bird brains | sari

[Elijah Theron Fleming]

only dust settles.

THERE WAS A CHICKEN ON THE LOOSE AND IT was entirely Eli's fault. He chased after the bird, its wings flapping in agitation as it ran rings around him. All the while he cursed himself for staying so close to the castle on a free period. He was supposed to be studying, but had somehow found himself wandering around campus when he'd found the small coup of rusty red chickens.

Something had been gnawing at the wire caging because when Eli had shifted a plank of wood braced over the fence in an effort to get a better look he'd inadvertently exposed a massive hole in the side. It was almost as if the chickens had known because sooner than he'd realised three had hopped out and made a run for it. Eli had managed to recapture two, but the last one was a stubborn old hen.

"Please, I'm begging you." Eli plead with the animal as if it could understand him, crouched down with his arms outstretched. "Just... get back in your pen and- and I'll bring you the best seed I can-" Someone rounded the corner of the Herbology greenhouses and Eli straightened at the same time as the chicken clucked angrily. He looked incredibly guilty, hands pulled behind his back, face wide open and panicked red. But, when he saw a familiar head of blond hair, he sagged with relief.

"Sari!" He exclaimed, shaking his head wearily. Sari had been Eli's appointed Hufflepuff guide when he'd first arrived at Hogwarts. She'd shown him around and he'd quickly grown to like her, even if she was a bit full of herself sometimes. It was kind of funny, most of the time. "Please help me..." He proclaimed, gesturing to the chicken which was doing a one legged dance right by the greenhouses propped open door. If it got inside Eli would surely be caught. "She's taunting me!" 

@sari

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

oh buddy .

The ruckus of clucking chicken hens and pleads coming from a familiar voice had Sari Fawley and many other students’ interest as they began to ignore the words coming from their wise professor inside the Herbology greenhouses. Thankfully for Sari, Herbology was her last lesson of the day and their so called wise professor was also rather old and forgetful. With the flapping sounds seeming to increase, Sari took the silence in the room as well as her professor’s attention elsewhere as the perfect opportunity to leave the Greenhouse and run in the direction of the noise. And soon, she discovered what she expected.

Blue eyes watched as Elijah, with outstretched arms begged a hen to return to the pen and a soft giggle left the blonde’s lips. In the short time she had known Eli, after being paired with him through the buddy system as the Ilvermorny transfers settled into Hogwarts; she thoroughly enjoyed his company – even if she took up most of his time complaining with her own boy…or girl troubles. But as soon as he noticed her, Sari couldn’t help but flash him a wide grin along with a struggling concerned look.

”Eli.” Sari began, trying to remain serious as he spoke of the chicken’s taunts. ”She’s only ‘taunting’ you because you’re disturbing her freedom.” But Sari hadn’t run here to tease Eli also, but more so be his saviour. Again. The blonde stepped forward, taking small steps closer to the hen with her hand stretched. She watched as small black eyes stared back at her, but the Fawley noticed the hen made no hesitation to move. And so, Sari was able to pick up the chicken in one fateful swoop. ”Aren’t you a good…chicken.” Sari murmured, as her hand petted the head of the hen.

Walking back towards the pen where many other chickens clucked and flapped their wings, the Fawley leaned over and plopped the chicken in its rightful place, before covering the top of the fence that Eli had curiously moved away. ”What would you do without me?” She questioned as she turned to him.

Elijah Theron Fleming & hope this works!

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Elijah Theron Fleming]

only dust settles.

AS FAR AS ELI HAD OBSERVED SARI WAS A BIT OF a 'free spirit'. She had always said what was on her mind, and rarely did anything she didn't want to. So, when Eli asked for her help, he wondered whether or not she'd give him it. He sighed when she spoke, a little exasperated but keeping his cool as he shook his head. "Yeah, that's kind of the point..." He continued edging towards the hen, alternating between looking at it and Sari as he waited for her decision. "But, they're in the pen for a reason, I think." And Eli had been the one stupid enough to let them out. "And if I just leave her..." She could get eaten, a professor might find out. The possibilities were endless.

However, almost as quickly as Eli had asked, Sari swooped in and plucked the chicken up from the ground. She hadn't even thought about running off, the little devil. Eli put his hands on his hips, a little breathless with a chicken feather stuck to the top of his head and grass stains on his knees and elbows. "How... did you do that, you little witch?!" He asked, a look of amused shock on his face as he peered over the pens edge and saw the chickens all waddling around like nothing had happened. Eli was a little less inconspicuous.

"Uh..." Eli laughed through his nose as he thought about Sari's rhetorical question. "Probably end up in detention..." Which was true, he'd surely been seen chasing the chickens. And Eli was already a regular with the groundskeeper, nor was he a stranger to a couple thousand 'lines'.

"My saviour..." He declared after a minute, swiftly letting his sour lemons go about her one-upping him so easily. He slung an arm over her shoulders, a little sweaty and dishevelled. "I owed you one" He said casually, looking down at her. He liked Sari, truly. She wasn't like any of his other friends. And in normal circumstances they might not get along, but they did. "Where're you next?" He asked curiously, it was almost lunch time. 

@sari

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

oh buddy .

It was easy enough to crack a smile or burst into laughter whenever Sari Fawley was with Eli. Around the seventh year, events were usually hit or miss depending on the situation itself and whether or not the blonde was bothered enough to help Eli with his minor mistakes. The blonde turned, a grin beaming as she rested her hands on her hips like a proud super-hero. ”Easy. Treat the chicken like a friend, not food!” She said, turning her head to watch the chickens waddle side by side.

The arm that slung over her shoulders unexpectedly was met with a soft giggle leaving the Fawley’s lips and a nod in agreement to the curly-haired boy’s statement. ”Here to always save the day.” She expressed amusingly. ”Although…Don’t you owe me like…five now?” The question was simple but teasing enough and even so more rhetorical than actively seeking an answer. Though Elijah’s next question threw Sari’s attention span in the opposite direction as she reminded herself she had kind of…snuck out of a class to help him. Her days were scheduled enough for her to recall every class but a moment goofing off – like her sister would call it – led to her stepping back.

”Umm…” The blonde hummed as her brain racked for an answer. ”Either Charms with Ms Choi or Muggle Studies with my sister…” A groan was shortly introduced after as Sari planted a hand in front of her face. She had hoped to spend the afternoon with Ms Choi considering the Charms teacher didn’t ask many questions nor had any reason to question her appearance for the day; unlike her sister who would catch her out on the minor details – i.e. somehow found out she skipped a class to help a friend. ”You?” She asked, turning her head to meet his own.

Elijah Theron Fleming

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Elijah Theron Fleming]

only dust settles.

DONNING AN EXPRESSION OF COMPLETE OFFENCE, Eli slapped a hand to his chest at Sari's passing remark. "I did not look at them like they were food," He argued, shaking his head as he bent over the coup to tell the chickens personally. "I was not looking at you like you were food." And then he turned his head back to Sari. He still owed her one, even if she had insulted his delicate sensibilities. And he told her so, slinging his arm around her shoulders as he did.

"Five?" Eli scoffed, shirking away slightly to look down at Sari. "That's gotta be an exaggeration." He was smiling though, because he might well have owed her that many. "Though, to be fair," He told her as he turned his head back, walking with her. "That's kind of your fault for never cashing in." He shrugged, kissing his teeth before letting out a slight laugh.

Eli's arm fell from Sari's shoulder as she stepped back and for a second he wondered if he offended her, racking his brain as to how. "Oh," He breathed when he realised it might not have been him after all. "I'm supposed to have this tutoring session for NEWT's next..." He mumbled, kicking his feet and avoiding eye contact. "But, I... don't really want to go." It wasn't with Ashley, so he didn't really see any reason why he should. He'd never absorb anything and he was probably going to fail anyways. Which was defeatist talk, but he wasn't feeling too optimistic about his studies. "Don't tell, yeah?"

@sari

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

oh buddy .

With a snort, Sari Fawley pulled her friend away from the beady eyes of the chicken, the smile that hung heavy on her lips having no intention of leaving anytime soon. Eli was so dramatic at times but matching that to her own drama from her own problems i.e. falling in love with everyone, the two reached some kind of level together. As the two turned, Eli’s arm over her shoulder, the blonde peered over to the coup and with a subtle yell spoke out: ”He was looking at you like food!” It was a cheeky thing between Sari and Eli to tease and annoy one another, the best kind of friendship they had developed ever since meeting through the buddy system so long ago.

”My fault for never cashing in?” She responded, repeating his words as she glanced up at him. Curse his tallness. ”I told you the last time – I’m waiting for something so big you just can’t say no.” Hence the tally of favours he owed her. By the time she reached ten, the Fawley knew Eli couldn’t and wouldn’t refuse to her…Wild favour. Whatever it may be.

In realisation to Eli’s own words, Sari’s own blue eyes widened and she reached out for her friend, her hands clamping on his shoulders. ”No. You have to go.” Considering Eli was in his seventh year and due to graduate in the following year, NEWT’s were extremely important. Although, while he didn’t take the whole ordeal seriously, Sari did on his behalf. Even going out of her way to ask for tips on how to change his study methods. What a good friend. She shook him lightly, making sure their eyes locked onto one another’s. ”If it were another class, I would’ve allowed it. And when would I ever tattle-tale?” She questioned, bringing a hand to her chest, seemingly looking to be offended. Which wasn’t true of course. ”Is there no one you know in today’s session?”

Elijah Theron Fleming

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Elijah Theron Fleming]

only dust settles.

ELI JUMPED A LITTLE AS SARI LEANED AROUND him to yell that he was indeed looking at them like meat. His mouth dropping open and he tried to think of something clever to say but all he did was laugh, snorting as his shoulders shook. "You're trying to ruin my reputation," He accused, but his eyes were crinkled and his cheeks creased. Sari was funny when she didn't try to be.

And while Eli was sure he had her, she'd never really asked him for anything, he could only sigh when he remembered what she'd said in passing. "You were serious?" He asked, brows lifting. "What... capital crime? Just make me do something already so we're even!" He was laughing still, but he jostled his limbs in agitation, so she knew he was serious. "The suspense is killing me." And now, since she'd saved him from the chickens, the stakes were pretty high.

Revealing that was skiving from tutoring, Eli hadn't expected Sari to be the responsible one. He looked down to where she clutched his shoulder, a crease between his brows. "Are you for real?" He asked, disappointed at the prospect of having to go after all. Of course, she was right. He was barely scraping by in his classes as it was. Though he still excelled in CoMC and Herbology, but it wasn't enough for him to graduate.

"I don't know anybody," He grumbled, crossing his arms and practically pouting. "They don't even need to be there, they're just showing off." This was an exaggeration, but he really hated the sessions. Everyone appeared very prepared and asked clever questions. He'd forgotten his wand once, and his quill a second time. Each time they looked at him like he was an idiot. "I'll go next time, I promise." He said, if only to appease Sari. "C'mon, I'll walk you to your next class." He was trying to distract her. 

@sari

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

oh buddy .

Stifling a howl of a laugh, Sari Fawley ended up resorting to a sly snicker, especially at the exaggeration of her friends reaction…And most definitely because of his little jump. Sari knew that Eli was afraid of the small things as well as had the best reactions. Hence why while she loved him, the blonde still remained rather cruel to him. ”Not at all!” She grinned, her nose crinkling as she did so. ”But you were looking at the poor things like food Eli.” Sari retorted, looking over at him with a raised brow. But soon came along the rambles. ”Those poor creatures. Stuck here…Soon to become our meals…Don’t you ever think that’s how homework works with us? Gobbles us up entirely.”

With the cheeky grin still on her lips, the Fawley nodded - being completely and utterly serious. ”Ohoho…You really thought I was kidding?” She laughed, throwing her head back slightly as she did so. ”Nope! You won’t be prepared for this one…But I know you definitely won’t say no to it.” As the two walked, Sari looked up at the elder Hufflepuff, a pout on her lips as she teased. ”Just let it kill you a little longer! My life is currently boring. But with you, you make it complete.” She winked, knowing the blonde probably earned herself an eye-roll of some sorts.

But when Eli revealed his plans to skip tutoring, Sari’s motherly instincts had clocked in early for their shift. The crease in his brows was soon separated once the blonde pushed her index finger in between it, intending to inflict just a small amount of pain/irritation. ”Of course I’m being serious!” She exclaimed, flaying her arms in front of her. ”You’re so close to graduation. Without passing your NEWTs, you won’t be able to become a magizoologist!” Sari knew most things about Eli, like the fact that while he was trying his best - he was pretty much barely passing in most of his classes. With the small amount of time he had left, the sixth year wanted to help as much as she could. And convincing him to go to his class would definitely be one way.

”Ashley’s not going to be there all the time, Eli.” She stated, frowning ”That shouldn’t matter anyway…I know the two of you are close but the tutoring helps for your future.” Shaking her head, Sari walked a little further ahead, breaking the closeness the two had before stopping in front of her friend - her hands grabbing at his shoulders as if she was going to shake him. ”Next time isn’t good enough!” She whined, blue eyes looking up at her friend’s own bright ones. ”I know how important becoming a magizoologist is for you! So, instead of you walking me to your next class…I’m walking you to tutoring.” Perfect solution. ”Besides, Laurel will understand.”

Elijah Theron Fleming

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Elijah Theron Fleming]

only dust settles.

HE KNEW SHE WAS PULLING HIS LEG BUT HE couldn't stop himself from reacting, pulling a face of pure offence as she insinuating he was looking at the poor things like food. "Was not," He snapped, clunking his tongue as he turned his face away, though he couldn't help the smile itching at the corner of his mouth. Sari had a flair for the dramatics, it was hard not to be reeled in to it.

"That's... cruel." He said, still grinning as he shook his head at her. But, he wasn't shocked.  She liked stringing him along a bit and unfortunately for him, she'd earned it. "I'm not just for your entertainment." He made a show of narrowing his eyes, a flat hand pressed to his chest as if he were hurt. He wasn't. Though there was no doubt in his mind that she'd think of something creative for her payback. He'd just have to do as she said, and suffer a little longer. "You'll be the death of me, Fawley." He rolled his eyes skyward and made a cross with his fingers before letting it go.

"I'm passing Care of Magical Creatures," Eli retorted in his defence, crossing his arms tightly as he frowned at his feet. "And Herbology..." But, that didn't really matter when he had to graduated to even leave the darned school. Shrugging his shoulders roughly he sniffed and tried to rub away his sudden frown. "I just don't get why I need all these other... pointless grades." He said this behind his hand, but dropped it to send Sari a pleading look. Maybe she'd let him run off anyways, but she looked quite firm in her inspection of him.

As he tried to speed up their walk, he couldn't help but halt slightly as she called after him. She was right, obviously. But, the fact that she'd noticed at all was worse for him. He felt exposed and found himself floundering to correct her. "I- that's..." He ground his back teeth. "That's irrelevant." Except it wasn't. He was beginning to rely on her techniques more than even his professors. It was part of the reason he felt no desire to attend his tutoring lessons.

She caught up to him quickly, her hands heavy on his shoulders so that they slumped forward to meet her. "Uh-" He stuttered, gnawing on the corner of his mouth. She was right, all he ever wanted to be was a magiczoologist, but it didn't feel in reach while at school. When all he wanted to do was run around and catch chickens. It was easy to forget about a goal that felt a million miles away. "It's one class." He grumbled, but he'd already lost most of his determination. "But, fine..." He rolled his eyes, patted her gripping arms and pulled himself away. "Whatever, I'll go." He was still smarting a little, like he'd been scolded, but he knew what she was doing.

They walked for a little bit before Eli sighed heavily. "You're class is before mine," He mumbled, feeling like a child being walked hand-in-hand to a naughty step. "It doesn't make sense for you to come with me." Sari wasn't perfect herself, but he didn't point that out. It felt too cruel, and he knew where it was coming from. A defensiveness he was struggling to keep under wraps. "I don't need you to perp walk me it," He scoffed, side-eyeing her with his arms crossed. "I said I'd go." He wasn't really the type to break a promise, even if the idea of turning up made his stomach roll in to a great big knot. 

@sari

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

oh buddy .

As dramatic as Eli was, Sari knew when the elder Hufflepuff was simply joking. She knew when to tug and poke at the areas he wasn’t expecting random personal attacks but in the end it only seemingly brought them together. ”Suuuure you weren’t.” She retorted, dragging out her words with a grin resting comfortably on her lips. She watched as he turned away, but noticed the smile twitching upon his lips. Her fingers reached forward and pinch the area with a squeal. ”You can never! Be mad at me!” She laughed, throwing her head back.

There were times when being social and potentially chaotic evil paid off, and this moment proved to be perfect. Eli, like herself had a problem avoiding drama, with Sari’s nose and entire being craving the knowledge of knowing all. She truly wished to be a God in her next life. ”Cruel is simply my middle name.” She found herself responding, a hand lifting to dramatically push blonde waves over her shoulder. She watched as his hand drew across his chest, leading to blue eyes rolling which she snorted. ”God you’re so dramatic.” She giggled, teasingly wiggling her brows as she continued. ”I’d be glad to take that title. Elijah Fleming — Cause of death: Sari Fawley’s awaiting drama.”

But with the topic returning to Eli’s failing classes and his defence being backed up by his childish acts, Sari sighed, a frown replacing the grin that rested upon her lips. ”But is that enough…For Seventh year at least?” Seventh year had all the importance for a student. NEWTs, the start of their job hunts — basically reaching for their ultimate goals. And Sari knew she would eventually be stressing about the same thing in pretty much a years time. ”They’re not…Pointless.” She said with narrowed eyes. ”They’re the classes you pretty much chose.” At least she believed so.

”You and I both know that’s most definitely relevant.” She retorted, eyes narrowing even more as if she were analysing his features to express some kind of guilt from him. But with her hands on his shoulders, bringing him down a little to her own height, her eyes scanned his. Sari knew what Eli wanted with his life. And he seemed pretty keen and set on it until the stress of NEWTs settled in. According to Laurel, it was natural amongst students as a whole, but Eli was easy to stray away and give up rather easily. It was something she most definitely didn’t want for her friend. ”One class can change everything.” She added, smiling small at his grumbles, but he had seemed to give up. Success for convincing her friend to do the right thing. ”Good!” She beamed, ridding herself from the frowns and scowls she had just moments ago. She patted her friend lightly on the shoulder before straightening herself, the two walking amongst one another.

Side-eyeing him back, the blonde rose a brow, unsure if she should take his word for it. She truly only wanted to help him in the long run and allow his grades to be top notch just in time for graduation. With her sister’s class being next, surely she would receive a scolding for it but nothing less than a disapproving talk. Unless Laurel wasn’t in the mood. Then it was most definitely a yell. ”I have Laurel all afternoon. We’re going to your class first.” She voiced, standing by her first decision. Though she felt guilty as soon as the words left her lips. The Fawley knew Eli wasn’t the kind of person to go back on his words. ”I just want the best for you Eli…You’re my best friend…And if I don’t hear my best friend has become the best Magiczoologist by the time I’ve graduated then I’ve failed you.”

Elijah Theron Fleming

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Elijah Theron Fleming]

only dust settles.

ELI YELPED WHEN SARI'S LITTLE FINGERS pinched at him, wrenching away from her and swatting at her snapping fingers. "Ow!" He squawked, though he couldn't help but laugh. "I'm mad now!" He declared, though that was obviously a lie as he still couldn't stop snickering as he fended her off him. But, she was right. He liked Sari and she was fun enough that it was hard to ever be really annoyed at her. Unless she was staring in to her compact, then they had mild issues, but he still liked her a lot.

"Isn't your middle name Lavanda?" Eli retorted dumbly, snorting through his nose as he crossed his arms at her. He only remembered it because he'd seen her scrawling it over some parchment in the common room one night and thought it'd said 'Lavender'. She had a very squiggly cursive hand that he couldn't read upside down. But, she still had him with her teasing and he rolled his eyes. "You're the one that loves drama." He flicked her, pouting his bottom lip as they walked side by side.

"They're classes I have to take if I want to get an internship with a Magizoologist." He played with his hands, but didn't correct her. She was right, they were classes he had practically taken, but they weren't necessary to him. It was more like padding his resume a bit, to cover up his abysmal grades in everything else. But, she was still intent on following him all the way to his class. He rolled his eyes at her and crossed his arms, but she had to go and make it real by being nice to him. He was being a brat as well, so he felt doubly guilty when she called him her best friend.

"I know..." He said softly, nudging her arm with his. "You're a good friend, Sari," He told her, trying to make amends. "Even when you're being impossible." He even managed to smile at her, and really mean it. They got over silly things quickly. It was funny how quickly he'd made friends with the Hogwarts students. Sari especially. "But, I'll get you back." He warned her, thinning his lips and shrugging his shoulders. "No more free passes for you, either." She was being hard on him for the right reasons, but he still couldn't resist joking with her. "And no pictures when I'm taming Nifflers." And so, he let her walk him all the way to class. Like a babysitter. Because it made her feel better. 

@sari  
we could possibly end this on your post?

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

oh buddy .

Sari was sure if the area amongst them was quiet while classes continued and any Professors lurked around, they would have given Sari a warning slip and the both of them a reason to stay quiet. Though, with students piling out of the class she just had and even amongst the halls nearby them, it didn’t stop the Fawley from laughing rather loudly. Especially at his yelp. ”If you’re mad, why are you laughing?!” She choked out, pointing at him. Eli had only been mad with the Fawley a few times in the short amount of time she had knew him. She hadn’t known exactly why until he blurted it out one day, exposing how self-centred the blonde was and didn’t seem to give any other care in the world. She was thankful for his words and overall his friendship at the end of the day, promising him to change her ways. And she hoped she did so with time passing by.

When he replied rather sarcastically, Sari rolled her eyes at his snort. She jabbed his side lightly, recalling the times he used to call her Lavender simply because he couldn’t read her writing. ”Am not!” She protested, crossing her arms as if she were a little child, yelling at her older sisters like she had always done so long ago. Her bottom lip rose, suddenly mimicking Eli’s into a pout before she cracked a laugh.

”Well either way! They’re classes that get you said internship and eventually that internship could lead to becoming one yourself no?” She countered, her brows raising as she questioned him. In this moment more than ever, Sari felt like a mother, even if Eli was older than her. She cared for her friend and his future, alongside all the other friends she had made in her time throughout Hogwarts. Everyone deserved their best shot in life and she refused to let someone so close to her ruin their chances. As he nudged her, her eyes warmed and smile softened, while her fingers reached up to push some blonde waves behind her ear. ”I’m unsure if I should be happy with that statement.” She paused, looking up at him. ”Thanks Eli.” She added, her arm reaching out to hug him side ways as the two of them walked.

She rolled her eyes at his challenging threat, waving it off with her free hand. Sari knew what Eli was like and while he claimed to hold back on her, he would eventually welcome her up with open arms. Its just how their friendship worked. In the time they spent to walk towards Eli’s class, Sari continued their conversation as if it were a normal day. By the time they reached there, she urged him inside and eventually scooted him in, apologising to the Professor for her interruption and swiftly made her way out. She threw a teasing expression in Eli’s direction while he took a seat, leading onto the Fawley turning and walking down the hall in the opposite direction, ready for what her elder sister had in store for their class.

- END

Elijah Theron Fleming

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!