𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕾𝖔𝖓𝖌 𝖔𝖋 𝕾𝖆𝖑𝖛𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓

11: Ridiculous Riddikulus

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Tom kept so many more secrets inside — I wanted to know them all. A few days ago, I witnessed the human part of him, then one the felt abandoned — alone, left for the world to consume until the monster remained. I refused to let that happen. Though, It explained so much about why he was shrouded in darkness. He was hurt badly. But who? I didn't know, probably a lot judging by his actions. He never felt loved — and that hurt me too. Everyone should know what love is in every capacity. I was determined to be in his life; he would find out slowly but surely what love was cable of — whether platonic or something far greater.

If someone asked why I felt obligated to help him, the answer was relatively simple. From the moment I met Tom — his presence beckoned me — he pulled me in with just a touch or glance. When he spoke for the first time in his velvety voice, his words existed with poisonous hate. He was capable of much more than drowning himself in toxicity. I believed it — wholeheartedly — especially after what happened outside the castle walls.

Tom could've written childish, but he paused, taking all I was into account. It meant the world to me, what he saw, and it wasn't a silly little girl. He cared enough to understand I enjoyed life — to the fullest. I wanted the same for him. Otherwise, he was destined to become more cynical, which only fueled his demons.

"Darling, what are you doing? You're going to be late for DADA."

I heaved a sigh. I didn't want to look away from the window — showing the underwater world of the Black Lake. Secretly, I hoped to see a mermaid one day, but I doubt they're brazen enough to come to the window. But Inky was, his large tentacle hand slammed against the glass, bubbles swirled around him like crystals. It was quite something, beautiful wasn't the term, perhaps captivating — stunning? I couldn't look away as I giggled.

"Let's go, idiot!"

"I'm coming. I had to say goodbye to Inky," I said, watching my favorite squid disappear into deeper waters.

"Did you seriously name our squid Inky — how unoriginal," Elisabeth criticized while fixing her hair in a messy bun.

"Whatever, I think it's cute."

"Why not Sir Squiddy Wiglebotham? No, too lengthy. How about Long Arms or maybe Octavius?"

I rolled my eyes. " Octavius isn't bad, powerful sounding. But Inky still dominates."

"No accounting for taste," Elisabeth muttered.

We politely argued to the defense against the dark arts class. Safely to say, Inky would forever remain supreme

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Professor Lupin, what could I say about him? He was a younger professor in his early thirties, with light brown hair slightly greying, probably due to all stress we students caused. It seemed a new scar occurred on his face every month.

He always dressed in shabby clothing, but I wasn't put off by his attire like some students.
Despite being a hell of a wizard, his humility made him more likable, though I believed anyone should boast once in a while if they earned the right.
Nonsensical bragging only made a fool who would eventually get their ass handed to them.

"I must say, I'm quite proud. Most of you made high marks on my recent quiz. You know what that means," Lupin said excitedly.

"Something fun, like The Boggart?" asked Mathias.

"Correct, 10 points to Slytherin."

Most of my house, including myself, whispered some form of pride. But what was a boggart, and was it fun? It sounded like a booger to me.