.

His eyes scanned the crowd until they landed on his friend. With a smile tugging at his lips, the tall Ravenclaw made his way over, weaving through the maze of students and benches.

Without a moment's hesitation, Felix clapped the Gryffindor's shoulder, a broad smile lighting up his face. "Hey Meech! Ready to go?" he asked, his voice warm and inviting.

"I couldn't find the measuring tape," he confessed, scratching the back of his head. "But I'm sure we'll figure something out to find out how tall you are. Don't worry."

The Gryffindor yelped at the sudden invasion of his personal space. He let go of his spoon in the middle of bringing it to his mouth and grabbed Felix' wrist on an instinct. The spoon fell into his bowl and splashed the soup all over Meech' shirt and surroundings but the Gryffindor payed it no attention.

Demetrius quickly glanced to the side and then up just as a familiar Ravenclaw greeted him. The wizard breathed out in relief.

'Hi, Felix,' he replied and loosened the tight grip he had on his friend. 'Sorry about that, I've been bombarded by some... touchy admirers as of late. Puts me on edge. There is no escape, Felix, no escape...'

The last sentence was a sad whisper of a man haunted by his present. Meech solemnly turned to look at what was left of soup and frowned after noticing the state of his shirt. He got his wand out hesitantly and focused on a few spots he could see. They've been over this, a simple cleaning charm is well within Meech's capabilities.

With a cleaning charm, the most visible soup spots disappeared from his shirt but the boy still frowned. He would always know the broth was on it. Always.

'We already know that I am close to you in height. I am saddened to know that even Montrose was unable to land us his measuring tools. How about a simple ruler? We find a doorframe, mark how tall we are and find the difference between your height and mine?'

[demetrius-haggarty]

🎧 My shuffle happened to have to words. Just feelings 🌲

We'll dance all our troubles away, only the trees keep us in line We'll be gone by the light of day, leave all our secrets behind Through the flames, forever we'll stay, hand on our heart or mind We'll be gone by the light of day, leave all our secrets behind