Rough Morning On The Farm (Blenkinsops, Dan)

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(Note: MOD BONZI- We can move this once we have a sub-section up.)

One of the ways Barnabas made money was selling some of his Hippogriff flock. However he only sold them to decent people. An elderly German man named Kraus Leibermacher was one of those men, and was offering a good price too.

Barnabas was in a fairly good mood as he was going on to check on a newborn Hippogriff named Pegasus, until he overheard the following from one of his farmhands:

"I don't get it. Why is he selling them to some old German when Mr. Namrick is offering a bloody fortune for them?"

Barnabas stepped over and turned the farmhand around, looking at him with fire in his eyes.

"Because Clavus Namrick is nothing but a glorified butcher!" he said. "He wants to use the Hippogriff parts for his over-priced potions and leave the rest of their bodies to rot in the sun! I do not raise this flock to be slaughtered, and I do not sell out to monsters like Namrick! Now put something other than your mouth and greedy mind to work and get out to that front gate or I can assure you that you will be worrying about money when you're standing in the unemployment line! Max and the boys should be arriving soon with that lumber."

Barnabas was fuming. Namrick had now even gotten into the ears of his own employees.

@jacob MATTHEW ERI BLENKINSOP

[DANATHON DANKS CARMICHAEL]

Danathon had received special permission to head to the Blenkinsop farm and discuss him employment after graduation. His head of house led him outside the bounderies of Hogwarts and Danathon turned to face the Professor, "Catch ya, later!" He happily apparated on the spot to the farm that he had visited only once before and fell madly in love with. The Hippogriffs seemed so happy there, it was almost unbelievable to Dan to see them all in one place. His few hours spent there were spent in happiness, as he was toured by a farmhand. Dan found the place while he was out on a search for possible jobs after school. He normally wouldn't make an effort, but his parents promised him he wouldn't be able to come home after school. Maybe for a few weeks to get settled, but not any longer. They believed in traditional moving out when you come of age, values.

Dan appeared on the spot just in time to here the man yelling at someone, Dan listened and a smile played largely on his face. "Yeah, you tell him!"Danathon shouted impulsively, as he threw a hand over his mouth.

@barnabas

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Barnabas was still fuming of course, so when he turned to see who yelled, the irritated look was still on his face, despite the young man's seeming effort to support him. At first he wondered what a boy who looked like he still belonged in school was doing there, but then he remembered the owl exchange. He looked at his watch before walking over to the young man. As he stepped closer, he recognized the boy from his last visit. Barnabas was getting older and his memory was a bit off those days. By the time he reached him, he had somewhat calmed, at least enough to be professional.

"Danathon, isn't it?" he said, extending his hand. Dan would find he had a firm grip. "I guess you recall who I am from your last visit. So you want to work on the farm? You look healthy enough to handle the physical part of the job. Take a walk with me. I was just going to see my newborn, Pegasus."

DANATHON DANKS CARMICHAEL

[DANATHON DANKS CARMICHAEL]

Danathon almost whimpered and jumped about thirteen feet into the air when Mr. Blenkinsop turned around. The man was making the most terrifying face that Dan had ever seen. He dropped his hand and put both hands behind his back, standing up straight, trying to look professional and not cry out in fear. But, as the man approached, he started to calm a little. This also made Dan relax a little, but not much. This meeting was important. He wanted this job more than anything in the world.

Dan removed a hand from behind his back and reached it out, but before he shook he took it back and wiped it on his shirt. He had been sweating like none other. "Mr. Blenkinsop, Sir!" Dan finally clasped hands with the man and tried to match the firmness of his grip. This man was clearly a farmer with his strong and calloused hands. "And that is correct, I'm Danathon Carmichael, sir," he said.

Danathon released the mans hand and smiled as he mentioned a newborn, "Yes, please, sir! I'd love to come with. With you."

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Barnabas just gave a nod when Dan confirmed who he was. He released the handshake and took in the boy's excited attitude.

"You seem anxious to work here too," he said. "That's good. Do you have any experience with Hippogriffs? I'm sure Rubeus Hagrid's told you a great deal about them, including how proud they are. You want to work here, you'll need to know that as you'll be working directly with these creatures."

Barnabas nodded and began walking. He gave the two farmhands who he yelled at earlier a brief scowl of a look, still upset over them even suggesting he sell some of his beloved flock to a monster.

"You'll have to pardon my behavior when you arrived," he said. "Clavus Namrick is one of those rich men who thinks he can buy off anyone. He's been trying to do business with me for over a year now, and is now trying to turn my own farmhands against me. But I'll be damned before he lays a hand on one of my flock." Barnabas stopped, realizing he was getting ill-tempered again.

The mood changed when they approached the fence with the baby Hippogriff, Pegasus, in it. Barnabas smiled and looked at Dan.

"Beautiful, isn't he?" he asked.

DANATHON DANKS CARMICHAEL

[DANATHON DANKS CARMICHAEL]

Danathon nodded, "Yes, sir. Professor Hagrid was very clear about Hippogriffs. I think he's one of the main reasons I'm interested in working here, he told me about the farm, sir." I have GOT to stop saying sir so much! Dan thought as the two walked. Mr. Blenkinsop had a brisk pace, the man of someone on a mission, Dan tried his best to keep up and keep good posture. "As for experience, I've spent a little time with them but not as much as I would have liked." He was being honest. Hippogriffs were probably in Dans top five favorite animals. Though, that top five was changing every week or so. He had a feeling that Hippogriffs would be there for a long time, if Dan got the job.

Dan lit up when Mr. Blenkinsop started getting excitable about this evil man again. Dan loved the way his, hopefully, soon to be boss felt about his flock. He knew, instantly, that he'd look up to this man more than any other in the days to come. "With your permission sir, I'd like to say I agree with you and that this rich old man is a blast-ended skrewts behind, sir," Dan spoke entirely seriously even though he knew his insult was a little juvenile.

Dans eyes lit up as they approached the fence and stared at the baby. It was the best thing he had ever since. "He's wonderful, sir! Did you deliver him?" Dan couldn't imagine the joy of bringing a new creatures life into the world. The thought almost made him cry, but he couldn't do that in front of the man he was trying to impress. Although, his happiness at seeing the baby did overtake him as he smile took up his entire face.

@barnabas

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Barnabas was glad Hagrid acknowledged his farm, but then again it was Hagrid. Barnabas had a world of respect for the Half-Giant, and recognized him as several times an expert on Hippogriffs than the farm owner was. Barnabas smiled a little when Dan said he hadn't had as much experience with Hippogriffs as he wanted.

"Well, don't fear, Danathon," he said. "You'll be getting a wealth of experience here."

Barnabas couldn't help but laugh when Dan called Namrick the name.

"I have a few other names for him, but I suppose that one works," he said. "I'm glad you're of the same mindset. Maybe some of these other hands will wise up and follow your example."

Barnabas nodded his head proudly when Dan asked if he delivered Pegasus personally.

"I did, and he's my prize chick," he said. He opened the gate. "Come on in. He's very used to human contact by now, so you don't have to worry about the bowing ritual."

DANATHON DANKS CARMICHAEL

[DANATHON DANKS CARMICHAEL]

"You'll be getting a wealth of experience here," Dan felt his heart skip a beat. Was Mr. Blenkinsop actually implying that Dan would for sure be coming here after graduation? He had been very kind and welcoming in his letters, but Dan was still nervous about the situation because he still had to ask the farm owner about the living situation. As in, was there somewhere for Dan to sleep at night.

"Well, I think you should use mine when you speak to him next. It's a pretty big diss, in my opinion sir." Dan snickered as he imagined what other insults the adult man would have for the mean dude, but he didn't want to ask what they were. They were mostly likely things his mother would want him to wash his ears out with soap afterwards. "I only hope I can be an example to people, sir. I don't see this farm being about money. It's about the creatures." Dan spoke firmly, as his faith in this place was growing.

Dans jaw dropped, "do you deliver chicks often? That's very impressi-" Dan was stopped in his words when the man opened the gate. He was really going to get inside there and meet Pegasus! "Oh wow, thank you, sir!" Dan slowly entered the closed off area and approached the little 'griff. It's beak was so shiny and it's feathers looked so soft, Dan was almost afraid to pet it and ruin the image.

But not scared enough to hold back. He slowly approached and did just a mini bow, our of respect, then he looked into the eyes of the creature and smiled, "hey there, Pegasus. I'm Danathon."

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Barnabas laughed a little when Dan said he could use his "diss". He was starting to like the boy.

"Well let's hope to Merlin I don't have to talk to him again considering I'm getting a retraining order to keep him from my farm, but... I'll keep that one in mind," he said.

Barnabas was glad Dan thought of the farm that way, though he was sure the boy wasn't entirely working for the experience.

"Well, I don't pay as well as some others might," he said. "But while you're here, you'll have three hot meals a day and a place to sleep and clean up. Are you planning to stay for the long run?"

Barnabas then watched as Dan approached the Hippogriff chick. Despite the boy's initial goofiness, he could see Dan was serious about working with the Hippogriffs. He knew he had hired the right boy. He had wanted someone special to tend to Pegasus when he got older, and Danathon was that one.

"How would you like it if I let you take care of Pegasus here personally?" he asked. "I mean when you're out of school and he's a bit older of course."

DANATHON DANKS CARMICHAEL

[DANATHON DANKS CARMICHAEL]

"Ooooh, an order to keep him away? Good thinking sir, I wish I could do that with some irritating people, but alas, my grounds are nowhere near as good and legitimate as yours are for keeping him away," he laughed, there really wasn't anybody that he wanted to put a restraining order on, but the idea did seem convenient in a dangerous or serious situation.

Dan smiled even more when Barnabus explained the benefits of being here, "Sir, yes, sir! I plan on making my life with animals, and this seems the perfect place to start. Or maybe stay forever, I don't know! It's just all very exciting." Dan was giddy with delight at the thought of doing nothing but eating, sleeping and caring for the animals. It was the life he had always dreamed of. It confirmed his beliefs even more that love was for another time and place, long after he made his name in the world.

"And the pay doesn't matter to me, sir. I'll be living the dream," he added.

Pegasus regarded Danathon and gave him a little nuzzle on the hand, Danathon was so lost in the moment he almost didn't notice Barnubus had asked a question. Or moreso, had made an offer. Dan whipped around and stood up straight, "Re-really sir? I would, I would be very honored," as if on cue, Pegasus nuzzle the back of Danathons knee as he spoke.

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Barnabas smiled when Dan spoke of not being able to handle the issue as he could.

"Well, Merlin willing you won't have to meet him," he said. "Damn shame some of my other hands here have. Makes me feel like I have to keep an extra eye on them. I worry any given night one of them is going to sneak one or more of my flock off to him to make a quick galleon." Barnabas had ideas of who that could be, but he didn't want to fire them without proof. He could wind up on trial then.

It was what Dan had said about the pay that made Barnabas decide to give him such a responsibility despite his youth and the fact that he hadn't even started yet.

"I need someone I can trust," he said. "Someone who is here on the farm for all the right reasons. I see that in you, Danathon. I think Pegasus here does too."

DANATHON DANKS CARMICHAEL

[DANATHON DANKS CARMICHAEL]

Dan shuddered at the though, "well, I would never do that to you sir, or the Hippogriffs. That's really sad, that some of your hands aren't as respectful as they should be..." Dan frowned, "why do they even work here if they aren't interested in the safety and protection of the creatures? Doesn't that seem a little... backwards?" Dan couldn't imagine living anywhere else, of course, but what did these other people see at the farm? What did non animal lovers find here? Just money? Because Barnabus explained that the pay wasn't very much. So, what was it?

Danathon brightly again, and his eyes even got a little shimmery. "You can count on me. Thank you, thank you!" Dan spoke softly, more respectfully at this time. The compliment meant the world to him. He turned around to stoke Pegasus' head some more as he asked his next question.

"So, in terms of living her, can I bring my wiener dog, Walter? Or what are the rules on pets?" He could see reasons why they wouldn't want a tiny dog running around the living space, but he had to ask just in case. Walter loved being outside for the most part, anyway.

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Barnabas shrugged a little when Dan asked why the hands worked there.

"Work's hard to find these days," he said. "Many of them were struggling and saw a free meal, free bed, and a chance to make a few galleons. Can't really blame them for that. But I guess some of them got that and now want more. Can't put your faith in most people, my boy. That's a good lesson to take with you in life."

Barnabas just smiled about Dan saying he could count on him. Yes, Barnabas said he couldn't count on a lot of folks, but he knew he could count on Dan. He felt it in his heart.

He then chuckled about Dan bringing his dog along.

"Of course," he said. "Several of the hands have their pets here. As long as your dog can get along with them, he should be alright." The bell for lunch then rang. "You hungry? Want to try the food here? After all, you'll be eating a lot of it soon."

DANATHON DANKS CARMICHAEL

[DANATHON DANKS CARMICHAEL]

Dan listened intently as the man explained the hands reasons for working on the farm. He could at least understand that way of thinking, even if he didn't agree with it. Beds, sleep, roof and food were the least of Dans worries. He was too busy trying to save the animal kingdom. Dan nodded at Barnabus's advice,"Sir, I've believed that my entire life. That's one reason I love creatures so much, for they are often trustworthy." Dan said. Truthfully there were scary creatures that ate people too, but Dan still loved them. He just avoided them most of the time.

Dan smiled, "Excellent! Walter will love it here. I have other pets too, but he's the only one who really comes along with me. The others stay happily with my mother, she's a veterinarian," he smiled. As the bell rang he noticed his stomach had indeed been rumbling. He nodded vigorously, "yes, of course! It's an important part of learning about my future life on the farm. Lead the way, Sir." Dan gestured, still not removing his hand from stroking Pegasus.

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Barnabas smiled when Dan said animals were trustworthy. He looked at Pegasus and nodded as he pet the chick.

"Yes they are," he said. "Once an animal befriends you, it will be loyal to you until the day it dies. Though you have to be careful with Hippogriffs. They're very protective of those they come to love. Not best to get into an argument with someone around them."

Barnabas chuckled at the dog's name. He never heard of a dog named Walter, but there was a first time for everything he supposed.

"If he loves nature, he will. That's about all we have here," he said. "I don't mind the city all that much, but if I have no particular reason to go there, I don't. I've lived my whole life out here and plan to do so until I'm old and gray."

As they walked, Barnabas remembered something about Dan.

"You're a vegetarian, I hear?" he said. "Well, don't worry. We have lots of vegetables on our plates here, fresh from our gardens." Barnabas showed him into a building used for meals. While he usually ate breakfast and dinner with his wife, the farm owner ate lunch with his workers. Inside, as promised there were a variety of vegetables, as well as bread. There was meat and cheese to of course, but Barnabas certainly wasn't going to force Dan to eat that.

DANATHON DANKS CARMICHAEL