"Tell me about it!" Sam laughed at Fade's observation. "Here I was, so proud of my shiny new Prefects badge, and this little terror snatched it from me right quick. I owe Aria big time now, she got it back to me. I haven't found a pocket deep enough to keep this little fellow away from it yet.... Or is it a gal? Hey Magnus! () how do you tell the males and the females apart on these critturs?"

"Anytime Mate," he said happily. Then noticing Fade joining he said, "Llo! How are ya?" He dropped his voice to a whisper, "Unicorns tomorrow." He had seen lots of drawings in Fade's book on the animal.

"Same as a cat," he said to Sam. Taking the niffler he pointed to the bum area. "See, its a girl cos there's nothing there. If it was a boy... well.. it'd have..." Blushing insanely he wandered off to check on Emmy and Aderyn

Aderyn watched the dirt patch excitedly, waiting for her niffler to pop back up with its haul of treasures. Every once in a while, she'd see a nose or an arm emerging from the dirt, but so far there was no definitive sign of the creatures coming back. Looking over at Magnus as he approached her and Emmy, she smiled.

"Do you think they'd come back if we called for them, or are they not familiar enough with us after one short interaction?"

"I dunno to be honest," he said thoughtfully, "I got a giant fake gold ball I planned on getting out to lure them back into their crates. They are on loan you see... You could try seeing if you could train it for the remaining of the class if you want." He went over to his bag and pulled out a ball the size of a tennis ball. "Here ya go. "

Aderyn took the proffered ball from Magnus with a nod.

"Thanks! I'll see what I can get accomplished. If the little guy behaves, I may let him keep one of my earrings as a treat."

Emmy listened to what Aderyn and Magnus were saying, and frowned slightly at the patch of dirt. She approached it and knelt at the side, peering down at it, watching the blurs of brown fur as several nifflers dove in and out.

"Come on," she called, hoping her niffler would recognize her voice. She decided to try whistling, and let out the four-toned melody she used for her little owl, Elfie.

It seemed to work; her niffler came bursting out of the dirt pile and landing in her arms, splattering her robes and arms with dirt.

"Agh!" she yelped, laughing, as it squirmed excitedly on her lap, something gold clutched in its mouth. "Thanks!" she told it happily, tugging the gold coin from its grip. It chattered at her and then wriggled out of her grasp, diving back into the plot.

"Look, I got one!" she said, showing Aderyn with a grin. She looked down at the dirt all over herself, shaking her head and laughing. "Well, these WERE clean robes."

(( ))

Magnus was pleased the nifflers went over so well but he was really excited to introduce the next animal. So with a cough he got everyone's attention.

"Okay, so as promised, we 'ave our first week o' animals and I thought I'd start with Unicorns. If you still 'ave a niffler out, please 'elp 'em inta their crates if ya can." He waved his wand and the board changed to some information about unicorns. "'Ere's some readin' for you all whilst I sort the nifflers out an' then go get the unicorns I've got."

Unicorns have long been found in myths through out the ages in the muggle world. Even Wizards have great respect for this magical creature. They are considered as part of the horse family. Unicorns are considered one of if not the most pure animal of all time. The have golden bodies as fawns and as adults bright white/silver hair. Adult unicorns do not trust males. One can drink the blood of a unicorn but this results in a half life and is considered heinous. This is why wizards only use the horn and hair.
More information on unicorns can be found here.

((OOC: will have the unicorns come out to frolic with you all this afternoon sometime around 3pm subeta time-ish or whenever I wake up from my needed nap lol.))

Arriving late, (as usual) Rowan slides in with Drifter, puts her name on the roster, and starts waiting for the unicorns to frolic with great anticipation!

Paddy struggled to stifle a laugh as Magnus () tried hard to explain how to tell the boy Nifflers from the girls. He did a surprisingly good job of explaining though, considering the shade of crimson his cheeks were turning. () Her Niffler jumped back out of the pile, dropping a gold coloured coin onto her lap. Wishing the session had lasted longer, she scooped the Niffler up in her paws, and headed over to the cages. The Niffler started wriggling, obviously keen to dig for longer, so Paddy handed the gold coloured coin back to it, to try and keep it happy in the cage.

Putting her hair clips and prefects badge back on, she spotted Rowan (). "Haven't seen you for a while," she said, "has Drifter got used to all the creatures at Hogwarts yet?"

Magnus bustled about getting nifflers away. He was covered in dirt but looking exhilarated all the same. "'Ow are ya Rowan?" he asked. The niffler in his hands managed to get loose and was currently trying to "dive" down his jumper. He squirmed as he fished the critter out and managed to get it into the crate. "If ya wanna play with 'em lemme know, Paddy," he said noted her slightly sad look on her face, "I'm sure I can borrow one for a bit."

Millie returned her niffler back to the back with a tiny pat to it's head.

"Yes! I was hoping we would talk about unicorns today" as she took her seat again."

"Now typically adult unicorns prefer girls, 'owever, I managed ta get an adult that don't mind boys so much." He glanced around and all niffler crates were full with their nifflers. Walking a short distance that looked completely empty. Tapping his wand lightly, the Disillusionment Charm fell and reveled a paddock with 4 unicorn fawns. Their golden bodies glistened in the sun. Crossing over to another section he tapped the air again and a paddock with a single adult unicorn was revealed. She was so white it was almost blinding. A gorgeous animal for sure. "Didn't put the Disillusionment Charm on meself," he said, "Like any animal, let 'em sniff ya and your hand. As its only polite. Anyway, please feel free to go and pet the unicorns. Make friends with 'em. There's a charm on the paddocks ta keep 'em in just in case ya forget to close the gate. An' feel free ta ask me any questions. I'll try to answers as best as I can."

Name: Katsumi Mattrick Pet(s): Cato, a Japanese scops owl Club interests: dragons (not that we're going to bring any in! ^.^; ) Hoot Club: sure, why not?

The thirteen-year-old girl had arrived towards the end of the club's time with the nifflers, but she still lent a hand to those trying to corral the active creatures. She was glad she'd not missed the unicorns. She spotted a few faces she'd seen around the Hogwarts halls over the course of her time there, but none she was very familiar with. Even the members of her own house present weren't ones Katsumi had found occasion to talk to, though to be fair she often kept to herself.

(( Finally found time to get a post up. Hey there! glomp))

Magnus greeted the new comer. "Llo there! Don't think I've met ya. I'm Magnus Lee. In Gryffindor 'ouse. I'm the captain this term so if you need anything or 'ave any questions lemme know. You're o' course welcome to head on an' play with the unicorns too instead o' gabbing 'ere with me." He chuckled with a broad smile.

After putting her niffler back in it's crate Aria took her seat and called Dax over to her so she could pet him while she listened to Magnus teach about unicorns. I love Unicorns, they are so majestic and intriguing, Aria thought, as she took a few notes and doodled on the side of her paper. She ended up drawing a beautiful unicorn and her adorable foal.

The classroom erupted in sounds of amazement and whispers, causing Aria to look up from her doodle. Magnus had revealed four infant golden unicorns and a fully grown female! "They are so pretty," Aria whispered to no one in particular while staring in awe.

Magnus ended the lecture and everyone dispersed around the 5 unicorns. Aria stood up and stared at the unicorns with tears in her eyes. Dax rubbed against her legs and urged her forward, after all, he wanted to get closer too!

Aria didn't want anyone to notice that she was crying so she quickly made herself stop before approaching the unicorns. She wanted to first see the golden foals and then she would see the mother. Tears welled up in her eyes as she reached out and touched one of the foals. "I can't believe I am actually touching a unicorn," Aria whispered in a shaky voice to whomever happened to be near by. "I never thought I would ever see one, let alone touch one." Aria continued to sweet talk to the foals while Dax tried to make their acquaintance.

Dax stood up on his hind legs, using his wings as a balance, and sniffed the nose of the nearest foal. The foal leaned down and they sniffed each other while looking into each others eyes for the longest time. Eventually the staring ceased and foal gracefully laid down on the ground. Dax immediately took the invitation and the two of them began to cuddle.

Aria looked at the two cuddling and smiled, "Anything for a good cuddle, right Dax?" she said with a soft giggle.

Tears? Well that wasn't exactly the reaction that Magnus expected. Why the hell is she crying? he wondered. Unsure what to do, he wandered over to her after she dried her tears and stood near her. She could talk to him if she wanted. The interaction with Dax and the infant unicorn impressed him. Maybe Dax wasn't so bad. The stare he gave Magnus often was unnerving though. Kippers wound around Magnus' feet, mewing for attention, but he ignored her for the moment.

Aria almost didn't hear Magnus () sneak up beside her as she watched Dax and the foal cuddling and now playing with each other. Turning to Magnus she smiled and said, "You know, today fulfilled a life long dream of mine that I never thought would happen."

Aria stared off in the distance as she spoke to Magnus. "My mom never would allow me to talk about magic, she pretended it did not exist. When I first heard about unicorns, dragons, elves, and all the 'fairy tale' creatures, my mom told me they were all just childish stories and not real." Aria looked back at Magnus, "I suppose I always just knew they were real in my heart but had so much doubt from my mom." shaking her head, Aria tried to forget about her mom.

"As you can imagine," she continued, "as soon as I learned about magic I knew that all the fairy tail creatures must be real!" It has been my dream to see a real unicorn!" Aria smiled brightly and quickly hugged Magnus. Beaming, Aria turned back to the unicorns and stared at them. "They are simply stunning, aren't they?" she asked.

Aderyn watched as Emmy successfully recalled her niffler and decided to try a similar approach. Kneeling, she whistled twice and watched as her own niffler popped up in the middle of the patch holding a single gold coin. She smiled and waved it over, holding out her hand and giving the creature a scratch behind the ears as it deposited the coin in front of her. Reaching into her pocket with her free hand, she pulled out one of the earrings she'd stowed away, holding it out to the little critter.

"Here you go, you've earned it!"

She giggled as the niffler took the earring and began experimentally nibbling at the charm on it. Her attention was diverted as Magnus called their attention and she looked back down at her niffler a moment later, reaching out to pick it up.

"Sorry, fella, you've got to go back in your cage now. Don't worry - I'll come and visit you!"

As she put her niffler away, she turned to look at Emmy with a grin.

"I guess we tied this time," she said with a laugh. "Next time you won't get off so easy!"

Reaching out, she took the girl's hand and tugged her over toward where the other students were gathered around a newly revealed paddock full of unicorns. Gasping, she stared in awe at the animals, approaching the nearest foal very slowly and holding out her hand.

"They're so beautiful," she murmured. "I've never seen one up close before!"

Glancing over at Millie, she smiled.

"Wouldn't you just love to have one? They're so majestic."

Emmy giggled as Aderyn's niffler returned with a coin too. She nuzzled hers and then put it back in the cage with the others, laughing as Aderyn swore she'd beat her next time.

"Nah, I'll win again," she teased.

They walked over to the paddock where Magnus was talking, and Emmy's mouth fell open as she set eyes on the adult unicorn standing off to the side. She didn't even glance at the golden foals, her eyes glued to the silvery, glimmering white coat of the adult. Unicorns were one of her absolute favourite magical creatures, and she only ever got to see one once before. However, she wasn't intimidated by the beautiful creature; to her, they were just like the horses she'd had all her childhood, just more mystical and gorgeous.

She approached the adult as though she had blinders on, her hand outstretched, smiling calmly as the animal regarded her curiously.

"C'mere, girl," she murmured, beckoning with her hand. "It's okay, you can trust me." she smiled as the unicorn let out a soft whinny and she understood it to be an acknowledgement of her presence, so she moved forward and began to stroke the unicorn's beautiful face.

"Such a good girl," she said softly, moving her hand up and down the top of the unicorn's face, from its flowing mane and base of its horn, to the tip of its nose. Emmy leaned her forehead gently against the unicorn's cheek, gently nuzzling it, then stood properly again, still stroking the side of her face.

"Aderyn, come see her!" she called quietly, but still loud enough for Aderyn to hear, just not wanting to spook the unicorn.

()

Sam pulled her shiny silver and green badge out of hiding and waved it in front of the open box. The Niffler seeing the coveted object so close at hand, dove into the box trying to snatch it. Sam patted the creature's head gently, and gave her a treat and a shiny foil coin as a reward before closing up the box. Pinning her prefects badge back onto her cloak, Sam turned to see the unicorns. The mare was smaller than she had expected, a full two hands shorter at her withers than the average desert mustang the girl was more familiar with. So delicate and pure, yet majestic, the unicorn seemed calm and gentle with the students who approached her. Sam though, felt far more comfortable starting off with the fawns, especially after seeing Aria's little griffin, Dax, immediately befriend one. Kneeling in the paddock Sam held out her hand to the nearest faun, a little colt, who promptly capered over and butted her shoulder with his hornless forehead. "Or would you call them bucks and does like deer?" Sam mused half aloud.