"Is everything a-okay?"
"Yes. Thank you for asking, Professor." Harriet shrinks back a little uncomfortably Is it so obvious that she's being bullied? Drakonys kept scattering notes teasing her. As much as she wants to tune it out, it's hard when the problem keeps screaming in her ear.
"I-I've noticed you a little d-distracted these days" Quirrel explains and Harriet shrugs. "S-so much so that you do s-spell a little wrong."
"Ouh... Sorry. I'm going to practice."
"I can help you. Right now I-I'm free." Quirrel informs with an affable, goofy smile. Harriet smiles and nods with an excited leave. That means she'll be able to improve more. She could help Hermione, Ron and Neville with this.
Professor Quirrel's presence is one that starts from the first moment everyone teases her about her legs. Secretly, almost every afternoon she practices spells with him. Sometimes they talk about other things. Harriet never tells that she spends time with him, thinking it would be a problem if he helped her more than other students.
He reminds her a bit of her dad, so when they've accidentally hugged - or so he says - she hasn't pulled away or felt anything strange. At most, that it fills a very specific void. When the discomfort about her looks and body intensifies, it's impossible for Quirrel not to know and a strange situation comes.
"You're a very pretty girl Harriet. I'd say l-the prettiest "he strokes her hair and Harriet closes one eye, her glasses askew at this. "D-don't be distressed. You're pretty. V-very pretty "Quirrel promises with a smile and strokes Harriet's cheek. "If y-you have m-more trouble, you just have to tell me and I'll help you."
She nods and hugs him. He reciprocates, his hands on her childish waist and pulling her close. Harriet feels it strange. Her dad doesn't feel strange, but he does. He doesn't know why. Maybe because he strokes her back a lot, her hip, and thinks he felt her hand on his buttock. He chalks it up to his imagination.
And apart from help, hugs and constant looks, Quirrel all the time tells her she's a pretty girl, without taking his hands off her.
~ * * * ~
The Christmas spirit, as usual, is felt throughout the castle except in Slytherin. The lost game and their usual sobriety make them the coldest house at Hogwarts. It's decorated, but it's not exactly festive. For Tom it's exactly the same as always with a couple of extra lights. His real problem is that this time he won't be able to stay in the castle to spend this time. They will be doing some sort of cleanup and recounting of the resources they have.
He doubts it can't be done with the students present. What change does it really make? None, just annoying him. He decides to go to the library, hoard as many books as he can and so take them to the orphanage. He'll have something better to do than watch the hours go by and put up with the other kids. He just hopes there won't be any more. There are enough of them already and he can't stand them.
He notices Drakonys with her usual entourage. It's almost ridiculous to Tom that she thinks she's such a big deal. There's nothing special about her other than everything her parents gave her. From looks to last name. Her magic is pretty average and that, is what Tom considers the most important thing of all.
No amazing magic, why all the fuss?
He hasn't had time to bring her down from her cloud. It's a very annoying task. So is she.
Tom arrives at the library, takes everything in his stride and stays a while to read. The space silent as usual.
~ * * * ~
YOU ARE READING
• Romeo, Juliet & Cinderella • | Tomrry
Fanfiction"We are opposites, but we are one and the same.... No one could be for me and no one can be for you. We only have each other. Everyone can hate you and they can't change you. You are mine. And it makes me so desperate, I'd kill you to avoid seeing y...
