Gamekeeper's Hut

Gamekeeper's Hut
hogwarts grounds

The Gamekeeper's Hut is a small wooden cabin located outside of Hogwarts Castle, on the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Typically, this doubles as the Care of Magical Creatures professor's office. A pumpkin patch can be found near the entrance.

Hana Fernandez

lakambini ng namayan, spellmaking apprentice
paintedred

Hana honestly feels like she has her life a little bit more together than she did before; she's started being active in classes again and her sleep schedule is fixing itself little by little. This is *good* – she's finally getting a grip. There *is*, however, this feeling that seems to be looming over her constantly, but it's nothing compared to the meltdowns she would have at home a couple months ago and she definitely feels a lot less shitty than she did last week. This feeling is... subtle. She could compare it to a buzzing in her ear that never quite goes away. It's just an odd sense of dread that makes it hard to breathe sometimes, and the feeling seems to intensify every time she has Care of Magical Creatures, the only class she's *quiet* in nowadays, a stark contrast from how participative she used to be in class. Professor Ibn-Yasmine had wanted to talk to her about it (Why are all the teachers so concerned about her, anyway? It's not like her academic performance is suffering.) so she stopped by the caretaker's office but Hana had made sure the conversation was succinct and brief. She didn't want to dwell on her negative feelings too much; it's counterproductive to even remember they're *there* in the first place.

Ignaci Castello

dragonology apprentice
ateleia

In contrast to Hana's recent months, he has been flourishing at Hogwarts. He tried testing into Healing to be with Fahriye and failed out of it, but he did *try* and that's more than he's ever done before. Although usually uninterested in all classroom affairs (including Care of Magical Creatures), he had increased his engagement enough to impress Professor Ibn-Yasmine and warrant a short meeting about landing him an internship at the dragon reserve in Wales. He has made a point of harassing Numbers about his puzzles and her music recommendations and she has been sure to capture his company whenever they are both laying around the common room, which is admittedly rare as he has been putting extra effort into his studies. Or at least he's trying to. It really fails to maintain his interest and the only course he's doing well in right now is Care. In fact, he has just worked his way down to the hut to meet with Ibn-Yasmine about that internship. He is a bit earlier than he usually is and far earlier than he should be, so it's no wonder that he's left leaning against the hut waiting for the meeting before him to finish.

Hana Fernandez

lakambini ng namayan, spellmaking apprentice
paintedred

Someone had interrupted her meeting with the professor because of something 'urgent', though to her, they were a welcome visitor. Professor Ibn-Yasmine kept pressing on her situation and asking her how he could adjust some mechanics of the class specifically for her in order to keep her from doing things like going in the Forest, or dealing with some of the nastier creatures. Essentially, he *pitied* her. She hated it. She had insisted that there was no need, but he kept bringing it up, which is why she was glad to hear the knock on the door from one of the other Hogwarts professors. Moose told her to hang around though until it was over – their conversation was apparently not over yet. When she opens the door, she ends up face to face with Ignaci at the entrance of the hut, so she steps around him to avoid the close proximity to somebody else. "Professor Ibn-Yasmine is busy." she mentions politely, mostly because he looks like he's waiting for something. "Professor Prince had to see him about something."

Ignaci Castello

dragonology apprentice
ateleia

He isn't quite sure who Professor Prince is, but he is smart enough to make assumptions. It was probably the woman who had just entered before him, but he would have clocked her a student way before he ever claimed her as a professor. Ignaci steps aside, allowing for her to pass without needing to step out of her way, and smiles at her. He fluffs his hair and almost thinks to himself that she's rather gorgeous at this proximity. He isn't stupid. In the month of classes he has actually been able to attend amongst all of these breaks, it would be ridiculous to claim he hasn't noticed which of his classmates catch his fancy even from afar. Honestly, he had tuned her out for the most part - often sitting on either side of the classroom and she's partners with *Tristan le Fey* of all people and seems to be fine with it. So, she's arguably gorgeous, but God, he isn't letting his feelings be swayed by such simple politeness. "Thank you," he responds with a small nod and turns to lean against a nearby post. He grins, but lets it slip as he realizes how cheesy he must look. She doesn't look like someone who likes cheesy and he doesn't feel like being scorned while he's in such a good mood. "What brings you out here?" She's a Prefect. She obviously isn't in trouble.

Hana Fernandez

lakambini ng namayan, spellmaking apprentice
paintedred

Is it really any of his business? Hana almost rolls her eyes but stops herself. That wouldn't be very nice of her. Her friends would be disappointed if they caught her acting like that to someone she's barely interacted with. Everyone seems to think she's going to go back to being a bitch without Jude around to soften her; Hana thinks it's childish to assume that her growth as a person can be undone by something as trivial as a break-up. "Professor wanted to speak with me about an upcoming assessment." This isn't entirely untrue. He *had* warned her that CoMC would only progressively get harder, which meant more dangerous creatures being involved, but wanted to reassure her safety and that she was free to bring up any concerns she might have with that. Not that Hana *would* have any concerns. Never in her life has she had to talk to a teacher about needing to adjust the course load because she couldn't handle it. "And you?"

Ignaci Castello

dragonology apprentice
ateleia

It's small talk, but when has Ignaci ever minded it? He would rather make conversation than have the two of them just staring at their phones in the cold, breathing in a shared space and pretending the other doesn't exist. He's a social creature at heart. What else is there to say? "Professor Ibn-Yasmine gave me assistance on an internship application. It's one of those ones where the professors get offered positions and must recommend potential students, yeah," he explains, tone gentle to hide all of the passion behind it. There is a gleeful lift to his voice, but regardless his smile is enough to show he *does* care. He is excited. Just the details of everything...God, so boring. "It's between me and one of the seventh years. We're meeting today to discuss the...eh, status of it." His face turns down in concentration as he focuses on his words, but he lets go and just follows through with what his mind is telling him whether it's proper or not. "Exciting things, thankfully. Not really used to those kinds of conversations with professors." He laughs. It's second nature to poke fun at his lack of academic prowess. Almost everyone at Durmstrang did it for him and a good way to bond with them had been to join in and not look like such a victim (or whatever).

Hana Fernandez

lakambini ng namayan, spellmaking apprentice
paintedred

*That* piques Hana's interest. It's not like Care of Magical Creatures is her best subject, but the idea of not even being *offered* something academically related makes her feel a slight pang in her chest. This was a good wake up call, she thinks. She's been letting what happened in the Tournament affect her performance in CoMC too much. She isn't bitter about the lack of opportunity being presented to her, but she *is* a bit cross with herself for having even just one class where she isn't, well, the best. It's obvious Ignaci's heart is in this, though, and hers would not have been, so she supposes he deserves it more. Maybe. "Congratulations." she says, though with Hana nearly everything that comes out of her mouth sounds mildly threatening or insincere, so she lets the corners of her mouth quirk up a bit to show that this is genuine. "When's the internship going to be?" she asks, "I don't think I caught your name, by the way. You're a new student, right?" Or is he just one of their more irrelevant yearmates? Hopefully if he is, he isn't too offended.

Ignaci Castello

dragonology apprentice
ateleia

Ignaci laughs, wanting to say something about how...well, he isn't guaranteed the position yet and he's certain with every passing second that he is about to get denied. But he wants to have this, so he chooses to. "Thanks," he gives a short nod and smiles at her. He isn't bothered by the lack of sincerity in her voice. Not very many people are just alike and he doesn't assume she is anything like his friends from Durmstrang, but many of them carry the same spiteful tone, so hers doesn't bother him one bit. If anything, it amuses him and he has to try to hide how flattered he is by it. It's like home or something like that. "It would be in June shortly after classes finish. If things go well, I could land something at the dragon reserve in Scotland and do that through school next term, but-" He shrugs, not wanting to bet anything just yet. He isn't sure he even has the position in Wales yet. "New-ish. Ignaci," he says, leaning over and stretching his hand out for her to shake. "Fernandez, right? Always in the front of the room." It's pretty self explanatory why he sits himself in the furthest seats from the front. It's easier to sleep and also easier to zone out into different books or puzzles. Fahriye makes them sit closer to the front in Transfiguration, but other than that, he enjoys the back.

Hana Fernandez

lakambini ng namayan, spellmaking apprentice
paintedred

"Hana, yes." she says. Her last name has always felt like it was just something she had for the sake of having it; back home she's *Hana ng Namayan*. She and all her cousins are named after deities, too, which makes her feel more important, like she's above everyone else (and she supposes, she is). The comment about sitting at the front of the room every class makes her snort a little. She did it in fifth year when she transferred in to make sure the professors would remember who she was despite being a newcomer, and the habit stuck. "Nice to meet you, Ignaci." she says. The name feels nice on her tongue mostly because it isn't as aggressively... English as some of their other yearmates. Kind of sounds like a name from home, though that's probably just because of Spanish influence. "When did you transfer in?"

Ignaci Castello

dragonology apprentice
ateleia

"It's a pleasure, Hana." It is a sweet name and the energy it elicits seems oddly matched to what also *seems* to be her personality. It reminds him of flowers maybe, but he isn't quite sure why. The only Hana he knows off the cuff would be D.Va from Overwatch, his father's favorite video game, and that doesn't explain it either. "I came in just before Christmas. Eh, from Durmstrang." His accent is far closer to something you would find among Beauxbatons students, but he doesn't align with the culture there. It's the reason he took any chance at transferring. It was too proper. "It was perfect timing too with that Christmas ball. We don't have those sorts of things at Durmstrang. It was...quite beautiful." And yes, he thinks about Fahriye although things have clearly been halted in every direction there. He is fine with it. He fancies so many people that it becomes incredibly easy to remain friends with them afterwards. With her, it's a bit difficult. If he stares at her for too long, he starts to admire her all over again. There is something powerful about her certainly, but he isn't certain what. He doesn't mind it, yet at the same time is sure he doesn't like it. "Did you attend? Or were you home for the holidays?"

Hana Fernandez

lakambini ng namayan, spellmaking apprentice
paintedred

Hana only went to the ball because she and Tate were required to for the announcing of winners, but she had left early because she didn't have a date anyway and she wasn't in the mood to watch Jude attend with Aoibh. They had *just* broken up, then, which is why it stung so much but now it's been a while so she doesn't feel as icky seeing the two of them together. Hana can be jealous and petty, yes, but she's also not one to regret her decisions and that's what the break-up *was*, after all. *Her* choice. She almost gets lost in thought about that, when she realizes... "You weren't here for the tournament?" she asks, eyes lighting up a bit. This makes her feel a bit more inclined to, well, put effort into this conversation. "You're right – the ball was beautiful. It's good that you were able to experience it – we had one at the beginning of the year, too, when the champions were announced." she says, suddenly becoming more of a conversationalist. "Did you go with someone?"

Ignaci Castello

dragonology apprentice
ateleia

Honestly, he was hardly aware of a tournament taking place to begin with. He had arrived late and had missed any tournament-related festivities at the beginning of the ball. He had left rather early too. Getting ditched after one dance puts a damper on things, doesn't it? Regardless, sure, he had heard whispers of something happening, but it was before his time and not in an interesting sort of way. He didn't so much care about it. "No, what tournament?" Even if he has some clue, it isn't much and the way her eyes light up at the thought of him not knowing an ounce brings him some sort of intrigue. His tone is playful as he adjusts himself to learn forward, showing more physical interest in the conversation. "Champions? Quite fancy." It's almost mocking, but not really. He finds it fascinating how different the two schools are, but neither of them compare to Beauxbatons. Then again, anything French sounds pretentious to him, so of course whatever name they would choose (although if he put a second thought into it, he would realize *champion* and *championne* probably) would be far more annoying. "Anyway, I did not. I didn't have friends here at the time. Did you?" He quirks a brow and a small smirk tugs at his lips.

Hana Fernandez

lakambini ng namayan, spellmaking apprentice
paintedred

"Very fancy." she agrees. Hana hesitates before saying this next bit. She feels like it's the type of thing that Vilja or Jude might call her out on for being too conceited, or they'd remind her that with everything that happened, perhaps this isn't the best thing to brag about. But fuck it, she *won*. She deserves to be obnoxious about this. "I won it." It's not like she has to explain to him the details of what she did, anyway, and if she does, she's sure she can water down the story. "Unfortunately, that didn't make it any easier to find a date for that ball." she drawls, "It was very beautiful, I agree, but kind of a drag without the right company."

Ignaci Castello

dragonology apprentice
ateleia

His expression becomes difficult to maintain (and also *name*) as he hits a wall of reactions. He is absolutely amazed despite understanding the stakes of the tournament, but is also thrown out of his comfort zone and is taken aback by the sudden news. She holds herself so delicately before she says it and he wonders why because in his opinion, she should be proud. Not to claim she doesn't seem proud. It's just he would probably say it with his whole chest if he was capable of such an accomplishment. "Oh, wow," is his initial reaction and it's simple as that. He grins and absent-mindedly looks her over as he further collects himself. His eyes never dip below her shoulders expect to admire her hair. It's beautiful. "Congratulations. That is...absolutely amazing. Honestly, I wouldn't fuss over the date situation nor let it dampen the mood around your success." He shrugs. Maybe they were intimidated by her. It would make sense. Most of the powerful women he knows tend to struggle with love whether with men or women, but especially men (the stupid creatures). "I would have danced with you if we had met three months ago. You seem like pleasurable company to keep."

Hana Fernandez

lakambini ng namayan, spellmaking apprentice
paintedred

The easiest way to Hana's heart is a compliment, really, and she *knows* it's because of her ego and that she can be quite vain from time to time but she doesn't think that's that much of a bad thing. "As do you." she replies in kind. She smiles a bit again, this time it's a bit more shyly. "Shame we didn't meet any earlier than this." she says, "Though you might not have liked me very much back then." *Hana* did not like *herself* very much back then; she's sure that she's better now, though if she digs a little deeper she'd know she's lying to herself about that. So she doesn't. When it comes to emotions, Hana has found that when she dwells too much it gets worse, so it's better to keep things surface level. Realizing though, that what she said sounds a bit ominous, she quickly adds. "Was going through a break-up; it was that sort of thing."

Ignaci Castello

dragonology apprentice
ateleia

His smile weakens slightly, but with a small nod to show he's listening. His eyes fall down to her nose as he contemplates his response, but it doesn't take very long. He quickly regains her gaze and nods again before speaking, "I understand. I don't think that has anything to do with the quality of your company to be honest with you." Everyone is always in a certain space and that space is never really perfect. There is always something brewing and he has dealt with enough teenagers in his time to know that. It doesn't bother him especially not the post-breakup stage. "But if you would have needed space back then, I would understand that too. Situations like that are especially difficult." No need to push for who or why. The way she carries herself through this topic doesn't seem to welcome it. Most people don't.

Hana Fernandez

lakambini ng namayan, spellmaking apprentice
paintedred

Of course it wasn't just the break-up she was going through at the time, but it's the most normal thing for her to mention and it calls for the least elaboration. The way Ignaci talks, though, is very nice. It's reassuring and it has a somewhat calming effect; the way he says his words is very put-together, genuine, and kind. She adjusts her hair mostly because she can feel her ears turning a bit pink. "You're right." she says, "That was very... wise and kind of you to say." She's not trying to flirt with him; Hana's just straightforward when she's curious. "Are *you* seeing anyone?" she asks. She's just wondering – he's very nice and nice boys tend to be taken, especially attractive ones, and she's very much interested in maintaining this friendship (which she wouldn't be able to do if she's accidentally already pissed off his girlfriend, or something like that).

Ignaci Castello

dragonology apprentice
ateleia

He isn't sure he has ever been called *wise* although when he starts thinking about it more, she didn't really say that *he* was wise, did she? No, whatever he said was and he doesn't really think of that as wise either. He has a tendency to confine himself to a standard of stupidity though. Even if he said something of value, he wouldn't see it that way. "Not at the present moment, no," he answers simply. He dated someone back in late January, but that lasted all the way until Valentine's Day. It would hardly be considered a relationship and his feelings were hardly caught up in it. Sure, it made for a particularly lonely and cliche Valentine's Day, but after a few days, he was okay again. "I take it you are not? Well, not to imply I would be surprised if you had managed to swoop someone else up by now." He smirks slightly before chuckling and turning his expression into more of an inquisitive one. It's small talk after all. He should get his head out of it, thinking too damn much yet not enough.

Hana Fernandez

lakambini ng namayan, spellmaking apprentice
paintedred

Flattery would definitely get anyone somewhere with Hana, and she'd be more flustered over the compliment if not for the fact that she's still not entirely over Jude and everything that happened between the two of them. She shakes her head. "I'm too busy with school. Prefect duties, too." she says. Part of why her relationship with Jude worked so well is because they both had the same priorities; neither of them felt like they had to sacrifice anything for the other, she thinks, and it's difficult finding someone she can share that dynamic with again. "I was hoping to start an internship too – I can't do one over the summer because my parents make me go home so I was considering maybe asking Wizco if they're willing to let me try it out on weekends during the school year." Is she spreading herself too thin? She doesn't think that's an apt way to describe it when she *knows* she can handle everything she's putting on her plate.

Ignaci Castello

dragonology apprentice
ateleia

He nods in understanding. He really shouldn't be so focused on romantic affairs either. The chances of him finding *the one* at Hogwarts is so slim anyways and he's only seventeen. Oh, and he should be more focused on school. He's gotten better in Care of Magical Creatures, yes, but the other three have been bumpy at best. He isn't sure where he would be in Transfiguration without an accomplished partner like Fahriye. "Understandable. School is important and it's definitely a time killer." And that's why he tends to abandon it entirely. No wonder his scores are miserable. "WizCo probably has stellar internship opportunities. If you can manage one, then why shouldn't you pursue it?" He doesn't know enough about her situation to think it's a bad thing or that it is avoidant of real issues otherwise he would probably express more concern. He's more caught up in how accomplished she appears to be. She's so poised. He takes note of the parents thing too and lifts a brow. "Home? Are you a Muggle-born too or from somewhere overseas?" Her accent *is* beautiful and he hasn't heard one quite like it before. Maybe on the television once? Or at the ski resort back home? He isn't sure, *but* at the same time, he is pretty certain he's never heard someone with such a beautiful way of speaking before. She's so elegant, but not too elegant that it's pretentious and makes him want to curl out of his skin.

Hana Fernandez

lakambini ng namayan, spellmaking apprentice
paintedred

"Somewhere overseas. The Philippines." she answers. She feels like in any other situation, she'd mention the whole 'princess' thing too, but she's just met Ignaci officially and there's a nagging voice in her head (that suspiciously sounds like Vilja) telling her she already bragged too much with the whole tournament champion thing. It's not her fault she's so *accomplished*, and it's not like she asked or actively tried to be royalty. Is it really being conceited if she's just telling the truth? Hana holds her tongue anyway. "You're muggleborn?" she asks, "Bet it was a bit of a shock for your family when your magic started manifesting; my whole family is magical – " The term 'pure-blood' sounds a little too elitist for Hana's liking so she doesn't use it; yes, this is the same girl with a *crown* emoji in her Witchagram bio because she's royalty. " – so, it was expected and everyone knew how to handle it, too."

Ignaci Castello

dragonology apprentice
ateleia

It was timely certainly. He still feels the pain of losing his mother and it starts manifesting itself back into his heart at the very thought, so he glances away from her and towards the trees as he takes half a second to collect himself. "It certainly was. It was just me and my father by then. Poor man had no idea what he was dealing with." He is lucky that his father was not as strict of a Catholic as he had originally thought. "However, Durmstrang accepted me with no problem, so maybe I was adopted and he still won't admit it." He shrugs and looks a bit off for a moment before he smiles at her. "What is it like in the Philippines?" He realizes the Philippines is much larger than Andorra and corrects himself. "Or at least where you're from?"

Hana Fernandez

lakambini ng namayan, spellmaking apprentice
paintedred

"Better than here." she says, cracking a small smile. She hopes it doesn't look too... bitchy. Hana has been told that whenever she smiles it always just ends up looking like she's smirking, which can be condescending. "I admit I'm biased, of course. I think there are a lot of things that are more interesting back home. The native spells, the potions, the plants, the creatures..." The creatures are a lot scarier, too, Hana thinks. For a brief moment she's a bit grateful that the tournament hadn't happened back home where she'd be having to face off her nightmare fuel. ~~They would've had the common sense to not have her go up against a dementor, either.~~ "And it's a lot less cold." she adds, a bit more light-heartedly. She laughs a little, but she really *hates* the weather here. It's her least favorite part about going to school abroad. She's almost always wrapped up in a sweater even when everyone else seems to be more than okay going out in short or sleeveless tops. "What's it like where you're from?" she asks. She imagines if he was from Durmstrang, he isn't from here either. "Why did you end up transferring?" She feels like that question is a bit nosy, but she's curious. Sue her. He's kind, well-spoken, polite, *tall*, his eyes are really nice... He's too perfect to the point it's getting suspicious – maybe he has a dark past she hasn't unearthed yet.

Ignaci Castello

dragonology apprentice
ateleia

It doesn't bother Ignaci that she thinks her home is better than being in Scotland. This isn't his home to be defensive about and regardless, even if it was, he wouldn't be able to blame her for liking where she's from more. It makes sense to him even if he isn't that attached to Andorra. He smiles while listening to her and reaches up to ruffle his hair in the time between her question and his response, "I couldn't imagine being anywhere warmer than this. Andorra is usually cold and we lived in a little ski town up near the mountains. Beautiful place really." He grins and gives a half-assed shrug before straightening himself up. He does miss his home. He knew everyone's name and almost everyone's drama. He remembers when his mother passed away and his neighbors helped take care of him for a few weeks afterwards *especially* after the incident. "I went to Beauxbatons for a couple years, then my friends - these twins - were transferring to Durmstrang. I didn't want to be alone and I thought France was a bit pretentious? So, I left with them. Was there for a few years before my pa got a clerical position here, so we moved." His tone is a bit straight and he reaches up to tug at the golden ring running through his earlobe before grinning and nodding at her. "What about you?"

Hana Fernandez

lakambini ng namayan, spellmaking apprentice
paintedred

"I went to school back home until fifth year." she says, "But I ended up transferring because..." It's definitely odd opening up about her past to someone she's known for maybe ten minutes; there's no need to explain the whole – *my schoolmates were all terrible to me because I'm royalty* bit, so she opts for this instead: "My parents graduated from Hogwarts, and they thought it would be good for me to experience education abroad. And Hogwarts *is* a good school; I like it. The people here are much nicer, too, and while I miss my family, it's nice being able to have a bit more freedom." As opposed to Solis, where the teachers seemed to be sending Hazelle and Valentin constant updates on her behavior and performance, not to mention how she was interacting with the rest of her year. It's nice being so far away, she supposes, because she can fight her own battles this way. "And France *is* a bit pretentious – I've only been once, but I see where you're coming from." she says, "Durmstrang seems a bit... rigid, too, though."

Ignaci Castello

dragonology apprentice
ateleia

Ignaci purses his lips and nods before grinning again. "It's important to get new perspectives certainly." His 'new perspectives' have mostly been rooted in the morality of magic though. Not much about culture. He's grateful for the experience, yes, and he wouldn't trade it for the world, but it isn't the same difference between the Philippines and the United Kingdom. "I'm glad you like it and you chose to stay." A small smirk pulls at his lips before he's able to catch himself and he takes a quick glance at the patch of wet grass between them before meeting her eyes again. His eyes are soft and gentle, showing how content he is in the moment. "Durmstrang *is* rigid, but not in the same way. The Dark Arts are almost the polar opposite of everything Beauxbatons is about, right? So, it was a bit of a shock, but you find friends and you adjust..." He really is thankful for Sonya and Sorcha (and, at one point, he was for Tristan too), but he sometimes thinks about whether that was really his *zone*. Then he remembers that Dark Arts was the only OWL he had done well on and he gets a bit embarrassed by it. A small look comes over him and he rubs his hands together nervously before finishing his thought, "Hogwarts is nicer. It feels more like home." He isn't the butt of every joke here. Not yet. He also feels more supported academically like the professors care and so do his partners.

Hana Fernandez

lakambini ng namayan, spellmaking apprentice
paintedred

"What was it like, studying the Dark Arts?" she ends up asking. It seems like a worthwhile subject to pursue in depth, but Hana's always been a fan of knowing absolutely everything about well, everything, and it's a bit stifling to her to have this entire branch of magic Hogwarts is unwilling to teach them about. Sure, she understands why, but perhaps it could be an elective? She would've taken it, definitely. She knows her morals and she's confident she can stand by them, but understands how someone of a weaker will might be tempted by such practices. She just wants the knowledge of how to do something – it doesn't necessarily mean she'll *do* it. "I imagine that's very interesting."

Ignaci Castello

dragonology apprentice
ateleia

Uh... He mentally pauses and his face seems to show it. He isn't very bright about most things and the Dark Arts is something he was actually able to excel at. Again, probably because he had the assistance of upperclassmen, who also happened to be trained by some of those most powerful witches and wizards. And he *really* felt like he needed their approval. It was embarrassing not being good at things they were all good at. Like dueling. At least he could be good with the Dark Arts. Somehow now that seems like something to be embarrassed about though. "You're not just studying it. You're practicing it. I think those are different things. Everyone should study it really...and understand what others are capable of or what they have access to." He purses his lips before shrugging and continuing. "For obvious reasons, it can make you question your morality to actually practice such a thing, but it's intriguing. It adds a new perspective to the power of magic for sure." He doesn't regret studying it. Like he discussed with Fahriye, it's important that everyone learns about the Dark Arts and what it actually *is*. Not just some wildly vague concept and the Unforgivables. Shit is more complicated than that, but he isn't too eloquent when it comes to matters like these and his words are a bit fumbled.

Hana Fernandez

lakambini ng namayan, spellmaking apprentice
paintedred

"I agree. You put that really well, and you make a good point that people often neglect." she tells him. Hana isn't one for silent admiration; she's very vocal with all her compliments, and Ignaci is deserving. "Did your background help with taking Defense?" She assumes it does. Hana's good at DADA, sure, definitely not as good as she is at Transfiguration or Theory, but she wouldn't call herself the best at the subject. Unfortunately.

Ignaci Castello

dragonology apprentice
ateleia

"We haven't had class for very long, but it's my weakest course at the moment." He admits this quite freely, not seeming embarrassed by it at all although it *is* quite embarrassing. Not so much so that it was pulled out of his mouth. He did say it openly after all. But it isn't something he's proud of, certainly not. "I know people who have transferred and hate Defense. It completely contradicts the set of morals that were pushed towards us for years and years, so...I can sympathize with how hard of an adjustment it must be. Hogwarts is very high and mighty about being against the Dark Arts. To some, that could be insulting." He shrugs. He doesn't necessarily believe that to be the case with himself. He just struggles with most school-related things and Defense isn't any different. "It definitely adds an interesting approach towards the class though, understanding what you're really going against."

Hana Fernandez

lakambini ng namayan, spellmaking apprentice
paintedred

Not that she would ever admit it, but Hana certainly didn't know what she was up against when she was thrust into the tournament and she believed (rather naively, if you ask her) that what she learned in the classroom would be sufficient knowledge to succeed. Technically, it *was*. She won, after all, but still... So many dangerous creatures – there was a *dementor* for Merlin's sake. She never knew casting a patronus could ever be that difficult, though she supposes it's a lot easier in a classroom than a dark forest with an immediate threat. "I feel Durmstrang gets too much flack for supposedly 'championing' the dark arts – it's practical to be knowledgeable about it, I think and I could see how it could be insulting to some to have Hogwarts be so high and mighty to it considering some of the things they've done." She frowns, thinking about the tournament. Not wanting to leave Ignaci hanging, she decides to mention the first task; she wasn't in that one anyway. "The first task of the tournament – I wasn't in it yet, at the time – had all these creatures involved. I remember distinctly one was a manticore, and they had cut off the tip of its tail." She shudders. "I imagine that wouldn't have been a pleasant experience for it. I understand it was to avoid the champions getting poisoned, but I feel they could've gone about organizing a less dangerous task, then."

Ignaci Castello

dragonology apprentice
ateleia

Durmstrang truly isn't the terrible school most seem to think it is, but it definitely doesn't deserve praise for being progressive enough to teach the Dark Arts. Again, implementation is everything and he isn't sure it's morally right to produce thousands of Dark wizards, but the education aspect is important. Ignaci immediately frowns and his eyebrows furrow together at what Hana tells him about the tournament. He heard whispers about the use of creatures during the tournament, but nothing concrete to know any details. "With all due respect, that seems unnecessary. Manticores are beautiful creatures-" although frightening and not in the same fascinating way dragons are to him. "- and to use them as essentially- Well, the tournament had to have some slant towards entertainment, no? But to maim an innocent creature (predator or not) for the sake of pitting it against teenagers?" Ignaci rolls his eyes and shivers, looking rather upset by this recent news. His sentences are fragmented and fall apart as he speaks because he's rather flustered by the matter. He had trusted Hogwarts before this point. He isn't sure what he would have (or could have) done if he was actually present for the tournament let alone competing in it. "That's foul," he adds after a minute.

Hana Fernandez

lakambini ng namayan, spellmaking apprentice
paintedred

Hana's feelings are a strange mix of triumphant and guilty, feeling a bit smug that someone else is being made aware of just how absurd the tournament was – how it genuinely was something *bad*, and not just because of what happened to her in particular. At the same time, though, he looks quite disappointed and she can't help but feel the pang of... she doesn't know. Maybe she took it too far? Hm. "It is." she says, frowning. The expression on her face makes her disgust at what happened apparent, but she quickly shakes that off. "At least it's over now. The officials in charge have mentioned that the creatures in question are being taken care of and are well. I'm not normally one for optimism but in this case, I'd rather not think of an alternative." She pauses for a bit before continuing. "Well, at least people like you are the future of magical creatures." She smiles a bit, trying to look reassuring. "You seem very passionate about this; I'm sure you'll do exceedingly well on your internship and that will pave the way for you to be in a position where you can more fiercely advocate for these things."

Ignaci Castello

dragonology apprentice
ateleia

He shouldn't have to pave any sort of path. It's the 2040s. Not the 1940s. He is certain Muggle society progressed beyond the point of blatant animal cruelty after the 2000s. Aren't wizards supposed to be more progressive and self-aware? He lets out a small *Hmm* and nods, taking that as something at least. He turns his head down and ruffles his hair before lifting his gaze towards Hana again, smiling. "That is the hope, isn't it?" he says with a limp shrug. It's obvious in his posture that he *does* care, but he is a bit anxious about showing that he cares so much. People at Durmstrang weren't very receptive to that. "I don't believe we've talked about it. What are you interested in doing after graduation?" His eyebrows lift curiously and he shifts the way he is leaning against the posts, making himself comfortable again now that they're not discussing something more...infuriating.

Hana Fernandez

lakambini ng namayan, spellmaking apprentice
paintedred

It's a bit of a sensitive topic, but not one that's going to cause Hana to spiral or anything. She's not too sure what she *wants* to do after graduation; she knows what she *should* do, and that's go home and figure out her role in the grand scheme of the monarchy like her mother wants her to. She knows there's so much about her future that rests in the hands of the people around her, so it seems a bit futile to try going for anything she actually *wants* because then the rug will just be pulled out from under her. Look what happened when she tried getting a *boyfriend*... This seems like too heavy a conversation topic to have with a stranger though, so instead she says, "I've always been interested in spellmaking." she says, finally. "But that's more of a hobby than anything; I *would* like to seek higher education for it. I don't think Hogwarts has managed to even scrape the surface of everything going on there, though it's unnecessary if I won't end up using it." She adds quickly after, like she's afraid her mother can hear her all the way from Manila. "I haven't figured it out yet. Most likely, after graduation, I'll go home and there'll be something waiting for me there. I haven't talked about it with my parents yet, but they've been meaning to for a while now." She *did* choose not to go home for Christmas, and she had iced them out the last time she was in the Philippines because that had been right after the tournament. But it's Holy Week soon, and her mother will likely invoke some Bible passage and go off about what a shame it is that Hana isn't 'respecting her parents' on *Mahal na Araw*. "It's – " She's about to start going into the whole *royalty* thing; Hana's never been shy about that, when the door swings open and a very frustrated Professor Prince starts marching out. She hears Ibn-Yasmine call her name, and though it's not very proper to, she ends up rolling her eyes because she doesn't particularly want to get back into *that* conversation when she's enjoying this one so much. "I should get going."

Ignaci Castello

dragonology apprentice
ateleia

What Hana has said to him takes a lot to unpack. He doesn't understand why it would be useless or why her family would have another position lined up for her in the Philippines and he has a feeling that's something they were going to get into before they were interrupted. He frowns as he instinctively turns to watch Professor Prince come down the stairs of the hut. He too was really taking in the conversation, enjoying every moment of it. He usually revels in conversation with others. He's pretty social. Except this time things felt different regardless of it being the same old small talk. Hana is someone he is sure he would love to see more of and he wants to know what she means by all of that. "Oh, that's shit timing, hmm," he lets out a small sigh before laughing and pulling his phone from his pocket. "Can I get your Witchagram quickly? We can...do something later maybe." He isn't feeling in the dating mood and doesn't want to imply that, but he also isn't one to study and isn't going to pretend like he's into it and suggest it.

Hana Fernandez

lakambini ng namayan, spellmaking apprentice
paintedred

For a brief moment, Hana thinks about how she only has... ten followers and her roommate isn't even one of them. She should probably fix that. Though she knows it's a bit rude to keep people waiting, she isn't particularly excited about the conversation she's about to continue with the professor waiting indoors. She moves to Ignaci's side, close enough to see his phone but not too close that she'd be intruding his personal space. She doesn't like it when people do that to her, and Hana's never been a hypocrite. "*Tadhana*." she says, her accent slipping out as she speaks in her native tongue. It's always satisfying being able to speak in Filipino. "That's T-A-D-H-A-N-A. *Tadhana*." she spells it out after remembering the amount of times people thought her name was spelled as *Hannah*. "Filipino for *fate*."

Ignaci Castello

dragonology apprentice
ateleia

He types in her username, not minding the closer proximity. He doesn't often consider how weird he feels when people randomly touch him until it happens, so he doesn't realize how respectful it is of her to mind her own even if he's doing the same thing. "*Tadhana*," he repeats, trying his best at pronouncing it correctly. He grins, turning his gaze back towards her. "That's gorgeous and if you will, punny. Mine is-" When he opens his mouth, his face starts to turn up a few degrees. He is a soft pale color, so the pinkness slowly rises to his cheeks and the corners of his ears as time passes and he explains himself. "Mine is *ignasty*. Uh, you'll see it." It feels jarring for her to have such a pretty name and for him to have such a trashy one. It's never been a problem to him before now, but Hana seems so proper and he doesn't want to give off the impression that he's some player running through the streets. If she takes it so seriously, they probably wouldn't get along too well anyways, so so be it, he supposes. "Good luck with the rest of your meeting."

Hana Fernandez

lakambini ng namayan, spellmaking apprentice
paintedred

"*Ignasty*." she repeats as she types it into the search bar of her own phone. "Interesting choice." She adds, not unkindly. The expression on her face is equal parts amused and a bit confused as to why *anyone* would make something like that, but then Ignaci's profile pops up and she sees a picture of him shirtless, holding a cat (Hana *loves* cats) and decides that he is exempt from all judgment. She taps the follow button then smiles up at him before taking a step towards the entrance. "Thank you." she says, entering the hut. She turns back just for a second before she closes the door. Though Hana *has* been in England for quite some time, her words still get mixed up when she's in a rush to get them out of her head and she feels bad for keeping Professor Ibn-Yasmine waiting any longer. "It made me happy meeting you." she says, not even noticing that might sound odd in English; the literal translation for what she wants to say in Filipino as opposed to simply *nice meeting you*. "Bye." she says, before closing the door and taking her seat again.