Of Magic USUK

Chapter 2

That same Saturday I skip rocks with Vladimir, I find myself among the tall shelves of books in the library, stacking novel upon novel on my arms. I have a bad habit of piling up on books and ignoring my homework until the last minute. I juts love reading so much that it takes up almost all of my time. I guess there are worse things to be addicted to, though.

"Nice to see you in here again," the passing librarian greets, making me grin sheepishly.

"I love this place," I tell her, causing her to smile softly as she passes, books floating along behind her and putting themselves back into place. God, magic is such a beautiful thing. 

Finding that I can't carry anymore weight on my admittedly weak arms, I start towards one of the tables available for students, plopping down and flipping one of the books open randomly, not really paying any attention to the title or what it's about. I only grabbed books that interested me, so I don't really have to worry. Though, most of the books are about botany and magical creatures, I find myself holding onto a couple of novels, adventurous stories. I love tall tales, for some reason, things that are so fantastical that it boggles the mind. My favorite is the biographies about Harry Potter, because it happened. It was real, and it was the most inspiring thing I've ever read.

"I'm telling you Alfred, this isn't that important," a familiar voice says, just the next aisle over from where I sit.

"And I'm telling you that I'm totally right about this," the American voice returns. 

With wide eyes, I bury my nose in my book, praying desperately that they don't notice me. Wow, plants are so interesting!

"Hey, Alfred, it's that Slytherin kid I was telling you about," Francis calls out, making me curse under my breath. I've never officially met Alfred face to face. I've only ever watched him from afar, and he doesn't even know I exist. I always hoped that the "Bad Touch Trio" would never involve him.

Judging by the whispering sound of their voices, they don't know I heard them. At least, I hope that's the case. Sighing, I get up from my seat, making it scoot along the floor as I gather up the most interesting of the books I picked. If I act like I have somewhere to go, I might be able to get out in time to escape them. It's sad, looking at what I've been reduced to. Two years ago, I would've sneered at the idea of running away from people like them, but things change. And I've changed.

"Where are you going, Kirkland?" the thick accent asks, now at a normal volume but way too close for comfort.

I glance behind me, but I find nothing. Oh, now they're playing games with me? Turning around to hurry and leave, I smack right into a broad chest that I've never had the pleasure of seeing up close. With a gasp, I'm thrown of balance, falling to the floor with a loud thud and sending my books flying.

"Oh, gosh, dude, I'm sorry!" the voice says, and suddenly a tan hand is shoved in my face, offering me help up. My eyes wander back up to the handsome face looking down at me, and when those bright blue eyes see the color of the tie I'm wearing, the hand pulls away hastily.

Ignoring the sting to my pride, I sit up, gather my books and stand up, sighing heavily. "It's fine," I force out, praising myself for the lack of a break in my voice. Stepping passed the American, I hurry along my way. It's not the best way to meet my longtime crush, but I doubt it could have been any better. People in my house don't usually associate outside of Slytherin. No one is willing to give us the time of day. I just wish that would change.

The librarian waves to me as I leave, and I return the gesture with a small smile. At least, most of the professors and staff are kind to me.

"Kirkland, where you going?" Gilbert calls, one of the annoying parts of the trio that refuses to leave me alone. What sucks even more is that the three of them are Alfred's best friends.

Antonio suddenly appears in front of me, cutting me off from the exit. I flash him a glare, only to be grabbed from behind and thrown. Hitting the floor with a thud and a small groan of pain as my side burns, I look for the librarian, only to find her gone. She must've left right before this happens. It seems that even the nicest of teachers turn their cheeks for Gryffindors. 

"Bloody hell," I curse, standing up and drawing my wand. Usually I'll take the beatings, but I'm not in the mood to deal with anything today. I'm sick of this.

The three pairs of eyes glance to my drawn wand, and they take out their own in response. "Hello, Angelterre," Francis greets, voice thick with his accent and the smell of wine heavy off of him. How does he even find the stuff to drink? 

I glare heatedly at him. "I'm not in the mood for this, Francis," I state, raising my wand so it's even with his face. The trio looks caught off guard. They may be bullies to me, but we've never used magic against each other. "Let me leave."

"We just wanted to talk," Gilbert greets, voice like ice. 

I roll my eyes. "And I'm a bloody mermaid. You assholes never want to talk."

This obviously makes them angry judging by the way Antonio starts growling at me. What's with him anyway? He's usually such a sweet guy whenever the other two aren't around. He's a Hufflepuff, and most of the time, fits the category. Francis and Gilbert are part of the Gryffindor house, though, and they're complete assholes to me, no matter who's around.

Francis starts towards me, arm starting to raise and his lips pulling apart. Oh, he's just going straight into casting a spell? That's one of the dumbest things he's ever done. 

Rolling my eyes, I beat him to the punch. "Petrificus Totalus!" I call out, freezing the Frenchman's body by binding his entire figure. It startles the other two enough for me to walk passed them. "I'm sick of your shit," I state, gathering my books and leaving with a heavy glare.

"Hey, wait!" one of them calls, but I ignore it. They don't have the right.

Without hesitation, I head back towards the common room. I want to go sleep.

"Hey, wait up!" the same voice calls, but I simply pick up my pace, turning to a brisk walk. One of my old teachers would say "walking with a purpose". "Dude!" the voice calls again, and suddenly, I'm turned around by force, coming to meet a pair of startlingly bright blue eyes.

I gape in surprise. What the hell is he doing? We're out in the open. He could be seen with a Slytherin! Is he stupid?

"Man, you're a fast walker," he compliments, panting lightly whilst scratching at the back of his head. I raise an eyebrow at the action, making him chuckle awkwardly. "I, uh, that was cool...what you did." Alfred shifts in place. "I don't really like how they're jerks to people," he admits. "I'm sorry." His response admittedly makes me smile.

"Well, it's not like it's your fault," I state, shrugging before looking away in embarrassment. We've been going to the same school for six years, but he talks to me now? "I just don't like when people judge each other based on their houses," I murmur, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Yeah," he agrees, nodding along as if he'll simply join in on anything I'll say.

I chuckle, feeling myself blush. It's cute of him, and it's also pretty obvious. I thought he'd be smoother, but I think the fact that he isn't makes him cuter.

"So, I've never been told your name..." he says, looking at me through his lashes. 

"Maybe you can figure it out," I tease, shrugging with a playful smile.

He looks a little confused. "A-Are you flirting back at me?" he asks.

"Are you flirting with me?" I counter, making his face turn scarlet. 

"W-Well, you see...I, uh," he fumbles, stuttering pathetically.

I chuckle, making him silence himself out of embarrassment. "I'll see you around, Alfred."

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Heylo, my lovely little nuggets! I hope y'all enjoyed this chapter! Don't forget to leave comments and suggestions. I love reading them. :) Anyway, I'll see y'all nuggety readers in the next update! Until then, have an absolutely fantastic and fabulous day! Bai!!! >:3

-IggyScones