Page 32 of Spellbound and Gagged

"So we find new quarters that have both space and light," Juno suggested. "I believe there's a faculty apartment in the west tower that's been empty since Professor Willowbrook retired."

"With the rooftop greenhouse? That would be perfect." His hands settled on her waist. "What else?"

"Professional boundaries," Juno said. "We need to maintain appropriate behavior in front of students."

"So no kissing in the hallways?" Thaddeus asked, his eyes twinkling.

"Definitely no kissing in the hallways," Juno agreed, fighting a smile. "Or any other inappropriate displays of affection during working hours."

"What about after working hours?" His voice dropped lower, sending a delicious shiver up her spine.

"After hours, Professor Shadowspire, I expect thorough research into all forms of inappropriate displays of affection."

"I do love a comprehensive research project," he murmured, leaning in to kiss her.

Several minutes later, Juno reluctantly pulled away, her cheeks flushed. "We also need to talk about the future of the department."

"Ah yes, our professional plans." Thaddeus straightened, his expression becoming more serious. "I've been thinking about that. What would you say to establishing Grimm Mawr as a center for integrated herbology?"

"Combining nurturing and defensive approaches?" Juno's eyes lit up with excitement. "That could revolutionize the field."

"Exactly. Our Brewfest potion was just the beginning. Think about the possibilities—plants that can both heal and protect, adapting their properties based on the specific need."

"Self-regulating magical gardens that adjust their magical output according to environmental conditions," Juno added, her mind racing with ideas.

"Defensive species that don't sacrifice beauty for function," Thaddeus continued.

"Nurturing varieties with built-in protective mechanisms," Juno countered, grinning.

"We could write a new herbology textbook together," Thaddeus suggested. "Redefining the field from the ground up."

"Integrated Approaches to Magical Botany," Juno mused. "I like it."

"We'll need to design a new curriculum," Thaddeus said. "Something that teaches both our methods."

"And we should establish a research program to develop new hybrid species," Juno added. "Students could apply to become research assistants."

"We could hold symposiums, invite herbologists from around the world to share their specialized knowledge."

"Thaddeus," Juno said, placing her hands on his shoulders, "I think we're about to change herbology forever."

He smiled up at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of admiration and love. "Together, I believe we can."

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of research, experimentation, and playful banter. By the time the sun began to set, casting long shadows across their office, they had made significant progress on documenting and refining their new joint herbology approach.

"I think that's enough for today," Thaddeus said, stretching as he set down his quill. "What do you say we call it a night and grab some dinner?"

Juno nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and contentment. "Sounds perfect. Though I have to warn you, if you think our magical mishaps are over for the day, you clearly haven't seen me attempt to cook."

Thaddeus laughed, standing and offering her his hand. "I look forward to whatever culinary adventure you have in store for us. After all, what's life without a little risk?"

Just before they reached the academy's main doors, a commotion from a nearby classroom caught their attention. They turned to see a beautiful stranger in professor robes storming out, followed closely by a flustered-looking Principal Malachai.

"Ceries, please," Malachai was saying, "can't we discuss this like rational adults?"

"Rational?" The woman named Ceries scoffed. Frost literally formed on the walls around her. "You want to talk about rational after what happened last night?"

Juno and Thaddeus exchanged wide-eyed looks, quickly ducking behind a conveniently placed statue to avoid being seen.

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