No sooner had Ansley finished up one of his painting sessions with Hadleigh Lynch, when he was greeted with a singing chorus of... gnomes? How peculiar.

He watched them, slightly stunned, as they circled around him, tossing confetti and singing. Trying to make out the words, he quickly caught the box as it was tossed to him. Oh, candy... cool. He opened the box and ate a piece of chocolate as he caught the name of the sender. Oh, from Kaysha? How nice and thoughtful. But he felt sort of bad for not doing the same for anyone on staff himself. Of course, he hadn't given Valentine's Day any thought.

"Thanks!" he called out to the retreating gnomes as he ate another piece of candy and headed towards his office. He'd have to at least thank her.

It had taken months for Hady to get the underpainting process just right. Not to mention shading, blending of colors, which pencils to sketch with and when, which paint brushes to use. Each sketch and painting was getting better and better. With that her confidence was growing making her want to go further just to see how good she was getting. So when Ansley announced the week earlier at their last session that she was ready to bring a friend with her and start on portrait sketches Hady was thrilled. She even knew who she was bringing along.

After finishing dinner in the Great Hall the Slytherin stopped by her young friends table to see if she was ready. They could walk to the Artist Workroom together and Haddie could see some of her other works while waiting for Ansley to arrive if he wasn't already there.

Arriving at the room minutes later with her younger name twin in tow Hadleigh pushed the door open letting them both inside. She was already looking around the room as she pulled a hair tie from her wrist and tied her hair up into a messy ponytail. "Professor Finch should be here shortly he usually arrives just a minute or so after I do," she told Haddie glancing her way.

Hadley was excited for this. Very excited. In part because she had specific plans for a moving portrait of herself, and who better to be the artist of it, than Hady, one of her best friends and her name twin.

"So is this just a normal portrait or a wizarding portrait?"

On her shoulder Asher was playing with her hair as usual. She gave him a kiss on his forehead and laughed as he immediately smoothed that spot out again. "You've met Asher right?"

Reaching the artist room, Hads did a twirl as she took in the room. Asher chattered at her in annoyance. "I've never been in here before. Does Professor Finch teach how to develop magical photos?" She'd really gotten into photography lately and was disappointed to discover Wiseacres' had closed down. So now she'd have to find a new place to develop them or do it herself. Speaking of. Hadley took out her camera, Thomas, and gestured for Hady to stand by the blank canvas. "I want a before and after with the artist by the painting. Smile." She snapped the photo. "Okay show me your work."

"Right now it's just a regular portrait. I'm still working on all the proper techniques I need to master before attempting a wizarding one." Lots of work! So far it had been over a year since she had began her weekly lessons with Ansley and she still wasn't there. All good things took time and that was something she knew. When she was ready and fully capable of making a wizarding portrait she would let her know.

Hadleigh glanced sideways at the mention of Asher a small smile forming on her lips. "Yup, it's been awhile since I've seen him though," she commented holding her hand out towards the ferret in mention whether it was to pet him or just allow him to sniff at her she'd let him decide.

Stepping back a small laugh left her lips as she watched Haddie taking in the room. "I'm honestly not sure on that but I wouldn't see why not. Which type of photos, the kind where you have to develop the film or a polaroid?" A few terms ago they had been taught both ways. Developing a polaroid was by far much easier and quicker but knowing how to do it either way never hurt at all. Being told then to stand near the blank canvas for a photo wasn't at all expected but when you hangout with the name twin one had to expect the unexpected. Laughing Hady stood by the canvas for the photo. "Do you always take before and after photos?"

With a grin she nodded and lead the younger girl towards her latest sketch/painting. It showed the view from outside the artist workroom window of the trees and lake as well as whichever students had been out that evening. "Most of my other sketches are in my sketchpad." Which she had with her of course. It was always somewhere on her person now.

Finch knew he was running a little late today, but it couldn't be helped. He had a bit of a minor student crisis to handle, but it seemed to have worked itself out thankfully and he was soon on his way to the art studio. He knew that Hadleigh would be likely waiting for him as it was one of their session nights, and from what he remembered he thought he had suggested that she bring a friend to model for her today. He was a fan of life studies to further develop one's skills and this would be immensely helpful in her endeavors to paint magical portraiture.

He soon walked into the workroom, noting a couple of his students already there. Hadleigh, of course, he expected, and Hadley, who he assumed would be today's model. Hopefully that wouldn't get too confusing with similar sounding names, he thought to himself with a chuckle. But he knew it would go just fine. "Hello, ladies," he greeted them both with a smile. "Ready to get started?" He got out several supplies and set up a canvas on the easel as the girls chatted and looked through some of Hadleigh's artwork.

The arrival of Professor Finch had Hady turning around to face the older man, her attention drawn from Haddie and onto the other for a moment. "Hello Sir, busy evening?" she asked with a gentle smile. Curious only. Not at all picking at him for being late. He was a professor, with responsibilities that didn't at all include the need to give her weekly art lessons. Just simple curiosity was all it was and possibly some small warmup conversation.

Were they ready to get started? Always. Hady nodded her head with another smile. "I know I am. Haddie, are you and Asher ready?" The girl had turned back around to check on the younger Ravenclaw who had been looking over her previous works. If she was now ready as well then they could get started! They were going to need every single minute they had as there was noway she was going to rush through this. Hopefully her friend wouldn't mind sitting for however long this might end up taking her.

"Uh...regular film. Do they even make polaroids anymore?" Hadley paused a moment to set up the shot, pretending she was a professional photographer, or even that she had an inkling of what she was doing. Snap, snap. And one more for good measure. Snap. "Well, this is the first time I've ever had my portrait painted, so...yes. Every time." She grinned at her name twin.

Hadley followed Hady over to her painting and just stared at it for a moment. It was really good, but that wasn't what caught her attention. There, by the lake, were two sitting figures, one of which holding what looked like guitar. Hady had painted the moment when Hadley learned that Tenacius knew she had a crush on him. The second year's face turned a pastel pink. She wasn't one to blush easily, so even this light coloring was telling. Hadley cleared her throat. "It's really, uh, lovely. You did an excellent job on it."

Oh, thank Merlin. Professor Ansley was here. "Hey Professor. Do you by any chance teach how to develop magical photos?" She nodded curtly, once to Ansley, then again to Hady. "We're ready. Where do you want us? You might also want to start by sketching out Asher. The only time he's still is when he's asleep." And then he just looks dead.

Hadleigh blinked at her younger friend. Did they even still make those? "Uh...yeah? I own one. Actually most of the sixth years do." Granted they had gotten to keep them years earlier at the end of a lesson but they still had them. However that wasn't the point here. "Anyhow I can show you how to develop film as well sometime if you like." That was if Professor Finch didn't help her with it first. Whatever worked really.

Photos didn't bother her and it was cute that Haddie wanted a before and after of the portrait. "Well then I shall be proud to be the first one," she laughed. So yes, yes take several pictures to get the best one.

Showing Haddie her previous sketch was fine. She had worked pretty hard on it. It was the girls reaction to it that she didn't expect. Tilting her head a little she glanced at the drawing then her friend. The drawing and then her friend. The drawing and then- OH! Hady gently nudged her name twin and smiled. The secret was safe with her. See. Being a good friend as she was she wouldn't say a word.

Moving on. "Uh, grab a chair or stool or just anywhere really. Get comfortable and let Asher get comfy too." Anything worked really. Hady smiled softly at Ansley watching him set everything up for her as he always did. It was really nice of him even if this was his room. "I'll just do the outlining first so once I get that it won't be so bad if he moves around." Animals were always harder to sketch in that they never really stayed as you wanted them to for very long. It made the task challenging but fun.

"Uh, yeah, just a bit," Ansley chuckled as Hadleigh asked about his evening so far. If she only knew, but he didn't need to concern her. "It's all good now though." Hopefully he hadn't left them waiting too long and it seemed as if they were ready to get started.

Asher? Ansley glanced away from the easel as that name was mentioned too, and his eyes fell on the ferret. Oh, he hadn't even noticed him until now and he chuckled to himself about his flightiness today. "You brought a couple friends then," he nodded with a smile. "That'll be fun." It might be a challenge too, but he knew the girl was up for it.

He was there more to supervise and guide, so once the supplies were out and set up, he took a seat a bit out of the way as Hadleigh let Hadley know where to sit. "It might be helpful, Hadley, if you could periodically change seating positions so Hadleigh could get some practice with sketching different angles." He had intended for today to be the start of some life drawing sessions rather than a full out portrait, though if they had time that could come at a later point. "Are you available to come more than just today?"

And as for magical photography.. "I know how to, yes.. but I wouldn't say that it's my specialty." He did know quite a few things about several different art forms. "Is that something you're interested in?"

"Oh," she said. Hadley had heard of polaroid, but as a relic. "Can I see it sometime?" She was immensely curious about it now. How did they work? What did the pictures look like? Etc. "And yeah, that'd be great!" Being able to develop her own pictures would be a valuable skill to learn. Especially now.

Hads moved over to a nearby chair and pulled it a bit closer for Hady. Better for Hady to work with. At least she hoped it was better. "How's this?" It was her first time modelling, so naturally Hadley wasn't that sure what was best and what wasn't, but she still wanted to do the best she could for her name twin.

"Yeah, I'm free more than today. Just let me know when. Thursdays are about the only day that doesn't work, because I have potions tutoring with Professor Newton." Merlin knows she needed it. Especially after her aging mishap earlier this year. Turns out what little she'd improved from the cooking lessons with her Mom over summer only made her more of a risk. She'd graduated from duds to mishaps.

"More than one position. Got it." She gave professor Finch a thumbs up as she took the seat. Asher was gently slipped from her shoulder to lap. He immediately climbed back up on her shoulder again. Apparently he wanted to stay there. Hads shrugged a little as her ferret played with her red hair. "He's fine on my shoulder right?"

She thought about the question a moment and then nodded. "Yeah. I enjoy taking photos and used to get them developed at Wiseacres, but they were going out of business last I was in there. Not sure where else develops wizarding photos, so I think I need to learn how to myself. Besides, it'll be a good skill to have."

Hadley shifted her position until she was in a comfortable but vaguely unique position. "How's this for the first pose?"

Hadleigh smiled when Ansley said everything was okay now. That was good. Whatever it was had been taken cared of. Nothing to worry about and all the focus was on sketching tonight.

"Sure Haddie, I can probably show you tomorrow after lessons." It shouldn't take to long. A trip down to her dorm to grab her camera unless she remembered and actually put it into her bag tonight before she went to sleep. Helping a friend was never a problem and now that she had more time on her hands it was easier to do as well not to mention that this wouldn't take to long.

As Haddie got herself comfortable on a chair Hady busied herself with looking over the selection of pencils and paints and other items. She did this every time even when she already knew what was there. Habit really. "Haddie doesn't go anywhere without Asher," she explained simply in reply to Ansley. Which was fine by her. Once the younger girl was ready she sat down on the chair picking up her first pencil. "We usually stick to Monday evenings after dinner." It had been that way since last term.

"Asher is just fine no need to move him if he's comfortable," Hadleigh answered with a nod of her head. Touching the pencil to the paper she began working first on the underpainting getting her outline set up. Once she had the proper lines drawn she'd be okay if they moved a little.

Ansley sat back and allowed the girls to get started without much interference from him. He was there if either of them needed any assistance of course, and he would provide some guidance, but for the most part Hadleigh was able to begin without him telling her what to do. They had been doing these lessons for quite some time now and it was pretty routine, even if they were starting something new today.

"Oh, I don't mind," he replied with a chuckle about the ferret being there as well. Though maybe it was an exaggeration to say that she didn't go anywhere without him as he didn't remember seeing pets in class. "Might give you a little extra challenge, anyway." And it actually gave him an idea, but he'd keep that to himself for now.

"Yes, Mondays about this time," he agreed with a nod as he watched Hadleigh get started with her sketching. And if Hadley couldn't make it every week for at least an extended time, he supposed that was alright, though they could work around it if they needed to.

"There are a few places that you can send your film to and they'll develop it," he told Hadley as she asked about magical photos. "But you're right, it's a good skill to have if you want to do them yourselves. I can teach you the basics if you'd like." He knew how to do them, but he wasn't a professional and wasn't as advanced like some. But she would need to start with basic techniques anyway and he could certainly do that.

It was true that maybe she had went a tad overboard by saying that Asher went everywhere with his owner but what she had meant was outside of lessons. Anyhow it wasn't important. "I'm up for the challenge" she answered with a nod of her head. Animals were near and dear to her so sketching one along with a friend was a nice bit of a change.

"Will I be painting at all today, Professor?" Or was this just more of getting used to sketching a live person. All about prospective and angles and all that good stuff. Hadleigh didn't look away from what she was doing as she spoke, her hand moving in light strokes as she added lines, shadows and put to use all the different techniques she had been taught. The only time she looked away from the parchment was to glance over at Haddie and Asher making sure she had gotten something right.

When she had one pose down she leaned back in the chair to see how she'd done. It wasn't entirely perfect but it wasn't bad either for a first time.

Hadley gave a small, sharp nod, trying not to move too much. "I can do Mondays after dinner, sure." And Asher would be glad for the change of scenery during his after dinner out-of-cage time.

She reached up and gave the ferret a head scratch, then remembered she wasn't supposed to be moving. Her hand dropped back to its original position. "That'd be great!" She replied to both of their offers to teach her how to develop her own magical photos. "Yeah, I think it's something I'd like to learn to do myself. Is it a spell or a potion?" Please be a spell.

Monday's were a go. This was good. "Great." This meant she wouldn't have to bounce around her schedule at all. It was always nice when things worked out so easily and nothing had to be changed around even if she didn't mind changing things up once in awhile. Routine wasn't bad normally.

"Haddie go ahead and change up how you're sitting now if you like," she told her friend glancing around the easel at the Ravenclaw. It was time to try another pose or whatever Ansley felt she was ready to work on. "Well when I develop the photos from my camera it's a simple spell." Easy and only took a moment to do. "For a roll of film I only know of a potion like method to develop it." Sorry Haddie. A quick glance was cast towards Professor Finch to see if he knew of another way. If there was an easier one she'd like to know of it as well. Right now though it was sketching time and her hazel eyes moved back onto the parchment as her pencil was picked up again and she got back to work.

Hady worked quietly for some time focusing solely on Archer first as she had before. Getting in his shape and the look in his eyes each time he would look up at his owner. The eyes always told the most about a person and this was something she was really trying to learn to capture still.

Ansley watched as Hadleigh got started on her sketching and he thought for a moment that maybe he should have brought something to do or work on while she did her thing. Maybe some papers to grade. Of course, he was here to guide and instruct, but he knew she was adept enough that he didn't need to be looking over her shoulder the entire time.

But it was good to know that Hadley was able to come on Mondays when they met, at least the next few would be helpful. "No painting, I don't think," he told the young artist as she began sketching. "At least not today. I think it best to work with sketching different poses." It was really great practice according to him. "We'll work up to painting portraits." And he thought it best this way to make sure the artwork was as realistic as possible, something very important in magical portraiture.

Before he could elaborate much about the developing process, Hadleigh relayed her own thoughts. "A simple spell for basic magical cameras. It gets a little more advanced depending on what you want to do with it." But basic was often sufficient for most students. "And yes, it would be potions for muggle film, but I could show you that process if you wanted." Again, he was not a professional developer and knew more of the basics as most of his expertise lay elsewhere.

And if Hadleigh wanted to determine when she was done and when Hadley should change up her pose, that was fine. He normally would put a time limit on each pose to sketch as much detail in that time, but so far she seemed to be doing well on her own.

Hadleigh was utterly and completely focused on the detailing of each and every sketch. Her attention only ever left the parchment on the easel in front of her when she had to glance over or around it to see Haddie and Archer. Even then it was just a split second glance. It might have appeared that she wasn't even paying attention to anything else but that was furthest from the truth. Every word that was being said she heard and was taking note of.

Mondays were a go for continued work on sketching a live subject. This was good to know. There would also be no painting today, strictly sketching. "Yes professor, that makes sense." Working on different poses wasn't at all troublesome to her and gave her a widen range in tactic and skill.

Continuing with her sketching and detailing she went along with whatever happened. If she finished a particular pose quicker she would ask Haddie to move around. If Haddie or even Archer were to move on their own she did her best to work with that. Right now it was all about achieving the best possible amount of detail she could get in a set amount of time. It wasn't as easy as she had thought it would be but it was really interesting to see how much she was able to do and if she would be able to make out who her subjects really were once she had finished.