lost in the dust

Looking up from her book upon hearing the other’s voice travel across the room, Andromeda watched the scene unfold in front of her for a few moments. A small smile formed on her lips as she did so. She returned to the textbook she had been somewhat engrossed in, but maintained concentration on the exchange as it unfolded and the younger student managed to defeat the boggart. She was impressed really. Closing her book, she moved over once the interaction was truly over-and-done-with and the other was no longer engaged. “You couldn’t take it yourself, then?” She asked, though a clear hint of humour laced her tone. 

Ted smiled as he watched the younger Hufflepuff compose herself before finally completing the spell. Giving her a cheer, he patted her on the shoulder and waved her over to her group of friends so he could carry on his way. Hearing Odessa’s words caused a grin to pull at his lips, and he strolled slowly over to her. “Now where would she have learnt if I had?” 

The blonde couldn’t help the loud laugh that bubbled from her lips. She held a hand to her mouth trying to compose herself. “Oh dear, I’m sorry, I don’t mean to laugh at your misfortune it’s just rather funny – not for you though, you’re screwed but thanks for making me laugh it’s been an awfully boring morning,” Narcissa replied still trying to stop laughing at the male. “What exactly did you do to annoy him?” 

“Oh well thank you for the vote of confidence. That really puts a pep in my step.” Ted huffed, knowing that she had a point and that he didn’t stand a chance. Stupid poltergeist. “I may have reported him to the Bloody Baron when I found him terrorizing a group of first years. Apparently he doesn’t like being told what to do and he likes it even less when he has been so called snitched on.” 

The smile grew on her lips, threatening to release a small laugh, for she knew the feeling. But, she managed to contain this. “It’s a bit manic – so, I’d say not completely terrible, no.” She said, looking up to meet his gaze momentarily. “Though you might have tried being less obvious about it.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a group of first years look so excited, I forgot what it was like.” Ted sighed wistfully as he remembered what it was like when he first started at Hogwarts. After all, when he arrived at the school, it was the first real chance he had at seeing any magic. “You’re judging me right now, aren’t you?” He narrowed his eyes playfully. “And how would you have handled it in my shoes, Miss Black?”

Andromeda had heard the name come from behind her, shortened and from a voice she didn’t quite recognise. It took a moment for her to reply with a nod and a small smile that went with it. “So you’ve the luxury of stepping away from beginning of the term chaos, too?” She asked, with a hint of a joke in her tone, slowing down slightly. 

“Would it be completely terrible of me to say that I pretty much ran from my common room? I was glad for the excuse.” He replied with a guilty look as he grinned at her, rubbing the back of his neck.

Narcissa rolled her eyes. “Not a chance, you won’t even place on the scale because the answer is zero.” She replied with a haughty tone as she crossed her arms and met his gaze. “To be honest you deserve a fail if that’s the best excuse you can think of.” 

“But it’s not an excuse? Peeves has honestly stole my homework. He’s annoyed with me at the moment.” Ted looked confused, unsure what he had done to gain that reaction. 

Hearing her name echoing through the hallway, Andromeda reluctantly stopped to turn. It was already past curfew and she really couldn’t afford to be out much longer. “It’s a bit late to be roaming the castle.” She pointed out, as if she weren’t doing the very same. 

“Dromeda? It’s okay I call you Dromeda, right?” He grinned sheepishly as he jogged to catch up with her. “I believe we’ve been partnered together this fine evening for prefect duties.”