Swallow your pride

Back to school

Yarra's Pov

Yarra woke up in Sebastian's room. She gently stroked his hair so as not to wake him and got up to get dressed and sneak out. She hoped that no one would notice her. She didn't need to cause a scandal. She headed to Professor Weasley's office, who told her to stop by before class. Yarra walked hastily through the school corridors, her stomach churning with anxiety. Finally, she reached Professor Weasley's office, taking a deep breath before knocking on the door.

Professor Weasley looked up as Yarra entered, her expression serious. "Ah, Yarra, come in," she beckoned, gesturing to a chair across from her desk. Yarra nervously sat down, her hands clenched in her lap. "You wanted to see me?" she asked quietly.

Professor Weasley nodded, her gaze steady on Yarra. "Yes, I did," she replied, her tone firm. "I need to discuss something with you." Yarra's heart sank. "About...?" she enquired, trying to keep her voice calm.

Yarra shifted uncomfortably in her chair, feeling the weight of Professor Weasley's gaze upon her.
"Yes, concerns," the professor repeated, her voice stern yet not unkind. "Given your... unique situation, we have a few matters we'd like to address."

"Firstly," Professor Weasley began, her hands folding on her desk, "We want to ensure your safety and well-being. Your presence here has stirred up a lot of attention, and we need to make sure you are adequately protected." Yarra's heart quickened. She wasn't surprised by this concern, given the rumors and stares she had been receiving since her arrival. But hearing it spoken aloud made it all the more real.

Professor Weasley continued, "Secondly, we want to address potential distractions. We understand you have...certain... relationships that may complicate your studies. Your fellow students are already curious and concerned, and we wouldn't want any disruptions to the school environment."

Yarra's breath hitched, her mind immediately going to Sebastian. Could they know about their relationship already? "What do you mean?" Yarra asked directly.

Professor Weasley leaned back in her chair, her gaze steady. "What I mean, Yarra, is that we need to ensure that your...relationships do not interfere with your studies or the overall harmony of the school." She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing, "We understand the challenges you're facing, and we're here to support you, but we also need to set some boundaries."

Yarra felt like her heart was going to jump out of her chest.
"That's why I have to ask you to visit your husband and children only on weekends. I understand that it's hard for a mother to be separated from such young children, but I don't want to make some students feel any worse. They might feel that you are somehow ... in favor, because of your status." Professor Weasley explained.

Yarra felt like the air had been sucked out of her lungs. On the one hand, Yara was relieved that this was what the professor was referring to and not her relationship with Sebastian. On the other hand, she felt terrible around children. She planned to visit them more often.
She understood the reasoning, but the thought of being separated from her children, even for a few days, was unbearable.
"I... I see," she managed to say, her voice hoarse. "I...I understand." She looked down at her hands, which were clenched so tightly in her lap that her knuckles were white. She swallowed hard, trying to keep her emotions in check.

Professor Weasley gave her a sympathetic look, clearly noticing the distress in Yarra. "I know it's not ideal," she said, her voice softening slightly. "But it's for everyone's best. The other students, the staff, and... you."
She paused, then continued, ""If I may ask where you slept tonight? Yesterday I forgot to tell you which room will be yours." Yarra felt a flush of heat in her cheeks as Professor Weasley asked about her whereabouts. She couldn't exactly say the truth, could she?
"Ah, I'm..." she hesitated, trying to come up with a believable lie. "I'm...staying in a ....The Room of Requirement." She avoided Professor Weasley's gaze, hoping she wouldn't pry any further.