Magic At Nevermore

"Addams Xavier? Really?”

“What? She got your pet back didn't she?”

“She could've easily made him disappear for good.”

“What does that mean? What happened between you two-”

“Agh!” Caspian's knee buckled beneath him.

“I got you, I got you-”

“I'm alright, just…”

He bit his bottom lip hard. Using Xavier's shoulder as leverage he stood back up. He wavered slightly, staring daggers at his casted leg.

“Looks like you'll need crutches after all.” Xavier snorted, handing him the pair of discarded walking aids. Caspian still thought he looked stupid using them but it would appear he had no other choice.

When Nurse Abner cleared him for leave, he thought she must've been joking. He was clearly still healing and unable to walk. So he can forget about going to the gym anytime soon. The next time he was injured Caspian was sure he was better off trying to heal himself.

“I honestly can't believe this is what passes as medical aid here. How does anyone stay alive?”

Xavier scoffed. “I'm sure you wizards sell invincibility potions at every drugstore, but it doesn't work like that here. You're lucky all things considered, a normie hospital wouldn't have you back on your feet in months. I was told they pulled all the stops, wasting all the finest brews and pastes on your ass.”

“Lucky me,” Caspian grumbled, snatching the crutches. He practiced the walking motion Nurse Abner taught him. It was unnatural and slow. If the Hyde attacked now, Caspian might as well bring the mash and gravy for the feast the monster would have.

“Try reaching for your stuff.” Xavier offered, pointing towards the freshly made infirmary bed. Caspian strained himself, using the crutch as support.

After leaning as far down as he could, he grunted in frustration. “Blast..." procuring his wand from his pocket he aimed it at his book. “Accio!”

Caspian smirked triumphantly, electing an eye roll from his roommate. “Without cheating. I imagine you can't use your magic in public.”

At the sound of the door clicking, Caspian quickly hid his wand. Nurse Abner came through, followed by a relieved-looking Weems. “Caspian, it's good to see you back on your feet. I was told you were free to go?”

Caspian pressed his lips together, gesturing to himself dully. “It would appear so.” After a pregnant pause, Xavier nudged him in the ribs. “Ow!… I mean...Thank you, Nurse Abner.”

The nurse bowed her head slightly offering him a miffed grunt. “The next time I see you, it'll be to take off your cast and only that! Stay out of trouble Mr. Lee.”

With that, she excused herself from the room.

“Alright, shall we get going?” Weems smiled at the two.

Caspian snorted. “I can't wait to get out of this place.”

Xavier gathered his stuff, carefully slinging the bag that contained Gerald's tied-up body over his shoulder.

They made the long and awkward walk down the halls, Weems and Xavier careful to keep pace with him. Caspian figured the crutches weren't too bad. But he did get some unwanted stares here and there. It also made him learn how to use a muggle elevator. It surprised him how smooth it was compared to the jerkiness of the ones at the Ministry. The first and last time he rode it, he spilled his fizzing whizz beer all over some angry Aurors.

“So what's the general consensus?” Caspian muttered to Xavier after passing an ogling group of students.

Xavier shrugged. “Well, they know you were injured, but they assume it was from some stray rock. But there have been rumours. Such as an injury from fighting the Hyde, but they're few and far between.”

They took a detour through a desolate hallway leading to the quad.

“Glad to hear. Tyler? Jericho?”

“A mystery,” Weems checked their surroundings to ensure the coast was clear. “He was tracked up north well beyond the town's border. As for Jericho, I've spoken to the city council yesterday about allowing students back in town. As well as various other safety measures and new bonding opportunities with the locals. You two will be the first to hear that it is likely we'll have our visitation privileges no later than mid-March.”

Caspian nodded, throwing his roommate a sideways glance. “Any more news on Egypt?” He tried as nonchalantly as possible. He was never really an impatient person, but his near brush with death made him realize just how mortal he really was. Caspian would like to be alive for his chance to get home.

Weems sighed. “Unfortunately no. These things take time Caspian, for now I just want you to return to your studies.”

He cracked his neck with a longing sigh. “So business as usual?”

“Precisely.”

“Well, not completely.” Xavier stuffed his hands in his pocket. “Looks like we'll have to find a new place to crash.”

Caspian drew his eyes to the quad, rather, what was left of it. Chunks of the old building littered the scorched earth, and splinters of wood and metal jutted out every which way. The surrounding walls of the courtyard were demolished and posed a serious threat to the building's integrity. And through it all, there was still a faint whiff of burning cognac.

Weems clasped her hands behind her. “Well, we're having trouble finding the proper construction firm that can restore such an old building. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting. It'll most likely be done well beyond your time here.”

Caspian scoffed, thrusting his crutch into Xavier's chest. "Well beyond our time?”

He hobbled over to the center of the courtyard towards the largest boulder. “Reparo!”

With a flick of his wand, the rock and its surrounding fragments zipped up into the buttress it broke from. The stone snapped and clicked together like a puzzle, before coming to a standstill.

“Woah!”

Caspian allowed himself a smirk before scanning the rest of the area.

He made quick work of the mess, waving his wand at everything in sight. By his ninth Reparo, the quad was as good as new. Save for the fallen tree branches and damaged lawn. Unfortunately, those living plants need to grow back on their own.

He pocketed his wand satisfied. Reparo was never his strongest spell, he never did get the hand of the delicate flourishes it demanded. But given his track record, he was forced to become acceptable at it. Merlin forbid he have another kitchens debacle. Caspian shuddered at the thought, those poor house elves.

“Caspian...h-how am I going to explain this?”

He turned towards Weems, who was inspecting the space in a sort of awed panic. “You found a really, really good construction team?” He suggested.

Weems looked at him disapprovingly, placing her hands on her hips. “I think it goes without saying that the original plan of keeping your magic to a minimum is still in effect.”

He had to admit he felt a little spent, similar to how he felt after climbing 5 flights of stairs to reach the astronomy tower. “Don't need to tell me twice, just thought I'd help.”

Weems shot him a lukewarm glare. She reminded him eerily of his mother whenever he would get caught doing something he was explicitly told not to do.

She broke her little staring contest, checking her watch. “I've got a meeting soon. Mr.Thorpe, I trust you can lead him back to your dormitories without any…further magical missteps?”

“Can do madam.” Xavier crossed his arm flashing a dry smile.

With one last purse of her lips, she left the two boys in the quad.

Once he was sure the principal was out of earshot, Caspian drew a mischievous smile. “My, my Thorpe. Lying through your teeth might be your calling in life. Perhaps you're a Slytherin after all.”

Xavier smiled back, uncrossing his arms. “Why didn't you tell her about Gerald?”

“You kidding? She'd probably try to contain him herself which is a terrible idea. Besides, I still need to return everything he stole. I'd figure I'd save her the trouble of explaining to the town how she suddenly came into possession of all its fine gemstones. You know how precarious small hamlet politics can get.”

“I guess that makes sense…So you said we have to find Gerald a home? Where exactly did you have in mind?”

Caspian shot him a sly grin. “I think I'll take you up on your offer for a tour of your art studio.”

Xavier's eyes widened. “No absolutely not.”

“He'll stay outside and I'll make sure he can't escape. Your studio is far from the school it's the perfect place!” Xavier narrowed his eyes at him. “C'mon, when have I ever let you down?” Caspian pleaded.

Xavier shook his head. “I knew you for like 2 weeks and I had a near-death experience in it.”

“Ah, you see 'near death'! And by the way, you're welcome I made it a 'near-death' experience and not a 'full death' one. ”

His roommate pursed his lips, weighing the consequences before pointing a firm finger at him. “If one brush is missing I swear-”

“Relax Thorpe. Unless you paint with silverware your stuff's fine. Gerald's only attracted to shiny items. Though, we may need some extra manpower to help. Have anyone in mind?”

“I can hit up Ajax, I think he has a spare right now.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

They walked towards the front entrance, Xavier speaking once they entered the flow of students. “You didn't answer my question. What happened between you and Wednesday?”

Caspian took in a deep breath. She was quickly cleared of the infirmary the same day she gave Gerald back to him and he hasn't seen her since. Wednesday insisted she wanted nothing, but Caspian had trouble believing she returned Gerald out of the goodness of her heart.

He wasn't really sure what to make of their recent interaction. He was still angry that was for sure, but now there was a hint of confusion laced in the mix.

And it frustrated him.

It was much easier to imagine all the way he'd mess with her when she was just an evil devil spawn and nothing more.

Caspian shook his thoughts away. Whatever angle she was playing at, he wouldn't be fooled again. He was glad he had a full night's rest before meeting Xavier today, he wasn't sure what he'd say to the boy who thought Wednesday Addams of all people was a good person to turn to.

“I just don't like her very much, more or less trust her with anything.” He could see Xavier eye him strangely in his periphery.

Caspian cleared his throat. “I honestly don't know why you like her. Didn't she accuse you of murder not two months ago?”

“Yeah, she did.”

Caspian eyed his friend seriously. “You know, that's not normal to forgive that easily…Even if you fancy the girl.”

“What? I don't like her like that, we're just frie-”

“You're joking, right? Surely you don't tell yourself that lie, do you?”

Xavier stayed silent as he held open the door for him. “Wednesday she's…. “ He narrowed his eyes, sighing when the right words continued to evade him. “I guess I've always been drawn to tortured souls. Can't get as tortured as Wednesday Addams.”

“I thought you'd be disenchanted by her darkness after being on the receiving end of it.” Caspian scowled bitterly. He certainly was after their little tryst in the library.

“I was for a bit. I thought I would hate her for the rest of my life when I was in jail. Sometimes I wonder if I would if all of the charges still stood…” Xavier's voice petered out, eyes glazing over before he blinked them away. “But no point in dwelling on the 'could've'. After a while, I accepted her apology. We've been through a lot.”

“So you're sticking with her out of what? Shared trauma?”

“That's one way to look at it, but it's definitely not the main reason.” Xavier made a face, tugging his hair up into a bun. “I was sort of turned off by her whole snarky goth thing, but I found that it wasn't completely her. That's what's intriguing to me I guess. I want to get to know her... past her indifferent insults that is. There's an… innocence to her.”

“Innocence? Wednesday?” Caspian actually laughed aloud which earned him strange looks.

“I'm being serious…Matter of fact don't tell her I said that” Xavier grimaced, ducking his head as he looked around. “But there is. She doesn't know how to behave around people… She misses a shit load of social cues so there are a lot of genuine misunderstandings. I get that can be frustrating to deal with, but as you said, people aren't perfect. Wednesday may seem cold, indifferent, rude, narcissistic, blunt, annoyingly clever, and lacks boundaries -

“Is this supposed to endear me to her because you're not doing a very good jo-”

“But,” Xavier shot him a look. “She's more than that. As much as I hated her guts last semester, even in that holding cell, I truly believe she genuinely wanted to save the school out fo goodwill. I've seen her stand up to bullies, heal friends even though she hates physical contact, even put up with Enid's favourite perfume even though she told me it makes her nauseated."

Caspian bit the inside of his cheek. From his experience, Wednesday and 'goodwill' did not belong in the same sentence together. But he supposes he can understand how he hasn't witnessed every side of Wednesday Addams just yet. But that just begged an even crazier question.

Did he even want to?

They reached the outside courtyard, Caspian leaned against a ledge, taking a short break as he mulled over Xavier's words. “Ok, so perhaps there's more to her than meets the eye. Am I just supposed to ignore all the other red flags because deep down she's a good person?”

“I'm not saying it excuses anything. I'm just saying there's a different side to her, and when you finally see it, that's when it's ultimately your choice to decide if the whole 'Wednesday package' is worth it. To be honest, I don't blame you if you don't vibe with her the same way as the rest of us do. I guess you just had to be there last year to really understand what we've been through.”

“I suppose you're right…I just had to be there.” Caspian rubbed at his lips.

Xavier sighed. “Look she's…she's got the right intentions, just has trouble expressing them. I mean, the girl took an arrow for me before calling me her friend. Not a lot of people would do that…especially after the things I've said to her.”

“The last part I agree,” Caspian conceded. It took Xavier saving his life for their friendship to really take that next step after all. “But the first bit I have yet to see.”

Xavier scratched the back of his neck. “I understand, to each their own I guess. But I do hope you get to see that side of her.”

“I'm not even sure you have Thorpe.” Caspian snorted emptily. He wasn't sure anyone has, except Enid or Thing.

Xavier chuckled. “It's a work in progress to be sure. But I felt like I've finally found someone who understands me y'know? The whole me. Someone who takes me seriously without treating my sometimes…honestly dark interest as some sort of phase or weird attraction. We even share the same therapist now. “

“I'm…glad you found a kindred spirit of sorts.”

Xavier cracked a wry smile. “Thanks for the attempt at solidarity, but you don't have to lie for my benefit. Being around Wednesday Addams isn't for the faint of heart. As I've said many times before, becoming her friend should come with a warning label.”

“It should come with two,” Caspian said seriously. Interacting with Wednesday should come with a whole instruction manual complete with a warranty and refund.

“Heh, yeah…”

Caspian chewed on the new insight. Deep down he understood where Xavier was coming from. He even somewhat agreed with him. People weren't perfect and there was definitely more to the average person than what they let on. But he was just too emotional to even care that Wednesday could have some secret soft side.

He also guesses he underestimated the bonding they all went through last term. Xavier was a fine enough storyteller, but he was sure no words could do justice to what exactly his new friends went through together.

Caspian rubbed his eyes, this was too much to think about in one sitting. He'll shelve the idea for a later date. “Well if that's all there is to it, let's get Gerald a proper home. Lead the way, Picasso.” Caspian hauled himself by the crutches.

“You know Picasso?”

“I'm a wizard, not an oaf Xavier.”

His roommate shot him a funny look. “It's just weird that's all. I assumed everything was different. Food, people, and technology. Like do you know Cleopatra or something?”

Caspian pursed his lips, searching for the name. “She sounds familiar. Of course, I'm more well versed in Wizarding history but I have heard some muggle-”

“What about The Rock ?”

Caspian blinked. “A rock? We have rocks in our world-”

“No, The Rock? Dwayne The Rock…Johnson?”

“…No.”

“Damn,” Xavier let out a low whistle. “How about Jesus? Einstein? Davinci? Michael Jackson?”

If Caspian could pinch the bridge of his nose he would. This was going to be a long walk.

“Julius Caesar?”

“Ok I think I've heard of that one, he's the salad maker right?”

“No, actually he isn't.”

“So there are two famous Caesars in history? Doesn't that get confusing?”

“Are you seriously putting Julius Caesar, one of the greatest leaders this world has ever seen, on the same level of impact as a salad dressing?”

“Well, when you put it like that Thorpe, I feel pretty stupid now so thanks.”

“Sup. Woahh Caspian gnarly cast.” Ajax pushed off the tree to fist-bump them, tucking a stray snake under his beanie.

“It should be off in a week or two so I'm told.”

“Can I sign it?”

“What, you mean with a quill?”

“Yeah, it's sorta what we 'muggles' do when someone has a cast.” Ajax put the word muggle in air quotes with a laugh. Caspian was honestly surprised he remembered a small detail such as that.

Caspian shrugged. “I don't see why not.”

“I think he should know the risks of letting people draw on his limb with a sharpie,” Xavier cut in suspiciously, eyeing the pen in the Gorgon's hand. “No dicks Ajax.”

Caspian darted his eyes up to meet Ajax's deflated ones. “Yep, Thorpe's right, no dicks Ajax.”

“Dude!” Ajax sent a betrayed look Xavier's way. “Total buzz kill. Whatever.” He signed his name with a small doodle of an evil-looking Gorgon head. Xavier was next, he doodled his name along with a snake he made wiggle. If Xavier ever became a famous artist, Caspian was sure this signed drawing would go for a nice bit of coin.

Ajax popped back up, dusting off his trousers. “Anyways, why'd you bring me out here so close to your secret art shed?”

“Because you will now be 1 of only 3 people who know- Wait,” Xavier furrowed his brows. “You know about my secret art shed?”

“Yeah, Wednesday brought us there last semester to torture Tyler.”

Caspian snorted. "She does tend to do that.”

“What?”

“What?”

Ajax shot him a befuddled look.

Xavier rubbed at his temples. “Wait hold on, let me backtrack a second, us? More people know?”

“Not that many people. Just me Yoko, Bianca, Kent, Divina-”

Xavier threw his hands up.“That is the definition of many people!”

“Honestly dude, kinda hurts knowing you had a secret hideout all this time. We could've used it for those wild parties if you know what I mean.” Ajax winked cheekily at his frustrated friend.

Xavier tugged at his hair. “That's exactly why I didn't wanna tell you guys! I don't want anyone playing 7 minutes heaven in the middle of my art.”

“Relax man, you keep it locked anyways.”

“Oh yeah like that stopped you guys last time.” Xavier rolled his eyes, begrudgingly accepting the fact his quiet place was now public knowledge. “Whatever, c'mon.”

The studio was a short walk into the woods, just deep enough where the tree line obscured it. Xavier showed Caspian his various artworks. Most of it was snapshots of the school, albeit with some of his gothic flare. The Nevermore gates, the tree in the quad, the view of Jericho from their window. They were pretty good.

The other half was of the Hyde. Caspian inadvertently shuddered at a particular headshot. Xavier managed to capture Tyler's Hyde in frighteningly vivid detail. When he suddenly made it move, he almost drew his wand and burnt the entire studio down. Apparently, that was the first drawing that truly jumped out of the page, giving his roommate a couple of scratches on the arm.

“So did you drag me out here for a tour?” Ajax shuddered at the cold as Xavier locked the doors.

“Not quite,” Caspian gestured to Xavier, who began to unbuckle his bag. “I have a pet that I rather keep hidden. But I require your assistance.”

“A pet?”

Xavier carefully stuck his hand in the bag, procuring the tied-up Niffler. Ajax watched with wide eyes as Caspian plucked him up. “Meet Gerald. The biggest pain in my ass since sliced bread.”

“A rat?”

“A Niffler but close enough. They live in burrows.”

“And you want us to dig.” Xavier scratched his head, the realization dawning on him.

“I'd gladly do it myself but,” Caspian gestured to his crutches cheekily.

“This is not how I wanted to spend my spare. Don't you have like…a spell that can do this for you?” Ajax cocked his head back lazily.

“You won't need to dig far, just some shallow starter holes in say a… 10-meter diameter? And I can think of a few spells, yes, but I'll be busy perfecting the wards.”

“Wards?”

“Protection and concealment spells.”

“To keep Gerald safe.” Xavier nodded.

Caspian grimaced. “No…more like to keep everyone safe from him.”

Ajax and Xavier shared a worried look, stepping back from him. Caspian scoffed, rubbing his face tiredly. Sometimes he forgot he was speaking to muggles. “It's not like that. I guess I should show you guys what I'm talking about.”

Caspian hobbled over to a fallen log, sitting down with a grunt. He carefully set his crutches aside as he held up the offending beast. Pointing his wand at the Nifler, he braced himself.

“Reverte!”

The instant the ropes retracted, Gerald made a run for it. Caspian was prepared though, grabbing him by one of his webbed feet.

“I got him! I got him. Come here.” Caspian struggled to get proper purchase on his wiggling form, but he eventually was able to turn him upside down. He then promptly started to shake the beast madly.

Xavier leaped forward. “Woah what are you- What the hell?”

The two boys jumped back as a cascade of silver and gold jewelry fell out of Gerald's pouch. Gold rings, pearl necklaces, diamonds, watches, bracelets, coins, tinfoil, spoons, and spectacles. It would seem that Gerald has paid a visit to more than just the local jewel shop. Caspian started to doubt his original plan of returning the items. He wasn't sure how he was going to return a golden toilet seat to its rightful owner.

“C'mon, you've got more in ya Gerald...” He grunted, tickling the Nifler's belly. Sure enough, Gerald coughed up plenty more, the pile at Caspian's feet becoming the size of a small boulder.

“Holy shit dude that's a solid gold bar!” Ajax clutched his head in disbelief as he circled them.

Xavier squinted. “Is that…the key to the city?”

After several shakes and several more for good measure, Caspian was satisfied that Gerald was empty. He dropped the Nifler who wasted no time scrambling away. “Pleasure doing business with you ya git, Incarcerous!” Binds erupt from Caspian's wand, binding Gerald before he could get any further.

His two friends approached the pile of shimmering valuables. “What…what is this?” Xavier kicked a stray fork.

Caspian wiped the sweat off his brow. “He's a thief. He's attracted to shiny objects so it's best you keep him away from…practically everything. His pouch is said to magically expand so in theory, the tosser can hoard an infinite amount of gold without being satisfied. You see my problem?”

“So like…are we rich now?” Ajax crouched down, reaching for a particularly large diamond necklace.

“I'm going to return them right when my leg heals up. I'm not necessarily strapped for galleons at the moment.”

“Shit bro, I am.” Ajax wet his lips but reluctantly retracted his hand.

Caspian snorted, summoning a small pouch from his bag. “Good luck trying to pawn these stolen items off to their previous owners…Accio!”

With a flick of his wrist, the jewels were sucked into the pouch. “I magically expanded the bag!” Caspian explained over the clattering of precious jewels.

He cracked a cheeky grin at Xavier exasperated 'Oh of course you did' nod and Ajax's agape mouth. Showing off his magic never got old. If he ever got back he could make good money swindling muggles. He might take a page out of Harry Houdini's book.

After the last coin was sucked into the bag, Caspian promptly transfigured his crutches into shovels. “Start digging chaps.”

Xavier and Ajax begrudgingly got to work while Caspian practiced casting the wards over a stone. He needed a ward similar to his wand that kept the place hidden unless you knew to look for Gerald. He also needed some basic barrier wards, sensors, climate control, and protection from the elements. Caspian also decided it was best to put some spells on Gerald himself. Relatively simple heart monitoring, food, temperature, and tracking charms.

Relative is the keyword there. It was a rather tall order even for him. It was like trying to solve a sixth-year arithmancy equation with first-year knowledge. It was technically possible, he had all the fundamentals and basics, but he had to go about it in a roundabout way that took 20 extra steps. That meant Caspian had to take extra care, double and triple checking his magic to ensure he'd get the right answer and not suddenly blow up Gerald's head.

After a while Ajax spoke up, drinking from a water bottle Caspian conjured for him. “Ya know, Gerald can theoretically dig so far down that he could come across an aquifer and escape.”

“Don't give him any ideas. Let me handle the logistics.” Caspian promptly made a mental note to make the barrier a sphere.

Xavier grunted, sticking his shovel into the hard dirt. “So how did that presentation go by the way?”

“The one with Bianca? Went pretty smoothly not gonna lie.” Ajax tossed the water bottle away.

“I heard otherwise.”

“Bianca's exaggerating like, we'd get a C+ at the very least.”

“We both know Bianca doesn't settle for C's.”

“Whatever, I'll probably switch out by the end of this week. I'll take it as an online class or summin. What about you Caspian? How are you gonna catch up on your shit?”

Caspian held up a finger as he waved his wand. He muttered intensely before finishing the temperature ward, finally letting a breath out. “Weems said my professors' has gotten that covered.”

“Lucky, wish I had special treatment.” Ajax stuck his bottom lip out.

Xavier snorted, shovelling more dirt out of the way. “Maybe if you got injured while fighting you would've.”

“You're probably right. Speaking of fighting, what's up with that archery club of yours?”

“Oh it's still a thing, I just have to wait on more supplies. All the archery gear sort of got destroyed in the quad. Caspian I expect you to come. Even if you're still injured, archery is mainly upper body.”

Caspian merely grunted. He knew getting out of Xavier's club was a non-option.

Xavier jabbed his shovel into the ground, rolling his tired shoulder. “Aren't most clubs starting up this week?”

“Yeah, Enid's been swamped lately with them.” The Gorgon admitted half-heartedly. At the mention of the resident werewolf, Caspian slowed down his incantations.

“I don't understand why she commits to so many when she doesn't have the time.”

Ajax shrugged at the artist. “Beats me, all I know is that I barely see her anymore and when I do she's always on edge.”

“Maybe you should surprise her one time,” Caspian whispered.

The two boys turned their heads to face him. “What?”

Caspian cleared his throat nonchalantly. “Get her a gift. I'm sure she'd appreciate that, she must be feeling terribly overwhelmed.”

It's only been a day since her latest visit, but it was a day too long. He hasn't realized how attached he's gotten to her company and it kind of scared him. He was never one to get attached to any singular person so easily before. He has long come to accept that life was like a train, people hopped on and got off. But Caspian has never wanted someone to stay on board as much as her.

He was debating whether he should go back to his spell or simply take a break. For Gerald's sake, he should probably clear his mind of the blonde before continuing.

Ajax's eyes lit up, snapping his fingers as he pointed at him. “You know what you're right! I should do that. But what to get her…”

Xavier rolled his eyes. “But besides that, you and Enid good?”

“Yep, she's cute I can't believe we didn't hook up sooner.”

Caspian clenched his jaw at the crass language. He suddenly became very worked up over the possibility that Enid and Ajax might've had not only one but several 'handsy' nights out.

The image of Enid's flushing face, as Ajax's clumsy hands explored every inch of her bare skin, had his blood unreasonably boiling. Caspian was confident he wouldn't do anything to the boy. After all, he wasn't some bloody Gryffindor who lets his emotions get the better of him. But he still thought it best he turn away to cool off.

“Have you guys gone on a proper date yet?” Caspian heard Xavier chime.

The sound of digging came to a screeching stop, followed by a loud smacking sound. “Oh yeahhh! I should probably set that up too, right?”

“Ajax…dude...”

“Hey, it's not like I haven't taken her out!” Ajax cried in defence. “We've gone behind the greenhouse, had some movie nights…y'know…did some…' late night studying'.”

Caspian gripped his wand tighter. The sooner he finishes these wards the faster he can escape this terrible conversation.

“And, it's not my fault all the killer date spots are in Jericho, which is off-limits incase you forgot.”

“Well, it won't be for long. Don't quote me but Weems says we might be able to go back as soon as next month.”

“Sweet!…, where should I take her?”

“I dunno, what does she like?” Xavier said dully. Apparently, he too was painfully aware of his friend's helplessness.

Ajax paused. “Umm…Stuffed animals, steak …stuffed animals. So…a build-a-bear?”

Xavier leaned forward, patting his shoulder. “I'm sure you'll somehow pull it off, buddy.”

“Ok, mister ladies man! How are you and Wednesday doing huh? Or is it still Bianca?”

Caspian turned a bit to catch his roommate's reaction.

Xavier was stiff as a board, his olive eyes wide with horror. “W-what are you talking about…There is no me and Wednesday…or Bianca for that matter. We're friends.”

“mmmm, I only believe half of that. C'mon, dude, it's pretty obvious you're down bad for Wednesday Addams.” Ajax wiggled his brows suggestively.

Xavier darted his wide eyes to Caspian. “Is it really that obvious?”

He smirked back. “Told ya, Thorpe.”

Xavier swallowed thickly before resuming his digging. “Well, I plan to show her my drawings…”

“Oohhh how romantic.” Ajax cooed.

“Shut up, and from there well, I'll see where the night leads us…”

“Ya hear that Caspian? 'where the night leads us'. MHM! I love it!” Ajax closed his eyes, revelling in the artist's discomfort.

Caspian couldn't help but chuckle at his shenanigans. Ajax may be annoyingly daft and the reason why he can't be with Enid, but the bloke was a character. He reminded him of the Weaselys in that sense. Caspian was never fond of their over-the-top pranks, but he didn't hate them for it. He was even entertained most of the time.

Xavier dropped his shovel, folding his arms indignantly. “I have no expectations.”

“Sure you don't.” Ajax fired back, oozing sarcasm.

“I don't.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Seriously.”

“Keep telling yourself that.”

“Caspian!” Xavier threw his hands up, letting out an incredulous chuckle. “What uhhh, what about you? Since we're apparently all sharing our love life, how was yours back home?”

Caspian finished up another ward, mulling over whether he should answer that question. “...Active.”

“Oh? Do share with the class.” Xavier perked up, undoubtedly happy the spotlight was off him.

Caspian fiddled with his wand. He wasn't bad with the ladies per se, but he was no master either. He had his fair share of pride-wounding rejections as well as sneaky rummages in empty classrooms.

Back then, girls simply weren't top of mind for him. Mainly because they were just too high maintenance.

High risk and very little reward.

He learned that the hard way when in his third year, he became public enemy number 1 for the entire Gryffindor house. It was after a rather nasty breakup with one of the 'popular' girls. He forgot what it was over but it was needlessly public, making the front page of the Quibbler the next day.

It was also one of the reasons why he lost his appetite for quidditch and quit the team. His team endured 15 bloody blunger connections, all 15 hitting him. Caspian swears he could still feel the bruising to this day.

A relationship was just so much work like tending to a delicate flower. Always needing attention, resources, time, and care.

And Caspian only had the patience for a cactus.

He already struggled to keep up with his friends when he was off doing his own thing. He couldn't have fathomed adding a lover into the equation. Either his personal life or the relationship was doomed to suffer.

But nonetheless, he was always told that he simply hasn't found the one worth the trouble. Additionally, he should keep an open mind because his dream girl can come from anywhere and at the strangest times. Not like he minded really. He could afford to wait a little while longer.

Caspian pursed his lips to one side. “Nothing really to tell, I fooled around a bit here and there, and held a couple of relationships but nothing serious.”

“What's your body count?”

“Excuse me?”

“Like how many people have you been with.”

“You mean…sexually?”

“Not necessarily. Just how many people have you…” Ajax gestured vaguely around him, “Y'know flirted around with?”

“Oh…I don't feel like sharing, to be frank with you.” Caspian chuckled.

“C'mon don't be like that!”

Xavier grinned. “Ajax that means it's either embarrassingly high or low.”

“No, it doesn't.” Caspian gave his roommate a dirty look, but he was sure its effect was muted by the warmth in his cheeks.

Ajax cleared his throat. “Alright, let's play a game. Is the number of girls above or below 3?”

Caspian sniffled, eyeing his two friends before getting back to the wards. “Above.”

“God damn!” Ajax yelped clasping his hands together. “Female wizards are like that aren't they?”

Caspian fought the grin forming on his lips. “They're called witches and it's really nothing to get worked up about.”

“Spoken like a true romancer, show me your ways.”

“Maybe some other time… Ok! I think I'm ready.” Caspian summoned the shovels from their hands (Ajax nearly falling over). He transfigured them back into crutches and hobbled towards them.

He transferred the wards over from his practice rock, resizing and making adjustments where he felt necessary. He then summoned Gerald into his hand, transferring the monitoring spells onto him. When he felt everything was perfect, he went into the wards himself. When it was clear he still had his head, he tentatively tossed Gerald in, unbinding him in the process.

The Nifler scurried around, poking and probing the shimmering magical barriers. Caspian held his breath, watching them bend and twist every which way before they bounced back into place.

“Yes!” Caspian pumped his fist in the air, hi-fiving his bemused friends. “Wooo! Haha can't escape now can you?”

Xavier looked at Gerald skeptically. “Uh, Caspian…what do Nifflers eat?”

“Well…,” He ruffled through his pockets, procuring a small plastic bag. ”I got carrots? He looks like he eats carrots…right?” he stared at them blankly.

Ajax threw his arms up. “What you looking at us for?”

“For moral support Ajax, moral support,” Caspian muttered, conjuring a never-ending water bowl beside Gerald.

Xavier bit his lip. “Shouldn't you know? Considering he's….yours and everything?”

“I probably should,” He sighed. “That makes me a lousy pet owner doesn't it?” Caspian wasn't sure he liked their silent agreement as they all stood there plainly.

“Why is he hissing at us?” Ajax flinched. Gerald made an aggressive lunge forward, the barrier bouncing him back.

“I don't think he likes you guys.”

“If anything he probably doesn't like you. For all we know the little dude eats meat and you just gave him the equivalent of dirt to eat.”

“I assure you he doesn't. Toss me those rocks.”

Xavier and Ajax's noses were practically stuffed into his hand when he began transfiguring the lowly pebbles into diamonds. With a swish of his wand, the minerals and carrots floated through the wards. Gerald watched with greedy eyes as they descended down to him, only to phases right through the dirt. The Nifler scurried for the nearest hole, chasing after the items.

“That should keep him occupied for a bit. And no Ajax, they aren't real.”

The sheen in Ajax's brown eyes quickly died down. He begrudgingly began collecting his belongings. “Can't draw dicks, can't have gold, can't have shit here.”

“As is the circle of life my friend,” Xavier remarked dryly, following suit.

Caspian gave one last look at Gerald's home before turning around. All this magic made him pretty droopy. He was sure he'd just skip dinner and head straight for the comfort of his bed.

Besides, he has to rethink his approach to returning the items. He reasons he can only practically return the jewelry because of the tags. Everything else will just have to be left with the local authorities.

One vibration of his snake ring will notify him if any monitoring charms went off. And it will outright burn him if Gerald managed to escape. Caspian didn't want to take any chances with the menace. He can finally rest easy knowing Gerald was safely in his possession. Perhaps now he'll dream of home? Or what he's truly hoping for a certain blonde werewolf. Maybe she'll pay him a visit in his dreams.

Speaking of.

“But seriously guys, where should I take Enid?”