Astronomy Tower

Astronomy Tower
hogwarts tower

The Astronomy Tower is the tallest tower at Hogwarts Castle. It is where students studied the stars and planets through their telescopes in Astronomy lessons, which are usually done at midnight, much to the displeasure of those who would rather be sleeping. Alas, this is when the stars were best seen. The tower is generally out-of-bounds except for classes, but you can get a permission slip from the Astronomy Tower in case you need to catch up on some lessons or homework.

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

Kian arrived thirty minutes early. He is not sure if that makes him look too eager to spend time with Elouan, but he also would not have wanted the other boy to wait given that Kian was the one who suggested that they spend time together. He has a couple of large scrolls and complicated looking instruments for their projects; they are all meticulously laid out on the floor in a very specific arrangement. Truthfully, Kian is already done with his homework as he sketched out the chart on a piece of scratch paper while he was waiting. He supposes it would have been less time consuming to just do it on the parchment directly using the proper instruments for it, but he refuses to make mistakes in front of Elouan or take too long doing anything. That would be very unimpressive. The tips of Kian's hair begin to tinge pink once he realizes that he *wants* Elouan to find him impressive, and he quickly pushes aside the thought, effectively returning his hair back to its normal color.

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

Elouan loves Astronomy and is enthused by the idea of spending his time up at the tower. It does not hurt that his partner is not the worst and they will surely get things done. While ascending the last stairs, he focuses on grooming himself and getting his appearance in order before he is face-to-face with the door to the roof. He pushes it open, eliciting a squeaking noise from its hinges. It doesn't hamper the elegance he serves as he slips through, rolling his bracelet over in his opposing thumb and index finger as he gathers in the view. "Hello!" He exclaims, mere moments after catching sight of Kian and his arrangements. It's admittedly quite daunting, but he isn't worried about living up to some expectation that the other student has set out for him. At least this is what he tells himself; of course he is concerned. "*Wow*," he muses, amazed by it all. He seems entranced as he stares down at it before he switches over towards Kian and smiles kindly at him, taking a spot beside him. "I'm-" He seems flustered, toying more with his bracelet. "I'm glad you wanted to do this! I really have to get these assignments done."

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

Kian's eyes dart to the bracelet because Elouan keeps fiddling with it, then reminds himself that maintaining eye contact is police and looks back towards Elouan's face. He did not expect Elouan to sit next to him, even though of course, that is the most logical space for him to have sat in. He would say he does not know why he is so flustered at the thought, but he is beginning to get a good idea. "Yeah, it felt like it made sense to get both assignments done in one night." he says, not thinking that his repeated emphasis might make Elouan feel as if Kian genuinely just also wants to spend time with him. He is embarrassed that this is the case, and has convinced himself that he must repeatedly rationalize his asking in this way so that Elouan is not bothered or confused. From his own experience, most people tend to be bothered or confused when Kian has expressed interest in hanging out. "Have you started at all?"

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

Elouan feels the gaze searing into his wrist and stops, tucking his arm behind him to avoid toying with it any further. This position is broken soon after he's pushed for an answer, leading him to dig into his bag and get out his parchment and other necessary supplies. "I have! My report is almost finished, or at least the rough draft. I have to do the diagram still and my star chart-" His hand pins down an empty star chart before grabbing one of the tools to hold it down from any small gusts of wind. He's smiling, seeming delighted to have someone to do these things with. "I thought we could do the star chart together first because we have to do that together. So, at least we will have that finished. Or, oh, have you started on it?" It occurs to him that Kian seems to be an overachiever type and could easily have invited him to do something that he has mostly done. It would be a bit embarrassing then to have not done anything. He *has* done something though! His report is almost finished. The long stare he gives the other boy gives him the opportunity to really evaluate all of his features. He's handsome. "*Oh*, have you done something to your hair? It looks great." He immediately grins though his following concern threatens it. The last thing he wants is another straight boy stressed out over him flirting with him. Elouan is naturally very complimentary and playful, but he is not flirting.

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

Kian immediately gets flustered and worried that his hair is purple or blue or some other outlandish color, but he looks at his reflection in the shine of a silver astrolabe and it does not seem like anything is off. Thank Merlin. "I did not do anything with it, no." he answers. For some reason that makes him even *more* flustered, because that means that Elouan thinks that his hair looks great even when he is not doing anything to alter it - he likes it just the way it is. Kian bites the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling pathetically. "Thank you." Kian decides perhaps it would be best to reply with another compliment. "You look great too." He cannot decide on a specific feature. They all look good. In his panic, Kian settles on, "I like your bracelet."

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

He wonders why he has never noticed how gorgeous his hair is prior to this instance if Kian hasn't done anything to it, but is not too concerned with it. Besides, he can hardly focus on the matter when he's been complimented. He beams with excitement just as his pale face begins to flush. "Thank you! I got it in Italy while visiting the throne there. It's a one-of-a-kind piece," he tells him, raising his arm and rotating his wrist a couple of times to show it off. It's expensive obviously, but he has never had an issue with spending. He never notices it because his family assures him it doesn't matter. He has never seen the coins himself, nor has he ever heard conversations about financials. He isn't out of touch as much as he's just extremely privileged. "Quite beautiful, is it not?" His accent thickens and he grins a bit more nervous now. "So, have you started?"

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

Kian is too caught up looking at Elouan and the way he is blushing and smiling, but realizes it would be rude to not look at the bracelet when the other boy is showing it off so proudly. "Very beautiful." he says, feeling his throat get a bit dry. He looks down at his own set of papers that he had tucked into his bag and takes out the the pieces of parchment with his report, conveniently leaving out the sheet of paper with his chart in the bag. "I'm only just as far along as you are." he lies easily. He is embarrassed for having gotten so distracted earlier by the compliment that he did not answer Elouan's question. "We can do the star chart first. That is a good idea. Very smart." he says.

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

Elouan finds this convenient, but not worth questioning. It actually excites him that he is not far behind him because that would have been rather embarrassing. He tends to not embarrass himself much considering he gets over it rather quickly, but academics are certainly a sore subject for him. He is also rather used to people regarding him as stupid nor has he forgotten Kian's tone after he told him he would try his best. "That's great! I thought so- about the chart. I don't know if we will have much time for our diagrams..." he comments quietly, falling out of earshot as he leans over to collect some of his other things. Elouan isn't worried about his diagram at all. After all- "I have friends who offered to help with it on Friday anyways! We don't have to force ourselves up too late then." This is meant to be reassuring and he smiles kindly at Kian once he's done. He is a slow worker and most people seem to despise that though it means he turns in good things. He has to to make up for the spellwork portion of all of his classes. Regardless of the upsides, he isn't sure Kian will want to be so patient and he doesn't want to put pressure on him to have to do it with him.

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

"I wouldn't mind staying up late together." The 'together' slips out before Kian can help himself, and he realizes after the word escapes his mouth that it was wholly unnecessary. Hopefully Elouan does not pay it much mind. "I don't have any early classes tomorrow anyway." he adds quickly after, as if to divert attention from the word. *Together*. Kian almost offers to meet up again so that they can work on their diagrams together (Kian is already done with his, of course, but Elouan does not need to know that) but the other boy said he already has other friends who can help him so Kian holds his tongue, a bit frustrated with himself and this situation. He rationalizes, though, that he cannot be too obvious about being excited at the prospect of spending time with Elouan. Actively insisting that they meet up again to work on a project that they do not need to work on together would be indicative of that, and he is unsure if Elouan will take kindly to that. Kian is convinced that he is not a very easy person to enjoy being around. Elouan is like starlight in human form – of course he would have funner friends that would not dull his sparkle in such a way that Kian imagines he would. He spreads out a piece of parchment on the floor and picks up a large golden protractor to draw the base circle. "Can you help hold the paper down?" he asks.

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

Regardless of his attempts, Elouan notices the addition of the word 'together' and his grin becomes a bit gushy. "Aww," he lets out just before laughing to himself and leaning over to pin the paper down with the tips of his fingers. A bit belated, he notices that it might be embarrassing to laugh at that. It's almost as if he is far too pleased by the notion that Kian wants to spend time with him, but he is because he loves socializing and has gotten plenty of what he perceives as mixed signals. He doesn't believe they're friends, but they could be if the other boy was more interested. Well, that's probably what this is, isn't it? Aww! See, he's gushing again. Elouan's face is hot as he stares down at the paper to avoid eye contact. "I would love to get everything done tonight anyways. We can stay!" He knows better than to teasingly add *together* though he's inclined to. He giggles to himself, which immediately embarrasses him further.

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

It is taking everything in Kian right now to keep himself from turning bright red *literally*. He presses his lips into a thin line, focusing on drawing out the circle on the paper to avoid looking at Elouan directly. He is never asking Elouan to spend time together ever again. This is a disaster. Kian will return to his dormitory after this, bury himself in all the pillows he can, and simply melt into his bed and cease to function so that he may never have to encounter Elouan ever again. He knows that is very unreasonable and a bit melodramatic and normally Kian is not one for such theatrics but he truly feels so humiliated. Elouan *laughed* at him. Kian feels that his embarrassment is more than justified. "That's good." he says instead, trying to keep his voice level and succeeding. After sketching out the large circle, he begins drawing smaller concentric ones before sitting back and handing the drawing tool to Elouan so that he can begin with the radii. In the past, Kian's partners have complained that he did not let them do anything, and he does not want to ruin Elouan's opinion of him even more than the word 'together' has. "Here." he says, holding it out. "Is your Transfig study group the same group you're meeting with on Friday?" he asks, curious. He remembers Elouan mentioning it in their chats.

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

It might be self-centered, but he is too caught up in his own head to notice that his laughter had an effect on Kian. He is normally flat and to the point, so it doesn't put up any alarms. Watching in fascination as his partner uses this tool, he assumes that he will not be forced to try it himself. He dreads it, in fact, and the moment it is finished a weight is lifted off of his shoulders. "No, the Thursday group is much bigger. It's just me, Chrysanthemum, and some of her Gryffindor friends on Friday," he answers quietly. His voice is a bit weak because he is separated his mind and voice, staring down at the paper in awe. Elouan has gotten Chrysanthemum to draw out all of his circles since hers are always so good by hand. Using these tools, however, seems to impress him more. He begins drawing out the radii, using the straight edge to get them done slowly but surely. "Why? Do you want to come with?" he asks, voice more confident now that he's started. "You can!"

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

Kian hesitates before responding to the invitation. He knows that he should not take too long to answer because normally when he thinks these things over for too long it gives the other person in the conversation the impression that Kian does not like them. At least, that is what Mel tells him. Thankfully though, his twin has gotten used to such silences. She knows him well enough to know by now that Kian is just often deep in thought even over the most trivial things. He honestly cannot see himself talking to anybody in that group aside from Elouan, and does not want to hog the other boy when he is supposed to be spending time with his friends that are probably much more interesting. Still, butterflies flutter in his stomach at the notion of being invited. Chrysanthemum is nice, too. Kian would not mind her company. Her energy is one that he finds most agreeable. "I wouldn't want to to intrude on you and your other friends." He purposefully adds in the word 'other' to see if Elouan will realize that this means Kian thinks them to be friends and will reciprocate. Kian does not realize that such advances may be too subtle. "Are you and Chrysanthemum close?"

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

His gaze immediately darts up towards the other boy's when he gets the impression that they are friends. He grins before carrying on with their assignment, voice lifting in a real sing-song sort of way. "Oh, you wouldn't intrude! Or else you wouldn't have been invited," he tells him, rather honestly. Chrysanthemum has had no objections to him when he's been mentioned in conversation though he supposes they are cut from similar clothes. He doesn't know her friends well enough, but they are sociable and nice. "You could come tomorrow too or instead. I doubt Molly would mind, but she organized it. I would have to mention it..." His words draw out as he has to shift his arm to finish one of the lines. "Oh, Chrysanthemum! Yes! The one who isn't your type," he says, laughing at himself. He peers up at him again and lifts his eyebrows though it does legitimately make him question. Maybe he is asexual. "We met at Beauxbatons when we were eight! And everyone thought we were *in love*, but I thought *it* was pretty obvious," he laughs again, then pushes his blond locks out of his face. "We kept in contact when I switched into private tutoring, then we transferred to Hogwarts the same term. She's my oldest friend. She is *fantastique*."

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

It is relieving to hear that someone levelheaded like Chrysanthemum is Elouan's oldest friend rather than someone like Molly Mayberry, who Kian finds entirely too *much* in general as a human being. She is very smart, and Kian supposes that he could have a worse partner in Defense Against the Dark Arts, but Kian is in constant fear that he might accidentally say something rude that will tip her over the edge and make her cry. She already looks like she is perpetually on the verge of tears. "She is a good partner in History of Magic, so yes, I agree." Kian is not one to toss around words like *fantastic*. "But yes, not my type. I don't mean anything bad by that," he clarifies too, especially knowing now that she is Elouan's oldest friend. "She has a boyfriend anyway, right? That Isaac guy. I sit next to him in Charms." Kian does not really have an opinion on Isaac. He is very much a true neutral in Kian's life. "It's a good thing that he doesn't get jealous of how close you two are." he adds a bit sarcastically, then remembers that some straight boys are really just that insecure.

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

He wants to gossip and tell him that Chrysanthemum is probably going to split from the other Hufflepuff soon, but it would be rather catastrophic if he went and told. Kian doesn't seem like the sort to do such a thing, but he also doesn't seem like the sort to care about that information either. "Unfortunately," he playfully rolls his eyes, finishing up one of the last lines and leaning back. He stretches his arms up over his head, stretching his fingers while he's at it to relieve some of the cramps he's starting to develop. Meanwhile, he grins at Kian. "He's my roommate. He's so *boring*! He doesn't deserve her." Isaac truly doesn't, and Elouan feels quite passionately about it. His roommate is so average, yet his friend is so stunning and (as mentioned before) fantastic. No boy deserves her. Hopefully things can be sorted out with Maya; they would be a beautiful couple, he thinks. "Please don't repeat that," he adds after a beat.

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

Elouan seems to feel so passionately about this. It is so endearing, Kian cracks a smile and laughs softly before he learns forward and begins labelling the necessary coordinates. "Who would I even tell?" he asks. Maybe Mel, but he doesn't think she'd tell anyone about it. She knows when to keep a secret, after all. Even nearly got herself killed because of it. After a few seconds of silence, Kian decides to add, "Isaac is very... average." Kian says, and it comes out a bit meaner than he intended. Many of the things Kian says come out meaner than intended. "I can see why you think Chrysanthemum deserves better." After finishing up with the coordinates, Kian sits back in his place then turns toward Elouan. "Do you want to be the one to plot the stars?"

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

*His laugh is nice. He should laugh more.* He smiles, watching Kian seem to get tickled by...something. He laughs too though he isn't sure what he is laughing at. "Thank you," he says, glad the other boy agrees. It means he has some taste even if he doesn't find Chrysanthemum attractive. Upon further thought, he probably shouldn't be trying to arrange her with any other boys anyways. "Yes! I would love to. Oh, my Merlin," he exclaims, grinning as he reaches to pull their telescope closer. "Or we can alternate between constellations! I don't want to *hog*," he insists. Astronomy is rather exciting to Elouan and he believes everyone should love it a bit more than they seem to. He assumes Kian would be equally as excited about finding the stars and plotting them, so he doesn't want to steal from his own joy. "Also, it's about doing it *together*." His eyebrows raise to question whether or not his partner wants to go with this plan, but he grins as if he knows what the answer will be.

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

Kian can practically hear his own heart racing once Elouan says the word *together* again, completely mortified, but is trying his hardest not to show it. "You're probably better off doing it than I am." he says. Normally, he would be worried about giving his partner so much work to do but Elouan seems genuinely enthused by the idea of drawing all these constellations. Kian is good at Astronomy too, but it takes him more time to get things to look right. "I'm not as good at drawing them as you are, I think."

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

Elouan frowns, unsure for a moment, but then he's complimented and he smiles shyly. "Thank you," he tells him, reaching up to fluff his hair as he brings the telescope near. "I still think we should alternate. It would be more fun-" Usually people find it stressful watching him work. That's what his family and a variety of professors and previous partners have told him. He's slow and spends too much time perfecting his letters. He messes up too much, then gets sad and stares longingly. The whole process is painful, and he's very aware of this. "I don't think it's any fun just watching," he finishes, pulling away to jot down Polaris in the Ursa Minor constellation. It's near the center, a perfect start.

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

Kian is proud and not very used to asking for assistance, but it does seem that letting Elouan do the bulk of the work does not sit well with the other boy and in a rare occurrence, Kian decides to swallow his pride. "Maybe you could help me." he says, though he isn't actually sure how he would go about that. He notices the way that Elouan expertly draws Polaris near the center and knows immediately that he would not be able to live up to the standard that the other boy has set. "But otherwise, I wouldn't mind just watching." If that is truly the problem Elouan has with him doing everything, then Kian hopes to reassure him that him getting bored won't be the case.

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

At first, he's confused and he frowns as he stares into the telescope, trying to get a good view of the next couple of stars in the constellation. When he turns to record them on their chart, his gaze lingers to get a good look of Kian's face before responding. "Of course!" he answers, smiling. It's a smaller smile than what usually graces his lips, but he's nervous and rightfully so. People don't usually get his help. His eyes fall to take in the rest of the other boy before turning over the rest of their setup. Still, he's willing to try. "What do you need help with?" he asks, just as he leans into the telescope to get the last few stars.

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

Kian is suddenly flustered, though it does not show. He was not expecting Elouan to ask him what he needs help with specifically, and it's hard to pin down what exactly. Kian just knows he is not very good, or at least not as good as the other boy is at Astronomy and this sort of thing. He is much better at dueling and other things that actually require his wand, and subjects like History of Magic are easy to excel at as long as he just forces himself to memorize all the information. Things that require more technical skills like Divination, Herbology, and Astronomy... Definitely not his forte. His throat suddenly feels dry, especially when Elouan looks at him directly for a couple of seconds. "I don't know." he admits. He hates not knowing things. "I'm just... not very good at drawing, I guess. Forget I asked. Honestly, I'm not sure how you can help me there."

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

He listens quietly, not judging him or his admission. "*Ohhh*," he lets out just as he considers their solution to this. He has never noticed that his partner has struggled with this, but he assumes he must not be very observant. He's been told this before. Turning to record the Zeta and Beta stars in the constellation, he briefly glances up at Kian and smiles. "We don't have to forget. We can figure it out! It's fine." He leans into the telescope and continues to figure it out as he quickly gets the Eta and Gamma stars, finishing the constellation and shifting away from the telescope. He briefly leans in again, moving the telescope towards Ursa Major and figuring out the position of its stars to help him in recording them. "Is Ursa Major fine?" He gestures for him to get closer, pulling back and staring at him for a long moment.

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

Elouan is gesturing him to come closer. Why does he want Kian to get closer? Kian's mind begins going into overdrive as he considers this, but his body moves nonetheless to sit closer to the other boy and he almost forgets to reply to Elouan's question *again*. This seems to be a common theme whenever the two of them are together, and Kian decides that he will ponder over it later when he is by himself rather than now when his mind and thoughts are all flustered. "Ursa Major is fine." is all he says, wondering how things will proceed from here.

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

At first, he isn't concerned with how long it takes for Kian to respond, but then the response is all too flat and the Hufflepuff begins the question if he is being weird. He swiftly decides he isn't. "You can try to locate them, then record them. I will sit here beside you and- and watch," he explains as he stands and moves to be on the other side. This puts him closer to their star chart. Their legs are just centimeters apart, but he is careful to not actually touch him. "I know where it should be, *so* if you would prefer, we can- um, I can guide you." He waits for his response, pausing for a moment before adding, "You should start with Dubhe! It's the brightest. It should be pointed at it already." He smiles kindly, but is notably nervous. He has faith in Kian, but he has very little faith in his ability to actually help him.

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

Kian is equally if not more nervous, but he has gotten very good at keeping his emotions from bubbling to the surface in any noticeable way. He looks into the telescope and has a good idea of how to proceed, but he is curious about what Elouan means by 'guiding him' and decides rather boldly that he would like to find out. "Could you guide me then?" he asks, coolly. His nerves melt away as he tries to project this image that he is very nonchalant about the whole thing – fake it 'till you make it, he guesses. Confidence is key. Looking at Elouan, though, the other boy seems nervous so Kian begins to feel that perhaps he is being a bit much. It isn't his intention to make him anxious. "At least just for this one." he adds afterwards. A compromise.

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

"Of course!" He beams, smiling as he reaches for the pen and passes it into Kian's hand. He seems cooler-headed now, seeing how unbothered the other boy seems to be with this notion. He assumes rather dumbly that he has been understood. "You can see Polaris still at the top, so we will start there on the chart. Hopefully, you can get an idea of the- proportions!" He waits for him to lean into the telescope before placing his hand over his and guiding it towards where Polaris is marked on their star chart. "See, this is Polaris on the chart...Dubhe is here!" He brings both of their hands a bit further Southeast on the chart, tapping the other boy's finger gently to indicate he should leave a dot to mark the star. "Do you see it?"

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

Kian does not know what he was expecting, but he is certainly taken aback by this. His heart is racing so fast and his eyes have gone from grey to a sort of dull blue. Nothing too major, but he still blinks as if to control it. Nothing changes, but it is too dark anyway that it can easily be passed off as a trick of the light or something along those lines. "Yeah, I do." he says, before clearing his throat. Kian pulls away from the telescope to look at the chart before them, though he is mostly fixated on the way Elouan's hand rests on top of his. It is so soft. He marks the spot with a dot before trying to draw the constellation, but his hand is shaky. It typically is, but he knows that there are added nerves this time. "Like this?"

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

His hand shifts, gently brushing further down around Kian's as they write a little dot where he knows Merak will be. "Like this," he reaffirms quietly. He can feel the other boy's shakiness and it makes his heartbeat start to race. He breathes in slowly, leaning in a bit closer to get a better view of the chart as he moves their hands over towards Phecda. "Do you see Merak and Phecda?" he nods towards the telescope, pausing the movements with their hands. His face hovers near Kian's shoulder as he watches him carefully, butterflies starting to pool in his stomach. "You're doing *fantastique*." He smiles as he stares at him, unsure of what has left him so giddy inside. He's proud. He does think Kian is doing a good job.

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

The praise makes Kian relax. He is so used to doing things simply for the sake of being praised that it makes him feel more at ease. It means he is doing something correctly, or at the very least he is not doing anything wrong or anything to make the other boy feel uncomfortable. He draws Merak and Phecda with a bit more certainty than he did the last, feeling more confident in himself. "I am, huh?" he asks, sounding a bit cocky. It would be obnoxious if not shaky, unsure laugh Kian lets out afterwards. Elouan is really doing something to his nerves. While the experience of having his hand on his has definitely been very pleasant, Kian is also wise enough to know that if they go on like this any longer, he will surely combust or his hair will turn some shade of an embarrassing color. "I think I've got it already." he tells Elouan. He makes no move though to shake off the other boy's hand. "You're a good teacher." he adds.

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

The cockiness makes his heart flutter and he stares at him with a flustered face. When he laughs, his heartbeat starts to fall again and he laughs too. His hand lifts off of the other boy's and falls into his own hair as he leans away. "You are!" he responds, hand instinctively falling on top of his again as he smiles up at him. "I don't know if I taught you anything. It appears you had it in you all along." He wonders if he ever needed help at all. He does fine so naturally. He really does dwell on this as he stares down at the way the pen sits in his partner's hand, contemplating what reason he would have to lie in the first place. Maybe he wasn't lying, but genuinely didn't believe in himself. He has always assumed that his partner was so self-assured. Elouan decides that is the case and suddenly remembers their hands are touching still, pulling his away and into his lap.

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

Kian knows realistically that there is no need for proximity between them two anymore but does not do anything to distance himself from Elouan. He almost lets out a displeased noise when Elouan takes his hand away but he controls himself – sometimes Kian is truly such a cat. "Maybe." he hums in agreement, "But that does not take away from you being a good teacher." Kian feels the need to emphasize this just because it seems that Elouan does not have much faith in himself when it comes to such academic matters. Kian passes the pen back to him, half because he has finished drawing another constellation and have because he wants to be able to feel their hands touch again, however pathetic that may be. "You should do the next one." he says, "I might've improved a little, but you're definitely still better at it than I am."

Elouan Pendragon

hufflepuff, sixth year § prince of brittany
ateleia

Their fingers brush against each other when the pen passes between them. He smiles and holds the pen close to his stomach as he's complimented, fiddling with it nervously. "Thank you," he responds gratefully. His stomach flips and he hesitates for a moment before just leaning over to stare into the telescope. His free hand rests on the other side of the boy. When he's found Eltanin, he begins adding the entirety of the Draco constellation to their chart, knowing the degrees between the stars fairly well. He sighs, heart heavy. "You can help me too," he starts, glancing back at him before continuing to trace the constellation. "Someday! We can practice..." Elouan floats off, trying to remember what he knows Kian is good at. It occurs to him almost immediately that it's Defense and that Molly has mentioned before (upon his prodding) that his dueling is good. He and Chrysanthemum usually mess around because she knows he can barely disarm her, so they spied on the other duo and he found his skills to be a bit better than *good*. The thought overwhelms him. It's impressive and...stirs up this feeling in his chest, but he would never want to face him. He would die either as a result of spellwork or of his own embarrassment. "I don't know. We can figure it out though!"

Kian Eliades

caulerpa, sixth year
paintedred

Kian gets another pen (he really should have earlier, but Elouan would not have held his hand, so there are no regrets) and begins to help contribute to the chart as Elouan works. "We can." he says. Kian is good at dueling, then a bit better than average at the majority of his other subjects. He is not particularly or naturally skilled at any one discipline, but it is because he works hard that he excels so he is sure that he can teach himself to be good at whatever it is Elouan needs him to be good at. Then, he can show off and hopefully impress him. Although dueling is really one of his greatest skills, Kian is well-aware that his strengths lie more with hexes and jinxes. While it amused him to no end encasing Mayberry's head in a pumpkin the other week, he could not do such a thing to Elouan's hair. He would never. "I'm sure we'll figure it out. I'm looking forward to it."