thecdcredubancwski

[thecdcredubancwski]

"Well I'm not supposed to have favourites but it did give them an advantage," Theo joked, "Perhaps I'll look into it as part of my research, cure all ills with plants."

"I bet you much preferred the students who favored having owls or toads," she considered with a light snort. "But agreed. I mean it's 2028, you'd think they'd have figured out a better method or formula by now."

[thecdcredubancwski]

"Well I now I know you're taking the piss because I'm awesome," Theo retorted, grinning, "No, I cannot and I won't. I will brown-nose so they keep coming."

"Being you? Is that not enough?" Lysander responded dryly but they both knew he was winding him up and didn't feel that way. "Those grants are what allow you to do what you appear to love though. You can't really knock it."

[thecdcredubancwski]

"Well, it's more like the same book split into two but I suppose you're right. It could be worse, I could have writer's block," Theo replied, laughing, "I quite like your life too. What do you say? Shall we get lunch or something?"

"It's good that you can think about a second book already. I think that's quite difficult for a lot of people and yet you have surplus information at your disposal." Lucie pointed out. "I'd rather I didn't touch anything deadly either so thank you for the warning. I quite like my life most days." She said with a laugh.

[thecdcredubancwski]

"That's very true but you know a lot of people, I'm sure you'll see enough of them," Theo replied, laughing a little, "You're right. These events remind us of all the good we've got going on, even if there's a lot of bad outweighing it at the moment."

"I suppose that's fair. There's a lot of parties however, I'm expecting not to run into everyone the way I typically do because everyone will be doing their own things," she explained with a little shrug. "I am, thank you! It's nice to get out and mingle, especially with familiar faces. There's plenty for everyone to celebrate after all."

[thecdcredubancwski]

Theo shrugged, "I guess I need to consider two volumes or something," he paused and stepped toward her, apology dripping from his actions, "No, no. Lucie, you're more than welcome here any time. I just don't want you to touch anything deadly," he smiled warmly.

"Well it's better to have too much than too little I would imagine, though figuring out what bits are less important is a difficult job in itself. It's all in the definition I suppose." Lucie mused as she took a step back again. "I'm sorry to have trespassed on your space however. I didn't realise."

[thecdcredubancwski]

"That's okay, I don't scare easy," Theo replied, chuckling, "Better to share the bench that keep it all to myself. It would be a bit selfish, wouldn't it?"

"That's nice, thanks," Jesse said, moving to occupy the free spot. "You sure? I wasn't trying to scare you off of your bench or anything," he had paused slightly before eventually sitting down.

[thecdcredubancwski]

❄️ - our muses get some fresh air from the celebrations together ( @jessetremlett )

"Oh hey, yeah. You can sit here," Theo said, gesturing to the spot next to him, "I'm not waiting on anyone. In fact, I can move if you are expecting to meet someone here. I was probably going to go back in in a few minutes anyway," he explained.

[thecdcredubancwski]

"It's good to see you too, Elena," Theo said, smiling as he hugged her back, "Is it funny? I don't usually have other big plans except for this party on New Year's Eve," he joked, "I am, yeah. It's definitely a fun time. What about you?"

🎉 - our muses run into each other at an nye party

"Good to see you," she beamed, reaching in to give Theo a hug in greeting. "Funny running into you and everything! How are you doing? Enjoying the night? This looks like one hell of a party."

@thecdcredubancwski

[thecdcredubancwski]

"I was going to say you seem even more chipper than normal," Theo said, smiling as he slapped his friend on the shoulder, "Yeah, I guess so. I'm not sure how much is going to change except maybe, finally publishing my book so," he shrugged, "It's been a good year and I'm hoping for another good one. That's enough for me."

🎉 - our muses run into each other at an nye party

"What a turn out, am I right?" Cyrus chuckled as they finally managed to step off to the side to chat better, even if the music was still pretty loud. "I am a little sad to say goodbye to this year, given it was a good one for me. And yourself? Looking forward to some new beginnings?"

@thecdcredubancwski

[thecdcredubancwski]

"You've stepped foot in a craft store?" Theo asked in teasing surprise, "Surely, it's this sparkly every year, no?" he shrugged as he sipped on the drink, "The evening has been fine. Who doesn't love a good party, right?"

🍾 - our muses share a glass/bottle of champagne

"Cheers to you, Theo," she smiled, coming up to him with a glass for each of them. "How are you enjoying the evening so far? Everyone looks incredible– I haven't seen this much sparkle since I set foot in a craft store," Ingrid mused with a chuckle.

@thecdcredubancwski

[thecdcredubancwski]

"Yes, but they're all portable. On my belt or on my head," Theo pointed them out as he spoke, "You're right, it is about having fun. Still, I can't help but feel a little competitive," he admitted.

"Doesn't that outfit of yours come with some choice accessories if I recall correctly?" Lucie couldn't help but point out, if she remembered the movies right anyway. "How important are awards anyway? These nights are supposed to be about having fun. At least we can comfortably move in our outfits. I have definitely seen some that would make that more complicated."

[thecdcredubancwski]

"No, I made that connection, already. I'm not that dim. I guess I'm just surprised you don't have plans already," Theo admitted, "Of course, I want to. You know I don't say no to hanging out with you."

"Why would I invite you out if I had other plans. My time is all yours Theodore." Natalya playfully commented as she hooked her arm into his. "That is unless you don't want to?"

[thecdcredubancwski]

Theo shrugged off her apology, "I'm working on it," he replied, "I just hope I don't get too impatient about how slow I'm going."

"That's really rough, I'm sorry to hear that," Valeria replied sympathetically. "But honestly it's healthy that you can set your own boundaries like that. Take it as slow as you need to."

[thecdcredubancwski]

"There is a sign on my door," Theo said, pointing to the WARNING: DANGEROUS PLANTS INSIDE notice on the outside and inside of his office door, "They came with the office," he paused, "Yeah, I'm doing a section in my book on poisonous plants and their benefits."

"Probably not the best idea to keep it out in the open, even if it is in your office," Cyrus considered with a soft laugh. "But it's very cool. Are you enjoying working on this particular research?"

[thecdcredubancwski]

"No," Theo chuckled, "Because they aren't just one thing. They can be beautiful and dangerous, living but very still and unbreathing, towering and frail..." he gestured with his hands that the possibilities were endless, "I've done a rundown on famous plants around the world, a section on muggle plants that can be used for magical potions and remedies and a chapter on rare plants so far. They're quite extensive so I will have to do some editing... or make it multiple books."

"What because they can kill you?" She joked before following his line of sight with that curiosity she'd always shown for learning something new. "It hardly looks like it is doing anything at all but clearly that's not the case." Lucie mused, leaning in a little to get a good look at what Theo was showing her. "What chapters have you already worked through?"

[thecdcredubancwski]

"I definitely can't let you do that," Theo replied, furrowing his brow a little. He was very protective of his plants but that wasn't the only reason, "The ministry paid good money to have it transported here for my research. I need to account for every leaf before it's returned and they won't let me give it out for unauthorised potions. Besides, if I let you, everyone will come knocking. Seriously, please don't."

"I know what they are, I have protection on." He stated, giving a slight wave of a hand. "I don't need to explain to you the properties they hold. I was actually curious about trying a little of it in one of my potions. Admittedly, I was going to swipe a leaf." Raphael had no shame in admitting given he worked for the Ministry, though he knew permission was generally asked for first. "Couldn't help myself given I was passing in to see about some other bits and it was just sat there looking pretty." He added with a grin.

[thecdcredubancwski]

Theo shrugged, "Force of habit. The amount of people who come in here thinking they can touch anything would surprise you. This area is technically for authorised personnel only because of the type of plants are in here. People don't read signs and I don't like paperwork so..." he trailed off, the rest was obvious. Of course he warned people, "But I like you already solely for the fact that you aren't one of the people who walk in here like a child in a toy store."

"Don't worry, I wasn't intending to. Touching other peoples belongings isn't really my style." Briar stated, dropping off the paperwork. "I was heading this way." She said simply, moving back towards the door. "Honestly, I'm a little surprised you decided to warn me."