Just A Smidge (Fantastic Beasts FanFic)

Chapter 3 - Over A Year

By the time their fourth year had ended there was no doubt that the three outcasts had bonded. It took all of Newt's third year to get Octavia and Leta to even talk to each other and half way through their fourth they had put aside their differences and decided to act civil. Although Leta claimed it was only for Newt's sake. Of course there was no denying that Octavia was still cautious of the Slytherin girl, something just didn't feel right, but for Newt she decided to let it go. The Hufflepuff boys greatest achievement was of course getting Octavia to talk more, and after a series of CMC lessons and quiet times in the library together, he believed that he finally knew her some more.

There were several muggle borns scattered throughout the Hogwarts students, however they all seemed to group together, all except for Octavia. She had been picked on by most of the school for not being pure blood, let alone half blood, and she was eventually bullied into silence. Furthermore, rumour was that she was an Obscurial and that certainly scared off the other muggle borns, but Newt knew that was wrong. Octavia wasn't that gifted with spell work, and often her wand would cause explosions when given a task too great for her to perform.

"That's why I want to be a Magizoologist." She told him one night when they were alone in the library. "I'm great with animals, and it doesn't need that much wand work either. Also, my potions and herbology aren't that bad either." She smiled at her minor achievement.

"You'll make a great Magizoologist. We both will. I'm not too good with spells but I'll help you get better, we'll show them. I'll help you show everyone that us outcasts can achieve greatness." He looked at her with his beautiful blue eyes, and this was the first time that she had seen him look beyond from that silly fringe of his.

"Thank you Newt." She smiled, and challenging her social skills quickly wrapped her arms around him.

It was as over as quickly as it happened. Her arms wrapped around and over his shoulders, her head briefly resting on his chest, and then she retracted so quickly as though he had burnt her. He was shocked at her outburst of affection, and was almost considering to be just as bold by returning the hug but then in the moment that he held her she was gone.

"I'm sorry," she squeaked and quickly rearranged the books in a flourish to put distance between them. "Why do want to be a Magizoologist?" She asked in an attempt to change the subject.

"No it's fine, don't be sorry," he breathed, his eyes glossed with unreadable thoughts and an expression of heartfelt daze. "Oh, um... Didn't I tell you? My mother breeds fancy Hippogriffs, and I'll never be able to outshine Theseus." He muttered the last bit.

"That's so cool. Fancy Hippogriffs huh? Shame about your brother." Octavia thought over his words.

However, she was more concerned with his reaction to her hug. It was foolish of her to do such a thing, considering that she could tell he had feelings for Leta. Except, she had seen other students hug their friends before and in a brash moment she thought that it would be okay for her to do the same. She wouldn't lie to herself either, it felt nice, and if she could have her way she would have liked to stay there forever, but she knew it would never happen.

Newt had always only ever looked at her as a close friend, or a study buddy. In all honesty, regarding spell work, Leta outstripped them, and so she never sat with them in the library. Octavia knew that she was just the other magical creature enthusiast. It was obvious that he didn't look at her the same way that he did Leta. Of course, somewhere it hurt, but she just wanted the best for him, and that was a sacrifice she was willing to make.

"Newt... Do you-" she began quietly.

"Have the answers for the questions on Salamander blood? Yeah, here." Newt smiled and pushed the book and his parchment over to her.

"Oh! Yeah... Thanks..." She smiled weakly and then quickly made to copy down the answers, instead of searching through the book.

"Hey, the library will be closing soon and I know you have a long walk to Ravenclaw tower. Did you want me to walk you there?" Newt offered kindly.

"No, I'll be fine, don't want you getting in trouble." She brushed off his offer and quickly packed away her belongings before vanishing from the library, leaving Newt surprised and to wonder if he had done something wrong.