Greenhouse Chat - Loce

[Beowulf Wolf Woodrow]

Beowulf was on greenhouse duty. He had taken on the responsibility willingly. If anything, this was one of his favorite parts of the castle. Wolf had always been drawn to botany and herbology. He had grown up in a concrete jungle. Greenery was his escape. It was mid-day, a free period for most fifth years. The late October winds whipped at the greenhouse walls. A variety of magical plants and flowers sat on each counter and lined the floors and walls. His hands were full of dirt, repotting a bundle of dittany. 

Wolf had sent a note to Loce to meet him there if he could. He had invited him to the after party of the Homecoming Dance. An invitation he had been grateful for. A way to meet new friends, and maybe someone that could become more than a friend. His kiss with Cordelia had replayed in his mind since that night. Wolf needed someone to bounce his thoughts off of. Loce seemed like the type that might understand women. He was with Anneli Oden, and the pair seemed inseparable. Maybe Loce had something up his sleeve he didn't know about. In any case, he seemed like a good guy to get advice from. Especially on women. 

[Loce Vaisey]

Loce smirks at the note from Wolf, wondering what on earth the Hufflepuff could be after. He shrugged. Whatever it was, at least it was somewhere he could get something useful. He needed a few ingredients from the greenhouse anyway. He had slipped away, giving Anneli some time to herself, maybe find Cordelia and catch up. He had been monopolizing a lot of her time lately, for obvious reasons, but still, she needed some time to maintain her friendships outside of him.

He pulled his cloak closer around him against the chill October air. He hated the cold. But it was no worse here now than it had been back in Mass. Actually, it may have been colder in Mass already… he couldn’t be sure, nor did he really care anymore. He got to the greenhouse, pushing inside and closing the door. Ugh… cold outside, not so much inside. He pulled his cloak off and haphazardly tossed it onto an empty workbench.

He sauntered over to Wolf. “Hey Wolf, what’s up?” He asked, curious as to why he’d been summoned to a greenhouse in the middle of the day. He hoped it wasn’t to just watch him repot Dittany. But then again, he was pretty sure Wolf wasn’t that inept. He seemed to handle himself pretty well at the after party. He hopped up onto the bench next to where Wolf was working. “Isn’t this what first years are for?” He asked curiously.

[Beowulf Wolf Woodrow]

Wolf was lost in the properties of Dittany in his mind. He thought back to his first encounter with magical plants. It was during his second year. Beowulf had been assigned to research one plant of his interest. His first reaction was to explore all the grounds around Hogwarts. Wolf had set out by broom, scanning the grounds and above the forest for open meadows of magic plants and beast dens. As a twelve year old boy who was new to the wizarding world, Beowulf had been less cautious. He had eventually been tempted enough by the forest to enter. His first few visits had been uneventful until meeting a lone juvenile Centaur named Persolos. Little Persolos had lost his family. Wolf had used his knowledge of his flights to guide the little one back to its den. From that day, Wolf had been welcomed into the forest. Well, at least around the Centaur colony. 

He wondered briefly he might ever tell of the other tales that occurred between the forest and himself. Wolf didn't know any others that had strayed that deeply into its trees. He subconsciously tugged at the leg of his jeans. A pair of scars hid on his calf. Beowulf was thankful no one had questioned it at the after party. 

Wolf tore his gaze away from the pots to smirk as Loce approached, "Hey dude." For some reason, he felt a kinship with the Slytherin. He shook his head, "Headmistress asked for more Dittany, and I'm not looking to gain browniepoints or anything...but Hufflepuff could use the help." Wolf laughed, knowing his house was typically behind in any competitive games. He thought to the Beowulf was an outlier in that way. He was highly competitive. "My true interest lies in potions, healing to be specific...so, I have to pay my dues." Wolf wiped off the dirt from his hands on the front of his shirt. "Father's a doctor back home in New York. Cancer researcher." He shrugged, unsure if any of that would hold Loce's interest. Beowulf understood his social standing in this world. He was a muggle-born that had been placed into Hufflepuff. A complete opposite to Loce in many ways, "Figure someone in this world could use a Healer at some point." Wolf chuckled. 

"So..." He began, suddenly anxious. Wolf leaned against the counter.  "After party was fun. Glad I got an invite." He said, thinking immediately of Cordelia. "Even happier for the dare I got. Thanks again, dude." Beowulf grinned. "I was wondering if I could get some advice. I mean, I see the way Anneli looks at you...it's just...How did you make that happen?" He laughed briefly, "I mean no disrespect. You guys seem great together is all I'm saying, do you think...do you think I might have a similar shot with Cordelia?" Wolf asked quickly, rubbing his neck. "I won't ask too deeply into her business, but do you think she would give me a chance? I'd rather know now before the impending rejection." He chuckled humbly, though he wasn't so confident about a rejection. Wolf had memorized how captivated Cordelia looked after their kiss. She had felt it too, he was sure. 

[Loce Vaisey]

Loce nods, “Dittany is useful. Especially with our lot running a muck in the school.” He chuckled, looking at Wolf curiously. He hadn’t seen him in potions, but then he and Anneli were in the advanced potions class, so that might be the difference. “Potions eh? I dabble in them a little myself.” that was an understatement typically. Other years he’d lived in the potions labs. He hoped things would settle down enough to allow him to go back to them. But he figured that would not be the case, with extra lessons and the like. He eyed Wolf curiously he had a few questions of his own he would broach perhaps…. Depending on how this conversation went. “Muggle doctor? How does that work? What is Cancer?” He asked, kind of curious they didn’t get much past muggle artifacts in muggle studies.

He grinned as he thanked him for the after-party Invite. “No problem, anyone that is that smooth to swipe a girl out from under another guys nose like that deserved an invite. Especially since it was O’Shea.” He shrugged as he thanks him for the dare. “I don’t know as many people as the others, I wasn’t about to ruffle feathers that early. She and Ameryn were the only unattached ones there, and… well Ameryn wouldn’t have been that much of a dare.”

He laughed as Wolf asked for advice. He shrugged. The totally honest answer? He had absolutely no idea. “No offense taken. Seems we stick out to everyone. There isn’t much I actively do, it’s just my nature. But really, what counts is to pay attention to her, listen and remember what she says, what she likes. And incorporate it into your daily routine.”He ran his hand through his hair, looking around making sure there was no one else there. “For example, when we met, one of the first things she did was greet me in Swedish. I attempted to repeat the greeting, failed miserably, but at least tried. Tried again and got it. She smiled and complimented my attempt, so… I continued using the greeting, looked up some more… Learned her native language as she was missing it and it made her happy. I mean, I’d say it’s the little things, but I know languages aren’t for everyone. It was a little thing for me because I love languages, it gave me another to learn and someone to speak it with.” He shrugged and shook his head. “Another example, specifically from her. I knew no-one here, I came in as a transfer in my fifth year. Walked into the hall and was looking to find a place to fit. She was sitting by herself reading, and empty seat next to her. I sat down, asked if the room was always that claustrophobic and offered her tea without even thinking to introduce myself. That was what struck her most.”

“So, you like her huh?” He asked, unnecessarily. “I really am the wrong one to ask if you stand a chance with her. To be honest, both Anneli and I think it’s a decent match, given the obvious.” He wasn’t sure how much Wolf understood about the wizarding world and it’s social circles. “No offense mate, but you wouldn’t make it past her front porch. Not saying that counts you out of the races. Hell, Anneli’s father hates me so… But it does mean that you both need to want to deal with the consequences of breaking social status. And honestly, it’s more up to her. You will drag her down, there is no lifting you up. But… it works for some couples. It is just the way it is. Blood is still important to some families.”

He hated saying it, but he had to be straight with him. It wouldn’t do to blow smoke and set him up with unrealistic expectations. “I honestly don’t know Cordelia enough to know if she’s willing to make the sacrifice. Some are, some aren’t. But considering Anneli thinks you’re a descent choice, lends me to think you at least have a fighting chance.” He shrugged. Honestly wasn’t expecting the question or having much of an answer. “Hope that helped a little?”

[Beowulf Wolf Woodrow]

ooc: A MONTH LATE HAHAHA SORRY. Lost track. 😭

"Dabble or delve?" He chuckled, patting his dirty hands across the front his front. "Happy to see you, dude. Greenhouse gets a little tiresome without a good chat." His New York accent was slight. Wolf's parents had been partial to private schools until his letter to Hogwarts. He had been privileged with tutors as a child, though they weren't necessary. Beowulf had excelled in the muggle world. His arithmetic, understanding of muggle science and engineering was beyond that of a typical teenager. His transition into the wizarding world had proven difficult at first. Wolf learned quickly though, and had found himself a place among the studies of Potions and Herbology. They had been his calling. Something that helped connect his muggle world to this one. 

He shook his head, chuckling, "Muggle doctors are akin to Healers. They diagnose diseases and treat physical symptoms with a variety of potions. The potions are called "medicine" or "drugs" and are usually created through artificial methods." He shrugged, "Not particularly interesting unless you're into healing or research. Cancer is a particularly damning disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body..." Wolf moved a pot over, "My dad researches brain cancer and tumors in children. I grew up in a place called St.Judes Hospital...first as a family member of a patient and then as the kid of a researcher there." He shrugged, "Unfortunately, muggles are much more fragile." He thought of his brother Vincent. The last time he had seen him was before his final hospital stay. They had played and fought over a match of Mario Kart that morning. Despite their quarrels, Wolf had looked up to his older brother. He would be seventeen now, if he wasn't forever twelve. 

Beowulf shook his head, "I'm not sure if any of our interests would overlap, but I'm pretty sure I'd throw myself into anything she was." He had never felt so pulled in by a girl. Wolf was emboldened by her, yet his nerves were lost around Cordelia. "I suppose it's childish, but she's the first girl that makes me feel like a true idiot. Words fall out of my ass when she walks by." He shook his head, laughing. It was good to talk about it with someone like Loce. He understood women, or at least he seemed to. "You learned her native language and everything? Man, good job. I'm sure Anneli is hooked on you." He chuckled. Wolf moved to perch on the greenhouse shelf. "Yeah, I like her. She's different than anyone I've ever known. And to be honest with you mate, I know I'll be putting myself out there with her...I know to some degree we will never be able to relate on some things." Wolf laughed, "I suppose neither do we, huh? I guess it's just because she intimidates me. I don't know many of my Hufflepuff friends trying for a Slytherin girl. Talked about, sure, but no one would actually act on it." He was being transparent here. Their friendship was just as strange. Not many Slytherins were open to befriending a muggle born. 

He patted his shoulder in solidarity. "It definitely helped dude, here's to hoping I make the right move next time we're on Oden's Beach." 

[Loce Vaisey]

Loce laughed at his question. “Excel would probably be the best description. I’ll be sitting for my NEWT exam this year in potions.” He shrugged. He didn’t talk about classes with many. He probably wouldn’t be dealing with potions at all this year if Anneli hadn’t mentioned being in an advanced class. He had been planning to skip it until he had to take it again in 7th year for the NEWTs. “Glad to relieve some of the boredom.” He said feigning indignation at being used for companionship. He honestly was glad for the opportunity to chat.

He nodded when Wolf explained doctors and cancer. “Right… yes muggle doctors. That was starting to come back to him.” He hadn’t thought about muggle anything in the last four years. He’d tested out of muggle studies when he started at Ilvermonry. Anyone had the opportunity to receive a passing grade and not actually have to take the class if they wanted to. He knew enough to pass and not have to deal with muggle anything since. He frowned as he mentioned being a family member of a patient. “Brother or sister? And, what happened?” He asked curious, hoping he wasn’t prying too much. He wondered if St. Mungos could cure this cancer thing? And if they could, why didn’t they?

He nodded and smiled. “You just have to find some common ground. You both play Quidditch, there’s a place to start. She’s a chaser, you’re a keeper… set up a practice. You haven’t played against her yet, she’s got new strategies to help your game. You hers.” He wasn’t sure how the team in general would like that, but he didn’t think Anneli would mind, it’s not like Hufflepuff stood a chance against them anyway.

Loce laughed and nodded. “Hate to break it to you Brooklyn, but you are an idiot.” He winked at him teasingly. “But in all honesty, that can be a good thing. Use it to your advantage to give you that additional few seconds to think about what you are wanting to say and make sure it isn’t something you’re going to regret saying later. You’re good people Wolf, she can see that. You don’t have to be perfectly matched to make a relationship work. You just have to be willing to put in the time and effort.”  He said with a smile and a shrug.

“Hell, Maddie, my girlfriend when I was in Ilvermorny, and I grew up together. She, Jackson, my best friend, and I all went to school together from preschool through the end of last year. One would have thought the three of us were cut from the same cloth. Seems like I’m the only part of that cloth that wasn’t at least partially moth eaten. They were the ones who got me expelled and then hooked up over the summer while I was in Wales. So, just because you have a lot in common, doesn’t mean a relationship would work.” He ran his hand through his hair dismissively.

He nodded and smirked. “Yes, but like I said, that isn’t for everyone. I love languages, and I love the fact that we can say anything to each other and no one understands what we are talking about. We literally have our own private language here.” Something that came in handy. And Welsh would come in handy if they had to talk in front of Halvar. He grinned. “We are pretty tight, yes. But Anneli and I are an anomaly when it comes to relationships. Even we can’t explain it. So don’t judge your relationship by ours, or by anyone’s for that matter.” He shrugged.

“Relationships are not about finding someone who you can spend 24 hours per day with. It’s about finding someone who you look forward to sharing the time you do spend together with. You want to maintain your own interests. She doesn’t have to be totally into herbology and positions, she just needs to be willing to come and sit and chat with you while you do your thing. Like I’m doing now. I’m not helping you at all, but I’m here, spending time with you while you do what you’re passionate in. Not that I’m at all interested in you mate.” He added with a chuckle for good measure. Relationships were not all that much different than friendships, aside from the snogging and all.

“And you don’t think Anneli intimidates me? You have to be kidding me there right? She’s brilliant, strong, self-assured, and doesn’t need or pretend to need anyone for anything. It’s tough to stand there and not only realize but accept that she’s better able to protect herself than I am able to protect her. But it doesn’t stop me from loving her, from being there to step in when I can and stay out of the way when it makes sense to do so.” He shrugged. “Her being part Veela means she has a lot better defenses naturally speaking than any wand can do. Yeah it’s intimidating watching fire spring from her hands when she’s pissed… He sighs. Wolf was the first person he’d ever mentioned Anneli’s ancestry with. It wasn’t really his place, but Wolf was his best friend, if he couldn’t trust… He smirked, after what happened with Jackson and Maddie, it was a wonder he trusted anyone.

He laughs and nods. “And most Slytherins wouldn’t give a Hufflepuff a second glance because of the expectations their parents put on them. But Cordelia hasn’t adopted that view totally yet. I never have either, and Anneli…. Well she doesn’t have that level of pride, but she also doesn’t like or need that many friends. She has one or two friends and that is all she needs. But, since I am the social person I am, she is coming around a little.”

He nodded and smiled. “Just make a move dude. Don’t wait too long, once she decides she wants add boys to her focus, there is a line of them that will be right there to ask her out.” He smirked. Wolf was in line at the right time in his opinion. While she was deciding if opening her heart to opportunity was in her best interest.