#8 - Morning Flock

Kaspian's knocks went unanswered. Not a single shift or bark from within the hut was heard. Was Hagrid away? That would certainly prove problematic for their plans to receive some gardening pots. Though if either or both were especially attentive to their surroundings, they'd notice the gate of Hagrid's personal Pumpkin Patch was open.

Thanks to last night's rain, paw prints were visible leading away from the gate and down a slope of hill in the direction of the forest. The prints certainly matched Fang's size. They were fresh enough that following them might earn some results or answers...

Nyx smoothed out her pleated skirt and took an extra moment to check her blue, snowflake stockings for any imperfections. As she did this, she let Kettles' question fall on deaf ears. It wasn't any of his business whether or not she was trying to make time for Mathias later that morning. Sure, Kaspian had a front row seat for the revealing conversation at breakfast, but that in no way made him eligible for further information—as that topic was out of bounds.

"Harmless?" she repeated, matching his mocking tone. "Oh, please! Says you, someone who doesn't even take Care of Magical Creatures," Nyx continued, folding her arms over her chest. "I'll have you know I was knocked off my feet and slobbered to death by a Snarlpog," she said with a huff, slightly over-exaggerating the events—but he didn't know that. "So, excuse me if I don't feel like repeating history with Fang," Nyx groused.

She rolled her eyes away when the prefect went to knock at the door, and impatiently tapped her low-heeled shoe. No response came from Kaspian's attempt, which put an immediate hitch in her plans. Nyx had wanted to get this whole thing over with as quick as possible and now it looked as though she and Kaspian had to seek the groundskeeper out. He could've been just about anywhere. She didn't even know where to begin looking, as the grounds were vast.

Then, someone unexpected showed up. It was Freya Fawks. Nyx almost spat some pseudo-sympathetic question regarding the girl's cramps the day before, but she was too annoyed to get the words out. Instead, Nordstrom gave her roommate a rushed nod of acknowledgement and turned away. None of this was going according to plan, and Nyx was fairly close to calling the whole thing off—until Fawks spoke up and pointed out the ajar gate and paw prints.

Nordstrom groaned at the revelation and trudged after Fawks down a slope toward the trees. She was hesitant at first, as the last time she entered a portion of the forest she stumbled upon an injured Braxorn tied to a post and a Crystal Daymoth attacked her. She hadn't much luck when it came to the outdoors this year, seemingly finding herself in various predicaments. She hoped this wouldn't be a similar situation. But, if it was, she had others to assist her.

"That's nice," she replied cooly, reluctantly engaging in Freya's small talk. "Should you make the team, I suggest purchasing a quality broomstick," the captain advised, turning to look at Fawks, and then the prefect. "I believe Kaspian and I have the same one; the Icebolt, no?" Nyx asked, already assuming she was correct. "That broomstick—in addition to the Seakhawk and the Silver Comet—is ideal," she concluded, informing the girl.

She reached the bottom of the hill with her housemates not too far behind her, as her icy orbs began to scan the area. Hagrid shouldn't have been too hard to spot for the group, given how gigantic he was and how unsightly his overcoat always looked. "Hagrid?" Nyx shouted in question, peering into the forest to see if she could spot his silhouette among the trees.

As the group neared the forest edge, they spotted Fang sitting nearby. He wasn't alert, yet attentive as if something more was going on than they could see. 

Then they heard Hagrid, just out of view behind a few trees. Unusually, for those who were familiar with him, his voice wasn't the calm and friendly one they'd come to know. In fact, he sounded rather angry with whoever his words were directed at.

'Yeh got no business here,' Hagrid said. 'I suggest yeh be off. Else I'll have ter report yeh to the Headmaster. Yeh don't want that, mark my words.'

There was a sound, almost a voice, that had a wail to it that didn't quite sound human. Whatever or whoever it was scurried off at Nyx calling for Hagrid. Fang barked at the Ravenclaws, hurrying to sniff Kaspian's shoes. Why his, of all shoes around him, was a mystery. Had he stepped in something or did Fang know something they didn't?

'Oh. Hello.' Hagrid emerged from the tree line, back to his usual friendly self though he shot a curious look towards the forest. Just making sure. 'What are yeh lo doing down here? Not thinking of sneaking into thee forest, I hope?' He chuckled, though gave them a stern look as it wasn't an entirely unbelievable reason.

Jamie was making his way down the forest path and to the sight of Hagrid's Hut. Oh, he hoped that the man was there today. It would be his chance to get his herbology kit, which his mother said she had enjoyed. As he reached the hut, he looked around the area around and thought he saw some paw prints leading towards the forest.

'Not again...' He thought to himself before he started following and stopped when he saw some older students. Maybe it was a bad time to come and get a pot for his kit.

'Has Professor Rivera set yeh all a gardening challenge?' Hagrid chuckled, noticing just how many Ravenclaws awaited him  - not just 5th years, but a small 1st year as well. 'Reckon I've got some out back. Follow me.' He whistled for Fang, who hurried to trot alongside him on the upward-sloped walk back towards the hut.

He headed through the open gate of the pumpkin patch. Fang remained with the group, promptly fixating on sniffing Kaspian's shoes again. Or was it his socks this time? Come to think of it, they felt rather cold for some reason?

It took a while, giving the students a chance to chat, then Hagrid reappeared with four garden pots filled with fresh soil. 

'Here yeh go. One for each of yeh.' He handed them out, starting with small Jamie who'd have to adjust his grip at the sudden weight of the pot to avoid dropping it. 'Is there anything else yeh need?' Hagrid asked them, curiosity alight in his kind gaze.

He noticed the attention Fang gave Kaspian. His expression changed to surprise, though not a word was spoken about it. 

Kaspian followed the group back up the slope of hill, staring at his shoes the entire way. He still didn't know what was wrong with them or why the dog had taken such an interest. Maybe it was his socks? He was sure he put on a clean pair this morning after showering -- so what was the problem? Kaspian shook his head and sighed in frustration, silently deciding he would let it go. He wasn't going to bring it up or encourage Fang further. He didn't want the attention.

"Do you guys want to go see Professor Sprout next?" Kaspian shook his leg as subtly as he could and tried to rid of the boarhound's sniffing nose. "We could have our kit finished by the end of the morning." Kaspian hoped his attempt in ridding of Fang was successful as he turned to look at his female companions. He assumed Nyx would want to hang out with Mathias, so there was a chance she would leave him and Freya alone to finish the task.

"Cheers, Hagrid." Kaspian smiled at the giant man as he took the garden pot. It was heavier than he anticipated, but nothing he couldn't handle. "That's all for me." He gripped the sides of his pot and started to walk back the way he and Nyx came. "You two coming?" He turned to see if the girls were following, but even if not, his feet continued to take him in direction of the greenhouses. Kaspian was determined to get his second kit completed before lunch.