BOOKS! He had those. Lots of them, actually. And a few from his dormroom that he had packed away in his enchanted suitcase that he was also lugging around with him. He really REALLY needed to learn a Levitation Charm pronto to make all this easier - even if his suitcase was charmed by dad so it wasn't heavy at all.

Stumbling as he made his way towards one of the tables, Derf ended up dropping aaaaaaaaaall the books he had pulled off the shelves and tucked under his arm to the floor will several dull THUDS.

"DUNG BEETLES," he muttered to himself, setting his suitcase off to the side and restacking his books - all about wandlore, for the record.

Dora had a book or three on nonverbal magic tucked under her arm as she made her way into the study area. That kiiiid tho. He caught her attention as he dropped all of his books. Like, she could help with a flick of her wand... or she could help him pick them up... or do nothing. This list of possibilities actually caused her to take pause for a moment, chewing her gum thoughtfully.

And her better side caught up to her. Flexing her wrist sending her wand sliding into her hand, she smiled as she spoke the incantation softly and flicked and swished her wand. All of his books slowly began to stack themselves and levitate toward the nearest table.

"Tough break, kid. I got it for you, though. "

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erindipity

Dora had a book or three on nonverbal magic tucked under her arm as she made her way into the study area. That kiiiid tho. He caught her attention as he dropped all of his books. Like, she could help with a flick of her wand... or she could help him pick them up... or do nothing. This list of possibilities actually caused her to take pause for a moment, chewing her gum thoughtfully.

And her better side caught up to her. Flexing her wrist sending her wand sliding into her hand, she smiled as she spoke the incantation softly and flicked and swished her wand. All of his books slowly began to stack themselves and levitate toward the nearest table.

"Tough break, kid. I got it for you, though. "

WOAH?!

For a fleeting moment, the first year sincerely thought that HE was somehow managing to perform wandless magic and making his books levitate into place...but his brain quickly caught up with his optimism and that thought faded. It WAS a bit silly to think that someone who could hardly perform Accio would be able to do wandless magic...and unintentionally so!

Although...those first manifestations of magic by really REALLY little kids was wandless...

...huh...interesting...

OH HELLO SOMEONE TALKING TO HIM!

"Oh...fank you!" he chirped, watching in obvious awe as the books stacked in the air and then moved to the nearest table. "You're really good." Which was an honest opinion. Did she see how controlled her magical movements were? It was really neat! "You can call me Derf, fough. Instead of kid."

It was a simple enough piece of magic, to be honest, but Dora smiled at him nonetheless. Looking over at the pile of books on the table she simply gave a shrug next. "No big deal, really."

Derf. What kind of name was that? She would never say that, especially considering her own name. But, she did cock her head to the side and survey him for a moment. "Is that short for something?" And what books did he have? Dora was going to be nosy, yes she was. Moving over to said books she began to run her fingers over the spines. Interesting reading for a first year. Ahem.

They all seemed to know more and more as they came in, didn't they? More than she, as a fifth year, knew.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erindipity

It was a simple enough piece of magic, to be honest, but Dora smiled at him nonetheless. Looking over at the pile of books on the table she simply gave a shrug next. "No big deal, really."

Derf. What kind of name was that? She would never say that, especially considering her own name. But, she did cock her head to the side and survey him for a moment. "Is that short for something?" And what books did he have? Dora was going to be nosy, yes she was. Moving over to said books she began to run her fingers over the spines. Interesting reading for a first year. Ahem.

They all seemed to know more and more as they came in, didn't they? More than she, as a fifth year, knew.

"Maybe to you," he replied, still clearly awestruck by the older Gryffindor with his wiiiiiiiiiiide unblinking blue eyes. "I'm not so good wiff s-spells...melted my bucket in Herbology." At least he wasn't all that good YET. He was hopeful, after all, and DID have a pretty neat wand. Even if it wasn't the sort of wand he had been hoping to own.

"Derfael," he nodded. "Derfael Mitchell Ashburry-Hawthorne." If he was being technical. Noticing the her gaze, he removed his wand from his robes and held it in his hand for her to see. "I am trying to understand my wand," he explained. "13 inch spruce wiff a fwooper feather core. Fought maybe if I understood it better...I could do magic better too..."

The praise, oddly enough, made Dora a bit uncomfortable. The blonde shifted from foot to foot a few times and smoothed her hair down nervously. But then he spoke again... about not being good at spells. "None of us are particularly good at anything when we first get here, ya know," she reassured him, a softer tone to her voice. Ever the good older student, she was. Wanted to be a good role model, she did.

Mostly.

Some of the time.

On occasion, really.

But who was counting? Not her!

"Wandlore is pretty complex. My wand is best at destructive and fire spells, but also can be useful at healing magic. It's laurel and unicorn hair." She didn't pretend to know what exactly those things meant in relation to her specialty magic, but the wand lady had been super sure to tell Dora some key things to remember.

Well, maybe she hadn't done that on purpose, but it surely stuck with her.

"Practice is the best way to get better, you know. I have self taught most of the advanced magic I can do. Potions, too."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erindipity

The praise, oddly enough, made Dora a bit uncomfortable. The blonde shifted from foot to foot a few times and smoothed her hair down nervously. But then he spoke again... about not being good at spells. "None of us are particularly good at anything when we first get here, ya know," she reassured him, a softer tone to her voice. Ever the good older student, she was. Wanted to be a good role model, she did.

Mostly.

Some of the time.

On occasion, really.

But who was counting? Not her!

"Wandlore is pretty complex. My wand is best at destructive and fire spells, but also can be useful at healing magic. It's laurel and unicorn hair." She didn't pretend to know what exactly those things meant in relation to her specialty magic, but the wand lady had been super sure to tell Dora some key things to remember.

Well, maybe she hadn't done that on purpose, but it surely stuck with her.

"Practice is the best way to get better, you know. I have self taught most of the advanced magic I can do. Potions, too."

Nodding in understanding, Derf couldn't help but feel a tiiiiiiiiiiiiny bit upset still - even if the older Gryffindor's words were reassuring and made perfect sense. Of course everyone started out struggling. If there was no struggle then why would school even be necessary? "Did you ever melt a bucket?" he asked curiously. Because so far...he hadn't seen too many struggle as much as him. Except maybe Zoryn.

And now Derf was being all starry eyed at her because even if she didn't know wandlore all THAT much, she at least knew something and maybe MAYBE could help him understand his. "My best friend has-s a unicorn hair wand too! Mine's fwooper...but I don't know what that means-s...but since their song can drive a person mad...you fink that means my wand will too?" Hence the wanting to look things up....and why his small first year hands were reaching for one of the wandlore books. "I hope it means-s-s it is s-s-suited for work wiff creatures-s!"

His blue eyes looked back to the book and then back to the blonde. "Will you help me?"

Another delivery, another joy to bring. Now delivering was a bit tricky and nippy outside. As for inside, it would seem to be no biggie. Right? WRONG! With this Santa Man, Justin was to next make his delivery rounds into the Library. How would he have known to check there? Well, some liked to study during the holidays and it was worth checking it out if they weren't outside already. Taking careful steps so the jingles from his boots were noticeable but not annoyingly loud - yes, even he had to obey the Library's golden rule - he at last spotted the young man. Who wasn't alone. Hm.. Oh well. Wouldn't be the first time he had a little set of audience.

"HO! HO! HO! A MERRY.. CHRISTMAS to you!" Whoops, the loudness quickly descended to a low volume. "Ahem. Well now, someone's been an especially good young man. Two grams are right here ready for you." Handing over the two grams and candy canes attached.

SPOILER!!: Candy Grams

Quote:

Sweeter than a Newt (Scamander)
and twice as adorable,
Hogwarts is a brighter place with you in its halls!

From:
an admirer!

Quote:

Just like I promised

From:
Etta

Now there was no need to stop and watch his reaction, there were plenty others to deliver. "Enjoy! Now you two have a Jolly good Christmas! Oh ho ho!" The Santa Man was out slowly with the short sounds of the jingling bells of his black boots fading away.

The first Tuesday evening after putting the posters up about forming study groups was here and Natalia left the great hall and went straight up to the library. She was determined to work even harder after some mean comments she had received and overheard people saying. Her father was the reason she was wearing this badge was ridiculous and she would prove it to everyone.

HUFF


Finding a nice spot she placed the basket of cookies on the table and took a seat. Maybe people would come or maybe they wouldn't. Either way she was going to open her book and start the process of figuring out what to study. The first class on that list was charms.

Daisy was now sixteen years old. That meant a whole lot of things. It meant that soon-ish she could start her Apparation lessons, it meant that in one year she would officially be an adult. Also, the U17 team? Better enjoy it this year. However, this term in particular, it also meant something else. April was officially nearing its end and it was definitely time to start freaking out about OWLs.

She wasn't that bothered about academics. Chances were, no one would catch her keeping count of how many E's and O's she got in the exams. Trouble was, she did want to pass. If not all of them, then most of them at least. It would make her parents proud and, in all honestly, it would make her proud of herself, as well. Perhaps even more than getting into the national team had.

Quidditch was natural for her. Like Charms. She was fine with Charms.

Ancient Runes, though? Different story.

The studying area in the library was a good place to be, she had discovered. Quieter than the Common Room, so she could concentrate more easily but still with enough noise to not throw her off. Complete silence was weird and it made her nervous. This white noise made her feel comfortable enough to last a few hours here.

That also probably explained why she was currently sleeping on her runes textbook, to be honest.

Declan had gone to the library to have a good time studying.

Daisy had gone to the library to have a good time...napping?

Declan looked down at her with a perplexed expression, arms full of books, and rolled up charts. What was he supposed to do? Did he let her sleep or wake her up? Was she really needing the nap or was she avoiding responsibility? Levi did that sometimes but only rarely and after all everyone was wigging out over the OWLS and NEWTS. Stress really made people do strange things.

He stepped forward and very gently lowered the books on top of the table, along with the rolls of parchments. He sat on the chair next to Daisy, just as carefully, and folded his arms on the table only to rest his cheek on it. His eyes observed her sleeping face.

She looked like his neighbors pug when she slept, mouth crooked and everything. He chuckled.

"Daisy, wake up," he said from where he was still watching her, his cheek on his folded arms. "Wake up, Daisy. Wake UP."

Pssh, she wasn't sleeping. No way. She was simply ... resting her eyes. Yes, that would be what she would tell herself, or anyone who asked, later. Did that mean that she noticed when someone sat by her side, though? No, not really.

Nor did she hear when someone called her name.

Only at his last words did her eyes open, to find Declan's face surprinsingly close. "Whaa" Immediately, she raised her head and sat up, so fast that the chair wobbled and her hands moved to grip the edge of the table. "Declan! How long have you--" Why was her chin wet? She wiped it off and blushed at the realisation that she had been drooling. Brilliant, how wonderful! She glared at the boy, as if it was his fault. "Did you wake me up so that I could watch you sleep?" Why else would he be resting like that?

Declan bit his bottom lip to keep from laughing. He had almost reached out for but her reflexes were fast. At her blushing he couldn't help himself and he smiled wide first before he cracked up. His laughter was clear and frankly, too loud for the library. Declan shut his eyes and nodded.

"Yes, it's your turn now since I had to endure all of that. So give me ten minutes...." He didn't last ten seconds. He was laughing again and leaning on the table for support.

"Ah, Daisy," he sighed as he straightened up and tried to get his act together. "You remind of someone when you sleep. It's cute." Miss Buttercup was definitely the cutest pug he had ever seen.

Daisy continued with the glaring. He seemed awfully amused and she did not appreciate it. Honestly, a couple minutes ago she had been peacefully resting her eyes after a hard study session and now she was being mocked! No, scratch that. She was being laughed at. Declan --serious, Invoker of Gods Declan -- was laughing at her. Pretty loudly for a library too, she might add. The glaring softened.

Who knew Declan could laugh like that? It was almost enough to get her started too and she fought against her twitching lips.

NOPE. She had a part to play.

"Oh, honestly. Endure." She huffed dramatically at his choice of words, nose wrinkling in slight amusement annoyance as he actually tried to keep up the charade and went to sleep. She barely had the time to get roll her eyes, however, because before she could poke him, he was sitting back up. "You're teasing. It's not nice." And for that, he got a punch to his shoulder.

Ah, so the binding spell allowed for those, apparently.

"I remind you --" She blinked, a bit puzzled at his words. That was a weird thing to say. Was it a compliment? Was it offensive? How was she meant to tell without knowing who she reminded him of? Throw some bones and ask for the answer??? "Thank you? That's an odd thing to mention but hey-" She grinned cheekily up at him as she leant back into the chair, pretend annoyance now gone. "I've seen you do worse."

Her reaction was almost as funny as the way she had looked and Declan almost started all up again. It was sheer will that kept him from laughing. However, he couldn't help the twitching on the corners of his mouth. "It's fine, Daisy," he assured her, taking her light punch good heartedly. "What's the point of being bound to each other if we can't do a little teasing, hmm?" He nudged her with his shoulder.

Declan had the decency to blush. It was an odd thing but he still felt slightly guilty about that.

"You're good, promise," he told her with raised brows. Miss Buttercup was a sweetie. "All good things." He smiled at her lightly before glancing at the book she was sleeping on. "What are you working on there? Or sleeping on...drooling on?" Declan chuckled and shot her a wink just to make sure she knew he was teasing again.

Someone was clearly enjoying this. For some absurd reason, seeing him like that made her really happy and Daisy chuckled brightly. Maybe it was because of what had happened the last first time they met. He had been awfully serious during the session and after it was over he just had seemed so tired. He didn't look particularly tired now, though, nor was he serious. "Bound to each other." She repeated his words, shaking her head amusedly. Now that the whole how of the thing had passed, she was mostly just amused by the notion. She glanced up at the older boy and grinned widely, even as she swayed in her seat from the shoulder nudge. "I get invited to a bone reading session and leave married to the three of you."

Basically. That's what marriage did, right? Bind people together?

Yup.

She had married the Kennings that night. She had worn white and everything!

"Well, I'll trust you." If he said it was a good thing, it was a good thing. Did she even have a choice but to trust him? The spell hadn't come with instructions and regulations, so she wasn't particularly clear on that. Still, she did. Even if he was still teasing her; Daisy rolled her eyes for effect. "Well, before the sleeping and the drooling--" She looked down at her textbook and noticed a drool stain which she quickly moved to cover with her hand. "-- I had been working on my Runes reading." Daisy squinted at Declan, watching the boy closely. "You're probably good at that, aren't you?"

She didn't seem to believe they were bound to each other, or somehow found it laughable. Declan had been very serious about that fact, at least. He raised an eyebrow as he examined her sidelong. "Oh!" he started and realized the volume he was using to express himself. Declan leaned towards Daisy, hunching his shoulders as if to make a small space for them in their corner of the study tables.

"Now, marriage is a serious thing. Not that a binding spell isn't either, I'm just saying." What was he just saying? "Anyway, you ought to be careful who you say that to. They'll really think we're some part of a strange cult."

Which wasn't that far from the truth but Declan didn't want to admit it out loud. Daisy fussed a lot. Declan never noticed before. He wasn't expecting it. Something about wanting to eat a chicken off the ground made him believe Daisy wasn't really worried about little details like drooling.

"I'm alright at them," he admitted with a little shrug. "Nothing spectacular but I can help if that's what you want." Declan wasn't sure she was asking so he gave her back some of her space. Leaning back on his chair, Declan flipped open one of the books he had carried to the table. "If I assumed I apologize."

Well. Declan was definitely moving in closer. It didn't really surprise her if he wanted to keep this whole 'we are bound to each other' quiet; after all, the whole reason for the binding spell had been keeping her from babbling about what he got up to with his siblings. Which she still felt like she wouldn't have but it was alright, she had moved past that. Crossing her arms on the table, she leaned her head into the little private space he had created. Top job, Declan. Good way to put those shoulders into use.

Not that she had noticed them. Much, anyway.

What the heck he was on about, though, she had no idea. She agreed, both things were serious stuff. Where was he going with this? "Declan." She finally said, forehead frowning in confusion. "Why would I go around telling people I'm married to the Kenning siblings?" Or bound to them, anyway. Why would anyone need to know that? "Anyway, can I even talk about the binding spell?"

Honestly, Declan. Next time, she would appreciate a summary of the rules, please.

Maybe Daisy was jumping to conclusions in subjects she didn't really understand but she had expected Declan to be brilliant at Runes. He was still offering to help, though, so Daisy glanced down at the textbook for a second. "It's the readings I struggle with. Well, the interpretation." So she was screwed in the practical, even if not in both parts of the OWL. Someone remind her again why she was still taking Ancient Runes? "If something means a dog, I tend to assume that means I'm going to meet a dog." She shrugged in a very 'what can you do' manner. Because - what can one do, eh? But nevermind runes because now she had questions. Squinting her eyes at him, she moved closer still. Private stuff and all of that!

"Is it different then?" She stopped and chewed her lip nervously. Why the nerves, though, she had no idea. Maybe it was because she had had questions running around her head ever since that night and no opportunity to pose them. "From what you do .. did that night?" And how did he do that?? What else could he do?

Again Declan. Next time, make a pamphlet.

Declan's eyebrows knitted together. A frown for a frown. "Why wouldn't you?" he asked her in return, very seriously, before he smiled. "Some might consider it a privilege. I'm taking you don't?" Harsh. Declan rolled his eyes thinking his siblings theatrics were threatening to poison his system. Merlin, he almost placed a hand on his chest. That wasn't gonna happen while he wasn't possessed.

"There is no talk about the binding spell," Declan said with a small shake of his head. "There is no alluding to the binding spell. There's no hinting," he was counting off on his fingers now. "There is no writing about the binding spell. There is no use of body gestures to hint at the binding spell. As far as others are concerned, you are not bound to anyone or anything."

Declan shrugged thinking he should just throw her a bone already. "Anyway, you're scotch free in the next full moon. Surely, you can hold out that long."

"Well, you have to read them according to the layout," Declan explain with a frown. He took the ancient runes book Daisy had been not-drooling on and flipped through the pages until he found what he was looking for. "See?" He asked her pointing out the Five Rune Crossroads layout. "Each position or number has a specific meaning so you apply the rune in that spot to that meaning. For example," he stopped to point at the number two on the left. "If your supposed dog rune was in this spot it's supposed to be about your past. So the dog somehow has brought you to this spot in time when you are reading the runes. Are you scared of dogs?" he asked her with raised brows. It was a mild joke but maybe she was. Who knew?

In a moment, Daisy was asking him a question that was not about Ancient Runes. He stalled, running his fingers along the five points of the crossroads layout before answering her. "What do you mean?" he asked her in a whisper. "That kind of magic is different from everything else."

He had almost looked offended, for a second there. Daisy's eyes remained trained on his face, trying to figure it out but immediately relaxed when he smiled. Ah. "Privilege, eh?" Despite her raised eyebrow and disbelieving tone, she did believe him. They were all pretty good looking and also pretty useful if you needed to communicate with an ancient God. Still. "Oh, I feel very privileged. But it's nobody's business, so.." She ended that with a shrug. Despite Daisy's tendency to ramble and babble, she could sometimes be quite selective with what she said.

And yes, there was the binding spell.

Her lips twitched amusedly as he went through the list of what she couldn't do. See, that was appreciated even if he was clearly exaggerating. And despite the fact that she had been paying attention and definitely got his point, the first words she said after he finished were still "Can I put it into a song?" And just about refrained from poking her tongue out at him. No songs, either. That would count as either writing or talking, right? "That's my point, though. She said seriously, now. "If I go around telling people I'm married to you I'll either have to explain myself - which I can't - or have people think I've lost my mind."

So yeah. No talk of marriage.

His next words did genuinely surprise her, though, and for a few seconds, she simply stared at him. Time to update his title, clearly. Declan Kenning, Invoker of Gods and Withholder of Information. "You couldn't have said that then?" She whispered hurriedly with a wrinkle of her nose. "I thought it was forever!" So young and already about to get divorced.

When he pulled her textbook towards him, she gladly let it go. She even grabbed her self-inking quill incase she needed to take notes, which she clearly did, considering she hadn't even been on the right page. "So I just have to look at the number and see what it applies to?" And then wing the reading. Sokolov seemed to like her so maybe she could go for the amusement factor. Anyway. "Not afraid of dogs, no. But my first dog was called Chaser and now I am a Chaser, so maybe this supposed rune is half-right." And that was not only a bad joke but also true.

She couldn't help but roll her eyes, then. Could he not get the hint? "Yes, of course it is." Daisy would easily agree with that. She had never seen anything like it. Following his example, she lowered her voice as well. "You don't have to talk about it, if you don't want to." She paused then and looked at him for a beat too long. Right. Her nose wrinkled once more with frustration. It was probably easier to just come out with it. "I've never seen anyone do that, Declan. I wasn't really expecting it either, Levi only mentioned a bone reading." They had been through that already, so Daisy moved on. Or tried to because she was clearly rambling now. "I mean, the ruddy binding spell! That was wandless magic, wasn't it?" A nervous giggle escaped suddenly and her forehead frowned. Honestly, this was unbecoming of her. Right. Here we go. "Okay, what I wanna ask is - how did you do that?"

Daisy did not sound convinced. Declan had half a mind to list the reasons why she should be privileged. He reminded himself very quickly he was not Althea and relied on his terrible habit: shrugging. It seemed to be a contagious one because Daisy was shrugging too. Declan chuckled.

"No," he sang and smiled. That was as close as she'd get to having him sing. Ever. "You can't do that either." He shrugged yet again for her small complaint. "Then I guess you'll have to keep it a secret. Until next moon which is not forever!" She sounded relieved. Declan watched her from under his lashes. There was no need to sound like she had been imprisoned even if that was almost the case.

"Sounds like the rune is more correct than you want to admit," Declan dared to voice. Some people were rather closed to the possibilities different forms of Divination provided. Ancient Runes was a form of divination depending on how it was used just like Arithmancy (although he had gotten into many debates about that). It was also a form of ancient magic before magic was conducted through wands for a more convenient and easier way to control each individual's gift. "Ancient Runes can be used for more than just guessing about your past or future though. You can use it to cast spells."

Or curses. It really depended on intent.

Just like it depended on Daisy's intent; on why she was looking at him that way or asking the questions she was asking. He swallowed with some difficulty feeling his face heat up. It was hard to hold eye contact so Declan went back to the book, flipping aimlessly through the pages. "I don't like to tell people about certain things..." Just how much he could do and what he couldn't. Wandless magic was something he had worked on in secret, at his home, ignoring all laws. He finally tore his eyes away from the textbook to stare at Daisy. "There's so much more out there than waving a wand and yelling an incantation. We've progressed so much as a whole community," he explained with some ardor, using his hands to gesture. "We lost so much along the way in the name of advancement but our ancestors, Daisy," he stopped to reach for her hand. Declan placed his large one on top of hers. "They did so much just by what they had inside and...well, by borrowing from others. Like Gods."

Declan was singing. Granted, it had only been one syllable but it was so unexpected that Daisy's eyes widened in surprise and she had to fight to stifle a giggle. So, he was funny. That was unexpected, to be honest. "Bummer. She finally said with a slightly dramatic and disappointed sigh. Keep it a secret, though? "I will. Looking up at him seriously, she grimaced slightly. "And I get that you don't believe me, but I will keep it after the spell is over, too. I have no wish to talk to anyone about that." Except, clearly, him and his siblings. That was mainly because she had so many questions, though.

As for the rune, though. "Are you trying to imply that if my dog had been called Tree, I'd want to be a tree?" She asked with a shake of her head. Ancient Runes, like Divination and Arithmancy, had surprised her a lot of times during her time at Hogwarts. She had no expectations of them -- thanks to her disbelieving Mother, really -- but she couldn't deny that sometimes they did get things right. Which was weird and confusing but fascinating at the same time. It was probably the only reason why she hadn't dropped the subjects, to be honest. "Solokov covered that. Beheaded horses and stuff."

That had been the reason she had asked him about it, anyway. Using runes to cast spells and curses was a way to use magic without having to channel it through a wand and that reminded her of what he had done.

Whatever that had been.

He clearly wasn't that keen on talking about it, though, and she watched him even as he looked away. She knew that she should probably give him some space as well but, well, she was curious. Whether his behaviour was due to nerves or mistrust, she couldn't tell but that was okay. Despite her curiosity, it would be fine if he didn't tell her. She wouldn't even pry again - until the next time they met, obviously.

When he did start talking, though, that was when the curiosity turned into fascination. She listened to him carefully, her lips stretching into a smile at his demeanour. He was saying a lot of stuff and somehow Daisy was only getting more and more questions in her mind. When he unexpectedly rested his hand on top of hers, she jumped in surprise, forehead frowning slightly at the tingling feeling going up her arm. Right. Probably just muscle memory from the last time he did that, yeah? "I think ..." She spoke, a few seconds after he finished talking, eyes still on his face. "- you are probably the most fascinating person I have ever met." That was high praise indeed, considering that she had once met Willow Kovac, aka her hero. "I'm really glad you told me and I have a lot of questions, but.." She stopped to look down at their hands, her smaller one twitching nervously under his. She looked back up at him with a smile. "You do remember that I threatened to punch your nose, right?"

The drama! Declan's brows rose with faux shock. It was a surprise Althea and Daisy weren't best of friends, maybe time would tell. He made a face at her insistence. Part of him knew she didn't mean anything bad about what she said but her tone made it seem like it was something shameful to hide. It was a conflicting feeling; wanting her to keep quiet and also at the same wanting to feel--well, a little important; something worth boasting about.

"I guess that's your decision," he said calmly and let the subject drop. There was plenty of other things to talk about, plenty of things to grab his attention.

"No," he clarified with a small shake of his head and a little laugh. "Your dog is still a dog even if he is named Tree. That doesn't change." Was she trying to ask him trick questions? Beheaded horses? Declan chuckled and shrugged. He could go on and on about ancient curses but he didn't think that was very polite conversation at least not in the presence of girls. It was kind of morbid and gruesome. Did that thought make him sexist? His brows knitted together and he grabbed his chin between his thumb and index finger.

He brought his hand down as Daisy shocked him. He had been called many things: dramatic, odd, strange, unfriendly, slightly intimidating. Not once had he been called fascinating. His brown eyes took in Daisy's own; not for the first time he wished he could see more than just shades of dark and light.

Then she was snapping him back to reality.

"I didn't cast a spell," he answered her quickly, keeping his hand where it was for just another second before he removed it. "And I do remember." He just simply wasn't that concerned about it. There were worse things a girl could do to your nose. "Sorry," Declan apologized and lifted both hands in the air. "My hands get carried away sometimes."

Daisy was a bit perplexed by Declan's reaction. Given the fact that the boy had cast a binding spell, almost immediately after coming back from wherever he had gone to, to keep her from sharing what had happened, she thought he would be happy with her determination in keeping their secret. However, he seemed almost disappointed. "Declan, you're being terribly confusing." She told him quietly, leaning away from him and looking around.

If he wanted her to share what she had seen, after all, she was perfectly capable of doing just that. No matter how much she didn't want to.

Tree was a terrible name for a dog, anyway. "Well, if I ever win anything in Quidditch, I'll be sure to thank Chaser for the inspiration." She added with a chuckle, looking at him again. Obviously, she had to since her pretend rune had said Chaser was the reason for her career choice. It was probably a good idea not to mention that to Dad, though. Talking of Quidditch did remind her of something and she quickly looked down at the Ancient Runes textbooks. Declan, in-touch-with-the-Gods-Declan, could prove to be useful in the future. "So," She started, very nonchalantly, as if she had no further intent behind her words other than curiosity. "can you curse people?"

It was good practice to keep a list of what your acquaintances -- friends???-- could do. You never knew when it could be useful, after all.

Besides, she hadn't been lying or exaggerating. She did honestly find him fascinating, with his mysterious powers and incredible knowledge of ancient magic. Whether he wasn't used to hearing that or he was just surprised she thought that of him, she couldn't tell, but she did her best to hold his gaze and send him an encouraging smile. He had invoked an ancient God the first time they met. That stuff left marks, okay?

Like the spell.

She nodded. "I know. No warm feeling this time." Which was a lie and she realised that as soon as the words left her mouth. She flushed, embarrassed. It had felt different to the spell, though. He did release her hand then, and it moved to her side of the table, stretching slightly. "It's fine. I was half-teasing." About the spell he could've cast then, not about the punching because that would still happen. She hadn't taken up boxing only because it would make her stronger. "Yeah, hands do that sometimes." She heard herself saying, much to her own dismay. NO THEY DIDN'T. What was she on about? Moving on, then. He hadn't really given her permission to ask any more questions but he definitely knew he could always tell her to bugger off, so she continued, even if only to cover up her awkwardness. Besides, she was genuinely curious about this. "Do you think everyone is capable of doing that? Being that connected to their magic and borrowing from others?"