Three Words
“Ah Ms.Sinclair, glad you chose to join us today.”
Caspian perked up, instantly tearing his nose out of his book. His eyes fell on Enid, cheeks flushing and slightly out of breath, presumably from the jog over here. Her usually pristine bob of platinum blonde hair was slightly frizzy and unkempt.
“Sorry sir…” Enid shrunk in on herself, quickly scampering past the projector to the back of the classroom, straight for the empty seat beside him.
Once she was settled in, Caspian leaned in close, her Carmel scent wafting around him deliciously. “I took some notes for you.” He whispered.
“Thanks!” He went rigid when she suddenly squeezed his harm in gratitude.
To say he was glad to see her would be the understatement of the century. Caspian never understood why Werewolf reproduction required a dedicated class. Today they were apparently getting into the meat and potatoes of things. Enid's expertise would surely come in handy.
But who was he kidding, he just missed her.
Dearly.
Ever since he got released from the infirmary, he can count the number of times he's spoken to her on his hand alone. Even then, he should apparently consider himself lucky. Ajax can count all their meetings on only one hand.
“How's your day been?” He smiled, nudging her with his elbow.
Enid pulled a strand of frizzy blue hair behind her ear. “I thought last semester was a lot but with pitch-slaps, carpentry, and the new werewolf pack meetings and shoot! Xavier's archery club is coming up! Not to mention I'm head of the fashion committee and Divina wants to organize a school-wide catwalk with refreshments so I signed up for the cooking club and I don't even like cooking but - “ She took in a steadying breath, rubbing her eyes. “It's been busy.”
Caspian furrowed his brow, leaning in closer to examine her. She looked significantly wearier than he remembered her being. The dark rings under her eyes barely visible from the light makeup she wore. “Have you been getting enough sleep? You don't look too sharp.”
“Mhm!" She nodded. "I just forgot to pick up an energy drink that's all. I need like 2 a day now to function-”
“Shhh!”
They jumped at the sound, both turning to look at a rather disgruntled classmate.
“Sorry…” Enid winced.
Caspian shot them a glare. How dare they interrupt the only quality time he had with the girl in days?
“What about you?” Enid inquired in a quieter voice.
“I've been alright, not as fun without you around. I quite miss our little hangouts.”
“I know!” She clasped a hand over her mouth, looking around superstitiously. “I know! After class, we'll have the whole hour to catch up! No distractions, no interruptions, I swear on all my squish-mellos.”
Caspian grinned, pivoting in his seat to lean his head in his hand. “I appreciate the determination.”
“How's your leg by the way?” She gestured, mimicking his posture.
“It's healing up nicely. The nurse says the cast should be off by next week.”
“Well good because it looks more like a tat sleeve than a cast.” She snorted. Caspian had to agree. If his younger self knew all it took to gain popularity points was to wear a cast, he would've done that instead of joining the quidditch team.
He attracted all sorts of people, all of which wanted to sign their names. It was such an odd muggle tradition really. And all this attention was from a falling rock. If only these kids knew how he really got injured. He'd be on top of the world.
But alas, the cast was bound to come off eventually, and soon his fleeting popularity it would seem.
“Is that a…” Enid's smiled awkwardly.
Caspian followed her eye line down, turning his leg. His eyes widened at what he saw. “Blast…how did that get there?”
It was a rather crude image. Looks like Ajax got the last laugh after all, even if he wasn't the culprit behind it the phallic drawing.
“Here let me fix it.” Enid uncapped a Sharpie. Before he could protest, her head was down in his lap. Caspian froze, he doesn't thinks he'll ever get used to just how touchy Enid could be.
Don't get him wrong, he absolutely loved how comfortable she was with physical contact and closeness. It was refreshing when so many people his age were too self-conscious to even maintain eye contact. But Caspian never grew up with physical contact as a norm. His household was never the hugging type.
Especially since it was a rather suggestive position they were in. Any student who turned their head would catch an eye full of something less than appropriate looking for a classroom setting.
After a couple more seconds (which felt like hours to him) of fidgeting and nervous glances around, Enid came up with a grin. “There! A unicorn spewing rainbows, signed by yours truly.”
“Shhh!”
They both jumped again.
“We should probably pay attention, shouldn't we?” Enid whimpered.
Caspian sighed, picking up his pen. “It'd be a wise choice.”
They scribbled down a few notes for a while. Enid took pictures of the slides, Caspian knowing all well she'll never look at them again. Professor Fits was talking about werewolf fertility when Enid suddenly leaned in. “So…I've heard you and Wednesday had a little accident at the Hummer's Workshop.”
His eyes went wide. “She told you about that?”
“No, Eugene did. He posted the video on the Hummers Instagram account before taking it down.” Her face contorted in worry. “I hope Wednesday didn't threaten him.”
“Well…not my finest hour I'll admit.”
“So you'll face a Hyde but not an itty bitty spider?”
Caspian narrowed his eyes, seriously considering it. “9 times out of 10…I'll choose the Hyde.”
Enid rolled her eyes. “Well, it Looked like fun…I wish I was there.” He watched as she went back to her notes. The girl was deceptively good at hiding her emotions when she wanted to, but Caspian was able to pick up the downcast frown.
He didn't understand why she felt the need to join so many clubs if she obviously had more fun than just hanging out with them. She was due for a break.
Then, a thought struck him. Why not kill two birds with one stone? “When are you free?”
Enid opened her mouth but he stopped her. “And before you answer that, I mean free, free. No skipping meals, no stiffing you're alone time or sleep schedule or study or clubs. Genuinely free.”
She thought about it for a moment. “If I bust ass in Gorgon Anatomy this week, next Friday night? After hours? Why?”
“I've been having some trouble with navigating through my phone, I was hoping you could give me a run down,” Caspian said smoothly. He was meaning to finally learn the damn thing for a while now. Xavier offered to teach him on multiple occasions but Caspian politely declined. He had a separate teacher in mind.
“Right, don't want another moaning incident do you?” Enid gave him a scandalous wink.
Caspian groaned, burying his head in his hands. “So you've heard.”
Enid giggled at his turmoil. “The whole school has.”
“Not helping Sinclair.” He grumbled, burying his head further into his arms.
“Wait your totes blushing!”
“No, I'm not.”
“Yes, you are!”
“Alright, I am! I'm blushing hooray! Pop the balloons and whatever I'm glad my discomfort amuses you.”
Enid shook with laughter, desperately covering her mouth in an attempt to control herself. As much as he tried to send daggers her way, he found himself smiling. How could he not, she was incredibly infectious.
She took in a calming breath, letting one last obligatory giggle slip before turning to face him. “Of course, I'll help you. Where'd you wanna meet up?”
“I've heard the greenhouse is where students usually go.”
Enid's face suddenly went white. “Oh…”
Caspian arched a brow. “What?”
“Behind the greenhouse? You mean…with the bus…”
“No, I meant in the greenhouse. It's bloody freezing outside it's February.”
“B-but we don't have the key?”
“Leave that to me. So, you in?”
“It's just…”
He furrowed his brows. “Just what?”
“That's the area people usually go to…” She gestured oddly with her hands, a small gulping sound escaping her glossy lips. “Ya know…”
“I don't.” He responded blankly.
Enid darted her eyes around before leaning in. “Hook up.”
“Oh…” Caspian frowned.
That surely would complicate things, having kids fumble over themselves. He was sure it would be distracting. He looked over at Enid's expectant gaze, looked away, then back at her again before his eyes went wide with realization. “OH, my apologies, I wasn't trying to -”
“Nono it's ok you didn't know!” She rushed to assure him, her own cheeks visibly going pink even under the dim light of the classroom
Caspian ran a hand through his hair, turning away from her. It was suddenly very hot in werewolf reproduction. He cringed at the implication of what he just asked the girl through doublespeak.
What was worst, is that a small part of him rejoiced in his little mistake.
Asking Enid to accompany him to Nevermore's lover's lane was morally the wrong choice. But if it was wrong why did it feel so right?
He cleared his throat. “Sorry, it wasn't even my first choice, to be honest. There's this hidden library behind a statue near the quad. I was going to take you there-”
“Wait… you're a nightshade?”
Caspian blinked. “What's a nightshade?”
“Only the most secret club in Nevermore history! Xavier, Bianca, and Ajax are all a part of it. That library is their meet-up and I heard it gets pretty wild.”
“Oh…So Addams is one then.” He pondered aloud.
Enid's jaw dropped. “Shut…up…Wednesday, is a nightshade?”
Caspian grimaced, recalling their tryst in the library. “Don't ask how I know that.”
“You've gotta be kidding me,” Enid scoffed indignantly. “So is everyone in this stupid club but me?
He tilted his head. “Wait, you aren't a part of it?”
“You gotta be a legacy or just filthy rich. Both of which I'm not.” She grumbled.
“Oh…Well…it suddenly makes sense why Xavier didn't want me going… that rat.” Caspian grumbled back. He recalled Xavier's shocked eyes and stuttering excuse as to why bringing Enid to the library would be a terrible idea. You think you know a guy. Caspian will for sure give him a piece of his mind later tonight. If Xavier ever needed magical a favour or to borrow his saving creme, the bloke was out of luck.
Enid sighed, doing little to hide her contempt. “I'd like to think saving their skins should be enough to get in.”
He gazed at her downtrodden mood, a small smile forming on his lips. “I'll consider the offer on one condition. They let you in as well.”
“Really?” Her eyes lit up. “You'd do that for me?”
Caspian shrugged “It's Just a stupid club anyways, right?” Something flashed across Enid's eyes before she looked away shyly. He sighed. "Still, would be nice if I could book it off. I- I mean I would've taken you to Xavier's art studio or even the Hummer's workshop but it gets pretty cold at night so I asked Bianca where students go after hours and she said-”
“Caspian.” She placed a hand on his arm again, the fluttering sensation returning in full force. He glanced up into those wide green eyes of hers, so alive and warm. “It's ok, inside the greenhouse is fine, I'll bring the snacks.”
Caspian opened his mouth to speak but no words came out. He was acutely aware that Enid made no move to take her hand off his arm.
He can only hope he was equally as pleasant to gawk at as she was to him.
“Ahem!”
They jumped away from each other like opposite ends of a magnet. “Ms. Sinclair and Mr. Lee, do I need to separate the two of you…again?”
“No professor.”
“No sir.”
They both responded meekly, instantly hunching over their notes. Even as the minutes passed, the buzz in Caspian's chest wouldn't go away. A stray look at Enid's still-flushing face said she too felt the same. Or she was just really embarrassed about being scolded by her favourite teacher?
Maybe both.
With a sudden stroke of bravery blessed to him by Goodrich Gryffindor himself, he quickly ripped a page off his notebook. Scribbling three simple words, he gave himself no time to think twice as he slid it over.
He watched in his periphery as her breath hitched, her eyes widening as she scanned and reread his note.
His mind short-circuited at the way she carefully pocketed the paper rather than crumping it and punching his arm as he expected her to.
“It's a date.”
“So what is a 'heat' exactly?”
“Can you please just drop it!” Enid whined desperately, clutching her ears.
Caspian chuckled, barely able to keep up with the marching girl. “I'm being serious I still don't understand.”
“Maybe if you'd pay attention-”
“Oh that's rich coming from you, if you weren't blushing like a school girl-”
“I am a schoolgirl!”
“Then maybe I would've been able to hear what the professor was sayi-”
“Oh, so I was the distracting one ok! Like you didn't have a shit-eating grin the entire time…”
“I mean I asked you a simple question, how do werewolves mate?”
“It's not appropriate to talk about that here!”
“It's just sex Sinclair.”
“Caspian!” She whipped around, her eyes mortified. She glanced around the newly constructed quad superstitiously. Weems did an excellent job replacing the scorched grass, even the tree was sprouting baby branches thanks to a growth concoction courtesy of Ms.Plonson.
If he thought Enid's face was red before this was a whole new level. She refused to look him in the eyes, her lips curled in on themselves in her signature awkward pout.
He leaned in teasingly. “You know where it would've been appropriate to ask? Werewolf reproduction! Where everyone else was equally uncomfortable. But you refused to give me an answer then, so I'm asking you now.”
“What makes you think I'll give you an answer now?” She cried out.
“Well my grade in this class quite literally rides on this, I rather not be blindsided by another pop quiz.”
“Who's problem is that?”
“Mine, but now I'm making it yours so the faster you answer the question-”
“Fine!” Enid yelped, tugging at her hair. “You're unbelievable Just…UGH!”
At this moment he realized there was one more thing he loved more than speaking with Enid. Making her positively flustered. Again, objectively a bad choice, not a very platonically friendly thing to do, let alone a nice thing. But what can he say, she brought out the worst in him.
She sniffled before checking their surroundings once more. “A heat is a prolonged period of time when an of-age female werewolf is at their most…receptive to mating advances. There! Happy!” She blinked a couple of times, still unable to fully meet his eyes.
Caspian produced a pen and notepad. “A period of time where…got it…Does it just have to be with other werewolves? What age does this heat kick in exactly and how often? In fact, how long does it las-”
“CASPIAN!” She shrieked, clutching her mouth. Now that garnered some strange looks. He would've found her outburst amusing if she didn't look like she was on the verge of tears.
He allowed himself one last chuckle at her expense.“ Alright alright, no more! I'm done….What? I said I was done I promise, see?” Caspian slowly unequipped his bag like he was being held at wand point. “Notes are going in the bag as we speak”
Enid continued to glare at him. “I hate you.”
“I adore you.”
The sincerity in his voice caught him off guard, but Enid probably didn't notice. She huffed, marching forward without a glance back. “It's a rather taboo subject even amongst us wolves. Non-werewolves talking about is like…if a random guy hounded a girl about her menstrual cycle, totally weird and intrusive.”
Caspian studied her, he meant no ill will with his teasing, but he supposed he may have gone a little too far this time. “Ahh message received loud and clear, no more heat talk outside the classroom.”
Enid murmured. “I would appreciate it a lot.”
“Yeah…so you could stop blushing right now.”
She shot him another glare. “Shut up…”
“Make me.” Is what he wanted to say, but he refrained.
They meandered through the bustling corridors, Enid's finally slowing her pace for him.“So where are you taking us?”
“It's a surprise, I have a feeling someone of your interest would be able to appreciate it. Merlin knows someone has to.” He muttered the last part. If Caspian believed that it was possible for anyone to enjoy Gerald's company, it had to be Enid Sinclair.
“Someone of my interest?”
“Yeah…” His next words died on his tongue as he scrutinized her. “Are you sure you've been getting enough sleep? We can reschedule so you can catch some shut-eye.”
She paused. “No no it's ok, I'm fine.”
“Uh huh…” He narrowed his eyes unconvinced. As a notorious night owl himself, he smelt the bullshit from a mile away.
They made small talk about the trivial things going on in each other's lives. Enid apparently received a new makeup pallet as well as her package from Shein that she couldn't wait to rip into. Caspian followed along as best he could, making mental notes of what she liked and didn't for future reference. Never know when one may need a gift. He was hoping he could just transfigure half of these items to save himself the trouble of navigating the interwebs.
He spoke about classes and the latest movie Xavier's forced him to watch. The Lord of the Rings, directors cut. He quite enjoyed it, even more so when he realized it was a. book series.
The whole premise of movies and shows still astounded him. He wanted to smack the entire Wizarding world in the face and then himself for not thinking of long-form pictures as a form of entertainment. It was such an obvious evolution from plays and books. When he got home he was gonna be the most influential wizard of the 21st century, mark his words.
“Here we are!” Caspian gestured proudly.
“A…shed… “ Enid did little to hide her disappointment. “You took me all the way out here to see a shed?”
“Ah not just any shed. Xavier's art shed!”
She looked at him. “So...you took me all the way out here to see Xavier's shed?”
“Gerald!” Caspian suddenly called out. To his surprise, the bluish ball fur ball promptly popped his head out from a hole.
“There you are you rascal!” Caspian hobbled over, glancing over his shoulders before drawing out his wand. “I see you haven't found all the jewels yet. I'm a bit disappointed in you mate. But I can tell you've pigged out on all the carrots you fat bastar-”
“Uhh Caspian?” Enid appeared next to him. “Who are you talking to?”
“My pet Gerald. I've been told he looks like something called a platypus. Imagine that and imagine him being right here.”
“What do you - Oh! What's happening? What's that? Why is it shiny?”
“Just the Wards revealing themselves. Do you see him now?”
Enid's confused eyes fluttered down. At first, her face was blank, but it only lasted about a millisecond before lighting up like a Christmas tree. “Omg, he's so cute! Hiya little guy You're SO adorable!” She cooed and instantly dropped down. “Ohhhhh Caspian you didn't tell me you had a pet platypus!”
“He's actually a Niffler. He shares more in common with a petty thief than any beast.”
“What do you mean - AWW he just rubbed his wittle eyes! Oh please tell me I can him?”
“He's attracted to shiny things, so I recommend removing any valuables.”
Enid promptly removed her bracelets and earrings, barely looking at Caspian as she practically threw them into his hands. She was beaming from ear to ear. He off handily wondered if his mouth could do the same if he tried. He'd probably pull a muscle.
“Perfect, here you can feed him.” Caspian procured a satchel of broccoli and nuts he nicked from his lunch. He still felt bad for not knowing what Niflers ate, but he figured it beats whatever Gerald was gorging himself on in the wild.
“Now Gerald, play nice, This is Enid Sinclair, a friend” He warned, staring right into Gerald's blank beady eyes.
“Caspian,” Enid jutted her chin out, snatching the food from his hand. “I'm part animal, Gerald wouldn't hurt a fly isn't that right Gerald? isn't that right cutie? Here you go my bab- OWW!”
“Enid!” Caspian instinctively pulled her up, holding her in his arms. Gerald went from relaxed to bat-shit crazy the second her hand crossed the wards.
“I'm Ok, it's ok...it was probably just a little warning bite, we werewolves do it all the time.” Enid chuckled nervously at the snarling critter.
“Here let me see.” Caspian hissed through his teeth when he opened Enid's palm to reveal two deep punctures, blood oozing out. “Let me fix you up.”
“But I wanna pet him!” Enid whined, Stomping her foot.
Caspian stared at her incredulously. If only she had this adamancy with her sleep schedule.“Later, after I stitch you up, let's head inside.”
Enid pouted but nodded weakly. Clutching her hand she gave Gerald one last longing look before heading to the art studio.
“You!” Caspian furiously whipped his head towards his Nifler who was currently helping himself to the dropped plastic bag of goods. “I won't hesitate to return you to the bargain bin where I found you.” With a swish of his wand, the nuts and broccoli phased through the ground. “There! Work for your bloody almonds.”
“Caspian?”
His demeanour instantly shifted, hobbling towards a waiting Enid.
“It's Locke-”
“Alohamara!...What were you saying?”
Enid rolled her eyes. “Show off.”
He procured two chairs, levitating Xavier's pastels and acrylic paint off the table. As he sterilized the area, he felt Enid's eyes on him.
“Something on your mind Sinclair?”
“Don't be too mad at him okay? He didn't know any better. He's just an animal.”
Caspian winced, he had hoped she was out of earshot for that. “Yeah...an animal that can destabilize a small nation.”
“What?”
“I'll explain later, give me your hand.” He sighed, sitting down.
He grimaced at the red that was now was now staining her sleeve. “I'm sorry, he's not usually like this…actually he's like this with everyone who isn't me, I don't know why I thought this was a good idea” Caspian ran a hand through his hair. He had hoped that Enid would have a fun little time with his pet. It also didn't hurt that Gerald was hidden away from the rest of civilization, preventing any unwanted interruptions.
“He has quite a bite for such an adorable little thing.” Enid offered sheepishly, no doubt trying to lighten the mood.
“Do you feel queasy or anything?”
Enid blinked. “No, why do you ask?”
“I honestly have no idea if Niflers carry any deadly pathogens.”
“Oh…”
“Probably best you contact me if you begin to feel off.” He drew his wand, looking up at her when she didn't respond. She was slightly green, her eyes staring at the wound worriedly. He pursed his lips. “I'm scaring you aren't I?”
“A bit.” She simpered.
“Sorry, I get a little carried away when I see the people I care about hurt. Especially if I caused it.”
It was true, Caspian hated when people got hurt or in trouble on his account. This would be surprising given the number of times he dragged his friends on dangerous missions and unsanctioned after-school activities.
But he never brought them on anything he didn't think they couldn't handle.
He was always fiercely aware of how others reacted to situations. Usually, his wit and skill were enough to make up for anyone's shortcomings. But that always wasn't the case. And when he couldn't help his friends, he would kick himself for days.
“Hey,” Enid's soothing voice brought him back, smiling sweetly at him. “Don't sweat it. It's just a bite.”
“Yeah…” He half-heartily agreed. She frowned but said nothing.
“Let me see what I can do, I'm gonna disinfect it so this might sting a bit.” He pointed his wand, reciting the spell in his head before saying it with his chest. “Sterilitatem!”
Enid winced a little, his thumb subconsciously rubbing at the pulse point on her wrist “Ok, you're doing wonderful…Epiksy!”
“Well, you closed it halfway.” She joked.
“Furla!” Bandages materialized out of thin air, wrapping around her palm snuggly. “Sorry, that's the best I can do.” He murmured.
“What do you mean? You did about as good as anyone else could've.” Enid marvelled, inspecting her hand. “See? I can move it and everything!”
He smiled at her constant attempts to make him feel better. But it was short-lived. “Ever since the quad…I've been trying to teach myself more advanced healing spells to avoid,” He patted his casted leg. “This, from happening again. Safe to say learning without a teacher is difficult, and trying to pull it from memory is damn near impossible. I'd kill for a pensive right about now.”
That was the partial truth. He wanted to learn healing magic out of pure annoyance, but the other part was because the prospect of being so vulnerable to another attack scared him. Along with the idea that Tyler could wound not only him, but his friends in battle and Caspian could only sit and watch.
Enid bit her lip. “Pensives….those are the sinks that let you see memories right?”
“Yep.”
“Well, don't worry, I'm sure you'll find a way. Till then you don't need to worry about that. Weems has that strobe light thingy, Tyler can't touch us.”
Caspian shrugged, fiddling with the tip of his Hawthorn wand. “I sleep better prepared.”
Enid sighed, staring at him with a hint of sadness. It looked like she wanted to say more but decided to let the topic die for now. “Fair enough…so,” She began before letting out a drawn-out yawn. “Excuse me! Hoo!… We still got 40 minutes to kill, what do you wanna do? You think I can try petting Gerald again?” She blinked the sleepiness away.
Caspian pursed his lips. She really did need sleep. A thought crossed his mind.
She'd probably hate him for what he was about to do. “There's one more healing spell I need to cast. It requires you to lay your head on the table.”
“Oh,” She hesitantly laid down. “Like this?”
“Perfect, you can use your arms to support your head …Yeah like that, Comfortable?”
“Mhm…” Enid's drowsy muffled voice came from underneath her mess of blond hair.
“Now...close your eyes, I just need to grab something.”
“Okey dokey…”
He heaved up, pretending to make noise somewhere for a minute or two before returning.
“Sinclair?” No response. He poked her. “Hey, Enid?”
He leaned in close till he could hear the faintest sound of snoring. She'll definitely hate him for the rest of the day once she wakes up, but he was willing to take that heat if it meant she was just a bit more well-rested.
He transfigured the other table into a couch. Muttering a quiet 'leviosa', he transferred her over. Conjuring the fluffiest blanket he could imagine, he gently dropped it over her snoozing form, tucking it just under her chin.
He heisted, eyeing the stray pink strand of hair draped over her cheek. He always wondered if her skin was as impossibly soft and smooth as it looked. He reached out but stopped mere inches from her face.
He couldn't, he can't.
He doesn't think he'll be able to ever look at her the same way again if he found out the answer to that question.
With a sigh, he gently tucked the pink strand behind her ear, barely grazing her cheek.
“Sleep tight, Sinclair.”