Friday, around 5 p.m.


Fauna had learned that free food drew in the masses, which was why she'd set out a platter of paintbrush gummies for people to munch on during the art club meeting (or throw at each other, depending on the crowd). She sat on a desk in the empty classroom, feeling guilty that it had been so long since they'd had a proper art club meeting. SAWS, a boyfriend, and other drama tended to distract her lately. However, when Sophie had casually brought up the idea of doing a photo booth for couples and friends at Hogsmeade on Valentine's Day, there was no way she could have ignored something as fun and innovative as that.

Fauna liked how Megan had handled the ice sculpture contest during the Winter Festival, and felt comfortable letting Sophie handle most of the preparations for the Photo Booth. With her workload, she was happy just delegating, encouraging people to come to meetings, and coming up with new ideas.

People had seemed so down lately. Perhaps there were other things the art club could do for Valentine's Day as well. A secret admirer project could be fun, which would work like a Secret Santa in that people would anonymously give a Valentine's Day card to someone. Or they could do zodiac love charts! Fauna stifled a giggle. That was more in line with Divination, but if they drew the charts, or worked with the Divination club, they might be able to get away with it...

As she waited for art club members to arrive, she wrote out a list of ideas on a piece of parchment, just in case they needed them. 

Sophie had been plotting in her head. The first brilliant idea was that they run a photo booth Valentine’s Day weekend in Hogsmeade. She liked this idea because Sophie was a bit of a picture nut. She couldn’t really draw to save her life but photography was easier. The second idea came to her after the SAWS meeting. Something Figaro had said stuck in her mind - the notion that speakers were boring. She’d kind of gotten up on her high horse a bit and basically said that a lot of the work for social change is boring. It’s a lot of talking and educating people.

This response was met with varied groans and maybe a dirty look or two [Sophie could have been imagining that part].  Whatever the reaction had been, it got her thinking about what other avenues they had to get their name out there. A benefit concert for werewolf awareness just seemed like a natural fit to her. It would be something fun, light hearted even. They could set up the photo both just inside or something. Of course they couldn’t do it the night of the Spellpunk party but it was a three day weekend. They could work something out!

She was mulling over all of this when she made her grand entrance - to a nearly vacant room. Was Sophie Flickwick not only on time but actually early for something? Gordic’s Garters! That never happened. “FAAAAAAAAAUNA! I have ideas!” she bellowed loudly, rushing the seventh year in an exuberant pouncing hug. “I have been making plans with my brains. This is very dangerous but could also be very awesome”. Hugging Fauna tightly, Sophie’s tiny body nearly shook with excitement. Where WAS everyone else? She wanted to get this started!

Pax came in just in time to hear the tail-end of Sophie's exuberance. He couldn't help but grin; the Gryffindor girl's energy was infectious. 'Hi Fauna, hi Sophie,' he greeted the older students, still a little self-conscious that he was the only first-year and the only boy so far, but when it came to the art club, he was starting to get used to that. At least Fauna, and to some extent Sophie, were familiar, friendly faces by now.

As usual, Pax had his wooden paintbox in tow; not because he particularly expected to use it (the art club quite often met to brainstorm before any practical creativity took place), but because he liked having it around just in case he might have the opportunity to use it. Walking over to the girls, he glanced curiously at the snacks Fauna had set out; he was tickled by Fauna's attention to detail in choosing paintbrush shapes, but since they weren't vegetarian, he didn't indulge. Hopping up onto a chair near where Fauna was sitting, he chirped, 'So, what's going on today? And what's dangerous and awesome?'

Fauna looked up from her list and laughed when Sophie made her entrance, returning her exuberant hug and sharing an amused glance with Pax.

"Ideas are definitely awesome," she agreed with a smile. "You wanna tell me now, or during the meeting?" Fauna wasn't sure if Sophie could contain herself before more people showed up, and anyway, it would give them something to talk about!

"Well, we're going to talk about Sophie's photo booth plan at some point," Fauna told Pax, glad to see the first-year here. He was pretty much her favorite first-year ever, since he showed up to both SAWS and the Art Club, and he always had something smart to add.

"Beyond that," she gestured with her hands and shrugged. "We're open." In her experience, keeping things flexible was the best way to run a meeting. Fauna liked to come prepared with ideas and a direction, and then to let other students run free with it.