Cad didn’t like to be teased. Hell, there was a reason he chose to be quiet in most cases, although unfortunately with projects like this he didn't have much of a choice but to talk. He wasn’t sure how to answer Fletcher’s question – he’d only phrased it that way so he wouldn’t snap at the other and now it was biting him in the butt. Instead of answering him (if only because Cadogan knew it would give Fletcher more fuel, if not now than for later), he chose to ignore the Gryffindor, lips pursing together as he turned his attention toward the plant in front of them.

At least his partner came closer, poking the plant a few times to antagonize it. At that point Cad finished patting the soil around the plant and stepped back, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand because now there was nothing else to do than observe it as it grew. Fletcher’s laugh drew him from his thoughts, and Cad found his eyebrows knitting together, although the corner of his mouth twitched – almost a smile, although he didn’t want the kid to know he was almost amused at the antics. Of course he’d get himself into this situation.

“Look at you,” Cad parroted, watching as the plant curled around his wrist. “finally making some friends.” Hopefully Fletcher understood it was a (half) tease, and wouldn’t suddenly take it personally. He crouched down beside the other, but rather than pull out his wand to help him or offer any other kind of assistance, the Ravenclaw jabbed the plant with his finger, spurring it tighter; if Fletcher was going to act like a guinea pig, Cad might as well get some good notes from it.

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(292 words)

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