Tess' morning had started off innocently enough. A shower, a change of clothing, and at the end of classes, curling under her blankets for a wonderful day in. She was in the midst of reading an assigned piece of work when she got interrupted by a soft clicking and at her window. Removing her glasses, she got up and walked towards the window looking at the owl with curiosity. Definitely didn't belong to anyone she knew. But curiosity got the best of her. Pulling the latch she opened her window and allowed the owl to enter. Her brown eyes looked at it curiously as it dropped the letter, almost human-like on her desk.

Walking over, she noticed the seal. Purebloods all had their unique seals, but this one didn't. Humming softly, she threw herself on the couch, as gracefully as she possibly could (not that well) and wiggled into the original position, then she began to read the letter. Her eyes ran through each word, and looked genuinely surprised. Once her studies had started she'd completely forgotten about Codey, even more his promise of letting her see dragons.

Do not bother trying to reply via owl, because my owl is trained not to accept anything unless I say so, and my place has been charmed so as to not allow any creatures except those I approve to enter. I have had too many women try and send me letters or pictures of indecent nature, and this is the only solution I could think of.

Raising her brow at that part of the letter she looked at the owl in surprise. As if he could understand. Laughing softly, she shook her head, Codey was definitely an interesting person.

"You can leave, I am not those kinds of ladies anyways" she replied amused. "but-" she got up from the couch and poured some owl pellets to a small bowl before placing it before the bird, "you can help yourself before you leave. Can't have him thinking you were mistreated now can we?"

Looking back at the letter she reminded herself that she definitely needed to meet with him. When would she have another opportunity. Smiling brightly to herself she found herself thinking about the possibilities of what she would see.

The next morning was one that was met with a whine. Tess hasn't been able to sleep; in the excitement of thinking about the opportunity. Now she regretted it. Slapping her hand over her alarm, she got up and rolled out of bed getting ready. A warm shower woke her up. With a pair of leggings and a long-sleeved dress, she was ready for the day, her boots polished and clean.

It was almost ten when she aparated, forcing herself to get used to it. She walked quickly to the agreed spot, quick enough to seem enthusiastic, but not too quick to seem desperate. She couldn't help but smile as she saw the professor in his official attire. This was definitely a change, for many reasons. For one thing they weren't covered in beach sand, and the second was that she'd chopping off her hair since then. Smiling shyer than before, she was unsure if he would judger her too.

"Morning professor"

At his greeting, Tess was relieved to see that he was the same as ever. It was almost sickening, she would later look back and see, how much she cared about others said about her. Image meant everything in her family, in her pureblood culture, no one would outwardly say anything cruel, at least not to someone unrelated and in public. But she knew nothing more than this. So she tugged the longer sleeves of her dress in nervousness in the realization she was about to really get what she had been promised.

But her bright mood slowly dampened. From one comment about her change, made her shrink a little bit. Was he being snide? The smile was still on his face, almost as if it was the only expression he could do. But the way he continued made her realize that there was no such thing as a perfect image behind a smile. Even as perfect as Codey's, her smile slowly dimmed and her eyes lost their glimmer, like acceptance that this was just something in passing.

"Were you pleased with the results? Or did the place you go to do that annoying thing where one inch turns into three. Or, in your case, about eight."

His last comment made her almost want to leave at that very moment. Dragons be damned. His first comment seemed normal enough, but soon as he began to call it a mistake, something in her shifted. She looked up at the taller man and truly looked at him. Pureblood obviously, a man who had an idea of what a woman signified, and either didn't realize it, but insinuated that her haircut was a mistake. Maybe it was, but she'd pushed through and she would own it.

"Very pleased" she said smoothly, the shyness gone, instead disappointment was shown.

As he opened the door, she somehow managed to give herself grace like a proper lady should and walked through. Doing it for the dragons she reminded herself. And despite the sense of humiliation at his comment, despite everything she had finally gotten to see them. For one thing they were huge, and in her whole life, she had never felt so weak. No person had managed to make her feel like she was this small, the way dragon's disposition naturally did. Her eyes trailed from left to right, trying to take everything in.

"Oh" was all she could breathe out, shock just running through her. Despite she saw the some of Codey's imperfections under one simple comment, for one thing a sharp tongue, she walked forward slowly as her eyes landed on the Catalonian fireball. "Can I?" she asked pointing at the beautiful dragon.

At his apology, Tess wondered briefly if it was genuine. She briefly remembered what her brother told her: 'The smoother the apology the more disingenuous it can be'. But it wasn't the moment to hold grudges, she didn't need to resent him when she was being shown dragons. So she forced her sharp tongue to lesson and instead nod briefly not wanting to dwell on how his comment hurt her. His second part of his half-apology made her nod, it was true, it wasn't his business what he thought of her, all that mattered was the sooner she got used to it, the sooner she could be back to her cranky self.

But all those thoughts, the walls building up from his words, were put on hold as she took in the Catalonian Fireball. As she followed behind Codey, she was glad she had the outfit she did as her boots went into the snowy environment. Being given the coat, she put it over herself as directed, it was heavier than she expected and far too big for her, but she pulled it closer. Walking in, she noticed there was a man already making conversations with Codey. When he noticed her, she smiled awkwardly, not quite sure what to do, since it was obvious he didn't want to talk while she was there.

"There is an invisible barrier here, so be careful to step directly behind me - the footsteps in the snow should be easy to spot."

Nodding at his directions, she slowly moved through. It was easy to see why the dragon could blend so easily in Catalonian mountains. As he threw the spell towards the large pile of close, she closed her eyes as the snow began to blow everywhere. Blinking some snowflakes from her lashes she took in the dragon in all it's beauty and gasped softly.

"The Catalonian Fireball," he said quietly. "Not too much a danger to humans, deadly to birds, which is their favourite prey. Beautiful, aren't they?"


She had barely heard him, instead she took the dragon in. It was a gorgeous white color, the scales glittering beautifully, yet blending in to perfectly with the white snow. The silver spines were the only difference in color. Her eyes trailed from it's beautiful skin, to it's claws, large, and curled inwardly. Overall the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. She almost moved forward, as if in a trance, but forced herself to remain where she was as she took the beautiful creature in.

"Gorgeous" she breathed out.

The way she heard Codey speak to the dragon made her smile softly. It was a nurturing tone, sweet, calm, like he had a personal connection with it. Her eyes trailed from the man, slowly to the dragon once more and took her in. It was a her based on her size, and took a deep breath trying to get the feel of the environment and take everything she could for her memory. She took in the fresh scent of snow, and yet the burning smell from the dragon. It was all she could take in.

"Sorry I had to cut that meet short," he said as they walked. "She recently became a mother, and is in a more grumpy state than normal; she needs her rest."

At the mention of the dragon being a mother, her lips parted and she turned to take new appreciation for the creature. She was a mother, she briefly wondered why her egg wasn't near her, but she said nothing, not bothering to try and figure it out. Codey knew what was best and who was she to question it. When he asked which one she would ask next, her eyes brightened and looked at the other cages. Her eyes glittered when she saw Vipertooth and turned to look at him.

"Too dangerous?" she asked

Tess had been surprised in the way that he didn't immediately deny her request. In fact, she was excited at the prospect of danger coming her way. Walking behind him, she popped her head in as he began to talk to the man named Henry. Her ears perked up as she heard 'pregnancy'. She highly doubted it was a coincidence that two dragons were already bred. Usually they were similar to other creatures and mate during Spring, but summer had just passed and in the cold coming fall, it was a rare thing to think about. She didn't say anything aloud, instead took in the idea that she was going to see a feeding.

"You're lucky, Miss Tess. Today, you get to see the Vipertooth feed. I hope you are not squeamish?"


At the mention of a feeding, her eyes went from the dragon habitat to Codey in surprise. A goat? Squeamish? She wasn't a squeamish person by nature, and the thought of blood did not phase her one bit. Yet the idea was morbid of seeing something get eaten. But wasn't that nature in general. Shaking her head at his question, she saw the signal being given for the goat to be lowered. She gulped softly, gripping the coat tighter as she realized exactly what was happening. The poor thing looked around side to side, the noise of distress coming from it. She almost closed her eyes, had it not been for that fact that the sneaky dragon popped out of nowhere. The smooth copper color, was highlighted all the more by the small horns that adorned it. She'd read about how quick they were, and read about how dragons in general fed. But nothing would ever twist her stomach, like it did the moment she saw the poor goat. One cry and the venom was injected into the creature.

Her eyes widened seeing the dragon just rip it to shreds. She closed her eyes hearing the first crunch, then opened them again to see her just look at them, yet she knew she possibly couldn't being a one way mirror. Ignoring the shiver that ran down her spine she looked up at the man.

"They're all different aggression levels aren't they?" she asked softly, "do they ever learn to trust?"

"That they are, especially when they are hungry, even more so when pregnant. If she had not been pregnant, you would be with me in the enclosure, and all the extra security would not be needed."

If any member of her family found out she was standing behind a man in front of a dragon, a pregnant dragon at that, during feeding. Beasts, she was told, were beneath her. Were wild and dangerous and not something an heir like her should be around. So perhaps that's what intrigued her, the idea of adventure. And as the dragon fed, she couldn't help but look up at Codey as he began to talk about the idea of aggression and how it was simply heightened during her pregnancy.

At the mention of him asking why she didn't want to be a dragon trainer made her laugh softly. She wasn't good enough, not strong enough, couldn't even get a cat to listen to her, or a human, how could she get a large dragon to listen to her. "I'm not strong like some of your students" she murmured. Rhian could do this, she could be outgoing and just go gung-ho about all of it. But Tess would over think it. Go in circles before actually taking actions and that was downfall.

""The Vipertooth, is small, but has the most human killings to its name. Unlike some of the bigger species, it doesn't make a habit of hiding from people, but rather chasing after them with a passion for the taste of their meat. A perfect example that size does not matter, because this is the smallest species of dragons in recorded existence, and yet, is the one that has caused the most trouble."


Looking towards him, she was taken aback from his analogy. Did he mean that she could be like a Vipertooth? Be as brave and daring as the dragon being fed? She felt a bit ashamed at saying it out loud, that she wasn't strong like the others. But...taking a deep breath she felt herself say something that might have been entirely too stupid.

"Can I attend one of your classes then? Inviting me to go?" she teased softly.

After all, slowly with each pen she found herself wishing to touch a dragon, just be around it and feel that power vibrating from the beasts. All the more as he spoke about trust, the more she wanted to see it for herself. The fact that a man like him believed that there was such a thing made her wonder the same thing.

And you, Miss Tess, have more logic than some of the best dragon trainers as proclaimed by the Ministry put together."

Tess laughed softly shaking her head at his statement. He was a charmer, yet his flirtatious attitude she realized was just who he was. This was his element and she, was welcomed for just a moment to realize just how wonderful it could be.

"I could get used to this you know?" she said aloud as they moved from the pen, "The dragons, the adrenaline, the...rush of seeing them for who they are. And the dragon eggs! Oh will you be taking care of them yourself? If it's not too much of a hassle, could I possibly...see them hatch?"

Her eyes brightened at the thought. Seeing the birth of something intrigued her more than anything. From a child, to a litter of kittens to a large dragon it made her want to learn more about life. On her own.

"Which would you like to visit next?"

"I'd love to see the Opaleye" she breathed out, disbelief that she had the opportunity. "Will she be pregnant too? Like the ones before? Because I doubt that's all a coincidence."

"You misunderstand the essence of being a dragon trainer," he said firmly, but quietly. "The strength required is of your mind, of your personality. Strength not of the physical sense, but the kind of strength that is tenderness, and openness to new scenarios, and a heart for the dragons."

Tess lowered her gaze as he began to speak more about it. Maybe she was wrong, well based on his tone she knew she was wrong in his eyes at the perspective of a dragon trainer. If she was honest with herself there was one thing that she knew she had: intelligence. No matter how often she was told how pretty she was, or how lovely she'd grown, no compliment was more accepted than being told she was smart. She knew she was, but being told was more reassuring. She had that, she knew that was her foot in the door. Her personality on the other hand? Well that needed some work she supposed. She smiled softly at his description. She slowly was beginning to see that there was more than just brute strength when it came towards the career.

Especially as she was allowed to visit the class. She clapped her hands and grinned brightly. Brighter than it had been for a long time. Slowly everything was coming together, especially if she was doing what she wanted. The mention of homework made her smirk.

"Well I figure I can keep up with your students no problem." she teased. "Shame I can't see these eggs hatch. I do hope that whoever does get them appreciates it."

Birth was nothing something she'd seen before. Books described it so analytical, and she went along with it, but she knew that it would differ to actually see it. Shame really, but she would see something starting their lives, if not creatures, then it would be through her healing and babies. Still she took on the excitement at the fact that the Opaleye would be not only introduced to her, but it would be pregnant. It made her nervous, the way he told her they could enter into the actual pen. She hesitated for a second, instead taking in the environment around them. So lovely, so much put into a pen astounded her.

"She's not as fierce," he said, starting down a slope. "Can you manage? Anyway, like I was saying, I raised her, so she won't be aggressive."

Slowly she followed, her eyes trying to absorb everything, but as he reached out his hand, she immediately took it and tentatively crossed the stream as gracefully as she could. Her graceful nature disappeared as soon as she took in the dragon before her. Oh, oh Merlin. Placing a hand on her chest, she took in the beauty.

"Oh" she breathed in surprise.

"At least, I certainly hope they do, as well, or I will have a serious problem on my hands."

Tess looked at the man curiously and smirked softly realizing that he said they. So they would be disbursed around, but enough that he had to care about it? Interesting. Nodding her head instead she walked deeper into the enclosure taking the dragon in. Her breathe hitched as the colors glittered so beautifully from the scales. Like a rainbow, and she couldn't believe how surreal it was to stand before it. Far away she could hear him telling her more about the dragon.

"Beautiful, isn't she? I found the egg abandoned when I was trekking in Australia. I kept watch for a few days in case the mother returned, but she never did, and so I took the egg and hatched it myself. I raised her, and earned her trust - although most dragon trainers laugh at this idea, they cannot prove otherwise - and now she is like my giant pet. Of course, it helps that the Opaleye is the least aggressive dragon species to begin with.

"She is" she breathed out, "Does she have a name? She seems like a Skittles"

And she did, the way she looked so special and was. Simply because she was raised by humans and that was definitely something unheard of. Seems that Codey was proud of his baby, and she saw pride in his description of her.

Tess hadn't even realized she had let her thoughts come out. She had stopped doing that as an early child because it caused others to cry or even look at her weirdly. But as she looked back to smile brightly, she noticed his expression. Codey Ellingson always seemed so composed yet at this very moment, he looked like he needed to be reanimated. Realizing what she'd done, she looked a bit wide-eyed and a bit embarrassed. She couldn't believe she'd said something so immature. But at the twitch of his lip and the way he began to speak she hoped he wouldn't kick her out.

"No, she doesn't have a name," he started slowly, corners of his lips twitching in amusement. "But if you wish, I suppose .. Skittles is an intriguing name. Care to explain your reasoning?"

Moving her bang from her face, she looked back at the dragon and began to explain. "My best friend Rhian, she introduced me to this candy, called Skittles. They're tiny circles with different colors and their catchphrase is, taste the rainbow. The colorful scales on this beauty" she said pointing at the edges so smoothly, "cause a light effect to happen on her scales making her glitter, like a rainbow. And her eyes, just look at her eyes" she breathed out forcing herself to not move forward, "they're multicolored and gorgeous, a walking rainbow. A Skittles"

She laughed softly a bit embarrassed but she couldn't help but admit it. But as he chuckled she looked over her cheeks rising in color. Maybe she mucked everything up even more.

"Of course, if you name one, you have to name the others - that is part of the reason I don't give names. It is just too tedious to name all the dragons I come across. But if you wish, you could help christen the rest, and I will ensure a plaque is made for each dragon to be placed below that of the species."

"But people are named Sir" she replied quickly, "and they're far more tedious than these beautiful beasts. And less appealing to look at if I may be quite honest. But I wouldn't mind christening them, it gives them an added personality if you ask me. And-"

Her words were cut off as she noticed the dragon take flight. Oh right as she flapped her wings the light hit the scales and she was enthralled. She closed her eyes as the large gust of wind came their way, forcing her to take a few steps back in surprise. But so worth it as she saw the majestic dragon fly.

. "Skittles it is, Miss Tess. I shall have a name plate made, and I will call you once that's been done so you may have the honour of placing it,"

Tess laughed softly at his tone, as if they were properly talking about something serious. There was no hint of malice in his tone for her childish comment. She couldn't have helped it, and despite her flushed cheeks her embarrassment was long gone. If he was teasing she didn't mind it, so long as her childish nature wasn't held against her.

Still, as he laughed at her comment about people, Tess grinned pleased at herself. Someone understood her dislike of people and more attachment to beasts. Smiling to herself she instead concentrated on the dragon, taking in her beauty in the best way she could. Tilting her head, she noticed how big she seemed, definitely the hormones. At the mention of her going into the career and majoring, she nodded.

"I am genuinely considering it. I'll visit the headmaster tomorrow to try and pick up the second one. I think that you sold me on it" she murmured.