Partners in study and laughter PV Finished

Edward was determined to be a straight-O student, but he knew that would be a challenge in classes like herbology and potions with a practical component that wasn't just the proper casting of spells - that, he could master with proper practice of the precise pronunciation of the incantations and careful execution of the wand movements. No amount of studying, however, would give him the eyes and hands necessary to properly measure and mix a volatile suspension in Potions or the strength and stamina to handle a wailing mandrake in Herbology. Those only came with experience, or perhaps a bit of innate talent, in the case of the latter, he had heard it called 'a green thumb'.

In the case of herbology, each year of his life thus far he had done some gardening with his grandmother who taught him the basics, but she had always been there with him to instruct him on what to do and, if he couldn't manage it on his own, assist him or step in to finish the job. Now, however, that he was at Hogwarts, he thought he would need to manage it by himself. And so it was that he found himself heading to the assigned first-year Greenhouse early, seeking to get a lay of the land prior to class.

He was surprised to find that another student had arrived even earlier - and by the look of him being already deeply involved in... whatever it was he was doing, not a short time earlier either 'how curious' he thought. It appeared to be a boy, slightly taller than himself, with dark hair, though a bit lighter than his own, sun-dappled skin, and a Gryffindor too, by his uniform - no wonder he was bold enough to have came so early, probably as soon as the doors were unlocked judging by his progress with whatever it was he had been doing.

Edward studied him curiously as he walked forward, until he was close enough that eye-contact was the more polite thing to do. As the other boy grinned with a blush, Edward responded with a warm smile, the intense sunlight of the greenhouse glinting lightly in his honey eyes.

«Are you early too, or are the rest really late?» the boy asked, which made Edward give a small, reflexive chuckle. He didn't reply immediately as he recognized the question was actually a quip. His chuckle did grow a bit more intense as the other dragged his dirt-covered glove through his hair. Edward responded again with a warm smile as the boy threw his arms out in a welcoming manner.

«Since we’re both here, why don’t we partner up for class?» he had asked, that now was a proper question. It only took him a second to process it: having a herbology partner dedicated enough to be coming even earlier than he, who seemed to be 'at home' getting his hands dirty, was in fact the ideal. He wouldn't have to go at it alone after all it seemed. Edward's smile brightened as replied, "Why yes, I think that would be lovely! Partners it is." accepting the offer with an eager tone. "I'm Edward. Edward Bishop. Hufflepuff," (as if it weren't obvious from his uniform) "very pleased to meet you." he says, in a tone which seems genuine. He takes his own protective gloves out and slides them on before offering a handshake.

Interacting with: @Edward Bishop

Dialogue: 225700

Words: 275

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As embarrassing as it was having someone walk in on him talking to the plants as if they were people, Max was secretly glad for the company. His smile grew wider as he got a few laughs for his antics. Making others laugh was what he was best at and brought him the most joy after all. «I’ll just clear up the workstation a bit, then you can knock yourself out too!» He began sweeping weeds and a bit of dirt from the table and into his palm. Even if they were in the greenhouse it would be a shame to have the floor covered with waste. He was about to turn and throw it away in a compost bin right when Edward introduced himself and offered his hand. Oh, right, manners and all. Staring down at his filled hands for a moment he offered a sheepish grin once more. «Just one second!» He turned on his heel and speeded to throw the waste and back again. Reaching out and eagerly grabbing Edwards hand in both of his. «Pleasure, Edwin!» The embarrassment of the moment alone was enough to excuse any misremembering, right? «Max here. I suppose it’s Max Kenneally Vidler, but Max is more than enough.» Finally letting go of his hand from the rather firm handshake he had tried to maintain, Max waved at the workbench which was at least a little more declutterred. «Are you interested in herbology too, since you’re here early I mean?» It didn’t really matter though, Max was glad of the company. But he had yet to meet someone as passionate about the subject as he was.

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Rather than being offended at the other boy mis-remembering his name so quickly, he instead finds it charmingly humorous, he chuckles good-naturedly after a raise of the eyebrow. Even funnier to him that was the same thing his roommate back in Hufflepuff had mistakenly called him the first night they met. Maybe to them he had an accent himself after all? In either case, after Max introduces himself, he nods to the invitation to address him casually, "Max it is!" he says with a nod, and smile.

Max went on to ask him whether he were interested in the subject. Rather than give him the answer that Edward thought he might like to hear, as perhaps a Slytherin might, Edward decided to be honest even if that meant a bit of an explanation, "Actually, I'm interested in all my classes ~ I grew up homeschooled and my parents and grandparents were all Hogwarts graduates, so I grew up always looking forward to finally coming and learning properly... even Flying, though I'll admit I'm terribly afraid of heights" he says, hoping that Max won't make fun of his opening up his vulnerability about his fear of heights.

He looked over the garden project that Max had been working on while he was tidying up a bit, with a hrm as Max invited him to join in right away. "Why don't you show me what it is you were working on first? I didn't mean to interrupt..." he said thoughtfully, with genuine curiosity.

Interacting with: @Edward Bishop

Dialogue: 225700

Words: 300

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That he said the wrong name went unnoticed by Max. Too busy with the vibe of the greenhouse perhaps. But he did his best to pay attention when Edward spoke. He honestly did consider laughing at the part of being scared of heights. He couldn’t imagine! But he thankfully thought better of it and nodded solemnly «I suppose there are many things being taught here that I haven’t thought much about.» He mused before adding with a smile «It would get pretty boring if everyone only cared about herbology, not to mention crowded!» Shaking his head a bit with a chuckle before once again getting a solemn expression «I don’t get the height thing, as I quite like climbing trees. But there is a thing with the wind when you’re in the air. Feels like it blows from all directions, and could easily knock you off if not careful» He seemed to ponder his own statement for a moment before showing Edward what he had been working on with a proud smile. «Of course, no worries! This is Annabelle» Waving his hand at a rather pitiful looking Dittany plant. She has been feeling a bit under the weather. Not quite enough exposure to sunlight I think. So I plan on giving her a new spot to hang out over there» He waved his hand in direction of a table filled with other plants before fondly placing his hand on the pot. «She will do most the work of healing herself, but I planned on pruning a bit to shape and get rid of withered leaves» Looking over at Edward he took a small step to the side to make room. «How about you focus on that side, and I focus on this one?» He suggests picking up his own pliers.

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Max spoke up again, «I suppose there are many things being taught here that I haven’t thought much about» Edward nodded but he didn't add anything, he didn't want to make it seem like he was lecturing his new herbology partner. «It would get pretty boring if everyone only cared about herbology, not to mention crowded!» that made Edward laugh lightly, he didn't care much for crowds either so he could relate "Very true" he agreed. Max continued, «I don’t get the height thing, as I quite like climbing trees. But there is a thing with the wind when you’re in the air. Feels like it blows from all directions, and could easily knock you off if not careful» Edward paled at that, which was hard to do given how pale he was already, though the laughter prior had brought some color to his cheeks. "Have you had your first flying lesson yet? Thankfully we didn't have to lift very high off the ground to complete it that time, but if you did, surely you heard what the Professor said about accidents both magical and mundane in the air being highly likely to result in death..." he shifted nervously, before adding more optimistically - as he was naturally an optimist, "thankfully herbology all takes place entirely on the ground - well, almost anyway" he says with a smile with his color returning as he looked up to the top of the greenhouse to see some colorful Umbrella Flowers dangling as if floating.

It was then he looked back to Max and asked for him to show him what he had been working on, «Of course, no worries! This is Annabelle» Max explained. Edward looked over the plant curiously - wondering why Max decided to name it, maybe he thought of it as a pet, he had only heard of a very few magical plants being given that sort of treatment and usually only by their owners, but this was school property, wasn't it? Edward hrm'd curiously and continued listening, She has been feeling a bit under the weather. Not quite enough exposure to sunlight I think. So I plan on giving her a new spot to hang out over there» Edward looked towards where Max waved his hand then looked back. He gave Max a more empathetic look at the idea of 'Annabelle' being under the weather, but still didn't speak up, letting him take the lead, «She will do most the work of healing herself, but I planned on pruning a bit to shape and get rid of withered leaves» Edward gave an encouraging smile at that as Max looked over to him before he stepped aside, «How about you focus on that side, and I focus on this one?» "Well, if you're sure, just let me know if I'm doing anything wrong, I wouldn't want to do anything to hurt it-her-more" Edward replied as he took up the cutting sheers and gently and carefully trimmed his side of the plant, watching Max how he was doing it and following the example.

Edward smiled back at Max now and then as the two encouraged one another in doing a good job to prune the dittany. Just in time, they finished the task as the rest of the class began to come in preparing for the class to begin formally. Edward helped Max return Anabelle to clear the workstation for whatever new lesson the Professor had in store today. He smiled again now more brightly while awaiting the start of the class, standing proudly beside his new herbology partner - and friend.

Interacting with: @Edward Bishop

Dialogue: 225700

Words: 251

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Max had indeed had his first flying lesson so he nodded. Paling a bit remembering the professors words of warning from that first day. That class had not gone as well as Max would have liked. Barely off his tippy toes and he overbalanced and fell off the broom. «I suppose it is said partly to make us a bit more cautious, and partly to keep us in line» He mused before giving a low snort and nod. «Thankfully so!» Max war quite proud to show off his work. It was Annabelle after all. Not that he didn’t name all of the plants he cared for. He usually kept the names to himself, as it was just a tad too embarrassing to talk about out loud. But when Edward asked he simply said it right out. Edward not being so taken with herbology, Max found it best to start them off with the name and with it the knowledge that plants had personality and had personal preferences. «Don’t worry» He assured before giving a grin «There is actually very little you can do that is entirely wrong» The boys worked mostly in silence, broken only by a few whispered words here and there. As the rest of the class filled in, Annabelle were set aside and a lessons worth of knowledge were ready to be received. Max snuck a look at his partner for the day. He seemed to do quite alright. Maybe next week he could introduce him to Barry?

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