PV Picturesque October ILLYA YORNIKOVYCH closed

Carolyn was a bit worried Illya would change his mind after her stuttering answer. The boy did no such thing however. He simply laughed, looking a bit relieved. The young witch was glad to see that he was at least somewhat affected by the situation. She would hate it if she was the only one getting flustered while the boy remained completely indifferent. “Me too.” She smiled at the Durmstrang student, feeling much calmer around him now that she was sure he wasn’t simply making fun of her. Finally, she felt a bit more like her usual self. The whole situation was still new to her but she could handle it now. Carolyn was about to ask, which of the two themes he was interested in but her company was much faster this time.

❝ But are you busy for today I want to know you more, more about Hogwarts too. ❞ Illya’s next question was actually a pleasant surprise. Carolyn assumed he just needed a partner and he might leave it at that but apparently, he was actually interested. She was definitely not the oversharing type and she would not give too much personal information to strangers but if his questions were harmless enough, she would happily answer. After all, she would also prefer to know, whom she was going with. It would be more fun than trying to enjoy the event with someone she knew nothing about. Sure, that COULD be interesting too yet it could also end up being a complete disaster. “Yes, that sounds like a good idea. I’m not busy and I think I might have some questions for you as well,” she answered the boy’s question with a gentle smile. “I’ll let you go first. What would you like to know?”

❝ Why did you choose Mordred? ❞ Carolyn smiled as Illya slowly sat beside her, obviously mindful of the distance between them. She was curious and a bit worried about the questions that might come up but there was very little she wanted to hide. Mostly she wondered whether he would ask about her family and how he would react upon hearing she was a half-blood witch. Even at Hogwarts there was plenty students, who scorned at wizards without pure heritage and as far as she knew Durmstrang was even worse in that regard. Then again, maybe it wasn’t as bad as people said. Illya sure didn’t seem like someone who would have a problem with it. For now though his point of interest seemed to be Mordred, which was completely okay with the witch.

“Honestly? Mostly I just really like those stories. Besides, not many people know but in the first mentions, Mordred was actually largely positive character. It was only later that people took him and made him a villain. I think that’s why I chose the name. Mordred is a good cat but for whatever reason, he is scared of people. He was almost year old when I bought him. Apparently, no one else wanted to take him, thinking he was an evil cat but I think he is just misunderstood.” As if on que, the feline approached her owner seemingly done playing and nuzzled against her back. Carolyn chuckled. “He is a smart one too,” she said while scratching her pet behind the ear, giving Illya a moment to process all the information. “I also have a dog at home. That one is called Morgana and the story is quite similar. At the beginning, her role was simply described as a goddess, a fay or a sorceress, generally benevolent and related to King Arthur as his magical savior and protector. My Morgana is definitely a protector of our home so it fits her perfectly.” Carolyn added some more information to the mix.

For a moment after that, the young Ravenclaw wondered whether she should just let Illya ask another question before doing so herself but then she decided one simple inquiry wouldn’t hurt. After all, the topic was already there. “What about you? Do you have any pets?” She asked curiously.