Potion classes are complicated; or maybe Crewel is just absurdly demanding. “Stir it more,” “add more of this,” “take a bit of that out,” “bad boy, bad!” ugh, what a nightmare…

That’s why, when one of your classmates offered to give you a hand reviewing some concepts, you didn’t think it was a bad idea — more experience is always good… But here you are now, in NRC’s botanical garden, sitting on the edge of one of the massive stone planters while said classmate talks and talks about the beauty of the ingredients, the process of planting them, tending to them, the care, dedication, and talent that goes into bringing them together to create a potion… To be honest, there are so many words you don’t understand that it’s easy to lose the thread.

Rook takes one of the pots into his hands — one of the many he’s been caring for in the club — extending it toward you as he gently crouches to match your height, offering you a smile as soft as it is excited.

— “Voici. Please accept this small gift as a thank-you for our time together. We can use it at our next practice.”

A hand rests on his own heart as he gently shakes his head in a dramatic gesture.

— “There are no words in my heart to express the gratitude I feel for such a special moment of connection, cher camarade de classe. I can’t wait to repeat our meeting!”