Sam looked over to where 's owl was showing off his flying skills "That's a Strix aluco, right? He looks a lot like the spotted owls we have in the 'states." She grinned as the larger gray owl sidled away from her new admirer "Gutsy fellow, I guess he can tell Umbra's a softie. Anyhoo, I can keep an area about seven feet around warm enough for a desert snake, about 80 degrees or so. we'll have to watch the owls if they are out though, I know Umbra for one will try to eat anything that moves, and she's not picky about hunting in daylight."

() "Oh yeah, no worries about that! I know some members of the club have learned their way in protective spells. I doubt anything will happen to the pets as it is a safe environment created by the members of the club, but either way I will be keeping an eye on the owls. I really dislike when Ares and Unicorn go hunting for frogs and toads." Gaia finished with a shudder.

( ) "Magnus and Paddy you can set your pets in their areas, once you are done, please come stand with me." She smiled and continued with her introduction.

[img align=left]http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac299/blissfuldaisies/Random/HOOTHA4_zpsstrsrsdd.png[/img]Learning about our pets WEEK has begun

Gaia took out a roll of parchment and started the first official club meeting. "Welcome everyone! This week as we talked previously is about understanding our pets and also allowing for other pets to become friendly or used to other pets around the castle. I understand all pets are different, trained, or even wild. This is all okay." Looking over her list she nodded and continued with the set up for the week.

"We will all break of into teams. Find someone in the group with a similar or same type of pet. For example ( ) Sam and Ethel have snakes. You would pair of and work together with anyone else that has a snake for a pet. This will go for everyone. For those of you who have more than one pet do not worry. Find your team help create a habitat for your team's pets and for your other pets let me know I can either find an already made habitat or I will work on one myself!"

"As far as the owls go they will roam the trees closest to us without interfering with your pets. I have already cast a soft spell of protection over the area designed for your pets. When you are satisfied with your habitat/area create a quick list of facts about your pet species, their natural habitat, or interesting facts about your very own special friend."

Gaia took a breath and smiled this was a lot to go over. At this time she took her wand out and yelled "ACCIO!" pointing her wand at the pile of tables on he ground. One by one the tables settled on a different area. When finished Gaia continued "These tables have treats for all kinds of pets, in our group of course!, water, towels, some small plants and rocks, parchment and quill, a small shovel, and gloves." At her words the tables started filling up with the items mentioned. Choose the area best for your pets. Once you have your facts each team can post their parchment on the table in front of your designated area. Then mingle! Go to different tables; the catch is one member of your team has to be at your table constantly. Remember not everyone knows how to care for your pets. Take turns going to others areas. I will be randomly asking questions and handing out useful items to those around to answer questions! Any questions?" Gaia really hoped she didn't confuse everyone at the same time excited because everyone would be getting their hands dirty this week.

Magnus wandered over to Fade . "Guess we are putting our cats together," he said slightly unsure. He wasn't feeling himself today either. He didn't want to miss out though so came anyway.

On the paper he wrote: Kippers, orange Persian cat. Kippers eats mice, birds and whatever else suits her. Sometimes we give her scraps from the table and we do buy her cat food. She likes chasing garden gnomes.
Habitat: Er... back garden?

Kippers did also help keep him calmer, but he didn't know how to word that so left it off. It seemed rather short... was he supposed to know all the stuff had mentioned? He gave a small smile to Fade and wandered back over to Gaia. He watched as the other students set their pets up. Rowen with her cute dog Drifter and with her owl.

In his pocket was a crumpled note: Dear Magnus: As you know, tonight is the first night of the full moon cycle. Please report to the hospital wing tonight just after dinner. Bring a change of clothing. The wolfsbane potion is ready for you. There is a nicely prepared padded dungeon for you and your house Elf, Mimsy will arrive to help out. Thank you.

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Aderyn had come to this week's meeting carrying a blanket-wrapped bundle in her arms. For such a scaredy cat, Boo was aptly named. The small, gray cat was curled up in the blanket nest, purring like a chainsaw as she held him close to her chest. Stopping on the lawn with the other students, she listened to Gaia speak and glanced around. There were all manner of interesting pets about, but there were also other people with cats. Smiling, she went over to one of the tables and set Boo down, still wrapped in his blanket. Uncovering his head a little so he could look around until he felt comfortable, she put down her backpack which contained all of his favorite things that she could incorporate into a little home-away-from-home for him.

Glancing around as she began to pull some of his toys and things out of her bag, Aderyn wondered when Emmy () would be coming by, and whether the girl would be coming in cat form or not. Additionally, she wondered just what kind of animal Emmy was going to bring along this time.

[img align=left]http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac299/blissfuldaisies/Random/HOOTHA4_zpsstrsrsdd.png[/img] () "Once has settled I will need you both to go around the tables, but for today and the next two days come around but do not touch the pets. Check with the owners and then proceed with caution. This is of course a precaution for you both and the pets. You might fell angry, more primal, or maybe even hungry around these pets, maybe even your own closer to the night time. If the club goes longer while the teams set up feel free to take your pets or leave them with me to care for. It is up to you, but whatever system is in place for you both you need to be there on time. Is there anything you need me or would like for me to do? Oh, before I forget you are welcome to carry Athena around, the barn owl on the tree up there, she is on the smaller side and she is comfortable with wild-er animals she can keep you company on your walk around if you like."

() Gaia noticed Aderyn's hands and bent down to her trusty box of gear. She excused herself with Magnus for one second and handed Aderyn a set of brown thick gloves. "HI! I noticed the beautiful furry head and the blanket. These might help. They are special gloves when worn they heat up. the harder you squeeze your hand the warmer they will get, but no worries they are charm to only reach warm temperatures for humans and animals. We use them for the baby owls during winter... some of the older owls love them, Unicorn my brown owl here is a sucker for them which is why he is edging towards you!" Gaia petted her owl and smiled at Aderyn. "If you need me I will be over there with Magnus"

Everything said were things he already knew and made sense but angered him nonetheless. His bright green eyes shifted to a chartreuse wolfy colour for the briefest of moments. A low quiet growl escaped his throat. Gaia left for a moment and Athena swooped down onto his shoulder. He found himself petting her without noticing. Her feathers were soft to the touch and she seemed very nice. Magnus sighed to himself. "I shouldn't've come, Athena," he said to the owl, "stupid moon." Athena's eyes looked like little moons to him but instead of irritated he was more himself. "Maybe I could have a pet owl, what do you think? Think Kippers would allow it?" His cat was being petted by a student and she looked very content.

Emmy was not far behind Aderyn as her friend headed down to the club, but she knew she hadn't seen her. Emmy was in her animagus form: a big fluffy greyish brown Norweigan forest cat, and walking down with her own kitty, Banshee, trotting along at her side. Her scops owl, Elfie, was riding on her back, his tiny claws clutching her fluffy fur as he swayed with her movements.

She arrived after Aderyn had put Boo down on the table and she could sense that he was anxious. She walked up to Boo still in her cat form and purred at him, coming up to him and gently bumping her nose against his, telling him wordlessly that it was all okay. Banshee approached and lay down beside Boo on the table, purring happily upon seeing his friend.

Emmy looked up at Aderyn, her blue eyes wide and let out a soft meow to get her friend's attention, wondering if she should turn back into herself now.

[img align=left]http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac299/blissfuldaisies/Random/HOOTHA4_zpsstrsrsdd.png[/img] () Coming back to Magnus and Athena "Something happened? Your energy shifted, but I see Athena likes you. Here." Getting some treats out of her belt pouch she handed Magnus some treats. "You are welcome to care for Athena if you want. I go up to the owlery every Sunday during the afternoon and every other day at sunset before eating at the Great Hall if you want to help me."

() Gaia turned in time to see the beautiful cat jumping on the table she had walked away from moments ago. She knew she had seen that pinkish-golden aura before. Approaching the table Gaia motioned () Aderyn closer and whispered looking at the Norwegian cat "Please stay. Then looked at Aderyn Feel free to begin your area. This kitty right here will give you some insight as to cats needs." Then looking back at the cat she asked "would 15 minutes be okay to set up the basic needs of the habitat? I would also like you as a student!." Winked and walked away. Magic is fun but animagus are a fun group. Their insight is invaluable around this club Gaia thought to herself while walking around the different areas being set up.

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Aderyn glanced up from her bag as walked over. She reached out to take the proffered gloves from the other girl and slipped her hands to them as Gaia explained how they worked. She looked up just in time to see Gaia's owl inching closer to her and she smiled, holding up a hand in case the bird wanted to hop onto her arm.

"Thank you, these are great! Unicorn is a beautiful owl. I'm expecting Hygieia shortly, she's my tawny owl. She was preening when I went up to the owlery, but she knows where I am."

With her free hand Aderyn petted Boo, who had crawled out of the blanket a little ways to sniff around. She realized quickly that it was because he had company - two cats and a little scops owl. Smiling, she reached out and gave Banshee a pat as Boo grew more and more at ease now that he had company. Of course she couldn't ignore her friend and so she reached out and ruffled Emmy's () fur as her best friend made herself known in her animagus form.

"C'mon then, people will start thinking I'm a crazy cat lady if you don't turn back into yourself soon!"

returned and Magnus' voice sounded grovelly, "No, just petting her." Why he didn't want to admit this full moon phase was tougher than normal he didn't really know. He only knew he was very much not himself. Maybe he wasn't thinking straight? "Thanks. I'll think about it. Not the best day to commit to something."

[img align=left]http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac299/blissfuldaisies/Random/HOOTHA4_zpsstrsrsdd.png[/img] () "I think Hygieia might be in that tree over there." The owls have been getting to the meeting one by one and perching on the trees closest to were Gaia kept the treats in a box. "She is welcome to any of the stands set up with food and water by my table. I figured we would have tons of owls around!"

() Gaia squinted suspiciously at Magnus, but made up her mind and grinned at her friend. "You know many would think you petting Athena be the same as playing with your food." Gaia said it with a mischievous twinkle in her eye and a twitch that said she would have a good laugh. "I know today, and the next couple of days will be difficult but you are still my friend and a student here. You are protected and everything will be okay. Just make sure to wipe your paws in the morning before class!" Gaia whispered the last part and let out a laugh and wiggled her eyebrows at Magnus.

Maybe that comment wasn't the best timing on 's part as he'd been thinking how tasty the owl on his shoulder would be and the feeling of his fangs sinking into the prey. The shift was sudden and Athena flew off, sensing the danger. He shook trying to pull himself back. Kippers was on his shoulders digger her claws into him. He looked at Gaia as if a dream. Then he was back, not entirely sure what happened. "I think it would be wise to call my elf here what to do think? I'm not doing so well. Should I go?" the question hurt to ask, they had barely started but it was only fair to ask.

Emmy looked up at as the girl made a brief stop by the table and meowed at her with a nod, smiling to herself. She purred a little harder as Aderyn patted her, enjoying the feeling of her fur being ruffled. She gave another meow as Aderyn said to change back into herself, and she figured she had better do it, since she wanted to talk out loud.

Emmy turned back into herself with a faint popping sound, reappearing in human form, sitting cross legged on the ground. Elfie, who had been forced to take flight while she changed, hoot shrilly and happily settled on top of her head, puffing up a bit and then closing his eyes contentedly.

"Hi!" she said cheerfully, reaching out and stroking Banshee, who was now licking the back of Boo's head. "That was fun, I ran down with Banshee. It was really cool being the same size as him!"

()

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Aderyn glanced toward the stand of trees was pointing at. She looked at the owls gathered but didn't see her girl until she looked up higher. Hygieia was just coming down from the owlery, ringed by a few owls belonging to other students. Unlike her skittish cat, Aderyn's owl was very sociable. Smiling, she turned back to face Gaia.

"I'm sure she'll waste no time in sniffing out the treats. She's a bit of a glutton, but I love her to pieces!"

She looked down just in time to see Emmy () turn back into herself and she grinned at her best friend as Elfie made an absolute mess of the girl's hair while he settled in there.

"Oh good, I was just beginning to worry that maybe I'd mistaken a real cat for you! Hi!"

She winked at Emmy and gave Banshee a long stroke from the top of his head to the tip of his tail, earning herself a jealous glance from Boo. Rolling her eyes, she reached out and scratched her own cat under the chin.

"Where do you figure these little monsters would be the coziest? You'd know better than I would!"

She stopped petting the cats as she spoke, moving instead to the quill and parchment on their table. Picking up the quill, she scratched down a few notes.

Boo - gray short hair cat. Skittish personality. Prefers to be surrounded by familiar things rather than explore new environments.

() Gaia witnessed what happened. It seems Magnus is in worse shape than she thought. "Hum, I think you might want to go to the hospital wing and get set up. You might turn before the moon is at its highest. You can have a sit by my table and maybe have some water? I have some beef jerky if you want some as well. Maybe you can wait for Paddy and then you can both go together." Gaia looked at her friend with understanding eyes. "You know Athena is not scared right? Even if you would have tried to eat her you wouldn't have been able to. I would have seen it coming." She grinned at her friend.

( ) Walking towards Aderyn and Emmy Gaia was holding on to a plastic canister with cat treats and an array of toys. "Here you go ladies. There are some scratching poles and a cardboard replica of the castle." She laughed so hard she snorted. "I worked on it last week. The old fashion way with tape and cardboard. There is rug on the inside. You can just move it over whenever you are ready. Cats are as popular around here as owls are. If you need anything else let me know. I am sure () Fade will be around soon. Maybe even () Char might make it with Luna. Thank you for all your help!" giving the girls a win and a smile she made her way to an empty area and labeled it King Moony's castle, all welcome, treats appreciated () Then walked to an area closer to the trees and started setting up more stands with water and food. She knew there were owls from the owlery coming down to have some attention even though their owners weren't around.

Mangus slunk to the table with his head low, not letting anyone see the few warm tears roll down his face. He felt so alone and hated himself right now. All he wanted to do was enjoy the club, animals and friends and he ruining it all. He probably should go, but couldn't stomach the thought of heading to the lonely hospital wing. "Mimsy, I need you," he said wiping his eyes with a pretend sneeze. A crack sounded and the house elf appeared. "Master called Mimsy," she said with a bow. "I need you to watch me, my control is not good right now. Make sure I don't hurt anyone, or anything please." The elf bowed. Another crack and some food appeared. "Eats Master, Mimsy is thinkings you is hungry too. Mimsy will protect. You is a good Master." Magnus picked up the rare roast beef sandwich and nibbled on it. He needed extra protein on days of the full moon. Mimsy sat beside him watching. At least she would be a good magical creature to introduce to the club. would probably like the elf a lot.

Of all the days for the pets week to start, it had to be the night of the full moon. Paddy sighed as she headed out to the Care of Magical Creatures club meeting, with Mouse on her shoulder. She knew she'd have to avoid any rats, but having heard all the more exotic pets some of her classmates had brought with her, she had no idea just how she would react to them, let alone how they would react to her.

Paddy took a quill and carefully wrote out some information about Mouse: Mouse is a Barn Owl. She does go hunting, usually for mice and toads, although she is keen on owl treats as well. She's not been around this many people at the same time before, so she might be very friendly, or might just take off and head for the nearest tree branch. It wasn't the most informative, but there were some things that she didn't feel she could write - at least not before they all knew her secret.

Heading over to Gaia, she realised Magnus () had started growling. The moon wouldn't rise for a while yet, and she knew from experience that wasn't a good sign. "If you could look after Mouse for me," she said to , "that'd be really helpful please."

Just as she was considering asking Fade () about his cat, a feint popping sound made her look round - was that really Emmy () changing from a cat to a human? As she wondered which pets to look at first, she spotted Magnus sitting with a strange creature that could only be the house elf he'd mentioned. "You ok?" she asked, "I'm guessing you're finding this one a bit tougher than normal?"

Magnus looked up to see standing before him. He'd been lost in thought. Bitterly he said, "Stupid moon. Can't even enjoy a ruddy owl without ruining it." He kicked the ground with his feet and then shifted in his chair. Sure they were new, but his friends were used to a fairly laid back, joking and happy Magnus. This short tempered angry and broody Magnus was new to them and he hated himself for it. He pointed to the elf, "Mimsy, Paddy, Paddy, Mimsy."

Mimsy swept herself in a low bow, "Mimsy is happy to meet Master Magnus' friend. She is thinkings Miss Paddy is nice. Would Miss Paddy likes some food?" Before Paddy replied a crack sounded and more food appeared on the table. The elf was beaming with pride. "You is knowing his secrets," she said, "pardon Master, he is nots himself. New place Mimsy thinks makes it harder."

"I know the feeling," she replied, "I'm avoiding any rodents as well as reptiles for a few days. I might try to see Rowan's dog and Fade's cat, but I'm just wary of how I'll react, let alone how the pets will treat me."

Paddy stifled a giggle as Mimsy bowed low, having never encountered a house elf before. "Hello Mimsy. Yeah, Magnus shared his secret a few days ago. I think it's all the new people here, that's making it harder.... He knows my secret as well," she added almost in a whisper, as a load of food appeared on the table.