Freya grinned, "Well it's good to hear that she isn't a lunatic like I've heard. I think that's the reason why I haven't visited the hospital wing yet." She added with a smirk.

She looked down at her hands again, 'I don't know much about mom other than what she's taught me. What if she is a great seer?' Freya pushed her thought aside, "I think I'd rather know, Sir. I think it's better for me in this case." 'Maybe my gut feeling is wrong...but I don't know what to think anymore.'

He nodded and concentrated, bringing up the sight once more. No matter how he practiced, however, it always took more to share with another person. He touched her with the sight as well, so that she could see the threads around both of them. They were white, ethereal things. They sorted around him as he concentrated. He pulled one from close to her and followed it down, into her past. At the first instance of her mother, he pulled a new thread and suddenly there were images of her mother. He followed it back the right amount of time then slowed, concentrating on the potion that Freya had talked about. Once he found one, he looked at the threads which surrounded the potion she held. Visions of a werewolf came, and the future of the one which attacked Freya came to them. It was the right potion. He shared all of this with her, then let the both of them gaze upon the scene as the potion was planned and created...

Freya's body gave an unnatural twitch as the threads came near her, 'How odd.' After a few moments she was able to see her mother, stooped over her cutting board next to their enormous fireplace in the back shed. Freya could see the store room door in the back, it was open very slightly. 'Wish I had a way to get in there.' "I've never been in the store room. She's never allowed me." She said quietly, more to herself than anyone else, still glancing around at the scene for anything 'abnormal'. As Freya's pale eyes scanned the room, a small silver gleam caught her eye, it was inside her mothers robe pocket. 'What is--' She thought, trying to get a closer look as she squinted her eyes slightly. As she pondered what it could be, her mother took the object out of her pocket, it was a vial, but it wasn't a liquid that was inside. 'That's silver powder-' Freya thought to herself in shock. She watched as her mother took a very small amount and placed it into the steaming cauldron, it hissed as she did so and emitted a foul looking cloud of brown smoke. Her heart plummeted as she witnessed her mother turn around again to return to her cutting, a clever smirk splashed across her thin face.
Freya pulled herself away, not wanting to see anything else, that was enough for her. "I knew it." She said quietly, 'But if I did then why do I still feel so sick?' "I didn't want to believe it."

"I'm sorry," he whispered softly, dissipating the vision around them. "It would seem to be another attempt of her controlling you. After all, something like that you would not soon forget. If you were a less clever girl, you might wind up thinking that it is futile to get close to someone, and particularly the... 'unstable' such as werewolves." Interestingly enough, Slade had never bothered with silver powder. Perhaps due to the mercury-like aspect it could bring out in the creatures.

Freya looked up, "It's not your fault, I'm actually glad to know now. I probably would have spent the rest of my life wondering. And it doesn't shock me that much to be honest with you." She glanced around the garden, it was still very quiet out, aside from a few birds walking around on the grass. "She likes doing stuff like this though, it's her way of keeping me in line I guess. That's why I was so surprised when she allowed me to come here for schooling." 'I wonder why she gave me permission?' "She enjoys messing with my head, it gets worse when she has me duel with her, because she's a cheater. Just has to win all the time...like me I guess." She sighed again, "I hope I don't turn out like her. Deep down I know I won't, but it's the blood relation that worries me. I expect she would like me to turn out like her."

"You won't, so long as you don't allow her control dramas to shape yours and your actions. It makes one paranoid, to have to question the actions of even one person who is close to you, and can affect how you view others. But sometimes it is necessary. Just realize what she does, and try to find a why for it. Even if you are being manipulated, sometimes all you can do is attempt to make the best of a situation. She's allowed you to come here, and it's a small opportunity to stand on your own two feet. She probably doesn't really expect much to come of this. But it will. More than she can imagine. Because there are those like me here who can guide you and allow you ideas you may not have had a chance to consider before."

Freya grinned, "Well, I've got being paranoid down pretty well so far." 'I know why she does it. She's an overly controlling lunatic.' She thought bluntly, 'All she cares about is me surviving long enough to keep the family line going.'
Freya wondered, 'I wonder if I should tell him what she does when I stick up for myself...no. That would make it even worse possibly.'

She scanned the grounds, there were several students exiting the large doors now. Looking at Carracio, Freya opened her mouth as though about to say something, but thought better of it. "Thank you for letting me come, Sir. I appreciate it very much. You don't know how much it's helped me, just being able to vent a little." She stood up from her seat at the marble bench. "If there's anything I can do to repay you, I would be glad to help with anything." Freya glanced down at her bandaged arms, "Oh, I think my arms are pretty much recovered. They are just a bit dry, but no other harm was done." She took off her medical wrap so that Carracio could see the progress. They were only slightly pink, and visibly dry.

He nodded, inspecting it lightly. "That is very good. I would recommend continuing to use the salve until a few days after it is completely cleared, but it does not look like it's much of a problem. Do come by if you ever need to talk. My gardens are always open, and I am often around in the early mornings." He gave a small sad smile. "Greeting my family."

"I'll keep that in mind, Sir. Thank you for the invitation." Freya said as warmly as she could, noticing the sad look her professor had on his face. She felt horrible for him, but she couldn't dwell too much on that, she had to deal with her own troubles first. "I hope you have a nice day, Professor." Freya said as she made one more scan of the garden before exiting. It was such a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky. Once again she pulled out her small red book and began to read on her way back to the castle.

Drago chuckled softly as she left and walked back over to the rose bush. Softly he spoke to them, detailing his day. Like when he would visit Slade's place, and keep his friend close, the voices in his head were blissfully silent.

It was still very early, the sun had just come up over the mountains, and there was a small layer of frost on the grass as Freya made her way across the lawn to the gardens. She looked much healthier than she had a few days ago, and much more rested and relaxed. A long, narrow black coat was buttoned to halfway up her neck and the bottom reached just below her knees, 'It's so frigid this morning.' She told herself as she continued to make her way across the grass. 'But it feels nice all the same.' She finished as she smiled to herself.
Entering the gardens she looked around, it was empty. 'I must be the first person to wake up each morning.' She walked over to the bench she was seated in the last time and glanced at the rose bush next to her, giving a small smile, and hoping the frost wasn't going to damage the valued plants. Freya took a deep sigh and watched the cloud of warm air that was emitted from her nose, she sat very straight-backed and looked dead ahead, closing her eyes as she enjoyed the calm atmosphere, and hearing every slight noise that her sharp ears could pick up.

Jasmine entered her father's gardens and approached the center where the rose bush grew. She was a bit surprised to see someone there so early and her steps slowed slightly in indecision. Maybe she should come back... no she needed to do this for everything to be in place. Besides,she highly doubted the Slytherin girl would know anything about what she was about to do and what it was for. True it might look a little strange, but so be it.

Not wanting to disturb the serenity of the morning, Jasmine spoke softly,"Good morning." Then offering her hand with a friendly smile, she went on to say," Jasmine Carracio, nice to meet you."

Freya heard someone walking around in the garden close her, then heard a soft voice, so she opened her eyes. "Oh, hello." Freya said in a pleasant, yet quiet voice. "It's nice to meet you as well, Jasmine. I'm Freya Skyler." She shook the girls hand, she appeared to be about her own age. "I'm sorry if I'm intruding on anything. I just needed to have a word with professor Carracio." She thought for a moment before continuing with a small smile "You must be his daughter."

Jasmine returned Freya's smile and still speaking softly said,"Oh no, you are not intruding at all, if anything I am, you were here first. Ahh Freya, what a pretty name you have. And yes, I am Professor Carracio's daughter. Although, I am sure there are times he would not like to claim that!" Jasmine chuckled slightly before elaborating," What with all the trouble I seem to get into at times. Anyways, I shall not be long, and I'm sure my father will be able to help you with whatever you need to speak to him about. He is quite good at sorting out things and making them better.." Her voice went even softer then with deep affection,"He is my hero."

Realizing she was getting a bit sappy and not having much time to spare, Jasmine shook her head and gave Freya an apologetic smile,"Sorry for getting mushy there. Yes, well.. excuse me one moment please."

Jasmine took out her wand and using a non-verbal spell, conjured four butterflies, each in turn the exact color of each rose. Closing her hazel eyes briefly she concentrated on what needed to be done. Lifting her wand, she made a swirling motion followed by four quick tap like motions. Immediately, all four butterflies went to their respective rose and seem to draw necter from each. However, the necter they drew came forth in silvery white strands that seemed to wrap around each butterfly before absorbing into their wings. Now each butterfly glowed with an almost etheral quality. Making a swirling motion with her wand once more, the butterflies fluttered her way and landed softly upon her long dark hair. Jasmine smiled at her handywork and lowered her wand. Professor Maline would be proud she thought. Her smile grew fond again as she remembered the professor that had taught her that very spell.

Turning to Freya again with a smile she said,"There. All finished. Please accept my apology for disturbing your quiet morning. I hope we may meet again." Jasmine stopped a moment then went on in what she hoped was a casual tone,"Oh, and no need to let my father know I was here, I'm sure I shall see him later." Plus I don't need him asking too many questions, it could ruin everything. Giving Freya a parting smile and wave, Jasmine turned and left a back way so as not to run into her father.

Carracio made his way into the gardens for his morning ritual. As he had last time, he ignored Freya for his precious rose bush--his lost family. This time he also whispered sweet things to each one, and once again lingered a little longer on the silver-blue rose. "I have finally figured it out," he said softly to the red one at last. "Give me another day, and you will be joined."

He hesitated a moment, caressing the blue rose with a pained look, then pulled away at last, composing himself and turning to Freya. "I am surprised that you are here before I am. But then again, I am likely to take longer in the shower than you." He smirked. There were still many who, if they knew what he did every morning, would accuse him of preparing for the day like a woman.

Freya smiled even wider at the compliment her name recieved, "Oh, thank you. You know, I've never heard the name Jasmine before, it's quite lovely as well." She waited a little while before commenting further, "You're lucky to have him. He's been able to help me so far. And I wouldn't worry about causing trouble at times, what's life without a little risk after all eh?"

Freya returned the wave and watched her leave. 'She seems nice.' Freya thought as she closed her eyes again.
Freya could hear another person walking around after a few moments, she knew it was professor Carracio, 'Probably greeting his family first, that's perfectly fine.' She opened her eyes again as he acknowledged her. Freya gave him an odd look upon hearing his comment, "I don't know about that, Sir." She said as she gave a small smile, "I get up at four o' clock every morning. I hate to oversleep. And since I get up so quickly I can take as much time as I want. But you do always seem to be very well groomed, I'll agree with you on that."

He chuckled softly. "Ah, I see. I get up an hour later than you. Wake at about the same time, but I can never seem to leave the bed before five. Never been much of a morning person." He braced himself for some biting comment from Slade, but none came. It took him a moment to remember it was because he was near the 'real' Slade. He found himself both relieved and disappointed. "A good morning to you, anyhow. What brings you out here so early once again?"

Freya grinned, her mother was sometimes the same way when it came to waking up. "Good morning to you as well." Freya said as she straightened her coat, she hated when it would become dented. "I was wondering what you know about patronuses, Sir." Freya asked eagerly, hoping her professor would know something she didn't. He knew a lot of her background, so maybe he could help figure things out.

Carracio quirked a brow, a little curious. "I think this is likely a better subject for Headmistress Rae. I only really know the practical applications. Usually it's something that's... docile. You rarely see vipers, though you can see garden snakes. You're more likely to see dogs than wolves. In certain cases, patronuses can match one-another. I'm sure if you know about the patronus you know the basics already: used against dementors and can be used as a sort of messenger or flare."

Freya gave a large sigh, "Yes, I know the basics, Sir. I just wondered if you knew why my patronus would morph into another animal and then change back to the original." Freya wondered for a minute, 'Maybe the Headmistress would know this a bit better.'

"The patronus, in essence, is a reflection of you, or a part of you. That part of you which is, I believe, a part of your happiness. After all, that is what makes up your patronus. There have been instances in which the patronus has changed, either in times of stress, duress, despair, or... even in love, as that becomes one's happiest point in life."

Freya looked at the ground slightly for a moment, 'That might explain it.' She thought, 'What I thought was more love than anything else...I think.' Freya looked up again, opened her mouth as though to speak, but then closed it again, glancing at the roses and then back up, yet again. "I see what you're saying, Sir. Thank you for your time." She said as she stood up, her breath making clouds of hot air. "I'll see you next lesson then?" Freya said as she made to leave.

He nodded. "I will see you the next lesson. I do hope what I have said has helped you, somewhat."

Freya nodded, "You are always helpful, Sir. Thank you, I hope you have a pleasant day." She said as she turned and walked out of the garden, thinking about miscellaneous information.
Freya peered up at the sky and saw an owl fly towards the owlery. 'That's Tundra!' Freya told herself as she started off at a dead out sprint toward the building, 'I hope he's okay.' She thought as her long legs carried her quickly across the grass. 'Why is my life so dramatic?!'

He nodded to her. "And you. Take care, Freya." After she left he once again turned his attention to the rose bush, telling them everything, and about the bud that would be joining them.

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2008/11/19

Drago made his way back into the gardens as the cool of sunset began, though still hooded and keeping his sleeves over his hands. He whispered good evening to his most prized roses, kissing each of them softly, before beginning work on tending the garden.