knee socks

chapter eighteen

"Come on, get up" Alex said in a sharp voice, which immediately softened when his gaze fell on the girl who was sitting on the floor, with red eyes and a splotchy face.

"How-Why- Where were you?" Eve finally articulated, extremely confused. He looked like he hadn't slept well, with eye bags and wrinkled clothes, and his hair was a bit of a mess. "I'll explain when you leave this place" and Eve had never followed someone so fast. "By the way, how did you manage to organise all of those newspapers without a wand? I know that that room has been a mess for at least five years, collecting more magazines and dust" Eve shrugged and looked at him "I asked you first".

Alex couldn't help but admire the girl's beauty. It felt like he hadn't seen her in years, when it had actually been 3 days. Now that they were in the corridor, the lights illuminated her face better, making him sure that she had been crying. 

"Right. So I'm afraid I can't give you all the details, but after dinner on Tuesday, I had a talk with Igor Karkaroff, the headmaster from Durmstrang. He told me some very concerning things, and I felt the need to do some research on my own. I arrived today, and soon came to Dumbledore, who called Moony, who brought Nina over (he said her name with such distaste, that suddenly Eve wasn't that mad at him), who informed us that she was taking care of your detention. Obviously, I had my suspicions, and when I asked her about it, I came as fast as I could."

Eve sighed "It really wasn't that much of a big deal, it just pisses me off that she hates me so much even though I basically don't know her and she made me miss my Friday afternoon" Alex chuckled as he gave her her wand, which she stuck again in her pocket, and they both walked alongside. It was dark outside (how long was I actually in that room, If I came in around 6.00? Eve asked herself). "I don't think she hates you, she has no reas-" Alex started, which made Eve turn around furiously "Doesn't hate me? Then why would the bitch lock me in a room full of news about my family and all of their crimes and trials and shit?" she yelled, making the man silent "I'm sorry, I didn't know" he apologised, realising why the girl had been in that state. "It's not you who has to apologise Alex, and I'm sorry for snapping." she said softly, making him look at her, loving the sound of his name from her mouth.

Nina could obviously tell that he liked her, especially after two of the times she had tried to take Alex away, the girl had been there, and used as an excuse to not go with Nina. Well, he wasn't going to let the psycho bitch hurt her. Not Eve, not his little angel.

Alex walked her until the Fat Lady's painting, who whistled at Alex and winked, making both of them uncomfortable and move a bit to the left, out of the portrait's sight.  An awkward silence followed, not knowing what to say "Thanks for saving me" Eve finally said, looking at the ground, making Alex chuckle "You're welcome, damsel in distress" he said smiling when he realised she was smiling too now. "And hey, I just wanted you to know that i'm sorry if I was too pushy or annoying by asking you to give me some extra work, it really wasn't my intention, and-" Eve ranted, making the man want to shut her up and reassure her "Of course you didn't annoy me, believe I would not have put up with you if that had been the case. In fact, how would you feel about working on it for a while tomorrow? let's say at 11?"  Eve smiled widely "Of course sir"

Then, she gave him a quick hug, ran to the portrait, and disappeared in her Common Room, leaving this time a confused and blushing Alex (the nickname and the hug)

"Oh she's got you wrapped around her finger, Turner" the Fat Lady teased.

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