Merlin smiled a little nervous thinking about his village. 'Maybe I said too much?' Then he explained. "Well you can imagine not many people live there, I was the only child currently living there which was a bit sad sometimes but I really learned to love those animals. We are quite peacefully co-existing but they can get angry. I heard there used to be more people living there but one dragon got upset and whipped them out. So it can be dangerous." He listened to and nods slightly. "Yes some of us try to become 'friends' with them, but they aren't very friendly, so what have been tried and works best is to try know them since birth so they can get used to human presence. My Meolc lost her mother and I took care of her with help of my mother and everyone that lives there, but I could say everyone that lives there tries to find a bond with them, but very few have been successful. I have a way with them, there are a few that do like me...and there are those stubborn old ones." He giggles. "It is not a child's game, I am not allowed to some areas...but I am not very obedient."

Merlin listened to all the wolf info and made mental notes. "Very interesting, I really don't know much about werewolves and their behavior, but I'm sure I will get to learn more from you. Being here is wonderful, so much to learn, so much to see."

A loud scream made the wizard jump and almost drop his cookie, which scared him greatly. "My cookie is safe." he smiles and bites it. "Mm." But when a plate with pastries was place before him he was surprised, who was this person? "Thanks, and you are? I don't remember meeting you...wait, you were at the concert, right? You were the one wearing dragon skin, or was it fake?" The idea of a dragon killed for a dress didn't made Merlin even a tiny bit happy. "I love and protect dragons, they are wonderful magical creatures that are mostly misunderstood so I do hope it was a fake."

"Yes I have responsibilities but still have time for friends and schoolwork, or more like I make time." Merlin noticed this boy seem to like games so he stayed calm. "Well if your so called council is from school and especially the Slytherin House they obviously know me, but they can't be that important if I don't know them, or are they? Enlighten me, I like knowing things." Merlin smiled, he felt a bit strange with so many new students but was enjoying himself for a change, he normally prefer solitude. "Yes this snake came to me, and I kept it. I tend to have luck with animals, probably because I love them." After listening to his description of his villa, he nodded since it was exactly like that. "You are correct, it's like a reserve and the people working there are especially picked, by whom- I really don't know but hopefully one day I can work there too."

( )

Eirik listened to Merlin talk about his village. "So, where you live really isn't like some 'magical place' where dragons and people get along famously and live happily ever after. There is death and destruction, just like everywhere else." He looked thoughtful. " That's rather sad, you know...but I suppose a dragon is going to be a dragon and never a 'lap dog' so it's to be expected. I am sorry for the loss of your people, even if it was some time ago. I think what you all do is a very noble thing..dangerous...but noble. "

"Might I ask how your dragon's mother died..? and what do you feed baby dragons...? they didn't get too far into detail in school about raising them from a hatchling."

(Elizabeth is fine, btw c: I know it's really irritating with these names, sorry. :'D )

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"Well", she said and looked at Fable, relieved that she was okay with the almond scent, "I think a hamster is cute, but I would be a bit concerned with all these cats and now even a snake around. Don't want something bad happen to it..." She paused and noticed how creepy that may sound. "...I just meant that you have to be careful if you get what I mean." She felt a bit embarassed and took a sip of tea while listening to the others.

"I never heard about villages living with dragons, so I guess you're almost as secluded as Hogwarts? Hidden under a charm so non-villagers can't find it? I mean, there are many people who would try to steal a dragon." She really did great today, sounding creepy. Looking apologizing at Merlin, she was relieved when Kyros praised the cookies.

"I can get as much cookies as you want. Don't worry, I get these cookies for free, you don't have to pay. ", Elizabeth replied with a smile. "Just make sure that you tell everyone that they're from the Woodley bakery in Cottenham." She took another cookie and looked up as more was placed on the table, spotting Ariette and, of course, remembered her from the evening.

"Hello, glad to see you here", she said friendly and noticed the next snake. Well, this was going to be enjoyable., she thought to herself, remembering to keep focused. But maybe...just maybe she should play it a little game. It couldn't go too bad at all and if they decided to shun her then she better knew now instead of later. "And why hello there, Cerberus", she added, understandable for everyone, before lowering her voice, "and I wish you a wonderful evening as well."

( )

Eirik listened to Miss Elizabeth talk about the dangers of small rodents in a house filled with small rodent predators. Even if the hamster would be safe and secure in its home, it would live in fear with the smells all around it of its enemies.

He made a mental note to visit the bakery if he ever was in Cottenham, these were good cookies.

Eiriks eyes widened slightly as the strange hissing sound came from Miss Elizabeth's mouth. This had to be the parsel tongue he had read about, but had never heard. He stared, fascinated...then asked "what did you say to Erus...? "

"You sure of that? There's a lot of people who are more interested staying out of public view. I just assumed that, as a prefect, you'd have more knowledge about this mysterious group... It would be way too easy if I told You, wouldn't it? I'm sure you're more than skilled to be able to find out by yourself... Or read the parchment." The grim tone slowly made way to a low chuckle as he pointed to the parchment Eirik left on the table. He hoped Merlin had a good sense of humor and would get the joke.

"I see. It sounds dangerous, but an amazing learning opportunity." He quickly added once he heard Eirik's condolences. "Sorry for your loss... You're all very brave for taking up such a dangerous task. But I'm sure the dragons would be very thankful if they could understand."

"I don't think I'll be able to tell that to many people you won't be able to... But if I do have the opportunity, I definitely will." He was almost hoarding cookies in front of his plate. "They're almost addictive!"

"See, I said we'd get along fine. Now we only need a cat net for our dorm." He added to Fable almost sweetly, finishing up with another sip of his tea. He turned his attention to Elizabeth, who seemed to be talking to the vampire lady. Her voice lowered and turned into something that sounded like hissing. The sound made him gasp. "Aha! now I know your talent!"

[img align=left]http://i.imgur.com/t4g9e8g.png[/img] While Merlin () was herding the new students, sorting out the password, and having tea, Poppy made herself useful by helping First Years returning for their second term of the school year. She let a crying girl play with Biscuit and made sure none of the little ones were too upset. "It's ok to be sad. I'm tired from the holidays and not looking forward to doing work either. Cry in private though, or come to me. Not everyone here is sensitive to the feelings of others."

"There are so many people I don't know," she thought. "I hope we all become familiar soon enough and keep that House Cup!"

(OOC not pinging everyone again since I'm not sure if it's annoying for anyone to have so many notifications :'D )

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She smiled lightly at Eirik. "I just wished him a wonderful evening, as he did so as well.", she explained, feeling relaxed that there was no fear in his eyes but fascination. "Though I'm not quite sure from who I inherited it as neither my mother nor father can speak to snakes. I wonder if the ability sometimes skips a generation or two? And I've been in the library researching on that topic, but the number of books concerning parsel tongue is really disappointing. There's probably something in the restricted section, but I haven't searched there..." She took a sip of tea. "It's probably my fathers side as he was in Slytherin as well but I can't ask my grandparents as they were already dead when I discovered my ability and father doesn't know as well...though I remember that my grandfather was really secretive. Perhaps he just didn't want to tell anyone."

(Edit for )

"I can possibly ask for cookies every fortnight.", Elizabeth said in an amused tone, then chuckled. "Well, I kept it a secret for a long time. I thought it was pretty obvious when I chose the snake plushie, though..."

Eirik finally smiled as Kyros gave up the secret of the "Council" then chuckled quietly. He considered that this 'Council' could have some implications in the future, especially since it was officially a joke...no one would suspect if it came to be something else.

"Kyros," he said, " we should construct a cat net for our dorm. Not like what we spoke about at the benefit, but more like a net that holds cushions..like a huge hammock, with steps or shelves for the cats to climb to get to it. They would be happier up, and its warmer...plus I bet they would feel all sneaky and superior up there, gazing down at their subjects."

Eirik listened to Miss Elizabeth with wonder. "Would you mind repeating what you said in parsel tongue again, please..? i would like to memorize it."he smiled. " it's so fascinating, that an ability like that could be inherited."

((ACK!! hits pause button on the convo numerous times! I go do some chores and you guys go nuts!!))

Outfit Not Found Fable listened and smiled at the conversation. She waved he wand. "Accio chair" Chairs flew forward for Ariette and Merlin. "Please join us." She smiled. "Thank you Ariette for the food."

She then concentrated hard on the image of the healing salve she needed. "Accio salve" It came to her and she handed it to Kyros. "For your neck." she leaned in and whispered, seeing he was uncomfortable.

She was started to feel a little unsure with so many people but she was trying to remember to breath. She tried to find a opening in the conversation to answer all the wolf questions. "Well, its partly my fault. Im more of a lone wolf personality type. Not that I cant get along with a group...just I prefer to do my own thing. Born werewolves are much different then bitten ones. They are larger then normal wolves, very intelligent and have a beautiful magical presence about them. I actually feel very bad for bitten werewolves. I know some have managed to figure out ways to survive but with the expense attached to the lycanthropy potion ingredients and the abandonment from society, many succumb to depression and suicidal thoughts." She said this with sadness in her eyes and a lot quieter then she started. "Honestly with the popularity with werewolves, both positive and negative, it has made people see wolves as aggressive, vicious critters. Their predator side is only a part of what they have to offer to people."

She sighed figuring she was boring people with this and went back to listening to the conversation.

She was surprised at how many snakes and cats were in the house. She could understand what Eirick meant about the hamster living in fear. Maybe she should get a small dog instead. That would put everyone in their place. She chuckled at this thought.

She heard Merlins comment and understood where he was coming from regarding the dragon. "Merlin please take into consideration that Ariette didnt hunt down and kill said dragon. Wizards still harvest parts of the creature on a regular basis. Yes there is faux but it unfortunately doesnt stop the trade of any creatures skin. Only banding together and trying to force governments to impose stricter laws would do such." She was all to familiar with this subject unfortunately. "Also having said that, you have no idea how old the dress is as well. Dragons hide keeps very well from what I understand. It could be an antique and have sentimental value if its been in the family for a bit." She was saying this in a gentle tone hopefully avoiding another fight of ethics and morals. It got her thinking though.

"Merlin...when a dragon passes in your community be it from fighting with each other or natural causes, how does your village handle the remains? I know in the past with other creatures, humans would try to use every part of the animal to honor it. I would love to know more about your villages traditions." She smiled.

She smiled at Elizabeth. "What a wonderful gift you have! Do you have a special connection to snakes as well? Perhaps a totem just chose you for the gift...feeling you could bring a new chapter to light for parseltongues."

( )

Eirik hid his displeasure as Ariette was invited to join them. She seemed to be making an effort to be civil, so the least he could do was attempt them same.

He felt a tiny bit of guilt when the healing salve was summoned and given to Kyros..but he had been being a little pain in the...and deserved what he got.

Eirik listened to Fable talk about the bitten werewolves and how she felt bad for them. "They do have my sympathies as well, unless for some stupid reason they chose to get bitten. Otherwise, they are victims of being assaulted, and one must always be understanding that this wasn't their decision." he paused, sipping his tea.

"However, I am not certain how I feel about werewolves. On the one hand, they didn't ask for this affliction, so cannot be faulted for it. But, they are dangerous and a disease carrier, and often cannot be controlled in their aggression. Maybe death is the best option for them, if they do not have access to a potion. Death of their own choosing, of course...putting them down would still be murder. Just my opinion, of course."

Eirik shook his head, and poured himself another tea. He was not going to get into that conversation on dragon hide, he knew how he felt about animals and their parts, whether or not they were 'harvested ethically,' or if all their parts were used.

Outfit Not Found She listened to Eirick and nodded. "I think that a cheaper option should be created for medicine to treat the werewolf illness and I dont think it should be a requirement to be registered. While some think there is no harm in it, there actually is. People with the illness are forced into jobs beneath their expertise, paid lower wages and thats if they can acquire a job at all. I have read of those who try their hardest to contain themselves, which is said that building a containment cage is still cheaper then the monthly potion. Regarding registering, its..its hard. I can see both sides. The government wants to know the carriers so that they can try and control the disease, while at the same time its a violation of privacy for the person afflicted. This rings true to any species that is different then a human. Everyone has the potential to be dangerous and carry diseases that could effect each other because we all share the humanoid counterpart in common. Not to mention that nature is constantly creating new diseases to keep all the races at a controllable level."

She again sighed and shrugged at Eirick. 'How to scare a guy off in 3 minutes of conversation' she thought. She knew she was passionate in what she believed and that it could be much for people.

( )

Eirik listened to what Fable had to say. "I do agree with you on many points that you made. Personally I think that they should be required to register, but given certain benefits because of it. One: free monthly potions, taken on site, much like methadone is in the muggle world. They get a record that they are 'safe' and documented as safe because the potion was observed being imbibed.

Two: they get government subsidized housing and food allowance, as well as special help for employment. Their employers would get benefits as well, such as the gov. paying for part of the wages they pay the werewolves. "

Eirik sipped his tea. "Now, I understand that some people might take offense to being treated differently, to having so much 'help' offered to them. I, of course, would make it mandatory...while I respect freedom, they are just too dangerous to be allowed to go unmonitored. People have fear of what they don't know for a fact, they will believe anything about something otherwise. By making this situation more of a public knowledge, and assuring the public that this terrifying condition is actually being managed, people can become informed. Being informed leads to the dissolution of fear of the unknown or superstitions."

Eirik paused, yawned, then continued. "It's just too bad that victims end up becoming the 'bad guy' in this situation. But I think overall it would benefit them, give them a place in society where they can function without having to live in fear of their own condition and consequences of that condition."

Eirik shrugged. He knew that his ideas would be hard to institute, but he honestly felt everyone would be better off if the government required ( and actively pursued) this plan of action. But what did he know, he was only a 15 year old vampire...no one would listen to him anyway.

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Elizabeth smiled amused at Eirik before the repeated the phrase, this time a bit slower. "You can try to memorize it, but I would be careful around snakes as the slightest change in tones gives it a whole different meaning." She chuckled a bit and said the phrase again, switching some sounds though it was almost the same. She noticed both snakes looking over, then whispered something again to make sure she just made a joke to demonstrate. "See...? I just told that I wish to be a wonderful meal.", she explained and bit her lip, "sorry, my strange sense of humour..."

She listened to Fables explanations about werewolves. Never really thought about these species much, she felt suddenly sad about them. It must be awful to undergo the pain once a month...being an eternal outcast even more. "Eirik, I'm not quite sure...I mean, there are some vampires as well with no self-control. Aren't they a dangerous disease carrier as well? I don't want to start a discussion, but both have evil one's among their lines. You can't colour everyone with the same brush." She grinned. "But I don't want to disturb your lovely discussion. Go on."

Looking at Fable, Elizabeth smiled as well. "I just met this little grass snake when I was 8. I brought her home, telling my parents what happened and I still remember a kind of fear in their eyes. So I sense there must be more to it that they don't want to tell even if they act like they don't know.", she explained, "I'd love to have a snake though...I thought it would have been cool to bring one as a pet so I could have someone to talk to if I wouldn't make friends here..."

( )

Eirik listened carefully to what Miss Elizabeth said, and mentally repeated it a few times. Being blessed ( or cursed) to not be able to forget anything since he was made, he was certain it could come in handy at some point.

Eirik chuckled, "Oh yes, Miss Elizabeth, we are a very dangerous disease carrier as well. Self control is learned as we age, or sooner...depending on the type of maker we have. Strangely enough, we are not abhorred by the general populace as are our werewolves. Perhaps it is because we are viewed in a more 'attractive' light, being more charming, seductive...appealing."

He sniffed. "We also don't lose our minds and kill wantonly, nor do we 'infect' everyone we feed from to become like us. So, while there are similarities, there are also major differences. Perhaps that is why we are slightly more accepted. "

((ooc posting because Nik is having problems posting to give him space.))

(ooc thanks hun, it was totally acting stupid and wouldnt show my post or let me post it again..but its all good now :) )

"Are you planning to overfeed me, Elizabeth?" Kyros asked with a slight pout. "Or do you want to bribe me with these cookies?" The worst part is that I'd probably consider. "It's not that obvious when we're Slytherins. You could have chosen it because of the House, not because you're actually capable of speaking to them. By the way, how are they like?"

The boy loved Eirik's idea of building a net for cats. He bet it would be a great way for Dante to befriend the other felines and get busy while they were in class. "That's an excellent idea. We should totally build the cat net! They'd get comfortable and get to know each other better." He gently petted his little friend, who was beginning to descend from his neck to a more manageable position on his lap.

"Thanks, Fable." He somewhat embarassedly accepted the salve. Carefully taking his hand from his cat, the applied it to the marks on his neck. The pain subsided quickly, and he sighed comfortably.

"I don't think we should allow werewolves to kill themselves for being werewolves. Sure, there's a inherent danger once a month, but most of the time they're just usual wizards with a disease. It's not that different from any human who carries an untreatable disease themselves. And like you said, most of them didn't choose this condition. It's an illness, and like an illness, I think it should be treated as a public health issue." He paused to sip again at his tea, finishing the contents of the teacup. With a few flicks of his wand, he got the teabag on the cup and the teapot to slowly pour the hot water to fill it again. "Explain to the general population how the disease works, how it can be controled, how carriers are most of the time perfectly normal people. Make the potion afordable or distritibute it freely to the affected population, as well as safe places where they can go to transform. Fight the prejudice in Wizarding society... Which we know is quite widespread." He couldn't help but give a sarcastic smirk at that. His parents used to say werewolves were mad dogs who should be exterminated for the purity of the wizarding race, or at the very least manipulated into killing Muggles. Kyros knew his family wasn't exactly ordinary, but their prejudice was rooted in those of Wizarding Society as a whole. "Other than that, I agree with you, Eirik. At least making a list of the affected could help medically. As if they need help, they could warn someone competent who could track them and subdue them safely."

( )

Eirik looked at Kyros. "Yes, we shall make the net then. A few simple stick charms should suffice, once we get the net and cushions...and shelves for them to reach the net like steps." He nodded, pleased that for once, he and Kyros were on the same page, and loved their pets with the same enthusiasm.

He listened to the boy speak about the werewolves, and nodded. " a safe, monitored place for them to transform IS a good idea. Then they can rest assured they will harm no one, and clear some of the stress they have worrying about if they get out and what could happen if they did get out. I mean, mental health is something that must be addressed in situations like this. Perhaps then they wouldn't suffer so much anguish and not wish to harm themselves."

He chucked. "We should go into politics, you and I, and work to reform the current agenda for the quality of life for non-human witches and wizards. Some would not be pleased, but overall, we are thinking of everyone involved..and only want it improved. "

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Elizabeth listened to the discussion about werewolves and vampires and how the whole situation could be possibly improved and chuckled, pouring herself some new tea. "Look at us, still in school and having such high plans. If we keep going, the magical part of the UK will be completely revamped once we're out of school.", she stated in an amused voice, then tilting her head to Kyros. "Concerning the cookies...well...probably? Perhaps I'm just a generous friend", she whispered conspiratorial. "I wasn't allowed to get one as a pet; I should have clarified that...my mother feared that I would make no social interaction then...perhaps I can persuade her although she's a bit scared of snakes", Elizabeth said and grinned cheeky, thinking about her parent's houses, "but yet she married one." She thought a bit about it. "They are highly intelligent and great conversational partners. I'm wondering if there are magical species as well. So far, I've only heard about Horned Serpents and Basilisks. I still find it odd that there was one in this school and nobody found it...even if they couldn't understand. I thought they would search carefully for possible dangers considering the fact that children are living here."

(OOC sorry it's so short but I love how ambitious our characters are :D Serves the house perfectly ) (edit - I'm always forgetting the HA. xd And, sorry, I've added something to my post as well...I should really go to bed. :'D )

(( Holy Hamburger!! I go clean my aquarium and again you all go nuts!! catching up!!))

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Fable takes a deep breath preparing to be the devils advocate to all the best laid plans

"While yours and Kyros plans are good one of the important factors is privacy, like the doctor-patient confidentiality act. Housing people with lycanthropy in a "safe house" might not be wise unless SERIOUSLY thought out. One. you have tons of "dangerous people" in one place. Two. A pack mentality might form, even with it being part of the disease, think zombies. They get together and start following what seems to be the smartest one. So you got a bunch of werewolves, first fighting for Alpha, beta etc positions, then you risk the safety of those who either try to choose not to "follow the leader" or get killed in the process of fighting. Then add on what if they are children..or female? Worse case scenarios are a sick horror movie scene. Be it killing or something worse. While some of the females can over power males, there also comes in the instinct of trying to protect said children and the males teaming up, Not that the females wouldnt either. Again, another fight.

The housing and registering and stuff that you discuss is a lot like either segregation or how muggles have sex offenders. Segregation can lead to attacks on the known neighborhood, which has been shown as common throughout history irregardless of if the humans, be it wizard or not, are afraid of them. The registering of sex offenders is like saying being a werewolf is breaking the law as sex offenders broke the law doing something horrible and then have to register so people are aware of the danger in their neighborhood. Again leading to attacks on said home trying to run them out."

She takes another deep breath and continues.

"Then on vampires not mindlessly attacking people like werewolves..." stares at him. "Are you sure that never happens? Because if I understand correctly if a vampire goes long enough without food or blood flask they do resort to their animal instincts. Meaning Yes they will attack whatever moves around them irregardless of whom they are to them. The same thing counts with any creature. Be it Dragon, Unicorn, Mouse...if they are hungry enough they will resort, like a zombie, to their basic primal needs and will do anything to get it."

Another big breath!

"And lastly on this...their is also the problem of wizards and muggles attacked creatures that "mimic" a werewolf or are considered a danger to said humans. Im not saying everyone, but most humanoids do not take into account what there urbanizing does to the animal population and their natural ecosystem. Predators suffer the most from this. There is also the problem of rumors...if their is a rumor, going with the werewolf in this case, that their is one, mob mentality coupled with panic equals a lot of innocent wolves killed. Just like what happened with during the Spanish Inquisition. People were tortured, murdered, etc for a rumorous accusation."

"Now, Im sure you know there are a few werewolves, as Ive mentioned around school. Students...then their are the naturally born ones in the Forest. If someone were to panic over lycanthropy, not only would the students be chained and dragged in, but the wolves in the forest would suffered possible extermination, any wolf animagi would also be hauled in and me. We would be stripped of all our rights purely out of fear and be lucky if we were treated with any dignity at all...just for existing...because of fear and mob mentality."

"Hell, they already segregate the dragons...and the giants as well. They treat house elves, goblins and centaurs as beneath them. Oh sure they will respect them to their faces because all of them are potentially dangerous however its quite easy to resort to archaic thinking."

Breaths out with a sigh and smiles.

"I do agree though with Elizabeth, we are all shining examples of our house. Elizabeth..." she turned to her "You said a grass snake chose you? Was that the first snake you talked to? I think its curious as, correct me if Im wrong, they are actually very docile and gentle pets. It makes me wonder if its an example of your inner personality." she smiles. "Though your parents do sound like they are hiding something." she chuckles.