Page 19 of Spellbound and Gagged

"Well, I suppose that's one way to start the day on equal footing," he said.

Juno snorted, a most unladylike sound that only made Thaddeus grin wider. "Equal hanging, more like," she retorted. "Any brilliant ideas on how to get us down, Professor Defensive Herbology?"

Thaddeus's expression turned serious. "Actually, yes. But you're not going to like it."

"Try me," Juno challenged.

"We need to subdue these plants quickly. My defensive tactics will protect us while I work to control them."

Juno frowned. "Control them? These aren't some potions to be brewed or spells to be mastered. They're living, feeling beings."

"Beings that currently have us trussed up like holiday turkeys," Thaddeus pointed out dryly. "We need to show them who's in charge."

"And how do you propose we do that?" Juno challenged. "Prune them into submission?"

Thaddeus's lips quirked into a half-smile. "Not quite."

He began to move his hands in controlled motions, muttering incantations under his breath. The air around them crackled with magical energy, and Juno felt a protective barrier forming around them both.

"There," Thaddeus said, satisfaction evident in his voice. "Now we can work without fear of further entanglement."

Juno had to admit, albeit grudgingly, that his spell was impressive. But she wasn't about to let him have all the glory. "Fine, you've protected us. But how do you plan to actually solve the problem?"

"With a firm hand and clear boundaries," Thaddeus replied. He turned his attention to the vines, his voice taking on a commanding tone. "Release us at once. We are your masters, and you will obey."

The vines tensed, tightening around them. Juno winced. "Oh yes, that worked brilliantly," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Clearly, they're all aquiver with obedience."

Thaddeus scowled. "Well, I don't see you offering any better ideas."

"As a matter of fact," Juno said, a spark of inspiration hitting her, "I do have one. But you're not going to like it."

"Try me," Thaddeus echoed her earlier challenge.

Juno took a deep breath, centering herself. Then, to Thaddeus's obvious bewilderment, she began to sing. It was a gentle melody, one she often used to soothe agitated plants in her greenhouse.

"What are you doing?" Thaddeus hissed.

"Shh," Juno admonished between verses. "I'm communicating with them. You might try it sometime instead of barking orders."

As she sang, Juno focused on projecting feelings of nurture towards the vines. Gradually, almost imperceptibly at first, the plants began to respond. Their grip loosened, ever so slightly.

"It's working," Thaddeus murmured, amazement coloring his voice.

Juno smiled, never breaking her song. She gestured for Thaddeus to join in.

He hesitated, clearly uncomfortable. "I don't sing," he protested weakly.

Juno rolled her eyes. "Then hum, whistle, do something. Just project positive energy."

With a sigh that suggested he was suffering a great indignity, Thaddeus began to hum along. His rich baritone, despite his reluctance, blended beautifully with her voice.

Until...

"What in the—" Juno started, but her words were cut off as she and Thaddeus were suddenly bounced up and down like they were on some sort of leafy trampoline.

"This wasn't quite what I had in mind," Thaddeus said as they ricocheted off the walls and ceiling.

"You don't say," Juno shot back, trying desperately to keep her wand aimed at the vines. "Any other bright ideas?"

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