Books and chats under the trees PV Alexander Harland Finished

Alex experienced a feeling of fulfilment upon observing Anna's genuine interest in Helga. Despite the fact that many people regard kindness as a facade of self-importance and insincerity, Alex had always considered it to be an essential virtue. As Helga enjoyed the slice of pear given to her by the young eagle, everyone in the vicinity appeared contented. Alex's green eyes would gleam with tenderness whenever he recognized Hogwarts as his true home, which was the case at present, due to the pleasant season and the harmonious universe. The sun's rays were uniformly spread over Anna's dark hair, Alex's blond locks, and Helga's spotted fur.

Anna's words revealed to the young boy that a portion of her family resided in France. This information left an impression on Alex, who had long held a fondness for France and its language. "I wish I knew French," he thought wistfully. However, Alex was roused from his daze by the next sentence from Anna, who responded positively to his hesitant offer of friendship. A broad grin illuminated Alex's face as he reached for the sandwich that Anna had left for him. Although he felt awkward accepting a treat from someone he had just met, his shyness gradually subsided when it came to forming new friendships. Settling onto the grass, he laid his legs out and propped himself up on his right elbow, saying, "The pleasure is mine." Then Alex's eyes shone with keen interest as he avidly absorbed Anna's detailed information about the Abraxans, fueled by his own passion for learning.

As the conversation shifted from Abraxans to broomsticks, Alex realised he had much to share about the topic as he had a complicated relationship with the art of flying. "If you had asked me a few months ago," he quipped with a gleeful roll of his eyes, "I would have said that brooms were terrible inventions!" A small laugh escaped him, causing his body to lose balance on his elbow. Although he blushed, he pretended nothing had happened to conceal his embarrassment. "Well..." he trailed off for a moment, trying to regain his composure and overcome the distraction his clumsiness had created in his mind. "Ah, yes, brooms..." He took a quick breath. "Flying has never been a favoured practice in my family, and I inherited that belief. I was determined to avoid riding a broom unless it was absolutely necessary. But after giving it a try, my perception changed. Brooms, apparently, are not bad inventions at all. I even joined the Quidditch team's tryouts! Who knows, maybe one day..." He took a bite of his sandwich. "However, I must admit that I'm still not a hooligan. Though I've developed a love for fair and chivalrous competition, I haven't strayed from my values enough to become a die-hard follower of the Quidditch league!" He laughed, balancing his body with ease this time. "What about you, Anna?" he asked. "Unfortunately, I don't think there are any sports involving Abraxans. Are you a sports enthusiast?"

@Anna Blackrose

There were several disadvantages of being content with himself - such a man would not crave building relationships with people around him. Nor did he feel the urge to make friends, not because he was necessarily aloof, but because he was satisfied to be alone. That was the main story of Alex's first months in this charming castle. Having spent some time here, though, he became more and more social. His fellow badgers were pleasant enough to spend time with, plus, there were several students Alex found quite kind, helpful, and funny to hang around. Anna was proven to be one of them. Alex was sincerely happy now that he had taken the first step, as his hesitant greeting apparently yielded a good friendship.

Spending a lovely sunny day with a new friend, alongside his loyal ferret, talking about books and their various experiences, and sharing delicious sandwiches made Alex feel truly grateful. He slightly chuckled with Anna after she shared one of her experiences regarding riding a broom. Alex knew the sentiment, since if it had been a few months ago, Anna's dislike for brooms would have resonated with him. His views concerning Quidditch had become somewhat positive these last days, yet he loyally continued to find the obsessive interest in the sport a little awkward.

When he heard Anna's suggestion, Alex agreed. They had both come here to read after all, and if they kept on chatting, they wouldn't have much time. A smile of approval appeared on Alex's face. "Yes, yes," he said sincerely. "We have indeed to get back to reading." He ran his fingers over Helga's hairy head, then put his book back in front of him. "Thanks for the conversation," he said gently, "it was very enjoyable." Flipping through the pages of the book, searching for where he had left off, "I hope we get a chance to chat again. For now, have a good read!" Alex said.

Both turned their gaze from each other to the magical world of books. A sweet wind swayed Alex's hair gently. Helga snuggled up to Alex's knees, preparing to slumber. Alex read the sentence for perhaps the fiftieth time: "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit."

@Anna Blackrose