apples and scented candles • h.potter ✓

• fifteen •

Corben went to the Ministry the next day, unable to wait any longer.

Maybe it was his stubbornness acting, but he refused to write to Harry and ask what was going on. He put on his training robes, brushed his hair and, preparing himself for any unwanted encounter, disapparated to the Ministry of Magic.

He kept his head low as he made his way through the dark corridors. Once he reached the fifth floor, he wasted no time in going into the training hall, where he swiftly took off his cloak and approached Audra, answering her surprised look with a smile. "Hi," he said merrily. "I hope I'm not too behind."

Audra pressed her lips tightly. She glanced over at the two other trainee Aurors, as though communicating silently with them. Corben felt annoyed at the implication that he was a frequent topic of their discussions, and couldn't stop the frown that appeared on his face. "As much as I'm enjoying the staring contest, can we get to work? I don't know about you, but I'm very serious about my future."

Audra apologised and handed to him her notebook where she kept a daily log of their progress. "This is what we have done the last week," she explained to him. "Look through it – I think you will need a few extra classes to catch up. But don't worry. I will get someone to help you out."

Corben nodded and headed over to the little library in the corner of the hall. He observed that he should have finished one of the books listed in the log by now. So he searched for a while until he found the book and sat down in one corner, immersing himself in its pages.

The other two trainees were learning practical skills with Audra on the other end of the hall. Corben watched them for a while. Auror training was a highly selective and rigorous process. The Ministry wanted nothing short of perfection, and would rather not choose an Auror at all than choose someone who had shortcomings in any area. If Corben wanted to see his dreams come true, he had to work harder than he had ever done, for not only did he have to be the best he could possibly be, but he also had to be better than his competitors.

He had to catch up with them, and fast. He couldn't let thoughts about his mother distract him. He trusted Harry to let him know when she would be ready to meet her visitors, and until then, he would put his body soul into his training.

Corben became so immersed in his studying, that when Harry came and shook him, he jumped and nearly struck him across the face. The latter laughed, grabbing his wrist. "It's only me," he reassured. Corben blushed, and began to apologise profusely.

"It's okay, relax," said Harry. "Are you planning to spend the night here?"

Corben looked at him in confusion, before his eyes fell on the clock in the wall and he noticed that it was five in the afternoon. His eyes widened in shock. "It's five? I thought I have been sitting here for only an hour." He bookmarked the book and placed it back on the shelf, then gave a pointed look at Harry. "And thanks for looking out for me and writing to me, Harry. I really appreciate it." With that, he swung his bag over his shoulder and left the training hall, but as he heard footsteps behind him, he knew Harry was following him.

"Hey," he said as managed to catch up with him. "I'm sorry. Look, there's been a lot going around here with her trial, and I wasn't really sure how to speak to you about it."

"A how are you doing? would have been nice," said Corben flatly, continuing to stalk across the corridors. Harry grabbed his shoulder and brought him to a stop.

"Corben," he insisted. "I'm sorry, okay? You're right, I should have looked out for you." He paused, letting go of his shoulder when he realised that Corben wouldn't make a run for it. "Did you eat anything, or have you been reading since morning?"