Note: I would like to start this chapter with a poem. So, here it is:
Scattered on the ground,
Like the dry leaves in autumn,
When finally gathered by someone,
Only to be incinerated in his heart's fire,
Didn't ask any question,
Didn't even make a noise,
Just provided heat until the very end.
AMAIRA'S POV—
Great! Trouble always corners you from all sides. My affection points for Weasley are negative. I have a very hard mission. On the top that, I have Potter as my caretaker and his two dear friends as my unwanted observers.
|Target: Harry Potter (1) |
|Target: Ronald Weasley (-1) |
|Target: Hermes Granger (-14) |
For some reason, Potter's points are in positive whereas, about Granger... I am not all surprised. I looked at Potter standing beside my bedpost. I said, "Why are you standing there? Take a seat on a chair or something, don't stand near me."
Hermes said, "Now-now, Malfoy. Just take rest, please. I think that you should get acquainted with our presence around you." If I didn't know any better, I would have thought Granger was saying a very sensible thing. But, I mean, a very big but. His points are in negative. He fucking hates me. No, hate would be a wrong word to use her. Despise. He despises me, my very being. So, don't think that I would fall in your words, Granger.
Potter sneered, "Why? Does Her Majesty need her pathetic servant to do something for her? Watch your words, Malfoy. Or else..."
"Oh, you would hit me again, don't you?" Potter's face turned pale. He wasn't able to say anything. Coming to his friend's rescue, Ron said, "Malfoy, you also know that he didn't hit you knowingly."
Just at that moment, professor Snape comes in. Spotting the unwanted observers, he said, "You two, get out! This punishment is only for Potter. Don't even try to help him. If you boys think that you can bully her, then I will have to take more strict actions. Go or else, detention and house points deduction." Both Granger and Weasel glared at the professor.
Potter whispered, "You two, don't worry. You can go. I can handle this myself." Giving him a last look, they left me. Professor Snape also went away, leaving me alone with Potter. Just before he went away, he gave a warning look to Potter.
Potter brought a chair near to my bed and sat near in it. We didn't talk with each other for almost an hour. Suddenly, Potter asked, "Does it hurt?" His tone was unsure as if, he was hesitant whether he should ask that question or not.
I rolled my eyes at his behaviour. Why was he acting guilty now? Just an hour ago, he was warning me.
I should teach him a lesson. If he thinks he can act well, then I will show what acting is like. I started to tear up. I lied, "What did you think of me? Do you think that I am some big brute? Yes, my n-nose is h-hurting, and you h-hurt me."
Potter panicked. Seeing me tearing up, he jumped out from his chair. He said, "I am sorry, really-really sorry. I didn't hit you knowingly. It was for a spur of moment. I wanted to hit a Slytherin, but I lost my balance and hit you instead."
I sobbed, "I don't believe you."
See! This is what acting is like. I turned my face away from him, and buried my face into the pillow.
He said, "Don't cry, please. I am sorry. If you want, you can hit me in the nose as well. Break it. I won't say anything."
But I ignored him and continued my acting. People say regret is a poison, which should be treated as soon as possible. If you are a single second late, even the best of the antidotes won't work.
If my acting works then, Potter is regretting that he hit me. If not, then I would say, Potter is even a bigger actor than me.
"Amaira..."
What? Potter called me by my name! I couldn't believe my ears.
|+3 Affection Points|
|Target: Harry Potter (4) |
|Points Left: 12|
My acting worked. This is easy! I thought it would be difficult, but if it's like this. Then, I would finish this mission very soon. Although I am grateful, I won't have to increase 15 points for each of them. I have to increase 15 points collectively.
One thing is clear. Potter and Weasel have different tastes. He likes weak-type of girls whereas, Weasel likes a blunt and crude girl, or a strong woman. Just like his mother. Now, don't take this in a wrong way. Let me explain.