Hooked - James Sirirus Potter.

Chapter Two

The ground moved from beneath her as she walked into work; about ten people all around her watched in horror as her left shoe flew into the air away from her foot which also appeared to be soaring above her head.

“Oh my god!” one woman gasped, grabbing at her arm as she slipped from her grasp.

“Watch out!” A man called to some other people as he made a grab at her arm as well.

Claudia saw wands aimed at her, all intent on stopping the epic fall down the stairs. The landing was sharp and jarred her bones deep within her body, stealing the breath from her lungs. Lying at the base of the stairs, Claudia saw a dark figure loom above her as if he was going to pull her up, but instead he simply stepped over her.

“Let me.” another man sighed, reaching down and pulling her upright. “Are you alright, where do you work?”

“In the lab’s I’m fine.” She gasped, fighting to control her breathing. “Who was that?”

“Some jerk.” He sighed shaking his head; “I really thought he was going to help you up, instead he just stepped over you.”

“Patrick Cross; if you’re anything but his children he’ll step over you.” Another man said, passing her the paper that had been tucked beneath her arm. “Are you sure you can make it down to the labs?”

“Here.” Another woman smiled, passing Claudia her handbag; “A man should never see the inside of a woman’s bag.”

“Thank you.” She smiled, taking the bag and look to all the people who were surrounding her. “Thank you, I really appreciate it. I’ll be fine; a cup of tea will fix everything.”

“If you’re sure?”

“When your own father steps over you, a fall down the stairs is nothing.” She laughed, slowing gaining her feet. “I’ll be there in no more stair cases.”

Walking into the labs Claudia felt herself begin to cool down, she was furious and knew her hands were shaking as she ripped off her cardigan and thrust her arms angrily into her lab coat. She let out a deep shaky breath and actually shook herself.

“That’s a strange ritual.” James said appearing from the kitchenette, “Is it a muggle thing?”

“Shut up James.” She snapped, not being able to handle light hearted humour at the moment. “I’m stressed.”

“So I can tell.” He frowned, taking a long sip of his tea. “Care to share?”

“Do you like your family?” she asked and he nodded, “Then you won’t understand; I cannot stand anyone apart from my mother and my maternal grandparents. The rest of them can rot in hell for all I care.”

“Merlin Claud, what did they do to you?” he laughed, thinking she was exaggerating.

“Disowned me for being a squib.” She whispered, feeling her lips twist with tears. “I just fell down the stairs; nothing new I know. But my father literally just stepped over me!”

“What?” he whispered, stopping completely.

“There I was, sprawled over the stair case with multiple people trying to collect my belongings for me and he literally stepped over me after pausing; he saw it was me and decided not to help.” She laughing, fighting the urge to cry. “Ever since I was eleven he’s been like that!”

Putting his mug down, James opened up his arms and gave her an order. “Hug.”

Letting him wrap his arms around her shoulders, Claudia buried her face against his shoulder as she fumed in silence while James rocked gently from side to side. “Sorry; I never normally let it bother me.”