Evan realised he had been secretly wishing that the professor would never turn back to him, and just somehow forget to send him a note or something. But of course, he had no such luck as always. The professor hadn't forgotten about him, and he was now standing in front of the Sanctuary, staring at it. He could do it. He could be friends with creatures. They liked humans as long as humans were good to them, and well, Evan would be good to them. Yes, they were clever and friendly. He could do it.

He closed his eyes, and took that one step in the sanctuary. Er... nothing special happened. He slowly opened them, and saw that it was alright, except for Beaumont. Again Beaumont. Would he be working with her? Another reason to just sneak off before the professor notices you...

"Hi everyone." What was his mouth doing? He should be running to the Slytherin Common Room by now! How a wonderful way to start a day, first betrayed by professor's memory, then by his luck, and then by his own mouth. Just perfect.

Nikki had returned to the Magical Creature Sanctuary after receiving the little letter from Professor Morgan, explaining that she had been made one of the volunteers. Walking into the warm sanctuary, Nikki noticed some of the other volunteers had arrived as well. Great, she could get a nice look at who she might be working with. "Hello." She said calmly, smiling at everyone. "Thanks for picking me as one of you volunteers." She said to the professor.

Destiny was still mentally kicking herself. She still didn't believe she signed up for this, but no turning back now. She walked fast to the Sanctuary because if she walked slow, she would never make it.
She stopped in front of the Sanctuary and was debating on whether to say 'hello' or not. She wouldn't. They will see her eventually.

Figuring she was more than just a little late, LouAnn Purple ran across the grounds of the school and into the Magical Creatures Sanctuary. She came to a sudden halt a mere foot in front of Professor Morgan. "Oh, sorry, Professor. I thought I was late," she said, a blush creeping up on her cheeks. "I'm not, am I?" She stepped back a few feet and glanced around at all the other students who'd come to help. She knew most of them, but there were a few younger students she didn't think she'd ever even seen before. She smiled at them and gave a little wave. "Hey, everybody!"

Making his way slowly to the sanctuary, Lawson was feeling slightly out of breath by the time he got to the Abraxan pen and he lent against the fence draping his arms over the top rail.

The dream he'd had whilst unconscious seem to have stuck in his mind and he was determined to make it come true. Funny what a brush with death will do, he was not even nervous or scared about what he was thinking of doing.

Besides Iliana would be with him and that is all that mattered. Spotting her on the other side of pen, a huge smile spread across his face and he stood still merely watching her. He could spend all day watching her. His brother had been right, Iliana Morgan was the best thing that had ever happened to him.

Upon hearing her name, Professor Morgan turned around to see her first arrival. (well, technically, it was her second since Cela was already here) "Morning Livvy," she greeted in return. "Thank you for getting here so fast."
No sooner had she finished her last sentence, another girl came bounding into the stables. "Well hello Brody," she said with a warm smile. "The more the merrier." Especially when there was so much work to be done. "Did you happen to bring your gloves?"
She simply loved the idea of her students pitching in to help. They seemed to be coming all at once. Lovely. "Morning Iris! So glad you could make it."
Eying the timid boy with amusement, Iliana walked over towards him and gave him a wide smile. "Come on in, Evan. We won't bite." She laughed melodically and gave him a wink.
Behind Evan, Iliana spotted Nicolette coming through the stable doors. She gave her a small wave and said, "You're welcome, my dear. And thank YOU for volunteering. You all are going to be a HUGE help."
Peering around Nikki, she saw Destiny hanging back by the door. She nodded a silent greeting to her and waved her over.
"Nope, you're right on time," she answered and quickly took a headcount. There were six volunteers, one newcomer, a Toussaint and... someone slightly unexpected.
Seeing Marcus standing by the fence, she smiled and held up her finger. "One minute," she mouthed, trying not to blush in front of her students.

...

"Okay guys, it looks like Cela has already taken care of all the abraxans for us so we won't need to linger her in the stables. I'll assign each of you a group of creatures to tend to. For today, I need you to make sure they're fed and given fresh water. A nice cage cleaning would also be nice if it's not too much work for you," she said, pulling her hair out of her face and into a loose ponytail. "If you see anything wrong with any of the animals, anything out of the ordinary, please make a note of it so that you can report it back to me when we're finished. Now if there's no questions, then I'll have..." she glanced around her little group a moment. Then she pointed to Iris. "Iris, why don't you look after the Augureys. Nikki... the Kneazles. Evan... the Crups, you'll like them," she added. "Umm... Olivia, you can take the Nifflers. Destiny, the Knarls. Brody... the Jarveys and LouAnn that leaves the Clabberts for you." Any animals leftover, Iliana could now easily handle on her own.

"All the supplies you'll need are already in the Sanctuary, along with all of the creatures' food. If you need my help, I'll be right over here.... talking to Professor Lawson." Oh Merlin, now she KNEW she was blushing.

Once the volunteers were assigned their creatures, the professor walked back over to Celandine and softly said, "Sorry. I didn't know you were here when I called for them. We can talk now while there busy or I can come find you when they're done. Maybe we can go for a ride."

...

As she approached the paddock fence, Iliana climbed up and stood on the lowest rung. "Hey," she said, unable to keep a small smile from crossing her lips. "I would have met you inside, you know. How are you feeling?"

As he heard from students to students that some students were heading at the Magical Creatures Sanctuary, Cedric pranced down at he sanctuary where the aide program was going to held. He smiled to some students he knows and people he don't know as he reached the sanctuary. He love creatures, so as magical plants. He had a sense from the very start that the program will cause a lot of fun and joy.

"Hi Professor Morgan! Hi Professor Lawson!" Cedric greeted his professor gleefully. And ooh as he glanced around, he saw that everyone was now busy taking care of the magical creatures. He was a bit late. Thud.

Destiny listened to Professor Morgan as she gave out directions. She closed her eyes so that maybe the professor would over look her. 'Please give me something small..' She opened one eye at the sound of her name, then the other at the word Knarl. 'Well at least they are small.' She tried to remember what she read about them. Her eyes went wide when she remembered. 'Professor! How exactly am I supposed to feed a Knarl? You know, so they won't attack me?'

Knowing that there were quite a few students in the sanctuary and probably all watching the two of them, Marcus lent forward and gave Iliana a lingering kiss on the lips. "Does that answer your question?" he asked giving her a wink.

Now for the all important reason for why he was down here at the sanctuary. "So Miss Morgan, if you're not too busy, do you think we can take Trinity out and try that whole flying thing again?"

"Hi professor." Celandine returned the hug, a little more subdued than she normally was. "I know you didn't but I came down to see to Tiberius and Cassiopeia anyway and then I noticed Marmalade looked lonely," And Cela had no idea about what happened to Abby, "And then I thought I might as well keep going." Celandine explained in earnest.

Cela smiled in greeting to Livvy, Brody and Iris, the latter who she remembered from christmas tree decorating, and sort of watched in suprise as a bunch more students showed up and then Professor Lawson too.


Celandine listened as Professor Morgan gave everyone creatures to take care of and shook her head. "It's okay professor, I'll finish up here first. I've only done Cassiopeia and Tiberius and Marmalade's stalls." So like, still a few to go.

She watched Professor Morgan go over to Professor Lawson for a moment, then went right on back to cleaning out the stalls. She'd wait, it was fine by her and she didn't want to interrupt the two professors. She didn't like her smoochie!Cope abraxan time interrupted either.

"Oh hey, Cedric," Ili said, turning towards him. "The others are in the sanctuary getting started. Would you mind helping with the Imps?"
Professor Morgan smiled. "Excellent question, Destiny," she said. "I usually just cover their food with tree shavings. They won't eat while you're watching but once you leave, they'll find it just fine. And don't worry about being attacked; their cages are very strong."
The professor looked over at Marmalade's stall and sighed. She blinked back a tear before returning her gaze and Cela and noticed that she wasn't the only one wearing an uncharacteristically sad expression today. "Take all the time you need," she said quietly. Sure they needed to talk. But Celandine looked like she could use a moment or two with her own thoughts. "I'll be back soon, okay?"
"Marcus, they'll see," she whispered, smiling in spite of herself. In her anxiety she shrank toward him. When she heard his question, she looked up at him with wide eyes. "Really, Marcus!?!" she beamed, throwing her arms around his neck. She hadn't ridden her abraxan in nearly a month. She wanted nothing more than to run her as fast as she could and let her spread her wings. "Are you sure?"

Iris Smiled at Professor Morgan as she welcomed Iris, and tried her best not to mutter 'you might not, but I will' when she told Cartwright that they won't bite. She listened to Morgan give out their jobs and she nodded as Iris was given her creatures. Augureys ... Ooohkay. Iris listened to what Morgan had to say to the other people before making her way to the Augurey cages. "Hello there, pretties... I've come to make sure you're all clean and stuff." She whispered in a gental coo, not sure if she wanted to be loud near the birds or not.

'Tree shavings.. Ohh-kay!'
Destiny slowly walked to the cage, taking one step at a time, to ready herself for this job. She stopped when she saw standing in front of the Knarls. They were kinda cute! She looked around at all of them smiling, then the smile faded when she looked at the mess. Ehh, it wasn't too bad. Just a couple cleaning spells would work. And she didn't even have to go inside to clean it.

After hearing the instructions that Professor Morgan gave them, Livvy smiled and nodded her head proudly and happily as she lifted her hand to salute the woman. "Yes ma'am," she said, winking humorously at her and then she set out to find the cages for the Nifflers. Though she stopped quickly to make sure that she didn't wear anything shiny. The Nifflers would have a field day if she did.

She tucked her shiny pendant under her shirt so it wouldn't attract the Nifflers' attention and distract them. Just as Livvy did so, her eyes went to the far end near the Paddocks where Professor Morgan was walking towards and where a Professor Lawson stood. At this, Livvy's eyes widened slightly and a rush of surprise ran through her. Lawson... and Morgan? Though she couldn't say it should be a surprise. Professor Morgan was most definitely a beautiful woman and Professor Lawson was quite a charming gentleman. It could work. Livvy decided that she'd let them have their privacy and made her way towards the Niffler cages. But before she did so, she made her way back towards the door to collect the food bowls and bags, cleaning rags, and a pair of dragon gloves for cleaning out the cages.

Livvy then made her way over towards the cages where the Nifflers were. Did they ever miss the opportunity to be able to burrow themselves under the ground? Rather difficult to do in a cage. "Hey guys," she said gently, smiling as she set the supplies down on the ground.

Marcus peered over her shoulder to look at the students that were milling around and he gave them a cheery wave before returning his gaze back at Iliana with a smile. "I. Don't. Care" he stated with a shrug.

Feeling rather energetic all of a sudden, he pulled himself up onto the fence and swung his legs over and jumped down onto the other side. "I love you Iliana Morgan and I don't care who knows." And with that he picked her up and swung her around before gently placing her back onto the ground and giving her another kiss.

Nodding his head at her question, Marcus realised that he had never been more sure. "Yes I am. I want to share the view with you." Giving her a mischevious look, he picked her up again and threw her (very gently) onto his back and gave her a piggyback ride over to the stables.

LouAnn smiled when Professor Morgan assured her that she was right on time. "Oh, awesome...and here I was running across the grounds for no reason whatsoever! Good thing Mr. Masterson didn't see me! He'd have yelled at me for sure!" she said. "You know...disturbing the peacefulness of the grounds and all that jazz..." She really should quieten down now before she said a little too much.

LouAnn glanced over to spot a little of the interaction between Professors Morgan and Lawson. Ohhh, somebody has a boyfriend! Or, well, at least that's what it looked like to LouAnn. She smiled at both of them then diverted her attention to the ground. A second later, Professor Morgan was speaking to them again, giving them animal assignments.

...clabberts? Hmm. LouAnn needed to read up a little on exactly what those creatures were all about before she took off in an effort to feed and water them. She pulled out a little animal guide that she'd brought along and thumbed through it.

Ohhh, cute! A cross between a monkey and a frog! A pustule, though? Eww!! LouAnn put her book away and combed the sanctuary for the clabberts. When she found them, she headed over to say hello. "Ermmm...clabberts? HELLO!" she said, waving in the same manner she'd wave to a human. "My name is LouAnn Lavender Purple, and...are ya hungry? Thirsty?" She knew, of course, that they couldn't answer her, but a little conversation never hurt anyone!

She shrugged back, giving him a little smile and nodded her head. She didn't care either. Not really.

Before she could respond to what he said, Iliana was off her feet, being spun through the air. She giggled in delight as he held her close and when he drew his kiss away, she smirked up at him. "I won't take it easy on you this time," she teased, biting on her bottom lip.

Laughing again as he hoisted her unto his back, Iliana wrapped her arms around his shoulders and leaned forward. "I love you too," she whispered against his ear.

Hehe...she was so cute.

Marcus, carried her all the way to the stables and gently lowered her to the ground. He turned around so that he could face her and he took her face into his hands and placed light kiss on her lips. Wrapping his arms around her, he hugged her tight to him and nuzzled her hair. "I am so glad that I am still around to enjoy this with you."

Stupid!

Idiot!

Why did he bring that up? Probably because his near brush with death had made his realise that he had spent too many wasted years, doing all the wrong things. Now he had the chance to do everything right.

And he was.

Starting today.

"Okay so where is that Abraxan of yours? Let's get this show on the road before I am tempted to stay here and..." he gave her a wink and dropped his arms before he started getting carried away.

Celandine looked up from inside the stall she was working on and sort of half-stared at Professor Lawson.

"The Abraxans are out in the Paddock sir, while I'm mucking out all the stalls."

And while she was supposed to be here to talk to Professor Morgan.

Once on her feet and in his arms, she turned her face into him and breathed him in. "You're not getting away from me that easily," she whispered before looking up into his eyes.

There was a ghost of a smile touching her lips as she took his hand into both of hers and began walking backwards towards Trinity's stall.
"Thanks Cela," she said, blushing slightly. Merlin she hoped she hadn't heard Marcus' comment. Retreating back the way they had come, (though much faster) Iliana reached the paddock and whistled. When Trinity appeared, she walked forward and reached up, stroking Trinity's muzzle. "Hi baby," she said, giving her a little nuzzle.

Once Trinity was in her usual kneeling position, Iliana gracefully mounted up and gave a hand down for Marcus. "Ready?"

Marcus was thinking about going in for another kiss when Celandine Toussaint's voice rang out.

Oh.

Oops.

"Sorry Miss Toussaint, my mistake." He let out a little chuckle as Iliana led him away. "Your face looks like a bright red tomato Ili. Don't tell me your embarrassed." He grinned at her as he wrapped an arm around and pulled her close.

He stood watching as Iliana called Trinity over and his stomach did a little flip flop as the Abraxan appeared. He took a few deep breaths telling himself over and over that he could do this. The dream told him so.

"Ready as I'll ever be" he said as he grabbed her hand and pulled himself up onto Trinity and sat behind Iliana. He placed his hands around her waist and rested his chin onto her shoulder. "This is definitely the best part" he murmured, giving her cheek a quick peck.

"Oh.. sure.. I would be glad to.. but err would you give me some pointers how to take care of them, Mom?" answered Cedric blithely. And he just realized that he just called their Professor Morgan his Mom. Wah, he was a little embarrased and he hoped that Prof Morgan wouldn't mind at all of what he had addressed her. Cedric felt homesick whenever Prof Morgan was around cause Prof Morgan were just like his mother though they don't look alike. Like his mother, Prof Morgan is a sweet, and understanding person. "oh, I mean Professor Morgan." he snapped bashfully, still looking embarrased.

Nikki smiled at the Professor. "It's no problem, really. I love working with magical creatures, I guess it's something I inherited from my mother." Nikki listened as the professor began to explain that they would need to feed the creatures and give them fresh water. Well that was easy, Nikki had to do the exact same thing to her kitten Eclipse. Hopefully her magical creatures wouldn't be as picky as Eclipse. They would have to clean the creatures cages too? Well that wasn't so bad, it was better than cleaning the litter box.

As Professor Morgan began to assign each student a group of magical creatures, Nikki made an imaginary checklist in her mind of what to do.

Alright, so Nikki was assigned to the Kneazles. Making her way towards the Kneazles cage, Nikki looked back to see if the professor was watching them, but found something else. 'Someones got a boyfriend...hehe.' Nikki thought as she spotted Professor Morgan and Lawson kiss. Aww...how cute. Not wanting to look like she was spying or anything, Nikki turned around and faced the cage full of Kneazles. They were so cute! Almost like Eclipse, except larger, in almost everything.

Opening one of the cage cautiously, so not to distrube the Kneazle, Nikki quietly whispered, "Hi there. I'm here to make your cage all squeky clean, alright?" She said as pulled the food and water bowl out of the cage slowly.

"Its okay professors." Celandine went right back to cleaning and stuff. Abraxans made a LOT of mess.

After a while, she did start using magic instead, there was only so much she'd do by hand when magic was available after all. She set some scrubbing brushes scrubbing at the walls and vanished all the straw stuff that wasn't salvageable.

Professor Morgan was delighted by Cedric's enthusiasm. True... she was caught slightly off guard by his Freudian slip... but she gave no indication of it. She simply smiled down at him and gave him a quick pat on the back. "Sure Cedric, I can do that," she said. "The most important thing to remember is Imps are always in search of human attention. Chat it up with them while you're cleaning their cages; they'll love that. And don't worry... they CAN be mischievous but they won't harm you," she explained. "There is a tank of live insects inside. That's what they like to eat." She paused. "Just be careful with them. They're awfully sweet." Iliana thought ALL her creatures we sweet. There was no telling her any different.
"Oh really, Nikki?" she said, raising an eyebrow. For Iliana, that was all she needed to hear to determine that Nikki's mother was obviously a pretty terrific woman. "Well, I'm very happy to have you on the team."
Lingering a moment in the doorway, Iliana stealthy watched Cela out of the corner of her eye. Her demeanor troubled her. The sooner they were able to talk, the better. She'd just make this a quick ride/flight around the castle and back.

...


"What do I have to be embarrassed about?" Iliana asked, twisting her hair around her fingers. Of course, she laughed and rolled her eyes just the same. YES she was embarrassed. SHE'D never been a rock star. She was normally a VERY private person. This 'out-in-the-open' business would take some getting used to.

Once Marcus was in place behind her, Iliana grabbed him by the wrists and turned her head to the side. "Yes, I agree," she said. "Now hold on tight." And that was the only warning she gave before she squeezed her legs against the winged-horse's side urging her forward, using only her inner thighs to hold her balance. As if reading Iliana's mind, Trinity quickly broke into a run and carried them out of the paddock.