[Monday, September 12th, 2016]
"Wand movement and incantation." The words appeared in large letters in the upper most boards that towered over the class, because of course Hermione needed all six of them. She waved her wand to reveal the day's agenda and got right into it.
"These next two weeks, we'll be focusing on incantation and etymology for most spell work. Understanding language is the foundation of incantation, but what if I told you that understanding yourself was much more prudent?
"Today we are going to look at one of the most complex pieces of magic that continues to perplex even the most skilled witches and wizards–the Patronus."
Hermione's lecture went on for the full three hours and then some. As the topic came to a dead stop, she reminded them they'd review the second half of the lesson the following week.
"Remember this week instead of our application and review classes, I have reserved the study lab for the hour in the main library. We will begin planning your main project for the year and we'll work together to go through some topic options.
"Also, next Monday is the last day to submit applications for the student-aide positions, but please don't wait until then to hand those in. You can also owl them to the main office. Each applicant is to be registered for future consideration if you are not selected. You're dismissed."
Students lingered, talking amongst themselves before their next class and a fair few approached the gallery to have a chat with her. After a few minutes, Rolf joined them in a spirited debate on what patronuses said about the witch or wizard who cast them. Particularly if the patronus was an average animal versus a magical creature.
Before Hermione realised it, two more hours had passed, all the students were gone and she and Rolf were sitting on the edge of the gallery discussing the differences between Abraxans and Unicorns, and the viability of crossbreeding.
"Abraxans are far too aggressive," Rolf tried to reason with her.
"Well yes, but what if you were to have a mild-mannered female Abraxan and a slightly aggressive male unicorn. Wouldn't their temperament level out?"
"Do my ears deceive me? Mild-mannered female? I didn't know such a phrase could be uttered these days."
Hermione chuckled, "What's that supposed to mean? Isn't that how breeding works?"
"Breeding is a delicate art, yes," Rolf said with a hint of meaning. His head tilted away and Hermione couldn't help but notice it was a perfect angle. His loose bronze curls fell just above his green eyes that held her gaze for a good long while in the silence.
Rolf was gentle and kind, yet fun and spunky. The combination resulted in a unique ability to set a comfortable tone, as if they had been friends for a lifetime. Hermione couldn't help but be drawn to him, but after another lingering moment she needed to fill the silence.
"Do you think they could be compatible?" she asked, trying to be subtle.
"A Unicorn and Abraxan?" A small smirk played on the edges of his lips, his eyes still burrowing holes into her own.
"Mm, yes," she said softly.
"I think so," he purred, the timbre of his voice deepening. More silence threatened as he leaned toward her.
"Perhaps you should try," her shoulders quirked up, an effort to shake the growing desire to kiss him.
"Crossbreed a Unicorn and Abraxan?" he asked again, as if he couldn't quite believe she would be propositioning him for sex. She giggled as his face reddened.
"Yes!" her laughter echoed off the walls and he joined her.
"I suppose I could look into it," he rubbed the back of his head. He took a breath before ripping off the bandaid. "So I was thinking, how would you like to have dinner with me?"
"Dinner? A date?" she wanted to make sure it wasn't just another meeting of the minds so to speak.
"Yes," he confirmed, his eyes softening again.
"That sounds like a great idea."
"Excellent. Friday?"
"Friday."