The words leaving this man's lips seemed to unsettle the girl slightly. Something in her eyes, and in the way they flicked to the window, gazing at how dark the sky was, hinted that she actually did know how dark things were, but that she was trying her hardest not to think too hard about them. "The things in my books... they can teach me what I need to know to protect me... s...since no one else seems to have the patience for someone so..." She couldn't quite finish her sentence, as the words to describe herself just wouldn't come to mind. His chuckle had left her even a little more nervous than she'd been just moments before, and she found herself fidgeting where she sat. Her fingers had loosened their grip on the book just slightly, but it was still very clear that the girl sitting across from this very tall, very intimidating, and admittedly good-looking male, was still very very nervous indeed. There was something about her, however, something that said she might have some sort of potential beyond her intelligence... if only she could find the courage to reach in and find it. It was, of course, her goal of the year to become more outgoing. Not just outgoing, but brave, too.
Over the summer, she had turned seventeen, and since, the girl had done nothing but practice. She practiced speaking in front of a mirror, working on annunciating, and on maintaining eye contact, even with herself. She had practiced transfiguration spells that could keep her hidden, she had practiced potions that could kill, she practiced charms that could keep her safe. No matter how hard she tried, however, the defensive spells just wouldn't come naturally to her. She hoped that by being back at school, and by having full access to the library, she'd have a better chance at pulling this off. Plus, if Dumbledore's Army still existed... perhaps that chance would be even greater... She couldn't be one hundred percent sure, but it was worth her keeping her hopes up. Or at least, that's what she personally thought. Whether anyone else had as much hope as Faith did was up for debate.
His laughter had intimidated her slightly, and she found herself avoiding eye contact with him, while still forcing herself to look straight at him. Never be rude, she reminded herself. It wouldn't do for her to make any enemies, especially not during such dark times. As the man continued to speak, she realized that it would be especially especially prudent for her not to make enemies with him. He was so tall, and she was so... not tall. At only five foot even, she looked just as mousey as her nickname was. Her height had been something that had been a constant bother to her throughout the ages, but she figured that once she was a full-fledged witch herself, she could just cast a spell on herself to make herself taller without having anyone laugh about her doing so. She had a feeling people would notice and poke fun if she attempted to do so at Hogwarts. Then again, she had a deep-seeded feeling that there wouldn't be much laughter this year at Hogwarts... nor much tomfoolery in general. The general mood of the wizarding world was far too sinister and dark for that sort of thing.
She watched as he produced his wand, and listened very carefully as he spoke. There was something about him that made her want to listen to him- even though it made her very nervous to do so. He was gazing at her rather intently as he spoke, and for a moment, she almost imagined him as some sort of beast, prowling about her as if he was about to snap her up in his jaws. She gulped as he continued to give her the warnings, her eyes now locked with his as he gazed up at her. She quickly discovered that being in such close range with another human being- particularly a male human being- was very embarrassing, and the color had slowly started to creep back into her cheeks.
That color only continued to grow when he tapped her knee. Only now, she'd started chewing her lip as well. "Nowhere is safe. No one is safe." She looked at the man, and wondered to herself if even he was safe- not that she was safe from him, but that he was safe for himself. "I can learn to be brave, and strong. You'll see." A very startled look appeared on her face as the words left her lips. They had come out far more strongly than she'd ever thought she'd hear herself be. A small peep came shortly after, along with a small apology, for being so rude. "...S...sorry."
by Faith OLeary Sat Aug 23, 2014 5:04 am
