TILBEDE (HARRY POTTER X MALE OC)

VII

As October came by the usual decorations that were hung up in Halloween spirit did not. The usual fall colors didn't join the school year as the dementor's presence made it nearly impossible for anything to grow. The student's grim faces passed by each day.

Askel saw how frightened the children got as the Carrow siblings became more vicious during their favorite holiday.

"You have to do something!" He protested to Snape one night

"There is only so much I can do..." Snape sighed, "The title 'headmaster' only means so much."

"The students are terrified," he cut in, "and it's all because of those two horrible evil little wenches!"

Snape hummed as he was writing something down.

Askel looked up at the portraits on the wall. The old headmaster's paintings were empty, including the gigantic one which should include Dumbledore.

"I thought you wanted to protect the students?" He asked

Snape looked up from his work.

"I do," he said tensely

"Then why aren't you?" He accused

"It's complicated," he explained

Askel gave him a deadpan look.

"There is only so much I can do." He repeated,
"The Dark Lord expects a lot from me. He is expecting a lot from you as well Askel."

Askel scoffed.

"Why do you think he's sent you here of all places?" Snape challenged

Askel shrugged.

"He's testing your loyalty," he said, "you would probably be more useful by his side. Helping him take over the wizard world. Instead, you're sent here?"

Askel looked up at the portraits again. This time Snape looked up there with him.

"Now leave me be," Snape sighed, "I have much work to do."

**
Askel was flipping through the daily prophet. He wouldn't admit it but he was desperately looking for any mention of Harry. Sure the prophet would throw him in as a jab here and there. But there were no actual updates.

With a frustrated sigh, he threw the paper on the table and buried his head in his hands.

"No mention of him huh?" Neville suddenly asked

Askel peaked up at him.

"No," he said cautiously, "no mention of anything. Not anything interesting."

Neville rocked back on his heels and Askel stood up. They started walking towards the great hall.

"I realize that you might be wary about telling me about you and Harry," he said softly.

Askel scoffed.

"There is no me and Harry," he sneered

Neville chuckled.

"Yeah right," he said, "even a blind man can see it."

"Please stop," he snapped

"I'm just saying-"

"Stop!"

"Okay," Neville said shrugging, "I'm just saying that there may come a time when you need to talk to someone and it's okay to talk to me."

Askel glanced at the young man. He gave him a firm nod and that was the end of the conversation as they entered into the great hall.

**