Drabble: Heimdall the Naturalist
Yay! Another challenge at dramione_ldws down, and I'm still in the game. Final tally: 12 votes, 8 for, 4 against for a total of +4. I'm eager to get my feedback from the voting (if any exists) because this is the first challenge where I've had any negative votes.
Title: Heimdall the Naturalist
Rating and Word Count: G, 465
Summary: Draco's eagle owl has an opportunity to observe a human courtship up close.
Notes: For the dramione_ldws challenge #6 "Outside Looking In," an outsider's perspective on Draco and Hermione's relationship, and my 100quills table prompt #043 Natural.
June
She seems like a fine specimen.
The female has large, keen eyes, gentle hands, and hair that would fluff out a nest nicely. I can see why the male wants her attention.
His choice to initiate his pursuit by letter (Granger, How’s your summer so far? D. Malfoy. P.S. Write back. Heimdall won’t leave until you do.) may have been the wrong decision, however, because the female seems more agitated than responsive. It takes her almost as long as it took the male to write a letter (It's fine. How are you?) that is just as unimpressive, but at least she leaves him an opening to continue.
It's exciting to have the chance to observe a human courtship up close!
July
It was a mistake to interfere.
This courtship through parchment is just so slow. Yes, they are writing longer, more spirited letters to each other now, but what do “muggleborns” and “purebloods” have to do with the business of finding a mate? Time for a nice tasty lemming, I thought, a display of the male’s hunting prowess.
Unfortunately, by the way she threw it out the window and from her letter (Is this supposed to be some sort of THREAT?), the female appears unimpressed. Now the male is furious with me and is sending multiple letters to the female using other owls.
How disappointing.
August
I had hoped that the female changed her location because she was starting to feel broody, but she's just joining her friends-including the hyperactive Pigwidgeon and that tart Hedwig-for the rest of the summer in a ramshackle “burrow.” This would be an excellent time, in my opinion, for the male to show the female the quality nest site he could provide, for it would surely shine by comparison.
I believe that the female's companions are less than supportive of this courtship from the way they keep screeching “That's Malfoy's owl!” and “Have you lost your mind, Hermione?” His letter (Don't stop writing just because you're there with them. Please.) suggests the male shares my anxiety.
Of course, the female is more than strong enough to ignore their criticism, and her letter (Silly boy. I wouldn't do that. You're not getting rid of me that easily.) makes the male smile.
September
The last thing I wanted to see in the Owlery was the male carrying yet more parchment. Doesn't he realize that since he and the female are both back at the castle, it's time to move this courtship to the next level?
There may be hope for this species yet because, yes, apparently he does.
His letter (Dear Hermione, Let's meet in Greenhouse One tonight at ten. Love, Draco. P.S. Heimdall won't leave until you say yes.) makes me dance on my perch in sheer delight.
Title: Heimdall the Naturalist
Rating and Word Count: G, 465
Summary: Draco's eagle owl has an opportunity to observe a human courtship up close.
Notes: For the dramione_ldws challenge #6 "Outside Looking In," an outsider's perspective on Draco and Hermione's relationship, and my 100quills table prompt #043 Natural.
June
She seems like a fine specimen.
The female has large, keen eyes, gentle hands, and hair that would fluff out a nest nicely. I can see why the male wants her attention.
His choice to initiate his pursuit by letter (Granger, How’s your summer so far? D. Malfoy. P.S. Write back. Heimdall won’t leave until you do.) may have been the wrong decision, however, because the female seems more agitated than responsive. It takes her almost as long as it took the male to write a letter (It's fine. How are you?) that is just as unimpressive, but at least she leaves him an opening to continue.
It's exciting to have the chance to observe a human courtship up close!
July
It was a mistake to interfere.
This courtship through parchment is just so slow. Yes, they are writing longer, more spirited letters to each other now, but what do “muggleborns” and “purebloods” have to do with the business of finding a mate? Time for a nice tasty lemming, I thought, a display of the male’s hunting prowess.
Unfortunately, by the way she threw it out the window and from her letter (Is this supposed to be some sort of THREAT?), the female appears unimpressed. Now the male is furious with me and is sending multiple letters to the female using other owls.
How disappointing.
August
I had hoped that the female changed her location because she was starting to feel broody, but she's just joining her friends-including the hyperactive Pigwidgeon and that tart Hedwig-for the rest of the summer in a ramshackle “burrow.” This would be an excellent time, in my opinion, for the male to show the female the quality nest site he could provide, for it would surely shine by comparison.
I believe that the female's companions are less than supportive of this courtship from the way they keep screeching “That's Malfoy's owl!” and “Have you lost your mind, Hermione?” His letter (Don't stop writing just because you're there with them. Please.) suggests the male shares my anxiety.
Of course, the female is more than strong enough to ignore their criticism, and her letter (Silly boy. I wouldn't do that. You're not getting rid of me that easily.) makes the male smile.
September
The last thing I wanted to see in the Owlery was the male carrying yet more parchment. Doesn't he realize that since he and the female are both back at the castle, it's time to move this courtship to the next level?
There may be hope for this species yet because, yes, apparently he does.
His letter (Dear Hermione, Let's meet in Greenhouse One tonight at ten. Love, Draco. P.S. Heimdall won't leave until you say yes.) makes me dance on my perch in sheer delight.