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"Would you believe it if I said—"
"No," Hermione cuts in. "No, I wouldn't." Her hard look combines all of the mistrust and anger she's built up for me since the whole ritual thing.
My gaze drops to the floor. "I'm sorry, guys, the truth is part of my secret, and I just can't... I'd understand if you want to cut me out. I'll leave you guys alone if you want me to."
She runs her fingers through her hair, sighing. "Maybe that would be best."
"Hermione!" Harry says incredulously.
"Harry, think about it, how long have we known him? And yet, we've already told him secrets that less than a dozen people know, including us?" Her eyes widened at her own statement, as if she hadn't realized what they'd done. She really gets on a roll after that.
"Why would he be so friendly to us right away, and how does he seem to know us so well? How does he know all these things? Something is off about him, Harry, and you know you have to be careful!" Well that's not good. It looks like she's thinking all the way back to when we met, because her glare beats down harder and harder as time goes on.
Harry looks troubled, while Ron looks confused. I have to look away from all three.
"She's right, Harry, you should be cautious," I say. I'm somewhat proud of the fact that my voice doesn't waver at all, though it might sound a bit emotionless because of it.
"I can't really blame her, since a few days after I met you guys I practically told her much the same thing. It's fine. It's not like you can't change your mind later if you want, once you figure it out I'm sincere."
Hermione turns her back on me, and Harry and Ron both plop onto a chair. When it looks like nobody is going to speak, I go ahead and continue.
"I could use some more spare time, anyway. I need to talk to some professors about possibly taking me on for some part-time work so I can pay McGonagall back as soon as possible." I turn and start for where the door would be, but I stop after a few steps and turn my head slightly to speak over my shoulder.
"Oh yeah, is the coast clear?"
"Yes," Hermione says after a pause.
It feels like both she and Harry want to say more, but I cut them off. "See you guys around, then."
"William!" Hermione says, voice thick with emotion. I continue walking toward the door. "Just...be careful."
As I open the door, I chuckle softly, then look back at them. "Aren't I always?"
The door shuts behind me, and I wince at the sudden pain within my chest cavity as I lose my only friends here.
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"Welcome, Mr. Lerner, have a seat," Professor McGonagall says, studying me over her glasses.
"Thank you for seeing me, Professor."
"I am Head of Gryffindor House, Mr. Lerner. I would be remiss if my students did not feel they could come to see me whenever I am available. Now, what can I do for you? Did you speak to other professors about part-time work?"
"I did. Professors Babbling, Vector, and Sinistra all said they would think about it, but none of them seemed too keen on the idea. Professor Hagrid seemed flustered at first, saying he wasn't sure if it was proper. He was doing some woodcarving, and when I expressed an interest he dug out a basic set of palm tools for me to borrow, since they're too small for him. After he taught me a bit he said he'd bring my request up to the headmaster to see if he could do anything."
"That seems promising."
"Yeah, though hopefully it's something for helping out the younger years. I'd prefer not having to deal with those blast-ended skrewts any more than I already have to. The ones with scorpion stingers make my skin crawl."
She chuckles at that. "Indeed. It's unfortunate that the other professors weren't interested. Did you tell them why you were looking for work?"
I feel my face flush. "Not really, I'm...well, a little embarrassed about it," I admit.
She frowns sympathetically. "I'm sure I could speak to them on your behalf."
"No...I really appreciate what you did and what you're doing for me, Professor, but I'd rather not they hire me out of a sense of pity. I'm really interested in Runes, so maybe when Professor Babbling gets to know me better she'll reconsider."
She closes her eyes and sighs deeply. "It is not a weakness to ask for help when you need it, Mr. Lerner. In any case, I have additional tasks for preparatory tasks for you tomorrow evening and the night after, if you're interested."
I nod eagerly.
"Good, I'll meet you here at seven o'clock after dinner tomorrow, Mr. Lerner. Good night."
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A pair of even easier tasks that made up two more galleons of debt later, I found myself facing another lonely weekend ahead of me. After spending the first few meals with only my thoughts, I began sitting with Neville, Dean, and Seamus during meals, including the current breakfast Saturday morning.
Dean and Seamus always go off on their own tangents while Neville and I sit in silence, and today is no different. I study the other quiet boy, and I find with some surprise that he doesn't seem nervous or awkward, more that he's just content with silence.
That reminds me of something...or someone, rather.
"Hey Neville, can I show you something after breakfast?"
He jerks at being addressed so suddenly, then blushes in embarrassment. "I-I guess so."
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Hey guys if u like the fanfic and want to read ahead by 22+ chapters or just want to support take a visit on my patreon.
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