Dark Wizard Collector: A Hogwarts Fanfiction

Chapter 38

As I walked through the halls after Sunday breakfast, I realized the end of this week was the end of my first term as Disciplinarian. Things here at Hogwarts were not at all as I had expected them to be, but I was prepared to make the best of the next term. Familiar footsteps began to fall with stronger intention from down the sixth floor corridor.

"Miss Zeria,"

My name was called from behind me, but I was too embarrassed to turn and answer. Instead, I swiftly locked myself into the small office. Pressing my back against the door, a gentle knock reverberated across the wood.

"Maera." Again, the voice asked to see me.

"I-I'm sorry, Lucius." I stopped, not knowing what to say. "I'm so ashamed. I acted... like an animal. Please, forgive me?" Sobs found their way between each of my words.

"Open the door." Lucius' voice was steady and there was no point in arguing. The wooden door opened and gray eyes were trained onto my irritated blue eyes. "There's nothing to forgive."

I opened the door further, and soon strong arms were holding me in an embrace.

"What are you playing at?" I asked, hardening myself from what seemed too good to be true.

"Excuse me?"

Again, I made my retort.

The young man scoffed and stepped back from me. "I can't believe this..."

"What? That I am questioning you, because something does not seem right to me?" I snapped back at the pureblood.

"After all I've done for you? Maera, you are unbelievable!"

"Well, I never asked for your help; now did I?" I growled, and walked to the door to my bed chamber in hopes of escaping an argument.

"How dare you!" The student rushed at me, but my outstretched wand held him back. "Let's discuss whatever this is then, shall we?" He said with his hands raised in surrender.

"Fine!"

"Fine."

Our eyes narrowed at each other. The leather strapped birch wand clenched in my hand remained fixed upon its target. I began to speak, "What is it that you want from me?"

Lucius' confused face told me that he did not understand what I was saying.

"For starters, if people see us together more than necessary, rumors are bound to circulate, yes?"

The student nodded.

"Now, why do you insist on helping me; I am quite capable of taking care of myself. I don't need anyone."

"I care about you." Lucius admitted, straightening his posture.

A mild scoff escaped me, "You can't be serious; no one ever— What do you want from me; I owe you."

"I am being quite honest with you, Maera. Since you say you are indebted to me, should I assume that my affections are unrequited?"

By this time, I had lowered my weapon, but I could not comprehend receiving kindness and not paying back in some form. The little control that I had within the relationship with Lucius was slipping from my grasp. Whether I liked it or not, I could not deny that Lucius was usurping my power. I needed to regain control, but how?

"Whatever my affections are, know that I still believe in a system of payment and responsibility." I stated plainly.

"You have no obligation to repaying tenderness and affection as if it were a debt. If you do not feel the way I do for you, then this game you are playing must come to an end. I did not ask to be a part of a sick game." Lucius' words stung me, and my insides curdled upon being exposed to such proper reasoning. I did not want to follow reason; not now.