From the Stars to the Stars → Draco Malfoy

xii. Taurus

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     Orion walked hurriedly towards the library right when dinner was finished, just after she told Cho and Marietta where she was going. She asked Ron and Harry where Neville might be, and they said he would most probably be in the library. It has been hours since their first DADA lesson with the new teacher, Professor Moody; Orion hadn't decided whether she liked the Magical-Eyeball Professor or not, merely because of how he punished students.

     Draco was out of line for shaming how Mrs. Weasley looked, not to mention attacking Harry when he turned his back on Draco after Harry put him in his place. If Professor Moody had not stepped in, Orion was sure she was going to be the one hexing Draco. But, the way he punished Draco, by transforming him into a ferret, humiliating him in front of the whole school, that was not how a teacher should teach. Draco most definitely deserved the humiliation, but not by a teacher, not by someone who held higher authority, not by someone who was supposed to be setting examples.

     Orion found Neville in the Herbology section of the library. He was sitting alone with a few books opened in front of him. She couldn't help but feel bad when she saw how bad Neville felt when Professor Moody was demonstrating the Unforgivable Curses, especially the Cruiciatus Curse. He took it the hardest out of everyone, Hermione even shouted in agony for Professor Moody to stop when she saw Neville was on the verge of having a panic attack.

     Orion decided to take a seat in front of Neville who had not realise someone was sitting across his seat. "Hey, Neville," Orion said softly to Neville who was taken aback when he heard her.

     Neville looked up and smiled when she saw it was Orion who was sitting in front of him. "Hello, Orion," said Neville as he held up the book he was reading to show the front cover to Orion. "Professor Moody lent me this book," he said with the biggest smile.

     Magical Water Plants of the Mediterranean, was written on the cover of the book.

     "He said that Professor Sprout told him that I'm really good at Herbology," said Neville, the smile was still on his face and Orion could hear a tint of pride in his tone that made Orion smile.

     "That's great!" Orion said enthusiastically. "I also noticed that you're always interested in Herbology, do you like the book?"

     "Yes, I do," Neville nodded as he grabbed another book. "I've only read fifteen pages, but I liked it a lot, that's why I came here to look for another."

     Orion nodded and smiled as she saw how happy Neville looked. It was really smart of Professor Moody to praise him on his Herbology skill in order to cheer him up. 

     "Neville, about what happened in–"

     "I'm okay, Orion, really," Neville cut her off as another smile crept up. "I was just–just shocked, I think–I didn't think Professor Moody was going to demonstrate the–um–curses."

     "I'm glad you're okay, then," Orion said as she pulled up her book. "Do you mind if I sit here reading with you?"

     "No, of course, I don't mind, I like your company," Neville said as he smiled and looked down at his book, continuing his reading.

     They have been sitting and reading together for the past fifteen minutes, Orion likes spending time with Neville, especially when she doesn't want to talk to anyone. They could just sit together and do their own thing together in silence, although, sometimes he would hum, and Orion did not mind that for one bit.

     "Orion?" Neville asked out of nowhere in a soft tone. "What does it feel like, when you lost your parents?" he asked, his tone was hesitant.