Suffering Part 6: No Longer

Chapter 22

After lunch, the three of you return home. The twins are happily working on puzzles at the dining table, their giggles and chatter filling the room with a comforting background noise.

You settle into your favorite orange chair with Baron, who is fussing and nursing. As you gently soothe him, you pick up your spellphone and type out a private message to Mr. Hargreaves, whose handle is intriguingly unique.

Message to @SnakesEyes17:

"Hello Mr. Hargreaves. I need to speak with you about something important. Meet me at the Pensieve Park, under the oak tree by the pond, in an hour. This isn't a request. It's essential we talk."

The boy is hesitant at first, replying with a series of excuses and concerns.

Reply from @SnakeEyes17:

"Professor, is something wrong? I'm not sure if I can make it..."

You take a deep breath, determined to take control of the situation.

Message to @SnakeEyes17:

"You don't have a choice, Mr. Hargreaves. This conversation needs to happen today. It's important, and it's in your best interest to be there. I expect to see you in an hour."

The message is clear and firm, leaving no room for further hesitation. After a moment, you see the indication that he has read the message, and then his reluctant reply comes through.

Reply from @SnakeEyes17:

"Okay, I'll be there."

Feeling a mix of relief and resolve, you put down your spellphone and look over at Severus and Lucius, who have been watching you with concerned eyes.

"I'm going to go meet Mr. Hargreaves in a bit," you tell them. "I'll be recording the entire conversation on my spellphone, so there's no chance of anything being misconstrued by anyone."

Severus frowns, clearly worried. "Are you sure this is the best way to handle it, Princess?"

Lucius nods in agreement. "We just want to make sure you're safe and that this doesn't blow up into something bigger."

You smile reassuringly at them both. "I appreciate your concern, truly. But this needs to be addressed directly and clearly. Recording the conversation will ensure that everything is documented and transparent."

With a determined heart, you change quickly into something more modest. You gather your things and head out the door, ready to confront the situation head-on. As you walk to the park, the comforting presence of Severus and Lucius remains with you, giving you the strength to handle the delicate situation with Mr. Hargreaves.

Arriving at the park, you spot the oak tree by the pond and take a deep breath. Soon, Mr. Hargreaves appears, looking nervous and unsure. You activate the recording function on your spellphone and approach him with a calm but firm demeanor.

"Mr. Hargreaves, thank you for meeting me," you begin, your voice steady. "We need to discuss your behavior and the comments you've been making on my SpellSnap posts. I'm recording this conversation so nothing can be misconstrued or recounted incorrectly."

Mr. Hargreaves shifts uncomfortably, trying to brush it off. "It was just a bit of innocent fun, Professor. I didn't mean any harm."

You maintain your composure, your voice firm but calm. "There is a clear boundary between professor and student that must be respected. Your comments may seem harmless to you, but they are inappropriate and can easily be misunderstood."

He looks surprised, almost defensive. "But I've heard rumors that you slept with Headmaster when you were a student. You're not above crossing boundaries."