"That was a good idea," Keet smiled at Millie. "I layered a short-sleeved shirt under my sweater, just in case!"

Keet blushed and Rain giggled at Drew's flattery towards the girls. "Equines would be cool," Keet said to him, "Rain and I are looking forward to seeing some avian critters the most, though," she beamed.

"Oh wow," Rain gasped, "that's awesome, I love toucans! We have a few different kinds in our aviary back home. That's a great name, too. Keet somehow managed to find me a snidget for Christmas! She knows I love Quidditch and we didn't have one in the aviary, so he was a perfect gift" she beamed. "I named him Aureus, and I gave Keet a magpie whom she named Sterling... so they are gold and silver," she giggled. Keet laughed, "We thought it was fitting. What a cute name! I'd love to draw Quinn for you when we get back. Oh no that's okay, there's no way you could have known. I didn't get to go either, although I am originally from America, like Rain," she explained. "It's nice that you know Magnus, though, he's great! Haha, I am not sure how great of a prefect I am, I think they chose me because I do well in class and don't really get into trouble. I think Rain would be the opposite though," she teased. "She does! It's always a different shade of purple, great color choice," she laughed.

Keet and Rain were starting to overheat a bit, sweaters in the desert weren't the wisest choice! Luckily, they had both thought to wear short-sleeved shirts underneath, and thought that now was a good time to remove the sweaters. They were both fascinated with the information that Irwin had provided them, with prompting from some of their classmates. Keet leaned down to pet one of the diricawls again, a young one this time. It made a happy little "peep" as she scratched it's head. She had to hold back an "Awww!" so as not to frighten it. Rain was using her omnioculars to see if there were any more in the distance.

Jona noticed Drew's () disapproving look and felt all the worse for it. He had wanted to become someone to care for creatures like these, but apparently he was just another bully. There was a hollow feeling in his heart ever since he was forced to leave his home and his family; he hoped it wouldn't change him into his father. He always tried to be the nice and positive one, but...it can be hard.

He sat and watched all the diricawls go about their business, feeling a mixture of guilt and loathing, when Zoe () came up from behind. Her kindness made him feel even more conflicted. Part of him would have liked to have been left alone for the rest of the day, to wallow in self-hatred and angst. But then again, her compassion softened him and reassured that despite his actions she could be a friend to rely on.

"Thanks," he muttered after hugging her back. He was thanking her for more than she could understand at that moment, so he chose to show his gratitude in small gestures in the future. Holding out his hand to pet the bird, he suddenly hesitated and allowed himself to succumb to some of that self-pity. "I probably shouldn't," he said. "I've disturbed them enough as is."

"Thank you. She's so sweet. Pecks me for attention, its darling. I'd love to see that aviary!" River gasped. "Those are nearly impossible to get! Wow Keet you must have amazing contacts. Those are also great names. Well I didn't enjoy a lot of America if I'm being honest. Lots of culture shock. But Rain got me three humming birds and they are wonderful. I can help you guys get into trouble." She had a mischievous grin to her.

Zoe reached out and took Jona's hand and lightly touched the bird with it. She could feel the soft feathers grazing the parts of her skin not touching Jona. "Look, see?" she said very softly, "Soft. Animals are good at telling moods. Look how she's closing her eyes. She's happy and feels safe. Ye can nee be miserable, cos they won't let ye. See how innocent they are? Just as innocent as ye."

Outfit Not FoundMallowsweet had cantered up late and barely managed to touch the portkey before everyone was whisked off to a barren landscape dominated by a yellow double decker bus. Mr. Cassidy, the librarian, had sourly levitated her to the top deck of the bus only after she had apologized yet again, for spilling butterbeer on a library book. Between the leftover nausea from the portkey, her embarrassment that her equine body wouldn't fit on the narrow bus stairs, and shame that she had "totally ruined" a precious book, the young centaur girl was feeling quite miserable. She barely heard the conversations going on around her until a fluffy grayish-purple bird hopped up onto on her withers and began tugging at her pale mane. Carefully, so as not to startle it she poured some of the birdseed that Irwin had given her into her palm and offered it to the diricawl. The bird, however only seemed to want a few strands of her long white-gold hair. Forgetting her previous angst she raised her hand and asked "Mr. Irwin sir. Do diricawls use hair and string and stuff to make nests?"

Paddy had been looking forward to this trip ever since she saw it advertised on the board. Since she'd fallen from her broom in the holidays, she had been helping out with the Care of Magical Creatures after lessons, and was eager to see more creatures. She realised that due to her excitement, she'd actually been lost in her own thoughts so far, and thought she'd better make an effort to talk to someone at least.

Niamh wasn't too sure what to expect from the field trip. Sure she'd been on trips with 4A, but this would be her first Hogwarts trip, and her first experience of the creatures you could find over here. She didn't want to draw attention to herself by asking any apparently silly questions, so she tried to stick with making notes on every creature and doing some research herself later on any particularly interesting ones.

(OOC: Arriving fashionably late as per usual :P - still in the process of reading through to catch up! Feel free to drag Paddy and/or Niamh into any conversations!)

Lysandra was totally engrossed in feeding and oserving the beautiful birds, world around forgotten. Suddenly, she felt some drops of sweat tickle down her cheek. Puuh, it was hot here! And the light was so bright! She was very happy now that she had donned a layering look for today, not knowing exactly where they would go, and doffed her jacket and leggings. Then she digged around in her bag, looking for the sunglasses she hat put in there. There they are! Quickly, she put the specs on and stopped squinting immediately. That was more like it! Feeling better now, she looked around to what her classmates were up to. She hoped her next stop wouldn´t be the arctic, she had forgotten to pack mittens.

Outfit Not Found

@ Raven Jona was a bit caught off guard when Zoe first took his hand, but was grateful for her determination. He couldn't very well let himself remain in the dumps if he had a friend next to him so intent on ensuring his happiness. Smiling, he let his fingers caress the diricawl and took not of the pleasant noises the bird was making. Laughing a little, Jona whispered to the feathered creature in a crooning manner, "Hey there, lil guy." The whole experience was an amiable one, but all of the sudden a wave of embarrassment flooded over Jona - for being reprimanded and then acting like a child and then relying on Zoe to make him feel better. At that moment, Jona grew stiff in his limbs and flushed with heat, fully aware of the closeness of Zoe's body to his, her hand on his. It wasn't necessarily that he thought of the scene as a romantic one, but the sudden closeness just made him embarrassed in general. However, he didn't want to make a scene about it all, fearing that would make Zoe feel bad and would make the situation so much worse, so he tried to play cool and waited for Zoe to initiate the disentanglement. He began focusing crazy hard on the diricawl in front of him.

((I worked a double shift yesterday, sorry I was absent. ))

[img align=right]https://s26.postimg.org/n44pwyyft/Fade_HAField_Trip.png[/img]Stray bits of red hue could still be seen peeking through Fade’s chosen hair color. But he smiled and nodded at Jona nonetheless. It was really good to know Sauvage had enjoyed herself on their date. Although Fade had a feeling she did, the way she had been smiling when last they spoke. ()

Fade shook his head at Zoe, however. () “I actually forgot my sketchbook. Think it’s under the bed or something. Ran outa time this morning.” He shrugged. It would be alright, being totally present instead of hiding behind a quill and ink wasn’t the worst thing that could happen. Fade smiled at Keet and Rain and quietly admired the flowers they wore in their hair. () “Morning Millie!” He waved to the sleepy student when she arrived. () His plan was to stick his tongue out at Magnus just for good measure, but his friends wide yawn caused him to yawn as well. “Oh hey Drew! Good to see you could make it. Usually I’m the late one.” He teased gently, it was still early after all. ()

Not long after the grumpy Librarian coughed and directed everyone's attention to the portkey. Fade truly disliked the way it made him feel like he was flying bellybutton first at the speed of light. But thankfully the jump never lasted very long.

-- onward to the buss! --

Fade landed on his feet, perhaps less than gracefully. His ears perked up at the mention of food and drinks. He desperately wanted some coffee. Wasting no time he promptly boarded the buss and ordered a travel cup with cream and sugar. Taking deep breath of the warm air he felt more sleepy than before, and laughed at Jona’s antics. The kid was clearly feeling fine despite having lost his breakfast. Still, it was a little mean of Mr.Cassidy to take points away from him, he was only having a bit of fun.

Taking the seat across the isle from Poppy, Fade smiled at her. “Mornin.” () He lifted his coffee in salute and settled back in the seat half tempted to fall back asleep. He thought he spotted Paddy and was glad she could attend. () All the while keeping an eye on the Centaur girl and the bird friend she had made. He was really starting to regret leaving his sketchbook behind. ()

((sure hope I can ping all these people at once XD ))

((And anyone else xd))

((before hand.)) "Ye can borrow some pages from mine," Zoe offered Fade.

[img align=left]https://sapi.subeta.net/shared/388919.png[/img] Iwrin smiled at the centaur girl. "They sure do. If you want to contribute, you are more than welcome to. No worries if you don't want to though."

Magnus had a cup of coffee in his hand, he totally stole the idea from Fade. As he slipped in a chair he playfully tapped Fade's head with the sketchbook his friend had left. "What would ya do without me?" The boy grinned mischievously. "I should make you do something silly for it but I'm so magnanimous that I won't." He also handed him a pen and pencil. Then he turned and spoke so the entire bus could hear. He'd been nervous to ask this despite the general populace knowing of his condition. "Er, Irwin? Are there any animals I should steer clear of?"

"You mean are you safe? The only ones you aren't safe to interact with, I'll let you all know about."

"No," Magnus said shaking his head. "I mean I'm a werewolf so some animals are less inclined to get near me."

"Oh, well, unfortunately, these birds are timid so if they sense the condition they might not get near you. But every animal is different so just try slow interactions and see how it works."

Magnus nodded. "Thanks." He tried feeding a diricawl but none were getting near his window.

"Isn't this cool?" River asked to Paddy and Niamh. They were both in her house so she'd been getting to know them better. She felt bad for Magnus and wished there was something she could do.

Zoe's hand lingered on Jona as Magnus asked about if werewolves can pet the birds. That was bold she thought proudly of her fellow Ravenclaw. Finally she took her hand off. Jona seemed calmer now. She slid from her seat and sauntered up to the librarian. "Mr Cassidy?" Zoe asked quietly.

Jasper looked up from his notes he was taking. "Yes?"

"I'd like the bird feed back now," she said feeling herself blush.

"Would you?" he asked.

"Yes, please. Everyone deserves a second chance."

Jasper sighed but handed her the feed. He was going to give it back to the boy in a little while anyway.

With the food now in her hands, she returned to Jona. "And now ye can feed 'em."

Drew flushed with embarrassment that he’d inadvertently gotten their guide’s name wrong. It really didn’t even register with him that perhaps the girl he didn’t know who had asked a question had made the mistake as well. () He was too focused on his own blunder. “Sorry, Irwin,” he said quietly and then added, “But thanks for the answer.”

To cover his feeling of embarrassment, Drew moved from his spot by the window, being careful not to make it a sudden, startling move, and mingled a bit. He watched Keet and Rain () interact with the diricawls and smiled. They both seemed so nice, not to mention being pretty. He would have to make a point to get to know them better this term. Drew did wonder briefly though at the fact that so many students this term seemed to be transfers after the Wizarding Cup Tournament. He would love to know what went on there and why so many students decided to come to Hogwarts instead of staying at their old schools. Perhaps at some point he would actually ask one or two of them. For now though he planned to just enjoy the day.

He spotted Zoe () with Jona () and shook his head slightly. He didn’t really know the girl well, but she certainly seemed to have taken an interest in the younger boy. Then again as a Head Girl, she was likely a bit protective of the firsties.

Drew noted everyone taking off layers and digging through their bags. He had shed his own coat and scarf near the beginning, but now took the opportunity to remove his heavier shirt as well, leaving him in a simple, lightweight and much cooler shirt. Still, being a lover of dark colors wasn’t necessarily a good thing in a place that was soaked in sun and heat. With a sigh, Drew reluctantly transformed his shirt into something of a lighter color. He glanced around, hoping no one cough Magnus cough would tease him too much about the deviation from his normal attire.

When he did scan the bus for his friend, Drew realized that he hadn’t noticed Paddy earlier in the rush to get to the portkey, or the centaur girl. Then spotting Fade () again with his cup of coffee, Drew decided to respond to his friend’s earlier teasing. Making his way over, he leaned against Fade’s seat and said with a grin, “Well I might have been later this time, but at least I was awake. Unlike you and Mags.” He grinned at Magnus as well. Since Poppy () was near Fade, he added teasingly, “Better be careful, Poppy. Fade can be a stimulating morning conversationalist.”

Jona let out a sigh of relief when Zoe removed her hand from his. Palms sweat and heart beating fast, he took the moment to look around at everyone else. The bro squad ( ) was hanging out together, of course, with some of the other girls ( ) doing their own things. His head bounced up in alarm when he heard his name. Oh no! Zoe was talking to the professor with a grudge. And now he was giving her Jona's feed bag! She came back and handed him the feed, but Jona really wasn't sure how to respond. The whole thing made him feel kind of awkward and he couldn't figure out why. Instead of showing his discombobulated emotions, he went with the simplest and easiest response.

He snatched up the bird feed, dug out a generous handful, and in one feel swoop, let the entire contents of his palm rain down over the diricawls who all made chirping sounds of celebration. "Rather than say it myself, I thought I'd let them thank you." He laughed, a bit awkwardly and settled in his seat, content to watch the diricawls nibble. Part of him now watched Zoe out of the corner of his eye as he waited for the opportunity to return her such kindness.

Zoe nodded to Jona. "I think they thank ye too." Then she shifted awkwardly. Not sure what to say. She had no idea Drew had watched her. She had no romantic feelings for anyone as of yet. Merely she wished to make her first friend feel better.

Now she pressed her body against the bus wall as she started making meticulous notes on how the animals moved. Then she started sketching. It wouldn't be as beautiful as Fade's work but she still wanted to do it. The birds on the rims of her glasses sung a little song.

Magnus rolled his eyes at Drew. "Its cos we are so smart our brains need more rest," he replied to Drew and stuck his tongue out. He wished the birds wanted to be near him. The boy simply loved animals. "Nice shirt," he said with a tease, "you're looking like an ice cream."

"Wutcha drawin'?" Jona asked Zoe as he leaned over to see. "Also, like, pretty sure those glasses were mad for you." He pointed at the little birds chirping along, wondering if they'd eat any of the feed he had left over. He picked up a single grain and held it out to the rims of her glasses in curiosity.

"Trying to draw diricawls. Right now I think it looks closer to a funny looking rock." Zoe giggled. "Ye think? I love 'em. Still nee can believe I got 'em. I'd been looking at these for ages. I think the seller was getting close to offering me a job. Thanks again for 'em." The little bird gently plucked the grain, ate it and chirp gratefully. Then it cooed contentedly. Zoe beamed at this. "So cute. Its a good thing these only attract small birds. Can ye imagine one of the diricawls trying to sit on my frames."

Fade appreciated Zoe’s offer, but Magnus had been cool enough to remember for him. Fade grinned at his friend and accepted the sketchbook happily. “You’re too kind, I clearly don’t deserve you.” () He yawned again this time aiming it purposefully at Drew and being a little more loud about it than really necessary. “Can’t blame a Ravenclaw for studying all night, can ya?” () He shrugged and flipping open to an empty page in his book, began sketching the centaur and the bird trying to steal her hair. ()

"She sounds adorable! Toucans are so cute, with their huge beaks," Rain giggled. "You're more than welcome to come see the aviary sometime, I think you would really enjoy it! I know, we had to get permission and lots of permits, and for his safety, he has to stay at the aviary since they are such a protected species" Rain explained. "I'm sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy America," Keet said sympathetically. "Oh, hummingbirds are one of my favorites! How are they doing?" she inquired. "Haha, as a prefect I think I should stay out of trouble, but I'm sure Rain would oblige you," she said, shooting a look at her friend. Rain stuck her tongue out at Keet and laughed.

Keet had noticed that Fade had joined the group, and overheard him tell Zoe that he had forgotten his sketchbook. "Hi Fade," she smiled. "I couldn't help but overhear that you forgot your sketchbook today, would you like to have some pages from mine?" she offered. "I have an extra quill too, if you need one," she said, rummaging in her pocket and producing a pretty iridescent blue quill. "It's really no trouble, this is a brand new book, so I have lots of pages left."

Using her omnioculars, Rain had caught sight of some more diricawls coming over the horizon towards the bus. She used the lenses to speed them up and slow them down, reverse and pause them. She giggled at the sped up versions of the plump little birds running back and forth.

Keet was taking notice of what everyone else was doing. She noticed that Zoe was also sketching the diricawls, and that she had been talking with Jona (). The boy had seemed rather uncomfortable. Keet felt bad, knowing that the joke he played wasn't meant to be malicious. () Paddy and Niamh had come on the trip as well, and Niamh was taking furious notes on what Irwin had told them. () Lysandra, who had asked some very good questions earlier, was looking rather warm and had pulled some sunglasses and a hat from her bag. Drew () was chatting with Fade, Magnus, and Poppy (). She smiled, glad that just about everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, and went back to her sketchbook. This time, she sketched the sweet baby diricawl she had pet earlier, who was still peeping happily and munching on some of the food that had been left on the ground.

[img align=left]https://sapi.subeta.net/shared/389904.png[/img] Keet and her friend Rain did look very pretty for the field trip. Poppy loved how they sparkled and shined and the flowers in their hair smelled great too. She excused herself discreetly, deciding to follow everyone else's cue, and changed into something cooler and sportier for their desert visit. By the time Poppy had returned to her seat, plenty of diricawls were eating the food she had left for them on the sill. She observed them through her Omnioculars, taking pains to record a little fledgling who tugged at her heart. "Does anyone need sunscreen?" Poppy was determined not to end the day with a bad sunburn.

"Good morning Magnus, Fade!" She returned their greetings cheerfully.

"Fade is just a java junkie, and I'm not much of a morning person without it myself," Poppy laughed but with kind eyes. "I like your shirt Drew Wilder." Drew was a flirt, but she was beginning to pick up that he could be sensitive about his image, especially since becoming a Slytherin Prefect.

She waved hello to some girls she hadn't noticed on the bus earlier. Paddy, who she knew and two new girls-Niamh, Mallowsweet-who looked interesting.

Zoe Parker was taking good care of Jona after he had acted up and been admonished. The boy was just high spirited that was all. She smiled reassuringly at the other Head Girl. Zoe seemed responsible and reserved. Poppy admired those qualities as well as her lovely glasses and knitting supplies.

(OOC: Thank you ! 🌴)

Millie still had her eyes closed and was taking deep breaths when Rain () offered her a peppermint "Oh, yes please" she said as she gladly accepted the mind. "Portkey travel makes me sick to my stomach. It could be worse. My boyfriend, Emmett, gets terrible migraines from portkey travel and it leaves him sick for days. Thank you. I appreciate it". She gave a warm smile.

Millie turned around and faced Keet () "Good thinking" she said. "I wasn't sure if I should put it on under my sweater or just tuck it in my coat. It felt better to just tuck it in my coat".

Millie was starting to feel better after eating the peppermint and she was finally awake. She looked to Magnus, "So how is it being a big brother now? Did you get the gifts for your mum and the baby?" She asked.

Millie looked around and saw her friends drawing in their sketch books. "I'm so jealous of you guys. I'm rubbish at drawing. Everything I draw looks like a snake or stick figure." She pulled her camera out of her coat pocket and wrapped the cord around her wrist.

Drew snorted softly at Magnus () and Fade’s () teasing answers. Then he wrinkled his nose at Magnus’ comment about his clothes. He’d known his friend wouldn’t let it pass without a comment. “You try to lick me and our friendship might end,” he warned but with a smile.

Still leaning against the seat, Drew contentedly watched Fade draw. He was still amazed at the talent Fade and Magnus had when it came to art.

When Poppy () complimented him on his shirt, Drew blushed slightly but said, “Thank you, Poppy. You’re looking all ready for adventure in the sun now too.”

Overhearing Millie’s () comment about drawing Drew had to grin. “Nothing wrong with drawing snakes, Millie,” he teased good-naturedly.

(and anyone else))

“You’re right,” Magnus said laughing, “you don’t deserve me.” Then he chuckled again. “Seriously, it ain’t a problem, can’t ‘ave you trying to nick me book or drawing on people’s skin right?”

“She is, I’ll totally let you guys play with her. I love her. I got so many pets for Christmas,” River said giggling. It was true, her poor guardian almost fainted and she swore she saw him near tears. “That’d be awesome, I’d love to see them all! Of course I think the star attraction would be the snidget.” About America but smiled about her humming birds. “Oh they are ever so sweet. And so gorgeous. My boyfriend’s mother loves them too. She’s a big fan of birds.” River had a little glint in her eyes. “Well Magnus was a prefect and he got into trouble.”

“Ow’s it going Pops?” Magnus said to Poppy. “Morning is evil, it shouldn’t exist.”

River smiled to Millie and gave her the peppermint. “I’m used to them. My father used them a lot. He’s a curse breaker.”

Magnus shrugged. “Well I kinda was before at the orphanage when I lived there. But its different too. I don’t know really. ‘E’s cute and me parents are ‘appy. Yeah they loved the gifts. Meant to say thank you. I think Mum sent you an owl.”

“Drew, under no uncertain terms will I be licking you…” Magnus said, though he blushed because he had licked Fade once… He started to draw painstakingly detailed.