Nightmare (Harry Potter OC Fic)

16. Suspicious

The school term had been a real challenge. Yes, Kei loved a good challenge, but passing Defense Against the Dark Arts– their favourite subject– was more difficult than ever before. And it wasn't due to the fact that the material was hard, defensive spells and hexes were her expertise, but because focusing in lessons was hard. Alastor was hard on her, maybe just not her but the entire class– especially Tiberius and Kei. Tiberius blew it off as being stressed from learning he had an ironic soulmate, but Kei chalked it up to being that Alastor didn't like her as a student. And it hurt them. But it didn't stop her from trying to get on his good side.

Pointing her wand at the Slytherin in front of her, she thought of a jinx. A spray of cool water shot out from the tip of her wand and to Tiberius' side.

"Hey!" he shouted, jumping at the wetness. Kei let out a laugh and clutched her sides, overjoyed that their nonverbal spell worked. The pair were outside, in the butterfly garden, studying for the upcoming Potions quiz. The weather was warming up so the flowers began to bloom and the butterflies hatched from their chrysalises. "That's not funny, Kei."

"It is actually quite hilarious," they smiled. "I haven't had a laugh like this in a while."

Tiberius stopped trying to wipe the water off his jacket and looked up at her, "is it still because of Al—"

"Alastor? Yes!" Kei exasperated. "He hates me this term. It's not like I'm flunking his lessons, I have one of the highest marks in his class– nearly all O's, but—"

"Yeah, I've been meaning to bring that up," he started off seriously. Kei stopped her complaints and turned to fully look at Tiberius. "Well. . . haven't you noticed him acting odd?"

"Odd?"

"Yes, odd. Like– okay, you've spent enough time with us in the summers to know how he's supposed to be. He's not as. . . calm and collected as he usually is. He's more fidgety and—"

"Nervous?" Kei finished for him. Tiberius nodded. "Well, it's nearly April. The year hasn't been the easiest, especially with the Tournament and teaching an entire school Defense lessons. . ."

"Yes, but he's different," Tiberius emphasised.

"Tib, it's nearly the end of the year and you're bringing this up now?"

"Well, I've been. . . busy."

"Yes, busy falling in love with Vic Lestrange," Kei rolled her eyes playfully.

Tiberius narrowed his eyes at the Hufflepuff, "I am not falling in love. More or less with him."

Kei laughed, "fine. Let's pay your daddy-o a visit then."

With a nod, Tiberius grabbed his things and nearly sprinted out of the gardens before Kei could even stand. Both of them walked the grounds, up the side entrance, past the Great Hall, and to the second-floor offices where Alastor's would be. A quick Alohomora from Tiberius and the door unlocked. Kei threw her stuff on the small couch next to the door and curled up in it, while Tiberius took the singular armchair near the burning fire and large travelling chest as they waited for Alastor to walk in.

They had been alone for almost ten minutes until Alastor burst through the doors with his wand pointed at the pair. He looked at Kei while his magical eye turned to look at his son. Kei slightly ducked, preparing herself for Alastor's usual hair ruffle, but it never came as he lowered his wand and walked to his desk.

"It's just you two. . . again," he grumbled. "What're you two doing in here?"

"I'd say lock your door a bit better, first years could get in with a simple unlocking charm," Tiberius mused, wiggling his wand.